My Sweet Mobster- Episode 3-4 Recap
As the mobster and the content creator grow closer in the next two episodes, she discovers that first impressions can be deceiving. Beneath his tough exterior, which might seem like a tale of violence and danger, lies a heartwarming story of innocent romance and unexpected second chances. The more time they spend together, the more she uncovers the true depth and warmth hidden beneath his dark facade.
When we left off on episode 2, we saw Eun-ha in quite the predicament, having discovered that the milk she endorsed made hundreds of children sick. Fresh out of the hospital, Ji-hwan spots Eun-ha's frantic dash to the ER and senses something is terribly wrong. Acting on instinct, he orders the dashing General Manager Joo Il-Young (Kim Hyun-jin) to make a dramatic U-turn, racing to uncover the truth behind Eun-ha’s distress.
Ji-hwan’s intervention proves crucial when Eun-ha, overwhelmed by guilt and paralyzed by the furious parents' accusations, is left vulnerable to their angry outburst. As milk cartons fly, Ji-hwan, clad in his striking black trench coat, heroically shields her from the chaos. He urgently tells Eun-ha to close her eyes and count to ten before sweeping her up over his shoulder (major swoon factor). Turning to the irate crowd, he delivers a commanding ultimatum: save their fury and the milk for the company truly responsible, not the innocent content creator standing before them.
Ji-hwan insists on driving Eun-ha home, but as they settle into the car, he finds himself stumbling over his words, unable to comfort the deeply shaken woman beside him. Eun-ha confesses her shame, revealing that she trusted the milk company’s friendly facade and now feels crushed by her own misjudgment; both of the company and of Ji-hwan himself. Despite her tendency to be easily misled, Eun-ha demonstrates her strength by owning up to her errors and apologizing for any unintended harm. This moment not only highlights her integrity but also adds depth to her character, making her even more relatable.
As Ji-hwan and Il-young drop Eun-ha off at her friend Koo Mi-ho's place, Ji-hwan wrestles with his reluctance to say goodbye. Torn between declining her offer to dry-clean his milk-stained coat and using the coat as a pretext to see her again, his longing for a connection wins out. He reluctantly hands over the coat, hoping it will give him a reason to cross paths with her once more. Meanwhile, the astute Il-young seizes the moment, sliding a business card into Eun-ha's hand with a sly grin, suggesting she call if she ever "needs a ride"or, more directly, if she needs to return the coat.
Fortunately, the tainted milk didn't cause any lasting harm to the children, but the fallout remains. When Eun-ha returns the next day, she's met by a single, previously hostile parent, now visibly subdued. The mother confesses that she too shares the blame, revealing she trusted the milk because Eun-ha's genuine commitment to educating and entertaining children made her seem more reliable than other content creators. The admission hits hard since Eun-ha’s integrity had been her greatest asset, yet it was her trustworthiness that ironically led to this very crisis.
Ah, the universe's cruel sense of humor strikes again, but this time it’s targeting Eun-ha. As Macaron Soft gears up to throw her under the bus over the Milk-Gate scandal, their first move is to "temporarily" suspend her account. Just when things couldn't get worse, office queen bee Kang Ye-na (Song Seo-rin) catches wind of Eun-ha’s imminent loss of income and seizes the moment. With a smirk, she "jokes" about letting Eun-ha clean her apartment because apparently, the universe isn’t finished hurling its mess yet at our FL.
Eun-ha sees right through Ye-na’s “joke,” but desperate times call for desperate measures. With a hefty dry cleaning bill for Ji-hwan’s coat weighing on her mind, she reluctantly agrees to clean Ye-na’s apartment for some quick cash. Inside, she discovers more than just a pristine living space. The walls boast a grandiose portrait of Ye-na, a testament to her overwhelming vanity. Yet, as Eun-ha explores further, she uncovers the stark reality behind the glitz: Ye-na’s office and at-home studio reveal a relentless drive and fierce ambition that propelled her to fame. It’s a glimpse into the duality of her persona, a woman who fought tooth and nail for her success, far from the superficial image she projects.
While Ye-na may fit snugly into the category of slick, self-serving salespeople, she possesses a fierce pride in her career that drives her frustration with Eun-ha. To Ye-na, Eun-ha’s laid-back approach and tendency to follow her own whims come across as a lack of ambition. This clash stems from their fundamentally different measures of success. For Ye-na, it’s all about the numbers, likes, views, and fame. But Eun-ha’s mission is far more meaningful: she aims to craft quality, accessible entertainment that genuinely resonates with children. In her eyes, success isn't about dominating the charts but enriching young lives with content they can truly understand and enjoy.
As much as I’m rooting for our leading lady, especially after the humiliation Ye-na orchestrated with her clique, I have to give props to the writers for fleshing out Ye-na’s character. She’s not just a villain for the sake of being one, and her disdain for Eun-ha comes from a place of real, albeit flawed, logic. It’s not about competing for a man…at least not yet. Her motives add layers to the drama, making the conflict all the more compelling.
It’s only a matter of time before things get even more tangled, and Ye-na’s simmering resentment might just turn into something explosive. She’s got a soft spot for Ji-hwan, the man who rescued her from her father's crushing debt, and his kindness has left a mark on her. But here’s the kicker: Ji-hwan doesn’t even remember her! When faced with a choice between chatting with a now smitten Ye-na or comforting a devastated Eun-ha, he chooses Eun-ha without hesitation. And thank heavens he did, because what happens next is pure, unfiltered drama magic.
Ji-hwan tracks Eun-ha to a cozy pojangmacha, and with no empty seats in sight, he ends up sharing a table with her. Not one to indulge in alcohol, Ji-hwan orders a soda, trying to keep things light. But when Eun-ha confides that she wishes he weren’t a former gangster, Ji-hwan’s guilt and self-loathing sink him deeper. Distracted by his own turmoil, he mistakenly grabs Eun-ha’s soju bottle, and “oh boy!” the powerful drink hits him like a freight train. The normally stoic Ji-hwan is soon reeling from the effects, leading to a hilariously unforgettable moment that’s both heartwarming and a bit of a hot mess.
Ji-hwan’s accidental soju binge turns him into a playful, carefree child, and Eun-ha finds herself trailing the newly spirited mobster to a nearby playground. There, Ji-hwan’s exuberance transforms the evening into an unexpected escape from reality, as they both lose themselves in childish antics. Their laughter rings out as they frolic on the swings and slide down the slides, each moment a release from their adult burdens. The night reaches its peak when they collapse into the sand, exhausted and exhilarated. As cherry blossoms drift gently around them, Ji-hwan, with a rare vulnerability, tells Eun-ha how much he misses watching her videos. His confession hangs in the air, a tender moment that makes Eun-ha’s heart flutter and leaves us all breathless.
The morning after their magical playground adventure, Ji-hwan is a whirlwind of emotions, caught between intense embarrassment and daydreams of Eun-ha. Late for a crucial meeting, he’s physically present but mentally lost in thoughts of her. Watching the tough-as-nails gangster turned lovesick fool is as endearing as it is comical. Meanwhile, his Thirsty Deerlings, oblivious to his inner turmoil, are bewildered by his strange behavior. They mistakenly interpret his distracted state as frustration with their marketing strategies or as fallout from the scandal involving Eun-ha, unaware that their stoic boss is simply head over heels. Even the perceptive Il-young is left puzzled by Ji-hwan’s sudden shift in focus.
Little do his bewildered employees know, Ji-hwan’s mind is a whirlwind of anxiety over the perfect response to Eun-ha’s text about meeting up to return his coat. As he nervously dials her number to clarify an awkward typo, he inadvertently overhears the shocking news: Eun-ha has been abruptly evicted from her company-sponsored housing. With her contract at Macaron Soft abruptly terminated, she’s left homeless and stranded. While we’re all waiting for the inevitable showdown where Ji-hwan dismantles Macaron Soft and its unscrupulous boss, his immediate concern is making sure Eun-ha is safe. Fate, ever the dramatic player, places Eun-ha right outside Ji-hwan’s home, setting the stage for a serendipitous and emotionally charged reunion.
When Eun-ha was a child, her family faced relentless threats from gangsters, and it was a young Hyun-woo who once sheltered her from those dangers, living right in Ji-hwan’s house. Now, her memories of that protective figure have been reignited by her encounter with the enigmatic prosecutor Hyun-woo, whose true identity remains tantalizingly unconfirmed. Driven by a surge of nostalgia and curiosity, Eun-ha finds herself drawn back to the very house where she once found safety, hoping to uncover long-buried connections and perhaps, find a piece of her lost past.
Ji-hwan’s heart skips a beat as he spots Eun-ha outside his house, a mix of shock and relief washing over him. Masking his concern about her homelessness, he seizes the moment to invite her inside under the pretense of inspecting the dry-cleaning job on his coat, an item she’s been using as a makeshift umbrella. With a casual charm, he offers her a chance to warm up and change into some dry clothes, subtly ensuring she’s comfortable while keeping the true reason for his invitation under wraps.
Determined to prolong Eun-ha's stay, Ji-hwan throws out an offer to make her some ramen, a gesture that’s utterly innocent to him but might have left anyone else blushing. Eun-ha, initially thrown off by the suggestive undertone, decides to stay when she realizes his offer is genuinely about food. But as the evening unfolds, she never actually gets around to eating the ramen. Instead, exhaustion overtakes her, and she falls asleep on the living room couch. In the quiet of the night, Ji-hwan gently lifts her into his arms and carries her to a cozy spare bedroom, his silent, tender care a stark contrast to his tough exterior.
Eun-ha wakes to the mouthwatering aroma of a breakfast feast, with Ji-hwan's loyal Deerlings bustling around the kitchen. Their surprise is palpable when they discover she’s their "special guest," and while she’s touched by their hospitality, she's stumped about how to repay their kindness. The men, a well-oiled team of efficiency, seem to have every task covered. However, Eun-ha’s ears perk up when she overhears Il-young discussing a plan with Ji-hwan. Il-young suggests bringing someone with a knack for working with kids, someone less intimidating, to visit the younger sister of a former employee now missing. The hint is clear, and Eun-ha, motivated by both gratitude and curiosity, sees an opportunity to contribute.
Guess who’s got a knack for handling kids? That’s right…Eun-ha. Eager to show her gratitude for Ji-hwan’s unexpected kindness, she leaps at the chance to accompany him. Despite his reservations about her safety, Ji-hwan is convinced by Il-young, who casually mentions that no Kitty Gang members are lurking around the former drug dealer’s sister. It’s a clear, albeit dubious, safety assurance. With no other Deerlings available (a little white lie), Il-young insists Ji-hwan should take the warm and engaging Eun-ha along. What Ji-hwan doesn’t realize is that Il-young is playing the role of matchmaker, setting up a perfect blend of danger and romance.
Ji-hwan’s decision to bring Eun-ha along proves fortuitous when the young girl, sensing danger, instantly perceives Ji-hwan as a threat. With fierce determination, she positions herself as a human shield between Ji-hwan and her home. Although Ji-hwan could easily overpower her, he’s not one to intimidate children…at least, not intentionally. Stepping up with a winning smile and a playful demeanor, Eun-ha skillfully distracts and charms the young girl, keeping her entertained. Meanwhile, Ji-hwan quietly searches the house, his keen eyes scanning for any clues that might lead to his missing employee.
Flashbacks reveal a deeper layer to Ji-hwan’s hardened exterior: despite his reputation for giving second chances to criminals, he was initially wary of hiring the former drug dealer. After all, the lure of easy money from drug dealing made Ji-hwan doubt whether the man could resist falling back into old habits once faced with the grind of honest work. But as Ji-hwan sifts through the former drug dealer's home, the evidence tells a different story. The home is a testament to a man genuinely striving for a fresh start for himself and his young sister. Every detail suggests he’s upheld his promise of leading a clean life. Yet, despite this hopeful glimpse into his new life, the trail goes cold, there are no clues about his current whereabouts.
Just as Ji-hwan is on the brink of giving up, a car screeches up to the house, its tires screeching in a dramatic display. Out steps none other than Hyun-woo, radiating hostility. From the start of this drama, hints of a deep-seated grudge between Hyun-woo and Ji-hwan have simmered beneath the surface, but the full extent of their turbulent history, and its connection to Eun-ha, remains shrouded in mystery. What’s clear now is that Eun-ha is ensnared in the crossfire of their unresolved issues. With Hyun-woo’s arrival, the tension escalates, and the complex love triangle that has been brewing is finally thrust into the spotlight.
DramaZen's Opinion
I originally pegged Hyun-woo as a strong contender for Eun-ha’s affections, but as we delve deeper into her past, it’s becoming clear that her feelings toward him are more complex than a simple first love. Eun-ha seems to view the young Hyun-woo more as a protective brother figure than a romantic interest. Her current quest to find him is driven by a deep concern that something might have gone terribly wrong since he last safeguarded her during that harrowing night.
If Hyun-woo turns out to be her childhood hero, the reunion will likely bring her immense relief and joy rather than a whirlwind romance. Plus, with the dynamics shifting this week, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that Hyun-woo will catch up in the romance race, especially given the strong emotional connections forming elsewhere.
Ji-hwan’s drunken escapades and heartfelt confessions about his journey from gangster to mentor have not only won him a special place in my heart but possibly in Eun-ha’s as well. His candidness about why he shifted his life’s direction and how he now champions the redemption of others adds depth to his character, turning their playful interactions into a mix of comedy and profound moments. The show skillfully balances these lighter scenes with weightier themes, setting the stage for meaningful character growth and a compelling relationship between Ji-hwan and Eun-ha. Here’s hoping this perfect blend of light and serious keeps our story on its thrilling trajectory!