In the premier episode of "Melo-Movie," we are introduced to Ko-gyeom, a man whose childhood was intertwined with the flickering images of movies. Orphaned to the care of their landlord, who happened to own a video rental store, Ko-gyeom's older brother often left him there. Influenced by this cinematic upbringing, Ko-gyeom makes a spontaneous decision to embark on an acting career, despite his palpable lack of talent.
On the opposite end stands Kim Moo-bi, a woman whose relationship with cinema was colored by bitterness. Her father, an unaccomplished director, harbored a love for movies that overshadowed his affection for her. She harbored a deep distaste for her name and anything associated with the silver screen. This animosity took a poignant turn when her father passed away during her high school years. Upon watching one of his films, she scathingly deemed it dreadful. Driven by a desire to prove a point, she resolved to become a director, intent on demonstrating to her late father "how futile it was to wager one's life on such a mediocre film."
Ko-gyeom's path crosses with Moo-bi's, and he is immediately drawn to her presence. As an extra on a film set, he frequently catches sight of her, a striking figure amidst the chaos. Likewise, Moo-bi notices Ko-gyeom, remarking on how he effortlessly stands out—adored by all for his laid-back demeanor and infectious cheerfulness. Yet, she recoils from his well-meaning attempts to engage or assist her. "I have issues with personal space," she bluntly informs him, hoping he'll take the hint and leave her be.
We also encounter Ko-gyeom's cherished childhood companions, Hong Si-jun and Son Ju-a, whose blossoming romance adds a sweet undertone to their lives. Si-jun, undaunted by the closure of their beloved video rental store, takes up a part-time gig at the landlord's nascent venture while nurturing his aspiration to become a renowned singer. This inspiring turn of events ignites Son Ju-a's own dream, prompting her to embark on a journey to become a screenwriter.
Meanwhile, Ko-gyeom's bond with his elder brother, Ko-jun, remains unshaken, and their dedication to their cherished "movie days" persists, unwavering through the years.
As fate would have it, Ko-gyeom and Moo-bi's paths continue to intertwine. Their serendipitous reunion occurs at a friend's wedding, where Ko-gyeom serves as a wedding videographer. Later, during an expedition outside the city, the pair finds themselves stranded alongside their colleagues after missing their bus. As the evening unfolds and conversation flows, Moo-bi opens up about her aspiration to direct the ultimate romance film. On their return journey, Ko-gyeom catches a glimpse of her tormented by a nightmare, reliving the harrowing memory of her father's demise.
On the final day of filming, Ko-gyeom witnesses a reporter engaging Moo-bi in conversation—none other than the same journalist who had approached her at her father's funeral, stirring a wave of emotions. At the post-shoot gathering, Ko-gyeom discovers Moo-bi smoking solitary outside. With tender care, he coaxes a genuine smile from her lips for the very first time. She confides in him that she keeps people at arm's length to spare herself the heartache of their eventual departure. In a tender moment, their lips meet just as Ju-a and Si-jun's relationship takes a heartbreaking turn, culminating in their breakup.
The episode concludes with Moo-bi's haunting voiceover, narrating Ko-gyeom's departure, as the visual fades to a harrowing scene of a car sinking into the depths of the water, leaving a lingering sense of foreboding and unfinished business.
