'Backstreet Rookie' Episode 5: Dae-hyun and Yeon-joo's relationship doesn't need Saet-byul to add to the drama

Episode 5 shows how Dae-hyun is always made to feel inferior to Yeon-joo in their relationship and this more likely to the reason they break up rather than Saet-byul, if at all
PUBLISHED JUL 4, 2020
Yeon-joo, Dae-hyun and Saet-byul (SBS)
Yeon-joo, Dae-hyun and Saet-byul (SBS)

At the end of Episode 4 of 'Backstreet Rookie', we saw how Yeon-joo had walked in on Saet-byul getting a piggyback ride. She was just playing around with Dae-hyun after being awarded the employee of the month title. Episode 5 of the show begins right where we left off. However, instead of a misunderstanding between Dae-hyun and Yeon-joo, it turns into both Yeon-joo and Saet-byul faking it out of the uncomfortable situation. Yeon-joo is mad, but she ends up telling Dae-hyun that she trusts him and refuses to misunderstand him. Saet-byul, on the other hand, doesn't show her hatred for Yeon-joo either. Instead, Yeon-joo decides to invite Saet-byul over for a fancy dinner. She also tries to set the boundaries straight between Dae-hyun and Saet-byul as well, however, the latter doesn't fall for the former's tricks.

Yeon-joo walking in on Dae-hyun giving Saet-byul a piggyback ride in 'Backstreet Rookie' episode 5. (SBS)

Another thing that we notice about Dae-hyun and Yeon-joo's relationship is how the former is left to feel inferior at all times. Be it when she orders wine, or when the two discuss meals at a class restaurant, Yeon-joo comes across as someone who is inconsiderate. In fact, when Dae-hyun gets a work call and has to have a conversation that is not very 'classy' considering the elite circumstances; Yeon-joo tries to distance herself from Saet-byul and Dae-hyun. She also gets mad at him for not reading the situation and leaves with Director Choi who they coincidentally meet at the restaurant.

Dae-hyun believes that Yeon-joo is frustrated because of Saet-byul, but he doesn't understand that she is embarrassed about his standing. The next morning, when he apologizes to her, he is doing so for the misunderstanding about Saet-byul. However, Yeon-joo believes that this is about his uncouth behavior. This incident hints at what could possibly bring a tear in their relationship. For now though, Dae-hyun has no idea.

Meanwhile, we also see how Saet-byul ended up being a drop out to earn money to support her sister. After her father's death, Saet-byul had to take care of her sister because they did not have anyone to take care of them. She had to give up on her education for her sister who now seems more interested in auditioning to be an idol than education and this makes Saet-byul sad. Yet, she continues to work and move on.

A still of Dae-hyun and Saet-byul in 'Backstreet Rookie' episode 5. (SBS)

On a happy note, Saet-byul does get interviewed by the convenience store's franchise company's magazine for being awarded Employee of the Month. She also goes out for dinner with her boss and his family. She also introduces Dae-hyun to her friend Kang Ji-wook who is also a celebrity. However, from the looks of it, a picture of Saet-byul and Dae-hyun together might end up becoming a bigger issue for Dae-hyun and Yeon-joo than he had expected.

This ends up embarrassing Yeon-joo during a team dinner. Yet again, it is Dae-hyun who is made to feel inferior in this relationship. He ends up running around on streets trying to find Yeon-joo in order to apologize to her. Of course, it is highly doubtful that she would even hear him out.

Dae-hyun sees Yeon-joo acting weird with Seung-joon, who is also her friend. She tries to compensate for what Dae-hyun did by getting a piggyback ride herself and that hurts Dae-hyun.

Beyond all this though, the episode ends on a shocking note with Saet-byul getting beaten up by the bully that she had taken on in order to save Yeon-joo in the past.

'Backstreet Rookie' originally airs on SBS on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 pm KST.

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