Fake Kidnapping Plot Unravels in 'How to Become a Building Owner in Korea'

The fake kidnapping scheme orchestrated by Ha Jung-woo and Kim Jun-han has spiraled out of control.

In the second episode of tvN's weekend drama 'How to Become a Building Owner in Korea' (hereafter 'Building Owner'), aired on the 15th, Ki Soo-jong (played by Ha Jung-woo) and Min Hwal-seong (played by Kim Jun-han) staged a fake kidnapping to get their hands on 3 billion won.

The second episode of 'Building Owner' recorded an average nationwide household rating of 4.5%, peaking at 5.0%, and an average metropolitan household rating of 5.0%, peaking at 5.8%.

The episode began with Min Hwal-seong deciding to fake the kidnapping of his wife, Jeon Yi-kyung (played by Jung Soo-jung). Min Hwal-seong, who was ignored at home as a freeloading son-in-law, was pressured by loan sharks and came up with a way to raise money. When his friend Ki Soo-jong discovered the kidnapping plan, Min Hwal-seong provoked him by saying, "How long will you live being ignored? I'll let you in," and offered to share 500 million won if he helped.

Initially shocked, Ki Soo-jong was swayed by the promise of 500 million won. He also needed money as Se-yoon Building was about to be auctioned off. Ki Soo-jong was tasked with administering anesthesia to Jeon Yi-kyung, who was locked in a freezer, three times a day. His nerve-wracking time trying not to get caught continued. He hurriedly blocked visitors heading to the freezer and, after missing the injection time, was relieved when he managed to knock Jeon Yi-kyung unconscious again.

Min Hwal-seong also had Ki Soo-jong act as the kidnapper. He demanded a ransom of 3 billion won from his mother-in-law, Jeon Yang-ja (played by Kim Geum-soon), and Ki Soo-jong practiced his kidnapper role diligently, preparing for the hostage exchange. He boldly demanded 1.5 billion won of the 3 billion as his fee.

However, the mother-in-law's reaction was unexpected. Jeon Yang-ja showed her determination not to be fooled and even reported to the police, escalating the situation. Unaware of the police's involvement, Ki Soo-jong donned a mask and prepared thoroughly, only to realize something was amiss during the hostage exchange. As the police closed in, Min Hwal-seong tried to stop Ki Soo-jong, leading to a scuffle that resulted in Min Hwal-seong falling over a railing. Shocked by his friend's unexpected accident, Ki Soo-jong fled in a car as the police pursued, ending the episode on a tense note.

Contrary to Min Hwal-seong's plan to end the scheme without anyone getting hurt and just receiving the money, the fake kidnapping spiraled out of control with police involvement and Min Hwal-seong's fall.

The episode introduced unexpected variables, heightening curiosity about future developments. Disappointed by her husband, who was only focused on buildings, Kim Sun (played by Im Soo-jung) sought divorce counseling and suspected Ki Soo-jong of having an affair when she saw him driving out late at night, following him. The police, having discovered Ki Soo-jong at the scene of Kim Kyun's (played by Kim Nam-gil) car accident, turned their suspicion towards him. Viewers are keen to see how Ki Soo-jong will navigate this crisis amid suspicions from Kim Sun and the police.

Reporter Tae Yuna, Ten Asia youyou@tenasia.co.kr