In the drama, which premiered on the 16th, Ha Ji-won takes on the role of 'Choo Sang-ah', a former 'nation's first love' who fell from grace due to a tax evasion scandal. Her daring transformation captivated viewers.
In the episode, Choo Sang-ah (played by Ha Ji-won), who is currently in self-reflection, attends a company party where she is put in an awkward position by guests rudely requesting her to sing. Despite her discomfort, she suppresses her emotions in an effort to make a comeback.
Particularly noteworthy is her interaction with Lee Yang-mi (played by Cha Joo-young), the wife of the third-ranked conglomerate WR Group and a powerful figure in the entertainment industry. Choo Sang-ah's character is portrayed with depth as she forces a humiliating smile in front of Lee Yang-mi, depicting her desperate struggle to climb back to the top.
Her chemistry with co-star Joo Ji-hoon (playing Bang Tae-seop) is also striking. Choo Sang-ah, who strategically married 'dirt spoon prosecutor' Bang Tae-seop at the peak of her career, continues her marriage while hiding conflicting interests regarding WR Group's corruption, creating a tense atmosphere. After entertaining Lee Yang-mi, Choo Sang-ah returns home to Bang Tae-seop and confesses her fears, "I feel like this is the end, but I thought I could go further with you," leading to a passionate kiss that signals the start of a complex marital storyline.
Towards the end of the episode, Choo Sang-ah's intense internal struggle and past traumas are revealed, increasing viewer engagement. Upon discovering that her agency junior Bae Yoon-seong promised sexual favors to Nam Hye-hoon, a close friend of Lee Yang-mi, Choo Sang-ah rushes to the hotel to stop it, only to confront her own past traumas and experience a mental breakdown. The tension escalates as Bang Tae-seop arrives at the hotel to raid the scene, and they briefly encounter each other in the elevator, hinting at unpredictable developments.
Meanwhile, the second episode airs tonight (17th) at 10 PM.
Reporter Da-yeon Jeong, Ten Asia light@tenasia.co.kr