In the 11th episode aired on the 17th, directed by Shin Jung-hoon and written by Kim Ga-young and Kang Chul-kyu, Shin Yi-rang (played by Yoo Yeon-seok) and Han Na-hyun (played by Lee Som) brilliantly collaborated to uncover the truth amidst suspicions of will forgery and espionage accusations against Kang Dong-sik (played by Lee Deok-hwa), delivering a happy ending for all. The episode recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 6.7%, peaking at 7.3%. The 2049 target audience rating was an average of 1.8%, with a peak of 2.3%, according to Nielsen Korea.
Throughout the episode, the chemistry between Shin Yi-rang and Han Na-hyun was undeniable, even as they worked tirelessly together. A particularly heartwarming moment occurred at a sushi restaurant when Han Na-hyun noted that despite their different personalities, their tastes were similar, as they both chose the same sushi. She also tidied up the cables under Shin Yi-rang's desk while he was away, showcasing her unconscious thoughtfulness. Their seamless teamwork became the key to resolving the tragic love triangle from 50 years ago.
The trial faced a crisis when the will forgery was revealed, but a heartfelt confession from Kang Dong-sik's wife, Chae Jung-hee (played by Gil Hae-yeon), turned the tide. She admitted to writing a fake will out of guilt for supposedly causing her husband's lover's death. She revealed a note saying, 'Thank you, Jung-hee,' found at Ryeo Sun-hwa's grave, suggesting her survival. This location was known only to Kang Dong-sik, his wife, and Ryeo Sun-hwa.
Shin Yi-rang and Han Na-hyun tracked down Choi Gil-ja (played by Kim Deok-ju), a former inmate who knew Ryeo Sun-hwa's public defender. Initially, she denied knowing anything, but when Kang Dong-sik's spirit noticed her nervousness, they discovered the contact information of someone she urgently called to warn.
Piecing together these clues, Shin Yi-rang and Han Na-hyun uncovered the shocking truth that Ryeo Sun-hwa had survived a prison fire by swapping identities with another inmate and was now running a noodle shop near her son Cha Eun-sung's leather factory. However, Shin Yi-rang hesitated to reveal this truth, fearing it would force Ryeo Sun-hwa to flee again, as she had been secretly caring for her son.
At this point, the rational Han Na-hyun intervened, conveying Chae Jung-hee's 50 years of atonement and the desperation that led her to write a fake will to Ryeo Sun-hwa, persuading her to meet Chae Jung-hee and set the record straight. Ryeo Sun-hwa clarified that her arrest was not due to Chae Jung-hee's espionage report but was inevitable due to prior surveillance. It was also revealed that the 'red shoes' left by Kang Dong-sik belonged to Chae Jung-hee. When she finally wore the shoes that fit perfectly after 50 years, Kang Dong-sik and Chae Jung-hee embraced, confirming their love with the words, 'I loved you then, and I love you now.' The elderly couple's romantic ending was deeply moving.
Outside the courtroom, the drama continued. Yang Do-kyung (played by Kim Kyung-nam) attempted to end the trial with a paternity test, but Shin Yi-rang reminded his son Kang Ji-hoon (played by Byun Jun-ho) of his father's lesson that 'shoes carry the warmth of their maker.' Kang Ji-hoon withdrew the lawsuit, choosing genuine reconciliation by signing a leather supply contract with Cha Eun-sung. Although Ryeo Sun-hwa couldn't reveal herself as his mother, she decided to become a family member who would spend holidays and birthdays with him and care for him when sick. Kang Dong-sik prepared to leave quietly, having lost most of his memories to dementia, but his true will, 'Remembering the one I love is like remembering everything,' left a profound impact on the meaning of love and memory.
The poignant story of Kang Dong-sik's deep love, which Chae Jung-hee never knew due to 50 years of misunderstanding, awakened Shin Yi-rang. He realized the importance of expressing his feelings to avoid regret. Just as he approached Han Na-hyun to confess, an unexpected situation unfolded. 'Blushing' Shin Yi-rang, like a child, chased after a puppy, fully engrossed in play. Han Na-hyun's bewildered expression at the 'possessed by a little ghost' Shin Yi-rang left a comedic aftertaste and heightened curiosity for the next episode's story. SBS's weekend drama 'Shin & Law Office' will air its 12th episode on Saturday, the 18th, at 9:50 PM.
Reporter: Im Chae-ryeong, Ten Asia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr