Tears, Secrets, and a Shocking Twist: Episode 4 of 'Gyeonwoo and Jiknyeo' Leaves Viewers Stunned

A Stormy Turning Point: Episode 4 Recap

Did you know? Episode 4 of 'Gyeonwoo and Jiknyeo' aired on July 1st, 2025, and instantly became a trending topic across Korean drama communities. The episode centers on Bae Gyeonwoo (Choo Young-woo) witnessing Park Seong-ah (Jo Yi-hyun) performing a mysterious ritual dance, the 'kkotdeungchum', alongside the enigmatic shaman Yeomhwa (Chu Ja-hyun). This shocking revelation that Seong-ah is a shaman devastates Gyeonwoo, whose narration, 'I dreamed a futile dream,' hints at a looming crisis in their budding romance. The emotional tension peaks as Gyeonwoo, overwhelmed by betrayal and confusion, sheds tears, leaving viewers deeply moved.

Ratings and Popularity: Soaring to the Top

The drama’s momentum is undeniable. Episode 4 achieved a peak household rating of 4.2% in the Seoul metropolitan area, maintaining its streak as the #1 show in its time slot for two consecutive weeks, even against major cable and terrestrial channels. Nationwide, the episode averaged 3.5% and peaked at 4.1%. Among the coveted 20-49 demographic, it also topped the charts with a 1.3% rating. On streaming platforms, 'Gyeonwoo and Jiknyeo' broke into the Top 10 on Prime Video in 23 countries, and digital views surpassed 83 million in just the first week—making it the second most-watched tvN Monday-Tuesday drama of 2025. Social media buzz is off the charts, with over 90 million cumulative views on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook within two weeks.

Chemistry, Crisis, and the Power of First Love

One reason for the drama’s explosive popularity is the palpable chemistry between Jo Yi-hyun and Choo Young-woo. Fans can’t get enough of their 'heart-fluttering' moments, from the iconic wall-leaning scene to the tender hand-holding ending. Episode 4, however, marks the first major crisis in their relationship, as Gyeonwoo’s discovery of Seong-ah’s secret identity as a shaman threatens to tear them apart. The episode masterfully balances suspense, romance, and heartbreak, setting the stage for a 'mutual salvation romance' that has become the series’ signature.

Supporting Cast and Scene-Stealers

Chu Ja-hyun’s portrayal of Yeomhwa, the mysterious shaman, continues to captivate audiences. Her powerful presence and chilling charisma add depth to the supernatural elements of the story. Meanwhile, Cha Kang-yoon (Pyo Ji-ho) delivers a surprising declaration of war to Gyeonwoo over his feelings for Seong-ah, injecting new energy and unpredictability into the love triangle. The playful, bickering friendship between Seong-ah and Kang-yoon provides much-needed comic relief, while behind-the-scenes glimpses of the cast’s camaraderie further endear them to fans.

Viewer Reactions: Community Buzz and Hot Takes

Korean online communities like Theqoo, Nate Pann, Instiz, Naver, Daum, DC Inside, and FM Korea have exploded with discussion. Positive comments dominate, with roughly 80% of posts praising the emotional depth and acting: 'Jo Yi-hyun’s crying scene gave me goosebumps,' 'Choo Young-woo’s heartbreak is so real,' and 'The twist was totally unexpected!' Some viewers express frustration with the sudden crisis, saying, 'Why so much angst so soon?' and 'I hope the misunderstanding clears up quickly.' International fans on Twitter and Reddit are equally invested, with many sharing memes about the 'shaman reveal' and speculating about the couple’s future.

Cultural Insights: The Shaman Motif and Korean Folklore

For international fans, it’s important to understand the cultural context of the shaman motif. In Korea, shamans (mudang) are traditional spiritual figures often associated with rituals to ward off evil or bring good fortune. The drama’s use of shamanism not only adds a supernatural layer but also explores themes of fate, stigma, and self-sacrifice. The title itself, 'Gyeonwoo and Jiknyeo', references the famous Korean folktale of star-crossed lovers separated by the Milky Way, celebrated annually on Chilseok. This connection enriches the narrative, making the drama resonate on a deeper, symbolic level.

Bloggers and Critics: Reviews from the Front Lines

Naver and Tistory bloggers are unanimous in their praise for Episode 4. Many highlight the 'intense emotional acting' and 'cinematic visuals' during the ritual dance scene. One blogger writes, 'The moment Gyeonwoo’s world collapses is so raw and beautifully shot.' Another notes, 'The cliffhanger left me desperate for the next episode.' Critics from MK, Star News, and TenAsia echo these sentiments, emphasizing the drama’s ability to blend fantasy, romance, and real human emotion. Some bloggers also speculate about possible plot twists involving Yeomhwa’s true intentions and the deeper meaning of Seong-ah’s sacrifices.

What’s Next? Anticipation and Fan Theories

With the romance at its most fragile point yet, fans are eagerly awaiting Episode 5. Will Gyeonwoo overcome his shock and accept Seong-ah’s true self? Can Seong-ah protect Gyeonwoo from the dark forces closing in? Theories abound, from secret pacts with Yeomhwa to the possibility of a tragic separation mirroring the original folktale. One thing is certain: 'Gyeonwoo and Jiknyeo' has cemented its place as 2025’s must-watch K-drama, and the conversation is just getting started.