The final episode of tvN’s Love, Take Two episode 12 aired on September 9. It closed the story of Lee Hyori, played by Choi Yoon-ji, who went through brain tumor surgery. The drama chose to end not with shock, but with a quiet look at family, regret, and healing.
Hyori entered surgery with her mother, Lee Ji-an (Yeom Jung-ah), blaming herself. Ji-an wept, remembering how she once told her daughter to “just endure it and study” despite Hyori’s headaches.
That guilt showed a parent’s fear of missing the signs. Ryu Jung-seok (Park Hae-joon) comforted her, saying that being a parent is never easy. His words helped, but did not erase the weight.
The surgery ended with relief. Hyori regained consciousness, though she struggled with temporary speech problems. She avoided speaking except for short words and chose to stay away from people.
Ryu Bo-hyun (Kim Min-kyu) visited her, hugged her, and brought her comfort. Their bond allowed her to recover step by step, not through grand gestures but through time and patience.
One Year Later – A New Beginning
A year later, Hyori appeared with short hair and a healthy body. Her life had settled into calm routine. She shared peaceful moments with her family, proving her journey was not about tragedy alone.
She spoke to Jung Moon-hee (Kim Mi-kyung) about wanting to return to school. Moon-hee encouraged her, recalling her own days as a doctor. Their conversation hinted at how Hyori still had ambitions despite her illness.
Meanwhile, Bo-hyun told Hyori about her plan to study abroad. Their embrace before parting showed support, not despair. Hyori, once fragile, now had the strength to let someone she loved move forward.
The drama also gave closure to other characters. Moon-hee considered leaving to avoid burdening the family, but Ji-an begged her to stay.
Their argument showed how care often collides with fear. Neighbor Kim Sun-young (Kim Sun-young) found love with Yoon Tae-oh (Yang Kyung-won), a small subplot that added warmth.
Hyori later visited the crypt of her biological mother, Han Cho-rong (Geum Min-kyung). She wept while thanking her for giving her such a wonderful adoptive mother. It was a rare moment where grief and gratitude met.
At the hospital, Hyori’s test results confirmed her health had stabilized. She then met a young high school girl facing the same tumor. The girl cried, terrified of surgery.
Hyori comforted her with honesty. She admitted she had been just as scared a year ago, but reminded the girl that good luck often comes hidden with misfortune. This scene tied the story back to the theme of survival through shared experience.
A Family’s Quiet Happiness
The final act carried a softer tone. Ji-an and Hyori traveled abroad together. Ji-an enjoyed taking photos like a tourist, while Hyori watched her with a smile.
Their bond had grown stronger. In one striking line, Hyori said, “Maybe our first love is our mothers.” She reflected that love is not only about romance but also about the lessons of living.
Ryu Jung-seok, meanwhile, showed humor when buying milk late at night. He joked about being too old but also revealed that his “first love in 30 years” was not milk, but something more personal.
These lighter touches balanced the heavy medical drama with everyday humanity.
In the closing scene, Hyori returned to normal life. She played games, shared laughter, and expressed gratitude for still being alive. She had once been silent, afraid to speak after surgery. Now she spoke with ease, proving her recovery was more than physical.
Hyori, who once faced death, found her way back to school. Bo-hyun left to pursue her own dream. Ji-an and Hyori traveled as mother and daughter, showing love in its most simple form. Even neighbors and friends found closure in small ways.
Skepticism still lingers. Some viewers may argue the drama tied every thread too neatly. The hardships were heavy, but the ending leaned toward comfort.
Others may find that after such pain, a gentle resolution was exactly what was needed. Both views carry truth.
What stood out was Hyori’s growth. She was not cured by magic or made into a saint by suffering. She stumbled, she cried, she hid, and then she tried again.
That realism gave weight to her recovery. Her support of the young girl at the hospital echoed her own journey. It showed that pain can turn into guidance for someone else.
In the end, First, For Love left a simple but lasting message. First loves are not always romantic. Sometimes they are the people who stand by us in our weakest moments.
Sometimes they are mothers, friends, or even strangers who remind us that life, no matter how fragile, is worth carrying forward.
Which moment in Love, Take Two finale touched you the most?
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Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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