The SBS romantic comedy “Would You Marry Me“ has achieved its highest viewership numbers since its premiere, breaking its own record with a peak rating of 9.1% for its fifth episode. This ratings surge coincides with a pivotal episode featuring a deepening connection between the main characters, a fateful kiss, and the revelation of a shared past. The drama continues to dominate its time slot, maintaining the number one position among Friday miniseries for three consecutive weeks.
The Story Behind the Fake Marriage
“Would You Marry Me” follows the story of Yoo Me-ri, a talented interior designer played by Jung So-min. After a public and heartbreaking breakup with her unfaithful fiancé, her life hits a low point when she becomes a victim of a rental scam. Her fortunes appear to change when she unexpectedly wins a luxurious newlywed house in a contest. The catch is that she must provide proof of marriage to claim the prize.
Desperate to secure her dream home, Me-ri proposes a deal to Kim Woo-joo, a meticulous marketing team leader portrayed by Choi Woo-shik. He is also the heir to Korea’s oldest bakery, Myungsoondang. The two agree to live as a fake married couple for 90 days, pretending to be newlyweds to fool the contest inspectors and ensure Me-ri gets the house.
A Turning Point in Episode 5
The record-breaking fifth episode marked a significant shift in the relationship between Me-ri and Woo-joo. The episode focused on Woo-joo’s parents’ death anniversary, which also happens to be his birthday. This day is always filled with pain and guilt for him, as he blames himself for distracting his father during the car accident that killed his parents.
Seeing that Woo-joo is spending the day alone and grieving, Me-ri decides to comfort him. She cooks a meal for him and brings it to their shared house. Her kindness moves him deeply, and for the first time, he opens up to her about the trauma of his past. A flashback revealed to viewers, though not to Woo-joo, that the accident was actually a scheme plotted by his uncle, adding a darker layer to his backstory.
In a tender moment after their meal, Me-ri spots a double rainbow from the terrace and excitedly calls Woo-joo to see it. She tells him to make a wish, sharing her own desires for happiness and peace. Woo-joo quietly wishes for all of Me-ri’s dreams to come true. As they laugh and play on the terrace, Me-ri trips, and Woo-joo catches her. The two share a moment of intense closeness, their eyes lock, and they finally kiss. The intimate moment is witnessed by Me-ri’s ex-fiancé, Kim Woo-ju, who watches from below, setting the stage for future conflict.
Uncovering a Shared Childhood Connection
The episode also delved into the characters’ pasts, confirming a theory many viewers had held. It was revealed that Me-ri and Woo-joo have a deeper, childhood connection. After a car accident that killed Woo-joo’s parents, a young and traumatized Woo-joo wandered into the road. He was nearly hit by a taxi driven by Me-ri’s father. Young Me-ri was present and cried upon hearing that Woo-joo had lost his parents, and her sincere sympathy left a lasting impression on him.
This past connection resurfaced earlier when Me-ri, unaware that Woo-joo was that same boy, mentioned that one of her mascot designs was inspired by her first love. Woo-joo recognized the design, realizing that he was Me-ri’s first love. This revelation profoundly affected him, warming his heart and softening his guarded nature.
In a separate scene, Woo-joo’s friend, Doctor Yoon Jin-gyeong, gathered the courage to confess her feelings to him. However, Woo-joo quietly revealed that Me-ri was his first love, heartbreakingly dashing Jin-gyeong’s hopes.
Overwhelmingly Positive Audience Response
The drama has been met with enthusiastic praise from viewers since its debut. The palpable chemistry between the lead actors, Jung So-min and Choi Woo-shik, is frequently highlighted as a major strength.
One fan on IMDb expressed their enjoyment, stating, > “I really enjoyed the chemistry of somin and wooshik. I love how Woojoo fell in love first for youmeri.they way Director tell the story is so beautiful. Each n every comic scene is bangong..u can’t stop laughing once it started.”
Another reviewer noted, > “The chemistry of this two, Jung Somin and Choi Wooshik are amazing. I like this romcom kdrama. I watched the drama many times while waiting on the next episodes.”
Critics have also applauded the show’s successful blend of humor and emotional sincerity, which has been key to its rising popularity and ability to hook viewers.
The Road Ahead for the Fake Couple
With the fake marriage arrangement quickly developing into genuine affection, the characters face new challenges. The unexpected return of Me-ri’s ex-fiancé and the looming threat of discovery by contest inspector Baek Sang-hyun add constant pressure. Furthermore, the darker subplot involving Woo-joo’s uncle, Jang Han-gu, who was responsible for the car accident that killed Woo-joo’s parents, promises to introduce more serious drama and conflict.
The fifth episode, which aired on October 24, proved to be a major turning point, not just in the storyline but also in the drama’s public reception. In addition to its nationwide peak of 9.1%, the show scored 7.8% in the metropolitan area and a strong 3.1% in the key 2049 demographic, proving its wide appeal.
“Would You Marry Me” airs on SBS and is available for streaming on Disney+ in the US. New episodes are released every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST. The series is directed by Song Hyun-wook and Hwang In-hyeok, and written by Lee Ha-na.
Also Read: Choi Woo Shik Confesses His Feelings For Jung So Min In Tense Love Triangle On “Would You Marry Me”
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