DNA Lover Episode 9 Recap: So-jin and Mi-eun’s Intense Showdown Over Yeon-woo

On September 14, 2024, at 9:10 PM KST, TV Chosun broadcasted the ninth episode of the romantic comedy series DNA Lover. This delightful drama features talented actors Jung In-sun, Choi Si-won, Lee Tae-hwan, and Jung Yoo-jin in leading roles.

The narrative centers around Han So-jin, a genetic researcher with a determination to find her “DNA Lover”—the ideal genetic match—following numerous unsuccessful relationships plagued by infidelity.

Jung In-sun portrays Han So-jin, a passionate researcher at the Beneficial Gene Center, who is fervently devoted to discovering her perfect partner based on genetic compatibility. Choi Si-won plays Shim Yeon-woo, a skilled obstetrician and gynecologist working at his family’s hospital, overseen by his father.

Lee Tae-hwan depicts Seo Kang-hoon in DNA Lover, So-jin’s loyal friend and a firefighter, while Jung Yoo-jin plays Jang Mi-eun, a polyamorous romance columnist and one of Yeon-woo’s former love interests.

DNA Lover Episode 9 Recap: So-jin Feels Uncomfortable with Yeon-woo’s Popularity

The ninth episode of DNA Lover kicks off with Han So-jin and Shim Yeon-woo discussing her plans post-hospital discharge.

Before her release, Yeon-woo gifts So-jin a pair of shoes, and she reciprocates with a bracelet shaped like DNA, mirroring her own. Although Yeon-woo is not thrilled about the bracelet’s design, he refrains from voicing his thoughts and allows her to fasten it on him.

Meanwhile, Kang-hoon is visibly upset after witnessing Yeon-woo and So-jin share a kiss and recognizing their closeness. He reflects on So-jin’s previous heartbreak and fears she may experience similar pain with Yeon-woo’s dating habits.

Later, So-jin initiates a call with Yeon-woo to discuss her recovery. After he inquires about her medication, So-jin invites him to help her remove invasive plants around Sim Hospital. Yeon-woo accepts, admitting that the feelings he has for her are unfamiliar yet enjoyable, expressing a desire to get to know her more intimately.

So-jin shares her regret about not buying her father hiking shoes he desired, but Yeon-woo, unfortunately, falls asleep during the call.

The following day, to make amends for dozing off, Yeon-woo prepares lunch to share with So-jin at her office, buying a pair of hiking shoes for her father along the way. He also invites So-jin to cook her favorite dish, crab porridge; however, she remembers that day as the anniversary of visiting Kang-hoon’s mother’s grave, prompting her to cancel their plans.

Simultaneously, Yeon-woo’s friend is getting married and insists he joins them for a wedding photoshoot, which he attends, where Mi-eun is also present. They head to a Hanok Village for pictures, where So-jin and Kang-hoon unexpectedly meet them.

So-jin is astonished to see Yeon-woo, who questions her about their canceled plan. They talk about the occasion, but So-jin grows uncomfortable watching Yeon-woo and Mi-eun, who wear similarly styled hanbok as a couple. She confides in Kang-hoon but admits that despite her discomfort, she doesn’t resent Yeon-woo, possibly because he might truly be her DNA lover.

In another scene, Yeon-woo confides in Mi-eun about his irritation. She points out that So-jin might feel possessive about Kang-hoon due to the nature of their friendship as well.

The following morning in DNA Lover, Kang-hoon runs into Mi-eun at a food stall, and after a bit of banter, she encourages him to confess his feelings to So-jin to ease his burdens.

Simultaneously, So-jin grapples with jealousy over every woman around Yeon-woo, feeling threatened by his allure to others.

After contemplation, Mi-eun visits So-jin’s lab for a genetic analysis and notices the shoes Yeon-woo gifted her. Their chat leads to So-jin asserting that Yeon-woo is her genetically ordained partner, prompting Mi-eun to advise her not to stifle her and Yeon-woo’s connection.

Disturbed by the discussion, So-jin resolves to work on his supposed cheating gene by introducing a spray she has developed to mitigate it. Yeon-woo agrees to use the spray in return for her company on an overseas trip, an idea So-jin, although reluctant, agrees to.

In a pivotal scene, A-ri visits the church to confess her regrets about a friend she couldn’t help, revealing the trauma she carries from the experience and her burgeoning feelings for the priest.

Back at the ninth episode’s conclusion, Yeon-woo’s mother is delighted to see her husband returning home, but he only comes to gather his belongings to leave for good, informing her of the impending divorce.

Upon dropping So-jin off, Yeon-woo learns about his mother’s divorce, expressing that it will ultimately benefit her. So-jin, who overhears the call, inquires, but Yeon-woo chooses not to divulge anything, saying goodbye instead.

He meets with Kang-hoon to discuss this troubling situation, sharing that witnessing his parents has diminished his belief in destiny, yet he desires to explore this belief with So-jin, hoping to shape a favorable future for her.

In the upcoming episodes of DNA Lover, Mi-eun visits Yeon-woo to deliver abalone, while Kang-hoon prepares a similar dish for So-jin upon his father’s request, leading to an invitation for Yeon-woo to join them for lunch.

So-jin video calls Yeon-woo, noticing Mi-eun in the background, and refrains from inviting him to join, asserting an excuse instead, arousing curiosity from Kang-hoon and A-ri, present in the house.

A-ri suspects Mi-eun spent the night at Yeon-woo’s, sharing her concerns with So-jin, who attempts to reassure herself, expressing trust in Yeon-woo. She subsequently decides to jog along the Hangang River.

Conversely, Yeon-woo aware of So-jin’s unease rushes out, instructing Mi-eun to lock the house before she leaves. As it starts to rain, Kang-hoon gathers two umbrellas, and although he tries reaching So-jin via phone, she declines the call, craving solitude.

Yeon-woo, frustrated at not being able to contact So-jin, continues searching for her until he finally does. Upon encountering her, So-jin struggles to maintain composure, but Yeon-woo encourages her to voice her feelings, promising clarification.

She expresses her desire for her DNA lover to be unattractive, poorly mannered, impoverished, and unnoticed by women. Yeon-woo then questions her lack of awareness of his feelings and embraces her.

The episode concludes with Kang-hoon arriving just in time to spot So-jin wrapped in Yeon-woo’s embrace, pondering his missed chances with her and whether earlier confessions could have changed their fate.

The tenth episode of DNA Lover airs on September 15 at 9:10 PM KST on TV Chosun and will also be available for streaming on Viki.

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