[Warning: Spoilers for episode 6 included in this article]
tvN’s Monday-Tuesday drama 'Head Over Heels' continues to gain attention through word of mouth, thanks to its gripping storyline and shocking twists. The July 8 episode (Episode 6) delivered an intense surprise when Bae Gyeon Woo (played by Choo Young Woo) became possessed by an evil spirit, leaving a strong impact on viewers.
According to Nielsen Korea (paid platforms), the episode recorded an average household rating of 3.9% in the Seoul metro area with a peak of 5.1%. Nationwide, it achieved a 4.0% average and peaked at 5.0%, ranking No.1 among all cable and general programming channels in its time slot. Among tvN’s key target demographic (viewers aged 20–49), it reached a nationwide peak of 1.7%, claiming the top spot even against terrestrial channels.
In Episode 6, tension reached its peak with a confrontation between Park Sung Ah (played by Cho Yi Hyun) and Yeomhwa (played by Choo Ja Hyun). Sung Ah, enraged by Yeomhwa’s continued harassment of Bae Gyeon Woo, drew an exorcism talisman on a photo of her deceased grandmother, Oh Ok Soon (played by Kil Hae Yeon). The backstory behind Gyeon Woo’s distance from shamans and his emotional scars was also revealed, further deepening the narrative. Kneeling in desperation, Gyeon Woo begged Sung Ah, who tearfully responded, “I don’t want to play with anyone’s emotions, not even a ghost’s. I don’t want to make anyone cry.”
Suspecting that Yeomhwa had drawn more than just a simple talisman, Sung Ah purified a demonic charm ("Imemaengnyangbu" - a talisman that turns evil spirits to goblins) she found at the columbarium. She then rushed to Gyeon Woo’s house and warned Yeomhwa again. Realizing that Yeomhwa was no longer possessed by the protective spirit, Sung Ah saw Yeomhwa struck by the spiritual weapon cast by General Dongcheon (Kim Mi Kyung), plunging the situation into further chaos. Feeling threatened, Yeomhwa fled to an abandoned house and prayed for the birth of a malevolent god. Soon after, faceless spirits began to appear around Gyeon Woo, signaling a new threat.
As Gyeon Woo started to recognize Sung Ah’s sincere efforts to protect him, he recalled her encouraging words: “You’re strong enough,” in contrast to Yeomhwa’s past offer to absorb all his misfortune. He also realized, too late, that Sung Ah had endured physical touch from Pyo Ji Ho (Cha Kang Yoon) to serve as a living talisman, leaving him filled with regret and prompting deep emotional reflection.
However, just as their relationship seemed to be making progress, the evil spirit’s presence intensified. Sung Ah went to the abandoned house to save Kim Jin Woong (Kim Sung Jung), only to be confronted by a possessed Bae Gyeon Woo. With chilling eyes and a twisted expression, Gyeon Woo approached Sung Ah and ominously said, “Hello, shaman. It’s time for you to say goodbye too.” The ending scene, where he leaned in as if to kiss her, left viewers holding their breath. Although Gyeon Woo had once appeared to understand Sung Ah’s sincerity, his possession by an evil spirit added a volatile twist to the drama, heightening anticipation for future episodes.
Actor Choo Young Woo dominated the episode with a complete transformation from his previous demeanor. Having previously portrayed the emotionally guarded high schooler hiding his misfortune, he now stunned viewers with his cold gaze and venomous expressions post-possession, expanding his acting range. Despite the limited screen time of his possessed character, his performance left an overwhelming impression.
Viewer reactions were explosive after the broadcast. Comments included, “The concept is so fresh and fun,” “Choo Young Woo is the next big thing,” “His evil spirit acting is incredible,” “The drama gets better and better,” “I’ll be obsessing over Gyeon Woo all week,” “It’s the first time since 'Lovely Runner' that I’ve looked forward to Mondays,” “Possessed Choo Young Woo is still hot,” “Dark Gyeon Woo? I’m here for it,” “He’s a male lead you want to protect. Great job, Choo Young Woo,” “The plot is about to explode,” “Choo Young Woo and Cho Yi Hyun’s chemistry is unbeatable,” and “Can’t believe we’re already halfway through.”
The drama is based on a popular webtoon and follows the fateful romance between Bae Gyeon Woo, a boy facing death, and Park Sung Ah, a shaman who tries to save him. With 12 episodes total, the story has reached its halfway point, and the escalating conflicts and twists are intensifying viewers’ desire to tune in live.
'Head Over Heels' continues to heat up the summer primetime lineup with its solid narrative, multidimensional characters, and powerful performances. The show airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 PM KST on tvN.
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