Tears over Alcohol: Choi Sooyoung's Shocking Confession in 'Please Make Me Sober' Premiere

## A Promising Start for tvN's New Monday-Tuesday Drama

The new tvN drama 'Please Make Me Sober' (금주를 부탁해) premiered on May 12, 2025, capturing viewers' attention with its unique premise and stellar cast. The first episode recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 3.35%, with ratings in the Seoul metropolitan area reaching 4.3% and peaking at 5.7%. This impressive start placed the show at the top of its time slot among cable and general programming channels.

Directed by Jang Yoo-jung and written by Myung Soo-hyun and Jeon Ji-hyun, this 12-episode romantic comedy tells the story of a self-proclaimed 'reasonable drinker' who encounters her first love-a man who absolutely despises alcohol-and subsequently embarks on a journey to stay sober. The drama stars Choi Sooyoung as Han Geumju, Gong Myung as Seo Ui-jun, Jo Yoon-hee as Han Hyun-ju, Kim Sung-ryung as Kim Gwang-ok, and Kim Sang-ho as Han Jeong-su.

The drama has already generated significant buzz on Korean online communities, with viewers praising the chemistry between the lead actors and the refreshing take on a topic rarely addressed in Korean romantic comedies-alcoholism.

## Han Geumju: A Car Mechanic with a Drinking Problem

The protagonist, Han Geumju (played by Choi Sooyoung), is introduced as Korea's top car mechanic with a deep love for alcohol. Coming from a family of heavy drinkers, Geumju was practically raised to appreciate alcohol from an early age. Her family provided her with 'preliminary drinking lessons' upon high school graduation, 'practical drinking lessons' to prepare her for college all-nighters, and 'advanced drinking lessons' emphasizing the importance of drinking in professional settings.

When we first meet Geumju, her life is in shambles. She has broken off her engagement, lost her apartment, and failed to get her job back. The official reason for her broken engagement-which becomes the talk of her hometown-is that she loves alcohol more than her fiancé. In a memorable line, she tells her ex, 'I ended this marriage. Because you're worse than alcohol.'

However, the truth is more complicated. Geumju discovered that her fiancé Ju-yeop (played by Yoo Eui-tae) was cheating on her and that the other woman was pregnant. She caught him buying a pregnancy test, which revealed his infidelity and his intention to leave her. Rather than being the victim, Geumju chose to end the relationship first, using her love for alcohol as a convenient excuse.

Viewers have praised Choi Sooyoung's realistic portrayal of an alcoholic, noting her convincing drunk acting and emotional range. One popular comment on Korean forums noted, 'Her drunk scenes feel so real, it's both funny and sad at the same time.'

## Returning Home to Bocheon Village

With nowhere else to go, Geumju reluctantly returns to her hometown of Bocheon Village, dragged back by her mother Kim Gwang-ok (played by Kim Sung-ryung). Her homecoming is anything but peaceful. Her father Han Jeong-su (played by Kim Sang-ho) is a notorious alcoholic, and her sister Han Hyun-ju (played by Jo Yoon-hee) relieves work stress with alcohol.

When Geumju arrives home, her father and sister welcome her with a drinking table and a toast, shouting 'Welcome drink!' This family scene perfectly illustrates the drinking culture deeply embedded in Geumju's family.

Meanwhile, Geumju's mother, who has been trying to maintain her daughter's dignity in the village, has been telling everyone that the engagement was called off because the in-laws were too demanding. Her efforts are undermined when Geumju bluntly tells everyone the truth-that she chose alcohol over her fiancé.

The village setting provides a warm backdrop for the story, with the close-knit community and family dynamics adding depth to the narrative. Korean viewers have particularly responded to the authentic portrayal of rural life and family relationships, with many commenting on how the family dynamics remind them of their own relatives.

## The Fateful Reunion with First Love

One of the most anticipated elements of the drama is the reunion between Geumju and her first love, Seo Ui-jun (played by Gong Myung). Once close friends in high school, they now find themselves in completely different situations. While Geumju's life is falling apart, Ui-jun has become a successful psychiatrist and the director of the Bocheon Health Center, affectionately called 'Bocheon's God' by the villagers.

Their reunion is awkward and tense, especially given Ui-jun's hatred for alcohol-a stark contrast to Geumju's lifestyle. The tension between them hints at their past connection while setting up the central conflict of the series.

The episode ends with a shocking twist when Geumju wakes up in Ui-jun's house in her underwear after a night of heavy drinking. Confused and embarrassed, she confronts Ui-jun, who is limping and tells her, 'You really need to quit drinking,' leaving viewers curious about what happened the previous night.

Gong Myung, who recently starred in 'A Week Before I Die,' continues his streak of playing first love characters. At the press conference for 'Please Make Me Sober,' he jokingly mentioned his ambition to become 'the icon of first love roles' in Korean dramas. His chemistry with Choi Sooyoung has been particularly praised by viewers, with many anticipating the development of their relationship in upcoming episodes.

## The Challenge of Sobriety

The drama's title, 'Please Make Me Sober,' hints at Geumju's upcoming journey toward sobriety. The first episode sets up this challenge when Geumju appears drunk at a family ancestral rite, prompting her mother to deliver the harsh words: 'You don't seem like a person who can change.'

This moment serves as a turning point for Geumju, making her consider the possibility of quitting alcohol for the first time. The drama promises to explore not only her struggle with alcoholism but also her emotional healing and personal growth as she confronts the pain and feelings she has been drowning in alcohol.

The show takes a nuanced approach to alcoholism, portraying it not just as a personal vice but as a social and cultural phenomenon in Korea, where drinking is deeply embedded in professional and personal relationships. This realistic portrayal has resonated with Korean viewers, with many online comments appreciating the show's honest depiction of drinking culture.

One viewer commented on a Korean forum: 'As someone who has struggled with drinking too much at company dinners, I find Geumju's character surprisingly relatable. I'm curious to see how she'll navigate sobriety in a society where drinking is almost mandatory.'

## Viewer Reactions and Expectations

The premiere of 'Please Make Me Sober' has generated significant buzz on Korean social media and forums. Viewers have praised Choi Sooyoung's versatile performance, noting her ability to seamlessly transition between comedy, drama, and romance. Her portrayal of an alcoholic has been described as both humorous and heart-wrenching, earning her the nickname 'sweet and salty master' among fans.

Gong Myung's performance has also received positive feedback, with viewers appreciating his chemistry with Choi Sooyoung and his portrayal of the principled yet caring Seo Ui-jun. Many are looking forward to seeing how their past relationship will be revealed and how it will influence their present interactions.

The drama's realistic portrayal of alcoholism and family dynamics has struck a chord with Korean audiences. Comments on platforms like Nate and DCInside have highlighted the show's relatability, with many viewers seeing reflections of their own families or struggles with alcohol in the characters.

Expectations are high for the second episode, which will air on May 13 at 8:50 PM KST. Viewers are particularly eager to learn what happened during Geumju and Ui-jun's drunken encounter and how their relationship will develop as Geumju attempts to stay sober.

With its compelling premise, strong performances, and thoughtful exploration of alcoholism in Korean society, 'Please Make Me Sober' has established itself as a promising addition to the 2025 K-drama lineup. As the story unfolds over its 12-episode run (scheduled to conclude on June 17, 2025), viewers can expect a heartfelt journey of recovery, reconciliation, and romance.