Steamy Kiss Scene in 'Secret Inspector' Raises Heart Rates and Ratings

The latest episode of tvN's weekend drama 'Secret Inspector' featured a heart-racing kiss between Shin Hye-sun and Gong Myung, captivating viewers.

In the fourth episode aired on the 3rd, the relationship between Joo In-ah (played by Shin Hye-sun) and Noh Ki-joon (played by Gong Myung) took a dramatic turn as they shared a secret. The unexpected kiss in the art studio left viewers' hearts pounding.

The audience's response was enthusiastic. The fourth episode achieved its highest ratings yet, with an average of 8.1% and a peak of 9.5% in the Seoul metropolitan area, and an average of 7.9% and a peak of 9.1% nationwide. This marked a significant increase from the previous episode's 4.8% rating, securing the top spot in its time slot across cable and general programming channels. Among tvN's target demographic of viewers aged 20-49, the ratings also peaked at 3.2% in the metropolitan area and 3.1% nationwide, ranking first across all channels in the same time slot. (Based on Nielsen Korea's paid platform data)

In this episode, Noh Ki-joon accidentally discovered Joo In-ah's secret hobby as a nude model, leaving him in turmoil. While Ki-joon tried to maintain his distance, In-ah remained calm and composed, hinting at a shift in their dynamic.

A turning point arrived as they investigated a suspicious audit at Haemu Group's main research lab. In-ah quickly identified the target, and Ki-joon skillfully persuaded a nervous interviewee, showcasing their seamless teamwork. They uncovered suspicious activity in the corporate card records of James (played by David), the CTO of Haemu Electronics, brought in by Vice Chairman Jeon Jae-yeol (played by Kim Jae-wook). In-ah cleverly gathered information from James, aware of the risks involved. To secure evidence, In-ah and Ki-joon embarked on a covert operation at a hotel where James was staying.

Posing as a couple for the hotel infiltration, In-ah and Ki-joon were momentarily taken aback by the romantic setup. However, the awkwardness quickly dissipated as they shared a playful moment, leading to a passionate embrace on the bed. The intense eye contact at such close proximity left viewers' hearts racing.

The hotel operation concluded successfully. Just as James was about to pressure a subordinate, In-ah intervened, seemingly resolving the situation. However, tensions arose between Jeon Jae-yeol and In-ah. Ki-joon silently adjusted In-ah's disheveled shirt, but the tension between her and the vice chairman lingered in his mind. The next day, In-ah playfully placed a clip on Ki-joon's head, making him smile.

Ki-joon received another anonymous email, this time with a photo of In-ah embracing a mysterious man in a parking garage. Despite holding a potential card to ruin In-ah, Ki-joon felt conflicted, recalling their intimate moment at the hotel and In-ah's bright smile. Seeking clarity, Ki-joon returned to the art academy, where he began painting In-ah without any prejudice or resentment. As they admired the finished painting, their intense eye contact led to a passionate kiss, hinting at a new chapter in their relationship.

The past of Jeon Jae-yeol and Park Ah-jung was also revealed. On a night when Park was cornered by loan sharks, Jeon offered her an apartment without any conditions, marking the start of their connection. When Park misinterpreted his kindness and tried to cross a line, Jeon calmly advised her to accept it as a gesture of goodwill. His composed demeanor stirred Park's feelings, but when she confessed, Jeon dismissed it, leaving Park in unrequited love. The mystery of Jeon's true feelings for Park adds intrigue to the unfolding story.

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