'Second Shot at Love' made a strong impression from its first broadcast with a story deeper than alcohol.
The drama 'Second Shot at Love' (written by Myung Soo-hyun and Jeon Ji-hyun / directed by Jang Yoo-jung and Jo Nam-hyung / produced by Studio Dragon and House Pictures), which premiered yesterday (Dec. 12) on tvN, portrays the tumultuous life of Han Geum-joo (played by Choi Soo-young), who loves alcohol, as she returns to her hometown of Bocheon.
As a result, the viewership rating for the first episode recorded an average of 4.3% for metropolitan households and peaked at 5.7%, achieving the top spot in both cable and general programming channels during the same time slot for both metropolitan and national standards. (Based on integrated paid platforms including cable, IPTV, and satellite / provided by Nielsen Korea)
Facing an impending marriage, Han Geum-joo (played by Choi Soo-young) experienced a significant turning point in her life due to a breakup, and when her mother, Kim Kwang-ok (played by Kim Sung-ryung), learned of this fact, it marked the beginning of Geum-joo's journey of abstinence from alcohol. After having organized her home in preparation for the marriage, she could not reapply for her job and, unable to withstand her mother's pressure, returned to her hometown of Bocheon.
However, the situation at her home was even more serious. Her father, Han Jeong-soo (played by Kim Sang-ho), known as the 'alcohol whale,' and her sister, Han Hyun-joo (played by Jo Yoon-hee), who unwinds with alcohol after work, set up a drinking table and welcomed Geum-joo's return by shouting 'welcome drink.' Observing this, Kim Kwang-ok could not contain her frustration, threw a bottle of alcohol, and strongly proclaimed a ban on alcohol with the declaration 'there is no alcohol in this house,' foreseeing unprecedented repercussions for their alcohol-loving family.
Meanwhile, in order to save face for her daughter, who suddenly returned home, Kim Kwang-ok had been telling the villagers that her daughter called off the engagement due to difficulties with her in-laws, being less than honest about the situation. Despite Kim Kwang-ok's efforts, Geum-joo disclosed that she called off the engagement 'because she preferred alcohol over her boyfriend,' turning the reason for her breakup into a hot topic in the village.
However, the reason for Geum-joo's breakup lay elsewhere. The day before the breakup, she accidentally witnessed her ex-boyfriend, Joo-yeob (played by Yoo Ui-taek), purchasing a pregnancy test kit and learned that he had cheated on her and had tried to abandon her. 'I ended this marriage because you're worse than alcohol,' she exclaimed, but it became apparent that the scar from this experience remained deeply within her heart.
Additionally, a reunion with her first love, Seo Ui-joon (played by Gong Myoung), from whom Geum-joo had severed ties, took place. Seo Ui-joon, once a successful psychiatrist in Seoul, is currently the director of Bocheon Health Center, widely welcomed by the villagers and fondly called 'Bocheon’s St. Bernard.' The two, who found themselves in drastically different circumstances, began to reveal traces of their once-close relationship amid a brief tension, sparking curiosity about their past connections.
The aftereffects of their reunion were short-lived, as a heavily intoxicated Geum-joo woke up the next morning in an unfamiliar place and was startled to see Seo Ui-joon limping beside her. His remark, 'You really need to give up alcohol,' left Geum-joo even more curious about what happened the night before.
'Second Shot at Love' weaves the story of alcohol-loving Han Geum-joo into the familiar setting of Bocheon village, captivating the audience from its first broadcast with a series of ups and downs surrounding her return home and various episodes happening in the village. The natural performances of the five actors, delicately executed direction, and unpredictable endings contributed to heightened curiosity about future developments.
As a result, viewers are looking forward to the second episode to see how Han Geum-joo's transformation as she embarks on her first alcohol-free journey, her relationship with Seo Ui-joon, and the intertwining characters centered around the alcohol-loving family.
The conclusion of the thrilling reunion between Choi Soo-young and Gong Myoung can be seen in the second episode of 'Second Shot at Love,' airing today (Dec. 13) at 8:50 p.m.
[Photo] tvN
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