The opening scene of Episode 1 of "Love, Take Two" unfolds with the lives of Lee Ji-an and Hyo Ri spiraling downwards, as Hyo Ri receives a devastating diagnosis of a brain tumor, an event that dramatically redefines their existence. We are then transported back to the sequence of events leading up to this harrowing revelation.
Ji-an, a construction site manager par excellence, rules with an iron fist, orchestrating every aspect of the workplace with a bossy demeanor that extends even to her daughter, Hyo-ri. Her authoritative presence suits her well, yet it casts a shadow over their relationship. One evening, Ji-an indulges in a night out with her team, ending up inebriated and bringing shame upon Hyo Ri when she arrives to fetch her mother. In her drunken stupor, Ji-an boasts about Hyo-ri's brilliance as a medical student destined for greatness, oblivious to the embarrassment it causes her daughter.
Back at home, the tension escalates as Hyo-ri, fearful of mirroring her mother's life choices, snaps back, expressing her determination not to squander her own future. Already grappling with a tarnished reputation at the hospital after fainting in the operating room, Hyo-ri's frustration reaches its peak when Professor Kim's condescending remarks push her over the edge. She retaliates with fiery words before storming out for good.
Meanwhile, Ji-an finds herself struggling financially to cover Hyo-ri's tuition fees, relying heavily on an expected payment from Chief Hwang. However, the morning brings grim news as Hwang calls to inform her that he cannot fulfill his promise. Matters at work don't improve either; a discrepancy in the supply inventory lands Ji-an in hot water. Though she stands her ground, explaining the enhanced security measures put in place to prevent future losses, the CEO sees only negligence and refuses to reconsider his stance, ultimately suspending her while an audit team takes charge of the situation.
In this vividly portrayed narrative, the characters' struggles and emotions leap off the page, painting a poignant picture of their intertwined fates amidst life's tumultuous storms.
As Ji-an wrapped up her workday, she dialed the school only to discover that Hyo-ri had resigned. It became evident that attending medical school had never been Hyo-ri's desire; it was solely Ji-an's projection. On an impulsive road trip, Hyo-ri steadfastly refused to engage with her mother, abruptly ending the call that left Ji-an reeling with frustration and despair over her daughter's abrupt departure.
Yet, Hyo-ri was not alone in her journey; she was accompanied by her best friend, Sook, who was coincidentally embarking on a vacation of her own. Their mode of travel: a charming camper van. While Sook was embarking on a leisurely getaway, Hyo-ri's escape was steeped in earnest intent. Both were well-versed in Ji-an's incessant nagging and chose to ignore her calls, despite the emotional toll it took on Sook. The duo enjoyed themselves thoroughly until their camper began to steam and broke down amidst the quaint charm of Cheonghae Village.
This picturesque locale was teeming with eccentric personalities, including Grandma Mi-mi and Chief Ko, the trailblazing first female chief of the village. Upon inspecting the vehicle, they realized it couldn't be repaired immediately. Warmly inviting the girls back, they treated them to a hearty meal brimming with hospitality.
The following morning, Ji-an attempted to transfer some money to Hyo-ri, only to be stunned when she discovered the account had been closed, all funds depleted. Hyo-ri had honorably kept her promise to leave. Ji-an, accompanied by her friend Kim Sun-young—an ubiquitous actress whose presence seemed to permeate every production—tracked down Hyo-ri and Sook through Instagram photos.
After savoring the meal, Hyo-ri and Sook returned to their van, where they found Ryu Jeong-seok and his son Bo-hyeon inspecting the camper. They suggested calling the insurance, but the girls hesitated, loath to prolong their stay. However, Ji-an's arrival ignited tensions. As Sook and Sun-young excused themselves, Hyo-ri confronted her mother, revealing the shocking truth: she had a brain tumor. This revelation tied back to the episode's opening scenes, but Hyo-ri craved solitude to grapple with her diagnosis, whereas Ji-an was driven to take immediate action. She immersed herself in chores, a manifestation of her tumultuous attempts to come to terms with everything.
A mere embrace from Sun-young proves sufficient to unlock her emotional dam, allowing her tears to flow freely at last. She had been stifling her sorrows, fearing that if she dared to confront her feelings, the direst predictions might come to fruition. Clinging to the hope that her concerns are but fleeting, she acknowledges, deep down, that this is indeed a matter of no trivial significance.
