tvN’s new Monday-Tuesday drama, Second Shot at Love Episode 1 kicked off with a solid start. The first episode aired on the 12th and immediately caught attention. It recorded an average rating of 4.3% in the Seoul metro area and peaked at 5.7%, making it the top show in its time slot across cable and satellite platforms. These numbers came from Nielsen Korea, based on paid platforms like cable, IPTV, and satellite.
The story follows Han Geum-ju, played by Choi Soo-young, a woman who enjoys drinking and suddenly returns to her hometown, Bocheon Village, after her life takes a major turn. She was preparing for marriage, but ended up dealing with a broken engagement. That’s where everything starts to change.
Life Hits Hard, Then Home Gets Even Harder
After her breakup, Han Geum-ju doesn’t just face heartbreak. Her career takes a hi,t too. She tries to return to work, but that doesn’t go as planned. With everything falling apart, she goes back home. Her mother, Kim Gwang-ok (played by Kim Sung-ryung), pushes her to quit drinking. That’s no small task for Geum-ju.
But her family isn’t exactly helping. Her dad, Han Jeong-soo (played by Kim Sang-ho), drinks a lot. Her older sister, Han Hyun-joo (played by Jo Yoon-hee), also turns to alcohol to relax. When Geum-ju comes home, they greet her with a table full of booze. Her mom finally loses it, throws a bottle, and declares there will be no more alcohol in the house.
That moment sets the tone for what looks like a wild family journey. There’s a mix of awkward, funny, and raw moments that feel very real.
Secrets, First Loves, and Small Town Talks
Geum-ju’s return sparks gossip in the village. Her mother tries to save face by telling people the breakup happened because her ex’s family was too demanding. But Geum-ju doesn’t lie. She bluntly tells everyone that she chose alcohol over her boyfriend. The whole village hears about it, and the news spreads fast.
But that’s not the full story either. The real reason behind the breakup is more painful. Just before the wedding, Geum-ju saw her ex, Joo-yeop (played by Yoo Eui-tae), buying a pregnancy test. That’s when she realized he had cheated on her. Her reaction? “You’re worse than alcohol.” It’s harsh but honest. And it shows how deeply she was hurt.
On top of everything, Geum-ju runs into her first love. Seo Eui-jun, played by Gong Myung, is now the head of the local health center. He used to be a psychiatrist in Seoul. Locals call him “Bocheon Seo-neunim,” and they seem proud to have him around. When Geum-ju and Eui-jun meet again, there’s tension but also signs of a past connection. Their chemistry feels natural and not forced.
Later, after drinking too much again, Geum-ju wakes up in an unfamiliar place. Seo Eui-jun is there, limping. She’s confused, and he tells her, “You really need to quit drinking.” That line hits hard. It’s simple but says a lot.
Honest Characters and Relatable Struggles
‘Please Quit Drinking’ keeps things grounded. The show doesn’t exaggerate or try too hard to be dramatic. It focuses on real emotions. Each character feels familiar, like someone you might know. The acting helps too. The cast gives solid performances without overdoing it.
Even the directing feels smooth. It doesn’t distract from the story. Instead, it quietly brings the village and the people to life. Every little detail adds something to the bigger picture.
This drama stands out because it mixes humor with real issues. It shows how hard it can be to give up old habits. It also explores how family dynamics, personal choices, and past wounds all connect.
The next episode promises more changes. Geum-ju might start taking her goal to quit drinking more seriously. Her relationship with Seo Eui-jun could grow. And the story will likely dive deeper into how the family adapts to this alcohol-free challenge.
For viewers looking for something relatable, honest, and just a bit chaotic, this drama might be the one to follow. It’s not about perfect people. It’s about people trying their best, even if they mess up a lot along the way.
Also Read: The Haunted Palace Revisiting Episodes 7 & 8: Tangled Destinies
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
