Noh Ki-jun, a thrice-divorced actuary, leads a team to create a groundbreaking divorce insurance policy, navigating personal and professional challenges in this office rom-com. The series, starring Lee Dong-wook, Lee Joo-bin, Lee Kwang-soo, and Lee Da-hee, blends humor, drama, and romance, airing on tvN and streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Episode 1: A Bold Idea Takes Shape
Noh Ki-jun (Lee Dong-wook), a skilled actuary at Plus General Insurance, pitches an innovative divorce insurance policy at a wedding fair. Joined by Kang Han-deul (Lee Joo-bin), an underwriter fresh from her own divorce, An Jeon-man (Lee Kwang-soo), a cautious risk surveyor, and Jo Ah-yeong (Chu So-jung), an eccentric team member, they face skepticism.
The team promotes their policy to engaged couples, with Ki-jun arguing divorce preparation is as vital as wedding planning. A flashback shows Ki-jun dreaming of the “God of Insurance,” inspiring the idea after his boss, Na Dae-bok (Kim Won-hae), faces a divorce. The episode ends with a shock: the new executive VP, Jeon Na-rae (Lee Da-hee), is Ki-jun’s ex-ex-ex-wife.
“Preparing for divorce is just as crucial as planning a wedding—it can leave you with nothing.” — Noh Ki-jun
The episode’s slapstick humor and Lee Dong-wook’s comedic timing shine, though some comic graphics feel tacky. Viewership hit 3.2% nationwide, topping its slot.
Episode 2: Past Promises and New Tensions
Na-rae pushes the team to gather divorce data, revealing her marriage to Ki-jun ended amicably through words, never registered. Ki-jun and Han-deul attend a stargazing event, where he shares The Funeral of Words, a poem about emotional pain, hinting at his own scars.
Han-deul, struggling with her divorce’s shame, finds solace talking to a monk (Jo Bo-ah), Ki-jun’s ex-wife, who left for spiritual reasons. Na-rae and Jeon-man bond at a knitting workshop, with Na-rae choosing green thread—Ki-jun’s favorite color. Jeon-man debates Ki-jun on the policy’s risks, reflecting their differing views.
“Our marriage ended with words. Maybe we need word insurance for emotional scars.” — Jeon Na-rae
“I supported her choice to leave. It was amicable.” — Noh Ki-jun on his monk ex-wife
The episode balances humor with deeper emotions, but the chemistry between leads feels unsettled. Jo Bo-ah’s cameo adds warmth, though pacing feels uneven.
Episode 3: Data Challenges and Team Dynamics
The team works tirelessly to quantify divorce costs, securing conditional approval. Ki-jun leads them to a wedding fair to meet subscriber targets, frustrating Jeon-man, who sees it as risky. Han-deul impresses with her statistical analysis, strengthening her role.
Ki-jun and Han-deul grow closer, sharing past struggles. Na-rae’s cold, data-driven approach clashes with Jo Ah-yeong’s quirky optimism, creating tension. A client’s interest in the policy sparks hope, but the CEO’s daughter’s divorce raises stakes.
“Both weddings and divorces can lead to happiness. Why not prepare?” — Noh Ki-jun
The episode’s workplace banter is engaging, but humor feels restrained compared to the premiere. Lee Kwang-soo’s serious role surprises fans expecting more comedy.
Episode 4: Regulatory Hurdles Emerge
A flyer promising “divorce ceremonies” violates regulations, risking approval. Ki-jun argues they haven’t held ceremonies, narrowly avoiding a crisis. However, a high-risk couple, Goo Mi-rae (Han Sun-hwa) and Shin Hyeon-jae (Kwak Si-yang), applies, threatening the policy’s 0% divorce rate condition.
Ki-jun and Han-deul visit Mi-rae’s home, learning of Hyeon-jae’s absence. Na Dae-bok pressures the team, while Lee Jung-shin (Shin Eun-jung), a rival CEO, plans to copy the policy. Na-rae questions Ki-jun and Han-deul’s closeness, stirring tension.
“We haven’t offered divorce ceremonies yet. If we don’t, it’s not a problem.” — Noh Ki-jun
The episode’s stakes rise, but the script feels disjointed, with odd dialogues noted by fans. Viewership dips to 1.4%.
Episode 5: A Countryside Chase
Ki-jun and Han-deul travel to a remote village to find Hyeon-jae, facing rumors of a tiger. They locate him, escaping a scare, and reunite with Na-rae and Jeon-man. Mi-rae arrives but keeps her distance, hinting at marital strain.
The team, with village head Woong-sik’s help, finds lodging and tries to mend Mi-rae and Hyeon-jae’s rift. Ki-jun reflects on his divorces, while Han-deul grapples with her past. Emotional tensions surface, with Na-rae confronting Ki-jun about Han-deul.
“I’m asking as your ex-ex-ex-wife—what’s going on between you two?” — Jeon Na-rae
The episode’s rural setting adds charm, but viewership stays low at 1.6%. The team’s dynamic keeps viewers engaged despite a slow plot.
Episode 6: Personal Bonds and Policy Risks
Ki-jun suggests swapping homes with Han-deul to boost her confidence, helping her regain self-esteem. The team faces a new challenge when an elderly couple files for divorce, sparking debate on late-life divorce implications.
Na-rae and Jeon-man catch Ki-jun and Han-deul at each other’s homes, leading to awkward explanations. Han-deul tries to dissuade a client, Seon-hee, from divorcing, showing her emotional growth. Lee Jung-shin’s rival product looms, threatening the project.
“Would you like to live at my place? It might help you feel at ease.” — Noh Ki-jun
The episode’s focus on personal growth is compelling, but the comedy feels muted. Fans praise Lee Joo-bin’s nuanced performance.
Episode 7: A Couple’s Crisis
The team scrambles when Young-kyu’s affair voids his divorce insurance subscription, saving the project from another crisis. Ki-jun and Han-deul work to resolve a complaint about their subscription event breaching regulations.
Na-rae opens up about her pragmatic view of relationships, while Jeon-man’s cautious nature softens. Jo Ah-yeong’s quirky humor lightens tense moments. The team’s efforts to maintain the policy’s approval intensify, with Ki-jun’s leadership tested.
“An affair voids the subscription. It’s a loophole that saved us.” — An Jeon-man
The episode balances workplace drama with character depth, but viewership remains at 1.6%. Lee Dong-wook’s charm keeps the show afloat.
Episode 8: Emotional Truths Surface
Ki-jun and Han-deul confront their growing feelings while addressing the elderly couple’s divorce claim. Na-rae and Jeon-man’s bond deepens, complicating team dynamics. Evidence of Young-kyu’s affair resolves another crisis, but Han-deul’s push to save Seon-hee’s marriage surprises Ki-jun.
The team faces Lee Jung-shin’s rival product, with a suspicious vice president working with Na-rae adding pressure. Ki-jun reflects on his three divorces, questioning his approach to love. The episode ends with the team preparing for a critical meeting to secure final approval.
“I don’t want her to feel the shame I did. She deserves better.” — Kang Han-deul on Seon-hee
The episode’s emotional depth resonates, though pacing issues persist. Fans note Lee Da-hee’s complex portrayal of Na-rae.
Review and Reception
The Divorce Insurance starts strong with a unique premise, blending comedy and drama. Lee Dong-wook excels as Ki-jun, shifting between humor and introspection, while Lee Joo-bin brings warmth to Han-deul. Lee Kwang-soo and Lee Da-hee add depth, though chemistry among leads develops slowly.
The show’s humor, reminiscent of older K-dramas, entertains, but uneven pacing and occasional odd dialogues hinder flow. Viewership peaked at 3.2% but dipped to 1.6% by episode 5, reflecting mixed reception. Fans on platforms like Reddit praise the cast and concept but note the comedy-drama balance feels off.
“Selling divorce insurance at a wedding expo was hilarious! The choir was over-the-top, and I’m here for it.” — Reddit user
“It’s not as funny as Gaus Electronics, but I feel angst coming. The cast is great, though.” — Reddit user
“The ML and FL chemistry isn’t clicking yet. It feels more like Lee Da-hee and Lee Kwang-soo are the leads.” — AsianWiki user
The show’s strength lies in its bold take on divorce, treating it as a life event without stigma. However, it struggles to maintain momentum, with some calling it a “fascinating concept in messy execution.” Jo Ah-yeong’s quirky role and Kim Won-hae’s comedic timing are highlights.
Also Read: The Haunted Palace Dominates Netflix and TV Ratings with Stellar Premiere
As of April 23, 2025, The Divorce Insurance continues its run, with episodes 9 and 10 airing on April 28 and 29. The team faces ongoing challenges from Lee Jung-shin’s rival product and internal tensions. Fans await resolution on Ki-jun and Han-deul’s budding romance and the policy’s fate, with the series set to conclude on May 6.
CREDITS: tvN
