Please Don't Drink Episode 7: Gong Myung's Heartfelt Back Hug with Choi Sooyoung Melts Viewers' Hearts

The Emotional Turning Point: Gong Myung's Love Confession

Episode 7 of tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Please Don't Drink' marked a significant emotional milestone as Gong Myung's character Seo Eui-jun finally opened his heart to Choi Sooyoung's Han Geum-ju. The episode, which aired on June 2nd, showcased a pivotal moment where the reserved doctor could no longer contain his feelings that he had been suppressing for years. The chemistry between the two leads reached new heights as viewers witnessed Seo Eui-jun's transformation from a composed medical professional to a man desperately in love.

The relationship between Han Geum-ju and Seo Eui-jun has been building steadily since their reunion in Bocheon village. What started as an awkward encounter between former college drinking buddies has evolved into something much deeper. Their shared history as 'drinking mates' during university days provided the foundation for their current emotional connection, though Seo Eui-jun's sudden decision to cut ties years ago left unresolved feelings between them.

The Iconic Back Hug Scene That Stole Hearts

The highlight of episode 7 was undoubtedly the tender back hug scene between Gong Myung and Choi Sooyoung that had viewers reaching for tissues. The moment captured Seo Eui-jun's desperation not to lose Han Geum-ju again, as he embraced her from behind with a mixture of longing and determination. The scene was beautifully choreographed, with Gong Myung's character displaying a vulnerability rarely seen before, while Choi Sooyoung's surprised yet moved expression perfectly conveyed Han Geum-ju's emotional turmoil.

This pivotal scene represented more than just a romantic gesture - it symbolized Seo Eui-jun's decision to stop running from his feelings and finally fight for the woman he loves. The cinematography enhanced the emotional impact, with soft lighting and intimate framing that made viewers feel like they were witnessing a private, sacred moment between two people rediscovering their love for each other.

Community Support: Bocheon Village Rallies Behind Geum-ju

One of the most heartwarming aspects of episode 7 was seeing the entire Bocheon village community come together to support Han Geum-ju during her difficult time. The villagers, who have grown to love and respect their local resident, showed unwavering loyalty when they heard about the troubles she was facing. Their collective response of 'How dare anyone hurt our Geum-ju!' demonstrated the strong bonds that have formed within this tight-knit community.

The village's protective stance toward Han Geum-ju added layers of warmth to the narrative, showing how she has found not just a place to heal from her broken engagement, but a true home where people genuinely care about her wellbeing. This community support system serves as a stark contrast to the isolation she felt in Seoul, highlighting the healing power of belonging somewhere.

Mysterious Past Incidents Create Rising Tension

While romance bloomed between the leads, episode 7 also delved deeper into the mysterious incidents surrounding Seo Eui-jun's past. The drama revealed glimpses of a shocking accident that occurred during his time working at a major Seoul hospital, involving an unidentified man and a nurse who collapsed during what appeared to be a confrontational situation. The scattered documents and chaotic hospital scene suggested that this past incident continues to haunt Seo Eui-jun and may be connected to the recent strange occurrences in Bocheon village.

The tension escalated when it became apparent that the mysterious man from Seo Eui-jun's past might be the same person who has been stalking him, breaking into his apartment, and causing the truck accident that nearly harmed both him and Han Geum-ju. These revelations added a thriller element to the romantic comedy, keeping viewers on edge about what dangers might still be lurking in the shadows.

Viewer Reactions and Social Media Buzz

Korean drama fans took to social media platforms to express their overwhelming positive response to episode 7, particularly praising the emotional depth of Gong Myung and Choi Sooyoung's performances. Many viewers commented on how the back hug scene felt authentic and emotionally resonant, with several noting that it didn't feel forced or overly dramatic like similar scenes in other dramas. The chemistry between the two leads has been consistently praised throughout the series, but episode 7 seemed to elevate their connection to new heights.

International fans also joined the conversation, with many expressing appreciation for the drama's realistic portrayal of small-town life and the genuine warmth of the community relationships. The show's ability to balance romantic comedy elements with deeper themes of healing, addiction, and personal growth has resonated strongly with audiences who are looking for more substantial content beyond typical romantic tropes.

Cultural Context: The Significance of Community in Korean Society

For international viewers, episode 7 provided valuable insight into the importance of community bonds in Korean culture. The way Bocheon village residents immediately rallied to support Han Geum-ju reflects the traditional Korean concept of 'jeong' - a deep emotional connection and loyalty that develops between people who share experiences and proximity. This cultural element adds authenticity to the drama and helps explain why Han Geum-ju's healing journey is so closely tied to her integration into village life.

The drama also explores the contrast between urban isolation and rural community support, a theme that resonates particularly strongly in contemporary Korean society where many young people struggle with loneliness in big cities. Han Geum-ju's journey from a failed engagement in Seoul to finding love and belonging in Bocheon village represents a return to traditional values and the healing power of genuine human connections.

Looking Ahead: What Episode 8 Promises

As 'Please Don't Drink' continues to build momentum, episode 7 has set the stage for even more dramatic developments in the coming episodes. With Seo Eui-jun finally acknowledging his feelings and the mysterious stalker's identity becoming clearer, viewers can expect the tension to escalate significantly. The drama has successfully established its emotional foundation, and now the focus will likely shift to resolving the external threats while allowing the romance to flourish.

The series has maintained steady viewership ratings, with episode 6 achieving 2.8% nationwide and 3.2% in the Seoul metropolitan area, ranking first among cable and general programming channels in its time slot. This consistent performance suggests that audiences are deeply invested in the characters' journeys and eager to see how the various plot threads will be resolved in upcoming episodes.