No Gain No Love Episode 9 Review: Confessions, Chaos and Romance in Between

No Gain No Love Episode 9 Review: Confessions, Chaos and Romance in Between | Leisurebyte

Director:
Kim Jung-shik

Date Created:
2024-09-23 20:10

In last week’s episode of No Gain No Love, we saw plenty of funny moments mixed with romance as Ji-uk moved into Hae-yeong’s house. They finally confessed that they liked each other, but Hae-yeong asked Ji-uk to wait until she no longer had to fake the wedding. Meanwhile, Gyu-hyun and Ja-yeon discovered each other’s secrets, leading Ja-yeon to distance herself from him. However, she later found out that it was Yeo Ha-jun who wrote the hurtful comments on her web novel, which made her even sadder.

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

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No Gain No Love Episode 9 Recap

The episode kicks off on a lighthearted note as we see Bok Gyu-hyun and Yeo Ha-jun playing football with the children at the orphanage. Unbeknownst to them, Ja-yeon secretly watches from afar. Gyu-hyun catches sight of her, and despite their earlier agreement to stay apart, she can’t help but confront him. Her unresolved feelings take over, and she bluntly asks why he never clarified that he wasn’t the one behind the hurtful comments.

But instead of saying that, she impulsively asks him if he likes her. In a surprising turn of events, Gyu-hyun admits that he does, and Ja-yeon, although admitting she has feelings for him too, says their relationship can’t have a happy ending. As she walks away, Gyu-hyun calls her by her pen name, Yeon Bo-ra, and to her horror, Yeo Ha-jun overhears the name and realizes she’s the author of the novel he commented on.

Ja-yeon, embarrassed, accepts Gyu-hyun’s offer of a ride home. The ride takes a dark turn when Gyu-hyun gets a call from his mother, revealing that Ji-uk is his father’s illegitimate son. In a fit of anger, Gyu-hyun storms into Hae-yeong’s house, demanding answers from Ji-uk and accusing him of trying to take his inheritance. He calls Ji-uk “bad blood” and rashly fires both Ji-uk and Hae-yeong, leaving everyone shocked.

The real surprise is Hae-yeong’s calm response. Despite being stunned by the revelation, she doesn’t lash out at Ji-uk. Instead, she assures him that she will support him no matter what, showing a touching moment of solidarity. Meanwhile, Ja-yeon is left wrestling with her growing feelings for Gyu-hyun, torn between her affections and the guilt of knowing Hae-yeong, whom she considers a sister, is caught in the crossfire.

The next day, Ji-uk decides to resign from the company to protect Hae-yeong, but things take a turn when they learn that Hae-yeong has already been removed from her position and replaced by An U-jae. Additionally, Ji-uk finds himself suspended. In a heated confrontation outside the office, Ji-uk begs Gyu-hyun not to punish Hae-yeong for his mistakes, but the scene, meant to be serious, turns comedic when their colleagues misinterpret their argument as a lovers’ quarrel, fueled by the BL novel they’re reading.

Inside, Ji-uk tries to submit his resignation, but Gyu-hyun coldly rejects it. We get a flashback showing that Gyu-hyun’s mother had instructed him to force Ji-uk out of the country for good, using whatever means necessary. In the present, Gyu-hyun threatens Ji-uk, promising to double the pain that he and his mother have suffered if Ji-uk doesn’t leave.

Despite the tension, Hae-yeong stands by Ji-uk, and their relationship blossoms further during a business trip to Busan. The scenes between them are heartwarming and offer a respite from the heavier plot points. Meanwhile, Ja-yeon decides to move out of Hae-yeong’s house after everything that’s happened, but she reconciles with Yeo Ha-jun, who apologizes for his earlier comments and thanks her for making him look cool in her novel.

As Hae-yeong and Ji-uk return from Busan, they run into a policeman who asks Hae-yeong if she’s checked her mail recently. Realizing Ja-yeon might be in danger, they rush home, only to hear Ja-yeon scream. Ji-uk pulls a man away from her, and in the episode’s most comedic twist, they realize the man is none other than Bok Gyu-hyun, ending the episode on a humorous note.

No Gain No Love Episode 9 Review

This episode of No Gain No Love offers a perfect mix of emotions, with plenty of drama, romance, and even some well-placed humour to keep things lively. The episode starts with a lighthearted moment between Gyu-hyun and Ha-jun, but it quickly escalates into emotional territory as Ja-yeon’s unresolved feelings come to the forefront. Her confrontation with Gyu-hyun is both intense and vulnerable, and the revelation of her identity to Ha-jun adds a whole new layer of complexity to their interactions.

The episode really picks up steam with the revelation of Ji-uk’s parentage, and Gyu-hyun’s furious response feels justified given the circumstances. However, Hae-yeong’s calm and supportive reaction steals the spotlight, showing just how strong and compassionate her character is. Her quiet strength makes her one of the most compelling characters in this episode.

The light moments in the episode, especially the comedic misunderstanding about Gyu-hyun and Ji-uk’s “romance” at the office, add much-needed levity to the otherwise dramatic storyline. It’s this balance between seriousness and comedy that makes the show so enjoyable and keeps the audience hooked. The blossoming romance between Ji-uk and Hae-yeong provides a nice contrast to the tension surrounding Gyu-hyun and Ja-yeon. Their scenes together in Busan feel natural and sweet, offering a glimpse of happiness amid the chaos.

Overall, Episode 9 does a great job of moving the plot forward while also delivering emotional depth and well-timed humour. The characters continue to grow, with Ja-yeon’s internal conflict and Hae-yeong’s unwavering support of Ji-uk standing out as highlights. The episode ends on a high note with a hilarious twist, leaving viewers eager for what’s to come next.

Also Read: No Gain No Love Episode 8 Review: Emotional Revelations and Deepening Romantic Tensions