In the Second Shot at Love episode 10 took a heavy turn. It aired at 8:50 PM on the 10th and focused on Kim Gwang-ok’s (played by Kim Sung-ryung) decision about a liver transplant. This storyline centered around life, guilt, and sacrifice.
Even after much convincing, Gwang-ok refused surgery. The liver transplant was supposed to be from Han Geum-ju (played by Choi Soo-young), her daughter. But Gwang-ok backed out. Her decision shocked both her daughter and those around her. The doctor told Han Geum-ju the surgery couldn’t happen anymore. He said the donor had suddenly changed her mind. Geum-ju, however, didn’t stop. She started preparing herself again, hoping things would change. Her liver condition was getting better, and doctors saw hope.
Still, Gwang-ok stood firm. She said things like “Just let me die” and “I can’t agree to this.” Her biggest reason? She didn’t want her daughter hurt, especially after Geum-ju gave up so much for her already. She said she didn’t want to see her unmarried daughter suffer even more because of her.
Guilt, Hope, and a Bittersweet Birthday
Others also tried to convince her. Han Jeong-soo (played by Kim Sang-ho) told her the surgery was a miracle. He asked, “Shouldn’t she live?” But Gwang-ok kept saying no. She said she didn’t need any miracle. She preferred to live the rest of her life quietly. Alone.
Seo Ui-jun (played by Gong Myung) then stepped in. He tried to change Gwang-ok’s mind. Ui-jun said her daughter’s strength wasn’t a miracle, but the result of hard effort. He reminded Gwang-ok how much Geum-ju had gone through. How deeply she cared. His words seemed to carry weight. But still, Gwang-ok was torn. Her main worry was her daughter’s pain.
Geum-ju also had her say. She told Seo Ui-jun she wouldn’t give up. She admitted she wasn’t always the best daughter. But she wanted to stop the cycle of pain. She said, “I can stop hurting you, Mom.”
Seo Ui-jun told Gwang-ok the truth. He asked her to accept the surgery, not for herself, but for Geum-ju. He said it might be the only way to end the suffering for both of them.

Meanwhile, the episode also explored a lighter story. It was Seo Ui-jun’s birthday. Geum-ju was the first to wish him. She even made seaweed soup, a Korean birthday tradition. Her dad complimented Seo Ui-jun and called him lucky. Geum-ju said she was the lucky one. She wanted to repay all the kindness Seo Ui-jun had shown her.
They had a birthday party. But not with her soup. That role went to Baek Hye-mi (played by Bae Hae-sun). Her version was praised. Geum-ju’s, not so much. Her nephews mocked her cooking. Her dad even joked, “This isn’t a gift. It’s terrorism.” Harsh, but funny.
Baek Hye-mi left the couple alone afterward. She told Seo Ui-jun not to let the past weigh him down. Her words gave him some comfort.
Later, the couple went on a short trip. They visited a place Geum-ju had wanted to show him. It was a quiet mountain area. It was meaningful. Ui-jun once said he wanted to feel the winter wind after Geum-ju recovered. She remembered that.
At the mountain, Geum-ju thanked him. She said she felt like she was reborn. It was his birthday, but it felt like hers too. She wanted to enjoy every moment from now on. With him. Ui-jun smiled. He knew what that meant.
They shared a quiet, emotional moment. While Geum-ju stepped away for a bit, Ui-jun wrote “I love you” with his eyes in the snow. They kissed in the snow, then went inside the room Geum-ju had decorated. The scene ended with them sharing an intimate birthday night.
What This Episode Showed
Episode 10 had a mix of pain and peace. It showed how hard it can be to forgive yourself, especially as a parent. Kim Gwang-ok’s refusal came from guilt, not anger. Her daughter’s love pushed her to the edge of changing her mind. Seo Ui-jun became the bridge between the two. This drama continues to explore complex family issues with honesty. It doesn’t offer easy answers. But it shows how love, even in small moments, can push people forward.
Second Shot at Love episode 10 recap proves once again that the show balances heavy topics and human warmth well. From life-threatening choices to birthday soup disasters, it keeps things grounded. It reminds viewers that sometimes, even in the middle of pain, there’s room for joy.
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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