Why Cha Hak-yeon’s Performance in ‘Romance’s Absolute Value’ is Captivating Audiences: A Deep Dive

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[Sports Seoul | Kim Hyun-deok] Cha Hak‑yeon drew viewers in with the prickly warmth of a “tsundere” — outwardly cool, but quietly caring.

In Coupang Play’s The Absolute Value of Romance, which premiered on the 1st, Gausu refuses to take part in a documentary about the revival of Murim Girls’ High School. As a child, a TV appearance led to stalking, leaving him with a deep camera-related trauma, and he initially declines the shoot.

Unaware of his reasons, Yeojoo (Kim Hyang‑gi) secretly films the project at Noda‑ju’s (Kim Jae‑hyun) instruction. When Gausu discovers the footage, he feels betrayed. The situation worsens when the principal threatens to suspend Yoon Dong‑ju (Kim Dong‑kyu) to force his cooperation. Torn but determined to protect Yoon, Gausu suppresses his fear and agrees to take part.

Later, when Yeojoo returns to apologize and suddenly collapses, Gausu wastes no time: he carries her to the emergency room. The man who has kept a cool distance up to now holds her hand, soothes her, and remains steadfast at her side — a tender display that softened viewers.

Cha Hak‑yeon raises the episode’s emotional stakes by portraying a character who confronts his trauma to shield a colleague while also showing genuine concern for his student. He gradually peels back the icy exterior to reveal a thoughtful interior, giving the role real dimensionality. With consistently steady performances each week, Cha serves as the series’ anchor.

Meanwhile, Coupang Play releases The Absolute Value of Romance every Friday at 8 p.m. on Coupang Play. khd9987@sportsseoul.com