Tving’s original series "EXchange 4" is turning the emotional dial all the way up as it heads into its final choices, drawing viewers deeper into the show’s most intense stretch yet.
Episode 20, released on the 14th, followed the cast through their “X Dates” on the eve of the finale, forcing each person to confront lingering feelings head-on. With singer Kim Yohan joining as a guest, couples hovered between goodbye and a second chance―unpacking guilt and gratitude, regret and resolve―in a tension-filled lead-up to decision day.
Hong Ji-yeon hinted at an ending even as Kim Woo-jin hoped for a reunion. Despite Jung Won-gyu’s promises to change, Park Jihyeon struggled to shake fears that the same patterns would repeat. Faced with her ex’s tears and unresolved feelings, Park Hyeon-ji spiraled into confusion, while Gwak Min-kyung revisiting old memories with Jo Yoo-sik moved her to tears as the reality of their split finally sank in. On the flip side, Choi Yoon-nyeong and Lee Jae-hyung cleared up misunderstandings and delivered perhaps the most mature X Date of the bunch.
Knowing these could be their last moments together, everyone got more honest. Yura admitted, “I’m not just happy―I feel like I might fall apart,” fighting back tears. Kim Yohan agreed, noting that the possibility of a last goodbye brought out “the truth” in people. Secret-date pairings―Park Hyeon-ji with Jo Yoo-sik, and Choi Yoon-nyeong with Seong Baek-hyeon―also threw off expectations, making the finale that much harder to predict.
The ratings momentum keeps rolling. According to industry chatter, Tving is considering an overseas reward trip for the production team and hosts in light of "EXchange 4"s franchise-best performance.
But not everything is rosy. First, the spoilers. Photos apparently taken in Japan―showing some cast members on dates―were shot and shared by overseas fans, prompting social media sleuthing about final couples based on outfits and locations. With the finish line in sight, many viewers say the leaks are killing the immersion.
Then there’s the “Double Ex” wrinkle. EXchange’s magic lies in layering emotions over time―not piling on complications. This season puts Park Hyeon-ji at the center of a triple pull: a recent ex, Shin Seung-yong; a powerful history with ex Seong Baek-hyeon; and a budding connection with Jo Yoo-sik. Giving one person two exes―and two rounds of dates―pushes the format to the brink of overload.
The show’s original hook was simple and resonant: exes under one roof, revisiting the past while opening up to something new. The Double Ex setup, however, tilts that balance, feeling less like expanded choice and more like an emotional burden placed on a single cast member.
In Episode 20, Park Hyeon-ji was shaken by unresolved feelings for Seong Baek-hyeon, and the ripple effects knocked Seong Baek-hyeon, Choi Yoon-nyeong, and Park Hyeon-ji off-kilter. Longtime fans who love "EXchange 4" for its delicate line between endings and beginnings say the heightened twist is starting to undercut the show’s usual spell.
The "EXchange 4" finale premieres on Tving on the 21st at 6 p.m. local time.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)