Cho Yi-hyun Stands by Choo Young-woo in 'Head Over Heels' as Ratings Soar

Cho Yi-hyun remains steadfast by Choo Young-woo's side in the latest episode of tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Head Over Heels' (directed by Kim Yong-wan, written by Yang Ji-hoon, planned by CJ ENM, produced by Studio Dragon, Dexter Pictures, and IO Contents Group). Episode 2 showcased Park Seong-ah's (played by Cho Yi-hyun) unwavering determination to stay close to Bae Gyeon-woo (played by Choo Young-woo), despite his emotional barriers. Bae Gyeon-woo, who had given up on his promising archery career due to ongoing misfortunes, revealed deep emotional scars, evoking sympathy from viewers. After the passing of his grandmother Oh Ok-soon (played by Gil Hae-yeon), Park Seong-ah, the 'Heavenly Fairy,' rushed to his side, marking the beginning of a fateful romance.

The second episode achieved a viewership rating of 4.5% on average, peaking at 6.0% in the Seoul metropolitan area, and 4.4% on average, peaking at 5.8% nationwide, maintaining its top spot among cable and general programming channels in its time slot. Among tvN's target demographic of men and women aged 20-49, it recorded an average rating of 1.7%, peaking at 2.4%, securing the number one spot across all channels, including terrestrial networks, according to Nielsen Korea's paid household data.

In this episode, Park Seong-ah's relentless efforts to protect Bae Gyeon-woo were dynamically portrayed. Although she successfully exorcised a water ghost, Bae Gyeon-woo, unaware of the situation, found her actions strange and peculiar. Nevertheless, Park Seong-ah continued her mission to ward off his misfortunes.

Faced with Bae Gyeon-woo's unexpectedly strong misfortune, Park Seong-ah decided to hide talismans around his surroundings, believing that the longer they remain in place, the more effective they become. Her sudden visit to his home, claiming she wanted to befriend him, left Bae Gyeon-woo bewildered. He found her persistent presence around him puzzling.

Despite Park Seong-ah's efforts, Bae Gyeon-woo faced another crisis. He was seen entering a temple engulfed in flames, and rumors began to spread that he had set fire to the archery team's dormitory, leading to his expulsion and transfer. To escape the barrage of criticism, Bae Gyeon-woo fled to a warehouse. Once again, misfortune summoned a fire ghost, and surrounded by flames, he was tormented by past traumas.

Once an elite archer, Bae Gyeon-woo was now stigmatized as an icon of misfortune, unwelcome everywhere. As he recalled a message wishing for his demise, he was on the verge of giving up when Park Seong-ah appeared once more, rushing into the flames to save him. Once again, she rescued him from the brink of death.

Though the immediate danger was averted, a greater darkness loomed over Bae Gyeon-woo. Troubled by his increasingly distant demeanor, Park Seong-ah was visited late at night by Oh Ok-soon, who made a request only the 'Heavenly Fairy' could fulfill: to hold Bae Gyeon-woo's hand in her stead. At that moment, Park Seong-ah realized that Oh Ok-soon was no longer of this world, and that Bae Gyeon-woo's only sanctuary, his grandmother, had passed away. Tearfully, Park Seong-ah vowed to ensure Bae Gyeon-woo's survival.

Determined, Park Seong-ah rushed to Bae Gyeon-woo, who was mourning alone. Despite being coldly turned away at the funeral, she remained resolute. Her determined gaze and promise, "I will save you, in a way you dislike. I will never leave you alone," heightened anticipation for her role in brightening Bae Gyeon-woo's world.

Meanwhile, episode 3 of tvN's 'Head Over Heels' is set to air on the 30th at 8:50 PM.

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