Sometimes, all it takes is one emotional reunion to turn a quiet premiere into everyone’s new obsession. KBS2’s “Last Summer” opened its first weekend with a nationwide viewership rating of 2.7%, according to Nielsen Korea and it’s already sparking conversation for its nostalgic yet emotionally charged storytelling.
Starring Lee Jae-wook and Choi Sung-eun, the drama paints a tender portrait of childhood friends who reunite every summer, healing old wounds while rediscovering love that never truly faded. Lee takes on a dual role as twin brothers Baek Do-young and Do-ha, while Choi brings warmth and complexity to Song Ha-kyung, their shared childhood friend whose return upends long-buried emotions.
The first episode sets the tone with a delicate mix of tension and longing. Ha-kyung reenters Do-ha’s life through the “Peanut House,” the place where their two families once lived together. What starts as a simple property dispute Ha-kyung attempting to sell the house under her father’s power of attorney, turns into a confrontation that exposes their unresolved past. When Do-ha suddenly changes the house’s ownership, the two are forced into a face-off filled with unspoken words and painful memories.
Through poignant flashbacks, viewers are transported to their shared summers: moments of laughter, quiet tears, and the heartbreaking promise Ha-kyung once made “Let’s never meet again.” But fate has other plans. When Do-ha returns and softly asks, “Do you still hate me that much?”, it’s a question that lingers not just for Ha-kyung, but for every viewer waiting to see how their story unfolds.
As “Last Summer” moves forward, it promises to unravel the hidden truths behind their separation and the fragile love that survived time and regret. With its beautiful cinematography, subtle storytelling, and emotional depth, this drama might just become one of the most talked-about romances of the season.
