In the latest episode of JTBC's weekend drama 'Efficient Meeting of Singles,' which aired on the 29th, viewers witnessed the deepening romance between Lee Yi-young (played by Han Ji-min) and Song Tae-seop (played by Park Sung-hoon) during an unexpected vacation. The episode also marked a new chapter in their relationship as Song Tae-seop met Lee Yi-young's parents for the first time. The episode garnered a viewership rating of 4.4% in both the Seoul metropolitan area and nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea's paid household ratings.
Previously, Lee Yi-young attended a business meeting where she was taken aback by the rude behavior of her counterpart, only to later discover that the meeting had been set up as a blind date without her knowledge. After officially raising the issue, she received an apology from her team leader, Oh Myung-woon (played by Park Jung-pyo), and was encouraged by the company to take a vacation to calm her mind.
During her unexpected break, Lee Yi-young decided to tackle the things she had been putting off due to her busy schedule. As she worked through her wish list, she enjoyed a cozy woodworking date at Song Tae-seop's studio, HOME, and realized that moments spent with him were the happiest.
While enjoying her healing time, Lee Yi-young joined her busy junior colleague, Jung Hyun-min (played by Jung Hye-sung), on a business trip to Sokcho. Upon hearing this, Song Tae-seop expressed his intention to join them after her schedule ended, leading to their first overnight trip together.
After completing their tasks, Lee Yi-young and Song Tae-seop spent quality time balancing work and love. They even ran into Jung Hyun-min and Im Seung-jun (played by Joo Yeon-woo) at a popular restaurant, sharing a laugh. Jung Hyun-min, too, was planning a date after work. After parting ways with Jung Hyun-min and Im Seung-jun, Lee Yi-young and Song Tae-seop enjoyed a ferris wheel date, filling their day with joy.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when Lee Yi-young's father, Lee Tae-sung (played by Park Yoon-hee), appeared as they were checking out of the hotel. Despite the awkward encounter, Lee Tae-sung continued the conversation with a light-hearted demeanor, leaving Lee Yi-young with mixed emotions as he mentioned, "I should have stayed by you and your mother's side."
Lee Yi-young returned to Seoul with Song Tae-seop, trying to hide her complicated feelings, but was caught by her mother, Park Jung-im (played by Kim Jung-young), while seeing him off. Having introduced her boyfriend to both her parents in one day, Lee Yi-young was visibly flustered, and Park Jung-im requested a formal introduction.
On the much-anticipated dinner day with Lee Yi-young, Song Tae-seop, and Park Jung-im, Song Tae-seop prepared thoroughly, buying gifts to impress his potential mother-in-law. Lee Yi-young also repeatedly asked her mother to treat Song Tae-seop kindly.
However, as the doorbell rang, an unexpected situation unfolded. Instead of Song Tae-seop, Lee Tae-sung appeared at the door, causing Park Jung-im's expression to harden instantly. Lee Tae-sung then greeted the arriving Song Tae-seop warmly, heightening the tension in the room.
By Yoon Jung-se, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr