This South Korean fantasy romance drama features SF9’s Rowoon and Jo Bo-ah in leading roles, alongside a supporting cast including Ha Jun and Yura.
The series, directed by Nam Ki-hoon and written by Noh Ji-sul, centers on Lee Hong-jo, a diligent civil servant, and Jang Shin-yu, a skilled lawyer. Their unexpected encounter occurs when Hong-jo becomes the owner of an ancient wooden box sealed for over 300 years, containing a forbidden book linked to Shin-yu’s family curse.
Shin-yu, suffering from a hereditary illness, seeks a cure within the book. As their paths intertwine, a charming romance unfolds.
What happened in the first episode of Destined With You
Hong-jo’s new role in the Park maintenance department leads to an unexpected link to Shin-yu’s family through a haunted shrine. A shaman’s cryptic message hints at a wooden box that holds the key to ending suffering, and Shin-yu discovers it, setting the stage for an enthralling journey.
RELATED: Episode 1 Recap – Destined with you
Destined With You Episode 2 Recap – A love spell is cast!
In this episode, Shin-yu (Rowoon) surprises Hong-jo (Jo Bo-ah) by revealing that she is the rightful owner of the mysterious wooden box, based on shaman Eun-wol’s (Kim Hyeok) guidance. He discloses the box’s age, dating back 300 years, and his willingness to trust the shaman reassures Hong-jo. Despite his offer to drive her home, she politely declines, citing their lack of closeness.
Unlocking the Mystery Box
Back at home, Hong-jo wrestles with opening the enigmatic box, facing repeated failures. Shin-yu’s insistence on its importance prompts him to persistently inquire about its status. Amid her struggles to connect with colleagues at work and lonely lunches, she receives multiple calls from Shin-yu, discussing the box. She even resorts to a video call to demonstrate her unsuccessful attempts to unlock it.
New Colleagues and Encounters
As fate would have it, Shin-yu receives an employment offer from City Hall, aligning him professionally with Hong-jo. Their first encounter as colleagues at the workplace takes Hong-jo by surprise.
Spellbook Inspection
An accidental fall at home leads to a head injury for Hong-jo while attempting to fix a light. Coincidentally, the box finally clicks open, revealing a spellbook. Within its pages lie ancient spells from the Joseon dynasty, which she excitedly shares with Shin-yu. Shin-yu expresses interest in visiting Hong-jo’s home to inspect the spellbook. Initially hesitant, she eventually agrees, with one condition: he must fix the broken light. Upon examining the book, Shin-yu zeroes in on a page detailing disease-curing spells but requests a single spell without specifying which one.
Romantic Crushes & Heartbreaks
Hong-jo crosses paths with Yoon Na-yeon (Yuri), Shin-yu’s girlfriend, revealing a shared history marred by fallout over a mutual interest. Na-yeon discloses that Hong-jo was a victim of bullying during their school days. Hong-jo’s budding office crush, Kwon Jae-kyung (Ha Jun), surprises her with a compliment. After dining together with colleagues, she musters the courage to confess her feelings to him, only to be met with his admission of platonic regard.
Love Spells and the Ominous Red Hand
Heartbroken and fortified with some drinks, Hong-jo receives a package from her landlords containing farm produce, including goat milk. This prompts her to experiment with a love spell from the book. Meanwhile, as Shin-yu drives home from work, the ominous red hand haunts him once more, causing a loss of control over his car.”
Destined With You Episode 2 Review
“Intriguing Love Spell and Ominous Twist
The episode’s conclusion sees Hong-jo preparing to cast a love spell in a traditional Hanbok, equipped with all the necessary components detailed in the spellbook. As she recites the incantation, each ingredient is showcased. Meanwhile, Shin-yu embarks on a car journey and begins to experience a sudden uneasiness. Struggling to maintain control, he is ensnared by the red hand, resulting in a perilous car crash against a flower-decorated roadside, which had been prepared for the mayor’s visit, inadvertently involving Hong-jo.
Continuing the Mystery
Following the successful degree of intrigue in the pilot episode, the series maintains its momentum in the second installment. The humorous undertone during the sequence involving the elusive box’s opening adds a lighthearted touch. Notably, a scene featuring Jo Bo-ah dancing after enjoying some drinks provides a delightful contrast to the overall tension and enigma.
Intriguing Character Development
Rowoon’s portrayal of Shin-yu evolves with every episode partly thanks to the writers and the lovely banter between the duo but also thanks to the captivating acting of Rowoon. While initially appearing aloof and brooding, hints of a softer side emerge in his interactions with Hong-jo. Exploring these facets promises to be a captivating journey. The episode excels in capturing emotional moments, particularly conveying Hong-jo’s heartbreak following her unrequited confession.
Chemistry Building and Ongoing Mystery
The banter between the lead characters contributes to the blossoming chemistry between them, a promising development for only the second episode. Although the mystery of the wooden box’s origin unraveled sooner than expected, it appears to be part of a larger narrative arc involving the spellbook’s significance. While the first episode offered heightened tension with the appearance of the red hand, the mystery aspect takes a slight dip in this installment.
Outstanding Performances
Jo Bo-ah shines as Hong-jo, infusing her character with vibrancy and emotional depth. She adeptly conveys the character’s loneliness and longing for love. Rowoon’s portrayal of the sharp lawyer role suits him perfectly, showcasing not only his visual appeal but also his ability to convey the character’s emotions.”