SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – While tvN’s hit K-Drama Filing For Love continues to captivate audiences with its main love story, a different kind of drama is unfolding in the comments sections and online forums. The contentious relationship between supporting characters Park Ah-jeong (PAJ) and Jeon Jae-yeol (JJY) has sparked a firestorm of discussion, with fans largely agreeing that their dynamic is anything but romantic – serving instead as a disruptive force against the main couple.
“I don’t think their characters are there for the romance with each other, but rather as drama & interlopers into the mcpl relationship,” one popular comment summarized, reflecting widespread sentiment. Viewers are particularly fixated on Park Ah-jeong’s intense, often one-sided obsession with Jeon Jae-yeol, a dynamic that many find deeply problematic. “I find it ironic that PAJ is as one sided obsessed with JJY, as he is with In-ah,” another fan noted, pointing out the parallel yet destructive nature of their unrequited affections.
The plot thickens with PAJ’s apparent attempts to sabotage JJY’s pursuit of In-ah, despite having previously “told him he would lose to Kijun.” This hypocrisy has led to calls for the character to seek “space, therapy & perspective.” Adding to the complexity, speculation is rife regarding PAJ’s role in the recent photo release scandal. Some viewers theorize her actions might be a misguided attempt to shock JJY into self-awareness, hoping it could serve as a “wake-up call” to the destructive nature of his obsession, even with In-ah as “collateral damage.” This perspective, which some describe as “hoping for the best intentions out of the worst actions,” underscores the divisive nature of her character. Regardless of intent, the consensus remains clear: “I don’t think we will ever get romance from the pair.”
Beyond the characters’ entanglement, a significant portion of the fan uproar centers on actor Kim Jae-wook, who portrays Jeon Jae-yeol. Many fans express confusion and frustration over him taking on a role they deem a “complete waste of his talents,” especially given his “made for a male lead role” charisma. “I agree but I am even more confused why he took on a role like this when he’s made for a male lead role!” a fan lamented.
It’s revealed that the drama’s director was highly persistent, stating Kim Jae-wook was “the first person she thought of when reading the script and she tried really hard to persuade him to take it.” Kim Jae-wook was even cast before leads Shin Hae-sun and Gong Myung were offered their roles. While admirable, the actor’s philosophy of choosing roles based on “interest or challenge” rather than lead status is a source of bittersweet contention for his fanbase. “I hope he realizes that he needs to occasionally take on a first lead role if he doesn’t want to get pigeonholed as a supporting actor, if only for the sake of his fans,” one passionate comment read, adding, “He may not care about it but we sure as heck do, especially when a role is as frustrating and thankless as this one.” This sentiment echoes his previous second lead role in Temperature of Love, where he also garnered significant attention.
Ultimately, while Park Ah-jeong and Jeon Jae-yeol “add separately very well to the drama,” viewers largely “don’t care at all their progression,” often viewing their storyline as a forced “second pairing box ticked that every rom-com apparently needs.”
What Netizens Are Saying
- “I don’t think their characters are there for the romance with eachother, but rather as drama & interlopers into the mcpl relationship. If anything I find it ironic that PAJ is as one sided obsessed with JJY, as he is with In-ah, told him he would lose to Kijun but is still trying to sabotage the relationship herself cause of her obsession with JJY… Liike, girl needs some space, therapy & perspective. Though I do wonder if she is trying to sabotage him as much as her with the photo release because people will find out its him, maybe thinking it will teach him a lesson/ give him a wake up call to get his head on straight and see what type of destruction this is actually causing, and In-Ah is just the collateral damage… Im hoping for the best intentions out of the worst actions, truly. But i dont think we will ever get romance from the pair.”
- “I agree but I am even more confused why he took on a role like this when he’s made for a male lead role!”
- “I think they both add separately very well to the drama, but i really don’t care at all their progression either and i feel like it’s just to get that second pairing box ticked that every rom-com apparently needs.”
- “I hate this role for Kim Jae-wook as it’s such a complete waste of his talents. The director said he was the first person she thought of when reading the script and she tried really hard to persuade him to take it. Sadly for us, she succeeded and he was cast before Shin Hae-sun and Gong Myung were even offered their roles. And I’ve said this before but he acts because he loves it, not because of fame or ego. He doesn’t care if a role is leading or supporting as long as he finds it interesting or challenging. While his work ethic is admirable, I hope he realizes that he needs to occasionally take on a first lead role if he doesn’t want to get pigeonholed as a supporting actor, if only for the sake of his fans. He may not care about it but we sure as heck do, especially when a role is as frustrating and thankless as this one.”
- “He had a similar 2nd lead role in Temperature of Love. He was hot there too. I think he’s comfy w 2nd ML characters. Would love to see him as ML tho. He can carry a show, clearly.”