In Love to Hate You Episode 10, the drama surrounding Yeo Mi-ran and Nam Kang-ho intensifies as they confront both external pressures and personal insecurities. Now officially in a relationship, they face the harsh scrutiny of the public eye and the media, which continues to spin their relationship as a publicity stunt. This episode dives deeper into the emotional dynamics between Mi-ran and Kang-ho, while exploring the challenges they face in their professional lives and how those conflicts affect their budding romance.
The episode begins with the fallout from the media’s relentless coverage of their relationship. Tabloid headlines paint a distorted picture of Mi-ran as a gold digger who is using Kang-ho to boost her own career. This portrayal takes a heavy toll on Mi-ran’s self-esteem, despite Kang-ho’s constant reassurances. Mi-ran, who has always prided herself on her independence and strength, feels reduced to a shallow caricature in the eyes of the public. Her frustration mounts as she realizes that no matter what she does, she can’t seem to escape the narrative the media has constructed.
Kang-ho, on the other hand, tries his best to shield Mi-ran from the onslaught of negative attention. He remains supportive and protective, doing everything he can to make her feel secure in their relationship. However, as the public scrutiny grows, even Kang-ho begins to feel the pressure. His professional reputation is at stake, and though he doesn’t care what the media says about him, he’s deeply concerned about how it’s affecting Mi-ran. Kang-ho’s internal conflict becomes a central theme of the episode, as he struggles to balance his career with his personal life.
Meanwhile, Choi Soo-jin, Kang-ho’s ex-girlfriend, resurfaces in this episode, adding another layer of complexity to the story. Soo-jin, who has been jealous of Kang-ho’s growing relationship with Mi-ran, subtly tries to undermine their bond. She uses her influence in the entertainment industry to plant rumors that suggest Kang-ho is still emotionally attached to her. While these rumors don’t shake Kang-ho’s commitment to Mi-ran, they do stir up doubts in Mi-ran’s mind. Mi-ran begins to wonder if Kang-ho is truly over Soo-jin, and her insecurity about their relationship deepens.
A major turning point in the episode occurs when Kang-ho’s new movie premiere is announced. The movie is a huge deal for his career, and his management team wants to capitalize on the media attention surrounding his relationship with Mi-ran to promote it. This puts Kang-ho in a difficult position, as he’s forced to choose between protecting Mi-ran from further scrutiny and advancing his career. Kang-ho’s manager, Do Won-jun, encourages him to use the publicity to their advantage, but Kang-ho hesitates, knowing how much Mi-ran hates being in the spotlight.
