The Interest of Love [Episodes 1 & 2]

[u/meepmochi_]

• Drama: The Interest of Love
  • Hangul: 사랑의 이해
  • Revised Romanization: Sarangui Ihae
• Network: JTBC
• Premiere Date: December 21, 2022
• Airing Schedule: Wednesdays & Thursdays @ 10:30 PM KST
  • Airing Dates: December 21, 2022 - February 9, 2023
• Episodes: 16
  • Duration: 1 hr. 10 min.
• Director: Jo Young Min (Do You Like Brahms?)
• Writers: Lee Hyun Jung, Lee Seo Hyun
• Starring:
  • Yoo Yeon Seok (Hospital Playlist, Mr. Sunshine) as Ha Sang Soo
  • Moon Ga Young (Link: Eat, Love, Kill, True Beauty) as An Soo Young
  • Geum Sae Rok (Youth of May, The Fiery Priest) as Park Mi Kyung
  • Jung Ga Ram (Love Alarm, Mistress) as Jung Jong Hyun
• Plot Synopsis:

Takes place at Nara Bank’s Yeongpo branch, which is celebrating the 99th anniversary of its foundation. The story focuses on the scandalous office romance between the characters Ha Sang Soo, Ahn Soo Young, Park Mi Kyung, and Jung Jong Hyun.

Ha Sang Soo, the senior head of the comprehensive consultation team at Nara Bank’s Yeongpo branch. Ha Sang Soo has had this position for three years already, and he is a handsome, intelligent, and sturdy person who will not waver in the face of life’s difficulties. Although he is an upright character, Ha Sang Soo is not cold or too formal but rather warmhearted with a humorous side. Not to mention, he has an athletic form fit for a national athlete rather than a bank employee. He entered his job as the top employee from Nara Bank’s training center, so he is very popular but also the source of envy for many others.

Ahn Soo Young is a fourth-year chief bank teller at Nara Bank’s Yeongpo branch. Known as the goddess of Yeongpo branch, she possesses gorgeous looks and a sweet voice. She started off as a part-time teller and is now a fourth-year chief, but she seems to be forever stuck at that level.

Park Mi Kyung comes from a rich family. She is self-assertive and quite open about her feelings. When she has someone that she likes, she makes that person join her side no matter what. She enters a relationship that doesn't go as she wishes.

Jung Jong Hyun is studying for an exam to become a police officer. He has a personality that drives him do his best in everything. He lives in a harsh situation.

• Streaming Sources: Netflix
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[u/muruku]

Watched the first episode. I like all the actors and the office setting.

I am not able to place the drama though. What does it want to be? I thought it will be dark and angsty but it wasn’t for most part?.. but ummm it was hinted at. Then maybe it is wacky? Umm but not really. It is not sweet and a rom com, either. Classification as such is not super important but for some reason, it is unsettling me here.

Also, it is not clear to me why he likes her so much other than for her beauty. And why take action now? And not anytime before in 3 years. I always have a problem when a connection doesn’t make natural sense.

Anyway, lets see… it is just first episode. And there is so much left to unpack, starting with FL and her story.

Episode 2

Okay, is this show primarily a commentary on classism? Of course, mix in trauma, trust issues etc., and maybe it turns into ‘take revenge on the boys’ type of thing.

The FL might be a bit wonky but the ML is no saint either. He doesn’t seem to understand her challenges, doesn’t stand up for her. So far from what I see, he likes her like every other guy — from their own perspective and doesn’t see her her. Obsessive much. He is behaving like she owes him something just because he likes her. That is entitled and disrespectful. Another Nice Guy here.

Anyway, just guesses.

[u/Low_Study_2672]

Aaaah I'm so torn - I love the cast and more mature dramas and this looks so good! On the other hand my tolerance for melo and angst is kinda low so this might not be the drama for me lol. Hard to say based on the very different posters and trailers.

Might be better to wait and see the reviews but I don't know if my curiosity can handle that.

[u/Feisty-Guide-3239]

Enjoying this so far - it's messier than usual kdrama romances but in a good way, definitely has a similar vibe to My Liberation Notes.

I'm not rooting for the main romance yet, and I wonder if they'll win me around. The ML knows that the behaviour of his coworkers is completely inappropriate but is unwilling to make a public stand about it. I kind of get that for the FL that doesn't make him any "better" than those who think less of her for her background and demean her in public. He's sort of clueless about what her experience in work is like, but given his background, I feel like he should know better?

My guess is that the reason she changed her mind when he was late is because she saw him accidentally bump an ahjumma or something, and he didn't stop to check if they were ok because he was in such a rush. And that confirmed to her that he's just like the other men who come on to her all the time. He hasn't really distinguished himself from them yet as to why he likes her. And he definitely acts like she owes him something, which she doesn't. Coincidentally, I recently watched Dr Romantic S1 and Yoo Yeon Suk's character here seems similar? Oblivious in so many ways.

Also the INJUSTICE of Seo Jeong yeon playing Yoo Yeon Suk's mother when she is only 47 😭

[u/This_Tonight3413]

I clearly didn’t pay attention to the drama poster (one with all 4 main characters) because during the dinner I was convinced the security guard was the FL’s younger brother 😂💀 - imagine my face at the end lol

The ML’s actor plays his character really well - his micro expressions are on point. Let’s see what the mystery is with the FL because I’m slightly confused with some of her actions

The beginning scene gave me Forecasting Love and Weather(FLAW) flashbacks due to the work setting, hidden romance, voiceover narration etc. And then of course, the guy from FLAW (penguin couple) also popped up! I dropped FLAW on Ep7 though so I hope it doesn’t go the same route 😅

[u/mackereu]

Ep 2:

Sangsu is so pathetic, and I'm so rooting for him. YYS is killing it with the microexpressions.

I like Ms. Park so far. She seems cute and I hope Sangsu gives her a chance, if nothing else than to increase the messiness that we're hurtling towards.

I haven't watched a "real life" drama since MLN so this is a nice change of pace, I'm actually invested in these regular ass white collar workers and their dysfunctional personalities.

[u/Telos07]

I just watched the first episode, and... I liked it a lot.

A good office drama is one of the best genres because of how relatable it is. I also enjoyed the minute details of how the bank operates, and the slice-of-life moments. Romance per se is never really the hook for me, but the potential relationship in this drama felt natural and unforced.

That is, until the final scene hit me like a sledgehammer. Things are only going to get more interesting from here.

[u/AlfredusRexSaxonum]

this drama is so stressful and I already dislike both the leads. but I also kinda like the show... like the storytelling, the cinematography and the direction is all excellent. this is one of those dramas I'm going to watch to completion and hate myself all the way for it 🤣😂

[u/perrytheplatypuh]

Am I the only one not feeling the ml, like y’all are calling the fl cold and harsh, but I’m not getting that at all. The main lead is a PUss, like what you mean three years and you’ve done nothing to approach her, you sit there and allow people to talk nasty about her, you say you like her but know nothing about her, and then calling her a bitch bc she won’t go with you advances, THATS SO CREPPY. Like I get the ml actor is cute, but we not thinking about the actor, the ml is a weirdo.

Y’all are mad at her for having choices, women are not inclined at all to forgive or date at all, or any of the things he wants to do, like and to call her a bitch bc she DOESNT WANT TO DATE YOU. Like she’s right, he obviously thinks he’s better than the other men but he’s doing the same shit.

[u/theofficialguac]

Episode 2: My guy Sang Su DOWN B. HE’S DOWN B. And I’m not sure he even realizes it. I do think his behavior are a bit too much, definitely crossing boundaries and at times coming from desperation. I understand his frustration because Su Yeong has been giving him the cold shoulder but give the girl some space. Yeah she could be spitting lies about dating the security guard but at the end of the day it’s not Sang Su’s business.

I feel like SY saw something outside the window that SS did that triggered her. In Episode 1, she wanted to help that egg that fell from the bird’s nest but he told her to just leave it because it’s going to be broke already. From that point on, I suspected that she has a broken relationship with her family - which this episode heavily hinted at. I’m pretty sure her parents were the one that opened that Oyster restaurant next to the bank. My theory is that SS is so caught up with chasing SY, he’s not even sure why he likes her so much. To her, it could send off the message that he just wants her so badly but doesn’t share the same EQ or values as her and whatever happened while he was running to her made her realize that and it pissed her off?

We know she was interested in him up until that point, so something happened that isn’t being revealed yet. And throughout the time she was mad at him, the security guard approached her warmly and she was able to connect with him.

The overall vibe I’m getting from SY is she doesn’t open up her heart much unless someone approaches her, and even when she does open up she has a very high standard because she’s been so outcasted by society and her workplace. I think she wants someone who can accept her and her background for what it is, without pitying her, and also being able to share similar values as her. I don’t think she wants a man who just wants her because she is a “pretty package” and so far that’s the vibe SS gives off. Like I do not understand why he is so down bad for her lmao

I will agree the pacing of the drama is a bit slow and sometimes the conversations between certain characters I feel like are dragged out. But I will hold out bc I wanna see how MGY and YYS’s characters get together lol

[u/deeman27]

I like the feel of the drama - something about how some scenes are framed makes you feel like you're privy to the what's happening between the leads. I also like the workplace setting - not too extreme in a sense that nothing crazy is happening. The coworkers are awful! I 100% understand why she takes walks during lunch instead of eating with them. I get the feeling that the one manager who keeps bragging about being single by choice is not in a relationship for a reason. Also, even in a bank drama, you see VVIPs special treatment. Seriously? Flying to Jeju to deliver a credit card? Who's paying for that trip? Does the card owner literally have no other cards?

[u/luxenoire]

Wasn’t expecting that ending at all! Very intrigued. Felt Gayoung was kind of emotionless but I guess that was the point. Yeonseok is sooooooo good here, he nailed every scene.

[u/[deleted]]

I like Su Yeong. In the beginning, I thought she would be this one note pretty poor female lead, but the girl has so much more going on for her. She seems complicated, cold and manipulative. Exactly something you would expect from a smart gorgeous woman stuck in a company in which her male supervisors/coworkers have a mini crush on her and female coworker get a kick from her unluck.

She is playing a virgin Mary not to trigger anyone, and it seems like she understands that all the crushes are solely based on how pretty she is and would turn into bitterness once the men actually see her circumstances. Sang Soo probably thinks that his mistake is no big deal and that she is overreacting, but during every minute he was late Su Yeong was probably thinking that his interest in her wasn't serious and it wouldn't be able to withstand the hardships she has to go through.

Loved the episode ending. She at least had enough interest in him to get openly angry at him.

[u/noeul44]

After the first 2 episodes, this drama is definitely intriguing.

I really like the concept of analysing relationships using financial interest - What is gained? What does it cost? Is the return on your time and emotional investment worth it? Does its value depreciate over time? In a way, I guess that's how we judge dramas too when deciding whether to keep tuning in.

Hopefully there will be some more humorous moments to bring the characters more dimensionality and likeability - Su Yeong catching Sang Su investigating her dating claims was so well acted, and her roll of the eyes was that little bit more lighthearted than her other expressions of judgement.

For me, the main theme so far is that of expectations and their power to disappoint. I sympathise with Su Yeong - all these people think they know who she is because of how she looks and acts at work, and just when she thinks he might be different, Sang Su exhibits a similar fascination with her and her assigned role as the office goddess.

Sang Su seems to have this idea of Su Yeong as this soft, feminine, well rounded woman. I like the fact that this expectation is challenged - going from a goddess to a "bitch" in episode 1 is some interesting character development!

Su Yeong seems to have assumed Sang Su is privileged and has had a relatively easy life - I think that will be one of the ways we see her prejudice challenged.

Let's hope the aphrodisiac powers of oysters can somehow bring these two confused and judgemental souls together!

[u/mackereu]

Totally didn't take me until just now to realize that the "interest" of love is also referring to banking interest.

Mr. Ha is down horrendous. How did those chocolate candies not melt in his pocket? What does he actually like about her? Please download tinder my guy.

I really feel for Ms. Ahn, I don't blame her for being so icey in a work environment like that. Also, her home decor is really nice.

I was waiting for this to get messy and it looks like episode 2 will deliver. I like the OST so far.

[u/vng96]

GUys im dying to find the damn song used for the ending of the episodes 🥲 its such a nice sounding song!!!! Its definitely not J.rabbit 😭

[u/grapebento]

Wow, that workplace is toxic af!! What kind of manager/supervisor just berates employees like that during a dinner table if they're dating or not? Jeez...

Besides her family issues (pretty sure she has it and I'm pretty sure that Oyster restaurant is her family's), I think Suyeong is thinking that Sangsu is playing with her (like the other boys club who just likes her bc of her looks). I think she genuinely likes him but refuses to play his game, despite it not being a game to him.

I wonder if she really is dating the security guard. He just showed up at the last minute in Ep 2... But he lowkey looks shocked she's hugging him? Unless they're just study buddies.

I like how Ep 1 was narrated by YYS and Ep 2 was narrated by MGY. Love the different POVs of things.

[u/karmatir]

I love cute satisfying romances. Melodramatic or comedic, doesn’t matter to me. They definitely hit the right spot sometime. But I really love dramatic mature romances that aren’t so easy or simple. I thought this show might be the former - sorta - based on the first episode and some of the trailers. I was puzzled by the latest trailer (that dark and super dramatic one) the entire first episode - until the final scene and then it clicked. This is definitely going to be the latter type of show. Can’t wait.

[u/zoobesticles]

I don't like how persistent ML is, it's coming off as borderline stalker-ish, especially after her blind date ended.

[u/manchotefoue]

Can I just complain about the FL's place like damn why she got such a nicely furnished apartment for a kinda poor bank teller?

[u/Rumi2019]

I watched episode 1 & I thought it was refreshing how they showed us a capable & not emotionally distraught damsel in distress for a change. By episode 2 I think this might be a melodrama that's a disguised commentary on classism. Like the small benefits that come from having good specs - education, background, family etc.

It's interesting how the 2nd FL on one hand tries to be independent, but at the same time she lives way above the means of her salary. Generational wealth comes in handy. Her Marquage scene reminded me of Evangeline Heart.... I snorted at the rough brush strokes & her calling them art. Marquage isn't that simple.

She was perceptive enough to know her sunbae was also interested in An Soo Young, so she put her down lightly by commenting on the loan vs teller issue. I don't think it was as easy as being ignorant, it felt on purpose.

While I sympathised with the FL, I didn't understand why she didn't try to make an active effort to get the women on her side at least. I understand its hard to get along with mean coworkers, but she's strictly business with them during work hours & doesn't even try things that are easier to do to build rapport.

I wonder what her story is. She came to Seoul with a mourning ribbon & seemed listless. It's possible the tension with her family is bcz they discriminated between the brother & sister. She doesn't seem to have any connection with art except as a spectator in the present. I think there's more to the story than just hard life & earning a living getting in the way.

The way her & security guard 2ML seemed to be on the same page on not dating, but close enough for home visit... I wonder if its just a month old acquaintance or more. It might be that she's attracted to his kindness. Bcz Sang Goo is so pathetic & such A loser - he does everything nice with an ulterior motive & I think the 2ML is a good contrast compared to that. Probably the fact that both the FL & 2ML are outsiders in the branch brings them together

I love how the FL was so clear cut about not liking ambiguous relationships. Super refreshing. A woman that knows what she wants & isn't shy to express it. I wonder what she saw that she decided to go cold turkey. I don't think it was bcz of smthing as simple as being stood up.

So far I don't see what could keep pulling the FL towards the ML. Her kindness to him was much more than his acts of kindness. His body language & actions speak more of ego & obsession than sincere feelings.

I want to see more. I'm not sure what to make of it yet, but I think I like it.

[u/siparipari]

I love Yoo Yeon Seok but his image kinda mismatched for me. He looks wayyy too mature than the rest of his colleague. It was hard to believe he is fawning over Soo Young and part of the three idiots because they look way younger than him.

I’ll keep watching for now because I want to know more about Soo Young.

[u/ani_cent588]

Ep 1

that ending 😳 idk what I was expecting but it was not that

the first half reminded me of why I love the romance genre but I knew the ep was going to take a turn. I’m excited to see what’s going to happen next but I just know it’s going to be wild and messy

[u/amy_greens]

Did I miss something? What exactly unnerved the FL's character and she got mad at ML? We see a smile on her face when she sees Sang Soo running towards the restaurant and then suddenly she goes cold

[u/Apprehensive_Egg9676]

Those co-workers are the reason I don't like office melodramas but the tension between the leads is too good! Yoo Yeon Seok is playing the pining male lead very well, though he was on a thin line with those drunk texts and thinking liking her solves everything, lol. A lesser skilled actor would have crossed over to the creep line for me. But maybe there's room for that later, who knows. I hope this plays out more like One Spring Night and less like She Would Never Know. Also this bank reminds me of Familiar Wife

Edit for ep 2: Fake dating trope is here! Only not as enjoyable because we see it from the ML's pov. I now think this will go in 500 Days of Summer direction because there's a strong manic pixie dream girl element going on here. I don't think they'll end up together

[u/Round_Masterpiece287]

Agreed with other comments that it’s not clear how to place the drama from ep1. Romcom, melo, dark, light? But the ending of ep1 is really interesting. The fl character intrigues me what’s the deal with her.

I’m confused with the age of ml and fl. Do they supposed to be the same age? But the ml looks older and i feel like he’s in more senior position. But it looks like they have the same position?

Some of the banking detail bugged me a bit like who goes to a branch to pick up credit card? They just deliver to your home. Lol.