On May 19, 2025, tvN’s newest romantic comedy, Second Shot at Love, aired a highly anticipated episode at 8:50 p.m. KST, captivating viewers with its unique blend of humor, romance, and personal growth. The episode featured lead actors Sooyoung (Girls’ Generation), Jo Yoon Hee, and Kim Sang Ho embarking on a transformative journey at a Buddhist temple as part of a sobriety camp. A still from the episode, shared by Soompi on X, shows the trio dressed in pink hanbok, sitting in meditation inside a serene temple—a scene that has sparked widespread interest among fans.


Second Shot at Love follows Han Geum Ju (played by Sooyoung), a self-proclaimed “reasonable drinker” and skilled car mechanic who has worked for a top Korean automobile company for a decade. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she reunites with her first love, Seo Ui Jun (Gong Myoung), a man who despises alcohol. Determined to win his heart, Geum Ju resolves to quit drinking—a challenge that proves more difficult than she anticipated. The drama also delves into the struggles of her family members, including her father, Han Jung Soo (Kim Sang Ho), and her sister, Han Hyun Joo (Jo Yoon Hee), whose lives have been marred by alcohol-related mistakes.


In the episode, the family’s matriarch, Kim Gwang Ok (Kim Sung Ryung), takes drastic measures to address their drinking habits. Frustrated by Geum Ju’s broken engagement, Jung Soo’s debt from a drunken mishap, and Hyun Joo’s divorce following a one-night mistake, Gwang Ok enforces a strict no-alcohol policy in their hometown of Bocheon. She even bans alcohol from the local market, leaving the trio with no choice but to confront their habits head-on. As a final step, she sends them to a sobriety camp at a Buddhist temple—an experience that promises both challenges and growth.


The newly released stills from the episode highlight the family’s immersion in a traditional Korean Temple Stay, a cultural program that allows participants to experience Buddhist practices and find inner peace. Dressed in matching pink hanbok, Geum Ju, Jung Soo, and Hyun Joo are seen meditating side by side, their awkward postures reflecting their unfamiliarity with the practice. Yet, there’s a hint of sincerity in their expressions, suggesting that this journey might mark a turning point for them. Geum Ju, in particular, exudes determination, her clenched fist and confident gaze signaling her resolve to overcome her dependence on alcohol.


The Temple Stay setting is more than just a backdrop—it’s a nod to a real cultural experience in South Korea. According to a 2024 guide by Creatrip, Temple Stay programs offer participants a chance to immerse themselves in Korean Buddhism through activities like Zen meditation (Seon), chanting services, and communal meals. These programs, often held in serene mountain temples, provide a respite from daily stresses and an opportunity to reflect on personal growth. For the characters in Second Shot at Love, the Temple Stay represents a chance to break free from their past mistakes and find clarity in sobriety.


The drama’s focus on alcohol consumption resonates deeply with South Korean audiences, given the country’s complex relationship with drinking. A 2023 World Health Organization report notes that South Korea has one of the highest per-capita alcohol consumption rates globally, at 10.9 liters per person annually. While drinking is often seen as a social norm—embedded in traditions like company dinners and celebrations—it has also led to widespread issues, from health concerns to social mishaps, much like those depicted in the drama. Historically, alcohol consumption peaked in South Korea from the mid-1960s to the late 1970s, with a gradual decline starting in the 1980s, as reported by Statista. However, the cultural pressure to drink remains a challenge for many, making the family’s journey in Second Shot at Love both relatable and timely.


Fans have been vocal about their excitement for the drama, with comments on platforms like AsianWiki reflecting high expectations. One viewer, Jillibean, wrote on February 16, 2025, “I love all these actors and actresses from past dramas, so really looking forward to this one!” Another fan, Avery, noted on May 12, 2025, that NCT’s Haechan would contribute to the drama’s OST, adding to the anticipation. The drama’s slot on tvN’s Monday-Tuesday 8:50 p.m. KST schedule, previously occupied by The Divorce Insurance and set to be followed by Head Over Heels in June 2025, further underscores its prominence in the network’s lineup.


As Geum Ju, Jung Soo, and Hyun Joo navigate their sobriety journey, viewers are left wondering: Will they succeed in quitting alcohol for good? The temple setting, with its promise of cultural immersion and self-discovery, offers a glimmer of hope. For those eager to find out, episodes of Second Shot at Love are available to stream on Viki, with the latest episode airing tonight. Whether you’re drawn to the heartfelt performances, the cultural richness of the Temple Stay, or the drama’s exploration of a pressing social issue, Second Shot at Love is shaping up to be a must-watch series of 2025.