Love in the Big City- Episode 1
The chaotic ride of Love in the Big City begins with Go Yeong, a charming but reckless protagonist, hooking up with a livestreamer who’s hiding his relationship status. The secret doesn’t stay hidden for long—when the livestreamer’s boyfriend, fresh from the military, shows up unannounced, chaos erupts. Annoyed and unimpressed, Yeong ends the fling and bolts, realizing he’s late for work.
His job? A last-minute modeling gig, helping out a friend despite having zero experience. His tardiness irritates the stern photographer Nam-gyu, but sparks fly as they share unexpected, fleeting moments of connection.
By night, Yeong embraces the city's wild energy, clubbing with his eclectic group of friends: Eun-soo, the perceptive advisor; Ji-tae, the gym-loving softie; and Ho-min, a hopeless romantic. Together, they light up the dance floor, even performing choreographed routines to their favorite tracks. But one evening takes an intriguing turn when Nam-gyu unexpectedly appears at the club and discovers Yeong is gay. Though Nam-gyu is serious and reserved, their chemistry leads to a passionate kiss. The night takes a sour turn when Yeong’s classmate Mi-ae spots them, forcing Yeong to beg her to keep his secret. Mi-ae, a quirky but loyal friend, promises silence, but Nam-gyu vanishes before Yeong can explain.
School life offers no solace for Yeong. He’s an outsider, excluded even from group chats. Mi-ae, just as ostracized, pulls him into an impromptu picnic where their bond deepens over honest conversations about their lives. But when Nam-gyu’s romantic intensity escalates—matching promise rings and PDA galore—Yeong feels suffocated. Seeking freedom, he ditches a date to hit the club with Mi-ae, where he dances with an influencer while Mi-ae is drawn to the enigmatic DJ.
Later that night, Mi-ae invites Yeong to her tiny but welcoming apartment. Over drinks and confessions, their friendship solidifies. With burglars targeting women in her area and Yeong eager for independence from his overbearing mother, he decides to move in with her.
The episode crescendos as Yeong’s military-bound friends drag Nam-gyu to a karaoke night. Nam-gyu’s emotional ballad kills the vibe, and when Yeong’s ex-texts him, temptation briefly looms. On the way home, Nam-gyu senses the distance growing and apologizes, but Yeong is done. He brutally ends things, declaring they’re incompatible, leaving Nam-gyu heartbroken.
Yeong’s night spirals further when Mi-ae calls from a police station after fighting off a molester. Rushing to her side, Yeong sees the toll her chaotic life is taking. She tries to straighten out, cutting ties with toxic people, picking up part-time work, and cautiously entertaining the affections of a sweet but awkward tattoo artist. Meanwhile, Yeong rebounds with the influencer, a relationship doomed by mutual dissatisfaction.
The episode closes on a bombshell. Mi-ae, uncharacteristically quiet, reveals to Yeong that she’s pregnant. As the weight of her words sinks in, the curtain falls on Episode 1, leaving viewers hooked on this wild, emotional rollercoaster.
DramaZen's Opinion
A Promising Start to a Wild Ride
Love in the Big City Episode 1 was everything I hoped for and more! From the first scene, it pulls you into Go Yeong’s chaotic and messy life, and I was hooked. It’s rare to see a show that perfectly balances humor, heartbreak, and that raw, unfiltered vibe of navigating relationships in your 20s. Yeong is flawed but so relatable—his awkward hookups, complicated friendships, and struggles to figure out what he really wants make him such a compelling character.
The chemistry between Yeong and Nam-gyu? Ugh, chef’s kiss! That kiss at the club had me screaming, but their dynamic is so much deeper than just physical attraction. Nam-gyu’s old-fashioned sweetness clashes hilariously with Yeong’s carefree, party-boy attitude. You can already tell they’re not meant to last, but that breakup scene? It hurt.
Mi-ae is such a scene-stealer. She’s quirky, loyal, and a total wildcard, but there’s this underlying vulnerability to her that makes her so lovable. I think a lot of women can relate to her—brushing off gossip, trying to stay strong when life keeps throwing punches, but still chasing happiness in her own way. Her friendship with Yeong feels so genuine, and that final bombshell about her pregnancy? My jaw literally dropped.
This episode gave me everything I wanted: drama, laughs, romance, and enough twists to keep me glued to the screen. If this is just the start, I can’t wait to see how much more chaotic and beautiful life gets for Yeong and the gang. I’m officially obsessed!
