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Choi Soo-young's Character Chooses Sobriety in 'Second Shot at Love'
The fourth episode, aired on the 20th, showcased Han Geum-joo confronting the pain of her broken engagement and resolving to quit alcohol with Seo Yi-joon's quiet support. The episode achieved a viewership rating of 3.8% in the metropolitan area and peaked at 5%, while nationwide ratings averaged 3.7% with a peak of 4.5%, securing the top spot in its time slot across cable and general programming channels. (Based on Nielsen Korea's data for cable, IPTV, and satellite combined paid platforms)
The next day, Han Geum-joo couldn't remember the previous night's events due to a blackout. When Seo Yi-joon asked if she remembered their conversation, she shook her head. Seo Yi-joon suggested an alcohol addiction self-assessment, and Han Geum-joo scored 40 points, far exceeding the addiction threshold of 20, though she initially dismissed the results, claiming she was just a social drinker.
Seo Yi-joon continued to encourage sobriety, inviting Han Geum-joo's family to an alcohol addiction lecture at the county office, where it was explained that blackouts could be a precursor to addiction. Feeling targeted, Han Geum-joo asked if she had said anything harsh, to which Seo Yi-joon firmly replied that he genuinely wanted to help her quit drinking, creating a tense atmosphere.
On the day of her scheduled wedding, a bus arriving at the village for the ceremony caused a stir. Kim Kwang-ok (played by Kim Sung-ryung) was furious at Han Geum-joo for not canceling the reservation, but Seo Yi-joon explained he intended to use it for a senior outing, calming the situation. He invited Han Geum-joo to join him on the bus, but she insisted on going to the wedding hall alone.
In Seoul, Han Geum-joo imagined hitting Joo Yeop with a champagne bottle during his wedding march but refrained, knowing it would devastate her parents, Kim Kwang-ok and Han Jung-soo (played by Kim Sang-ho). Instead, she quietly drank soju.
Seo Yi-joon arrived later, discovering that Joo Yeop had distorted the truth, claiming Han Geum-joo ended their relationship due to her drinking problem. Enraged, Seo Yi-joon parked his car in front of Joo Yeop's wedding car, adding a small but satisfying act of defiance.
Finally, Seo Yi-joon found Han Geum-joo standing on a bridge over the Han River. She recalled her blackout and confessed that her desire to quit drinking was genuine, asking for Seo Yi-joon's help. He responded with a gentle smile.
In the epilogue, a mysterious man watching Seo Yi-joon's lecture video appeared, drinking and ominously stating, "I've found you, Seo Yi-joon," hinting at future conflicts.
As new tensions arise, viewers are left wondering what truths will unfold in front of Seo Yi-joon. 'Second Shot at Love' airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 PM on tvN.
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr
