The captivating tale of Park Jin-young and Kim Min-ju has begun to unfold.
On October 6th, JTBC's Friday series 'Shining' premiered its first two episodes, showcasing the initial moments between Yeon Tae-seo (played by Park Jin-young) and Mo Eun-ah (played by Kim Min-ju), who became lights in each other's dark lives. The ratings for the episodes were 2.1% for the first and 1.7% for the second. Previously, JTBC's Friday series, including Song Joong-ki's 'My Youth' and Lee Dong-wook's 'Nice Guy,' recorded ratings in the 1% range.
In the first episode, Yeon Tae-seo, who moved to his grandfather's house with his sick sibling, meets Mo Eun-ah, who settled in Yeonwoo-ri with her father five years ago. As they spent their summer vacation studying together in the school library, they grew closer, finding inspiration in each other's struggles and developing subtle feelings. However, their relationship became awkward after Mo Eun-ah's unexpected confession.
Even as the school term began, Yeon Tae-seo and Mo Eun-ah couldn't speak to each other until they met again on a train. Mo Eun-ah decided to follow Yeon Tae-seo to Seoul for a college entrance seminar. Despite arriving in Seoul, they went their separate ways, and Mo Eun-ah, wandering the city, was shocked to find her father's girlfriend, Park So-hyun (played by Kim Ji-hyun), living with another man.
Meanwhile, Yeon Tae-seo, busy attending entrance seminars, broke down at a hospital while checking his ear condition, mourning the loss of his parents in an accident. At the end of an emotionally turbulent day, the two reunited, finding peace in each other's presence. This encounter brought them closer, and they promised to stay together forever, holding hands.
In the second episode, the budding romance between Yeon Tae-seo and Mo Eun-ah brought excitement. After completing their intense college entrance preparations and taking the exams, they enjoyed time together at the beaches of Gangneung and along Seoul's Han River. Yeon Tae-seo reassured Mo Eun-ah, who was anxious about the uncertain future, saying, "I wouldn't have started this if I wasn't sure," and they shared their first kiss.
Throughout the winter, they created many memories, nurturing their love in a sweet and clumsy manner. Yeon Tae-seo often sneaked into Mo Eun-ah's room, spending time together, bringing warmth and smiles. However, their happiness was short-lived as Yeon Tae-seo was accepted into a university in Seoul, and Mo Eun-ah into one in Gangneung, creating a physical distance between them.
As they embarked on their college lives and a long-distance relationship, Yeon Tae-seo and Mo Eun-ah remained strong. Amidst this, Mo Eun-ah was shocked by her father Mo Seon-kyu's (played by Kim Tae-hoon) sudden marriage announcement to Park So-hyun, prompting her to head to Seoul where Yeon Tae-seo was. Realizing Mo Eun-ah was in Seoul, Yeon Tae-seo rushed to her, and as she saw the subway train he was on approaching the platform, she finally smiled, adding a touch of poignancy.
Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr