Viewership Doubles as Ju Ji-hoon and Jung Yu-mi's Romantic Bet in 'Love is a One-Lane Bridge' Gains Popularity

'Love is a One-Lane Bridge' (사랑은 외나무다리에서), featuring Ju Ji-hoon (주지훈) and Jung Yu-mi (정유미), has seen a significant increase in viewership ratings. The second episode, which aired on November 24, recorded an average rating of 7.1% in the Seoul metropolitan area, peaking at 8.1%. Nationwide, it achieved an average of 6.5% and a high of 7.2%, making it the top-rated show in its time slot across cable and satellite channels, according to Nielsen Korea.

In this episode, the intense reunion between the long-time rivals, Seok Ji-won (주지훈) and Yoon Ji-won (정유미), brought both thrilling excitement and tension through their rapid-fire banter. Seok Ji-won confirmed that Yoon Ji-won remembered him during their reunion, leading him to smile triumphantly. He then took an active role in a staff meeting, declaring the revival of an advanced learning class and appointing Yoon Ji-won as the lead teacher, showcasing his keen interest in her every move. Conversely, Yoon Ji-won displayed her fierce independence, refusing to back down from Seok Ji-won's provocations, creating a captivating dynamic that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

A surprising moment of close physical contact between the two added to the episode's tension. Yoon Ji-won mistakenly embraced Seok Ji-won, thinking he was her grandfather, leading to a comical yet awkward situation as both characters froze in shock. Their subsequent attempts to shake off the moment hinted at the complex feelings they harbored for each other. When Seok Ji-won asked how she felt seeing him after 18 years, Yoon Ji-won retorted, expressing her disdain for their past and her desire to move on.

Despite her wishes, the two found themselves entangled again during a faculty dinner. A particularly heart-wrenching scene unfolded when Seok Ji-won witnessed Yoon Ji-won being rejected by the school nurse, Hong Tae-oh (김재철). Overwhelmed by emotion, he found himself tearing up at her distress. In a humorous twist, while trying to hide from Yoon Ji-won, Seok Ji-won accidentally got stuck in a drum barrel, providing a light-hearted moment amidst the drama.

Ultimately, Yoon Ji-won’s secret was inadvertently revealed to Seok Ji-won, prompting her to confront him about his motives for being at the school. Their long-standing rivalry erupted into a heated exchange, with Yoon Ji-won firmly stating she would never date him, even if they were the last two people on Earth. In a bold move reminiscent of their school days, Seok Ji-won challenged her to a bet, proposing they date if lilacs bloom, referencing a flower that has yet to blossom in four years. Surprisingly, Yoon Ji-won, who had previously dismissed the idea, accepted the challenge, setting the stage for an electrifying continuation of their story.

'Love is a One-Lane Bridge' portrays the tumultuous romance between Seok Ji-won and Yoon Ji-won, who were born on the same day with the same name but are sworn enemies. The series airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 PM on tvN.