Destined Encounter: Yeonwoo and Kim Hyun-jin Unite Amidst Crisis in 'Love Phobia'
Yeonwoo and Kim Hyun-jin embark on a fateful journey as they join hands amidst a crisis.

On Thursday, the 19th, at 11 PM, the first episode of the drama 'Love Phobia' was released on U+ Mobile TV and Lifetime. The episode showcased Yoon Bi-ah (played by Yeonwoo) escaping a crisis with the help of Han Sun-ho (played by Kim Hyun-jin) after being surrounded by reporters due to a crime involving an AI dating app model, marking the beginning of their connection.

Destined Encounter: Yeonwoo and Kim Hyun-jin Unite Amidst Crisis in 'Love Phobia'
In the episode, Yoon Bi-ah confidently took the stage at an investment briefing to unveil the second generation of AI lover Pomi, which was previously only a voice. However, due to a traumatic condition that causes her to faint if she spends more than an hour with others, she had to leave the stage hurriedly amidst a barrage of questions. Meanwhile, Han Sun-ho, at a book signing event, felt disillusioned by fans who were more interested in his looks than his work. To make matters worse, he witnessed his girlfriend, Se-rim (played by Lee Chae-won), calling someone 'honey' over the phone, leading him to coldly end their relationship.

Seeking a moment of solitude, Yoon Bi-ah encountered Han Sun-ho and Se-rim arguing in an elevator, to which she responded, "Take your lovers' quarrel outside." Later, in the parking lot, she surprised Sun-ho by jumping into his car as soon as he opened the door, staying inside for ten seconds before exiting, leaving him bewildered. This unexpected encounter hinted at the beginning of an intriguing relationship, capturing viewers' interest.

Destined Encounter: Yeonwoo and Kim Hyun-jin Unite Amidst Crisis in 'Love Phobia'
Han Sun-ho learned from Se-rim that she wasn't cheating but was talking to 'It's You,' a sound-based dating AI, Pomi. Angered by the emotional connection she shared with the AI, Sun-ho ended the relationship, saying, "I could understand if it were a person." Se-rim retorted, accusing Sun-ho of using his busy schedule as an excuse for not writing, suggesting his fear of failure as the real reason. Deep in thought, Sun-ho shocked everyone by announcing his retirement during an online live book talk.

Sun-ho's sudden retirement announcement caused a rift with his brother. When Sun-ho expressed his disillusionment with celebrity life, saying, "A writer is recognized for their work even if they go off the grid," his brother Han Baek-ho retorted, "We're barely making it. Are you saying we should all suffer for your sake?" Upset, Baek-ho met with actor Park Jung-won (played by Jung Soo-hwan) for drinks, showing signs of anxiety when Jung-won suggested investing to save the company.

Towards the end of the episode, Yoon Bi-ah was confronted by reporters after learning about Park Jung-won's involvement in stock manipulation related to Pomi's second generation. As she panicked and sat down amidst the crowd, Han Sun-ho suddenly appeared, grabbing her hand and running, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next developments.

Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr
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