‘Real Love’ is about to end, focusing on sincerity rather than romance

The tvN drama 'The Practical Guide to Love', which is about to end its 4th episode, has shifted to highlighting the true feelings of the characters by organizing the blind date competition and love triangle. In episodes 7 and 8, scenes that warmed the hearts of viewers appeared one after another, from the unexpected support of Tae-seop's (played by Park Seong-hoon) mother to the friendship between Ui-young (played by Han Ji-min) and Ji-soo (played by Lee Ki-taek).

Oh Min-ae's presence overturns the mother-in-law cliché

In Korean dramas, the mother of the male protagonist is often portrayed as a character who hands the female protagonist an envelope of money and demands that she "leave her son." However, Tae-seop's mother, played by Oh Min-ae in 'Real Love', completely overturned this formula.

In episode 7, when Ui-young and Tae-seop returned home from a movie date, their mother suddenly appeared in front of them, repeatedly apologizing for interrupting the romantic atmosphere, and hurriedly left. Even though he recognized Uiyoung as a regular at his restaurant, he left no judgment or interference, and only asked, "Treat my son well." This seemingly ordinary scene came across as a refreshing twist within the grammar of K-drama.

Uiyoung visits Jisoo’s mother on her death anniversary, friendship goes beyond romance

Episode 8 clearly showed that Ui-young's heart was leaning toward Tae-seop, while also providing another touching moment in her relationship with Ji-soo. As the relationship between Ji-soo's father (Choi Won-young) and stepmother Son Jeong-ah (Moon Jeong-hee) is reported in the media, Ji-soo suffers from strong public opinion. After learning that the theater he worked at was run with the support of his stepmother, he quits his job.

After learning of Ji-soo's situation, Ui-young wanders around looking for him and encounters him at a memorial site on the anniversary of his mother's death. She stayed by his side silently, holding an umbrella for him, and only then did Jisoo reveal the pain in his heart. This scene captures sincere comfort as friends rather than lovers, proving that their relationship is a meaningful bond beyond romance.

Taeseop showed his true worth with quiet good deeds

Ui-yeong's fellow intern, Dawn (played by Kim So-hye), loses her chance at a full-time contract due to a small mistake. Taeseop, who finds out about this, appreciates Dawn's sincerity and offers her a job at his furniture workshop.

What is noteworthy is that Taeseop did not inform Uiyoung of this. It was only later that Uiyoung heard about Dawn’s new job. Taeseop's actions, which he purely believed in and helped the other person's potential without any intention of impressing his lover, showed what true warmth is and won the favor of viewers.

Uiyoung finally realizes her own feelings

The key point that runs through episodes 7 and 8 is the process of Uiyoung recognizing her emotions. As the meetings that started as a blind date project gradually become organized, her gaze becomes more and more clearly focused on one person. Expectations are high to see how their relationship will end over the remaining four episodes.