Heartfelt Moments Unfold in JTBC's 'Love Me': Alzheimer's Diagnosis and Unwavering Support

Yoo Jae-myung stands by Yoon Se-ah after her Alzheimer's diagnosis.

In episodes 11 and 12 of JTBC's Friday series 'Love Me,' aired on the 23rd, Seo Jun-kyung (played by Seo Hyun-jin) learns that truth is not always a salvation. Witnessing the silence and pain of Joo Do-hyun (played by Jang Ryul) and the confusion of Daniel (played by Moon Woo-jin), Jun-kyung realizes that all she can offer is an apology. However, this time she doesn't run away, finding courage in Do-hyun's support. Just like 15 years ago, Do-hyun's ex-girlfriend Im Yoon-joo (played by Gong Seong-ha) decides to return to Germany with Daniel, mistakenly believing Do-hyun would fill her loneliness. Yet, as Daniel calls Do-hyun 'dad' one last time, it signifies that their father-son bond transcends blood.

Seo Jin-ho (played by Yoo Jae-myung) faces a harsh fate once again as Jin Ja-young (played by Yoon Se-ah) is diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's. According to character descriptions, Jin Ja-young is 47 years old. Despite the diagnosis, she doesn't crumble in the face of newfound love. Not wanting to burden Jin-ho, she tries to leave before her memories fade, but Jin-ho finds and holds onto her. Meanwhile, Ja-young encounters a vision of Kim Mi-ran (played by Jang Hye-jin), who tells her, "Without Ja-young, that person won't make it," leading Ja-young to embrace him tightly.

Seo Jun-seo (played by Lee Si-woo) returns to his own life's pace. Coincidentally, he ends up as a designated driver at Ji Hye-on's (played by Dahyun) award celebration, where his sharp words, born from insecurity, hurt her. However, he finally notices Hye-on's novel, reading her sincere wish to "just keep being together like this, with beer and pork cutlet." Rejecting the path of buying qualifications with money, Jun-seo apologizes, and Hye-on, accepting his apology, gifts him her first signed copy.

On Ja-young's birthday, the family gathers at their home. Before blowing out the cake candles, Ja-young calmly reveals her illness, but no one asks further. They celebrate with applause, take commemorative photos, and share tears and hugs. Within the 'Seo family,' sorrow and happiness coexist quietly yet loudly. Alongside the old family photo of four, new family photos gradually fill the space.

Time flows back to each individual's path. Jin-ho quietly supports Ja-young as she undergoes treatment, and Jun-seo, holding Hye-on's hand, rises again, passing the weather forecaster exam to report tomorrow's weather. Jun-kyung prepares for marriage with Do-hyun and considers adoption. Now, even walking alone at night while Do-hyun sleeps, she doesn't feel lonely. The episode ends with Jun-kyung's narration, "Perhaps happiness resembles loneliness."

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