Second Shot at Love

“Second Shot at Love” (Korean: “금주를 부탁해”) is a slice of life, romantic comedy about a heartfelt and humorous journey of healing, growth, and second chances. It premiered on tvN on May 12, 2025. Directed by Jang Yoo‑jeong, written by Myung Soo‑hyun and Jun Ji‑hyun.

Plot Synopsis

Han Geum-joo (played by Choi Sooyoung, Girls’ Generation) is a seasoned auto mechanic known for her carefree attitude – but her love for drinking leads to an alcohol dependency diagnosis. Determined to change her life, she vows to quit drinking.

Her resolve is further tested when she unexpectedly reunites with her first love, Seo Ui-joon (Gong Myung), now a doctor and staunch anti-alcohol advocate. As they navigate their past and opposing views on alcohol, romance and personal growth follow.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

• Choi Sooyoung as Han Geum-joo – A hardworking mechanic who sees herself as a sensible drinker until reality hits.
• Gong Myung as Seo Ui-joon – Once Geum-joo’s friend/love interest, now a doctor who has cut out alcohol, returned to his hometown.

Supporting Cast

• Kim Sung‑ryung as Kim Gwang-ok (Geum-joo’s mother).
• Kim Sang-ho as Han Jung-soo (her father).
• Jo Yoon-hee as her sister Han Hyun-joo.
• Kang Hyung-seok as Bong Seon-wook, plus a rich ensemble including Bae Hae-sun, Kim Hyun-sook, and others.

Themes & Tone

Sobriety & Self‑Discovery

A refreshing departure for K-dramas, as it deals with alcohol dependency and recovery in a heartfelt but uplifting way.

Second Chances

Both in love and life – Geum-joo and Ui-joon heal old wounds while forging new connections.

Blend of Humor & Depth

Strikes a balance between rom-com charm and emotional nuance, praised for its honest storytelling.

Reception

TV Ratings

Strong performance for a cable drama – premiered at 3.35% nationwide (Nielsen Korea), maintained 2.8–3.6% across its run – often ranking #1 in its time slot.

Critical Response

Praise

Lauded for its bold topic and authentic portrayal of family alcoholism. Reviews describe it as “brave, unique… yet still gives hope” and rate it A+.

Cast Chemistry

Reviewers highlight the strong bond between Sooyoung and Gong Myung, and the healthy representation of first love rekindling across life stages.

Who Should Watch It?

• Fans of grown-up rom-coms with real-world issues like “My Liberation Notes” or “Because This Is My First Life”.
• Viewers interested in uplifting stories about addiction recovery and self-growth.
• Those who enjoy feel-good, heartfelt romance with strong ensemble family dynamics.

Final Thoughts

“Second Shot at Love” delivers a refreshing twist on romantic comedy – grounded, sincere, and emotionally rewarding. It addresses real-life challenges like addiction and recovery without losing charm or hope. With standout performances and mature storytelling, it offers a deeply felt and uplifting experience.

Where to Watch

Broadcast Schedule

Aired on tvN.

Streaming Access

• South Korea: TVING.
• Japan: U-Next.
• Taiwan: FriDay Video.
• Thailand: TrueVisions Now.
• Globally: Rakuten Viki.

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