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The new KBS 2TV romance drama ‘Last Summer’ made its highly anticipated K-drama premiere on November 1, 2025, securing a promising 3% nationwide viewership rating according to Nielsen Korea. The first episode immediately established a tense conflict between its lead characters, architect Baek Doha (played by Lee JaeWook) and civil servant Song Hakyung (played by Choi SungEun). Their story begins with opposing desires: he has returned to their childhood town of Patan-myeon, while she is desperate to leave it behind.
A Fiery Reunion and a Property Dispute
Song Hakyung’s plan to escape her life in the northernmost village of Pacheon hits a major snag when she discovers a change in property ownership. The co-ownership of her beloved “Peanut House” has been transferred from Baek Doha’s father, Baek Kiho (Choi ByungMo), to Doha himself. This development complicates her goal of selling the house and moving on. Her frustration leads her to a tense meeting with Doha’s lawyer, Seo Suhyeok (Kim GunWoo), which only escalates the situation.
The conflict comes to a head when Hakyung and Doha reunite for the first time in two years. The reunion is anything but sweet, as they immediately clash over the house. Hakyung passionately argues for selling the property, but Doha firmly refuses, setting the stage for a battle of wills.
Clash of Wills Over the “Peanut House”
The core conflict of this romance drama’s first episode centers on the “Peanut House.” For Hakyung, selling it represents freedom and a new beginning. For Doha, it holds a connection to his past that he is unwilling to let go of. This fundamental disagreement fuels their interactions, creating an electric dynamic between the two leads. The episode masterfully lays the groundwork for an enemies-to-lovers narrative, rooted in shared history and present-day conflict.
Escalating Tensions and a Glimpse of the Past
Refusing to be deterred, Baek Doha takes active steps to thwart Song Hakyung’s ambitions. He skillfully persuades local residents to oppose her “Tearing Down Fences Project,” a community initiative she is leading. This act of sabotage directly undermines her professional life and personal goals. The climax of the premiere episode arrives when Hakyung, in a desperate attempt to prove her project’s viability, tries to demolish the fence of the Peanut House herself.
However, a mistake leads to the accidental destruction of a meaningful inner wall from her childhood, a moment filled with poignant symbolism. Just as she is reeling from her error, Doha appears. While he offers her help, he reiterates his unyielding position: he will not sell the house. The episode concludes with Doha confronting Hakyung about their unresolved past, and her narration foreshadows a difficult summer ahead due to his return.
Promising Start and Future Viewer Ratings
The strong 3% viewership for the first episode signals a successful launch for “Last Summer.” The compelling plot, character chemistry, and central conflict have captured audience attention. With such a solid start, the show’s performance will be a key point to watch in future K-Drama ratings trends. Viewers are already anticipating how the relationship between the headstrong Hakyung and the resolute Doha will evolve from this contentious beginning.
This brief was automatically generated from official updates. For in-depth coverage, visit our Trends section.
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