Recap of DNA Lover Episode 12: Kang-hoon Invites So-jin on a Date as Heartbreak and Secrets Unravel

The highly anticipated DNA Lover episode 12 premiered on September 22, 2024, at 9:10 PM (KST) on TV Chosun. This engaging series showcases Jung In-sun as Han So-jin, a dedicated genetic researcher on a quest to find her perfect match, affectionately referred to as her “DNA lover,”following a series of tumultuous relationships marked by infidelity. Choi Si-won portrays Shim Yeon-woo, a skilled obstetrician and the son of the hospital president at Shim Hospital.

In DNA Lover, Lee Tae-hwan takes on the role of Seo Kang-hoon, So-jin’s loyal friend and a firefighter, while Jung Yoo-jin plays Jang Mi-eun, a polyamorous romance columnist and one of Yeon-woo’s former partners.

In the earlier episodes (10 and 11), So-jin uncovers Yeon-woo’s deceits and realizes that Kang-hoon is her true DNA lover. Episode 12 unfolds with a breakup between Yeon-woo and So-jin, following which Kang-hoon boldly asks her out on a date.

DNA Lover Episode 12 Recap: So-jin Faces Heartbreak, Kang-hoon Offers Comfort, and a Sinister Threat Emerges

The episode kicks off with Kang-hoon dropping So-jin at home. As So-jin enters, he attempts to reach Yeon-woo, only to find his phone is turned off. So-jin struggles to sleep, with Yeon-woo’s hurtful words echoing in her mind as she questions how he can abandon her after confiding in her about his family issues.

Later, Kang-hoon calls to say he has left some cold medicine for her, which touches So-jin, considering the pharmacies are closed at this hour.

The next day, Yeon-woo meets with So-jin to end their relationship, returning the DNA bracelet she gave him. When she asks about the sudden breakup, he claims it’s for her future happiness, insisting their bond isn’t strong enough. He suggests if she truly believed Kang-hoon was her DNA match, she wouldn’t have pursued him.

After Yeon-woo departs, So-jin is devastated. Meanwhile, a shadowy figure photographs her and adds the images to a pinboard filled with Yeon-woo’s family photos.

So-jin attempts to distract herself with fried chicken and ice cream, but painful memories resurface. A-ri chastises her for harboring feelings for someone who isn’t really her DNA match. In a moment of anguish, So-jin tears down Yeon-woo’s pictures and tries to burn them.

Kang-hoon interrupts, concerned she’s playing with fire. Upon learning of the breakup, he decides to confront Yeon-woo. Yeon-woo argues that his actions were in So-jin’s best interests, reminiscing about his intention to protect her and his doubts that their love would endure.

The following morning, Kang-hoon invites So-jin on an outing. That evening, they jog together, reminiscing about shared memories. Amid their conversation, So-jin contemplatively wonders why she does not recognize Kang-hoon’s scent.

In episode 11, Mi-eun pays a visit to Yeon-woo’s still-unconscious mother. Their conversation touches on Yeon-woo and So-jin’s breakup. Sensing his sadness, Mi-eun offers to take him for a drive, but he declines, reminding her to focus on herself as she attends to her ailing mother.

Later, Yeon-woo views photos from the heartbreaking fire that destroyed his mother’s greenhouse, sent by Kang-hoon. He spots an image of his father with one of his mistresses, triggering memories of their past encounters.

The next day, Kang-hoon requests So-ri’s help in choosing an outfit for a date. With flowers in hand, he strides into Han So-jin’s genetic center auditorium, reminiscent of the dream he fulfilled in the series’ first episode.

Surprised by his sudden presence, So-jin queries his intentions. Kang-hoon then invites her to go ice skating together. After some hesitation, So-jin excitedly agrees.

As they skate, So-jin experiences a wave of nostalgia triggered by bubbles, reminding her of her first date with Yeon-woo. She soon sees a mailbox with a post sign evoking memories of a fun day spent at the beach with him. After their outing, Kang-hoon drives So-jin home.

Upon reaching her house, she spots a lamppost needing repair. Kang-hoon has decorated it with LED lights and a note of apology. This sweet gesture surprises her, bringing back memories of when they participated in a neurological experiment together as non-couples.

Yeon-woo goes on a blind date next but is inundated with reminders of So-jin. Mi-eun intervenes, concocting an excuse about Yeon-woo’s financial struggles to ensure the date ends. They later chat, with Mi-eun expressing her desire to be exclusive with someone.

In the following scene, Yeon-woo speaks with a patient he previously saved from attempting suicide in the second episode. He is about to perform surgery for her, who asks him to thank So-jin for saving her life and that of her upcoming baby.

During the surgery, Yeon-woo’s thoughts are occupied with how So-jin urged the patient to fight for her life. Post-surgery, he visits his mother’s room, revealing to her that despite their breakup, he cannot erase So-jin from his heart.

Meanwhile, So-jin assists Kang-hoon’s father at his restaurant while a news segment reports on a firefighter trapped in a blaze. Concerned, So-jin and Kang-hoon’s father rush to the hospital upon hearing the news, but he accidentally trips due to shock.

Coincidentally, Yeon-woo, en route to see So-jin, halts to help them. In the hospital, Kang-hoon’s father crumbles as he sees Kang-hoon’s colleagues mourning the serious injury of another firefighter. However, Kang-hoon arrives suffering only minor injuries, leading to a heartfelt embrace between him and So-jin, who recalls how Kang-hoon supported her through her father’s passing. Yeon-woo observes silently from a distance before leaving.

The episode concludes with a chilling revelation: the mysterious figure is the priest from A-ri’s church. He enters the room of Yeon-woo’s unconscious mother with a sinister intent but pauses as he notices something and ultimately exits. This cliffhanger leaves viewers eager for more.

Fans can stream all released episodes of DNA Lover on Viki.

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