Jeong So-min Shines as 'Survival Romance Heroine' in 'My Universe, My Love,' Captivating Audiences with Relatable Acting

Actress Jeong So-min has solidified her status as the 'survival romance heroine' in the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'My Universe, My Love.'

In episodes 7 and 8, aired on November 1st and 2nd, Jeong So-min portrayed Yoo Mi-ri, skillfully embodying the realistic character of a 'bride-to-be on the brink' with both loveliness and maturity.

During episode 7, after receiving confession from Kim Woo-joo (Choi Woo-shik), Mi-ri struggled to hide her fluttering heart amidst her surprise. She texted Woo-joo, who was taking care of the hospitalized Jeon Woo-joo (Seo Bum-joo), "I won't make you worry anymore♥," flashing a sweet smile. Jeong So-min exquisitely captured the awkwardness of reality and the sweet tremor of affection, showcasing the essence of 'life-like romance acting.'

Later, Mi-ri learned from Yoon Jin-kyung (Shin Seul-ki) that Woo-joo was the heir of MyeongsunDang and that the person who saved her in the past was his father. Faced with the truth entangled with Woo-joo's past and family, Mi-ri confessed to him, who was blaming himself, "You don't need to feel so sorry. You don't have to help me anymore. I've also felt uneasy." In this scene, Jeong So-min left a strong impression by subtly conveying a complex mix of emptiness, disappointment, and regret through her gaze and voice modulation.

Through a kiss in a field of reeds, Mi-ri and Woo-joo confirmed their feelings, escalating the romantic tension. Jeong So-min delicately depicted the moment suppressed true feelings blossomed into love, completing the transformation from a 'fake marriage' to 'real love' and drawing deep empathy from viewers with her uniquely human portrayal of Mi-ri.

Episode 8 saw Mi-ri and Woo-joo's relationship deepen. From spending a night together at her family home to deciding to be honest about their relationship with Baek Sang-hyun (Bae Na-ra), and visiting her father's memorial with her mother, Jeong So-min conveyed both familial warmth and the stability of love. While maintaining her signature cheerfulness, she convincingly portrayed Yoo Mi-ri's growth into someone 'who can now be by someone's side.'

Afterward, Mi-ri and Woo-joo began a secret office romance, sharing sweet moments. However, the episode concluded with their fake marriage being exposed to Jeon Woo-joo, raising the stakes and leaving viewers anticipating how Mi-ri will navigate this precarious situation.

Jeong So-min has fully immersed herself in the role, delivering authentic, life-like performances that oscillate between everyday humor and emotional depth. Her seamless portrayal of complex emotions, balancing brightness with anxiety, has richly expressed the character's emotional spectrum.

Netizens are praising Jeong So-min's performance, commenting, 'Her acting feels so real, I'm completely immersed,' 'Mi-ri has become my favorite character,' and 'Her chemistry with Choi Woo-shik is incredible!'