TV
Romantic Tensions Peak in 'Intoxicating Romance' with a Heartfelt Kiss
Episode 7 revisited the memories of six years ago between Chae Yong-joo (played by Kim Se-jeong) and Yoon Min-joo (played by Lee Jong-won). As the episode concluded, Chae Yong-joo, who had been burdened by guilt and regret over her grandmother Jo Pil-nam (played by Jeon Guk-hyang), ran to Yoon Min-joo. His declaration, "I will never leave you, Chae Yong-joo," followed by a kiss, left viewers' hearts racing.
Yoon Min-joo, upon discovering his connection with Chae Yong-joo, was visibly excited. However, Chae Yong-joo's emotions seemed different. Yoon Min-joo sensed she was hiding something but couldn't ask why. On the day the TF team's new product's first sample was released, Chae Yong-joo visited the village, only to hear complaints from the villagers, exhausted by Yoon Min-joo's constant talk about her. Seeing Yoon Min-joo waiting for her, Chae Yong-joo felt even more burdened.
The two rushed to Seoul upon hearing that Shim Ra-oh's (played by Ha Min-hyuk) father had collapsed. Chae Yong-joo comforted the distressed Shim Ra-oh and gathered necessary items for caregiving. Observing her, Yoon Min-joo remarked, "Are you okay? Giving advice so naturally means you've experienced it all. You've been through a lot alone," acknowledging her struggles. After leaving the hospital, Yoon Min-joo was invited to Chae Yong-joo's home by her grandmother Jo Pil-nam.
They shared a simple evening, preparing dinner and watching TV together. Jo Pil-nam felt relieved seeing Yoon Min-joo by Chae Yong-joo's side, who had always silently cared for her. She asked Yoon Min-joo to continue being close to Chae Yong-joo, to which he replied, "I like her a lot. I'll be even closer," expressing his genuine feelings.
While Chae Yong-joo slept, Yoon Min-joo learned from Jo Pil-nam about the incident six years ago that Chae Yong-joo had kept hidden. Chae Yong-joo had missed Jo Pil-nam's call while saving Yoon Min-joo, only to find her collapsed upon returning home. She had to leave the special forces to cover her grandmother's surgery and rehabilitation costs, having missed the golden hour.
For the past six years, Chae Yong-joo lived not for herself but for her grandmother. Yoon Min-joo realized how different their past six years had been, with him trying to find his own life while Chae Yong-joo lived for someone else. He blamed himself, saying, "I was the reason Chae Yong-joo became like this."
The next day, Chae Yong-joo sought Yoon Min-joo, only to find a note saying, "I'm sorry because of me," and he was gone. Determined to move past her regrets, Chae Yong-joo decided to approach Yoon Min-joo. Jo Pil-nam encouraged her, offering a warm embrace.
She confessed, "No one has ever asked me if I'm okay. But you keep asking, and it made me realize I'm hurting. I'm in this state because of you." Yoon Min-joo embraced her, promising, "I will never leave you, Chae Yong-joo," and gently kissed her.
Meanwhile, the budding relationship between Bang Ah-reum (played by Shin Do-hyun) and Oh Chan-hwi (played by Baek Sung-chul) also brought excitement. Bang Ah-reum, feeling lonely on her birthday due to her indifferent family, was touched by Oh Chan-hwi's heartfelt congratulations. Her curiosity about Oh Chan-hwi's secrets hinted at a growing bond, raising anticipation for future episodes.
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr
