Dynamite Kiss- Episodes 1-2
Nitric Acid, Sulfuric Acid & Dynamite
Episode 1 kicks off by introducing us to Ko Da-rim, a young woman whose life has been anything but easy. We meet her in a moment of pure relatability, falling asleep on the bus and dreaming of being a successful CEO with a handsome proposal in her future. Reality hits hard when she almost misses her stop, but even in her rush, Da-rim finds a moment to help a blind woman cross the street. Classic Da-rim, kindhearted, even under pressure.
Da-rim has been chasing her civil exam dream for five years. She’s got the brains, but the interview stage is her downfall, and her professor doesn’t exactly hold back in poking fun at her… though he does sweeten the blow with vouchers for free lectures. After school, she heads to her part-time convenience store job before finally returning home, where a small family drama awaits.
Her sister, Da-jung, is getting married and has no intention of letting Da-rim attend. Instead, she sends her off to Jeju under the pretense of a “trip,” citing her presence as a liability with the in-laws. Hurt but trying to stay cheerful, Da-rim goes along with it, until she overhears their mother scolding Da-jung, reminding us that family dynamics are rarely simple.
Meanwhile, Kong Ji-hyuk is introduced in a high-powered, business-savvy light. He closes a massive deal with international investors, all while displaying his charm and sharp mind. But when it comes to love, Ji-hyuk is a skeptic, convinced he’s immune to it… that is, until fate throws him in Da-rim’s direction.
Da-rim’s trip to Jeju quickly becomes a trip down memory lane. She runs into her ex, Kim Jeong-won, whose cutting words from the past still sting. Meanwhile, Ji-hyuk is in Jeju with his own mission: to impress Jeong-won and win him over professionally. Their paths cross in the most cinematic way, Da-rim mistakes Ji-hyuk’s celebratory antics on a cliff for suicidal behavior, resulting in a chaotic but heart-pounding rescue sequence that lands them both in the hospital.
Cue the meet-cute-turned-partnership: Ji-hyuk offers to pay Da-rim ten times her hospital bill if she pretends to be his girlfriend. Da-rim hesitates, but the allure of financial reprieve and a little mischief against her ex...sways her. This sets the stage for a series of laugh-out-loud and heart-fluttering moments, from shopping makeovers to high-stakes parties, all culminating in that first magical, dynamite kiss under the fireworks.
Episode 2 picks up right where the sparks left off. Da-rim and Ji-hyuk are navigating the aftermath of their first kiss while continuing their charade. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and Ji-hyuk’s admiration for Da-rim’s resilience only grows. He confesses that his kiss was personal, not professional, and they share a beautifully whimsical date involving a “Grandfather Tree,” ocean waves, and playful boat mishaps, ending in another tender kiss that cements their burgeoning feelings.
Back in Seoul, the drama thickens. Da-rim’s sister’s wedding falls apart due to financial troubles, her mother collapses, and Da-rim is forced to shoulder mounting responsibilities. Meanwhile, Ji-hyuk is caught between family expectations, marriage to Ha-young and joining the family business and his growing desire to find Da-rim. In a twist of fate (and classic K-drama coincidence), Da-rim applies to a task force at Ji-hyuk’s company under a fabricated identity, lying about her marital status and child to secure work. The tension is delicious: Ji-hyuk, still reeling from their Jeju moments, is stunned to find her walking into his office, unknowingly stepping right back into his life.
By the end of Episode 2, the stage is perfectly set for the chaos, romance, and comedy to explode. Da-rim is determined to protect her family while navigating the messiness of love, Ji-hyuk is caught between duty and desire, and their “dynamite” connection promises fireworks every step of the way.
DramaZen's Opinion
Dynamite Kiss bursts onto the screen with a perfect mix of charm, humor, and heart. Episodes 1 and 2 introduce Ko Da-rim, a lovable underdog navigating family drama, career struggles, and past heartbreak, and Kong Ji-hyuk, a charismatic, sharp-minded CEO who’s about to shake up her world.
From Da-rim’s chaotic yet kindhearted Jeju adventures to the explosive first kiss under the fireworks, the chemistry between the leads is electric. The show balances lighthearted comedy, think awkward meet-cutes, playful bickering, and makeover moments with emotional depth, exploring family obligations, personal growth, and past scars.
By the end of Episode 2, the stakes are high, the romance is simmering, and the playful tension between Da-rim and Ji-hyuk makes you eager for more. Dynamite Kiss is a delightful mix of sweet, funny, and heart-fluttering moments that promise a binge-worthy ride.
