"Love Scout" Popularity: What Satisfaction Does the Repeated Childhood Trope In K-Dramas Bring To Audiences?

SBS

SPOILER ALERT:ย This article contains spoilers for K-Drama "Love Scout".

"Love Scout" is pulling in some mixed feelings as it leads into its highly-anticipated series finale. Mixed feelings of excitement and sadness stir up as fans prepare to say goodbye to the intoxicating office romance that has enthralled audiences across the globe.

The finale preview teases a string of swoon-worthy moments: a sweet sofa kiss, the heartfelt "JiYoon-ah", an oh-so-cute photo booth scene, and a lovely piggyback ride. These snippets have kept audiences eagerly awaiting the last episode while complaining that the show is ending too soon.

The 12th and final episode will air on February 14, Valentine's Day, adding even more sentiment to the farewell.

As "Love Scout" approaches its finale, this article explores how one of K-Dramas staples, the childhood connection trope, manages to satisfy its audiences emotionally enough to want more. That poignantly touches because it invokes memories of nostalgia, fadedness, and the magic of finding lost bonds.

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"Love Scout": The New Spin on Office Romance

"Love Scout" Popularity: What Satisfaction Does the Repeated Childhood Trope In K-Dramas Bring To Audiences?

SBS

"Love Scout" narrates a blossoming love story between workaholic headhunting company CEO Kang JiYoon (Han JiMin) and her handsome, talented, and dedicated single-father secretary Yoo EunHo (Lee JoonHyuk). The two leads are polar opposites. JiYoon is cold, sloppy, and standoffish, while EunHo is warm, competent, and friendly. JiYoon initially does not want to take EunHo on as her secretary,