Kim Se-jeong Becomes Kang Tae-oh's 'Savior' in 'The Love That Blurs the Lines,' Dramatically Boosting Ratings

Kim Se-jeong has emerged as the lifesaver for Kang Tae-oh in the MBC drama 'The Love That Blurs the Lines,' captivating viewers. In the third episode aired on the 14th, Park Dal-yi (played by Kim Se-jeong) demonstrated profound gratitude by meticulously nursing Crown Prince Lee Kang (played by Kang Tae-oh) back to health after he was shot and collapsed.

The episode garnered significant attention, with viewership ratings reaching 5.6% nationwide and 5.1% in the metropolitan area, marking a new personal best for the drama, according to Nielsen Korea on the 15th. The peak moment, where Lee Kang collapses into Park Dal-yi's arms at the end of the episode, surged to an impressive 8.3%.

Previously, Lee Kang had enacted justice by saving Park Dal-yi from a false accusation orchestrated by disgruntled nobles. He was already grappling with his own actions, realizing his relentless pursuit of Park Dal-yi, who bore a striking resemblance to the deceased Crown Princess, was misguided. Consequently, he had tried to push her away by speaking harshly, urging her to leave Hanyang.

However, Lee Kang's efforts proved futile as Park Dal-yi, indebted to Prince Lee Yun (played by Lee Shin-young), was compelled to remain in Hanyang as his errand runner. While delivering a letter to Kim Woo-hee (played by Hong Soo-joo), the daughter of State Councilor Kim Han-cheol, Park Dal-yi unexpectedly encountered Lee Kang, who was on his way to pick up his own betrothed. Thus began their uncomfortable journey together toward the same destination.

Simultaneously, Kim Woo-hee was plotting a dangerous scheme to fulfill her ambition of marrying Lee Yun and securing her father's position as the Emperor's maternal grandfather. Believing that Lee Kang's disappearance would naturally lead to Lee Yun's ascension to the throne, she resolved to eliminate Lee Kang herself.

Unbeknownst to Lee Kang, an assassination attempt was underway. After a fierce struggle, he managed to fend off the assassins, but not before being shot by Kim Woo-hee, sending him plummeting down a cliff. Kim Woo-hee's chilling smile as she watched him fall evoked a sense of dread in the viewers.

The person who found Lee Kang floating in the valley stream was none other than Park Dal-yi. After completing her errands for Lee Yun, she discovered the fallen prince and dedicated herself to his care and treatment.

After regaining consciousness after a fortnight, Lee Kang, aided by Park Dal-yi, began preparing to inform Hanyang of his survival and make his way back to the palace. Yet, with his gunshot wound still fresh, his safe arrival in Hanyang remained uncertain. Seeing Lee Kang exhausted from riding day and night, Park Dal-yi declared her unwavering resolve to save him, stating, "The life I saved is my responsibility."

As Lee Kang attempted to leave without her, Park Dal-yi pursued him relentlessly, expressing her concern and halting his departure. For the first time, Lee Kang, who had always been the one to rush to Park Dal-yi's aid in times of crisis, could not turn away from her outstretched hand. He then collapsed into her arms, uttering, "Protect me with all your might," leaving the audience stunned. The future of their relationship and their journey back to Hanyang remains a captivating mystery.

Netizens are reacting enthusiastically, with comments like "Kim Se-jeong's acting is amazing!" and "Their chemistry is already making me excited!" The drama's recent surge in ratings, surpassing the 5% mark for the first time, highlights the intense competition in the weekend drama slot. Viewers are eagerly anticipating the next episode to see if 'The Love That Blurs the Lines' can maintain this momentum.