What comes after love when it’s lost? Is it the void of emptiness, the echo of a once-vibrant melody, or a labyrinth of heartache that’s impossible to escape? In What Comes After Love Episode 3, we dive deep into the emotional undercurrents of our protagonist’s life, navigating the treacherous waters of unfulfilled longing and the tempestuous storms of emotional turmoil.
TL;DR
- Acknowledge and accept your feelings: Don’t suppress your emotions. Allow yourself to feel the pain of heartbreak and loss.
- Seek support: Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for support and guidance. Talking about your feelings can help you cope.
- Practice self-care: Take care of your physical and mental health. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
- Focus on the present: Don’t dwell on the past. Instead, focus on the present moment and the opportunities for growth and happiness.
- Give yourself time: Healing takes time. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to grieve at your own pace.
This week’s episode dives deeper into the heartbreak backstory of our lead characters, unveiling a love that is, in every sense, “unhaveable.” Adding to the emotional tension, we’re introduced to a figure from the past who stirs up even more pain. You’d think we could all use a moment to catch our breath, but no, this is heartbreak central, and we’re just getting started.
Episode 3 Breakdown: Less Info, More Emotion
Unfortunately, we only get one episode this week. That’s right—just one. And while it doesn’t drop bombshells of new information, the raw emotion on display more than compensates. Remember last week when Jungo stepped in front of Hong’s car to stop her from leaving? Well, this episode picks up right where we left off, and let me tell you, it’s not just about cars and traffic—it’s a collision of hearts.
Jungo, not one to waste time, hops into Hong’s car. No words. Just silence. They drive around like two ghosts in a love that never fully died. Finally, Hong breaks the silence, saying there’s nothing left to discuss. She’s over it. Or so she says. Jungo, ever the romantic (or fool, depending on how you see it), tries to soften her with his old nickname for her—”Beni.” But Hong’s walls are higher than ever, responding with a cold “Mr.” and his pen name. Ouch. If that didn’t hurt enough, she tells him she’s about to get married.
Here’s where the real kicker comes in—after dropping him off, Hong takes a moment to breathe and realizes that, after five long years, she’s still not over him. Cue the emotional whiplash.
Wedding Dresses, Tears, and the Ghosts of Love Past
Later, we find Hong with Min-jun, the soon-to-be-groom. They’re out wedding dress shopping, but as you might’ve guessed, her heart is elsewhere. She’s haunted by Jungo’s words—how he’s never forgotten her in five years. Try focusing on wedding plans with that lingering in the back of your mind. As she tries on a dress, she can’t help but remember the time she was once shopping for a wedding dress with Jungo. The tears come, and it’s heartbreaking. She lies to Min-jun, saying the dress doesn’t fit. (Spoiler: it does, perfectly.)
Flashbacks: Tokyo and the Slow Collapse of a Relationship
Now we get some juicy backstory via flashbacks, revealing how the love between Jungo and Hong went south. At first, it’s all sunshine and rainbows in Tokyo. Hong couldn’t bear to be away from Jungo for even a second. She’d wait for him at all his part-time jobs—because why not? That’s what love does to you. Or at least, that’s what she thought.
Then things start to shift. Her friend, PARK JI-HEE, leaves Japan to return to Seoul, and that’s when the isolation creeps in. Jungo is busy with his jobs, leaving Hong alone most of the time. One night, Hong hurts her ankle while jogging, but Jungo’s stuck working. By the time he gets home, she’s fuming—she’s already been to the hospital. Cue the argument: Hong accuses him of always putting work before her. Jungo apologizes but also reminds her that he’s working to pay for his studies. She’s had enough and demands he quit. Classic love-versus-life battle, right?
The real heartbreak comes when she says, “Why am I always alone?” and Jungo, confused, responds, “We wake up together every day because I want to be with you.” But Hong’s already checked out emotionally, replying, “I’m sick of the fact that the only person I can get mad at is you.” And there it is—the heart of the matter. Loneliness is a killer. Add a dash of youthful insecurity, and their love collapses under its weight.
My Two Cents: Love in a Vacuum
Hong’s isolation in Tokyo is entirely relatable—being away from home, dependent on one person for emotional support, can feel like you’re drowning. But let’s call a spade a spade: she could’ve found ways to get out there, meet new people, and make Tokyo her home. Why didn’t she go to grad school, or stick with the job at the ramen shop? These aren’t just plot holes; they’re missed opportunities for growth. Instead, she sank deeper into her own loneliness. Relatable? Yes. Understandable? Totally. But it does make her a bit of an emotional martyr, doesn’t it?
Enter Kanna: The Ghost of Girlfriend Past
Just when things couldn’t get more tangled, we meet Jungo’s ex-girlfriend, KOBAYASHI KANNA. Now, this is where things get messy. After Hong left Tokyo, Kanna stumbled upon a heartbroken Jungo at a bar and felt bad. Why? Because he never seemed this devastated when she broke up with him. Ouch, again.
In present-day Seoul, Kanna shows up out of nowhere, saying she’s there for work. But during dinner, the truth comes out—she’s really there for him. And here’s the real eyebrow-raiser: she’s been waiting five years for Jungo to love her again. Talk about commitment! Or delusion, depending on how you see it.
But wait, did they get back together after Hong left? Or is Kanna just hanging around, waiting for Jungo to “wake up” and love her again? Jungo’s reaction—red eyes and avoidance—says it all. He’s still stuck on Hong.
Kanna’s Bold Move: Let’s Get Married
In a dramatic twist, after their awkward dinner, Kanna shows up at Jungo’s hotel room and drops the bomb: “Let’s get married.” She hugs him, while he looks like a deer caught in headlights. Poor guy—caught between two women, both of whom love him, but neither of whom he can fully commit to. (You really feel for him, don’t you? Or maybe not.)
Min-jun: The Other Guy in This Mess
Finally, let’s not forget Min-jun, Hong’s fiancé. Through flashbacks, we see that when Hong rushed back from Tokyo, it was Min-jun who waited for her at the airport. He’s a doctor, caring for her father, and honestly, he’s the classic “nice guy” trying his best to take care of Hong. But he knows—deep down—that she doesn’t feel the same way about him. Oof. It’s rough, being the safe bet, knowing you’re not the first choice.
My Final Take: The Real Heartbreakers
By the end of this episode, I’ve got to say, my heart hurts for all four characters. This isn’t just a love triangle—it’s a love square, and everyone’s stuck. Min-jun and Kanna know they’re playing second fiddle, but they stay anyway. It’s a kind of emotional self-sacrifice that’s hard to watch, but so relatable. Who hasn’t stayed in a situation, hoping things would change, even when deep down you knew they wouldn’t?
We Need More!
My only real gripe? I wish we had more than one episode this week. I care about these characters—yes, even Hong, who might seem a bit emotionally dramatic. The Tokyo flashbacks were good, but not enough. I need more insight into her choices and what’s driving her feelings. Until then, I guess I’ll just sit here, sulking, waiting for the next emotional rollercoaster.