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Viral: 'Brave New World' Stars Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-joon Melt Hearts With Puppy Chemistry — "Please Bring It Back"

The 'genius actor' puppy becomes the show's unexpected healing point

SBS, Brave New World, Heo Nam-joon, Lim Ji-yeon, Fri–Sat drama, Drama, Puppy
Photo: Lim Ji-yeon Instagram, Heo Nam-joon Instagram
SBS, Brave New World, Heo Nam-joon, Lim Ji-yeon, Fri–Sat drama, Drama, Puppy
SBS, Brave New World, Heo Nam-joon, Lim Ji-yeon, Fri–Sat drama, Drama, Puppy
Photo: SBS 'Brave New World'

Not just the heart-fluttering chemistry between actors Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-joon — an unexpected scene-stealer is taking over living rooms: a puppy that’s gone viral for stealing the show.

In episode 4 of SBS’s Friday-Saturday drama Brave New World, which aired on the 16th, a puppy appearing between the two leads delivered a powerful presence and instantly captivated viewers.

In the episode, Shin Se-ri (played by Lim Ji-yeon) mistakes Cha Se-gye (played by Heo Nam-joon) for a diehard fan and entrusts him with an abandoned puppy as a so-called “reverse fan gift.” Although Cha Se-gye has a dog-hair allergy and is taken aback, he still brings the puppy home and thoughtfully sets up a fluffy cushion and water — a classic tsundere move that warmed hearts. He even tracks down the pup’s original owner, showing a gentle side that makes Shin Se-ri deeply grateful to him.

Right after the broadcast, the puppy’s standout cuteness and natural “acting chops” had viewers swooning. Fans flooded online communities with reactions like, “We desperately want the puppy to return,” and “This puppy is an acting genius — please give it more screen time.” Following the episode, Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-joon also uploaded sweet behind-the-scenes shots with the puppy on their respective Instagram accounts.

Amid all the tangled relationships, Brave New World is delivering unexpected healing moments every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 p.m.