Tensions Rise in 'No Next Life' as Kim Hee-sun and Han Ji-hye Reconcile Amidst Mysterious Ending

Kim Hee-sun and Han Ji-hye's characters reach a dramatic reconciliation in 'No Next Life,' but the episode ends with a mysterious 'contact lost panic ending' as the whereabouts of the children remain unknown.

The sixth episode of TV CHOSUN's Monday-Tuesday miniseries 'No Next Life,' aired on the 25th, achieved a peak viewership rating of 2.6% according to Nielsen Korea. During the show's press conference on the 10th, Kim Hee-sun humorously mentioned the competing tvN drama 'Annoying Love,' questioning the relatability of its romance. 'Annoying Love' features a romance between Lee Jung-jae and Lim Ji-yeon, who have an 18-year age difference.

In the episode, Jo Na-jung (played by Kim Hee-sun) confronts her husband No Won-bin (played by Yoon Park) after seeing him with Kim Sun-min (played by Seo Eun-young) at a cafe. Despite Kim Sun-min's explanation that she was asking for a job, Jo Na-jung questions No Won-bin's intentions. At home, she continues to express her doubts, but No Won-bin reassures her to trust him.

While her home life seems calm, Jo Na-jung faces challenges at work from her school rival Yang Mi-sook (played by Han Ji-hye). Yang Mi-sook pressures Jo Na-jung to give up a broadcast opportunity, leading to a heated exchange. Yang Mi-sook further provokes Jo Na-jung by reminding her that she owns Jo Na-jung's rental home. Yang Mi-sook also gains favor with colleagues by giving gifts, dismissing Jo Na-jung's protests with a snide remark about her wealth.

Yang Mi-sook discovers that Jo Na-jung's husband is a producer at Sweet Home Shopping and spreads unverified rumors about Jo Na-jung receiving preferential treatment, putting her in a difficult position.

As tensions peak, Jo Na-jung learns that Yang Mi-sook excluded her from a gathering with colleagues. She confronts Yang Mi-sook, who accuses her of lying about her job at Sweet. Jo Na-jung apologizes for her lie, but Yang Mi-sook and the colleagues remain skeptical, leaving Jo Na-jung feeling wronged.

Yang Mi-sook also raises concerns about the intern hiring process with executive Seo Kyung-sun (played by Kim Young-ah), leading to Seo Kyung-sun's anger. Seo Kyung-sun decides to exclude Jo Na-jung from all programming and orders the immediate dismissal of interns lacking qualifications. However, Yang Mi-sook struggles during her first broadcast, making several mistakes and appearing dejected afterward.

Meanwhile, Jo Na-jung senses something amiss when Ju Chul-geun (played by Kim Hyung-min) tries to take Yang Mi-sook's daughter from kindergarten. Suspecting an abduction, Jo Na-jung intervenes and heads to the police station. Yang Mi-sook arrives, revealing that Ju Chul-geun squandered her earnings on another woman, and she fears losing custody of her daughter without a stable job.

Touched by Yang Mi-sook's plight, Jo Na-jung offers her a notebook with broadcasting tips, and Yang Mi-sook asks for further guidance. Jo Na-jung agrees to help, coaching Yang Mi-sook on broadcasting skills.

During Yang Mi-sook's subsequent broadcast, Jo Na-jung watches from the studio, offering support. The broadcast sells out, and Yang Mi-sook expresses gratitude to Jo Na-jung, though she maintains her aloof demeanor. Jo Na-jung acknowledges Yang Mi-sook's pride, following her out with a sense of camaraderie.

The episode concludes with a tense scene as Jo Na-jung repeatedly calls the children's caretaker, who doesn't answer. The camera pans to a dark, empty house, heightening the suspense with the ominous 'contact lost panic ending.'

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