The Midnight Romance in Hagwon Episode 7

idyllic

That's the immediate word that comes to mind when I think about this episode. Actually, the whole time I was expecting a punch out of left field especially towards the end, but instead it ended on a very sweet and peaceful note. Once again, this episode was more about Hye Jin and Jun Ho's relationship, which pushed the politics and school plot to the background, but that's not something I actually minded. Instead I liked how we stayed with Hye Jin throughout again (and also a little bit with Jun Ho) as she tried to navigate the change in her relationship with Jun Ho and her decision to leave the academy.

I thought her reaction was very human and very "her". She clearly has feelings for Jun Ho (she kissed him back!!), and I thought the way she eventually accepted them was quite realistic. It wasn't drawn out. It was a very realistic depiction between two adults, which was again - quite nice to see. It could have very easily been boring to watch, but instead the script and the directing held up. I wanted to see what Hye Jin would do, even though I knew them getting together is the foregone conclusion, and that curiosity stems from the fact that Hye Jin and Jun Ho are both interesting and likable characters.

Jun Ho felt very realistic as well, as someone who wanted her to return his feelings but also had to balance preparing for his first big assignment of the year. I liked that he didn't throw all of his work to the wayside just to prioritize his feelings for her. It makes for more of an interesting character if he's motivated by more things than just love and dating. I'm curious to see how their relationship will progress now that they know for sure that this affection is requited.

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