Episode 1 of "Romance in the House" elegantly unveils the close bond between Byeon Mi-rae and her mother, Ae-yeon, as they engage in a harmonious morning routine, helping each other prepare for the day ahead. Despite her dedication, Mi-rae struggles with exhaustion, frequently nodding off at the slightest opportunity.
Yet, as she steps into the office, her slumber is abruptly shattered by the news of their esteemed CEO's unannounced visit. Like moths to a flame, employees flock to the elevator, anticipating the arrival of their "Royal Secret Inspector." To their surprise, the CEO, merely passing through J-Mart, discovers a litany of issues plaguing the company's operations.
However, this scrutiny comes to a halt at the Tteokbokki stand, where Mi-rae boldly stands her ground against the CEO. She argues with eloquence, highlighting that her mother, Ae-yeon, is the driving force behind the stand's success, dishing out generous portions that have earned the loyalty of countless young patrons. The CEO, captivated by their entrepreneurial savvy, inquires about Mi-rae's name with genuine admiration.
Unfortunately, the aftermath of this encounter finds Mi-rae collapsing from overwork, prompting a hasty hospitalization. Nam Tae-pyeong, the valiant security guard, assumes the role of her guardian angel, watching over her as she recuperates. But tranquility is short-lived as an urgent call home disrupts the serenity – a fire has erupted in Apartment 302.
Mi-rae and Ae-yeon rush back, their hearts racing with concern. To their immense relief, they discover that Medal, their beloved pet dog, is unscathed, and their youngest son, Hyun-jae, is also safe. Yet, the flames of this disaster seem to hold deeper secrets, hinted at by an earlier eerie encounter with a shadowy figure entering Apartment 302. During the chaos, a figure wrapped in a white sheet is carried out on a stretcher, sparking whispers that it might be the former landlord. Speculations swirl about the possibility of arson, given the exclusive targeting of Apartment 302.
As the dust settles, a new chapter unfolds with the introduction of a mysterious new landlord who purchased the property in cash. The real estate agent gathers the residents to deliver this startling news, accompanied by the distressing revelation that one unit must vacate to accommodate the new owner.
As the day draws to a close, the camera lingers on the apartment, revealing a chilling detail – charred matches scattered on the ground, whispering of hidden agendas and unraveling mysteries yet to be uncovered.
The colossal elephant lurking in the midst of their already tumultuous lives is none other than Ae-yeon's husband, the pillar of this overtaxed household, whose sudden absence looms large. Initially, Mi-rae and Ae-yeon banished him from their sanctuary, only to be met with the devastating news that he met his untimely demise when his bicycle collided with a possible white truck on the treacherous roads. His final moments were spent in the hospital, fighting a battle he could not win.
Enter the nefarious landlord, rumored to be Oh Jae-geol, who seeks to occupy the space himself, his intentions sealed by the late landlord's daughter's signature. This binds our protagonists to a predicament from which they struggle to escape; their finances are stretched thin, leaving no room for the luxury of relocating.
Ae-yeon, ever the resilient one, dons the guise of a covert operative, determined to confront the landlord's daughter. With a contract renewal extension in hand, she demands her signature, but her pleas fall on deaf ears. The truth dawns: the building has been sold, the victim of the daughter's inability to bear the weight of inheritance taxes. Grief-stricken and overwhelmed, she seized the new landlord's offer as a means of salvation.
As Ae-yeon grapples with this revelation, she shields her young Hyun-jae from the looming reality, mindful of Mi-rae's already frayed nerves. The household, burdened by debts and unpaid bills, teeters on the brink of collapse. The prospect of relocation, an added stressor they can ill afford, hangs heavily in the air, unspoken yet ever-present.
Unit 301's resident, the lady who earlier attempted to charm the new landlord with her flirtatious ways, now sends a flurry of messages, pleading to stay... and to her surprise, he acquiesces! Alongside her plea, she shares photographs of herself, exuding cuteness, equally astonished that her request was granted, mirroring Ae-yeon's astonishment. Another tenant, a mother of a kindergarten-aged child, cunningly crafts a heartwarming letter from her little one, hoping to sway the decision in her favor.
These tactics inspire Ae-yeon to unleash her emotional arsenal, weaving a tale of woe that tugs at heartstrings. As she laments her dire circumstances, a revelation dawns: the man they'd mistaken for the landlord is merely a representative. The actual landlord listens intently to Ae-yeon's poignant narrative of widowhood and struggle, yet his decision hangs in delicate balance.
Mi-rae and Ae-yeon share a bond forged by their shared history, where Ae-yeon, a veritable Wonder Woman, single-handedly upheld the family in her father's absence. Mi-rae, inspired by her mother's heroism, strives relentlessly to repay Ae-yeon's sacrifices and debts, driven by a profound sense of gratitude.
That evening, the trio engages in their annual ritual of honoring their father (and Ae-yeon's late husband). Ae-yeon offers heartfelt words of encouragement, urging Moo-jin to peacefully transcend this mortal realm. But as they turn around, a shocking sight greets them—Moo-jin stands before them, a living, breathing presence! Their eyes lock in a moment frozen in time, leaving the air thick with anticipation. Ae-yeon, on the verge of fainting, is steadied by Moo-jin's swift intervention, his arms enfolding her in a comforting embrace. As he releases her, he drops a bombshell: he is the villa's owner, leaving everyone reeling in disbelief.
