Who Is She- Episodes 9-10
Family Secrets, Emotional Closure, and Romantic Tensions
In Episodes 9 and 10 of Who Is She, the drama takes an emotional turn, focusing on long-overdue mother-daughter amends, heartfelt revelations, and some increasingly complicated romantic dynamics. While the story ties up key threads, it also meanders into lighter territory with a road trip and lingering questions about where our heroine’s heart and priorities truly lie.
We pick up with Daniel standing firm against Ae-shim, threatening to leave UNIS if Doo-ri is removed. His public show of trust leaves Doo-ri visibly moved, and his hug only deepens her conflicted feelings. Ae-shim, however, soon backs down, apologizing to Doo-ri under the mistaken belief that she’s Mal-soon’s granddaughter. This smooths over the drama at UNIS, and Doo-ri returns to preparing for her debut. Meanwhile, Daniel grows more infatuated, saving her as “Emily 2” in his phone and describing his feelings as both comfortable and thrilling.
On the flip side, Doo-ri is equally unsure of her emotions. Though she’s drawn to Daniel, her attention is split between her growing feelings and the unresolved tension with her daughter, Ji-sook.
Family takes center stage this week as the long-hidden truth about Ji-sook’s father finally comes to light. After a lifetime of believing her father was dead, Ji-sook learns the painful reality: he abandoned Mal-soon and started a second family. Mal-soon, in a desperate attempt to protect her daughter, chose to hide the truth.
Ji-sook’s discovery comes at the worst possible moment—during her father’s funeral, where his second wife angrily accuses her of being a gold-digger after his inheritance. The confrontation is explosive, culminating in Doo-ri stepping in and delivering a long-awaited slap to the second wife’s face. This dramatic moment allows Ji-sook to pay her respects, but it doesn’t ease the pain of years of deception.
Later, in an emotionally charged scene, Ji-sook pours out her heart to her mother. As the two drink soju and cry together, Ji-sook admits she wishes her mother had told her the truth, allowing her to direct her anger at her father instead of harboring resentment toward Mal-soon. It’s a moment of raw honesty and healing, with Ji-sook acknowledging that, despite everything, she understands why her mother made the choices she did.
As Ji-sook and Mal-soon begin to mend their fractured relationship, Kkeut-soon’s role in the family comes to an abrupt end. The magical taxi driver appears to take her away, stating that she crossed a line by living in the house with Doo-ri. Her departure leaves Ji-sook disappointed, believing her mother has abandoned her again, and adds another layer of emotional complexity to the family’s fragile dynamics.
With family matters dominating her thoughts, Doo-ri has little time for her old friend Jun, who remains in the background this week. Instead, the spotlight shifts to Daniel, whose feelings for Doo-ri are becoming impossible to ignore. When he sees a photo of Jun hugging Doo-ri during an emotional moment, his jealousy flares, though he frames his concern as wanting to protect her from scandal.
In an unexpected turn, Daniel whisks Doo-ri away on an impromptu road trip. He justifies it as her last chance to enjoy some freedom before debut, but it’s clear his motives are more personal. The trip features charming date-like moments, with Daniel turning on the charm and Doo-ri wrestling with her feelings. As the two grow closer, Doo-ri begins to question where her priorities lie: in a new romance, her lifelong dream of becoming a singer, or repairing her family relationships.
DramaZen's Opinion
Episodes 9 and 10 of Who Is She deliver some of the most emotional and heartfelt moments of the series so far. The long-awaited confrontation between Ji-sook and Mal-soon about Ji-sook’s father is both devastating and cathartic. Watching Ji-sook pour out her pain and resentment, only to find understanding and forgiveness for her mother, was beautifully done. The scene at the dining table where Ji-sook and Mal-soon share soju and tears felt so raw and genuine—definitely a standout moment for the series.
On the romantic front, Daniel’s feelings for Doo-ri are now out in the open, and their impromptu road trip was full of sweet, flirty moments. While I’m still rooting for Jun (how can you not feel for someone who’s been pining for 50 years?), Daniel’s charm is undeniable, and the tension between the two men is definitely heating up.
Kkeut-soon’s sudden departure felt bittersweet. Just as she was starting to bring the family closer, her exit left a void that Ji-sook misinterprets as another abandonment. It’s clear that the family dynamic is still fragile, even as healing begins.
These episodes balanced heavy emotional beats with lighter, romantic moments, keeping me invested in every thread. With the finale looming, I’m eager to see how Mal-soon’s second chance plays out—whether it’s love, family, or her dream of singing that ultimately takes center stage. The countdown to the big conclusion is on!
