The quiet and gentle romance of Gimbap and Onigiri took a more complicated turn this week. Episode 7, which dropped on February 23, 2026, introduces new pressures for the central couple as professional opportunities arise and a third person enters the dynamic.
The series, which airs on Netflix, continues to focus on the small, realistic moments that build or challenge a relationship. In this episode, both Taiga Hase and Rin Park face changes that force them to think about their individual futures, just as their connection deepens. For global audiences wondering where the story is headed, this episode provides plenty of emotional tension without losing the show’s signature low-key style.
Streaming Details and Episode Availability
Gimbap and Onigiri episode 7 is now streaming worldwide on Netflix. The series releases new episodes every Monday.
For viewers in different regions, the streaming time is usually 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on the release day. This translates to:
- USA: 3:00 a.m. Eastern Time
- UK: 8:00 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time
- India: 1:30 p.m. Indian Standard Time
- Australia: 7:00 p.m. Australian Eastern Daylight Time
- Canada: 3:00 a.m. Eastern Time
The series has a total of 10 episodes, with new installments arriving weekly. Episode 8 is scheduled to release on March 2, 2026 .
Taiga Faces a Defining Work Challenge
This episode puts Taiga’s professional life under the spotlight. He continues working at the small restaurant Tanomi, where his cooking has started gaining more notice. A character named Masumi introduces a new opportunity that could push Taiga to move beyond his part-time role .
For Taiga, this is a major moment. Viewers know he was once a promising university athlete but lost his way after failing to meet expectations. He has spent recent years drifting, finding comfort in routine rather than ambition. The chance presented by Masumi forces him to decide whether he is ready to chase something again.
What makes this storyline relatable is how Taiga handles the pressure. He is not instantly confident. The episode shows him struggling with self-doubt, wondering if he is good enough to take on more responsibility. His reaction feels real for someone who has been afraid of failing again.
The drama does not use loud arguments or dramatic speeches to show this. Instead, viewers see Taiga quietly thinking, working harder in the kitchen, and trying to prove something to himself before proving it to anyone else .
Rin Also Faces Career Uncertainty
While Taiga deals with his work situation, Rin is not far behind in facing change. As a South Korean graduate student studying animation in Japan, she has always been focused and driven. Her life revolves around deadlines and academic pressure .
In earlier episodes, Rin finished a major assignment and faced housing problems, which led her to Taiga’s restaurant. Now, with graduation approaching, she has to think seriously about what comes next. Episode 7 shows her starting to question whether she will stay in Japan or return to Korea after finishing her studies.
This uncertainty directly affects her relationship with Taiga. Neither of them has said much about the future, but the timeline of Rin’s stay in Japan is something both carry in the back of their minds. The episode handles this quietly, showing Rin lost in thought or looking at opportunities online without discussing it openly with Taiga .
A Love Triangle Begins to Form
The biggest twist in episode 7 is the introduction of a potential love triangle. Without giving away too much, a new character starts spending time around Taiga and Rin. This person’s presence creates awkward moments and unspoken tension.
The show handles this development in its typical understated way. There are no dramatic confrontations or jealous outbursts. Instead, the writers let small looks and pauses in conversation do the work. Viewers can feel the shift in dynamics without anyone saying exactly what is happening.
For Rin, seeing Taiga interact with someone new brings out feelings she has not fully admitted to herself. For Taiga, he remains focused on his work situation, possibly unaware of how his actions might look to Rin. This misunderstanding feels natural, not forced .
How Food Continues to Connect Them
Even with new complications, food remains the heart of this drama. Taiga and Rin’s relationship started over simple meals, and episode 7 returns to this comfort zone during tense moments.
The onigiri Taiga prepares and the gimbak Rin knows from home represent more than just food. They symbolize care, routine, and a safe space where both can be themselves. In this episode, when words fail or situations become awkward, the shared meals remind viewers why these two connect in the first place .
This grounding in everyday life is what makes Gimbap and Onigiri different from faster-paced romance dramas. The show trusts its audience to notice emotional shifts without big speeches.
What Episode 7 Means for the Couple
The events of this episode set up important questions for the remaining three episodes. Taiga now has to decide if he wants to pursue the opportunity Masumi offered. Rin has to face her own career choices. And both have to figure out if they want to build a future together when so much remains uncertain.
The love triangle adds another layer, but it does not feel like a typical drama trick. It feels like a realistic complication, where a new person enters the picture and old certainties get shaken up.
Fans discussing the episode online have pointed out how the show continues to avoid easy answers. One viewer on a community forum noted that Taiga’s reaction to the work challenge shows his growth, but also his fear. Another comment highlighted how Rin’s quiet moments reveal more about her feelings than any dialogue could .
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Release Schedule for Remaining Episodes
For viewers catching up or planning to watch live, here is the full release schedule for the first season :
- Episode 7: February 23, 2026 (already released)
- Episode 8: March 2, 2026
- Episode 9: March 9, 2026
- Episode 10: March 16, 2026
Each episode runs approximately 38 minutes, making it easy to fit into a weekly viewing routine .
Where to Watch Gimbap and Onigiri
All released episodes of Gimbap and Onigiri are available exclusively on Netflix. The series stars Eiji Akaso as Taiga Hase and Kang Hye-won as Rin Park, with Moon Ji-hoo in a supporting role .
New episodes arrive weekly, so viewers watching on release day can join the conversation online as each chapter unfolds.
For more updates on K-dramas, J-dramas, and the latest streaming releases, keep following VvipTimes for accurate and timely entertainment news.
