The on-screen relationship between Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji-yeon in the tvN drama 'Annoying Love' has become increasingly complicated. The two actors, who have an 18-year age difference in real life, faced criticism from some viewers upon the announcement of their casting.
In the 9th episode, which aired on the 1st, viewers saw Lee Jung-jae's character, Im Hyun-jun, in turmoil after discovering that Lim Ji-yeon's character, Wi Jung-shin, is the same person as 'Younghonit-eum.' Despite Park Byung-gi's (played by Jeon Sung-woo) attempt to sever ties between 'Melo Master' and 'Younghonit-eum' with a fake breakup, Wi Jung-shin's decision to remain friends left the audience curious about the future of their tangled relationship.
The episode recorded a nationwide household rating of 4.7% with a peak of 5.6%, and a metropolitan household rating of 4.5% with a peak of 5.4%, according to Nielsen Korea's paid platform data. The drama started with a 5.5% rating on its premiere on the 3rd of last month but has since struggled to rebound from the 4% range.
Im Hyun-jun struggled to believe that Wi Jung-shin was 'Younghonit-eum,' given their tumultuous history. Meanwhile, Wi Jung-shin was excited to meet the fake 'Melo Master,' Park Byung-gi. However, Park Byung-gi, tasked by Im Hyun-jun to end the relationship, lied about a recent breakup and rejected Wi Jung-shin's feelings, leaving her hopes dashed. Im Hyun-jun, frustrated by the tangled situation, clung to the possibility that Wi Jung-shin might have been replaced by someone else, as suggested by Park Byung-gi.
To confirm Wi Jung-shin's identity as 'Younghonit-eum,' Im Hyun-jun sent a chat message while she was nearby. Contrary to his hopes, the notification rang on Wi Jung-shin's phone. Unaware of Park Byung-gi's rejection, Im Hyun-jun casually asked, 'Did you get home safely that day?' Wi Jung-shin, surprised by the unexpected message, replied after careful consideration, expressing her desire to remain friends despite the pain of hearing about the breakup. Realizing Park Byung-gi's lie about the breakup, Im Hyun-jun expressed his dissatisfaction.
Meanwhile, Hwang, the director (played by Choi Gwi-hwa), who was reading a script in Park Byung-gi's studio, discovered the secret friendship between Im Hyun-jun and Wi Jung-shin. Piecing together Im Hyun-jun's behavior and Wi Jung-shin's attitude, Hwang questioned Wi Jung-shin's true feelings. Park Byung-gi, who had previously heard Wi Jung-shin say she was more interested in the character Kang Pil-gu than the actor Im Hyun-jun, held back his words and sent them away from the studio.
Amidst the confusion with 'Melo Master,' Lee Jae-hyung (played by Kim Ji-hoon) continued to pursue Wi Jung-shin. After a late-night work session, he took her to the Han River, asking if she was sure she wouldn't regret letting a guy like him go. Despite Wi Jung-shin's repeated rejections, citing her feelings for someone else, Lee Jae-hyung's sincerity shone through as he urged her to forget the other person and come to him.
Towards the end of the episode, Im Hyun-jun, who had been waiting outside Wi Jung-shin's house after discovering a USB she dropped, saw her returning home in Lee Jae-hyung's car. Trying to hide, he was nearly exposed by students who recognized him, creating a tense situation. The audience is left wondering if an unexpected confrontation between Im Hyun-jun, Wi Jung-shin, and Lee Jae-hyung will occur.
The filming of 'Good Detective Kang Pil-gu Season 5' has brought challenges and hardships for Im Hyun-jun from the start. As a result of appointing Park Byung-gi as the 'Melo Master' stand-in, Im Hyun-jun had to endure intense action scenes without complaint. Additionally, his younger brother, Im Sun-woo (played by Kim Hyun-jin), who was strongly opposed, joined the cast as Kang Pil-gu's younger version, adding to Im Hyun-jun's surprise.
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr