What Happens in Episode 5 of What Comes After Love? Recap: Did Hong Discover Jungo’s Old Letter?

The fifth episode of the series What Comes After Love, featuring Lee Se-young and Sakaguchi Kentaro, premiered on October 18, 2024, via Coupang Play. In this episode, Song Min-jun (played by Hong Jong-hyun) confronts Jungo (Sakaguchi Kentaro), urging him to keep his distance from Hong (Lee Se-young) as their wedding approaches.

In response, Jungo insisted that there was nothing inappropriate happening between him and Hong. However, Song Min-jun labeled him a hypocrite and expressed his disdain for the book Jungo wrote about her. Jungo made a simple request of Song Min-jun—to ensure that Hong never feels lonely. Min-jun replied that fulfilling such a request would be easy.

Jungo went on to share that he would set aside his regrets, take the advice from the poems she recommended, and pursue the path he always desired. He expressed a hope that this journey would ultimately bring him back to Hong.

Episode 5 Highlights: Hong Faces Emotional Turmoil While Jungo Struggles to Comprehend

Diving into episode 5 of What Comes After Love, Jungo’s return to a book signing event highlighted that it was simpler to ensure Hong didn’t feel lonely. He reminisced about the time they began to drift apart but refrained from discussing it with Hong, paralyzed by the fear of her response.

The emotional baggage from his childhood, particularly when his parents divorced, haunted him. When given the choice to stay with either parent, Jungo chose his mother without hesitation, unaware that this decision would lead to misunderstanding and internalized feelings.

As an adult, he maintained this pattern, fearing misalignment in feelings with others.

Despite her apprehensions about attending the office dinner for Author Sasae’s (Jungo’s) birthday, Hong requested that a colleague bring Monte Blanc, Jungo’s favorite dessert. She made a brief appearance at the celebration where his father and a colleague inquired about the inspiration behind his book, What Comes After Love.

During the episode, Jungo clarified that his narrative was far removed from the book’s tale, which didn’t conclude with a happy ending. He confessed that during their relationship, his partner felt lonely and he failed to grasp that reality.

Meanwhile, Hong attempted to call Jungo after learning about her father’s company’s financial collapse, but he didn’t answer due to his preoccupation with a recently deceased celebrity. Enraged, Hong admonished him for not contacting her, adamantly asserting his accountability. She recalled moments when he broke promises, revealing her solitude in Japan.

While Jungo was puzzled by her feelings as he thought they met daily, Hong broke down, switching to Korean to voice her frustration over his lack of accountability.

Back at the dinner, Hong queried Author Sasae about the implications of failing to acknowledge a partner’s loneliness and stated that it would mean a lot if Jungo had changed his ways. Jungo reiterated that his affection for his ex remained constant while stating he understood her emotions. He then excused himself to meet with Song Min-jun.

Later, Song Min-jun revealed to Jungo his acceptance into a training program in the US, proposing to Hong to start anew and even suggesting marriage.

Hong became emotional during this discussion, uncertain about her feelings. When Min-jun inquired if their relationship would have evolved differently had they dated before her trip to Japan, Hong revealed that no matter their situation—a relationship, marriage, or children—seeing Jungo again would still deeply affect her.

As the episode concluded, Hong picked out a bouquet and went to the hotel where Jungo was staying. Inquiring about his room, she learned he was at the hotel bar. Upon entering, she spotted Jungo sharing drinks with his ex-girlfriend, Kanna (Anne Nakamura). It remains unclear if Hong is aware of Kanna’s connection to Jungo.

To find out what unfolds next in What Comes After Love, viewers can tune in for the series finale on Friday, October 25, available on Coupang Play and Rakuten Viki.

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