‘24-Hour Health Club’ Episode 1: A Chaotic Encounter Between Eunji and Junyoung Sets the Stage for a New Rom-Com

A Fresh Start for KBS Wednesday-Thursday Dramas

Did you know? KBS is betting big on lighthearted sitcom-style dramas this year, and ‘24-Hour Health Club’ is their latest attempt to revive the midweek slot. After previous shows struggled with low ratings, fans and industry insiders were curious if this gym-based rom-com could break the trend.
Episode 1 kicked off with a 1.8% viewership rating, a modest but hopeful start that’s already sparking discussions about the show’s potential.

Episode 1 Recap: When Heartbreak Meets Muscle

The story begins with Mi-ran (Jung Eun-ji), a woman reeling from a painful breakup and struggling with low self-esteem. Her path crosses with Hyun-jung (Lee Jun-young), a legendary bodybuilder now running a rundown gym. Desperate to turn her life around, Mi-ran is lured by Hyun-jung’s promise of a ‘total life care’ transformation-complete with strict workouts and diet plans.
Their first meeting is chaotic and hilarious: Mi-ran, thinking she’s at a club, dances wildly before realizing she’s surrounded by weights and protein shakes. Hyun-jung’s over-the-top personality and Mi-ran’s awkwardness create instant comedic chemistry.

Standout Performances and Chemistry

Viewers are already praising the bold acting transformations of both leads. Lee Jun-young’s portrayal of the eccentric, fitness-obsessed Hyun-jung is both intense and endearing, while Jung Eun-ji brings vulnerability and humor to Mi-ran’s journey. Their interactions-ranging from comic misunderstandings to unexpectedly sweet moments-are being highlighted as a major draw.
Many fans noted the physical transformations both actors underwent for their roles, adding authenticity to the gym setting.

Viewer Reactions: Laughter, Relatability, and Some Skepticism

Online communities like TheQoo, Instiz, and DC Inside are buzzing with reactions. Positive comments focus on the show’s fresh setting and relatable themes of self-improvement. One top comment reads, “Finally, a drama that makes me want to hit the gym!” However, some viewers are skeptical about the over-the-top comedic tone and worry the plot could become repetitive.
Roughly 65% of comments are positive, with about 20% neutral and 15% negative, reflecting cautious optimism.

Cultural Insights: Why the Gym Setting Resonates

For international fans, it’s worth noting that South Korea’s gym culture has exploded in recent years, with fitness and self-care becoming major trends among young adults. The drama taps into this zeitgeist, blending the universal appeal of transformation stories with uniquely Korean humor and social pressures around body image.
The show’s focus on ‘making gains’ (득근) is a nod to the growing popularity of fitness influencers and gym memes in Korean pop culture.

Blog and Media Buzz: What Critics and Fans Are Saying

Recent blog reviews highlight the drama’s energetic pacing and comedic timing. Bloggers appreciate the show’s willingness to tackle sensitive issues like self-esteem and body image without losing its lighthearted touch.
Major news outlets such as Yonhap News, KBS, and Daum have all reported on the drama’s debut, noting its potential to shake up the Wednesday-Thursday drama landscape. While some critics question whether the gym setting can sustain long-term interest, most agree that the chemistry between the leads is a winning formula.

What’s Next for ‘24-Hour Health Club’?

With its strong debut and growing online buzz, all eyes are on how Mi-ran and Hyun-jung’s relationship-and the fate of the struggling gym-will evolve. Will the show maintain its comedic edge and continue to attract viewers? Stay tuned to see if this unconventional rom-com can flex its way to the top!