Episode 8 of "Pump Up the Healthy Love" kicks off with Mi-ran experiencing a flutter of romantic sentiments towards Hyeon-joong. Even the trio of gym aunties chip in, sharing how dejected Hyeon-joong looked during Mi-ran's fitness lull. Just then, Kang Sol strolls into the gym, causing quite a stir among everyone. An influencer with over a million followers, her presence leaves everyone puzzled about her motive for visiting their humble gym. Little do they know that she's Hyeon-joong's ex.
Hyeon-joong attempts to establish some boundaries, stressing on modesty in attire and the need to keep personal feelings at bay. However, Kang Sol remains unfazed by these stipulations. As their personal training session commences, Hyeon-joong's mind drifts back to the time when Sol broke up with him just before a crucial competition, causing him to lose focus and ultimately, the top spot.
On her way to the gym, Mi-ran catches a glimpse of Roy and Sol together, mistaking Roy's gesture of blowing dust out of Sol's eye as a kiss. She breathes a sigh of relief, glad that it's not Hyeon-joong involved in such a scenario. While performing squats, Mi-ran's leggings rip, prompting Sol to come to her rescue and lead her to the changing room. Sol generously lends Mi-ran her own leggings and, in return, asks for their friendship.
Their bond blossoms on Instagram, and Mi-ran soon realizes just how famous Sol truly is. Later that evening, Mi-ran intervenes when a photographer tries to snap sneaky photos of Sol. When the photographer retaliates, Sol effortlessly tosses him over her shoulder, showcasing her strength. They head out for dinner and drinks, though Sol merely pretends to indulge in the latter.
Over their meal, Mi-ran confesses that she joined the gym after seeing an advertisement featuring Sol. Their conversation drifts to relationships, and Sol opens up about her past with a fitness enthusiast who only cared about his physique, never making her a priority in his life.
The following day, Roy strides confidently into Hyeon-joong's gym, where Hyeon-joong informs him that the premises are exclusively for members. Without hesitation, Roy purchases a year-long membership, immediately after which he issues a stern warning to Hyeon-joong, urging him to refrain from harming Sol. Meanwhile, Mi-ran awakens the next morning with a pounding headache from the night's revelry, the hazy remnants of her agreement with Sol for a blind date lingering in her mind. Initially, she finds herself seated with the wrong gentleman, but the confusion is swiftly rectified. Her actual date, Park Jeong-han, reveals himself to be an attractive and thoughtful individual. They share a delightful dinner, and upon returning home, Ji-ran inquiries about the evening's proceedings. Mi-ran nitpicks over minor aspects of Jeong-han's demeanor, prompting Ji-ran to ponder whether Mi-ran harbors affections for someone else, given Jeong-han's apparent perfection.
At the gym, disaster strikes as the boiler in the bathroom explodes, necessitating the purchase of a replacement. However, Rosa reassures everyone, highlighting the influx of new members they've garnered thanks to Kang Sol's Instagram post. Sol then sends a text to Hyeon-joong, suggesting they need to converse. She treats him to a meal and subsequently takes him shopping for new attire. Misinterpreting her intentions, Hyeon-joong assumes she harbors feelings for him and confesses his inability to reciprocate. She chuckles, correcting his misconception and clarifying that her motive is entirely different. She intends to acquire the "best thing he possesses."
Mi-ran reluctantly agrees to another rendezvous with Jeong-han, her enthusiasm tinged with reservation. Her mood abruptly shifts when she catches sight of Hyeon-joong entering the room, clutching a plunger—fresh from his toilet-cleaning duties. Her heart skips a beat, her pulse racing as she experiences a sudden明星效应, overwhelmed by his presence.
Meanwhile, Hyeon-joong finds himself trapped in a whimsical belief that Sol harbors designs on his physique, seeing it as the ultimate prize he possesses. This conviction deepens upon receiving a text from Sol, summoning him to a hotel the following day. Though hesitant, the prospect of the substantial benefits that Sol's new connections promise tempts him into compliance.
Similarly, Mi-ran decides to confront Jeong-han once more, driven by the fear that Hyeon-joong knows too much about her secrets. However, her heart fails to ignite with the same fervor, leading to a bizarre turn as she starts hallucinating Hyeon-joong's presence amidst her date. Disconcerted, she abruptly flees the scene.
As she lambasts herself for her impulsive actions, Mi-ran's astonishment deepens upon encountering Hyeon-joong and Sol at the very same hotel. By the climactic denouement of Pump Up the Healthy Love Episode 8, Mi-ran berates herself, consumed by the realization that she has, once again, allowed herself to fall under the spell of love.
