DNA Lover- Episodes 13-14

Oh, come on! Are we really diving headfirst into a serial killer subplot that makes zero sense? This drama has officially gone off the deep end — and that’s saying a lot for a show that started with the idea that our perfect partner is coded into our DNA.

These episodes? A whole lot of nothing happens, despite three different confessions. And the response to all of them? “Can I have more time to think about it?” Oof. That’s a big fat “no” across the board.

Last week, our heroine was grappling with the revelation that her best friend Kang-hoon is her real DNA match. This week, she’s trying to convince herself that it’s a good thing. He’s always been there for her, he’s her protector, and deep down, she knows she’s taken him for granted. But no matter how logical the match may seem, her heart isn’t following her brain — she still wants Yeon-woo.

Meanwhile, Kang-hoon has had enough of standing on the sidelines. He’s ready to fight for So-jin but is also careful to respect her need for space. On one hand, he’s giving her time to heal, but on the other, he’s stepping up and finally putting himself between her and Yeon-woo.

As for Yeon-woo, he’s doing a lot of moping around, regretting his breakup and feeling lost without So-jin. That’s when Mi-eun sees her chance. She asks Yeon-woo if he wants to move in together — not in a serious way, just as someone to come home to. She wants to be there for him whenever he’s lonely. But Yeon-woo? He brushes her off with a vague “I’ll think about it,” because his mind is still on So-jin.

Mi-eun gets real with him, admitting that she only ever thought about Yeon-woo, even when she was with other men. The look on his face? Pure shock — it’s like he’s only just now realizing she’s in love with him. Mi-eun, holding back tears, asks if things would’ve been different had she confessed sooner. But Yeon-woo says nothing. She bravely tells him to go confess to So-jin, but if it doesn’t work out, he knows where to find her.

So, Yeon-woo heads to So-jin’s house and admits he made a mistake. He asks if it’s too late for them, if they can have another chance. The irony? This is basically what Mi-eun just asked him, and he turned her down. But So-jin is stronger now — she tells him they need to go their separate ways. She’s no longer the woman who would accept him back. She’s learned that maybe love isn’t just about passion and wild feelings; maybe it’s about someone steady like Kang-hoon.

Just as Yeon-woo is about to object, Kang-hoon arrives and, in a stunning moment, tells Yeon-woo to let So-jin go if he truly loves her. “That’s love too,” he says, pulling So-jin away. He then confesses his own feelings, telling her he’s not just fond of her — he loves her. And he promises never to make her cry like the others did. “You’re precious to me,” he says. “Please come to me now.”

So-jin, caught off guard, looks moved but conflicted. As Kang-hoon leans in for a kiss, she backs up, knocking a plant off the table, which shatters the moment. Minutes later, when Kang-hoon is leaving, she asks for more time to process his confession. His response? “Give me the answer when I’m the only one in your heart.” Oof, my heart breaks for both of them.

Now, let’s talk about that plant — because things just get weirder. Remember the shady priest lurking around? We were led to believe he’s a serial killer who sends plants to his victims that burst into flames when watered. But plot twist! It’s not the priest; it’s his twin sister who suddenly enters the story out of nowhere. What? I’m not sure if this is supposed to be funny, but if so, it’s definitely missing the mark.

Kang-hoon, our heroic firefighter, discovers the arsonist’s hideout and initially suspects the priest. But this revelation means that Yeon-woo’s mom didn’t set the fire that killed his dad. It also means So-jin is in danger because she received one of these dangerous plants. And, just as Kang-hoon is explaining all this to Yeon-woo, they both receive one of the cursed plants as well. As the episodes end, So-jin is kidnapped… by the sister? What even is this storyline?

Meanwhile, Yeon-woo decides to quit his job at the hospital and move to the U.S. He meets with Mi-eun to tell her he’s leaving. He explains that he followed her advice, asked So-jin for another chance, and was rejected. He believes letting So-jin go is the only way to show his love, which is why he’s moving abroad.

Mi-eun offers to go with him. She says she’s proving her love by not giving up, telling him, “You shook up my whole philosophy on relationships and changed my life.” But Yeon-woo stops her mid-confession, saying he doesn’t want to hurt anyone else. “I’m already hurting,” she replies.

Yeon-woo’s response is heartbreaking: “I want you to be in my life for a long time. You’re the only person who understands me.” Mi-eun, devastated, tells him how much it hurts before breaking down in tears after he leaves.

DramaZen's Opinion

Honestly, I’m completely checked out at this point. I was already struggling to stay engaged, and now the love square dynamics have lost all their appeal. It’s painfully obvious that So-jin and Kang-hoon, along with Mi-eun and Yeon-woo, should be the endgame. Their chemistry is so much stronger, and it just feels right—but of course, we all know the writers aren’t going to give us that satisfying conclusion.

The dynamic between Yeon-woo and Mi-eun feels so raw and authentic, and I can’t help but wish it existed in a different show that knew what to do with all the complex, messy feelings it keeps introducing.

At this stage, I’m only sticking around because my completionist tendencies won’t let me quit so close to the end. With just two episodes left, I’ll probably be hitting the fast-forward button as much as possible, just to finally say I’ve seen it through. Let’s get this over with!