'Shopping for Kids' features the refunded children, with Won Jin-ah and the kids launching a counterattack.
In the second episode of the ENA Monday-Tuesday drama 'Shopping for Kids' (written by Ahn So-jung, directed by Oh Gi-hwan), which aired on the 22nd, the leader of the refunded children, Kim Ah-hyun (played by Won Jin-ah), confronted a secret organization trying to eliminate them.
The viewership rating for the second episode surpassed 2.0% (based on paid households by Nielsen Korea), with a peak rating of 2.6% in the metropolitan area and 2.5% nationwide, marking an increase in ratings just two episodes in. The first broadcast recorded a viewership rating of 1.7%.
Ah-hyun, in place of the missing Woo Tae-sik (played by Choi Young-jun), comforted the shaken children and devised a plan to escape to a safe space. While going through Tae-sik's belongings, Ah-hyun faced the enormous reality of an illegal adoption organization and was shocked to discover the true faces of the parents who abandoned them for the absurd reason of 'quality dissatisfaction.'
However, this was short-lived as the pursuit by the organization members, including Jung Hyun (played by Kim Jin-young), began to eliminate the children. After narrowly escaping Jung Hyun's chase, Ah-hyun and the kids decided to continue the revenge that Tae-sik could not complete and initiated a plan to obtain the 'VIP card,' which is key to uncovering the identity of the secret organization's leader.
The children's first target was So-mi's (played by Lee Na-eun) father, Han Cheol-soo (played by Lim Jae-myung). Han Cheol-soo appears to be a prestigious elementary school principal but hides a gruesome truth behind the facade. Joo-an (played by Ahn Ji-ho) even went as far as cross-dressing to approach Han Cheol-soo, resulting in the revelation of the real reason So-mi was refunded, which sparked anger. So-mi learned not only that her refund was due to Han Cheol-soo's unilateral choice rather than a conflict with her mother, but also that her mother, who had been searching for her after her sudden disappearance, was hospitalized, leaving her in confusion.
Ultimately, the children secured VIP membership and related information from Han Cheol-soo. However, enraged by Han Cheol-soo's actions, So-mi lost her composure and made a dangerous choice, with gunfire ringing out at the end of the broadcast, adding tension to the drama.
Meanwhile, the secret organization and Kim Se-hee (played by Yim Jung-ah) continued their bold moves, increasing the drama's immersion. Se-hee's shocking 'big picture' of wanting to create the perfect child was also revealed. It was disclosed that her daughter's name was also 'Kim Ah-hyun,' hinting at a connection with Kim Ah-hyun (played by Won Jin-ah) and raising anticipation for the next episode.
From the first week of broadcasting, 'Shopping for Kids' captivated viewers with its shocking setup, rapid developments, and heavy social messages. Going beyond merely sensational material, 'Shopping for Kids' deeply portrays the tragedy faced by children whose existence is denied by adults who only want the 'perfect child.' With high-density action, solid direction, and the actors' immersive performances, it has proven its presence as a 'high-quality action thriller.'
ENA's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Shopping for Kids' will air its third episode on the 28th at 10 PM and can also be found on the OTT platform Tving.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
