No Gain No Love Episode 7 Review: Ji-uk and Hae-yeong’s First Kiss Sparks a Mutual Acceptance of Their Feelings

No Gain No Love Episode 7 Review | Leisurebyte

Director:
Kim Jung-shik

Date Created:
2024-09-16 17:30

In No Gain No Love Episode 6, we delve into Kim Ji-uk’s background and his connection to Gyu-hyun. Ji-uk is revealed to be the illegitimate son of Gyu-hyun’s father, who abandoned him at birth. Initially, Ji-uk’s father refused to acknowledge him, but now he suddenly wants to re-enter his life. Meanwhile, at the office, everyone has discovered that Ji-uk and Hae-yeong are married, forcing them to act as a couple at work.

After Gyu-hyun’s harsh treatment of her at the hospital, Ja-yeon agrees to a settlement, with the condition that Gyu-hyun performs community service. However, it seems their strained relationship may be mending soon. Toward the end of the episode, Gyu-hyun’s father invites Ji-uk and Hae-yeong to a team dinner, showing a keen interest in Ji-uk’s life, and hinting at his desire to reconcile.

The comedy rom-com series is directed by Kim Jung-shik and written by Kim Hye-young.

– Spoilers –

No Gain No Love Episode 7 Recap

After a chaotic night of heavy drinking, Ji-uk, Hae-yeong, and An U-jae get so drunk that Gyu-hyun and the others have to carry them back to the hotel. The following morning, we see the hilarious aftermath: Hae-yeong wakes up beside Ji-uk and screams in surprise, only to realize that An U-jae is also in the bed with them, making the situation even more comical. Meanwhile, Kwon I-rin speaks to Gyu-hyun about transferring Ji-uk to another team under An U-jae’s lead, hinting at the underlying office politics.

As the three groggily recover, Hae-yeong is not thrilled to learn from I-rin that she has discussed forming two teams with the CEO, essentially putting Ji-uk under U-jae’s control. This move leaves Hae-yeong feeling trapped, even as the supposed team leader. An U-jae, on the other hand, is frustrated that decisions are being made about his career without his input.

Before leaving the hotel, Hae-yeong and Ji-uk sit down for coffee. Hae-yeong, weighed down by her regrets about their marriage and its implications for U-jae, opens up. Ji-uk, calmly and almost indifferently, tells her that she can ask for a divorce whenever she wants. Unbeknownst to them, An U-jae is eavesdropping and overhears every word.

Back at the office, An U-jae becomes more suspicious and starts acting strangely, moving his desk into their team’s space and frequently bringing up the possibility of Ji-uk and Hae-yeong getting divorced. Hae-yeong, feeling uneasy, suspects that he knows more than he’s letting on. During lunch, Hae-yeong presents the team with gimbap, claiming that Ji-uk made it. However, when they taste it, the gimbap is salty instead of sweet, leading to a hilarious round of teasing about Ji-uk’s supposed cooking skills.

The tension escalates when a colleague mentions the consequences of taking advantage of office benefits under false pretenses. An U-jae seizes the moment to insinuate that Ji-uk and Hae-yeong’s marriage could be one such case. Fearing exposure, Hae-yeong asks Ji-uk to move into her place, believing they need to present a more convincing image of a real marriage, not just an office romance.

On another front, Gyu-hyun sends a washing machine to the community center orphanage where he volunteers. Ja-yeon, upon learning this, decides to visit the center while he is there. Gyu-hyun, attempting to hide his bodyguard Yeo Ha-jun’s presence, grabs Ja-yeon’s hand and runs off. During this encounter, Ja-yeon confesses that her character’s name, Ha-jun, was inspired by someone she likes. Gyu-hyun pieces it together but doesn’t react. Later, Ja-yeon notices Gyu-hyun’s eczema from washing clothes. She intends to buy him ointment but is startled to find Gyu-hyun and Ha-jun together. Fearing that her true identity as an adult writer will be revealed, she panics. However, Gyu-hyun manages to cover things up and quickly ushers Ha-jun away.

To make their marriage seem legitimate, Ji-uk and Hae-yeong host a housewarming party for their colleagues, transforming their home into the picture of a happily married couple. However, when Ji-uk’s friend reminisces about his popularity among women and how his marriage disappointed many, it hits Hae-yeong hard. Feeling guilty for trapping Ji-uk, she tells him she wants him to date freely.

Ji-uk responds by asking if she really means that. Moving closer to her, he seems to create a romantic moment, but instead, he simply takes the keys and leaves. Feeling an unexpected surge of emotions, Hae-yeong realises her true feelings for him. She rushes after him to the rooftop, where they finally share their first kiss, with Hae-yeong taking the lead.

No Gain No Love Episode 7 Review

This episode packs in plenty of comedy and drama, delivering moments that are both heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny. The pacing feels just right, balancing the tension between the characters with lighthearted humor. The chemistry between Shin Min-ah and Kim Young-dae continues to shine, with Young-dae exceeding expectations and bringing an endearing charm to his role.

One particularly memorable scene is when Ji-uk moves to Hae-yeong’s rooftop and finds a box of embarrassing items. His reaction is priceless, and his assertion about not losing his mind adds to the hilarity. The episode also deepens the characters’ arcs, especially as it inches towards the genuine feelings brewing between Ji-uk and Hae-yeong. While the storyline continues to lean into its rom-com roots, it doesn’t shy away from addressing the complexities of their relationships. Overall, Episode 7 keeps the audience invested with its blend of humour, romance, and the slow unveiling of the characters’ true emotions.

Also Read: No Gain No Love Episode 6 Review: Hilarious Misunderstandings and Hidden Secrets Bring Unexpected Twists