Ji Jin-hee and Son Na-eun Bring Laughter and Romance in 'Family X Melo'

Ji Jin-hee and Son Na-eun bring waves of laughter with their fierce 'War of the Byuns', while Son Na-eun and Choi Min-ho deliver a heart-fluttering 'Umbrella Return' ending, capturing the hearts of viewers. The ratings also hit a new high with 5.3% nationwide and 5.4% in the metropolitan area, according to Nielsen Korea (based on paid households).

In the 4th episode of JTBC's weekend drama 'Family X Melo' aired on the 18th, Byun Moo-jin (Ji Jin-hee) relentlessly pursued Byun Mi-rae (Son Na-eun) with his affectionate advances, only to be blocked every time by Mi-rae's skillful defense, bringing refreshing laughter to the weekend audience. Moo-jin, who won the hearts of the residents with a grand gesture, intensified his romantic pursuit of Geum Ae-yeon (Kim Ji-soo).

He tempted Ae-yeon with offers of premium beef, proposed weekend dates, and tried to win her over with her favorite electric chicken. Whenever Ae-yeon coughed, he fussed over her, urging her to go to the hospital, appearing at every opportunity to mend their relationship.

Each time, Mi-rae stepped in with her ironclad defense. On the day Moo-jin asked Ae-yeon out, Mi-rae had already made plans with her. The last electric chicken was pre-ordered by Mi-rae. When Moo-jin tried to take Ae-yeon to the hospital for her cold, Mi-rae appeared out of nowhere, saying she had already booked a detailed examination, quickly taking Ae-yeon away. Even when the residents, who had grown fond of Moo-jin, spoke about 'blood ties and filial piety', Mi-rae, who had changed her surname to 'Geum', remained a formidable opponent.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the flower bouquet race. Moo-jin visited a flower shop to buy statice, symbolizing 'eternal love', while Mi-rae entered the shop to order red roses, symbolizing 'passionate love'. The two engaged in a close race to present the bouquet to Ae-yeon first.

Initially walking briskly, they soon resorted to bicycles and electric scooters, their childish competition bringing great laughter. The material competition continued as well. Following his son Byun Hyun-jae's (Yoon San-ha) advice, Moo-jin prepared a luxury handbag as a gift, while Mi-rae countered with a four-door refrigerator bought on an installment plan spanning four seasons.

Meanwhile, Ae-yeon, the intended recipient of these gifts, was at the police station being investigated for an assault incident along with Hwang Jin-hee (Hwang Jung-min) from room 201 and Yoo Se-ri (Hwang Bo-ra) from room 202. The victim was a restaurant owner who had previously harassed Ae-yeon. Recently humiliated by Moo-jin, he sought revenge on Ae-yeon but ended up being beaten. Ae-yeon hit him with a shoe using a metal pipe as a bat, and Jin-hee and Se-ri joined in to teach him a lesson.

Upon hearing the details, Moo-jin, filled with rage, rushed at the restaurant owner. Watching this, Mi-rae felt an inexplicable sense of defeat. As a student, Mi-rae had also wanted to stand up to the restaurant owner who bullied her mother but was too young and weak to do so. Seeing Moo-jin handle him so easily made her feel that there were roles she could never fulfill despite her efforts.

Moo-jin understood Mi-rae's feelings and said, "It's all my fault for making you carry such a heavy burden. Now, let go and live a little." Mi-rae, moved by his words, finally broke down in tears.

Moo-jin, whom Mi-rae had thought was still a childish person flaunting his wealth, deeply understood the time Mi-rae had spent struggling to avoid becoming like him. Watching the 'War of the Byuns', Ae-yeon also realized, "This can't go on."

Mi-rae, trying to swallow her tears alone, was caught by Nam Tae-pyung (Choi Min-ho) passing by. Tae-pyung, who had always kept his distance, didn't heed Mi-rae's plea to leave this time. He returned to shield Mi-rae from the pouring rain with an umbrella. His deep consideration was to prevent the townspeople from seeing Mi-rae's tears, which she was conscious of.

So-jung Lee, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr