Intrigue and Betrayal Unfold in 'Would You Marry Me?' as Ratings Soar

Choi Woo-shik's character in 'Would You Marry Me?' uncovers the true face of his uncle-in-law, Kim Young-min, revealing a web of deceit involving the sale of Myungsoondang and a past car accident that killed his parents. This revelation has left viewers eagerly anticipating the next episode. Previously, the show faced controversy over an illegal filming scene in episode 6, which aired on the 25th of last month, but the scene was quietly removed without an official apology, further angering viewers.

In the 10th episode of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Would You Marry Me?' (directed by Song Hyun-wook, Hwang In-hyuk / written by Lee Hana / produced by Studio S, Samhwa Networks), which aired on Saturday, the 8th, Myungsoondang faces a crisis. Kim Woo-joo (played by Choi Woo-shik) and Yoo Mary (played by Jung So-min) join forces to expose the evil deeds of uncle-in-law Jang Han-goo (played by Kim Young-min) and Oh Min-jung (played by Yoon Ji-min), delivering a cathartic experience. The episode's ratings soared to a peak of 11.1%, with 8.5% in the metropolitan area and 7.9% nationwide, setting a new record for the series and claiming the top spot among Saturday mini-series and its time slot. Additionally, the 2049 target audience rating jumped to an average of 2.4%, peaking at 3.26%, showcasing its dominant power as the top-rated show among the 2049 demographic on Saturday.

Woo-joo and Mary attended the 80th-anniversary event of Myungsoondang, where they were caught pretending to be newlyweds by Baek Sang-hyun (played by Bae Na-ra), an executive at Botte Department Store. However, with the help of Yoon Jin-kyung (played by Shin Seul-ki), they managed to escape the situation. Jin-kyung discovered that the townhouse Mary received as a prize was intended as a bribe for the mayor from Botte Department Store and suggested to Sang-hyun to pretend he didn't know Woo-joo and Mary weren't actually married, which he agreed to.

Meanwhile, a crisis loomed over Myungsoondang. Woo-joo's uncle-in-law, Han-goo, revealed his true colors in front of Myungsoondang's chairman, Go Pil-nyeon (played by Jung Ae-ri). He confessed that the supply contract with Kaltz Hotel, the establishment of a factory in the U.S., and the investments were all fabrications, and he even swapped Pil-nyeon's medication, creating a chilling atmosphere. As Pil-nyeon lost consciousness, news broke that Myungsoondang had secured investments with false contracts, and Han-goo pinned all the blame on Pil-nyeon.

Amid Han-goo's chilling deceit and murderous actions, Woo-joo discovered suspicious circumstances. He visited the unconscious Pil-nyeon and confided, "Grandmother, I'm scared. I'm afraid you might be right." Woo-joo, who had lost his parents, had always seen Han-goo as a father figure and wanted to believe in him until the end. Mary stood by Woo-joo's side during his turmoil, understanding his struggles and offering comfort and advice. Mary's endearing song about wanting to know even Woo-joo's smallest worries disarmed him. When Woo-joo confessed his suspicion that his uncle might be involved in the false contract investment scandal, Mary lovingly encouraged him, saying, "Don't overthink it. Do what you can now. If anyone bothers you, I won't let it slide," becoming a steadfast support for Woo-joo.

Woo-joo's suspicions about Han-goo deepened. Woo-joo and Mary discovered that Sylvia, the representative of BQ Capital, which invested in Myungsoondang, and Jessica, the owner of the restaurant where Mary's sister Sori worked in the U.S., were the same person. Woo-joo also recalled that the representative of J Consulting, involved in the U.S. factory establishment, was named Jessica, leading him to suspect that his uncle-in-law Han-goo was colluding with someone trying to seize the company's management rights.

Woo-joo and Mary teamed up with Woo-joo's cousin, Jang Eung-soo (played by Go Geon-han), who was aware of Han-goo's affair, to protect Myungsoondang and their family. The trio spread false information that Pil-nyeon had regained consciousness, leading Min-jung, who came to kill Pil-nyeon, to be arrested, clearing Myungsoondang's name. However, the conspiracy between Han-goo and Min-jung remains undisclosed.

Woo-joo confronted Han-goo, declaring, "I will uncover the truth," drawing attention. Woo-joo attempted to negotiate with Min-jung, who was in custody, while Han-goo searched Min-jung's residence for crucial evidence. Han-goo found an old cellphone used by Min-jung, which contained evidence that he was behind the car accident that killed Woo-joo's parents 25 years ago. As Han-goo prepared to leave, whistling with the damning evidence in hand, Woo-joo appeared before him, asking, "Was it you, uncle, behind my parents' accident?" Woo-joo's pained expression evoked sympathy and heightened anticipation for whether he will bring Han-goo to justice in the next episode.

Most notably, Mary's unwavering love and support moved viewers. Just as the young Mary had comforted a crying young Woo-joo by giving him a doll, she stood by Woo-joo during his difficult moments, offering solace and encouraging him to share his burdens. Like the young Mary who cried on behalf of the young Woo-joo, she expressed anger and embraced him, providing warm comfort and a safe haven. Mary's heartfelt rendition of 'To a Lady' conveyed her feelings, and Woo-joo's involuntary smile at her gesture added a touch of romance, showcasing their relationship as a source of mutual salvation and deep emotional impact.

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