Ha-ran learns from Chan and spends more time with him, marking the beginning of their friendship’s momentum in In Your Radiant Season.
In Your Radiant Season episode 4, which aired on February 28, focuses on Ha-ran and Chan building their bond. Chan does everything he can to break down Ha-ran’s walls. Meanwhile, Ha-ran tries her best to learn from Chan and let go of her heavy burdens.
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Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers about the series. Read at your own discretion.
In Your Radiant Season Episode 4 Recap: The Start of Friendship
In Your Radiant Season episode 4 opens with Chan being startled by a car’s headlights. The sound reminds him of tiny pieces of metal or ice, linked to the explosion he survived, though he can’t fully place it. Seeking clarity, he visits his psychologist, who explains that meeting Ha-ran has triggered a fragment of his missing memories. She advises him to keep some distance for his own protection, but Chan remains determined to support Ha-ran.
One evening, Chan waits for Ha-ran outside her office in a taxi. He invites her on a picnic by the Hangang River, calling it a “preview” before he leaves for two weeks of field work in Gyeongju. Nearby, a couple mentions the fireworks at Jamsugyo Bridge.
It sparks Ha-ran’s memories of walking there when she first heard the instrumental song she shared with Kang Hyeok-chan. Chan notices her mood drop, so he quietly gives their fried chicken to another group. Instead, he brings two bikes, and they ride across the bridge to enjoy grilled meat. Ha-ran manages to smile despite the painful memories resurfacing.
The next morning, Ha-dam notices a girl named Han So-ra trying to get You-gyum’s phone number at school. Later at work, Na-na shows up at a conference with the wrong materials, and Ha-ran rushes to bring the correct ones. On the way, she asks Chan for a ride, but a car’s honk disorients him, forcing him to swerve and stop. Ha-ran feels shaken, but Chan reassures her and sends her off safely by cab.
They meet again later, and Chan explains that the incident was related to his left ear, apologizing for scaring her. Ha-ran smiles, saying that his “free trial” is already helping her recover, as she could smile at Jamsugyo despite the sad memories. They share more about themselves: Ha-ran admits she doesn’t like oysters, and in return, she asks Chan to tell her a secret sometime. Their bond grows steadily, built on patience and small moments of trust.
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Na-na Asked You-gyum to Keep Her Secret
That evening, You-gyum arrives at Ha-dam’s house to meet her family. He is surprised to recognise Na-na, remembering how he had once helped her when she stood confused in the middle of the road. Quietly, she asks him not to reveal the truth to Ha-dam. After an awkward silence, You-gyum leaves, planning to return later. Ha-dam, frustrated by her sisters’ tardiness, is furious.
Meanwhile, Tae-suk repeatedly interrupts Ha-young’s attempts to meet Cha-min. At school, You-gyum tells Ha-dam he can’t hang out after class, but she quickly realises he is lying. Later, she sees him with someone else, only to discover it’s Ha-young and Ha-ran coming to apologise to him.
A flashback reveals the real reason for You-gyum’s lie: he had been meeting Na-na. She confides that she has dementia and pleads with him not to tell her granddaughters the truth. Elsewhere, Tae-suk confronts Cha-min about juggling multiple women, destroys his phone in anger, and orders him to break up with them.
Ha-ran Overheard Chan’s Conversation with His Grandma
Ha-ran and her team plan to go to Gyeongju. But she decides to leave earlier with Chan and offers to drive. He senses her worry and appreciates her gesture. Suddenly, heavy rain floods the road, and the windshield wiper stops working. Ha-ran struggles to see, so Chan leans out the window and guides her to a nearby rest stop. They call the rental company, but the staff says a replacement car will take 4–5 hours.
Chan then calls his grandmother, who lives nearby. She is thrilled to see him and invites them home, where she runs a pottery studio. She shares memories of Chan’s mother, an artist his father disliked. His mother had wanted to study abroad but pushed herself to return quickly for Chan, which led to her illness and eventual death. This explains why his father disapproved of art and sent Chan to the US.
Meanwhile, back at the office, Ha-young notices Cha-min handing out wedding invitations. She confronts him and delivers a precise kick. On her way out, she meets Tae-suk and learns his car is being repaired. Connecting the dots with what Cha-min told her, she asks Tae-suk if he spoke to Cha-min. He avoids her question and quickly leaves.
At his grandmother’s house, she asks Chan if he likes Ha-ran. He hesitates, saying she is someone he shouldn’t have feelings for, leaving his grandmother puzzled. Later, they retrieve their car and say goodbye. On the way, Ha-ran admits she overheard his conversation and asks why he feels that way. Chan then asks her if she is okay with him liking her, opening the door to a delicate and honest conversation.
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In Your Radiant Season Episode 4 Review
Episode 4 of In Your Radiant Season skillfully balances suspense and emotion, using flashbacks to reveal the painful pasts of both Chan and Ha-ran’s family. The revelation about Chan’s mother and his father’s resentment adds depth to his character.
While Ha-ran’s curiosity about his feelings creates a natural tension. The episode also cleverly layers secrets, such as Na-na’s dementia and the request to keep the truth from Ha-dam, keeping viewers engaged.
Meanwhile, the chemistry between Ha-ran and Chan shines through, from the playful picnic to the rain-soaked drive, showing how they gradually trust and support each other. Their interactions feel both tender and realistic, especially when Chan leans out of the car to guide her safely.
Ha-ran’s bravery and curiosity complement Chan’s caution and thoughtfulness, making their dynamic compelling. The episode mixes heartfelt confessions, family secrets, and small romantic moments to create a memorable and emotionally rich installment.
Episodes of In Your Radiant Season airs every Friday and Saturday at 10:00 PM (KST) and 9:00 PM (PHT) via MBC and Disney+. The next episode will be on March 6.
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