Episode 1 of "Love Scout" kicks off with an enchanting introduction to Kang Ji-yoon, an exceptional headhunter and the CEO of a prestigious recruitment firm. She wields her prowess with remarkable finesse, as evidenced by her triumph in persuading a renowned talent to embark on a new career trajectory, a feat that later garnered her media spotlight mere months after. Though undeniably skilled, Ji-yoon is also famous for her demanding nature, a trait that has led to a string of secretaries fleeing their posts after barely enduring a few months under her wing.
Her next grand endeavor involves poaching Mr. Yang, a top-notch smartphone developer at Hansu Electronics. Meanwhile, within the corridors of Hansu Electronics, executives devise a plan to assign the daunting task of retaining Mr. Yang to Yoo Eun-ho, the HR team manager. This strategic maneuver is a thinly veiled attempt to push Eun-ho out of his position, yet he rises to the occasion with unwavering determination, giving his all to thwart Ji-yoon's bid to snatch Mr. Yang away.
In a dramatic twist, Eun-ho bursts into Ji-yoon's meeting with Mr. Yang, skillfully thwarting her from sealing the deal. He then orchestrates an evening of camaraderie, hosting a team dinner that underscores the company's profound appreciation for Mr. Yang. His efforts don't stop there; he takes an extraordinary step by treating Mr. Yang's son's soccer team, a gesture that ultimately seals Mr. Yang's loyalty to Hansu, effectively foiling Ji-yoon's carefully laid plans.
As the HR team revels in their hard-earned victory, we are privy to Eun-ho's personal struggles and sacrifices. At a pivotal juncture in his career, he courageously applied for a year-long paternity leave to focus on his daughter, who was grappling with serious mental health challenges. Having married young, Eun-ho's marriage ended shortly after his daughter turned one, making him her primary caregiver and a pillar of strength.
The decision to prioritize his daughter ultimately frayed the ties between him and a senior colleague, who had missed out on a well-deserved promotion and subsequently set his sights on revenge against Eun-ho. Throughout the episode, Eun-ho leans heavily on his close friend, Jung Soo-hyeon, a single mother who harbors a secret admiration for him. Meanwhile, Ji-yoon takes drastic action by dismissing an employee for falsifying his resume. However, the loss of Mr. Yang, a vital member of her team, begins to palpable affect her company's ability to meet its monthly targets.
On a pivotal day, Eun-ho is sternly reprimanded by his senior after learning that Mr. Yang has submitted his resignation and intends to relocate to China to work for a Chinese company. Suspicions of information-sharing risks arise, and Eun-ho is warned that he will be held accountable if he fails to persuade Mr. Yang otherwise. In a state of desperation, Eun-ho searches frantically for Mr. Yang and confronts Ji-yoon, accusing her of deliberately sabotaging Mr. Yang's career. He passionately argues that once Mr. Yang begins working for a Chinese company, his reputation will be tarnished, and his chances of returning to Korea will diminish. Ji-yoon vigorously denies the allegations, but Eun-ho storms off, refusing to hear her explanation, and rushes to the airport. Later, it is revealed that an unseen force has been influencing Mr. Yang's decision.
At the airport, Eun-ho manages to intercept Mr. Yang and learns that Hansu Electronics had no longer wanted him and had relegated him to the sidelines of various projects. Mr. Yang opens up, sharing that he genuinely desires to work in China and that his decision is unrelated to intelligence sharing, as the company had feared. Despite his efforts, Eun-ho is subsequently terminated from his position.
Elsewhere, Ji-yoon's overworked director, Seo Mi-ae, finds herself struggling to juggle her duties as Ji-yoon's stand-in secretary. One late night, she encounters Ji-yoon returning to the office, only for Ji-yoon to suddenly collapse and be rushed to the emergency ward. There, it is diagnosed that Ji-yoon is suffering from memory issues due to her relentless workload, and the doctor strongly advises her to reduce her responsibilities. Seo Mi-ae confides in her husband, who owns a bookstore, about Ji-yoon's condition.
The following day, Ji-yoon stepped into the workplace with an air of anticipation, but her heart skipped a beat in utter astonishment when she discovered Eun-ho standing before her as her brand-new secretary!
