Girls' Generation's Sooyoung Discusses Why She Chose To Star In "Second Shot At Love" And How She Prepared For Her Role

Apr 29, 2025

Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung has shared her thoughts on her upcoming drama “Second Shot at Love”!

tvN’s “Second Shot at Love” is a rom-com that follows Han Geum Ju (Sooyoung), a self-proclaimed “reasonable drinker” who unexpectedly reunites with her first love Seo Ui Jun (Gong Myoung)—a man who despises alcohol—and decides to take on the challenge of quitting drinking.

Sooyoung stars as Han Geum Ju, a mechanic who has spent 10 years at the country’s leading automaker. Known for her ability to fix any problem the moment she picks up a wrench, Han Geum Ju is also a devoted drinker who never misses a night out after work. Han Geum Ju is skilled at her job, social life, and drinking, but her world is turned upside down when she is labeled an alcoholic. For the first time, she faces the life-changing challenge of attempting sobriety.

Sharing what drew her to the drama, Sooyoung said, “I was deeply impressed by how the story explores not just alcohol addiction, but also various forms of addiction and self-avoidance—universal issues in modern society—and depicts the healing process.”

When choosing an acting project, Sooyoung said she prioritizes character growth. “Han Geum Ju’s growth is clearly portrayed in the story,” she explained. “She may seem easygoing and strong on the outside, but inside, she’s quite vulnerable.”

She continued, “After returning to her hometown of Bocheon, [Han Geum Ju] reconnects with her family and reunites with her first love, Seo Ui Jun, gradually rediscovering the warmth she had lost. Through her journey of change, viewers will get to see the many different sides of her character.”

When asked to sum up her character with a keyword or phrase, Sooyoung referenced the protagonist of the classic manga series “Candy Candy,” describing Han Geum Ju as “a modern-day Candy.” “At first, I wasn’t sure how to approach playing Geum Ju, but when the director said she was like a ‘modern-day Candy,’ that really clicked for me,” she said. “Even during tough times, her positive energy—wiping away tears and pushing forward—seemed like the perfect match for Geum Ju.”

Sooyoung, who worked hard to fully embrace her character, also took practical steps to prepare. “Since my character is a veteran mechanic, I learned how to work on cars,” she said. “I also spent time thinking about how Geum Ju would act when drunk and practiced it over and over.”

Finally, Sooyoung mentioned a key feature of the drama, saying, “We traveled across the country to capture stunning scenery. I’m confident that it will be a healing drama that will melt your heart in this warm season.”