With only two episodes left to wrap up the story, “Second Shot at Love” is finally tying up all its loose ends. The characters, who have faced countless hardships and misunderstandings, are finally getting the victories they deserve, some small and some life-changing.
From a heart-fluttering surprise double date to Geum Ju’s (Girl’s Generation’s Sooyoung) determination to save her mother’s (Kim Sung Ryung) life, here are five wins from “Second Shot at Love” that made us smile wide and believe in second chances.
Warning: spoilers ahead!
Geum Ju’s toxic boss finally gets what he deserves
There’s a saying that goes, “You reap what you sow,” and “Second Shot at Love” episode nine proves it right. Geum Ju’s manipulative manager, who constantly undermined her and took the promotion she rightfully earned, finally faces the consequences of his behavior. His downfall begins when Geum Ju refuses to drink at a work dinner, citing health reasons. Offended by her refusal, he escalates from passive aggression to outright harassment over the next few weeks. He even touches her stomach, assuming she is pregnant, because why else would someone quit alcohol right? Geum Ju pushes him away in self-defense and calls it a day.
However, later her manager tries to twist the incident using dashcam footage to file an HR complaint and block her promotion again. To solve the issue once and for all, Geum Ju challenges him to a drinking contest with the guy who was so offended by her quitting alcohol, agreeing that if he loses, he will drop the complaint. Proud of his drinking skills, he agrees. But no one drinks like Geum Ju. Even after a long break, she wins.
Ironically, he drives home drunk that night and gets caught. The man who harassed her for not drinking is fired for drunk driving. Now that is karma.
A surprise double-beach-date-ish
What started as a solo getaway for Geum Ju turns into the most unexpected and heart fluttering beach double date. After accidentally telling her driver to head to Daecheon instead of Bochun, Geum Ju passes out on the beach after the drinking contest. The next morning, Ui Jun (Gong Myoung) finds her thanks to a forgotten phone and a helpful restaurant owner. Instead of wasting the day, they decide to enjoy it with a beach date, complete with breathtaking views, lunch, and clam hunting.
Meanwhile, Seon Uk (Kang Hyung Suk) takes Hyeon Ju (Joo Yoon Hee) to the same beach for one of their three promised dates, thinking no one will recognize them. Cue the collision.
Seon Uk and Hyeon Ju act casual and pretend to be on a work-related trip, but Geum Ju soon pieces it together, especially when Seon Uk cannot take his eyes off Hyeon Ju. And as Ui Jun says, “This is what love feels like. The view is stunning, but I only want to look at you.”
Geum Ju finally gets her long-overdue promotion
After enduring constant harassment and being overlooked, Geum Ju finally receives the promotion she always deserved. With her toxic manager out of the picture, the entire office atmosphere shifts. Her team, who had always admired her somewhat quietly, now celebrates her win openly and warmly.
For once, Geum Ju is recognized for her talent and work ethic. It is a moment that feels deeply satisfying and hard-earned, not just for her but for everyone who believed in her.
Geum Ju transforms her health to save her mother
In one of the most emotional arcs yet, Geum Ju’s mother is diagnosed with advanced hepatitis and needs a liver transplant. The diagnosis shocks everyone, especially since her mother is the most health-conscious in the family. Geum Ju volunteers to be the donor but is devastated to find out her liver is too fatty due to years of drinking.
Refusing to give up, she commits to changing her lifestyle. With Ui Jun’s help, she adopts a disciplined routine to reduce her liver fat. Through sheer determination, she gets healthy in record time. Eventually, she is approved to donate and gives her mother a second shot at life!
Ui Jun finds strength in Geum Ju’s support
Ui Jun’s past has always cast a shadow over him, and recent episodes finally revealed why he left his job in Seoul. On his birthday, his estranged and abusive father showed up at the hospital and caused a violent scene that accidentally led to a nurse’s death.
In the latest episode, Geum Ju’s mother is taken to that same hospital, and Ui Jun is forced to face painful memories. Geum Ju overhears staff gossiping and learns the truth.
She immediately runs to him and simply says, “It wasn’t your fault.” It’s just one sentence, but the support in those words is enough to bring him quiet comfort and strength.
While these two episodes were packed with heartwarming wins for our characters, one storyline struck a painful chord. The treatment of Hyeon Ju by her sister and Seon Uk’s sister (Yeom Seung Yi), who also happens to be her best friend, was a stark reminder of the stigma still attached to divorce. The moment they discovered Hyeon Ju and Seon Uk were dating, their reactions turn judgmental, treating their love like a scandal rather than a celebration. It is a sobering contrast to the progress shown elsewhere in the story, highlighting how society still has a long way to go in breaking down harmful taboos around second chances and divorce.
Start watching “Second Shot at Love”:
Javeria is a binge-watching specialist who loves devouring entire K-dramas in one sitting. Good screenwriting, beautiful cinematography, and a lack of cliches are the way to her heart. As a music fanatic, she listens to multiple artists across different genres and stans the self-producing idol group SEVENTEEN. You can talk to her on Instagram @javeriayousufs.
Currently watching: “Spring of Youth,” “Second Shot at Love,” and “Our Unwritten Seoul.”
Looking forward to: “Squid Game Season 3” and “Good Boy”
