Gong Myung's Heartbreaking Confession Leaves Viewers in Tears - 'Please Abstain from Alcohol' Episode 6 Review

The Painful Truth Behind Ui-jun's Cold Rejection

The sixth episode of tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Please Abstain from Alcohol' aired on May 27th, delivering one of the most emotionally charged episodes yet. The episode finally revealed the heartbreaking reason behind Seo Ui-jun's (Gong Myung) sudden rejection of Han Geum-ju (Choi Sooyoung) years ago, leaving viewers with tears in their eyes.

When Geum-ju confronted Ui-jun with the question 'Why did you cut me off?', his response of 'Because I liked you too much' opened a door to his carefully guarded heart. He continued, 'You only thought of me as a friend, but I was foolishly hoping you might feel the same way.' However, even after this confession, he maintained his distance, claiming those feelings were now in the past.

The episode masterfully peeled back the layers of Ui-jun's emotional walls, revealing a man who had been carrying the weight of unrequited love and family trauma for years. Gong Myung's portrayal of this complex character showcased his range as an actor, moving seamlessly between vulnerability and stoic determination.

A Father's Betrayal That Changed Everything

The most devastating revelation came through flashbacks showing the real reason for Ui-jun's harsh rejection. His father, who had abandoned the family, returned to threaten his son with Geum-ju's safety. Using Ui-jun's feelings for her as leverage, the father warned that if his debts weren't paid, he wouldn't leave Geum-ju alone.

This cruel manipulation forced Ui-jun to push away the person he loved most, telling her to 'mind your own business' and 'stop being nosy.' The scene where he breaks down in tears after delivering these harsh words was particularly powerful, with Gong Myung conveying years of suppressed pain and sacrifice in a single moment.

Viewers on online communities expressed their heartbreak over this revelation. Many commented on how the scene explained Ui-jun's seemingly cold behavior, with one viewer noting, 'Now I understand why he's been so distant. He was protecting her all along.' The emotional weight of this backstory added significant depth to what could have been a simple romantic misunderstanding.

Gong Myung's Stellar Performance Captivates Audiences

Gong Myung's acting in episode 6 has been widely praised across various platforms and communities. His ability to convey Ui-jun's internal struggle between wanting to protect Geum-ju and his own feelings created some of the drama's most memorable moments.

The actor's subtle expressions during scenes where he secretly cares for Geum-ju - providing blackbox footage to help with her workplace issues, defending her against superstitious villagers who shun her for her broken engagement - showed his character's true nature beneath the cold exterior.

Korean drama enthusiasts on international forums have particularly praised Gong Myung's emotional range. His confession to nurse Hye-mi that 'I think I still like her. Geum-ju' was delivered with such sincerity that it resonated with viewers worldwide. The scene where he prioritizes Geum-ju's safety during a sudden car accident further demonstrated his protective instincts, adding another layer to his complex character portrayal.

Viewer Reactions and Community Response

The episode generated significant buzz on Korean online communities, with viewers expressing both sympathy for Ui-jun and frustration at the circumstances that kept the leads apart. On platforms like Naver and Daum, comments ranged from praise for the writing to emotional responses to Gong Myung's performance.

Many viewers appreciated how the drama handled the revelation of Ui-jun's past, with one comment stating, 'The way they revealed his reasons wasn't melodramatic but felt genuine and heartbreaking.' Others noted how the episode elevated the drama from a simple romantic comedy to something with more emotional depth.

International viewers following the drama through streaming platforms also responded positively, with many praising the realistic portrayal of how family trauma can affect relationships. The episode's handling of themes like sacrifice, protection, and hidden love struck a chord with audiences who found themselves relating to the characters' struggles.

The Supporting Cast Shines in Emotional Moments

While Gong Myung's performance was the episode's highlight, the supporting cast also delivered strong performances that enhanced the overall emotional impact. Jo Yoon-hee's portrayal of Han Hyun-ju, Geum-ju's sister, continued to add depth to the family dynamics.

The episode showed Hyun-ju's past as a successful corporate secretary, contrasting sharply with her current life helping at the family pension. Her encounter with former colleagues and the subsequent feelings of inadequacy were portrayed with nuance, showing how life circumstances can change one's perspective and self-worth.

Kim Sung-ryung as Kim Gwang-ok, the family matriarch, provided emotional anchor points throughout the episode. Her interactions with both daughters showcased the complex family relationships that form the drama's emotional backbone. The way she handles her daughters' different life choices while maintaining family unity has been consistently well-received by viewers.

Cultural Context and International Appeal

For international audiences, episode 6 of 'Please Abstain from Alcohol' offers insight into Korean family dynamics and social expectations. The pressure Ui-jun faces from his father's debts and threats reflects real societal issues in Korea, where family obligations can significantly impact personal relationships.

The drama's exploration of alcohol dependency and its effects on relationships resonates globally, but the specific cultural context of how family shame and financial burdens are handled provides valuable cultural insight. The way characters navigate between personal desires and family responsibilities is particularly Korean, yet universally relatable.

The episode's success lies in its ability to balance cultural specificity with universal emotions. While the setting and some social dynamics are distinctly Korean, the core emotions of love, sacrifice, and family loyalty translate across cultures, making it accessible to international viewers while maintaining its authentic Korean identity.

Looking Forward: What Episode 6 Means for the Series

Episode 6 marked a turning point for 'Please Abstain from Alcohol,' transforming it from a light romantic comedy into a more emotionally complex narrative. With Ui-jun's feelings now openly acknowledged, both to himself and to viewers, the stage is set for more meaningful character development.

The episode's success in balancing humor with emotional depth suggests the drama is finding its unique voice in the crowded romantic comedy genre. Gong Myung's performance, in particular, has elevated the material, bringing gravitas to what could have been standard romantic drama tropes.

As the series progresses toward its planned 12-episode run, episode 6 will likely be remembered as the moment when the drama fully realized its potential. The combination of strong performances, particularly from Gong Myung, meaningful character development, and culturally resonant themes has created a viewing experience that satisfies both domestic and international audiences seeking quality Korean drama content.