No Gain No Love semi-finale, episode 11 review: Sorry Hae-yeong & Ji-uk, Ja-yeon & Gyu-hyun just took the cutest couple title from you

Story:

Hae-yeong got to know the truth about Ji-uk, and wants to keep him at a distance. While he wants to be there for her, the two get to know about the threat luring around Ja-yeon. Can they save her?

Review:

Episode 11 of No Gain No Love begins with Ji-uk (Kim Young-dae)'s past encounter with Hae-yeong (Shin Min-ah)'s house. Her mother, Eun-ok (Yoon Bok-in), took Ji-uk in as another foster kid, but there were consequences. Bok-in as Eun-ok shines in the scene even more than Young-dae, and that's something. The past and present merge beautifully, showing you how time can actually change as years pass by.

Hae-yeong and Ji-uk's scene from episode 10 is replayed, and Shin Min-ah leaves a huge impact. Even if devastated and angry beyond reason, she is soft and firm. That helps the scene to a great extent. The truth behind her being that hurt is finally revealed, and your heart will ache for the child who was ignored for another child who got the privilege and attention she craved.

Ja-yeon (Han Ji-hyun)'s presence in the scene simply elevates what this episode wishes to bring forth. The episode focuses on her story and what scares her so much.

Her scene with Eun-ok is typically how you would imagine their bond to be. There are a lot of emotions involved, and while one sobs, the other stays positive despite the situation. The scene unfolds exactly how you imagined it, and they're both beautiful in their own way. With that, Ja-yeon and Hae-yeong (almost) accept one another. Ja-yeon, who is the emotional among the sisters, does not hold back from letting the tears flow. Even if it's a great quality otherwise, it's not that pleasing to watch in every scene. The extension of this scene is where Min-ah shines.

Secretary Yeo (Lee Yoo-jin) finally gets to know the truth behind Ja-yeon's school transfer. And of course, thanks to him, Bok Gyu-hyun and Ji-uk know it too.

No Gain No Love semi-finale, episode 11 preview: Han Ji-hyun’s Ja-yeon kidnapped by her murderer father, will her sister or lover come to her rescue? 

Of course, he also ends up becoming the reason for Bok Gyu-hyun (Lee Sang-yi)'s introduction to the episode, and of course, they are just themselves - Bok Gyu hyper and Secretary Yeo unbothered. Ji-uk's entry alongside is typically what makes these boys funny. However, it is Secretary Yeo's lines that take this scene to a whole new level. The end of this scene is just as amazing, thanks to Ji-uk and Gyu-hyun's bond.

The scene with the office employees works, but only to an extent. It is great to know the other side of how people gossip without knowing the truth, but the funny tunes added do not make the scene pleasing at all.

The pace of the episode is once again slow, and the slow music does little to help. Nonetheless, if you can stick around, it has its moments.

Hui-seong (Joo Ming-yung) has a brief appearance and leaves a mark with Producer Yoon Tae-hyung (Heo Jeong-min). His fling Mi-jin (Gu Eun-ho) tries and does perform well, but her emotions do not reach the eyes.

Hae-yeong and Ji-uk's second meeting in this episode is one for the books in K-drama romantic moments. What follows will melt your heart just as much.

No Gain No Love episode 10 review: A rollercoaster ride of highs followed by lows for Hae-yeong, Ji-uk, Gyu-hyun and Ja-yeon

Hae-yeong and Ji-uk's first meeting is also recalled, and it was long before outside the convenience store. However, there's a lot of similarities between both the meetings. Unfortunately, it's not the best message when it comes to love.

Lee Do-guk as Ja-yeon's father Chang-il is scary as always, even more so in this episode because of his sudden and uncalled for actions. Han Ji-hyun excels in the scene, too, slightly more than him.

The thing you feared the most happens in this episode. The scene is well-built because of all the suspense and thrill surrounding it. The door closing, along with the thriller music, is the highlight of the scene.

Lee Sang-yi in action is the hottest thing in this episode. He is out to save his lover, and you see the determination in both his eyes and action. In the moment, you know it is his time to shine on the show. The action that follows is a little dramatic but works pretty well. His naiveite is the cutest thing about the episode.

Ja-yeon's reunion with both Gyu-hyun as well as her sister Hae-yeong is cute. Shin Min-ah's actions while protecting her sister are definitely worth your time. She nails it with her expressions as well as actions.

The romance between Ja-yeon and Gyu-hyun blooms. The fact that things have worked for the better makes them the cutest couple on the block, yes even more than Hae-yeong and Ji-uk.

The episode ends on a shocking note and at a weird time. Shin Min-ah as Hae-yeong can do justice in the scene only to an extent. It is Kim Young-dae as Ji-uk who leaves a deeper impact here.

Verdict:

No Gain No Love semi-finale is heartbreaking. There’s a lot happening, and the low moments do not seem to end. Almost everybody has hit rock bottom and while some shine, others still have healing to do. We are headed towards a sad finale, but who knows, it might just end on a happy note. For now, Gyu-hyun and Ja-yeon finally find their happy ending, and that’s the one thing that leaves you happy with this episode.