Destined With You Episode 4 Review – Hong-jo’s Spell Leaves Shin-yu Smitten
Love Potion Mix-Up
After Shin-yu (Rowoon) musters up the courage to confess his feelings to Hong-jo (Jo Bo-ah), her initial disbelief turns into shock as he reveals that he’s the unintended recipient of the love potion meant for Jae-kyung (Ha Jun). He showed her also a security camera recording substantiating his claim and leaving Hong-jo understandably frustrated. Shin-yu, desperately seeking a reversal of the love spell, emphasizes its power highlighting each of his weird behaviors during their recent trip including telling her how beautiful she looked in the white dress.
Mixed Emotions
Back at home, Hong-jo reflects on her conversation with Jae-kyung, during which he questions her affection for him. In response, he cryptically suggests that he’s not the person she assumes him to be. At work, Shin-yu, still under the spell’s influence, grapples with the constant thoughts of Hong-jo. He becomes possessive and even consults a colleague about the possibility of Jae-kyung reciprocating her feelings. To woo Hong-jo, he brings coffee and treats for her park maintenance team and expresses concern to her manager, Ma Eun-yeong, about her being mistreated by her coworkers. He also admits that he would never behave like that without the spell and that he wants to feel depressed after the breakup with his girlfriend. This is really cute as it shows us that he treats respect for his old love despite being struck by a powerful love spell!
Confrontations & Dreams
Following his coffee gesture, Hong-jo arranges a private meeting with Shin-yu to confront him about his peculiar behavior. He confesses his inability to control his newfound emotions and admits that his heart races every time he sees her. Meanwhile, Shin-yu’s romantic turmoil doesn’t prevent him from experiencing mysterious dreams of a younger person dressed in traditional attire. Despite not recognizing the face, these visions remain in his mind.
A Protective Gesture
On her way home from work, Hong-jo becomes unnerved when she notices someone tailing her. Fearing for her safety, she flees, accidentally dropping her phone in the process. As she runs from her pursuer, she stumbles into Shin-yu’s arms, who offers to accompany her back to retrieve her phone. To ensure her safety, he surprises her by fixing the lights in her dimly lit alley. The two brainstorm solutions to break the spell and decide to seek advice from shaman Eun-wol (Kim Hyeok).
Shaman’s Secrets
At their meeting with the shaman, they confide in her about their predicament. Separately, she advises both Hong-jo and Shin-yu. Shin-yu, curious about what will happen if he genuinely falls in love with Hong-jo, seeks answers. The shaman cryptically hints at a solution but keeps Shin-yu guessing, much to his frustration.
Neighboring Surprise
Hong-jo discovers that she has a new neighbor in her building who leaves her a dessert as a welcoming gesture. When she goes to thank her neighbor, she’s astonished to find that it’s none other than Jae-kyung, a delightful coincidence.
I find this aspect of the story a bit hard to believe, even for a K-drama. I thought Jae-kyung would be more well-off economically than Hong-jo and living in a fancier neighborhood. Another possibility I considered was that he might also have fallen in love and is acting like a stalker. I’m curious to see where the story takes this twist
Beach-bound Reflection
Towards the episode’s conclusion, Hong-jo heads to the beach to remember her late father, and Shin-yu follows her in the hope of finding a way to break the spell that binds them. I really loved how Shin-yu stayed silently a few meters away from her without interrupting her. I wish they could fall for each other in another more natural way.
Destined With You Episode 4 Recap
Heartfelt Moments by the Beach
As the episode comes to a close, we’re treated to a touching scene where Hong-jo becomes emotional while reminiscing about her father. She even extends a gesture of pouring a drink for Shin-yu while they’re at the beach. In the background, Shin-yu watches her, and suddenly, he starts to piece together the clues Hong-jo had given him regarding the shaman’s advice on breaking the love spell. The episode concludes with both of them sharing a moment, saying the words, “Your destinies cannot be severed.”
Effects of the Love Spell Unveiled
Following the bombshell revelation at the end of the third episode about Shin-yu mistakenly drinking the love potion, this new installment is pivotal in showcasing the consequences of Hong-jo’s spell. Throughout the episode, we’re treated to delightful moments as Rowoon’s character, Shin-yu, playfully flirts with Jo Bo-ah’s Hong-jo. It’s a true delight to see Rowoon effortlessly switch between Shin-yu’s contrasting personalities, going from hot to cold and adding a touch of charm while confessing his feelings for Hong-jo.
New Clues in the Mysterious Connection
This episode is not just about romance; it also unveils another clue about the enigmatic bond between the two protagonists. We discover that the person Shin-yu has been dreaming about is a younger version of Hong-jo. This revelation suggests that they may have crossed paths during their childhood, hinting at a deep and long-lasting connection. Jo Bo-ah continues to shine in her role, effectively conveying Hong-jo’s emotions, further strengthening our connection with her character.
Technical Excellence Adds to the Charm
Beyond the captivating storyline and strong performances, this episode impresses with its technical prowess. The cinematography, especially in the final beach scene, is simply beautiful, and the background score consistently enhances the viewing experience. The combination of a promising plot, outstanding performances, and technical finesse keeps us eagerly hooked on “Destined With You.”