Original: 얼어죽을 연애따위
A dedicated TV producer’s luck changes with a new dating show, leading to unexpected romance with her best friend and neighbor of twenty years.
Yeo-reum, a producer with 10 years of experience, can't get any sleep as ratings fall on a weekly basis. Closing in on 40, both her professional and love life isn't working out. Standing beside her during these tough times - sometimes against her - is her childhood friend, doctor Jae-hoon. When star chef John Jang messes with Yeo-reum, Jae-hoon stands up to him, acting as a fake boyfriend.
In-woo, who was engaged to Yeo-reum three years ago, suddenly pops back into her life, promising never to change again. A forgotten man who broke her heart coming back, Yeo-reum is in distress. Meanwhile, "Ramen Chef," the program that Yeo-reum directs, is set to be cancelled due to low ratings. Yeo-reum and Jae-hoon's relationship as friends walk a tightrope as they jump in between their friendzones.
With "Ramen Chef" cancelled, Yeo-reum is now forced to work under her rival producer Kang Chae-ri's dating reality show, "Kingdom of Love." Tensions arise as they disagree on every aspect. Chae-ri also looks to cast Jae-hoon as one of the members, annoying Yeo-reum. While her relationship with Jae-hoon is a cause of concern, she grows closer to her ex-boyfriend In-woo, who ends up proposing to Yeo-reum.
Jae-hoon, although he doesn't show, is troubled with In-woo's proposal as he never had a chance to connect with Yeo-reum. In-woo on the otherhand, deems Jae-hoon an annoyance and tells him to leave Yeo-reum alone - even as a friend. With the two quarreling, Yeo-reum is disturbed. With Yeo-reum's father being hospitalized, she sets out to settle with one - and decides on In-woo.
Having broken off the marriage on D-day, Yeo-reum cries on the road, still fitted in her wedding dress. Jae-hoon picks the crying Yeo-reum up and heads to a small house to comfort her. Meanwhile, trouble insues in "Kingdom of Love," as a cast member is arrested by the police 3 hours away from the shoot, Yeo-reum pleads Jae-hoon to join the shoot. Jae-hoon reluctantly agrees, and joins the show.
Jae-hoon confesses his feeling towards Yeo-reum, but stunned by the sudden request, Yeo-reum declines. Meanwhile in "Kingdom of Love," Jae-hoon is reluctant to choose his interest, but contestant Ji-yeon goes all-in on Jae-hoon. With a love line formed between the two, producer Kang Chae-ri orders Yeo-reum to film a kiss scene of the two.
Ji-yeon's announcement of her love for Jae-hoon earns the support and interest from viewers. Meanwhile, on a date with Jun-ho, Ji-wan accidentally brings up her childhood trauma of being sexually harassed, which Kang Chae-ri attempts to use to boost ratings. Yeo-reum opposes this idea and clashes with Chae-ri, and they both settle on the condition that Yeo-reum film Jae-hoon and Ji-yeon kissing.
Finding out the fact that Jae-hoon likes Yeo-reum, Ji-yeon attempts to leave Kingdom of Love. Yeo-reum persuades Ji-yeon to stay, saying they are only friends. Meanwhile, Chae-ri edits and frames Jae-hoon's kiss scene which results in a boost in ratings, and Jae-hoon and Ji-yeon become the show's hottest couple. With new found fame comes haters, as an internet post blames Jae-hoon for a medical accident.
The post accusing Jae-hoon of the medical accident goes viral, with the production unable to control the press that constantly spews out negative news. Yeo-reum tries her best to settle the situation, but Jae-hoon interprets it in a different way. With rumours circulating, Jae-hoon suddenly disappears without a trace.
Yeo-reum, in an attempt to clear Jae-hoon's name and to publicly apologize, airs Jae-hoon's plight in an episode but the attempt is misinterpreted by Jae-hoon, as he deems this as a cheap shot for her ratings. Meanwhile, due to the many circumstances surrounding the two, Jiyeon and Jae-hoon grow closer.
Jae-hoon picks up Yeo-reum, who is all alone in the abandoned house, but adds that he only was ever worried as a friend. Yeo-reum, bitter with how their relationship now getting awkward, finds solace in Hye-jin and Dae-sik as she tells them of her situation. Meanwhile, Love Kingdom is in tatters due to an unwelcomed guest.
Due to the incident within the set, Love Kingdom is now cancelled. Chae-ri attempts to find ways to revive the show, as new love is found after the news has spread within the cast. As Jae-hoon and Ji-yeon grow closer, Yeo-reum grows uneasy. The two meet in an empty house after dark.
Jae-hoon and Yeo-reum reaffirm their interest in one another. The two set plans to talk again when Love Kingdom terminates. Meanwhile, the cast of Love Kingdom go on their final dates before their ultimate choice, resulting in a hectic climax. On the day of the final choice where the cast decides their partner, a drunk So-yeon is found on the balcony.
In an attempt to save a cast member from an accident, Yeo-reum is injured and is escorted to the hospital, with Jae-hoon by her side. With the production of Love Kingdom wrapped up, Chae-ri looks on as the dust is settled. Another rumour pops up, a rumour of adultery between a production staff and a cast member.
After appearing in Kingdom of Love, Jae-hoon becomes famous. Whether he wants it or not, he's in the center of rumors and gossip. On top of that, an article says Yeo-reum and Jae-hoon are living under the same roof. As the rumor spreads, they become careful. Meanwhile, Jae-hoon contemplates after receiving a call from Professor Choi asking if he'd return to neurosurgery.
Jae-hoon decides to go back to the hospital and Yeo-reum decides to quit her job. The day the last episode of Kingdom of Love Season 2 airs, everyone sits around with their own stories. Afterwards, they ask off-color questions to each other. Yeo-reum and Jae-hoon sit down in the garden as usual. Jae-hoon gazes at her with warmth in his eyes, and she tells him she wants to leave for a while.
