Namkoong Min Returns in 'One Dollar Lawyer' After Three Years

Namkoong Min makes a comeback after three years in the drama 'One Dollar Lawyer.'

On the 10th, the 9th episode of SBS's Wednesday-Thursday drama 'Dynamite Kiss' recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 6.4% and 6.3% in the metropolitan area. The peak rating reached 7.5%. The key demographic of viewers aged 20-49 also saw ratings rise to 1.8%, peaking at 2.2%.

In this episode, Gong Ji-hyeok (played by Jang Ki-yong) learns all the secrets of Go Da-rim (played by Ahn Eun-jin), discovering that she is neither married nor a mother. After much contemplation, he begins a straightforward romance with her, telling her, "Don't go. I don't want to let you go," and kisses her.

Previously, Gong Ji-hyeok discovered Go Da-rim's secret just before his engagement ceremony with Yoo Ha-young (played by Woo Da-vi). Go Da-rim was neither the wife of Kim Sun-woo (played by Kim Mu-jun) nor a mother. Despite his confusion, Gong Ji-hyeok entered the engagement hall, thinking of his mother, Kim In-ae (played by Nam Gi-ae). However, during the ceremony, Kim In-ae collapsed. Alarmed, Gong Ji-hyeok rushed to her side, only to find out that she was pretending to faint, wishing for her son to be happy with the one he loves.

The next day, Gong Ji-hyeok went to work with a heavy heart and became even more confused upon seeing Go Da-rim. Go Da-rim, thinking his discomfort was due to his mother's health and the postponed engagement, was worried. At that moment, Yoo Ha-young appeared. Witnessing Gong Ji-hyeok's gesture to stop Yoo Ha-young from speaking, Go Da-rim misunderstood it as an attempt to kiss, causing her heart to ache.

Meanwhile, Gong Ji-hyeok kept probing Go Da-rim about 'sincerity,' giving her a chance to confess, but she didn't realize it. Eventually, Gong Ji-hyeok directly asked her, "Who are you? Are you really Kim Sun-woo's wife?" Shocked, Go Da-rim apologized, bowing her head. However, Gong Ji-hyeok, who had been silently suffering, couldn't easily let go of his disappointment and frustration.

That night, Go Da-rim went to see Gong Ji-hyeok. Standing in the rain, she revealed everything to him, including why she disappeared from Jeju Island and why she pretended to be a mother. Gong Ji-hyeok sent her back, and Go Da-rim cried in front of Kim Sun-woo, saying, "It's all over."

Kim Sun-woo confessed his feelings to Go Da-rim. Both Go Da-rim, who received the confession, and Kim Sun-woo, who confessed, along with Gong Ji-hyeok, who couldn't easily let go of his feelings for Go Da-rim, had a difficult night. The next day, Gong Ji-hyeok, seeing Go Da-rim helping others with a smile, recalled the moment he first fell for her. Using an excuse to work outside, he kept approaching her.

During this time, Gong Ji-hyeok and Kim Sun-woo had an interview together, engaging in a childish yet endearing rivalry over Go Da-rim. Later, Gong Ji-hyeok learned about Kim Sun-woo's confession to Go Da-rim, making him anxious that she might choose Kim Sun-woo. In a moment of desperation, he stopped Go Da-rim from leaving, confessing his true feelings, "Don't go. I don't want to let you go," and kissed her.

In this episode, Namkoong Min and Kim Ji-eun made special appearances, reprising their roles as Chun Ji-hoon and Baek Ma-ri from 'One Dollar Lawyer,' collaborating with Jang Ki-yong and Nam Gi-ae.

'One Dollar Lawyer' was immensely popular during its broadcast, reaching a peak viewership rating of 15.2%, but it unexpectedly ended early, reducing from 14 to 12 episodes. Rumors of discord and script disagreements between the writer and producer surfaced, but an SBS representative denied all allegations, stating they were unfounded.

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