5 Times Episodes 7-8 Of "Namib" Got Us Emotional

Just when “Namib” couldn’t get any more emotional, it proved us wrong. From Yoo Jin Woo (Ryeoun) finally receiving the recognition he deserves to Shim Jin Woo (Lee Jin Woo) carving his own path, and Kang Soo Hyun (Go Hyun Jung) abandoning her trainee for 1 billion won (approximately $685,700), here are five moments from episodes seven and eight of “Namib” that tugged at our heartstrings.

Warning: spoilers for episodes 7-8 ahead!

Yoo Jin Woo is getting the attention he deserves

During his trainee days at Pandora Entertainment, Yoo Jin Woo actively sabotaged his evaluations, making him appear mediocre in front of his trainers. While this strategy kept him at Pandora Entertainment for some time, he was eventually dismissed for underperforming. Knowing Yoo Jin Woo’s skill level and passion for music, viewers have been rooting for him to finally receive the recognition he deserves. And episode seven delivered just that!

Following the ending of episode six, where the “Star Rise” production team revealed that Yoo Jin Woo had gone viral after his audition tape was released online, episode seven opens with him being interviewed. It’s also implied that he will receive more screen time moving forward.

Though the victory is small, the smile on Yoo Jin Woo’s face is a clear sign of how much he needs this positive affirmation to restore his belief that his dreams might actually come true.

SEVENTEEN‘s “Cheers to Youth” and IU‘s “My Sea” covers

Being a K-drama centered around music, “Namib” faced high expectations to deliver meaningful and high-quality performances. Yoo Jin Woo’s second and third round performances more than met these expectations, leaving viewers in tears.

The first song, “Cheers to Youth” by SEVENTEEN, is an upbeat track, and Yoo Jin Woo performs it with a smile. However, understanding the song’s deeper meaning makes it impossible not to root for him. Having faced countless hardships since childhood, the lyrics encapsulate his journey perfectly:

“It just so happens we’re facing today for the first time / Even if you hate yourself more from the deeply hurtful remarks you said / Let’s not worry about it / With our voices, wherever we are, let’s sing / Cheers to youth.”

For the third round, Yoo Jin Woo performs IU’s “My Sea.” Beyond its name perfectly fitting Yoo Jin Woo and Kang Soo Hyun’s profile — the sea meeting the desert — the lyrics “I don’t think I can reconcile with myself / I don’t think it’s gonna get any better” reflect his growing despair as he contemplates giving up his dream to prevent harming the Kang-Shim family.

Shim Jin Woo finding his passion

Although Shim Jin Woo isn’t the main character of “Namib,” watching his growth is deeply moving. Just a few episodes ago, he was a bullied boy with no direction in life. His mother, who he considered overbearing, was determined to make him a CEO without considering his desires.

As the finale approaches, along with Soo Hyun, Joon Seok, and Yoo Jin Woo, Shim Jin Woo has also transformed. He can now stand up for himself, no longer needs a bodyguard, and has found his calling in designing garments.

Chris protecting Yoo Jin Woo

Chris (Lee Ki Taek) is becoming one of those side characters whose story captivates the audience despite limited screen time. Initially portrayed as a gangster, he has since evolved into a protective big brother figure for Yoo Jin Woo, earning viewers’ hearts and sympathy.

Although Chris occasionally feels jealous of Soo Hyun’s treatment of Yoo Jin Woo, he has never tried to sabotage him. One of the major conflicts in the recent episodes revolves around the incident that unfolded a few episodes ago – Yoo Jin Woo driving a nightclub client’s car and getting into an accident. Unbeknownst to him, the car contained drugs. If this incident were to go public, Yoo Jin Woo could face serious legal consequences.

In a flashback, however, it is revealed that Chris had removed the drugs from the car before asking Yoo Jin Woo to drive it. This small yet significant act once again demonstrates that despite being envious of the future Yoo Jin Woo is so close to, Chris’s priority is to protect his brother and see him succeed.

Yoo Jin Woo getting abandoned once again

One of the reasons why Yoo Jin Woo has started smiling more is because he finally feels he has found a family. When the producer of his new YouTube variety show asks him, “You were a trainee for so long, how did you manage to hold on?” he replies, “I didn’t really hold on. I just stayed as I was, and an opportunity came.” He explains that the opportunity that changed his life was meeting good people. This interaction shows how Yoo Jin Woo has become attached to the Kang-Shim family. And that’s why it’s painful to see Soo Hyun signing the contract to sell his rights to another entertainment company for 100 billion won (approximately $68,600,000).

“Namib” is nearing its finale, with only four episodes left now. Although Soo Hyun has already decided to sell Yoo Jin Woo to secure Shim Jin Woo’s future, it’s satisfying to watch Yoo Jin Woo stand up for himself and ask Soo Hyun to manage him. But can he trust someone who abandoned him, just like his mother?

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Hello, Soompiers! Do you think Soo Hyun will accept Yoo Jin Woo’s proposal and agree to manage him as an idol? Let us know in the comments!

Javeria is a binge-watching specialist who loves devouring entire K-dramas in one sitting. Good screenwriting, beautiful cinematography, and a lack of cliches are the way to her heart. As a music fanatic, she listens to multiple artists across different genres and stans the self-producing idol group SEVENTEEN. You can talk to her on Instagram @javeriayousufs.

Currently watching: “Namib,” “Love Scout,” “Motel California,” and “Doom At Your Service.”
Looking forward to: “Reborn” and “Weak Hero Class 2.”