The seventh episode of "DNA Lover," enthrallingly titled "Gut Racing, Not Heart Racing," unfolds a dramatic pivot in the tale, where Han So-jin's earnest attempts to forge deeper ties with Shim Yeon-woo through shared experiences and culinary delights unexpectedly take a detour, weaving a tapestry of both comedic hilarity and poignant heartaches.
The episode commences with a blush-tinged first date between So-jin and Yeon-woo, as they amble through a verdant park, indulging in lighthearted banter and laughter. Their sojourn extends to a restaurant, yet fate intervenes with a lack of available tables, prompting So-jin to steer Yeon-woo towards her haven – a cozy convenience store she cherishes during emotional tumult. This unexpected choice, however, sows the seeds of an internal struggle within Yeon-woo, a health aficionado at odds with the idea of indulging in junk food.
Returning to the sanctuary of his home, Yeon-woo's aversion to the convenience store fare becomes palpable as he opts for saffron tea, a ritualistic cleansing of his palate and body. Driven by his desire to introduce So-jin to healthier lifestyle choices, he cordially invites her to a prestigious Belgian restaurant, where her excitement bubbles over, only to be dampened by her friend A-ri's cautionary words about the ephemeral nature of fleeting romances.
As the episode deepens, So-jin's cautious approach to nurturing her relationship with Yeon-woo is put to the test when they cross paths with Jang Mi-eun, a renowned polyamorous romance columnist and a former lover of Yeon-woo's, at the very restaurant they've chosen. Mi-eun's unexpected presence serves as a jarring reminder of the past that So-jin knows little about, casting her in the role of an outsider as Mi-eun and Yeon-woo reminisce fondly about their shared memories in Belgium.
Tensions escalate further when Mi-eun's current companion expresses discomfort at her lingering engagement with Yeon-woo, igniting a heated argument that culminates in their abrupt departure. Mi-eun offers a hasty apology for the disruption, yet her encounter with Yeon-woo visibly weighs on her. Meanwhile, So-jin, striving to maintain an air of composure, grapples internally with the realization that the bond between Yeon-woo and Mi-eun may be an unattainable ideal for her to emulate.
In a serendipitous subplot, So-jin's friend, the stalwart firefighter Seo Kang-hoon, and the enigmatic Mi-eun cross paths at a bustling food stall. Their encounter sparks a comical dialogue, fueled by their contrasting culinary preferences. Kang-hoon's comical disdain for liver and his playful accusation of Mi-eun indulging in alleged animal cruelty inject a lighthearted respite into the narrative.
The following dawn, So-jin, attired impeccably to captivate, arrives at the restaurant to rendezvous with Yeon-woo, only to stumble upon an unexpected guest—Mi-eun. Mi-eun's intention to broach a delicate subject pertaining to So-jin's mother adds a new dimension to their intricate relationship, casting a shadow over So-jin's composure. As she observes Mi-eun savoring the meal Yeon-woo has thoughtfully ordered, So-jin's disinterest stands in stark contrast, her discomfort palpable.
As the episode progresses, So-jin's earnest attempts to forge a bond with Yeon-woo over shared culinary experiences take a physical toll. Her latent lactose intolerance, ignited by the dairy-laden feast at Yeon-woo's abode, culminates in a distressing episode within the confines of a public restroom. In this vulnerable moment, she reaches out to Kang-hoon for solace, a heartrending scene that underscores the episode's central theme—the relentless race between So-jin's yearning for a deeper connection with Yeon-woo and the relentless constraints of her physical being.
The episode draws to a close with Yeon-woo, fraught with concern, frantically searching for So-jin, only to be informed by Kang-hoon of her sudden hospitalization due to excruciating stomach pains. The final frame leaves viewers with a poignant sense of anxiety for So-jin's wellbeing and a palpable anticipation for Yeon-woo's response to this unforeseen turn of events.
Titled "Gut Racing, Not Heart Racing," this pivotal episode in DNA Lover's inaugural season poignantly illustrates the intricacies of romantic entanglements and the arduous journey of fitting into another's world. So-jin's quest for love, guided by her DNA research, encounters unforeseen hurdles, reminding us that love transcends mere compatibility; it necessitates an embrace and understanding of one another's unique differences.
