DNA Lover Season 1: Conclusion Explained & Potential for Season 2 Renewal Discussed

The romantic comedy series DNA Lover concluded its final episode on October 6, 2024, at 9:10 PM (KST) on TV Chosun, featuring a talented cast including Jung In-sun, Choi Si-won, Lee Tae-hwan, and Jung Yoo-jin.

This series centers on Han So-jin, a genetic researcher at the Beneficial Gene Center, who embarks on a journey to find her ideal “DNA Lover”following a series of unsuccessful relationships marred by infidelity. In this drama, Jung In-sun takes on the role of So-jin, while Choi Si-won plays Shim Yeon-woo, a highly skilled obstetrician and the president’s son at the hospital.

Lee Tae-hwan features as Seo Kang-hoon, So-jin’s supportive friend and a firefighter, with Jung Yoo-jin portraying Jang Mi-eun, a polyamorous relationship columnist and one of Yeon-woo’s former romantic partners.

In the penultimate episode, a tense showdown occurs as Yeon-woo and So-jin struggle for survival against Yi-myung, intent on revenge stemming from a tumultuous past, ultimately leading to Yi-myung’s demise. The finale of DNA Lover sees So-jin and Yeon-woo openly express their feelings, opting for love instead of a DNA match, leading to a touching reunion and a fresh start.

Recap of the final episode of DNA Lover: So-jin embraces love over DNA, while Kang-hoon and Mi-eun embark on new paths

The last episode begins with an emotional Han So-jin, filled with regret for not having a final moment with Yeon-woo. Meanwhile, Yeon-woo, who has started to believe in fate, recognizes that creating destiny through DNA could lead to unforeseen tragedies, prompting him to express his readiness to leave the country.

In a pivotal scene, Kang-hoon arrives at So-jin’s home where she, weak and overwhelmed, faints upon opening the door. Deeply concerned, Kang-hoon looks after her until she regains her strength, kindly advising her to avoid further heartache and pondering how to bring her happiness.

Later, at a street food vendor, Kang-hoon encounters Mi-eun, where he confides his hopes that So-jin would begin to move on after Yeon-woo’s departure, though he feels less assured about it now. Mi-eun shares her similar sentiments of guilt over her past relationships, and Kang-hoon surprises her by trying liver, a food he previously disliked.

Still from DNA Lover episode 16 (Image via YouTube/TVChosun Drama)

In another subplot, A-ri visits Andrea, who is grappling with his decision to leave the church due to his inability to fulfill his duties as a priest. He feels unworthy of his calling and A-ri supports his choice, glad he can break free from his internal struggle.

Upon discovering their mother Yoo Myung-hee has cancer through a news report, So-ri rushes to inform So-jin. In a poignant moment, Mi-eun, who is also aware of the news, chooses to leave upon seeing the sisters in distress.

So-jin and So-ri implore their mother to undergo surgery, but Myung-hee, feeling she has never been present for her daughters, is reluctant to be a burden. She expresses her desire to hold an art exhibition inspired by her illness. So-jin, moved by a family portrait in the collection, implores her mother to fight for her life, embracing her alongside So-ri.

In a dramatic twist during DNA Lover‘s sixteenth episode, Jung Tam participates in a dating show, which causes distress for So-min. Upon seeing him mocked and emotionally vulnerable on screen, her anger boils over and she confronts him. However, when Jung Tam tearfully admits his lingering love for her, So-min collapses in emotion, resulting in a heartfelt reconciliation.

As the story unfolds, So-jin and Kang-hoon share a tranquil moment in the park. So-jin reflects on her past animosity toward those who hurt her but now feels guilt for overlooking her and Yeon-woo’s emotions in favor of DNA compatibility. She commits to follow her heart rather than fear destiny. When Kang-hoon questions her willingness to move on if Yeon-woo doesn’t return, So-jin admits she will suffer but continue to push through. Kang-hoon then requests a final embrace, indicating his freedom from her emotional hold.

Afterward, he sits alone with the red scarf he knitted for her. Unexpectedly, Mi-eun arrives and, paraphrasing *The Notebook*, commends Kang-hoon’s loyalty to So-jin while criticizing So-jin for letting him slip away. Although still hurt, Kang-hoon expresses relief and states his wish for So-jin’s happiness.

The two share a drink, and he hands Mi-eun a handkerchief reminiscent of his time with So-jin, making both feel flustered. They leave to catch a late-night movie together.

Returning home, So-jin omits Kang-hoon’s name from her DNA lover board, pulling it closed with a curtain.

Fast-forwarding one year, Yeon-woo is back in South Korea and working at a countryside clinic. Andrea finds joy working at an orphanage after leaving the church. A-ri and So-jin assist at the orphanage, and So-jin notices positive changes in both Andrea and A-ri’s lives.

While researching Parkinson’s disease, So-jin travels around rural Korea. She visits the village where Yeon-woo resides but they coincidentally miss each other.

One night, Yeon-woo speaks with a widower celebrating his late wife’s birthday, discussing whether one should seek happiness by moving on. The man poignantly responds that real happiness is relishing every moment spent with his wife, causing Yeon-woo to reflect deeply.

Jung Tam and So-min’s wedding takes place with all their friends, including So-jin, A-ri, Andrea, and Mi-eun in attendance. Kang-hoon acts as the ceremony’s host, but Yeon-woo’s absence raises questions among attendees.

Following the wedding, So-jin heads to the countryside to complete a report on a Parkinson’s patient. There, she encounters the same elderly gentleman who previously spoke with Yeon-woo. He declines treatment, choosing instead to join his wife in death. Just as she’s listening to his story, Yeon-woo calls her name unexpectedly.

As it turns out, he’s decided to leave the city, take up a rural medical practice, and move forward from his previous career in gynecology. So-jin expresses guilt for his hand injury, but Yeon-woo comforts her, confirming his recovery and rekindled passion for medicine. She shares that she attempted to see him off at the airport that day but missed him.

Kang-hoon surprises Mi-eun with flowers during her dating advice show appearance, and she announces during the broadcast that she has abandoned polyamory, realizing it’s difficult to love multiple people when one struggles with genuine love.

Later in the episode, So-jin visits Yeon-woo’s hospital but discovers he is not there. She writes a heartfelt letter expressing her desire to rekindle their relationship.

In the poignant finale of DNA Lover, Yeon-woo writes to So-jin about feeling the sea is unusually warm but ultimately decides not to send the letter. Turning away from the mailbox, he unexpectedly finds So-jin standing before him.

So-jin confesses she is ready to let go of her DNA lover concept on account of him and expresses her willingness to take a chance on rekindling their relationship. They share an emotional confession of love, leading to a tender embrace.

The series finale concludes with So-jin suggesting they visit a lighthouse after she posts her letter, reflecting on how, despite Yeon-woo not being her DNA match, she no longer values that aspect. She consciously chooses love over genetics and steps forward, hand in hand with Yeon-woo.

Final reflections on DNA Lover: No indication for a second season

Ultimately, the conclusion of DNA Lover does not leave room for a second season. The narrative ties up with So-jin and Yeon-woo healing and recommitting to one another, addressing their character arcs, and providing closure to the central theme of love versus DNA. Moreover, So-jin’s family dynamics reach a resolution as well.

In parallel, Kang-hoon and Mi-eun set out on their own paths, too.

As of now, there has been no official statement from the producers, director, or cast regarding the possibility of continuing the series.

You can watch episodes of DNA Lover on Viki.

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