"Why can't they let things be normal for once" — Lee Jun-hyuk and Han Ji-min's past connection arc in 'Love Scout' sparks online plot discussion

The SBS K-drama, Love Scout, stirred the internet community due to its nuanced characters and storyline. However, the recent revelation of a past connection between the lead characters in episode 4, released on January 11, 2025, ignited a fervent debate among viewers.

Many fans argued that introducing a shared history between Kang Ji-yun (Han Ji-min) and Yoo Eun-ho (Lee Jun-hyuk) was unnecessary. They suggested that the narrative could have instead thrived on the organic development of a romance between two adults meeting and falling in love without prior ties.

The trope of protagonists sharing a past is prevalent in romantic dramas, often serving to deepen character relationships. However, in Love Scout, some viewers feel this narrative choice detracts from the authenticity of the unfolding romance. One fan's comment reflected a desire for a more straightforward romantic development. The fan wrote on X:

"Exactly why cant they let things be normal for once like just let them be let them fall in love as two strangers and nothing else"

Fans expressed that a storyline focusing on two adults crossing paths and developing a relationship without a pre-existing connection would have been more refreshing.

"Exactly that’s the reason why kdramas are getting repetitive..its always about childhood or past life connection or sickness plot..its like watching same kdramas with just different actors," one fan wrote.

"Kdramas will have mature people in their 40s go through 2-3 lovers just so they can fall in love with that kid they met when they were 5 yo like be so for real," another fan wrote.

"Exactly !!! Its always childhood past thing. Yeah maybe im bitter coz i dont have a nice past or smthg but still.. these writers definitely can do better," one other fan said.

Some fans mentioned Run On, starring Yim Si-wan and Shin Se-kyung, praising its fresh concept. Others mentioned how several dramas like Hometown Cha Cha, It's Okay Not To Be Okay, and more have the same past connection arc in them, like Love Scout, making every series quite similar.

"Thats why I love run on so badddd, the story line is a chef's kiss. Nice characters, good communication between the leads, heartwarming and not too many fictional things you wont find in real life," a fan stated.

"Right? Hometown cha cha cha, it's okay not to be okay, and sooo many more dramas really didn't have to have this in the plot as a device. These are already solid nice dramas without it," another fan said.

"Yes, please...Everytime I see that they knew each other since they were kids changed schools, move abroad, etc and then they meet again, I die a little. There's no need and it ends up being predictable..." a fan added.

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Lee Jun-hyuk and Han Ji-min's Love Scout plot and episodes overview

The protagonist of Love Scout, Kang Ji-yun, is a self-assured and prosperous CEO of a headhunting firm. She gives her all at work in order to thrive in the extremely competitive headhunting industry.

She has a secretary named Yoo Eun-ho who handles almost everything for her due to her cluelessness about what to do outside of work. The secretary is amiable, kind, and mindful of others, in contrast to his employer. In addition, he is a terrific housekeeper and a single father.

The first episode of Love Scout introduces viewers to Kang Ji-yoon, the CEO of a headhunting organization and a skilled headhunter. A few months later, she makes news after persuading a top talent to switch careers. Although Ji-yun is obviously capable, she is infamously demanding, as seen by the several secretaries who left the company after only a few months of employment.

When it looks like everything is falling apart for Eun-ho, who by episode 2 has been banned from his business, his friend and, ironically, Ji-yun's worn-out coworker, Seo Mi-ae (Lee Sang-hee), gets him a position as Ji-yun's assistant.

The episode further establishes how great Eun-ho is as an employee and how attentive he is in every aspect of his life. He is depicted as the counterbalance that helps keep Ji-yun's life in equilibrium.

Love Scout's episodes 3 and 4 delve deeper into the blossoming romance between Ji-yun and Eun-ho while navigating professional boundaries and personal vulnerabilities. The ending of episode 4, featuring a cliffhanger with an anticipated kiss, has sent the internet into a meltdown, leaving fans and viewers wanting more.

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Love Scout episodes 5 and 6 will air on January 17 and 18, 2025, at 10 pm (KST) on SBS TV and Viki.