'Simu-myeon Yeonliri' Premieres with Heartwarming Humor and Promising Start

'Simu-myeon Yeonliri' made a successful debut on Thursday night, delivering pure-hearted humor to the audience.

The first episode of KBS 2TV's mini-series 'Simu-myeon Yeonliri', aired on March 26th at 9:50 PM, showcased the intriguing story of Seong Tae-hoon (played by Park Sung-woong) and his family's unexpected journey to the rural area of 'Yeonliri'. The episode recorded a viewership rating of 2.9% nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea, marking a promising start.

The episode began with Seong Tae-hoon, who had climbed the corporate ladder to become a department head, facing a crisis. In an attempt to resolve an issue related to cabbage supply, he approached his superior, Director Choi (played by Min Sung-wook), only to be reassigned to the 'Yeonliri' branch, known as the exile of 'Mat Story'. Despite contemplating resignation, Seong Tae-hoon chose to face reality, considering his responsibilities as the head of a family with a son in medical school and other children studying abroad.

As the new head of the Yeonliri branch, Seong Tae-hoon was tasked with the crucial mission of successfully cultivating cabbage, which was vital for the company's future. Upon arriving in Yeonliri, he was overwhelmed by the barren fields but found a new ally in the village chief, Im Joo-hyung (played by Lee Seo-hwan). The process of finding a place for his family to stay was fraught with challenges, leaving a strong impression.

The plot thickened as Seong Tae-hoon's wife, Jo Mi-ryeo (played by Lee Soo-kyung), and their three sons returned from overseas, drawing attention. Shocked by her husband's sudden reassignment, Jo Mi-ryeo moved to Yeonliri with the family. While initially taken aback by the old rural house, Seong Tae-hoon began his cabbage farming, and Jo Mi-ryeo got involved with the local women's association, each adapting to their new rural life. Meanwhile, the farm manager, Noh Hyun-gap (played by Jung Sun-chul), seemed to be reporting Seong Tae-hoon's every move, adding tension.

Seong Tae-hoon, determined to succeed, declared, "Farming is nothing! If you plant, it will grow!" as he embarked on his cabbage farming journey. However, with no prior farming experience, his efforts faced numerous challenges from the start, providing a mix of humor and sympathy.

Upon learning that Seong Tae-hoon's ultimate goal was cabbage farming, Im Joo-hyung expressed strong opposition, saying, "You've left this land barren for 10 years, and now you want to clear the stones and expect something to grow?" His hostility stemmed from Seong Tae-hoon's association with 'Mat Story'. The episode ended with Im Joo-hyung declaring his intent to hinder Seong Tae-hoon's farming efforts, foreshadowing their impending conflict. The scene concluded with Seong Tae-hoon getting drenched in the middle of the wasteland, hinting at the challenges ahead.

Meanwhile, Seong Tae-hoon's eldest son, Seong Ji-cheon (played by Lee Jin-woo), met Im Bo-mi (played by Choi Gyu-ri), the only daughter of the village chief and a nutritionist who has long cared for the villagers. Their unexpected encounter amidst the crisis brought a fresh sense of excitement, hinting at another storyline to unfold.

'Simu-myeon Yeonliri' successfully combined comedy and realistic daily life from its first episode, offering a refreshing start. The chemistry between the trusted actors Park Sung-woong and Lee Soo-kyung, along with the unique characters and the rural setting of Yeonliri, provided a healing experience for viewers weary of daily life.

The second episode of 'Simu-myeon Yeonliri' will air on April 2nd at 9:50 PM.

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