TV
Shin Min-ah and Kim Young-dae became an official in-house couple
The 5th episode of tvN and TVING's original drama 'Don't Want to Lose,' aired on the 9th, recorded an average rating of 4.5% and a peak of 5.8% in the metropolitan area, and an average of 4.1% and a peak of 5.4% nationwide on paid platforms including cable, IPTV, and satellite. It ranked first in viewership ratings among comprehensive and cable channels in the same time slot. Additionally, it also topped the 2049 viewership ratings across all channels, continuing its upward trend.
In this episode, Son Hae-young (played by Shin Min-a) struggled to keep the identity of her 'fake husband' Kim Ji-wook (played by Kim Young-dae), who reappeared as a new employee, a secret. Previously promoted to team leader, Hae-young was shocked when her husband Ji-wook, who had been missing for three months, joined the company as a new recruit under the 'Kkulbi Education' program. Fearing that their fake marriage would be exposed, Hae-young warned him coldly, "If you get caught, I'll have to hold another ceremony. This time, it won't be a fake one; it will be your funeral."
After their unexpected reunion, Hae-young and Ji-wook went out for on-site job training together. Hae-young, who didn't want Ji-wook to be assigned to the headquarters, devised a plan to ensure he received low scores in the new employee evaluation. She made him wear a mascot costume to avoid being noticed by the users of the educational program, but Ji-wook's striking looks quickly captivated the parents of potential 'Kkulbi Education' customers.
Adding to the tension, Hae-young discovered a child who had been abused at a playground and got into a scuffle with the child's suspected abuser, the father. Ji-wook, witnessing Hae-young in danger, rushed to her aid and engaged in a physical altercation with the father. The scene of Hae-young and Ji-wook fighting together at the police station further intrigued viewers.
Meanwhile, Ji-wook, who had been missing for three months, received support for housing and a car from a mysterious figure, Manager Jang (played by Yoon Seo-hyun), who had arranged his entry into 'Kkulbi Education.' A photo of Ji-wook with Hae-young's mother, Lee Eun-ok (played by Yoon Bok-in), from their school days also surfaced, adding to the curiosity about Ji-wook's enigmatic backstory.
Ji-wook was eventually assigned to Hae-young's team, making them anxious about their relationship being exposed. Hae-young continued to issue sharp warnings to Ji-wook, and after a welcome dinner for new employees, Ji-wook, left alone with Hae-young, felt guilty for not being able to explain why he had to join the company.
Towards the end of the episode, the tension escalated as Hae-young faced an unexpected crisis. Bok Ki-woon (played by Lee Chang-ho), a colleague who witnessed Hae-young and Ji-wook's scuffle, reported Hae-young for workplace harassment. As Hae-young faced the possibility of losing her position, Ji-wook rushed to her during the investigation and dramatically revealed, "I am Team Leader Son Hae-young's husband," causing a surge of excitement. Viewers are eager to see how Hae-young will react to Ji-wook's bombshell declaration and how their relationship, though fake, will evolve as they pretend to be a 'real' office couple.
The second reunion of Bok Kyu-hyun (played by Lee Sang-yi) and Nam Ja-yeon (played by Han Ji-hyun) was also depicted. Kyu-hyun, who discovered that the 19+ web novel writer 'Yeon Bora' and his friend Ye Ha-jun's (played by Lee Yoo-jin) friend 'Nam Ja-yeon' were the same person, sincerely apologized to Ja-yeon. Despite Ja-yeon's harsh words, "Die! Just die," she fainted in shock when Kyu-hyun was nearly hit by a car. The deepening emotional rift between them has viewers curious about how their story will unfold.
Episode 6 of 'Don't Want to Lose' will air on the 10th at 8:40 PM.
Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr
