Romantic Tensions Rise in 'Efficient Meeting of Singles' as Han Ji-min and Park Sung-hoon Share a Kiss

'Efficient Meeting of Singles' transforms awkward tension into a budding romance between Han Ji-min and Park Sung-hoon.

In the fourth episode of JTBC's weekend drama 'Efficient Meeting of Singles,' aired on the 8th, Lee Yi-young (played by Han Ji-min) and Song Tae-seop (played by Park Sung-hoon) share a cautious first kiss after overcoming conflicts, marking the start of their romantic journey. The episode achieved its highest ratings yet, with 5.5% in the metropolitan area and 4.8% nationwide, peaking at 6.2% in the metropolitan area according to Nielsen Korea's paid household ratings.

On this day, Lee Yi-young, a senior member of The Hills Hotel's purchasing team, was shocked to discover that the CEO of the space brand HOME was her first blind date, Song Tae-seop. This was particularly awkward as the hotel had previously requested cooperation for a brand pop-up but had unilaterally canceled, and now needed to renegotiate due to issues with the project.

Approaching a blind date with business matters isn't easy. Lee Yi-young decided to set aside her prepared proposal and began with a sincere apology, aiming to bridge the emotional gap. She joined Song Tae-seop, his business partner Lee Eun-ho (played by Jo Bok-rae), and Lee Eun-ho's daughter Lee Soo-ah (played by Kim Ro-ah) during their camping trip, focusing on building rapport. Her warm and down-to-earth nature melted the previously chilly atmosphere.

A heartfelt moment of clarification between the two finally occurred. Song Tae-seop confessed that his comments about marriage stemmed from a sense of responsibility in dating and genuine feelings for Lee Yi-young. Lee Yi-young admitted that she pursued additional blind dates because she misunderstood Song Tae-seop's indifferent reaction as a lack of interest. With their hidden feelings revealed, a romantic tension filled the air.

However, the smooth progress was short-lived. Song Tae-seop discovered that Lee Yi-young's visit was ultimately business-related, leading to a rapid change in the situation. Feeling betrayed, Song Tae-seop coldly sent Lee Yi-young away, leaving her stranded in bad weather with no chance to explain.

Despite the pouring rain, Song Tae-seop couldn't shake his concern for Lee Yi-young and went to find her. Discovering her shivering at a bus stop, he asked her to explain herself. Lee Yi-young expressed her desire to show him another side of herself, beyond what he had seen. In the ensuing emotional whirlwind, they shared a cautious kiss.

Meanwhile, as the green light for Lee Yi-young and Song Tae-seop's romance flickered, a new development arose with the appearance of Shin Ji-soo (played by Lee Ki-taek), the second blind date, as a staff member at a café near Lee Yi-young's hotel. Shin Ji-soo approached Lee Yi-young playfully, suggesting they meet again.

At that moment, Song Tae-seop entered the café to meet Lee Yi-young, recognized Shin Ji-soo, and boldly declared, "Yesterday, we kissed," to Lee Yi-young. The assertive stance of Song Tae-seop, Lee Yi-young's flustered reaction, and Shin Ji-soo's stern expression heightened anticipation for the unfolding love triangle.

Reporter: Jung Se-yoon, Ten Asia yoon@tenasia.co.kr