Heo's Restaurant Episode 5: Heo Gyun’s Adaptation, New Conflicts, and the Start of Real Growth

Heo Gyun Becomes a True Member of the Restaurant

Episode 5 shows Heo Gyun (Xiumin), who traveled from the Joseon era, no longer as an outsider but as a true member of the restaurant team. At first, he struggled with modern food culture and daily life, but now he enlivens the restaurant with his unique palate and sincerity, winning over customers one by one. His heartfelt approach to serving each meal leaves a strong impression on viewers.

During this process, Heo Gyun and Eun-sil (Choo So-jung) grow closer, learning to understand and heal each other's wounds.

Heo Gyun’s Journey of Adapting to Modern Society

Episode 5 delves deeper into Heo Gyun’s adaptation to modern society, overcoming a 400-year time gap. From smartphones and card payments to food delivery culture, Heo Gyun’s curiosity and open mind help him learn these new things, often leading to lighthearted and funny moments.

Scenes like Heo Gyun bowing to King Sejong on a 10,000 won bill highlight his innocence and naivety, bringing laughter to viewers. These adaptation episodes go beyond comedy, delivering a message about communication and growth across time and cultures.

Eun-sil and Heo Gyun: Changing Each Other

While running the restaurant, realist Eun-sil and idealist Heo Gyun often clash, but in episode 5, they start to truly respect and understand each other. Eun-sil opens up to Heo Gyun’s warmth, while Heo Gyun matures by accepting Eun-sil’s practical advice.

Their relationship grows from mere colleagues to companions who help heal each other’s emotional wounds, delivering a touching message to viewers.

The Start of Real Conflict with Chef Lee Hyuk

Episode 5 marks the beginning of a serious conflict between modern star chef Lee Hyuk (Lee Se-on) and Heo Gyun. Lee Hyuk, feeling threatened by the restaurant’s rising popularity, tries various tactics to sabotage it, while Heo Gyun counters with sincerity and warmth to win over customers.

The rivalry between Lee Hyuk’s trendy cuisine and Heo Gyun’s traditional Korean meals adds tension to the story and presents a compelling contrast between tradition and modernity, authenticity and commercialism.

Connecting with Modern Customers and Building a New Family

Through interactions with a diverse range of customers—lonely seniors, overworked office workers, troubled teens—Heo Gyun grows as a person. By sincerely reaching out to each customer, the restaurant becomes more than just a place to eat; it becomes a haven for the heart.

Heo Gyun, Eun-sil, her mother, and other staff form a new community, caring for each other like family and building bonds that go beyond blood.

Community Reactions and Cultural Insights

On Korean forums like TheQoo, Nate Pann, and Instiz, viewers praised episode 5 for Xiumin’s comedic charm and the fresh cultural clash between Joseon and modern Korea. Some negative comments mentioned the historical speech patterns or the slow early pacing, but overall, the warm message and growth arc received positive reviews.

For international fans, the way a Joseon-era character adapts to modern Korean society, the healing power of food, and the communal values of Korean restaurants offer a unique cultural perspective. The series is a great introduction to Korean communal dining and family-oriented values.