In Head Over Heels, Episode 1 is already winning hearts. In the very first episode aired on June 23 on tvN, Cho Yi-Hyun’s character Park Sung-ah, meets Bae Gyeon-woo, played by Choo Young-woo. That meeting changes everything for her.
Before diving in, it’s worth noting that this is Cho Yi-hyun’s return to supernatural storytelling after her breakout in All of Us Are Dead. But this time, it’s not about zombies—it’s about fate, spirits, and a fragile romance. Her acting evolution is something fans should definitely pay attention to.
Sung-ah is not just any girl. She works as a shaman while also trying to get into college. That contrast between school life and shamanism is a rare one in K-dramas. Most high school romances skip over real-world stress. But here, her spiritual work isn’t a fantasy element; it’s a job. That realism makes the story more grounded and the stakes feel heavier.
It’s a tough life. She wants to study, but her job keeps getting in the way. After failing an exam, she vents her frustration and swears to focus only on studies. But life doesn’t stop. Work still finds her. Her mother figure, known as Shin Mother, doesn’t go easy on her. When Sung-ah tries to explain that her struggles are about getting into college, Shin’s Mother tells her off. She says it’s just empty talk. That college dream? To her, it’s just a greedy wish.
Even so, Sung-ah keeps doing her shaman work. Then a new face walks in. It’s Bae Gyeon-woo. Interestingly, Bae Gyeon-woo isn’t your usual K-drama male lead. He’s not cold or cocky. He’s quiet, unlucky, and strangely soft-spoken. That adds mystery. Viewers may find him oddly relatable, especially those who’ve ever felt like their life is cursed by bad luck.
Gyeon-woo’s Plight and Sung-ah’s Determination
He looks like trouble, but Sung-ah is immediately drawn to him. He asks her for a charm to push away bad luck. He’s had near-death experiences more than once. Turns out, he may not have much time left to live.
That hits Sung-ah hard. She decides she wants to help him—even if it’s risky. But saving someone like that isn’t easy. Her mother reminds her of a past failure. A man died because she couldn’t save him. Saving Gyeon-woo would mean risking her own life. And she’d have to deal with dangerous spirits again. Still, she doesn’t stop.
That moment defines her character. Instead of giving up or playing the victim, Sung-ah leans into her fear. Her resilience reminds us that Head Over Heels isn’t just about ghosts—it’s about emotional strength in the face of loss, failure, and fear.
The next day, she sees Gyeon-woo again. This time, at her school. He’s a transfer student now. When they meet, he pretends not to remember her. He does this to protect her from rumors. People at school call her weird names, like “sickle bird.” This small act touches her. She starts thinking maybe he was meant to meet her.
Later in the episode, a ghost appears in the boy’s bathroom at school. Sung-ah goes there after noticing water stains on the wall. She knows what it means. A water ghost. She faces it directly. She tells it to stop hurting people. She throws a talisman and promises to send it off peacefully if it agrees to leave the students alone.
From fate to feelings: Park Sung-ah’s growing bond with Gyeon-woo
But then, trouble hits. Gyeon-woo walks into the bathroom. The ghost turns on him. Sung-ah runs out and pulls him away just in time. She tells him, “I protected you.” It’s a short moment, but it shows how much she already cares.
Later, there’s another scary situation. A ghost shakes a heavy signboard above a street. Gyeon-woo is in danger again. Sung-ah sees it and rushes to save him. But this time, it’s Gyeon-woo who protects her. He pulls her away just before the sign crashes down.
Gyeon-woo gets angry. He doesn’t understand why she ran into danger. She says she was trying to save him. He says she was being reckless. He tells her, “That’s not being kind. That’s being foolish.” Even so, the bond between them grows. And it’s not just about romance. There’s tension, fear, guilt, and trust. It’s messy, just like real feelings.
Later, Sung-ah is performing another ritual. She’s trying to help another ghost pass on. But she’s in a rush. She tells the ghost she only has ten minutes. The ghost gets mad. It says, “What’s more important than this?” Sung-ah yells back, “My exam! If I fail again, it’s on you!” This small moment shows who she is. She’s struggling to balance her future with her strange present. She wants a normal life, but is stuck between spirits and survival.
A quiet start to a deep love story
This first episode of Head Over Heels mixes fantasy, school life, and romance in a quiet but clever way. Jo Yi-hyun’s performance makes Park Sung-ah easy to root for. She’s confused, brave, and human. Choo Young-woo gives Gyeon-woo a quiet sadness that makes viewers curious.
If you’re wondering whether this drama is worth following, the answer depends on your taste. Like Hotel Del Luna or The Master’s Sun, this story uses the supernatural to explore human pain. But here, it’s slower, more thoughtful—and that makes it quietly powerful. The love story doesn’t rush. It begins in awkward talks and strange moments. Like saving each other from ghosts. Or arguing in a hallway. That’s what makes it feel real.
The drama sets up a slow-build romance with a fantasy twist. There’s also a deeper look into how much people are willing to risk for someone they barely know, but can’t stop thinking about. Park Sung-ah falls first. But it doesn’t feel forced. It feels natural, like something that just happens. This show might appeal to those who enjoy soft romantic stories with a touch of the supernatural. It doesn’t push emotions too hard. It lets the story breathe.
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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