KBS2’s “Love Song for Illusion” saw a slight rise in its ratings ahead of its finale. The penultimate episode of the drama scored an average of 2.1% nationwide, up from 1.9% in the previous episode.

“Love Song for Illusion” episode 15 recap

[Feb 26] “Love Song for Illusion” Episode 15: Rating & Recap

The sharp psychological warfare of the characters in “Love Song for Illusion” captivated the viewers.

On the 26th, the 15th episode depicted the confrontation between Sa-jo Hyun, Ak-hee (played by Park Ji-hoon) and Yeon-wol (played by Hong Ye-ji).

Yeon-wol’s farewell and Sa-jo Hyun’s return

Yeon-wol was overwhelmed by the sorrow of losing her master, who she had relied on for her whole life, and bid farewell to Sa-jo Hyun. Knowing that he couldn't change her mind, Sa-jo Hyun reluctantly returned to the palace, but he began to be wary of everyone after realizing that he had fallen into the schemes of the people around him. 

The power struggle in the palace

As he returned, Sa-jo Yung (played by Hwang Hee), who had been in charge of the state affairs until then, had no choice but to step back. And Ak-hee, who had been able to read Sa-jo Hyun’s mind, also couldn't see his inner thoughts. A fierce conflict began.

But the evil deeds of Empress Geum-hwa (played by Ji-woo) and her daughter didn't stop. Geum-hwa lied to Sa-jo Hyun when he asked whose child was in her belly after regaining his memory. She said, “I had a joint marriage with Ak-hee” and showed her cruel side by taking care of her guard soldier No-ri-sa (played by Moon Yu-bin) for fear of her secret being exposed. 

Geum-hwa’s father and the king’s father-in-law Jin-mu-dal (played by Kang Shin-il) began to reach out everywhere, trying to capture Ki-chul (played by Jo Han-joon), Sa-jo Yung’s right-hand man, on his side. As the confrontation between Sa-jo Hyun and Sa-jo Yung over the throne intensified, our eyes were focused on what position Geum-hwa and her daughter, who moved solely for their interests, would take.

Sa-jo Hyun’s reunion with Yeon-wol

Sa-jo Hyun checked the map marked with the hideout of the assassin group "Wind Blade," which he had received from Yang-jae-i (played by Kim Dong-won) before, and ran to check on Yeon-wol’s situation. As Yeon-wol had been feeling the faint resentment of the Wind Blade members after the death of their leader, she decided to leave the group. 

Sa-jo Hyun, who was watching from a distance, revealed himself in front of her. And Yeon-wol realized that Sa-jo Hyun hadn't regained his memory but was just struggling to disturb Ak-hee.

The mind game between Sa-jo Hyun and Ak-hee

The breathtaking psychological warfare between Sa-jo Hyun and Ak-hee, who met again in the "space of the mind," also drew attention. Ak-hee lied that he had a joint marriage with Geum-hwa, and Sa-jo Hyun realized that Ak-hee could no longer read his mind. 

Yeon-wol was visited by Ak-hee after waking up. She felt a strong obsession with him. At the same time, she judged that Sa-jo Hyun would be in danger because of his desire. She comforted him that he could find a way for Sa-jo Hyun and Ak-hee to coexist, but she also felt a strange pity for Ak-hee, who was afraid of extinction.

The shocking ending

At the end of episode 15, a chilling development followed. Ak-hee traded the throne to Sa-jo Yung in exchange for sealing Sa-jo Hyun, and met with the sacrificial priest Chung-ta (played by Hwang Seok-jeong) at the spirit house. 

Feeling an ominous aura, Yeon-wol approached the spirit house, but Ak-hee, who was performing the ritual, didn't move. Ak-hee came out of the "space of the mind," looked at Yeon-wol and muttered, “I’m sorry,” and the sight of Yeon-wol screaming as if she sensed a tragedy made a breathtaking ending.

“Love Song for Illusion” will air its final episode tonight (27th) at 10:10 p.m.

(Source: celuvmedia.com, NEWSCULTURE)