Tears and Revelations: 'Please Make Me Sober' Episode 3 Hits Record Ratings with Emotional Confrontation

The Emotional Breakthrough in Episode 3

The third episode of tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Please Make Me Sober' delivered a powerful emotional breakthrough that captivated viewers across Korea. Aired on May 19, 2025, the episode showcased the hidden emotions between Han Geum-ju (played by Sooyoung) and Seo Ui-jun (played by Gong Myung) finally coming to the surface, resulting in a tearful confrontation that resonated deeply with audiences.

The episode achieved impressive viewership ratings, recording an average of 3.7% and peaking at 5% in the Seoul metropolitan area. Nationwide, it secured an average of 3.2% with peaks reaching 4.1%, making it the highest-rated program among cable and comprehensive programming channels in its time slot. This marks a significant achievement for the series, especially considering it's only the third episode since its premiere on May 12.

The Road Trip That Changed Everything

Episode 3 began with Han Geum-ju suggesting a test drive of a car she had repaired, inviting Seo Ui-jun to accompany her to Seoul. This seemingly innocent trip would become the catalyst for major revelations between the two characters.

During their time in Seoul, Geum-ju took Ui-jun shopping at a department store, buying gifts for acquaintances and treating him to a meal as a gesture of gratitude. This sudden display of financial generosity raised Ui-jun's suspicions, especially since Geum-ju had previously claimed to be short on money—even accompanying him on house calls to save on expenses.

When questioned about her newfound wealth, Geum-ju proudly announced that she had received a refund from the wedding hall where her canceled wedding was supposed to take place. Her cheerful attitude about the situation, however, triggered an unexpected reaction from Ui-jun.

The Confrontation and Hidden Pain

Ui-jun's response to Geum-ju's announcement was surprisingly harsh. With a stern expression, he criticized her, saying she was acting as if she was the one who had been jilted, showing no consideration for those who might have been hurt by the canceled wedding. His words, "Do you have no regard for the people who were hurt because of you?" cut deeply, creating tension between them.

What Geum-ju didn't know was that Ui-jun had accidentally discovered the truth behind her broken engagement. He had witnessed her ex-fiancé Kim Ju-yeop (played by Yoo Ui-tae) at a hospital with another woman holding a maternal health handbook, suggesting infidelity was the cause of the broken engagement.

Concerned about Geum-ju's emotional state, Ui-jun went looking for her and found her sitting alone in the mountains. Despite her attempts to appear composed, she eventually broke down in tears before him, admitting, "I'm not okay. It hurts. It hurts so much I could die." As if to mirror her emotions, rain suddenly began to fall, and Ui-jun removed his coat to shield her from the downpour.

The College Flashback: Unrequited Love

One of the most revealing moments of the episode came through a flashback to their college days. The scene showed that Ui-jun had once confessed his feelings to Geum-ju when she was intoxicated, even sharing a kiss with her. However, the next day, Geum-ju had no recollection of the confession and casually told a friend they were "just friends," leaving Ui-jun heartbroken as he silently walked away.

This flashback provided crucial context for Ui-jun's current behavior—his concern for Geum-ju mixed with occasional sharp remarks stems from years of unrequited feelings and the pain of being forgotten. Despite this past hurt, he continues to care deeply for her well-being, watching her closely and smiling whenever she shows signs of happiness.

Viewer Reactions and Critical Response

The emotional depth of Episode 3 sparked significant reactions across online communities and social media platforms. Viewers praised Sooyoung's tearful performance, with many commenting on the authenticity of her portrayal of a woman facing betrayal. Comments like "Sooyoung's crying scene was so moving it brought me to tears" and "The rain scene was perfectly timed with her emotional breakdown" flooded discussion forums.

Gong Myung's portrayal of Ui-jun also received considerable praise, with viewers appreciating his ability to convey complex emotions through subtle expressions. One popular comment noted, "The way he looks at her when she's not watching is so heartbreaking—you can feel years of unrequited love in his eyes."

Critics have highlighted the show's nuanced approach to depicting alcohol dependency, noting that it avoids simplistic portrayals by showing how drinking is intertwined with emotional pain and social expectations in Korean society. The chemistry between the lead actors has been particularly celebrated, with many reviewers predicting the series will continue to gain viewership as the relationship develops.

The Rising Popularity of 'Please Make Me Sober'

Unlike its predecessor 'Divorce Insurance,' which started with a 3.2% viewership rating but eventually dropped to 1.1% by its final episode, 'Please Make Me Sober' has maintained strong and growing numbers since its premiere. The show began with a stable 3.4% rating and has been consistently holding the top position in its time slot.

The drama's premise—following a self-proclaimed reasonable drinker who attempts sobriety after reuniting with her first love who despises alcohol—has resonated with viewers looking for fresh takes on romantic comedies. The series has been particularly popular among viewers in their 20s and 30s, who appreciate its realistic portrayal of modern relationships and the struggles with social drinking culture.

Social media buzz around the show has increased significantly after Episode 3, with hashtags related to the drama trending on various platforms. Clips of the emotional confrontation between the main characters have been widely shared, further boosting the show's visibility and drawing in new viewers curious about the developing storyline.

What to Expect in Episode 4

The preview for Episode 4 suggests that the emotional revelations of Episode 3 will lead to significant developments in Geum-ju and Ui-jun's relationship. With Geum-ju now aware of Ui-jun's past feelings and her own vulnerability exposed, viewers can anticipate a shift in their dynamic.

The upcoming episode promises to explore Geum-ju's decision regarding her drinking habits and whether she will accept Ui-jun's help in her journey toward sobriety. Additionally, the preview hints at a confrontation involving Geum-ju's mother (played by Kim Sung-ryung), who appears to have a strained relationship with her daughter.

As the story progresses, viewers will likely learn more about the incident that caused Ui-jun to develop his aversion to alcohol, a mystery that has been alluded to but not yet fully explained. This backstory is expected to add another layer of complexity to the already emotionally charged narrative.

Behind the Scenes: Production Details

Directed by Jang Yu-jeong and Jo Nam-hyung with a screenplay by Myung Su-hyun and Jeon Ji-hyun, 'Please Make Me Sober' is a pre-produced drama that completed filming in March 2025 after beginning production in October 2024.

The filming locations have added authenticity to the series, with scenes set in Bocheon actually filmed in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, particularly around the Yangsuri area and near Ungilsan Station on the Jungang Line.

For those interested in watching the series, it's available exclusively on TVING for streaming in Korea, while international viewers can access it through various platforms depending on their region—U-NEXT in Japan, Friday Video in Taiwan, and Rakuten Viki in other countries.

The Cultural Impact of 'Please Make Me Sober'

Beyond its entertainment value, 'Please Make Me Sober' has sparked conversations about South Korea's drinking culture and the social pressures associated with alcohol consumption. The drama portrays the complex relationship many have with alcohol—using it as a social lubricant, a coping mechanism, or a way to fit in with colleagues and friends.

By centering its narrative on a character attempting to become sober while navigating personal and professional relationships, the show addresses the challenges of maintaining sobriety in a society where drinking is deeply embedded in social interactions. This realistic portrayal has resonated with viewers who have experienced similar struggles or know someone who has.

The drama also explores themes of forgiveness, second chances, and personal growth, suggesting that confronting past pain is necessary for moving forward. Through the characters of Geum-ju and Ui-jun, viewers are shown that vulnerability can be a strength rather than a weakness, particularly when supported by those who truly care.