Crash Course in Romance Episode 1 (일타 스캔들) initiates the rom-com Korean drama series directed by Yoo Je-Won and written by Yang Hee-Seung. The Kdrama stars Jeon Do-Yeon and Jung Kyoung-Ho in the lead role and revolves around a private math instructor and a national athlete turn dish store owner. Notably, the series takes over tvN’s Saturday-Sunday 9:10 KST time slot previously occupied by Alchemy of Souls.
Crash Course in Romance Episode 1 has a runtime of 84 minutes.
-Crash Course in Romance Episode 1 Recap Contains Spoilers-
Crash Course in Romance Episode 1 starts with the titular introduction of Nam Haeng-Seon (played by Jeon Do-Yeon), a hardworking dish store owner, with an athletic background. The glimpse of her introduction finds her cycling through the lanes of the city while indulging in her self-affirming pep talk. During this, we get to know about her positive approach to life and her constant attempt at making things work.
However, the confidence-boosting pep talk ends in a cycle crash, that ends up damaging the poster of the star math tutor (where ‘star’ is the word of fame for top instructors). As a result, she fixes the poster with a bandage, like a real-life person, and initiates the cuteness in the drama.
Right next, we get to see a totally dramatic and over-the-top intro for the infamous math tutor of the city, Choi Chi-Yeol (played by Jung Kyoung-Ho). Basically, instead of curating a boring advertisement for math coaching, he engages himself in a fight with several black-suited actors, only to promote his private tuition (in the most cliche manner possible).
On one hand, Choi Chi-Yeol is hardworking, passionate and completely thorough with his students, which forms the basis of his successful career. However, the split side of the tutor is his aloof behaviour, and reluctance to communicate with anyone else. Almost to the point of forgetting the names of his colleague, and damaging his digestive system, due to high-stress levels.
Choi Chi-Yeol is also supported by his kind (and sometimes not-so-kind) assistant Ji Dong-Hee, played by Shin Jae-Ha. Who makes sure that the star math instructor, doesn’t end up in a ruckus, and is fit and alive to carry on his live class. Although the episode revolves mostly around the lead characters, we can easily deduce his helping and always-available attitude.
If the action-filled advertisement wasn’t enough, the band of cliches doesn’t stop there. We get to see a live-stream competition between Choi Chi-Yeol and his fellow competitor. Which is nothing but a montage of fancy education, that feels more like an average influencer conducting an Instagram live session.
The story further advances when we get to see more characters from Nam Haeng-Seon’s group. This includes her niece Nam Hae-Yi, played by Roh Yoon-Seo (whom I personally mistook for her daughter at first). And his specially-bled brother Nam Jae-Woo, whose care and affection bridge a small gap between Nam Haeng-Seon and her nieces.
The rest of the story plays out through this introduction. Until it brings forth the comical part of the drama when a typical teenage stalker follows the charming math instructor inside his home. Even though Choi Chi-Yeol shows him out of the place, an unidentified photographer clicks him in an awkward position, in an attempt to bring malice to his name.
As expected, the news spreads like a wildfire and pushes Choi Chi-Yeol to take a leave from the live sessions. Thereby giving him some time to focus more on his personal life. Moreover, the first encounter between the math instructor and the dedicated dish store owner take place inside a hospital (where Nam Haeng-Seon is present to take care of his ill brother), right after Nam Jae-Woo takes some unwanted photos of Choi Chi-Yeol.
This infuriates the star math tutor, who simply snatches the phone from Nam Jae-Woo’s hand, and attempts to escape from the building. However, the athletic spirit inside Nam Haeng-Seon gives pretty tough competition to Choi Chi-Yeol. Who, later discovers that the photos weren’t directed towards him, but instead at the tiger printed behind his jacket.
After realizing the confusion, Choi Chi-Yeol tries to return the phone back to its owner, only to end up being confronted by Nam Haeng-Seon. Eventually, the mobile phone suffers the collateral and brings an end to this comedy of errors.
Crash Course in Romance Episode 1 Ending
Furthermore, as a stroke of luck, Ji Dong-Hee buys a homemade dinner from Nam Haeng-Seon’s shop. And compels Choi Chi-Yeol to eat it before he faints from the stress. Unexpectedly, the private instructor becomes emotional after eating the food, and not only finds it digestible, but also worth savouring.
The last few frames of the first episode leave some optimistic hope for reconciliation between the main characters, and their soon-to-begin tale of romance.
Crash Course in Romance Review
I am really intrigued by the premise of the Kdrama, and cannot wait for the next episode already. Moreover, in the span of one hour and fifteen minutes, we get to see the themes like social divide, the fancy education system, and emotional conversations, along with a few sprinkles of comedy.
The setup looks extremely promising. And the execution is equally heartwarming. The actors of the drama series, are like a cherry on the cake, with a growing performance from Jeon Do-Yeon. (Who, initially looks like a prick, but ultimately infuses the humane element into the story).
Moreover, the class divide between the lead characters seems to be another striking area. Which will definitely play a vital part in the upcoming episodes. Followed by the revelation of Choi Chi-Yeol’s imaginary student, who keeps appearing in flashes and moments.
You can stream Crash Course in Romance Episode 1 on Netflix. Let us know your thoughts about it in the comment section below.
Also Read: Crash Course in Romance Episode 1 Preview: When, Where and How to Watch!