'Head Over Heels' Premieres with a Captivating First Love Rescue Romance

The new tvN Monday-Tuesday drama 'Head Over Heels' has kicked off with a unique first love rescue romance. Directed by Kim Yong-wan and written by Yang Ji-hoon, the series is produced by CJ ENM, Studio Dragon, Dexter Pictures, and IO Contents Group. The first episode aired on the 23rd, introducing viewers to the intriguing story of Park Seong-ah (played by Cho Yi-hyun), who falls for Bae Gyeon-woo (played by Choo Young-woo) at first sight as he enters a temple backward. The plot revolves around her mission to save her 'first love' from a doomed fate.

Following a series of underperforming dramas, including 'When the Stars Gossip' and 'The Divorce Insurance,' which struggled with low ratings, 'Head Over Heels' has breathed new life into tvN's lineup. The premiere episode achieved an impressive 4.7% average viewership in the Seoul metropolitan area, peaking at 5.6%, and a nationwide average of 4.3%, peaking at 5.2%, securing the top spot in its time slot across cable and general programming channels. Among tvN's target demographic of viewers aged 20-49, the drama recorded a nationwide peak of 2.0%, the highest for a Monday-Tuesday drama premiere in 2025, according to Nielsen Korea's paid platform data.

The episode depicted the challenging start of Park Seong-ah's first love. By day, she's a high school student, and by night, she's the renowned shaman 'Cheonji Seonnyeo.' Her dream is to live a normal life like her peers, but a prophetic dream about a man entering backward becomes reality, steering her away from normalcy. Bae Gyeon-woo, who enters her temple, is her 'ideal type,' but seeing him backward signifies impending death. Seong-ah is determined to save him from his ill fate.

Their connection doesn't end there, as Gyeon-woo transfers to Seong-ah's school, sparking excitement in her. Determined to rid him of his misfortune and protect her 'first love,' Seong-ah faces challenges from the start, especially in winning over Gyeon-woo's heart. His life is fraught with danger, like falling signs, and Seong-ah is more pained by his indifferent attitude towards life-threatening situations than his cold words.

Seong-ah resorts to a secret weapon: a talisman from the famous shaman Flower Doryeong (played by Yoon Byung-hee). Her plan to reveal her identity and initiate romance crumbles when Gyeon-woo, who has been hurt by shamans before, rejects her. Unable to disclose her identity as 'Cheonji Seonnyeo,' Seong-ah is at a loss.

Despite setbacks, Seong-ah persists when Gyeon-woo enters drenched, indicating his life is in immediate danger. Investigating a nearby reservoir, she discovers a water ghost in the school's men's restroom. Attempting to separate the ghost from Gyeon-woo with a promise of release, Seong-ah's efforts are thwarted by Gyeon-woo's strong misfortune. As the ghost turns hostile, Seong-ah uses a water cannon, leading to a drenched and angry Gyeon-woo questioning her actions. Her response, "I saved you," is drowned out by the water, leaving viewers curious about their rocky relationship.

The second episode of 'Head Over Heels' airs on the 24th at 8:50 PM on tvN.

Reported by Kim Se-ah, TENASIA haesmik@tenasia.co.kr