Between Steps Episodes 1-2 Review: Watch or Skip?
The Binge Team- October 7, 2026
I gave my heart to this drama within the first 10 minutes. Between Steps (연애박사) premiered on October 5, 2026, and immediately pulled me in with its emotional storytelling, autumnal coziness, and undeniable sense of humanity. But before I get too deep into my thoughts, I have to say this with 1000% heartbreak: this is the final project from our beloved late director Ahn Pan Seok. That knowledge makes every scene feel even more bittersweet. Each frame carries the sadness of knowing that the director behind works like One Spring Night and Something in the Rain has given us one last piece of his art. He fills this drama with his signature realistic, slow-burn magic, where every glance, pause, and silence seems to say so much.
The story follows Park Min Jae (Choo Young Woo), a former competitive swimmer who loses his leg after an unexpected illness, and Im Yoo Jin (Kim So Hyun), a woman determined to rebuild her life after her dream of becoming a doctor falls apart. While pursuing a master's degree in robotics, Yoo Jin finds herself caught up in an unexpected situation that brings her into Min Jae's world and, eventually, his life. The drama strikes a beautiful balance between emotional realism and comfort. If you're a fan of grounded romance with intense feelings and undeniable chemistry, this already feels like a must-watch.
The premise is heartfelt, but never melodramatic. After the devastating setback of losing his career to an illness, Park Min Jae has built emotional barriers around himself. With unwavering empathy, Im Yoo Jin slowly enters his world and shows him that both physical and emotional scars need tender love. The scenes between the K-drama's protagonists feel believable, vulnerable, and heartfelt. The first few episodes set things up nicely for what could be a better-than-average romantic payoff.
Between Steps Episodes 1-2 Review: What I Loved
The soft colors and beautiful cinematography drew me in from the very first episode. I especially loved the slow pace of Park Min Jae's opening scenes. Director Ahn Pan Seok lets the silence breathe, giving us a glimpse into what Min Jae is feeling without needing to explain everything through dialogue. As soon as Im Yoo Jin enters the picture, the whole mood of the drama becomes warmer and more inviting. Their first meeting in the lab gave me chills because their conversation felt so natural. Nothing seemed forced, and I could immediately feel the quiet chemistry between them.
By Episode 2, the emotional roller coaster picks up in the best possible way. I actually laughed out loud during the rain-soaked street scene with Im Yoo Jin and Park Min Jae. The way Yoo Jin tries to help Min Jae, even when she's making things a little more difficult for him, was so funny and sweet. That one scene said so much about their dynamic. These two just work.
I also loved the supporting characters, especially Yoo Jin's brother and her parents. Their scenes at the auto repair shop bring some much-needed comedy and that wonderfully messy kind of family energy. The little sibling moments between Im Yoo Jin and Im Yoo Sung, including their playful hair-pulling fights, were ridiculously cute. Those small, ordinary moments made the family feel real, and they gave the drama an even warmer, more lived-in feeling.
Between Steps Verdict After 2 Episodes
I've watched Episodes 1 and 2, and I'm already in for the whole season. Choo Young Woo and Kim So Hyun are both wonderful at portraying vulnerability with dignity and sensitivity. Kim So Hyun, in particular, is so good as the compassionate female lead. I love how the drama handles disability, career changes, and personal healing with so much respect and care. It all feels thoughtful and genuinely comforting to watch.
As for where these opening episodes are headed, Episode 2 leaves us hanging on a staggering cliffhanger that highlights the growing trust between the leads. Yoo Jin takes a step toward Min Jae, both literally and emotionally, and begins to break through the walls he's built around himself.
My guess for Episodes 3 and 4 is that the two of them will have to deal with outside pressure as their work in the robotics lab becomes more complicated. After these first two episodes, I'm already convinced that Between Steps has all the makings of an instant healing-romance classic. If it continues with this same warmth, emotional depth, and slow-burn chemistry, I'm going to be completely invested.
✦ Watch This If You Loved
I highly recommend Between Steps for fans who adore soft, comforting slow-burn romances focused on personal growth, emotional healing, and two people slowly finding comfort in each other.
Looking for more dramas like Between Steps? Check out our similar picks below:
Disney+
Main Cast
Choo Young Woo
Park Min Jae
Kim So Hyun
Im Yoo Jin
MAB Score (For Episodes 1 & 2)
8/10
Overall Rating
Story
Acting
Chemistry