Choi Sooyoung & Gong Myung's Romance Heats Up! 'Please Don't Drink' Episode 8 Delivers Emotional Rollercoaster

**Romance Officially Begins Between Geumju and Uijun**

The eighth episode of tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Please Don't Drink' aired on June 3rd, marking a significant turning point in the relationship between Han Geumju (Choi Sooyoung) and Seo Uijun (Gong Myung). Following Uijun's heartfelt confession in the previous episode where he embraced Geumju from behind and declared 'I love you so much,' the couple officially transitioned from friends to lovers. The episode beautifully captured the sweet atmosphere between the newly formed couple, with Uijun rushing to see Geumju whenever she said she missed him, and Geumju excitedly rummaging through her wardrobe when he texted that he was outside her house. These moments perfectly portrayed the fresh emotions of a couple just beginning their romantic journey.

The secret romance between the two characters added an element of excitement to the storyline. They enjoyed late-night dates away from prying eyes and spent time together like any typical couple, with Uijun picking up Geumju after work. However, their attempt to keep their relationship private was short-lived, as a mishap at Uijun's house led to their relationship being discovered by the entire Bocheon village.

**Workplace Drama Intensifies with Sexual Harassment Allegations**

The episode took a dramatic turn when Kim Suseok (Jeon Jino) escalated his harassment of Geumju by filing false reports against her. When news of Geumju's potential promotion surfaced, Kim Suseok initially appeared supportive but was actually working to undermine her behind the scenes. He weaponized her alcohol addiction treatment, arguing that someone with alcohol dependency couldn't be trusted with such an important position. However, when Geumju's promotion proceeded despite his objections, Kim Suseok retaliated by filing reports for both inappropriate physical contact and assault.

The HR representative informed Geumju that Kim Suseok had voluntarily reported the incident, claiming he sincerely apologized but felt compelled to accept punishment due to his conscience. The assault charge stemmed from Geumju's defensive actions after the initial inappropriate contact, with authorities distinguishing between justified self-defense and subsequent additional violence. This workplace harassment storyline resonated strongly with viewers who have experienced similar situations in Korean corporate culture, highlighting the vulnerability of employees facing false accusations from manipulative colleagues.

**High-Stakes Drinking Contest and Its Consequences**

Facing the threat of disciplinary action that would cancel her promotion, Geumju desperately sought to convince Kim Suseok to withdraw his complaint before the disciplinary committee meeting. Kim Suseok, who was planning to quit and start his own business, saw this as the perfect opportunity to torment Geumju one last time. He challenged her to a drinking contest, taunting her with 'You say drinking will kill you, right? Today, be prepared to die and compete with me.' Geumju accepted the challenge, declaring 'Fine, let's do this. But if I win, you withdraw the complaint without any complaints.'

Despite the enormous health risks involved, Geumju emerged victorious from the drinking contest. However, the victory came at a tremendous cost to her physical and mental well-being. The episode powerfully depicted the internal struggle of someone with alcohol dependency who is forced to choose between their health and their livelihood, creating a morally complex situation that left viewers emotionally invested in the outcome.

**Ominous Dreams and Health Crisis Foreshadowing**

After winning the drinking contest, Geumju experienced disturbing nightmares while intoxicated. In her dream, she saw Uijun walking into the ocean while desperately calling out 'Geumju, I don't want to lose you. I don't want to lose you.' This haunting vision served as a powerful metaphor for the potential consequences of her alcohol consumption and foreshadowed the serious health crisis that awaits her character. The dream sequence was particularly effective in conveying the psychological toll of her addiction and the fear of losing the people she loves most.

The episode concluded with Geumju sleeping rough on the beach while still intoxicated, tormented by these ominous dreams. This imagery created a stark contrast to the romantic happiness she had experienced earlier in the episode, effectively illustrating how quickly alcohol can destroy the positive aspects of one's life. The preview for upcoming episodes hints at a liver transplant crisis, suggesting that Geumju's health situation will become even more dire.

**Stellar Performances Drive Emotional Impact**

Choi Sooyoung delivered another compelling performance in episode 8, masterfully balancing the character's romantic happiness with her professional struggles and addiction challenges. Her portrayal of Geumju's desperation during the workplace harassment situation felt authentic and relatable, while her chemistry with Gong Myung continued to be a highlight of the series. Sooyoung's ability to convey the internal conflict of someone choosing between their health and career demonstrated her growth as a dramatic actress.

Gong Myung's portrayal of Uijun showed the character's deep love and concern for Geumju while maintaining his professional boundaries as a medical professional. His performance in the romantic scenes felt natural and sincere, creating believable chemistry that has become central to the show's appeal. The supporting cast, including Jeon Jino as the antagonistic Kim Suseok, provided strong performances that elevated the workplace drama elements of the episode.

**Viewer Reactions and Cultural Commentary**

Korean viewers responded enthusiastically to episode 8, with many praising the realistic portrayal of workplace harassment and the complex emotions surrounding alcohol dependency. Online communities like Naver and Daum were filled with discussions about Kim Suseok's manipulative behavior, with many viewers sharing their own experiences of similar workplace situations. The drinking contest scene generated significant debate, with some viewers criticizing Geumju's choice while others empathized with her impossible situation.

International fans following the series through various streaming platforms expressed appreciation for the drama's honest approach to addiction and mental health issues. Many commented on how the show avoids romanticizing alcohol dependency while still maintaining hope for recovery and personal growth. The episode's ratings reflected this positive reception, achieving 2.7% nationwide viewership and securing first place in its time slot among cable and comprehensive channels, demonstrating the show's growing popularity and cultural impact in addressing serious social issues through compelling storytelling.