A Mysterious Encounter In this South Korean fantasy romance drama, we’re introduced to Lee Hong-jo, a civil servant, and Jang Shin-yu, an ace lawyer. Their paths cross when Hong-jo unexpectedly comes into possession of a forbidden book sealed for 300 years. Little do they know, their destinies are about to intertwine in unexpected ways.
Get to know the talented cast, including Jo Bo-ah, Rowoon, Ha Jun, and Yura. Jo Bo-ah, known for her role in “Tale of the Nine-Tailed,” takes on the character of Hong-jo, while Rowoon, from “Tomorrow,” portrays the enigmatic Shin-yu. Ha Jun and Yura also bring their acting prowess to this captivating series.
Destined With You Episode 1 Recap: First Meeting at a Haunted Shrine
The drama kicks off on a rainy day near Mount Onju, where Hong-jo and Shin-yu’s fateful meeting takes place. Hong-jo, with her spirited personality, mistakenly thinks Shin-yu is a “handsome grim reaper.” Their interaction leads to an unexpected photo, setting the stage for their intriguing connection.
Flashbacks and Connections
Through flashbacks, we delve into their professional lives, where Hong-jo’s sense of responsibility as a civil servant contrasts with Shin-yu’s sharp lawyering skills. We witness a case that Shin-yu won six months ago, defending a construction worker in dire straits.
Shin-yu’s Mysterious Curse
A mysterious curse starts to unravel as we see a blood-red hand touching Shin-yu’s face, hinting at the supernatural element in the story. This curse seems to be linked to his deteriorating health, caused by a genetic brain disorder. Meanwhile, we meet Kwon Jae-kyung, another colleague at Onju City Hall, who catches Hong-jo’s eye.
Hong-jo’s New Responsibility
Hong-jo’s transfer to the Park maintenance department leads to her involvement in the demolition of an abandoned haunted shrine. This shrine has a connection to Shin-yu’s family, and their unexpected encounter adds an intriguing twist to their relationship. As they banter and clash over the shrine’s fate, their connection deepens.
The Mysterious Wooden Box
A shaman reveals a cryptic message to Hong-jo, indicating that all pain and suffering will cease once a hidden wooden box at the shrine reaches its rightful owner – Hong-jo herself. The episode ends with Shin-yu discovering this enigmatic wooden box, setting the stage for a captivating journey ahead.
Destined With You Episode 1 Review:
A Promising Start
In this series opener, “Destined With You” manages to make a strong first impression. It successfully introduces the characters and sets the tone for the mysterious journey ahead. The fantasy elements, including the intriguing Red Hand sequence and the eerie shrine scene, captivate viewers from the start.
Meet Hong-jo and Shin-yu Jo Bo-ah’s portrayal of Hong-jo shines with her vibrant personality, instantly earning her our support. On the other hand, Rowoon’s Shin-yu initially appears cold, but hints at hidden depths that promise character development. The budding chemistry between the leads adds to the excitement right from the first episode.
Technical Excellence
The episode doesn’t hold back on technical aspects, delivering effective jump-scares during the shrine scenes. The background score contributes to the eerie atmosphere, enhancing the overall creepiness. The introduction of the mysterious wooden box early on intensifies the anticipation for what’s to come.
A Promising Cliffhanger
The final moments leave us with a cliffhanger as Shin-yu discovers the enigmatic wooden box hinted at by the shaman. Meanwhile, Hong-jo, despite her accomplishments at City Hall, feels left out by her team. In a touching moment, Shin-yu extends an invitation, setting the stage for their evolving connection.
Impressive Performances
Rowoon and Jo Bo-ah deliver authentic performances that draw viewers in. The supporting cast, including Ha Jun and Yura, also shows promise, with the first episode highlighting their potential.
Where to Watch
“Destined With You Episode 1” is available for streaming on Netflix, and new episodes air on JTBC every Wednesday-Thursday at 10.30 PM. Don’t miss this captivating journey into a world of mystery and romance.