‘The First Lady’ Premiere Shocks with Shocking Divorce Declaration Right After Husband's Presidential Win
MBN’s new Wednesday-Thursday mini-series ‘The First Lady’ delivered a stunning premiere episode, captivating viewers with its intense plot. The drama’s protagonist, Cha Soo-yeon (played by Eugene), faced an unexpected divorce request from her husband, President-elect Hyun Min-chul (played by Ji Hyun-woo), immediately after his victory, sending shockwaves through the audience.
The first episode, which aired on the 24th, marked a successful debut with a nationwide viewership rating of 2.2%. The story kicked off with Hyun Min-chul’s transformation from an unknown activist to a National Assembly member, highlighting his political partnership with his wife, Cha Soo-yeon. Despite facing uncertainty about her husband’s life following the ‘H Chemical’ fire incident, Cha Soo-yeon bravely took the stage for election campaigning, showcasing her resilience.
Fifteen years later, Hyun Min-chul, running for president, raises questions by mysteriously disappearing just before his election win is confirmed. A scene where he identifies a body in a morgue heightened the suspense. Later, during a press conference, Hyun Min-chul expressed gratitude to his wife, Cha Soo-yeon, before unexpectedly proposing swift passage of the ‘Do Tae-hoon Act’ to the opposing candidate, puzzling everyone present.
The announcement of Hyun Min-chul’s presidential victory erupted Gwanghwamun Square in cheers. As Hyun Min-chul and Cha Soo-yeon held hands and shared a kiss on the congratulatory stage, the situation dramatically shifted when an individual, presumably a family member of a victim, appeared and vehemently protested. Amidst this chaos, Hyun Min-chul dropped the bombshell: “Let’s get divorced.” This declaration dramatically heightened anticipation for the next episode.
Meanwhile, the day before the election, Cha Soo-yeon learns about her husband’s affair from their daughter. Her cold response, dismissing it as “Dad’s private life,” hinted at her complex inner world. ‘The First Lady’ promises a new genre of drama with its actors’ outstanding performances, unpredictable narrative, and stylish direction. Eugene skillfully portrayed the intricate emotions of a kingmaker, Ji Hyun-woo embodied a multi-dimensional character, and Lee Min-young added tension as a secretive aide. The solid narrative crafted by writer Kim Hyung-wan and the vivid direction by director Lee Ho-hyun synergized to create a highly immersive viewing experience.
Eugene, who portrays Cha Soo-yeon in ‘The First Lady,’ proved her acting prowess by delicately conveying the complex emotions of a kingmaker guiding her husband to the presidency, ranging from joy and despair to anger. She perfectly embodied a strong character with deep inner turmoil, earning praise from viewers. This wide acting spectrum further elevates expectations for the unfolding drama.