Unexpected Crisis Hits 'Please Abstain' Family as Kim Kwang-ok Collapses

An unexpected crisis has struck the family in the tvN drama 'Please Abstain' as Kim Kwang-ok, played by Kim Sung-ryung, collapses after declaring a ban on alcohol for her family.

In the episode aired on October 9, viewers saw Han Geum-joo's (Choi Soo-young) mother, Kim Kwang-ok, being rushed to the hospital with acute hepatitis, casting a dark shadow over the family.

The episode achieved a viewership rating of 3% on average in the Seoul metropolitan area, peaking at 4.3%, and 3.1% nationwide, peaking at 4%, securing the top spot in its time slot across cable and general programming channels, according to Nielsen Korea.

While enjoying a sweet date in Daecheon, Han Geum-joo and Seo Eui-joon (Gong Myung) were unexpectedly joined by Han Geum-joo's sister, Han Hyun-joo (Jo Yoon-hee), and their friend Bong Sun-wook (Kang Hyung-seok). Previously, Han Hyun-joo had promised Bong Sun-wook three date opportunities, and coincidentally, the second date location was Daecheon. Bong Sun-wook covered up by saying they were on a pre-visit for a taekwondo class field trip, leading to an impromptu double date.

Bong Sun-wook's attention was constantly on Han Hyun-joo, which Han Geum-joo and Seo Eui-joon noticed. After returning to Bocheon, Han Geum-joo asked Han Hyun-joo if she was aware of Bong Sun-wook's feelings and expressed concern about what would happen if Bong Sun-wook's sister, Bong Sun-hwa (Kim Bo-jung), found out. Han Hyun-joo was upset by her sister's concern for Bong Sun-hwa over her own feelings, creating a subtle distance between the sisters.

A critical crisis hit the family when Kim Kwang-ok, who had been experiencing dizziness, suddenly collapsed in front of Seo Eui-joon and was diagnosed with acute hepatitis at the hospital. The family was shocked to learn that the only one who abstained from alcohol was the one who fell ill. Despite her high liver enzyme levels, Kim Kwang-ok had been enduring without complaint, adding to the family's distress.

In the midst of the complex situation, Han Hyun-joo ultimately told Bong Sun-wook that it was difficult to continue their relationship. She blamed herself for not knowing about her mother's condition and said she couldn't be swayed by unnecessary emotions at the moment, leaving Bong Sun-wook hurt and halting their budding relationship.

Kim Kwang-ok's condition showed little improvement, and the medical team advised that a liver transplant was urgently needed. The family explored the possibility of donation, but her husband Han Jung-soo (Kim Sang-ho) was too old, and Han Hyun-joo had a congenitally small liver, making them unsuitable donors. Han Geum-joo, the last hope, was also ruled out due to high fatty liver levels from repeated drinking.

Fortunately, news of a suitable brain-dead donor brought a positive turn for the family. Kim Kwang-ok headed to the operating room with her family's support, and as everyone hoped for a successful surgery, it was revealed that Han Geum-joo was also on the operating table, delivering a shocking twist.