Nostalgic elements in 'Shining' are capturing viewers' attention.
JTBC's Friday series 'Shining' is enchanting audiences with the story of Yeon Tae-seo (played by Park Jin-young) and Mo Eun-ah (played by Kim Min-ju), who rekindle their romance after a decade. However, the sixth episode aired on the 20th recorded a viewership rating of 0.9%, marking the lowest for a JTBC Friday drama and the first time it has fallen below 1% since its solo Friday slot.
As the emotions between the two characters deepen over time, we revisit the objects that have strengthened their world from age nineteen to thirty. Their names are etched on a school library desk, where their first memories lie. Mo Eun-ah, who often visited the library alone during vacations, grew closer to transfer student Yeon Tae-seo, leading her to inscribe their names on the desk. The small writing in their usual spots evokes memories of school days, stirring both freshness and nostalgia.
Later, Yeon Tae-seo attends a university in Seoul, while Mo Eun-ah goes to one in Gangneung, resulting in an unintentional long-distance relationship. During those times, Yeon Tae-seo shared a music streaming account with Mo Eun-ah, feeling regretful for not being able to be with her. This use of a music app to maintain a sense of togetherness despite the distance was heartwarming.
Even after their breakup and a decade apart, the shared music app continued to connect them. Mo Eun-ah, listening to music on his account, and Yeon Tae-seo, immediately recognizing her from the device alert, left a subtle yet vivid impression.
Additional subtle elements known only to them make Yeon Tae-seo and Mo Eun-ah's reunion even more special. Mo Eun-ah notices Yeon Tae-seo's habit of frequently drinking soy milk, and their moments of riding bikes, reminiscent of their school days, amplify the tender and poignant atmosphere between them.
'Shining' airs every Friday at 8:50 PM with two consecutive episodes.
Reporter: Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr