Transit Love 4 Finale Stirs Emotions Across Korea

As the curtain falls on the latest season of Transit Love 4, emotions have reached a fever pitch both on and off screen. The penultimate episode, released on January 14, 2026, on TVING, centered around the much-anticipated "X date" between Yusik and Min-gyeong—a couple whose eight-year romance, which began in their high school days, has captivated viewers throughout the show's run. This final one-on-one encounter, after months of shared space but little direct interaction, became a defining moment not just for the couple, but for the entire cast and the audience at home.

From the outset, the episode set a somber, reflective tone. According to Star Today, Yusik and Min-gyeong’s date was marked by small gestures that spoke volumes: when Min-gyeong twisted her ankle, Yusik instinctively supported her, and when she spilled her ice cream, he gently wiped it away. These actions, born of eight years of familiarity, reminded everyone watching of the deep, complicated history between them. "Their conversation during the X date is so comfortable. They’ve been awkward this whole time," observed Simon Dominic, a panelist on the show, as he wiped away tears in the studio.

But it was at the dinner table that the emotional intensity truly peaked. Unable to answer Min-gyeong’s question about what he would do after returning to Korea, Yusik broke down in tears. He confessed, "Min-gyeong is such a precious person to me, and I’m sorry for hurting her." Min-gyeong, clearly moved and struggling to compose herself, replied, "It felt like our last meal together." The rawness of their exchange left not only the couple but also the studio panelists and countless viewers at home in tears. As Yura, another panelist, put it, "Just seeing the two of them together was so sad."

The ripple effect of this date was immediate and widespread. Online, fans reacted passionately, with comments like, "I was in tears watching their story," and "It’s the first time I’ve cried while watching Transit Love." Some even noted that Simon Dominic seemed to cry more than they did. The sense of finality and unresolved feelings was palpable, with guest panelist Kim Yo-han remarking, "Min-gyeong keeps saying, ‘I guess this is the end,’ but I think she wants to hear from Yusik that it might not be the end." Lee Yong-jin, another studio voice, summed up the collective uncertainty: "I have absolutely no idea what their final choices will be. There’s only one day left."

This wasn’t the only emotional reunion of the day. Other cast members also had their own "X dates," each bringing their own unresolved feelings and complicated histories to the surface. But it was Yusik and Min-gyeong’s story—so deeply rooted in shared experience and mutual care—that stood out most starkly, drawing the greatest response from both the panel and the public. The episode also featured another poignant moment, as Baekhyun and Hyunji, another pair of exes, shared a tearful embrace after their own date. As reported by TVING, Baekhyun openly expressed his feelings, saying, "Isn’t luck better than happiness? Tomorrow is the final choice, so turn the wheel toward me." When Hyunji asked, "Would you like that?" Baekhyun replied, "Yes. Three hours matter more than the 18th." Their brief but heartfelt hug before heading off to separate dates left viewers speculating about their true feelings and what choices lay ahead.

Meanwhile, Hyunji’s date with Yusik took a more philosophical turn, centering on their views about marriage. Yusik stated, "If everything is ready and I can make my partner happy, then marriage is the ultimate goal. But if I can’t take responsibility for someone, I wouldn’t even bring it up." The conversation cooled the mood, and fans online noted the shift, with some commenting that Hyunji seemed to prefer Baekhyun’s directness over Yusik’s more measured approach. Comments such as, "If it’s like this, the two should just get back together," captured the audience’s investment in the cast’s emotional journeys.

Beyond the personal dramas, the episode also highlighted the ongoing success of Transit Love 4. Since its debut in October 2025, the show has weathered early turbulence—spoilers, reviewer dropouts, and controversy over certain cast members—but its performance has been nothing short of remarkable. According to Star Today, Transit Love 4 has held the top spot for 14 consecutive weeks in TVING’s weekly paid subscriber contribution rankings. Its completion rate is an impressive 67% higher than that of previous seasons, underscoring its status as a powerhouse in the dating reality genre and a key intellectual property for TVING’s growth.

With the final episode set to air on January 21, 2026, anticipation is at an all-time high. The fates of Yusik, Min-gyeong, Baekhyun, Hyunji, and the rest of the 11-member cast remain up in the air. Will old wounds heal, or will the final choices cement the end of these long-running romances? The show’s unique format—bringing together exes for one last shot at closure or reconciliation—has proven to be a compelling formula, drawing viewers into the cast’s tangled web of emotions and decisions.

For TVING, the success of Transit Love 4 is more than just a ratings triumph; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of vulnerable, honest storytelling. As the finale approaches, the question lingers: what kind of ending will these complicated relationships find? One thing is certain—viewers, panelists, and even the cast themselves are bracing for an emotional conclusion that will be remembered long after the credits roll.