Choi Sung-eun Shines in 'The Last Summer' as She Navigates First Love's Bliss and Bittersweet Regret

Actress Choi Sung-eun has captivated viewers with her portrayal of Ha-kyung's starlit summer saga in KBS 2TV's weekend mini-series 'The Last Summer.' Her performance skillfully navigates the tender excitement of first love and the lingering regrets of the present.

In the episode aired on the 8th, Ha-kyung (played by Choi Sung-eun) found herself confronting unforgettable memories and deep regrets as Do-ha (Lee Jae-wook) pursued her relentlessly. Tasked with the Pataengo Observatory remodeling project, Ha-kyung's professional entanglement with Do-ha, the design lead, deepened an undeniable connection.

Ha-kyung, who had rarely revealed her inner thoughts even to her closest friends, found past memories naturally resurfacing whenever she encountered Do-ha. The observatory project seemed to stir up buried emotions and long-hidden secrets.

Ha-kyung's childhood summers were defined by her bond with the twin brothers, Baek Do-ha and Baek Do-young (played by Lee Jae-wook), forming a 'Summer's Summer Triangle.' The innocent thrill of her high school days, where even a slight touch sparked excitement, began to waver the moment Do-ha held her hand on the school rooftop one summer night. Her confession to Do-young, "I like Baek Do-ha," on a snowy mountain, became a source of enduring regret.

Do-young left, promising to return by summer. Ha-kyung, unable to return to that past summer because she couldn't maintain the 'proper distance,' sealed away her feelings for Do-ha, hiding her true emotions behind sharp words. As Do-ha persistently approached her, despite her attempts to deny and ignore her feelings, Ha-kyung's emotions began to stir once more. Viewers are keenly anticipating how Ha-kyung will navigate her choices in this rekindled summer in Pataengo.

Choi Sung-eun masterfully depicted Ha-kyung's transformation over time, from her innocent past to her guarded present. In her high school years, she exuded the pure charm of first love with a clear gaze that evoked budding affection, drawing viewers into Ha-kyung's romance. Her transparent eyes and undeniable trembling conveyed a gentle flutter of excitement, solidifying her image as the 'Summer's First Love.'

As an adult, Ha-kyung evoked sympathy with the shadow of regret that lingered despite the passage of time. Though she tried to protect herself with a cool demeanor, suppressing her emotions, Choi Sung-eun meticulously portrayed her wavering inner turmoil whenever she faced Do-ha, making viewers wish to unlock Ha-kyung's closed heart. Her seamless portrayal of the character's dual nature, oscillating between past and present, left a significant impression.

Korean netizens are praising Choi Sung-eun's nuanced acting. Comments like 'Thanks to Choi Sung-eun, I can feel Ha-kyung's emotions directly,' 'She perfectly captured the innocent flutter of first love and complex regret,' and 'I'm excited to see how Ha-kyung will open her heart to Do-ha' are flooding online forums.