Second Shot at Love episode 12 aired on June 17. It wrapped up Seo Ui-jun and Han Geum-ju’s story with warmth and closure. The characters found peace in their past and chose to stay together.
Before we dive into the ending, here’s what you need to know: this drama flew under the radar. It didn’t trend every week, but those who watched it found quiet brilliance. If you’re here for a spoiler-free vibe-check or you’re debating whether to binge it now that it’s done, this breakdown will help.
In this episode, Seo Ui-jun (played by Gong Myung) held a funeral for his father, Seo Dong-hoon. His neighbors all helped out without being asked. It was a small but touching moment. Even Han Geum-ju (played by Choi Soo-young) felt surprised by the support. She saw it as proof of how much people cared. This scene might not be flashy, but it’s where K-dramas shine — in those small, shared silences. The funeral wasn’t just closure for Ui-jun, it was community healing.
Seo Ui-jun still blamed himself. He felt like he had failed as a son and a doctor. He admitted he felt relief when his father passed away. That emotion shocked him. He said out loud, “I’m the bad guy.” But Han Geum-ju didn’t let him spiral. She stayed with him. She told him what he needed to hear — that his presence helped others survive. That moment echoed what many viewers felt — guilt often hides inside grief. The show didn’t glamorize it, just laid it bare. That honesty hit hard.
Later, Ui-jun visited Baek Hye-mi (played by Bae Hae-sun). She refused to go to the funeral, saying she caused too much pain. But Ui-jun didn’t let her carry all the guilt. He reminded her that his father made his own choices. Eventually, he convinced her to come.
At the funeral, things were tense but honest. Baek Hye-mi still felt like an outsider. She said, “What right do I have?” But Ui-jun stood firm. He said he survived thanks to her. For the first time, he called her “mother.” That moment changed everything.
Healing, & Honest Talk
Let’s unpack the core themes this finale landed — not with dramatic twists, but with soft truths. A big part of the final episode focused on why Ui-jun cut ties with Han Geum-ju before. The truth came out — it was because of his father. He didn’t want her to suffer because of his family issues. Geum-ju had been scared, too. She was worried he’d leave again.
When she said that out loud, it was raw. She didn’t hide behind pride. She just said, “I thought you’d leave me again.” But Ui-jun promised he wouldn’t. He told her, “I’ll protect you now.” Geum-ju didn’t hold back either. She told him she’d protect him, too. It was honest and simple.
Elsewhere, Baek Hye-mi’s past was revealed. Her father never accepted her lover, so she gave up her child. That child was Ui-jun. The reveal could’ve been a messy trope. But the drama avoided clichés. No over-the-top tears. Just quiet heartbreak. That choice made the scene more believable. She stayed nearby for years, never telling him the truth. She just wanted to be close. Her silence was her way of protecting him.
She also blamed herself for the nurse’s death. She said she would make Seo Dong-hoon pay. But in the end, Seo Dong-hoon died alone from alcohol poisoning near his mother’s grave. No one else had to act. Life took its path.
When Hye-mi woke up after surgery, the first thing she did was ask if Ui-jun was okay. She confessed she stayed silent out of fear. She thought he would reject her if he knew she was his mother. But he didn’t. He told her he understood. Forgiveness here wasn’t a grand moment — it was just… soft. It said: I see you, and that’s enough. That felt deeply human. Geum-ju stayed close through it all. She told Ui-jun she’d stand by him, no matter what. And she meant it.
In the middle of all this, Bong Sun-wook (Kang Hyung-seok) and Han Hyun-joo (Jo Yoon-hee) got their own resolution. Sun-wook had stayed away because of family pressure. But Hyun-joo didn’t give up. She got permission and confessed again. This time, he didn’t run. He hugged her and said, “I love you.” This subplot gave balance. It showed that love stories can restart — even when life throws curveballs.
Real Ending
At the end, the town came together again. The old nursing home reopened as a hospital for alcohol addiction. Seo Ui-jun became the director. The symbolism here was subtle. Healing a town plagued by addiction — led by someone who knows pain firsthand. That’s not just a plot device. That’s a mission. He said, “I support your abstinence.” It wasn’t dramatic. Just real and hopeful.
He gave Geum-ju a necklace and said, “I’ll make you happy. More, more, more.” She smiled and said she was proud. She joked that she could now eat meat without alcohol. But she also shared that she hadn’t fully quit drinking yet — just holding back each day. It felt honest. No perfect fix. Just effort.
This finale showed a simple truth: healing takes time. People make mistakes, but they can also change. The story didn’t end with a big event. It ended with small, quiet decisions. K-dramas often aim for picture-perfect endings. This one didn’t. It chose honesty over idealism. That’s rare and refreshing.
If you’re looking for a Second Shot at Love ending review, this finale had all the closure it needed. The story didn’t rely on shock or drama. Instead, it focused on connection. The Second Shot at Love ending review shows that even broken people can find peace.
Viewers saw strong growth in Seo Ui-jun and Han Geum-ju. If you missed the show or stopped halfway, reading this Second Shot at Love ending review might help you decide if it’s worth finishing. The show stayed grounded until the last minute. That’s what made it work. Nothing felt forced. Just real people choosing to care for each other.
Who Should Watch Second Shot at Love?
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Fans of slice-of-life stories that focus on healing
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Viewers who like character-driven plots over fast twists
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Anyone tired of love triangles and wants sincerity instead
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If you liked Our Blues or When the Weather is Fine, this might be your next quiet favorite.
Thanks for reading 💬
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.
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