Our Golden Days delicately depicts the emotional lines caused by changes in the characters' relationships, further heightening viewers' immersion.
In episodes 17 and 18 of the KBS 2TV weekend drama Our Golden Days (directed by Kim Hyung-seok, written by So Hyun-gyeong), Ji Hyuk (played by Jung Il-woo) finally realizes his feelings for Eun-o (played by Jung In-sun), foreshadowing a full-fledged romance. We examined the three-stage relationship changes between Ji Hyuk and Eun-o.
#1단계: Jung Il-woo has been the object of Jung In-sun's five-year unrequited love
Eun-o had long held feelings for Ji Hyuk, whom she met as a senior in a college club. In the past, she saw Ji Hyuk single-handedly protect neighbors who were about to be driven out of their homes by thugs and learned of the sense of justice and warm nature hidden behind his gruff exterior. With the help of Park Sung-jae (played by Yoon Hyun-min), she barely confessed to Ji Hyuk, but he coldly rejected her and compounded her hurt by suddenly announcing his marriage to the only daughter of a chaebol family, Jung Bo-ah (played by Go Won-hee).
#2단계: Jung Il-woo and Jung In-sun become sworn enemies, the start of mutual dislike!
The marriage, carried out based only on conditions, ended in a broken engagement, and Ji Hyuk briefly disappeared before returning to the cafe "Ajit," where Eun-o works, with a business idea to get back on his feet. Ji Hyuk turned the cafe's storage room into his office, and an uncomfortable relationship with Eun-o began. Because of past wounds, Eun-o, unable to look kindly on Ji Hyuk, ignored even the business he was promoting, and Ji Hyuk picked fights over small things, even feeling self-conscious about eating a cup of instant noodles in front of her. In the end, Eun-o declared she would quit her job as cafe manager, but her heart wavered at Ji Hyuk's sincere plea, and the uncomfortable cohabitation continued.
#3단계: Jung Il-woo belatedly recognizes his feelings for Jung In-sun and enters 'regretful man' mode!
Ji Hyuk reached a turning point in their relationship when he saved Eun-o from the threat of a robber late at night. Afterwards, he looked out for her late returns, searched the neighborhood worrying when she was briefly away, and showed meticulous care. Eun-o, feeling guilt toward her younger brother Ji Gang-o (played by Yang Hyuk) after learning he was adopted, started a joint business with Ji Hyuk but still maintained distance. Meanwhile, Sung-jae's presence by Eun-o's side stoked Ji Hyuk's jealousy, and when Eun-o, who had successfully closed a difficult contract, smiled brightly at him, Ji Hyuk finally realized his true feelings for her.
In this way, Our Golden Days delicately unravels the subtle emotional lines and relationship changes between Ji Hyuk and Eun-o. Viewers' anticipation for their romance has grown as questions remain about what choice Ji Hyuk, who has come to like Eun-o, will make and how his feelings will affect the triangle involving Eun-o and Sung-jae.
[Photo] KBS 2TV Our Golden Days broadcast capture
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