I just watched the latest teaser for Second Shot at Love, dropped earlier yesterday, May 2, 2025, and I’m already counting down to the premiere! This new tvN rom-com stars Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung as Han Geum Ju and Gong Myoung as Seo Ui Jun, and the teaser has me hooked with its mix of humor, heart, and a clash of ideals over alcohol. With the show set to air on May 12, let’s dive into what this teaser reveals, why I’m so excited, and what we can expect from this opposites-attract love story!
A Reunion That Sparks Change (And Tension!)
Second Shot at Love follows Han Geum Ju, a mechanic who calls herself a “reasonable drinker” but whose life has spiraled due to her love for alcohol. Sooyoung brings this character to life with a raw energy—her character’s a mess, but a lovable one. The teaser opens with Geum Ju in her element, working hard in a male-dominated field and drinking even harder to cope. We see her chugging drinks at every chance, her life a chaotic blur of late nights and empty bottles. It’s clear she’s struggling, and I felt for her right away—her drinking isn’t just a habit; it’s her crutch.
Enter Seo Ui Jun, played by Gong Myoung, who’s the total opposite. He’s the head of Bocheon Public Health Center, a respected doctor who’s returned to his hometown after a successful career in Seoul. Ui Jun despises alcohol, and the teaser shows him looking polished and composed, earning the admiration of the local community. When he reunites with Geum Ju, his old friend and first love, he’s shocked to see her drunk and disheveled. His voice-over cuts deep: “I thought that if we ever met again, you’d have become a much better person.” Ouch—that line hit me hard, and you can feel the weight of their complicated history.
Opposing Views That Set the Stage for Romance
What I love about this teaser is how it sets up the push-and-pull between Geum Ju and Ui Jun. She’s all chaos and whiskey, while he’s order and sobriety. Their opposing views on alcohol are front and center—Geum Ju’s life revolves around drinking, while Ui Jun sees it as a destructive force. The teaser hints at their past as “alcohol mates” (a term I adore for its bittersweet vibe), showing they used to be close, maybe even drinking buddies, before drifting apart. Now, Ui Jun is determined to help Geum Ju quit, kicking off what looks like a hilarious and heartfelt journey.
The contrast between them is so compelling. Sooyoung’s Geum Ju is rough around the edges, with a defiance that makes her endearing—she doesn’t think she has a problem, even as her life unravels. Gong Myoung’s Ui Jun, on the other hand, is calm and caring, but there’s a quiet judgment in his gaze that makes me wonder how their romance will unfold. Will he soften her edges, or will she pull him into her chaotic world? I’m dying to find out!
A Deeper Look at Addiction and Healing
What sets Second Shot at Love apart is how it tackles a heavy topic like alcohol addiction with a rom-com lens. Sooyoung herself said in a recent interview that she was drawn to the drama because it explores “not just alcohol addiction, but also various forms of addiction and self-avoidance—universal issues in modern society.” I really admire that approach—it’s not just about the romance; it’s about Geum Ju’s journey to heal and rediscover herself. The teaser hints at this beautifully, showing her at her lowest but also hinting at the warmth she’ll find through her family and Ui Jun.
That said, I’m a little curious about how the show will balance its tone. Some fans on platforms like Dramabeans have pointed out that while the premise is intriguing, rom-coms sometimes gloss over serious issues like alcoholism, treating them more like a quirky trait than a real struggle. I hope Second Shot at Love doesn’t shy away from the messy reality of Geum Ju’s journey—her relapses, her denial, her growth. With a director like Jang Yoo Jung (Honest Candidate) and writers Myung Soo Hyun and Jeon Ji Hyun, I’m hopeful they’ll strike the right balance.
A Cast and Setting That Promise Warmth
The teaser isn’t just about Geum Ju and Ui Jun—it also gives us a taste of Bocheon Village, where the story unfolds. I love that the drama’s set outside Seoul, in a rural town with stunning scenery (Sooyoung mentioned they traveled across the country to capture it!). The village feels alive, with quirky characters like Geum Ju’s family—her dad Han Jung Soo (Kim Sang Ho), mom Kim Gwang Ok (Kim Sung Ryung), and sister Han Hyun Joo (Jo Yoon Hee)—who all have their own complicated relationship with alcohol. Earlier teasers showed them sneaking drinks at a family meal, and I can already tell their dynamic will bring a lot of laughs.
Gong Myoung and Sooyoung have amazing chemistry, even in these short clips. Gong Myoung, who’s coming off roles in Way Back Love, brings a sincerity to Ui Jun that makes him so likable, while Sooyoung’s Geum Ju is a firecracker—I can’t wait to see her transformation. The supporting cast, including Bae Hae Sun as a nurse who followed Ui Jun to Bocheon and Jo Yoon Hee as Geum Ju’s overwhelmed sister, looks like they’ll add even more heart to the story.
But there’s also some skepticism floating around. A few comments on Dramabeans questioned whether the drama will truly dive into the realities of addiction or just play it for laughs. I share that concern a bit—South Korea’s drinking culture is no joke, and I’d love to see the show handle it with care while still keeping the rom-com charm. Either way, the buzz has me even more excited to tune in.
Don’t Miss the Premiere!
Second Shot at Love premieres on May 12 at 8:50 PM KST on tvN, with a 12-episode run airing every Monday and Tuesday. It’ll also be available on platforms like Prime Video in select regions, starting May 13 in places like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines at 9:15 PM GMT+8. I’m marking my calendar because this looks like the perfect mix of funny, romantic, and meaningful.
Will Geum Ju and Ui Jun find their way back to each other? Can she really quit drinking for good? I’m rooting for them, and I can’t wait to see how their story unfolds. What did you think of the teaser—are you as excited as I am? Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
