Choi Soo-young Takes a ‘Second Shot at Love’ with Bold Role as a Healing Mechanic

Korean actress and Girls’ Generation icon Choi Soo-young is stepping into new territory with her lead role in tvN’s upcoming healing drama Second Shot at Love. Premiering May 12 at 8:50 PM KST, the drama centers around a woman’s journey of self-discovery, sobriety, and rekindled romance.

Soo-young portrays Han Geum-ju, a seasoned car mechanic who has spent a decade with Korea’s top automobile company. Highly skilled with a wrench in hand and never one to skip a night out, Han is known among her peers as a true lover of alcohol. However, when faced with a personal crisis that identifies her as an alcoholic, she’s forced to face the biggest challenge of her life—sobriety.

Unlike typical addiction dramas, Second Shot at Love explores the broader realities of modern society, including escapism and emotional burnout. “What drew me to the script was how it addressed not just alcoholism, but also the universal struggles of avoidance and self-healing,” Soo-young revealed in a recent interview.

The actress emphasized her focus on her character’s growth journey, stating: “Beneath Han’s tough exterior lies a deeply vulnerable spirit. As she returns to her hometown of Bocheon and reconnects with her family and first love, Seo Eui-jun (played by Gong Myung), she gradually rediscovers warmth and purpose.”

Describing Han Geum-ju as a “modern-day Candy” character, Soo-young shared that the role’s resilience and positive energy deeply resonated with her. “Even in difficult moments, Geum-ju wipes away her tears and powers through, which I found deeply inspiring.”

For authenticity, Soo-young trained in car repair and studied various inebriated behaviors to portray her character with precision. “Playing a veteran mechanic meant understanding technical details, and I practiced various ways of expressing drunkenness to make it realistic,” she added.

Filmed across scenic locations throughout South Korea, Second Shot at Love promises not only emotional depth but also stunning visuals. “It’s a healing story set in a healing time of year,” Soo-young said, building anticipation for the drama’s premiere.

Through Second Shot at Love, viewers will see Choi Soo-young as they’ve never seen her before—a woman reclaiming her clarity, her heart, and perhaps, a ‘Second Shot at Love.’