KBS 2TV's 'Our Golden Days' Premieres with Captivating Storyline and Stellar Performances

KBS 2TV's weekend drama 'Our Golden Days' made a strong debut with its captivating storyline and diverse performances from the cast, breathing life into the series from the very first episode.

The premiere episode, aired on the 9th, showcased the bittersweet reality of Lee Ji-hyuk's (played by Jung Il-woo) family, while also highlighting their harmonious moments, capturing the audience's attention.

The episode opened with Lee Ji-hyuk's adept handling of a crisis caused by a new employee's mistake, showcasing his 'work-smart' persona. He quickly assessed and resolved the issue, exuding calm charisma. He also offered advice to a client manager, Jeong Bo-ah (played by Go Won-hee), who was struggling with love, saying, "My heart is mine, so I have to control it," firmly establishing his character's rational and strong inner self.

Ji-hyuk's father, Lee Sang-chul (played by Cheon Ho-jin), who had worked diligently at the same company for 33 years, faced retirement. Although he appeared composed, he couldn't completely hide the emptiness of leaving a company he dedicated so many years to. Fortunately, he was set to be re-employed as an advisor, which helped him quietly accept this major life transition.

In support of Sang-chul, the family planned a secret event. Ji-hyuk, along with Lee Soo-bin (played by Shin Soo-hyun) and Lee Ji-wan (played by Son Sang-yeon), planned gifts, while Jo Ok-rye (played by Ban Hyo-jung) and Kim Da-jung (played by Kim Hee-jung) prepared a meal with Sang-chul's favorite dishes. Ji-hyuk's close friend, Park Sung-jae (played by Yoon Hyun-min), also joined in with a surprise gift, warming the atmosphere further.

The realities faced by Ji-wan and Soo-bin resonated with viewers. Ji-wan, who was affectionate with his girlfriend, found himself flustered when approached by a female gym member, revealing his clumsy charm. Soo-bin, dreaming of a perfect relationship, faced the harsh reality of being dismissed as unemployed at a matchmaking agency.

Ji-eun Oh (played by Jung In-sun), who has long harbored feelings for Ji-hyuk, made a strong impression as an interior designer from the first scene. She confidently dealt with a demanding client and showed her passion by not shying away from on-site work.

Eun-oh fell victim to a scam while trying to procure items for volunteer work. However, she persistently chased the scammer, with Ji-hyuk joining in to catch the culprit. The two shared a high-five at the police station, sparking interest in their future relationship.

The love triangle involving Ji-hyuk, Eun-oh, and Sung-jae also caught viewers' attention. Sung-jae, pretending it was a coincidence, waited outside Eun-oh's house to give her a ride to the volunteer site, creating a mysterious vibe. Meanwhile, Eun-oh subtly probed Ji-hyuk about his romantic life, to which he firmly drew a line. Eun-oh's inner thoughts were revealed when she muttered, "It's not someone else's business," hinting at her feelings. Viewers are eager to see how this tangled romance will unfold.

Towards the end of the episode, Ji-hyuk heightened the drama by revealing his differing views on marriage compared to his father, Sang-chul. As a proponent of singlehood, Ji-hyuk secretly secured an apartment for himself and announced his decision to move out during a family dinner, leaving Sang-chul and Da-jung shocked and hinting at future conflicts with his son.

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