The premiere episode of Pump Up the Healthy Love (also known as 24-Hour Health Club) introduces viewers to Lee Mi-ran (played by Jeong Eun-ji), a travel agency assistant manager navigating the aftermath of a painful breakup. Attending her ex-boyfriend Woo-jae’s wedding, Mi-ran discovers his infidelity, leading to a dramatic confrontation that underscores her emotional turmoil.​

Seeking solace, Mi-ran returns home to her supportive sisters, Hee-sung and Ja-yeon. Their close-knit relationship provides moments of levity and warmth, highlighting the importance of familial bonds during personal crises.​

At work, Mi-ran faces additional challenges when she learns about an in-house contest for a promotion, only to find out that only married employees are eligible. This professional setback adds to her feelings of frustration and exclusion.​

Determined to take control of her life, Mi-ran decides to join a local 24-hour gym. There, she meets Do Hyeon-joong (played by Lee Jun-young), a former world-class bodybuilder who now manages the gym. Hyeon-joong’s intense dedication to fitness and unconventional training methods present a new challenge for Mi-ran.​

Under Hyeon-joong’s guidance, Mi-ran embarks on a rigorous fitness regimen. The training sessions are both physically demanding and comically portrayed, with Mi-ran’s struggles providing moments of levity. Despite the challenges, she begins to find a sense of purpose and empowerment through her workouts.​

The gym is also home to a colorful cast of supporting characters, including Rosa (Lee Mi-do), a veteran staff member who is skeptical of Hyeon-joong’s methods, and Alex (Lee Seung-woo), a gym mascot who idolizes Hyeon-joong. Their interactions add depth and humor to the narrative.​

The episode concludes with a montage of Mi-ran’s progress at the gym, juxtaposed with scenes of her personal growth and newfound confidence. The uplifting soundtrack underscores her journey towards self-improvement and sets an optimistic tone for the series.​

Episode 1 of Pump Up the Healthy Love effectively sets the stage for a romantic comedy that intertwines themes of personal growth, resilience, and the transformative power of fitness. The strong performances by Jeong Eun-ji and Lee Jun-young, combined with a well-crafted narrative and engaging supporting characters, promise an entertaining and heartfelt series ahead.