[TV Report = Heo Jang-won] KBS 2TV’s weekend drama “Love Prescription” is experiencing a significant surge in popularity.
The fourth episode, which aired on the evening of the 8th, showcased subtle changes in the relationship between Gong Joo-ah (Jin Se-yeon) and Yang Hyun-bin (Park Ki-woong), alongside a dramatic power struggle between the Gong and Yang families over the merchant association election.
The episode achieved a viewership rating of 17.7% (Nielsen Korea, nationwide households), breaking its own record and securing the top spot among all weekend broadcasts. The show’s growing popularity is evident in its upward trend, with ratings of 14.3%, 16.8%, and 15.7% for the first three episodes, respectively.
Moreover, the key demographic rating for ages 20-49 topped the charts for all broadcasts aired on the 1st, appealing to both traditional middle-aged viewers and younger audiences.
Viewers enthusiastically praised the show, with comments like, “This is what a weekend drama should be,” “Excited to see Jin Se-yeon and Park Ki-woong reunite,” “The character development is fantastic,” “The intertwined family dynamics are classic weekend drama gold,” “The fight between Gong Jeong-han and Yang Dong-ik was hilarious,” and “It’s so relatable, I’m hooked.”
▲ A modern-day ‘Romeo and Juliet’: The thrilling synergy of feuding families
“Love Prescription” is a family makeover drama where two families, entangled in a 30-year feud, resolve misunderstandings and heal wounds to become one family. It offers a contemporary twist on the classic Romeo and Juliet romance.
The relationship between Gong Joo-ah and Yang Hyun-bin, children of the feuding families, has captivated viewers. The drama’s central conflict revolves around how Gong Joo-ah, previously indifferent to romance, will react to the bold charm of Yang Hyun-bin, her childhood admirer. Their dynamic, with Joo-ah’s innocence in matters of love and Hyun-bin’s emotional honesty, is stirring viewers’ romantic sensibilities.
The show also features a rich multigenerational family narrative. The Gong family storyline includes Joo-ah, who became a doctor to please her mother but ultimately pursued her dream as a designer, among other unique character arcs.
The family’s matriarch, Na Seon-hae (Kim Mi-sook), and the middle-aged couple Han Sung-mi (Yoo Ho-jung) and Gong Jeong-han (Kim Seung-soo) bring depth to the story, exploring realistic marital struggles and offering intergenerational empathy and comfort.
The Yang family adds further dimension with its diverse characters. Yang Hyun-bin, always loyal to his family, contrasts with his patriarchal, emotionally reserved grandfather Yang Seon-chul (Joo Jin-mo) and his father Yang Dong-ik (Kim Hyeong-mook), who yearns for love and respect.
Cha Se-ri (So Yi-hyun), the supportive wife of Yang Dong-ik, rounds out the cast, showcasing the Yang family’s unique blend of tight-knit bonds and lighthearted affection.
▲ Tables turn as a scheme is exposed: The Gong vs. Yang family feud intensifies
In the latest episode, both couples – Gong Jeong-han and Han Sung-mi, Yang Dong-ik and Cha Se-ri – ended up at the police station after a heated altercation. The situation turned against Han Sung-mi when no incriminating photos were found on Cha Se-ri’s phone. This led to a confrontation between Gong Joo-ah and her mother, with Joo-ah demanding, “Mom, did you really have an affair?” further straining their relationship.
Meanwhile, at Gong Joo-ah and Yang Hyun-bin’s workplace, the fashion department was buzzing with excitement. Yang Hyun-bin’s proposal for a design review and budget increase was approved. The design team was energized by the promise of public credit for winning a fashion contest, and Gong Joo-ah expressed heartfelt gratitude to Yang Hyun-bin for recognizing designers’ value.
The alleged affair scandal took a new turn when Yang Eun-bin revealed that Han Sung-mi had obtained café CCTV footage. However, Han Sung-mi chose to settle the matter rather than pressure Yang Dong-ik to withdraw his candidacy, displaying unexpected grace.
Gong Jeong-han, unwilling to let the matter rest, hatched a late-night plot with Gong Dae-han (Choi Dae-cheol) to vandalize his own election posters and frame Yang Dong-ik. Their cloak-and-dagger antics provided comic relief for viewers.
As the episode concluded, Gong Joo-ah realized the similarities between her childhood memories and Yang Hyun-bin, pieces of the puzzle falling into place. Their reunion at a nostalgic pork cutlet restaurant ended with Joo-ah’s enigmatic smile, leaving audiences eager for the next installment.
The fifth episode of KBS 2TV’s weekend drama “Love Prescription” will air on the 14th at 8 PM.
Heo Jang-won, reporter hjw@tvreport.co.kr / Photo: KBS 2TV ‘Love Prescription’
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