Choi Soo Young recently shared heartfelt reflections on wrapping up the tvN romantic drama Second Shot at Love, expressing particular gratitude for her co-star, Gong Myung.
“I leaned on Gong Myung a lot when it came to the acting,” she said in a statement on Wednesday. “I was truly able to depend on him throughout the shoot.”
In the series, Choi Soo Young starred as Han Geum Joo, a spirited woman who turns to alcohol as she navigates the ups and downs of adulthood. Her nuanced performance, spanning Geum Joo’s growth from high school through her 30s, earned praise for its emotional depth and authenticity. From tender moments with her childhood best friend-turned-love interest, Eui Joon (played by Gong Myung), to poignant family scenes, Choi Soo Young delivered a compelling portrayal of a woman on a journey toward healing.
“I poured a lot of heart into this project, so I’m happy that my sincerity seems to have come through,” she said. “I hope Second Shot at Love becomes a drama that stays with people for a long time.”
When asked about her on-screen chemistry with the rest of the cast, she expressed deep affection: “It was such a gift to work with Kim Sung Ryung, Kim Sang Ho, and Jo Yoon Hee as my on-screen family. They truly felt like family to me.”
On her collaboration with Gong Myung, Choi Soo Young was especially candid: “He’s someone I’ve wanted to work with for a while. I was initially concerned about whether the storyline, which involves two longtime friends falling in love, would feel believable. But I think the emotional resonance really came through thanks to Gong Myung’s honest and thoughtful portrayal of Eui Joon. I leaned on him a lot, and I’m really thankful for that.”
She also pointed to Episode 4’s ending as one of the most meaningful scenes in the series. “There’s this moment when Eui Joon holds an umbrella over Geum Joo, who’s spent her life feeling like no one ever would,” she explained. “It’s the first time she truly confronts her problems and decides to stop drinking. It’s a pivotal moment, because she chooses that turning point for herself.”
That scene is mirrored in the show’s final episode, she added. “Episode 10 brings that arc full circle. This time, Geum Joo is the one holding an umbrella over Eui Joon, who’s feeling alone. That mutual support, each becoming the other’s shelter, was incredibly moving. It’s what stayed with me the most.”
Choi Soo Young closed by thanking fans for their support: “I’m sincerely grateful to everyone who tuned in. I hope Second Shot at Love brought you comfort and a bit of healing.”
Second Shot at Love aired its finale on Tuesday, wrapping up with a hopeful, feel-good ending that resonated with audiences.
