'Brave New World' Im Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun, Finally 'Mutual Romance'

*This content was translated by AI.

'Brave New World' shows Im Ji-yeon awakening her love for Heo Nam-jun, a 'straightforward man' who never gives up.

In the 7th episode of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Brave New World' (directed by Han Tae-seop, Kim Hyun-woo / script by Kang Hyun-ju), which aired on the night of the 29th, the changing dynamics between Shin Seo-ri (played by Kang Dan-sim, portrayed by Im Ji-yeon) and Cha Se-gye (played by Lee Hyun, portrayed by Heo Nam-jun) were depicted following their surprise first kiss on Jeju Island.

The 7th episode recorded a peak viewership of 10.7% and a national average of 9.4%, securing first place in its time slot and topping all mini-series aired during the week, continuing its box office momentum. Additionally, viewership among the 2049 demographic averaged 3.4%, soaring to a high of 4.29%, proving its power by setting a new record for the 2049 demographic (based on Nielsen Korea).

After kissing Cha Se-gye, Seo-ri recalled her days as Dan-sim. Lee Hyun gave Kang Dan-sim a gift of a 'gift for the one you love' and even revealed his secrets, showing that Dan-sim was a special person. In particular, Hyun said, "You've come too close to me and even learned my secrets, so now I don't know what to do with you," then stepped closer to Dan-sim and teased, "Should I kill you? Or save you?" Seeing Hyun's playful approach up close, Dan-sim seemed to smile with a fluttering heart.

Meanwhile, Se-gye's eldest aunt, Cha Ju-ran (played by Jung Young-joo), visited Seo-ri and thrust an envelope at her. Seo-ri thought to herself, "This is the envelope that chaebol mothers-in-law bring out when they try to drive a wedge between a man and a woman," then refused the envelope, saying, "I can't break up with Cha Se-gye." Instead, when Ju-ran praised her and asked her to stick close to Se-gye, Seo-ri exploded in anger, shouting, "They treat me like a plague!" and threw a piece of dried persimmon, causing laughter. After Ju-ran left, Se-gye's blind date, Mo Tae-hee (played by Chae Seo-an), appeared and scratched Seo-ri's pride. "I plan to put a crown on Se-gye's head. I have that much power. But what can you do?" Hearing Tae-hee's words, a hurt Seo-ri. Ultimately, she tried to turn away her feelings for Se-gye.

Especially, the scene where Dan-sim nurtured her love for Hyun and Seo-ri tried to cut off Se-gye were interwoven, adding poignancy. Upon hearing news that Hyun might get married, Dan-sim said, "If you are going to leave, you shouldn't have been so gentle with a mere palace maid," and was heartbroken over memories with Hyun. Seo-ri, recalling painful memories from her past life, said, "You must cut it off before it even sprouts," revealing her fear of being hurt by deepening love, evoking sympathy.

Seo-ri told Se-gye, "Don't do anything to me," and poured out resentment instead of sincerity: "I don't want to use you as a shield anymore. Since I can't do anything for you, stop now." Also, after pretending not to know about the kiss on Jeju Island, Seo-ri told Se-gye, "I am enough with just myself under the sky, and even if I need a man, you are absolutely not it," deliberately hurting him with harsh words, making viewers ache with longing.

While misunderstandings arose between Seo-ri and Se-gye due to those around them, Choi Moon-do (played by Jang Seung-jo) took action. He spread rumors that Se-gye had committed a hit-and-run accident after drunk driving on Jeju Island. On Seo-ri's birthday, Se-gye faced an owner-risk crisis due to Moon-do's slander.

When Son Sil-jang (played by Yoon Byung-hee) suggested revealing the situation by calling Seo-ri, who was with him on Jeju Island, Se-gye said, "Block that woman's exposure no matter what," drawing attention for trying to protect Seo-ri over himself.

Seo-ri also faced an unexpected situation on her birthday. Her grandmother, Nam Ok-soon (played by Gimhae Suk), was diagnosed with a heart-related stroke and mild Alzheimer's. Even while hospitalized, Seo-ri made sure to prepare seaweed soup for her birthday, and tears welled up as she witnessed her grandmother's love, which wished only for her happiness, evoking a choked feeling.

Seo-ri learned that Se-gye was in trouble but tried to convince herself that nothing serious would happen and headed home. The moment she climbed the brightly lit stairs, unlike usual, and went to her attic room, a bright world unfolded before her, unlike before. It was a birthday gift prepared by Se-gye, who remembered Seo-ri's words, "I hate places that are blocked and dark." Seo-ri's iron wall crumbled at Se-gye's sincere message written on the card: "May your night shine a little brighter than yesterday." Seo-ri said, "If you keep shaking me, I will, without shame, wish for happiness and miracles," and "I will wish that I no longer want to be alone," awakening her love.

Soon, Seo-ri ran to save Se-gye and met him at the BJ Building surrounded by reporters. Seo-ri declared to Se-gye, "I'm here to protect you. I'll try anything for you, whatever it takes." Surprised by Seo-ri's appearance, who had tried hard to hide her identity to protect him, Se-gye made a shield with his suit to prevent reporters from filming Seo-ri.

Seo-ri, who had been pushing Se-gye away all this time, took his hand first and confessed her true feelings: "(Even if you break or shatter) It's okay if I'm with you." Amidst a barrage of flashes, the image of the two holding hands and Seo-ri's response to Se-gye's message, "May your night shine a little brighter than yesterday," saying, "You really shine, being with you," was depicted poignantly, leaving a lingering impression. It hinted at the beginning of a full-fledged 'mutual straightforward' romance, heightening expectations.

The 8th episode of 'Brave New World' will air at 9:50 PM on the 30th.

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*This content was translated by AI.