tvN’s upcoming romantic comedy Second Shot at Love promises a humorous yet heartfelt story of love and sobriety, with Kim Sung Ryung enforcing a strict no-alcohol rule for her family. The drama, starring Sooyoung, Gong Myoung, Jo Yoon Hee, and Kim Sang Ho, premieres on May 12, 2025, and its latest teasers highlight the family’s struggle to quit drinking.
A Family’s Fight Against Alcohol
Second Shot at Love is a 12-episode romantic comedy airing on tvN every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 p.m. KST. The story centers on Han Geum Ju (Sooyoung), a skilled car mechanic who calls herself a “reasonable drinker.” Her life takes a turn when she reunites with her first love, Seo Ui Jun (Gong Myoung), a doctor who hates alcohol. After being labeled an alcoholic, Han Geum Ju decides to quit drinking, sparking a family-wide sobriety challenge.
The drama, directed by Jang Yoo Jung (Honest Candidate) and written by Myung Su Hyun and Jeon Ji Hyun (Ugly Miss Young Ae), blends humor with real-life struggles. It explores Han Geum Ju’s journey to sobriety while navigating romance and family dynamics in Bocheon Village.
Kim Sung Ryung’s No-Alcohol Rule
Kim Sung Ryung plays Kim Kwang Ok, the strict mother of Han Geum Ju and Han Hyun Ju (Jo Yoon Hee). She is the only family member who opposes drinking, declaring, “No more alcohol in this house!” Her commanding presence is clear in teasers, where she glares at her family, ensuring they follow her rules.
“I heard you said you love alcohol more? That you wanted to call off the wedding?!” Kim Kwang Ok shouts, confronting a hungover Han Geum Ju surrounded by empty bottles.
Kim Kwang Ok’s frustration peaks as she smacks Han Geum Ju’s back, showing a mix of tough love and concern. Her stern exterior hides deep care for her family, making her a key figure in their sobriety journey.
The Family’s Love for Alcohol
The teasers reveal the family’s deep connection to alcohol, creating comedic yet relatable moments. Han Geum Ju defends herself, saying, “Do you think I’m an alcoholic? I’m just a social drinker!” Her father, Han Jung Soo (Kim Sang Ho), and sister, Han Hyun Ju, share her habits, often sneaking drinks behind Kim Kwang Ok’s back.
Han Jung Soo is the heart of Bocheon Village, known for his cheerful nature and love for alcohol. Photos show him smiling with a drink, doing chores at the family pension, or dressed in playful costumes, highlighting his vibrant personality. Despite his drinking, he deeply loves his wife and daughters.
Han Hyun Ju, a single mother of twins, relies on alcohol to unwind after long parenting days. Stills capture her rare moments of peace, sipping a drink with a gentle smile. Her life is disrupted when Kim Kwang Ok imposes the alcohol ban, forcing her to face sobriety.
A Humorous Take on Sobriety
A recent teaser shows the family struggling to take a perfect group photo, reflecting their chaotic yet funny dynamic. Han Geum Ju, Han Jung Soo, and Han Hyun Ju appear tipsy, with flushed cheeks and slouched postures, while Kim Kwang Ok and Seo Ui Jun stand composed. Han Jung Soo secretly pours beer disguised as barley tea, passing it to Han Hyun Ju, who accepts it eagerly.
“I’m going to take a picture now!” Han Geum Ju calls out, stumbling as she joins the group, unaware of Kim Kwang Ok’s watchful eyes.
The photo fails to match the motto, “In Bocheon, you have to stay sober to keep your wits about you,” showcasing the family’s not-so-sober reality. The teaser’s witty contrast between their outward appearance and hidden habits sets the tone for the drama’s humor.
Romance and Relationships
The drama also focuses on Han Geum Ju and Seo Ui Jun’s evolving relationship. Seo Ui Jun, a public health center director, is Han Geum Ju’s high school best friend and first love. His return to Bocheon Village after working as a medical specialist in Seoul sparks curiosity about his past. A teaser shows their romantic moment by Bocheon Lake, dancing at sunset, only for Han Geum Ju to stumble, revealing her drunken state.
“I really didn’t understand why we had to grow apart back then,” Han Geum Ju says, while Seo Ui Jun responds, “I like you,” hinting at unresolved feelings.
Their clashing views on alcohol create tension, but their playful chemistry, seen during the script reading, promises heartfelt moments. Seo Ui Jun urges Han Geum Ju to quit drinking, saying, “Han Geum Ju, you really need to quit drinking,” met with her dismissive hiccup.
Supporting Characters and Village Life
Bocheon Village adds depth to the story with its colorful residents. Baek Hye Mi (Bae Hae Sun), a former head nurse, follows Seo Ui Jun to Bocheon, while Young Rong (Lee Tae Yul), a physical therapist, admires Han Geum Ju for past help. Friends Bong Sun Ok (Kang Hyung Suk) and Lee Young Woong (Park Gang Sub) have crushes on Han Hyun Ju and Bong Sun Hwa (Kim Bo Jung), respectively, adding romantic subplots.
Han Geum Ju’s workplace includes her close friend Choi Mi Yeon (Yeom Seung Yi), ex-boyfriend Kim Joo Yup (Yoo Eui Tae), and boss Kim Soo Seok (Jeon Jin Oh). The village’s lively dynamics, like the bickering between Ki Bum’s parents (Lee Joong Ok and Kim Hyun Sook) and Han Jung Soo, bring humor and warmth.
Production and Cast Chemistry
The drama’s script reading showcased the cast’s strong chemistry. Sooyoung and Gong Myoung effortlessly switched between romance and tension, balancing humor and emotion. Kim Sung Ryung, Kim Sang Ho, and Jo Yoon Hee added realism as the heavy-drinking family, each bringing unique quirks.
“The people of Bocheon Village are living, breathing elements that create the story’s flow together,” the production team shared, emphasizing the characters’ role in delivering warmth and empathy.
Filming began in October 2024, and the drama is rated 15+ for audiences. Its unique premise as Korea’s first drama promoting sobriety has sparked interest, with teasers highlighting the serious yet comedic take on alcohol dependency.
Netizen Reactions
Fans on social media platforms have shared excitement for the drama’s premise and cast. Comments from X posts reflect enthusiasm for Sooyoung’s role and the family’s dynamic.
“Sooyoung is going to shine in this! The teasers are so funny, and Kim Sung Ryung as the strict mom is perfect.”
“I love how they’re tackling alcohol dependency with humor. Can’t wait for May 12!”
“Gong Myoung and Sooyoung’s chemistry looks amazing. This is going to be a hit!”
These reactions show strong anticipation for the drama’s blend of romance, comedy, and social commentary.
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Second Shot at Love is set to premiere on May 12, 2025, on tvN, with episodes airing at 8:50 p.m. KST. The latest teasers and posters, released on April 28, 2025, have increased excitement, focusing on Kim Sung Ryung’s role as the family’s sobriety enforcer. The drama’s unique take on alcohol dependency, combined with its stellar cast and vibrant village setting, positions it as a must-watch romantic comedy.
CREDITS: tvN, HanCinema
