A two-year time jump in Love Me showed a family finding its rhythm, only for a surprise arrival to threaten the peace. Episodes 7 and 8, which aired on January 9, 2026, tested the bonds of the Seo family as past relationships resurfaced and future plans caused conflict. The central couple, Jun-kyung and Do-hyun, faced their biggest challenge yet with the unexpected return of Do-hyun’s ex-wife and Daniel’s mother, Im Yun-ju.
Key Developments in Episode 7: Building Bridges and New Beginnings
Episode 7 focused on healing and progress after earlier tensions. The conflict between Do-hyun and his son Daniel reached a peak when Do-hyun discovered Daniel had been neglecting their pet fish, Oscar. Daniel openly admitted he wanted his father to break up with Jun-kyung. This forced a difficult conversation, but Jun-kyung handled it with patience. She assured Do-hyun she wanted to get along with Daniel.
A pivotal moment changed everything. When Daniel was almost hit by a car while skateboarding, Jun-kyung rushed to defend him, even calling herself his “mom” to the angry driver. Later, she apologized to Danielโnot for saying that, but for never asking how he felt about their relationship. This honesty broke through his anger.
Daniel softened and admitted, “I still dislike herโฆ but I dislike seeing my dad sad more.”
This marked a turning point. Their bonding over snacks led to Daniel revealing he named the fish after his school bully, showing a new level of openness. Meanwhile, other family members moved forward. Jun-seo finally confessed his feelings to his best friend Hye-on, and their decades-long friendship turned into a romance. Jin-ho also found courage, publicly introducing his girlfriend Ja-young to his community and finally organizing the big family dinner everyone wanted.
The episode ended with a peaceful scene two years later. Jun-kyung and Do-hyun were still strong, and Daniel’s relationship with Jun-kyung had improved. However, this harmony was shattered when Daniel’s mother, Im Yun-ju, suddenly appeared at a school event.
Episode 8 Breakdown: New Tensions and Family Conflict
Yun-ju’s arrival instantly created a wedge. She was openly patronizing towards Jun-kyung, making her feel like an outsider in her own relationship. Yun-ju’s presence was so uncomfortable that Do-hyun later went to Jun-kyung’s home to apologize for making her feel excluded.
The drama extended beyond the central couple. Jin-ho announced a major life decision: he wanted to sell the family home and buy a campsite to run with Ja-young. This news, delivered on the anniversary of his late wife’s passing, did not go well. Jun-seo was vehemently opposed, feeling his home was being taken away.
The argument escalated, with Jin-ho finally yelling in frustration, “Will you live your life leeching off your sister?” He instantly regretted his words, but Jun-seo stormed out, feeling like a burden to his family.
Jun-seo’s own struggles with self-worth deepened as he compared himself to successful peers, adding to the episode’s themes of loneliness and insecurity. Jun-kyung also faced stress alone, getting into a minor car accident after a confrontation with another driver. She was helped by a familiar faceโthe convenience store clerk from her lonelier days, who was now a police officer.
The episode closed with the most direct threat yet. After feeling uneasy about Yun-ju’s extended stay, Do-hyun was stunned when she revealed her true motive: she returned to Korea to rekindle her romantic relationship with him.
Fan Reactions to the Tense Episodes
Viewers expressed high emotion online following the stressful turns in Episode 8. Many were frustrated by the sudden obstacles after two years of relative peace for the couple.
One fan posted on social media, “LOVE ME ep8 had me angry crying cause everything went sideways SO quickly.”
Another reacted strongly to the new character, writing, “Daniel’s mom? DONT PMO! You CAME BACK FOR WHO? All this time? You come back when DoHyun is happy?” Comments on recap sites also reflected a desire for the characters to communicate better and grow from the challenges.
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Where to Watch Love Me
Love Me airs on the Korean network JTBC every Friday at 8:50 PM KST. For international viewers, the series is available to stream on global platforms, including Viki and Viu. New episodes are released weekly.
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