Jung Hae-in Confronts Jung So-min's Hidden Past in 'Mom's Friend's Son'

Jung Hae-in has uncovered Jung So-min's secret.

On the 14th, the 9th episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Mom's Friend's Son' (directed by Yoo Je-won, written by Shin Ha-eun, produced by Studio Dragon & The Modori) aired, revealing the tragic past of Bae Seok-ryu (played by Jung So-min), which had been shrouded in mystery.

Three years ago, Bae Seok-ryu suffered from cancer and depression in the United States, which disrupted both her career and love life. Despite returning to reboot her life, she found herself unable to love anyone again. Consequently, she rejected Choi Seung-hyo's (played by Jung Hae-in) confession before the deadline they had set, putting their friendship and potential romance at risk. The 9th episode recorded an average viewership rating of 5.3% and a peak of 6.9% in the metropolitan area, and an average of 4.5% and a peak of 5.9% nationwide, ranking first in its time slot across cable and general programming channels. (Nielsen Korea paid platform standard)

After Bae Seok-ryu left for the hospital with Song Hyun-jun (played by Han Jun-woo), Choi Seung-hyo felt an inexplicable sense of isolation and defeat. However, his concern for Bae Seok-ryu took precedence. Upon arriving at the hospital, he had a tense confrontation with Song Hyun-jun and escorted Bae Seok-ryu back home. Choi Seung-hyo confided in Jung Mo-eum (played by Kim Ji-eun), saying, "It bothers me that there's a parenthesis between Seok-ryu and me... that Song Hyun-jun is hidden within it, someone I don't know."

Meanwhile, Bae Seok-ryu received a second proposal from Song Hyun-jun. Wearing the ring again brought back memories of her time in the U.S. as if it were yesterday. She informed Choi Seung-hyo about the proposal, saying, "He keeps taking me back to the good times," and drew a line by adding, "You still look like the five-year-old kid crying on top of the jungle gym." Choi Seung-hyo responded firmly, "There's no such thing as friendship anymore."

Rejecting Choi Seung-hyo's confession did not mean she accepted Song Hyun-jun's proposal. During her battle with cancer in the U.S., Song Hyun-jun was the one who stayed by her side, but it was a difficult time for both of them. Her physical illness led to severe depression, causing a deep rift between them. The revelation of their broken engagement hinted at why Bae Seok-ryu had to push both men away.

Choi Seung-hyo, already troubled by work issues, fell ill. Upon waking up at home, he found Bae Seok-ryu asleep beside him and murmured, "Why are you always there when I'm sick?" However, he treated her coldly once she woke up.

A pivotal moment arrived when Choi Seung-hyo discovered a hospital diagnosis in Bae Seok-ryu's bag. The revelation of her secret brought shock, anger, and a sense of betrayal. Realizing why she had returned, Choi Seung-hyo's tearful outburst, "Is this all I am to you? Was I just this much as a friend?" was heart-wrenching.

The 10th episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Mom's Friend's Son' will air today (15th) at 9:20 PM.

Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr