Shivangi Sinha
First loves can be incredibly beautiful but also deeply painful. In Netflix’s ‘Better Late Than Single’ or ‘Motaesolo but Yeonaeneun Hago Shipeo,’ while a few participants found meaningful connections that brought joy, others faced emotional setbacks and heartbreak. From the very beginning, Kang Hyun-kyu developed feelings for Kang Ji-su, and she appeared to feel the same. However, as she explored her options, Hyun-kyu chose to step back and leave the decision entirely up to her, letting her determine whether she envisioned a future with him.
Kang Hyun-kyu Was Attracted to Kang Ji-su From the Beginning of the Season
From the very beginning of the season, Kang Hyun-kyu’s feelings for Kang Ji-su were clear and unwavering. When the contestants were first asked to write down the name of the person they were most drawn to, he didn’t hesitate, and he wrote Kang Ji-su’s name with confidence. At that moment, she was still exploring her options and getting to know others. But when she discovered that Hyun-kyu had chosen her, something shifted. She began to see him in a different light, admitting that he was exactly the kind of person she would naturally be drawn to in real life. As they spent more time together, the connection between them deepened. Hyun-kyu consistently showed up for her, not just as a potential partner, but as a kind, steady presence.
He listened attentively when Ji-su opened up about her emotional struggles and her traumatic experience with stalking. He never judged, only comforted, and his empathy made her feel safe. However, Ji-su also developed a bond with another contestant, Kim Seung-li. Torn between two very different energies, she chose to be honest with both men about her confusion. Instead of walking away, both Hyun-kyu and Seung-li decided to give her the space to make her own choice. Hyun-kyu made his feelings known throughout, but never pressured her. He consistently conveyed his willingness to choose her, even if it meant risking rejection. In one of their final conversations, sensing what was coming, he gently told her he knew she wouldn’t pick him, but still wanted her to know where he stood.
Kang Ji-su Chose Someone Else Over Kang Hyun-kyu
In the final ceremony, Kang Hyun-kyu left his photograph in Ji-su’s diary, which expressed that she was his final choice. But kang Ji-su had already made her decision and it wasn’t him. He had to go back alone but he ahd no regrets. While they initially appeared to be a great match as both were calm, introspective, and emotionally grounded, their relationship eventually unraveled due to a subtle but essential difference in emotional needs and communication styles.
Ji-su appreciated Hyun-kyu’s attentiveness, especially when she opened up about deeply personal matters. He would listen carefully and treat her words with seriousness, making her feel seen and respected. However, over time, she began to feel that his thoughtful responses made those moments heavier than she desired. She wanted a partner who could respond with lightness and someone who wouldn’t make her emotional vulnerability feel like such a big deal. This emotional mismatch led Ji-su to explore other options, eventually finding someone who brought a different energy to her life. Despite this, Hyun-kyu never gave up on her easily. He continued to remain patient and open, which Ji-su deeply admired. She even apologized for not making a decision sooner, but Hyun-kyu never blamed her for it. Instead, he gently reminded her that she had always been fair and honest with him throughout the process.
Kang Hyun-kyu and Kang Ji-su Are Still Friends With Each Other
Their breakup didn’t come with anger or resentment, and it was more about recognizing that timing and compatibility weren’t aligned. They continue to maintain a friendly connection, indicating that mutual respect still exists between them. Interestingly, Ji-su has since ended her relationship with the other person, and while nothing has been explicitly said about rekindling things with Hyun-kyu, the door doesn’t seem completely closed. She is busy in her life as a ballet teacher and dancer, and he is still enrolled in medical college. They have a lot of things going on personally, but the foundation of what they explored is still strong.
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