Is Healing the New Hit Formula? This K-Drama Just Took Over Ratings with Raw Emotion

tvN’s new Monday-Tuesday drama 'Second Shot at Love' has captured viewers’ hearts with its emotionally charged storyline and standout performances, topping its time slot in viewership ratings. In episode 4, aired on May 20, Han Geum-joo (played by Choi Soo-young) reaches out to Seo Eui-jun (Gong Myung), asking for help in her journey to sobriety.

According to Nielsen Korea, the episode achieved a 3.8% average and 5.0% peak rating in the Seoul metro area, and a 3.7% average and 4.5% peak rating nationwide, making it the No.1 show on paid platforms during its timeslot.

One of the most talked-about scenes involves Han Geum-joo discovering that her ex-fiancé Kim Joo-yeop (Yoo Eui-tae), who cheated on her, never canceled the wedding venue he originally booked with her—for his new bride, Lee Hana. She initially feels relieved after receiving the deposit refund, only to later learn that the money came from Joo-yeop himself, deepening her sense of betrayal.

Overwhelmed, Geum-joo attends a sobriety retreat but ends up drinking and disappearing. Seo Eui-jun finds her and gently says, “Let’s go. Don’t stay here like this.” She tries to stand, replying, “Yeah, let’s go,” but stumbles. As she collapses, Seo rushes to her side.

Rain suddenly pours down, and Seo takes off his coat and covers her head—a small gesture that speaks volumes.

Meanwhile, when the wedding shuttle bus arrives in her hometown, Geum-joo’s mother, Kim Kwang-ok (Kim Sung-ryung), turns her back. “Get on and leave. Don’t come back. I’ll pretend I never had a daughter,” she says coldly. Geum-joo mutters, “I’m sorry, Mom,” only to be met with, “I don’t want to hear it. Just go.” Stepping in, Seo Eui-jun diffuses the tension, pretending the bus wasn’t for the wedding, “I told them not to cancel the trip. It’s for the local elders. Hey, weren’t you supposed to explain? Did you forget?” He then helps Geum-joo onto the bus. “Come on. You promised to come too. Let’s go.”

But the bus makes a stop—right in front of Kim Joo-yeop’s wedding. Geum-joo steps off and walks into the venue but ultimately can’t bring herself to take any action. Seo, following her inside, witnesses the ceremony and is consumed by rage. In silent protest, he blocks Joo-yeop’s car with his own and refuses to answer his calls.

Later, Seo finds Geum-joo alone on a bridge and holds an umbrella over her. “What are you doing out here?” She replies, “I didn’t think anyone would be my umbrella in life… but it was you. I remember now. That’s why you tried so hard, wasn’t it?” In a past flashback, a drunk Geum-joo had said, “Eui-jun… I want to quit drinking. I thought I could do it if I just tried, but I was wrong. I’m so ashamed of how I live.” Seo replied, “Yeah. I wanted to help you. It felt like you truly meant it.” “You’re right. I want to stop drinking and start over. Help me,” she pleads.

In the episode’s epilogue, a mysterious man watches Seo Eui-jun’s lecture video, sipping alcohol and muttering, “Found you, Seo Eui-jun,” adding tension for the upcoming episodes.

Viewers have praised the drama for its emotional depth and performances. Comments include, “Choi Soo-young’s crying scenes are incredibly moving,” and “Gong Myung’s quiet warmth is so comforting.” One viewer wrote, “It’s the first time I’ve seen a drama explore addiction this honestly.”

Among Gen Z viewers, reactions on social media have been especially passionate:

“It hits hard because it feels real,”“Seo Eui-jun is dangerously sweet,” “This is supposed to be about quitting alcohol, but I’m the one emotionally intoxicated.” Lines from the show and its nuanced direction continue to go viral online, generating strong engagement and empathy.

'Second Shot at Love' airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8:50 PM KST on tvN.

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