I feel like Second Shot at Love is like a real K-drama with its conventional style of romance and drama, but without the typical love triangle or villain. Instead, it’s filled with the warmth of a happy family.
The only major issue tackled in this drama is alcohol. It tells the story of how people can walk away from alcohol because so many things can go wrong if they can’t control it. I think that’s the core message of the drama especially through the character Han Geum Ju. She’s a smart and experienced mechanic at an electric car company. At first, she doesn’t seem to realize how harmful alcohol can be to her life, but by the end, she understands that it has ruined so much, including her relationship with her ex (though we learn he cheated), and with her family.
After her engagement breaks off and the wedding is canceled, Geum Ju returns home from Seoul. She takes a break to clear her mind. There, she reunites with her childhood friends in the neighborhood, including Seo Ui Joon (played by Gong Myung). Something clearly happened between them in the past, there’s an awkward tension, like something was left unfinished. They had simply parted ways when they were younger.
Now, Seo Ui Joon works as a doctor in their neighborhood, focusing especially on helping people with alcohol-related issues. At first, Geum Ju is still indifferent but gradually, thanks to Ui Joon’s support, she starts to open up and genuinely wants to stop drinking.
Interestingly, the way her mother tries to get her whole family to stop drinking (Geum Ju, her father, and her older sister) is actually pretty funny. Haha yes, it’s not just Geum Ju, the father and big sister are alcoholics too!
Later, we find out that when they were younger, Ui Joon wanted to confess his feelings to Geum Ju, he didn’t want to just be friends. But something happened that made him back off and study abroad. Geum Ju also had the same feelings back then, but she didn’t understand why Ui Joon suddenly distanced himself, and that hurt her deeply. But this drama isn’t just a love story, the alcohol-related issues around them, including the reason Ui Joon came back from a big hospital in Seoul, are also important.
I really love the chemistry between Sooyoung and Gong Myung. This romcom is perfect for them. The story is so heartwarming, not just their friends-to-lovers journey, but also the family and neighborhood relationships. I remember crying during the last episode, I never expected it to be that emotional.
This is a drama you can definitely binge. The story is light and heartwarming, perfect if you want to enjoy a K-drama. The OST is lovely too, and Sooyoung’s acting always impresses me.
One more thing: I never imagined that a simple theme like alcoholism could be turned into such a beautiful story. K-drama wins again.
Pictures: hancinema | Trailer: cj enm