Love Scout – K-drama Episode 3 Recap & Review

Episode 3

Episode 3 of Love Scout begins with Ji-yun arguing for her ex-company to take accountability for a malpractice that caused significant damage to their clients. Amidst this scenario, we learn that the company’s CEO had committed suicide, and Ji-yun was blamed by her then-senior (now CEO of Career Way) for pushing the company to take responsibility.

The scene shifts to the present, where Eun-ho and Ji-yun sit at a tent restaurant, and Ji-yun finally acknowledges Eun-ho as her secretary.

Elsewhere, Woo Jeong-hun, another official from Ji-yun’s company, meets the single mom Jung Su-hyeon at the kindergarten where his widowed sister-in-law works.

Back at the office, Ji-yun begins a new project to recruit a star chef for an elite hotel. Along with Eun-ho, she meets the chef, who insists that his sous chef must also be hired as a condition.

Later, Ji-yun visits Mi-ae’s husband, Kang-seok, at his bookstore, where she meets Byeol. When Byeol picks up a picture book meant for adults, Ji-yun playfully teases her about whether she can read it. Embarrassed, Byeol becomes determined to show Ji-yun her reading skills the next time they meet.

Meanwhile, Ji-yun and her team discover rumors about the sous chef’s hiring. Some employees claim that the star chef and the sous chef are in a questionable relationship, which is why the chef wants the sous chef hired despite her lack of a strong educational background. The team initially decides to hire only the chef, but Eun-ho suggests they investigate directly with those involved.

After speaking with the chef and sous chef, they learn there was no malpractice. Ji-yun, however, notices the chef’s wrist and uncovers that he had undergone surgery, making him reliant on his sous chef, who understands his condition and assists him in the kitchen.

Reevaluating the situation, Ji-yun decides to offer the position solely to the chef, explaining that the hotel will provide him with a competent sous chef to support him. The chef accepts the offer. However, the sous chef, who had been bullied by the kitchen staff, feels unhappy and unsure about moving forward independently.

Later, Ji-yun meets Byeol again at the bookstore, where Byeol confidently reads a picture book for her.

While the star chef secures the job, Ji-yun recognizes the sous chef’s potential and recommends her for another position as a food scientist. The sous chef accepts the offer and begins a new career path. Eun-ho, observing Ji-yun’s decision-making, reflects that he now understands the essence of headhunting: “finding a place where talents can shine.”

The episode ends with Eun-ho and Ji-yun sharing Byeol’s umbrella.

The Episode Review

Love Scout has consistently proven to be a K-drama filled with healthy romance and lovable, wholesome characters. It avoids outdated, toxic relationship tropes commonly seen in many works worldwide. This is the perfect feel-good, no-trigger recipe for success, and it’s sure to entertain many viewers.

In this episode, we get a glimpse into Ji-yun’s past and the reasons behind her chaotic lifestyle and her obsession with client well-being. Her guilt over her previous CEO’s death and the effects of the company’s malpractice on its clients at Career Way manifest in her drive to do things right this time.

This episode also highlights an intersection between Ji-yun and Eun-ho’s worlds through the bookstore. It’s fitting that Ji-yun first meets Byeol there as well.

As Eun-ho begins to grasp the true purpose of headhunting, we can look forward to more engaging events in upcoming episodes, along with the transformations in Eun-ho and Ji-yun’s lives.