Secret Relationships Episode by Episode Review

Secret Relationships is a Korean BL series that follows Jung Da On, a soft-hearted office worker caught between an old crush, a messy past, and a new connection he didn’t see coming. With love triangles, emotional moments, and unexpected chemistry, this drama serves tension with plenty of angst.

Here’s my ongoing review and reaction to each episode.

Episode 1 Recap: Slow Start, Strong Emotions, and the Beginning of a Soft Ship

Spoiler Alert! Episode 1 sets the stage slowly, but trust me—it ends with a feeling punch you didn’t see coming.

The Cast? Visuals: 10/10

We kick off with a slow-paced intro, which makes sense. It’s Episode 1—we need time to meet the main players. And let me just say: the cast ATE. Everyone is serving looks. From the leads to the side characters, the visuals are on point. I’m already obsessed.

Jung Da On and the Curse of Bad Timing

Right away, we start to get a feel for Jung Da On. I’m loving his emotional depth already.

He’s been carrying a serious crush on his friend Sin Jae Min, and it shows. He even tries to confess in this episode… but the universe is just not on his side.

First, his dad calls. Then his sister tells him their estranged father wants Da On’s address. Talk about a buzzkill. 😩

As if that wasn’t enough, Jae Min casually drops the news that his ex-boyfriend, Kim Su Hyeon, is coming back to Korea.

When Da On Meets Ju Seong Hyeon (and It’s… Awkward)

We also get our first glimpse of Ju Seong Hyeon, who swoops in to help Da On during an almost street accident.

But it doesn’t go well.

Da On’s watch breaks in the process, and he responds with cold indifference. Harsh? Yes. But it sets up their dynamic beautifully.

Later, fate does its thing and throws them into the same workplace. Seong Hyeon and Da On realize they’ll be working on the Strategic Planning Team together. And of course, things are tense.

From Coffee Meetings to Flustered Tie Moments

They meet at a café to clear the air and figure out how to work together. What starts as a formal catch-up ends with a low-key adorable moment:

Da On helps Seong Hyeon fix his tie.
Seong Hyeon gets flustered.
Then excuses himself immediately. 👀

Okay but… was anyone else screaming internally? Because I felt the shift.

The Window Scene That Broke My Heart

Right after that moment, Da On spots Jae Min and Su Hyeon walking outside the café window. Together.

The disappointment on Da On’s face? That single look held so much heartbreak.

My heart? Shattered.

Final Thoughts

The first episode might’ve taken its time, but it laid the emotional groundwork so well.

We’ve got:

• A beautiful cast
• A main character you immediately want to protect
• A love triangle brewing
• And the hint of a soft ship between Da On and Seong Hyeon

💬 Did Episode 1 hook you too?

Let’s talk in the comments—I’m dying to hear your thoughts (and who you’re shipping 👀).

Episode 2 Recap: Emotional Damage, Nosebleeds, and Soft Ships

Warning: Spoilers ahead! If you haven’t watched Episode 2 yet, go do that first and come back—I’ve got thoughts 😭

The Nosebleed, the Hankie, and the Heartbreak

We open right where we left off. Da On sees Jae Min and Su Hyeon together, and boom—literal nosebleed. Emotional damage, anyone?

But soft boy Seong Hyeon is right there with a handkerchief. A small moment, but it melted me.

Da On tries to call Jae Min afterward, but guess what? Jae Min lies about his whereabouts. Then Da On watches from behind a glass wall as his crush walks away with someone else. That shot? Devastating.

Su Hyeon’s Jealousy and Da On’s Lonely Silence

At the café, Su Hyeon’s all salty because the girls are fawning over Jae Min. Bro… you’re not even dating anymore.

He admits he’s been trying to contact Da On, but Da On’s been ignoring him. As he should.

Meanwhile, Da On sits at home later, debating whether or not to text Jae Min. He doesn’t send it. Just closes his phone and tries to sleep. That quiet pain? So real.

Seong Hyeon’s Tie Moment (And Da On’s Emotional Fog)

The next morning, Seong Hyeon wakes up thinking about Da On helping with his tie. He actually tries to recreate it. 🥺

He meets Da On, proudly showing him the tie… but Da On is too distracted, lost in his feelings. Poor Seong Hyeon! He just wants his moment.

Phone Calls, Boundaries, and Family Drama

Da On takes a call from Su Hyeon. It gets heated. Da On tells him not to contact him or Jae Min anymore. FINALLY. Boundaries!

Then we switch to Su Hyeon’s home, where his mom’s on a phone call pushing him toward a blind date, and his relationship with his niece is the only warm part of that household.

But the most shocking moment?

Da On’s dad shows up at work—causing a scene in the lobby.

He begs for money. In front of everyone. It was awful to watch. And then coworkers start gossiping, calling Da On unfilial. Like… no. Y’all don’t know the trauma.

Da On finally stands up for himself and throws his dad out. It was messy, but it showed Da On’s strength.

Seong Hyeon Keeps Showing Up (And It’s Adorable)

After the incident, Da On finds medicine on his desk—Seong Hyeon bought it for him. He also defends him from gossip, and they share a sweet breakroom moment.

Later, they bond over a horror movie discussion at dinner. Seong Hyeon admits he’s scared to watch alone and asks Da On to come with him later on. And then—Da On wipes food off his mouth.

And Seong Hyeon? He closes his eyes like he’s bracing for a kiss 😭😭😭

Dad Drama, Flashbacks, and a Heartbreaking Confession

Da On’s sister calls—his dad took money from Jae Min. So Da On goes to confront him and draws the line: no more giving his dad money.

They also talk about Su Hyeon’s behavior. We get a flashback of Su Hyeon punching Jae Min. Da On tells him not to date him again back, and Jae Min agrees.

Then comes the moment.

Da On stays over. The next morning, Jae Min makes breakfast for two.
Da On hugs him from behind and confesses.
And Jae Min? Says Da On “crossed a line.” Then walks out.

Crushed. Just crushed. 💔

Rain, Hospitals, and Protective Energy

Da On walks in the rain like he’s in a K-drama music video, totally checked out. Then Seong Hyeon finds him, covers him with an umbrella, and Da On FAINTS.

Hospital time. And of course, Seong Hyeon stays by his side. My soft ship is sailing.

The Final Blow: Su Hyeon Explodes

Back at the company lobby, Da On gets a mystery call and firmly tells the person to stop calling.

Seconds later, Su Hyeon storms in, grabs Da On’s wrist, and demands to know if he slept at Jae Min’s.

And in the background? Seong Hyeon, completely confused and looking like:

“What the hell is going on?”

Final Thoughts

Episode 2 was an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed, I yelled, I almost cried.

We’re finally seeing more character depth—especially Da On. I’m loving how things are developing between him and Seong Hyeon. I’m definitely shipping them… please drama gods, don’t let me down 😭

Oh—and major shoutout to the cinematography. The visuals are stunning and the actors are really bringing the emotions to life.

💬 What did you think of Episode 2?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’m here to obsess with you.

Episode 3 Recap: Confessions, Contracts, and So Much Emotional Whiplash

Spoiler Alert! Things are getting messy fast—obsessions, secret deals, and a love confession I did not see coming!

Su Hyeon’s Power Move (???) and the Tennis Ball Meltdown

We start strong—Su Hyeon storms into the office building like he owns the place… and apparently, he does.

Back in the office, Seong Hyeon notices Da On’s wearing the same clothes as yesterday and starts wondering about this mysterious Jae Min; he heard Su Hyeon asking Da On if he was with him the previous day.

Then we cut to Da On in Su Hyeon’s office. Su Hyeon is literally facing the wall, bouncing a tennis ball like some brooding villain. Their argument heats up quickly. Su Hyeon demands Da On tell him where he’s been and who he meets.

Um… Excuse me? And who are you? You don’t get to ask those questions!

He throws the ball and smashes a plant pot, crowds Da On, and refuses to back off. It’s aggressive and unsettling. Da On storms out, clearly shaken, and collapses against a hallway wall.

My poor boy 😭

We also get a flashback of them at a police station—still unclear what happened, but Su Hyeon is once again being cold and controlling. Ugh.

Jae Min’s Latte Scene and Seong Hyeon’s Curiosity

Over at the university, Jae Min gets interrupted by students giving him coffee, which he throws away immediately after they leave. Not sure what to make of that scene, but something’s off.

Meanwhile, Seong Hyeon is trying to figure out who Jae Min is and what the deal is between him and Da On. It’s kind of adorable how curious (and lowkey jealous) he is. 🥺

Seong Hyeon’s Food Delivery = Instant Tears

Later that night, Da On is coughing in bed when his doorbell rings. He finds a food package from Seong Hyeon—and while eating, he remembers Seong Hyeon had told him that he cries when he’s sad.

And then Da On starts crying.

My heart. Literally shattered again. At least he’s letting off his feelings.

Office Interruptions and Su Hyeon in the Team?! WHY

At work the next day, Da On looks better. Seong Hyeon checks on him, and they share a sweet moment… until a coworker butts in to talk about work. 🙄

Turns out, Su Hyeon is going to be on their team. WHY. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

During lunch, Seong Hyeon finally asks Da On what his relationship with Su Hyeon is. Da On says they knew each other in uni. Just that.

(I wanted more tea, but okay.)

Su Hyeon’s SUV Stunt and the Surprise Movie Date

Later that night, Su Hyeon pulls up in an SUV and nearly drags Da On in, telling him he’s supposed to “report everything” to him.

Sir, this is not 2012. Get a grip.

Thankfully, Seong Hyeon shows up and rescues Da On—and casually suggests they go to the movies.

YES. MY SHIP IS THRIVING.

At the theatre, Seong Hyeon smoothly asks if Da On is single and then—asks to hold his hand. Da On looks shocked, and Seong Hyeon just does it.

I screamed. I’m not even going to lie.

Meanwhile, Su Hyeon is in full stalker mode—waiting in his car and calling Da On 35 times. That’s not love, that’s obsession.

Sleepover Time and Egg Economics

After the movie, Da On reveals he can’t go home because of Su Hyeon. Seong Hyeon offers his place and… Da On agrees!

At Seong Hyeon’s apartment, Da On wears his clothes (domestic vibes!), gets the bed while Seong Hyeon takes the floor, and they have a cute convo before bed.

Da On even falls asleep mid Seong Hyeon’s sentence. So soft 😭

Next morning? Seong Hyeon makes breakfast. Burns a ton of eggs before getting it right.

Sir… with egg prices the way they are, you must really like him.

67 Missed Calls and a Creepy Night Outside

Meanwhile, Su Hyeon has been parked outside Da On’s house all night. His breaking point comes when he also can’t reach Jae Min. He finally drives off—good riddance.

Da On and Seong Hyeon return home together in the morning, having the softest convo ever. Seong Hyeon even walks him up to his front door in case Su Hyeon is lurking.

Seong Hyeon, you are boyfriend material.

Jae Min and Su Hyeon’s Explosive Secret (What Even Is That Contract?!)

We then cut to Su Hyeon storming into Jae Min’s house—and he opens doors maniacally looking for Da On. Da On, of course, is not there.

Su Hyeon sits down and talks with Jae Min.

Turns out, they had a secret “contract” to pretend to date each other in front of Da On.

…WHAT. Just. WHAT.

Flashback time—7 years ago, Jae Min tells Su Hyeon he knows Su Hyeon likes Da On. And instead of letting Da On choose, he proposes a deal:

“If you don’t date Da On, I won’t either.”
Messy. Selfish. Cruel.

No wonder Da On’s been so emotionally messed up. These two tried to play God with his love life.

A Confession at Last (From the Right Guy)

Back in the present, Su Hyeon yells at Jae Min that the “stupid contract” kept him from expressing his feelings. Yeah, yeah… whatever.

Meanwhile, Da On is outside his door—standing with Seong Hyeon.

And Seong Hyeon finally confesses:

“I think I like you… No, I like you.”

AHHHHH. I. SCREAMED.

We don’t get to see Da On’s response, but honestly? That moment was perfect.

Final Thoughts

Episode 3 was a rollercoaster of emotions. Honestly, I’m feeling conflicted.

• Jae Min—I thought he was nice, but that contract? Awful.
• Su Hyeon—clearly obsessed. His actions are toxic and controlling.
• Da On—my heart breaks for him, but I love how he’s holding his own.
• Seong Hyeon—the green flag we all need. I’m all in on this ship.

I just hope the show doesn’t pull a twist and make Seong Hyeon problematic. Please don’t ruin the one good man in Da On’s life 😭

💬 What did you think of Episode 3?

Are you shipping Da On and Seong Hyeon as hard as I am? Let me know in the comments!

Episode 4 Recap: Sleazy Secrets, Skinship Wins, and a Heartbreaking Kiss

Spoiler Alert! Things go from messy to absolutely unhinged in this episode—there’s betrayal, obsession, and a kiss that made my heart ache.

Flashbacks, Fights, and That Damn Contract Again

We pick up right where we left off—Su Hyeon and Jae Min are still talking about that ridiculous contract.

Cue the flashback: 7 years ago, in a church. Jae Min admits he doesn’t want to date Da On because he’s scared of losing him forever. Okay… but also? It’s not your decision, dude.

Su Hyeon agrees at the time—but back in the present, he’s clearly regretting it. He punches his steering wheel in frustration. Too little, too late.

Meet the Parents (Gun Edition)

Su Hyeon gets a call from his dad, and their conversation is all business. His dad is confused by his sudden interest in work—and even more confused when Su Hyeon says he’s become “greedy.”

Then the wildest moment happens:

His dad casually points a gun at him and tells him to prove it.
This family needs therapy. Immediately.

Su Hyeon promises to take over the company, but let’s be real—he’s doing all this because he’s obsessed with Da On.

Da On Reflects and Rejects (Rightfully So)

Da On is thinking about Seong Hyeon’s confession. Apparently, Seong Hyeon confessed and then ran off, telling Da On not to feel pressured.

Da On is clearly still processing everything—especially after his painful confession to Jae Min. So when his old acquaintance Choi Geun Ho calls and invites him to hang out with the guys (including Jae Min), Da On declines. Good for him.

Later, he has dinner with his sister, and they talk about their dad borrowing money from Jae Min. She’s frustrated. I’m frustrated. Why is Jae Min still inserting himself in their lives?

Da On tries to change the subject and encourages her to go to university, but she says she just wants to start working and leave home. This family has been through too much.

The Sleazeball Chronicles: Jae Min Pays to See Da On

We jump to Jae Min playing chess alone (because of course he does), and it turns out he paid Geun Ho to invite Da On out. Seriously?

I really thought Jae Min was decent in the beginning, but he’s showing his true colors now—and they are NOT cute.

Meanwhile… My Comfort Character, Seong Hyeon 💕

Back at his grandma’s bakery, Seong Hyeon is cringing about his confession and wondering how he’ll face Da On. He chats with Da On about work and reassures him there’s no pressure. Sweet king energy 🥺

His grandma teases him about being rejected and gives him some solid advice about timing. Honestly, I love her.

The next day, Seong Hyeon brings pastries to Da On’s desk in the most awkward, adorable way. When Da On comes in, he practically throws the box at him.

So cute. I melted.

Da On buys them coffee as a thank you, but when Seong Hyeon asks about how he feels, Da On keeps it cool: “It’s just coffee between coworkers.”

Ouch. He’s been coworker-zoned 😭

Su Hyeon, Still Jealous. Still the Worst.

Of course, Su Hyeon sees them having coffee and gets visibly jealous. When he confronts Da On, Da On says they’re on the same team. Su Hyeon reminds them he’s on the team too (like that matters 🙄).

Da On grabs Seong Hyeon’s wrist and says, “Let’s go.”

It’s giving SKINSHIP. I don’t care if there was a jacket between them—a win is a win.

Later, Su Hyeon calls Da On to his office for coffee. Da On shuts him down HARD:

“If it’s not work-related, don’t contact me.”
👏 Boundaries, baby!

So what does Su Hyeon do? He abuses his power and calls a team meeting just to passive-aggressively investigate their relationship. Lame.

But Seong Hyeon defends Da On and even says they’re close. Everyone is confused and uncomfortable.

The Company Dinner: The Ship Sets Sail ⛵

After the ridiculous meeting, the team gets a pep talk from their manager and goes out for dinner.

Seong Hyeon isn’t good at drinking, but when pressured to take a shot—Da On swoops in and takes it for him.

AHHHHHHH. Everyone is stunned. I screamed.

Da On says he’s drinking for “his only teammate,” and now he’s sitting closer to Seong Hyeon, giving him water, watching over him.

Boyfriend energy: activated.

My ship is speeding across the ocean at this point. 💖

The Dark Twist: Who Is Park Jung Hoon?

While our boys are getting soft and flirty, Su Hyeon is having a miserable dinner meeting.

A man named Park Jung Hoon arrives, and Su Hyeon instantly flips. He storms out, Jung Hoon follows and gets on his knees, begging him not to cancel the deal.

Su Hyeon once found Jung Hoon taking photos of Da On while he was unconscious in bed.

Sickening. But what’s worse?

Jae Min Ordered It.

Back in the office, Su Hyeon grabs Jae Min by the collar and screams that he found out the truth:

Jae Min told Jung Hoon to do it.

Why? Because he thought Da On was “going astray” and that he “gives his heart too easily.”

Excuse me??

Jae Min says he did it to protect Da On. That’s not protection. That’s trauma. This man is the sleaziest of sleazes.

Su Hyeon realizes how much he’s been manipulated, punches Jae Min, and tells him the contract is OFF. Good riddance.

The Kiss That Hurt More Than It Healed

We end with Da On and Seong Hyeon in Da On’s room.

Da On kisses Seong Hyeon.

But he’s drunk. And worse? He calls him Jae Min Hyung mid-kiss before passing out.

💔 My heart. My poor sweet Seong Hyeon.

He’s just been kissed and then mistaken for another man. The pain. I felt it.

Final Thoughts

This episode wrecked me.

• Jae Min? Trash. Absolute garbage. I hope he gets what’s coming.
• Su Hyeon? A mess. I get that he has feelings, but that’s no excuse for his actions.
• Da On? He’s drowning emotionally, and I just want someone to take care of him for real.
• Seong Hyeon? Still the only dependable, green-flag king in this mess.

I’m still rooting for my ship… but I’m scared. I can feel heartbreak coming, and I’m not ready.

💬 What did you think of Episode 4?

Are you screaming with me or emotionally destroyed like Da On? Drop your thoughts below—I need a support group.