In Second Shot at Love Episode 5, Seo Ui-jun (played by Gong Myung) finally opened up to Han Geum-ju (played by Choi Soo-young). His confession came after she completed a full week without drinking. What seemed like a simple promise turned into an emotional and honest conversation between the two characters.
Han Geum-ju, after successfully staying sober for seven days, told Seo Ui-jun, “I made it. I got through some really hard moments thanks to you.” She smiled but quickly reminded him about their deal. “Now keep your promise. I want you to answer my question honestly,” she said.
Seo Ui-jun didn’t hesitate. “Ask me anything,” he replied. What followed was something Han Geum-ju had wanted to ask for a long time. “Why did you suddenly cut me off?” she asked, her tone a mix of hurt and curiosity. “I still don’t understand why we had to grow apart.”
There was a pause. Then Seo Ui-jun looked straight at her and said, “Because I liked you too much. That’s why.”
His honest words left a strong impact, not just on her but on the viewers too. It wasn’t loud or dramatic. It felt real. The kind of confession that comes after years of holding back.
Health Scares and Honest Conversations in Second Shot at Love Episode 5
Earlier in the episode, Han Geum-ju, her father Han Jeong-soo (Kim Sang-ho), and sister Han Hyun-joo (Jo Yoon-hee) went for a health check. This checkup happened because Han Geum-ju had asked Seo Ui-jun for help in quitting drinking and living a healthier life.
The results were serious. Her liver was already showing signs of damage, and the doctor warned that it could lead to liver cancer or cirrhosis if she continued drinking. Hearing this, Geum-ju asked, “What should we do now?” The doctor told them to start by removing all alcohol at home. Kim Gwang-ok (Kim Sung-ryung), cheerful at first, said, “There’s no alcohol in our house,” but that wasn’t the full truth.
Each of them had hidden bottles. When Gwang-ok found out, she was shocked. “You’ve been drinking behind my back?” she asked. Geum-ju, holding a small bottle, simply said, “Soju.” It was a raw, honest moment that many viewers could relate to.
Despite quitting alcohol, all three found themselves craving it more. “Life has changed, but I miss it more than ever,” one of them admitted. It was a realistic take on the struggle of quitting something that once felt normal.
Past Regrets and New Feelings
Later, Seo Ui-jun saw that Geum-ju was thinking about alcohol again. Instead of lecturing her, he invited her to run with him. While jogging, Geum-ju asked, “How did you stop drinking?” Ui-jun answered, “You don’t stop. You just endure it.”
He promised to grant her a wish if she stayed sober for one week. She joked, “What if I ask for all your money?” Seo Ui-jun, without blinking, said, “I’ll give it to you.” He then took her on a weekend trip, away from the city, along with Bong Seon-wook (Kang Hyung-seok) and Lee Yeong-woong (Park Kang-seop), hoping to keep her mind off alcohol.
During the trip, Seon-wook asked Geum-ju if she had truly opened up to Seo Ui-jun. Her response was quiet but clear. “I didn’t close the door. I was shut out,” she said. The emotional walls were still there, but cracks had begun to show.
She remembered places they used to visit together. “I didn’t know back then,” she thought, “but those places felt warm because you were there.”
Family Bonds, Struggles, and Silent Support
Meanwhile, Han Hyun-joo’s story also took a turn. At the pension, she met an old coworker. The coworker seemed surprised and even sorry for her. She reminded Hyun-joo of her past, being the best employee at work, yet ending up in a painful marriage with a man who scammed her and used her name for financial fraud.
The conversation left Hyun-joo in tears. Later, she met the coworker again at a show, this time with Bong Seon-wook. Trying to save face, she introduced him as her boyfriend and added, “He’s five years younger. He’s single.” It wasn’t the truth, and that lie weighed on her.
She later sat alone in a park, drinking. When Seon-wook showed up, she couldn’t hide her feelings. “He wanted to look cool, even if it meant lying. How pathetic,” she muttered. But Seon-wook didn’t get angry. Instead, he smiled and said, “You’re so pretty. You’re the goddess of Bocheon.” Hyun-joo laughed, kissed him on the cheek, and he kissed her back.
This scene didn’t feel forced. It was soft and simple, like real people figuring things out together.
The episode showed how people struggle with their past, health, and emotions. It didn’t rush anything. It just lets the characters breathe. From Geum-ju’s slow progress in quitting alcohol to Seo Ui-jun’s heartfelt confession, the story stayed grounded.
tvN Second Shot at Love Episode 5 recap highlights how every character is dealing with something—be it health, love, or regrets. These small yet powerful stories are what keep the drama interesting. And it doesn’t need big twists to do that. Just honesty.
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.
