MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama In your radiant season has successfully captured the hearts of viewers since its first broadcast, blending emotional romance and unpredictable mystery.
According to Nielsen Korea on February 21, the first episode of the drama, which aired on February 20, recorded 4.4% nationwide and in the Seoul metropolitan area, ranking first among Friday and Saturday dramas. At its peak, the episode spiked to 5.4% during a tense scene in which Song Ha-ran fiercely accused Seonu Chan of being her stalker, captivating the audience with intense suspense.
The episode opened with a look at the innocent past of Song Ha-ran (played by Lee Sung-kyung) and Seonu Chan (played by Chae Jong-hyeop) during their time studying abroad in Boston seven years ago. However, their happiness was short-lived, as a sudden explosion radically changed the course of their lives.
Seven years later, the once bright and lively Song Ha-ran has transformed into a cold and workaholic chief designer, while the previously dark and reserved Seonu Chan has become a warm and energetic animation supervisor. Fate brings them together in Korea through a collaborative project, but their reunion is anything but sweet.
Song Ha-ran, troubled by Seonu Chan’s behavior, especially his familiarity with her, mistakenly suspects that he is stalking her, leading to bitter clashes. Adding to the tension are the burn scars visible on Seonu Chan’s body and the lingering trauma caused by the explosion, suggesting that their reconnection is much more complex than a simple romantic coincidence.
The highlight of episode 1 came in its shocking final twist. It was revealed that seven years ago, the person Song Ha-ran confessed her love to during online chats was not her then-boyfriend Kang Hyuk-chan (played by Kwon Do-hyung), but her roommate, Seonu Chan. The reveal that Seonu Chan was the one who listened to her was heartfelt “I love you, Kang Hyuk-chan” left viewers stunned and deepened curiosity about their tangled past.
In addition to the lead actors, veteran actress Lee Mi-sook added weight to the story with her commanding presence as Kim Na-na. The supporting cast members, including Han Ji-hyun and Oh Ye-ju, also enriched the narrative through the warm bond within the so-called “Na-na House”.
After the broadcast, online communities and YouTube comment sections were flooded with enthusiastic reactions. Many viewers praised the visual chemistry between Lee Sung-kyung and Chae Jong-hyeop, saying it already felt like a fully realized drama. Others have commented on it the tight plot made the first episode feel like watching a movie. The twist ending, in particular, sparked comments like “MBC really masters cliffhangers,” signaling the beginning of what fans are calling a new wave of “In your radiant season” fever.
Episode 2 of MBC In your radiant season airs tonight (February 21) at 9.50pm, as the drama continues to gain momentum as the most talked about series of the weekend.
Sources: Wikitree
