TV
Jeong So-min, it was stomach cancer
The 8th episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Mom's Friend's Son,' aired on the 8th, depicted the aftermath of Choi Seung-hyo's (played by Jung Hae-in) confession. After a long time, Choi Seung-hyo finally expressed his feelings to Bae Seok-ryu (played by Seo Min), urging her to look into her own heart and setting a deadline for her response. Song Hyun-joon (played by Han Jun-woo) continued his relentless pursuit to reunite with Bae Seok-ryu. As Choi Seung-hyo, Bae Seok-ryu, and Song Hyun-joon faced each other once again, another layer of Bae Seok-ryu's past was unveiled. The 8th episode recorded an average viewership rating of 7.5% in the metropolitan area, peaking at 8.5%, and an average of 6.5% nationwide, peaking at 7.2%.
Choi Seung-hyo, who finally confessed his long-held feelings to Bae Seok-ryu, did not rush her for an answer. Reflecting on her feelings for Choi Seung-hyo, Bae Seok-ryu recalled their childhood memories, thinking, 'Maybe I was the first,' but felt that their relationship, already defined as friends, could not be changed.
Despite the awkwardness following the confession, the two tried to act normal. Bae Seok-ryu asked if she could delay her response, to which Choi Seung-hyo replied, 'Take your time and think it through,' but insisted there should be a deadline. They went to a convenience store to decide on it, and Choi Seung-hyo chose milk with the shortest expiration date, giving Bae Seok-ryu 11 days to respond, starting a countdown.
Song Hyun-joon did everything he could to win back Bae Seok-ryu's heart. He met with Na Mi-sook (played by Park Ji-young) without Bae Seok-ryu's knowledge, confessing his unwavering love for her. He also brought jasmine tea, reminiscent of their first meeting, declaring, 'I will start over from the beginning. Maybe then you'll smile at me like you used to.' Bae Seok-ryu's complex expression hinted at the unresolved reasons for their breakup and past stories.
Bae Seok-ryu's secret passion for cooking was discovered by her family. Despite barely starting to pursue her new dream, she faced strong opposition from Na Mi-sook and Bae Geun-sik (played by Jo Han-chul). Feeling resentful towards her mother, who always treated her differently from her brother Bae Dong-jin (played by Lee Seung-hyub), and her father, who supported her in everything except cooking, Bae Seok-ryu found solace in Choi Seung-hyo, who offered her a place to practice cooking.
Song Hyun-joon followed her there, irritating Choi Seung-hyo. Choi Seung-hyo warned him not to appear unannounced or call Bae Seok-ryu's name, asserting that their relationship was over. Song Hyun-joon, confident in his special bond with Bae Seok-ryu, did not back down, and the tension between the two men continued as Bae Seok-ryu practiced cooking.
Towards the end of the episode, Bae Seok-ryu collapsed in pain in front of Choi Seung-hyo and Song Hyun-joon, shocking everyone. She leaned on Song Hyun-joon, not Choi Seung-hyo, as they rushed to the hospital. There, she revealed that she had undergone surgery for stomach cancer in the U.S. three years ago, leaving everyone stunned. The episode ended with Choi Seung-hyo left in shock and Bae Seok-ryu revealing another secret, evoking a sense of sorrow.
Reporter Tae Yuna, Ten Asia youyou@tenasia.co.kr
