First Love Romantic Series ‘Serendipity's Embrace’ Starts at 3.9%

▲ These still images provided by tvN drama promotes the broadcaster's new puppy love romantic series, "Serendipity's Embrace." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, July 23 (Yonhap) -- TvN's drama "Serendipity's Embrace," portraying puppy love romance of young men and women, has started with a viewership rating in the 3% range. 

According to Nielsen Korea on the 23rd, the first episode of "Serendipity's Embrace" which aired the previous day, recorded a viewership rating of 3.9%.

In the first episode, Lee Hong-joo (played by Kim So-hyun) and Kang Hoo-young (played by Chae Jong-hyeop) meet for the first time while riding the same bus to school as high school students. They reunite by chance at a blind date when they are twenty-nine. Having returned from studying in the United States, Kang Hoo-young is curious about Lee Hong-joo and even attends a reunion to find out more about her. That night, he ends up taking a drunken Lee Hong-joo home.

The episode concludes with Kang Hoo-young realizing his feelings as his heart starts to beat again after a long time. "Serendipity's Embrace" has been praised for effectively blending the clichés commonly seen in romantic comedies. The plot where Lee Hong-joo becomes close to Kang Hoo-young by delivering a friend's love letter on their behalf, and the setting where they become neighbors living upstairs and downstairs, offer familiar yet enjoyable elements.

The natural acting chemistry between the lead actors also enhances the viewing experience. Kim So-hyun charmingly portrays Lee Hong-joo, who is bright and quirky, while Chae Jong-hyeop delicately captures the emotional nuances of Kang Hoo-young, whose range of emotional expression is not extensive.

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