Cho Yi-hyun's 'Human Talisman' Role Captivates Viewers in 'Head Over Heels'

Cho Yi-hyun has brought a splash of color to Choo Young-woo's monochrome world in the drama 'Head Over Heels.'

In the third episode, Park Seong-ah (played by Cho Yi-hyun) and Bae Gyeon-woo (played by Choo Young-woo) become each other's first love. After the passing of his grandmother Oh Ok-soon (played by Gil Hae-yeon), Bae Gyeon-woo falls into deep sorrow. Park Seong-ah, determined to save him from despair, becomes his 'human talisman,' offering hope and dispelling the 'suicide ghost' haunting him. The episode ends with Bae Gyeon-woo's narration of 'the beginning of first love,' raising anticipation for their mutual rescue romance.

Viewers responded enthusiastically to Park Seong-ah's 'human talisman' interactions with Bae Gyeon-woo. The third episode achieved a metropolitan household rating of 3.9%, peaking at 5.2%, and a nationwide rating of 3.7%, peaking at 4.8%, securing the top spot in its time slot across cable and general programming channels.

Bae Gyeon-woo is engulfed in grief over his grandmother's absence, as she was his only refuge from a family that rejected him. His tears flow freely only when he returns to an empty home. As the 'suicide ghost' begins to take hold, Park Seong-ah takes decisive action. Inspired by Dongcheon General's words about the power of the human heart, she resolves to become a 'human talisman' stronger than any charm. Her determination is evident as she inscribes the talisman on her body.

The 'human talisman' proves effective, though it requires physical contact, often catching Bae Gyeon-woo off guard. Yet, the 'suicide ghost' retreats with each touch. Park Seong-ah's relentless efforts bring change, as Bae Gyeon-woo recalls that his grandmother's brightest smile came when he won a gold medal. Realizing this, he picks up his bow again, finding a reason to live, and the 'suicide ghost' fades away.

A turning point arrives for Park Seong-ah and Bae Gyeon-woo. Unaware of Park Seong-ah's role as a 'human talisman,' Bae Gyeon-woo draws a line again. However, Park Seong-ah surprises him with her sincerity, saying, "Kids should be protected by adults, but you protect yourself. That's why I want to take care of you." Bae Gyeon-woo finally understands her genuine intentions and smiles brightly.

At that moment, the 'suicide ghost' vanishes. In her joy, Park Seong-ah high-fives Bae Gyeon-woo, inadvertently interlocking fingers. Momentarily flustered, Park Seong-ah can't help but feel her heart flutter as Bae Gyeon-woo pulls her hand closer with a radiant smile. Park Seong-ah has transformed Bae Gyeon-woo's world from black and white to a rainbow, and their journey as each other's first love promises an exciting mutual rescue romance.

Dongcheon General (played by Kim Mi-kyung) senses something amiss during a ritual at a haunted house. She discovers that someone has cast a spell to amplify the evil spirit's power. It doesn't take long for her to identify the culprit as Yeomhwa (played by Choo Ja-hyun), whose presence raises tension. The reason behind Yeomhwa's actions remains a mystery, heightening the suspense.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr