Emotional Reconciliation: Yeom Jung-ah and Daughter Overcome Past Wounds in 'Love, Take Two'

In a heartfelt episode of tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Love, Take Two,' Yeom Jung-ah's character, Lee Ji-an, reconciles with her daughter, Choi Yoon-ji, played by Choi Yoon-ji, after a brain tumor diagnosis led her to drop out of medical school. The episode, which aired on the 11th, captured viewers with its emotional depth and humor, as Lee Ji-an embarked on a mission to build a house for her daughter, Lee Hyo-ri.

The episode achieved impressive ratings, with an average of 3.7% and a peak of 4.5% in the metropolitan area, and an average of 3.6% and a peak of 4.4% nationwide, securing the top spot in its time slot across cable and general programming channels.

Lee Ji-an's determination to build 'Hyo-ri's House' was unwavering, despite being rejected by Ryu Jung-seok, played by Park Hae-joon. Meanwhile, her friend Kim Sun-young, portrayed by Kim Sun-young, returned to Cheonghae at Lee Hyo-ri's request. Despite Lee Hyo-ri's hopes for her mother to return to Seoul, Lee Ji-an was excited about building a new home in Cheonghae. Kim Sun-young supported her friend's sudden decision, saying, "I won't cry anymore. Don't be surprised by my toughness. I'll do something instead of crying."

Lee Hyo-ri grew closer to Ryu Bo-hyun while helping at his flower farm and even learned to surf for the first time, guided by Yoon Tae-oh, played by Yang Kyung-won. Despite falling multiple times, she succeeded in riding the waves, feeling a sense of exhilaration and achievement. "I didn't know something that doesn't go my way could be this fun," she said, smiling brightly.

Ryu Jung-seok eventually decided to help build the dream house for Lee Ji-an and Lee Hyo-ri after understanding their reasons. Lee Ji-an's genuine desire to live happily with her daughter resonated with him. However, Lee Hyo-ri, unaware of her mother's job loss, misunderstood her intentions, leading to another conflict.

The next morning, an awkward tension lingered in the camper van after their argument. But Lee Ji-an and Kim Sun-young noticed something was wrong with Lee Hyo-ri's health. Lee Ji-an stayed by her daughter's side all night as she was hospitalized with acute tonsillitis. Reflecting on her own past, Lee Ji-an remembered her mother leaving her after her father's death, a decision she regretted not preventing.

Hearing her mother's story for the first time, Lee Hyo-ri expressed her frustration, "Do you know why I dislike you? Because you pretend everything's okay. It's exhausting for me to do the same." Lee Ji-an revealed her true feelings, admitting she was afraid her mother would leave her, and asked Lee Hyo-ri to stay by her side.

The emotional reconciliation between the mother and daughter, who had been hiding their fears and feelings, moved viewers deeply. Lee Ji-an's narration added a profound touch, "I've struggled to not be crushed by life's weight. But now I know, sometimes you have to completely fall apart to stand up again."

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr