Brewing Love Episode 1 Review: It’s Meant-to-be!

Brewing Love is a brand new 2024 Korean drama directed by Park Seon Ho, blending comedy, romance, and drama into an engaging storyline. The series centers around Chae Yong-ju, portrayed by Kim Se-jeong, a spirited and resilient former special forces member who has transitioned to a sales career in a liquor company. Her journey leads her to Yun Min-ju, played by Lee Jong-won, the sensitive and perceptive brewmaster and CEO of a brewery nestled in a serene rural setting. When Yong Ju bursts into his quiet world, their encounter sets off a chain of events that promises to challenge their perceptions and reshape their lives.

The drama also features Shin Do-hyun as Bang A-reum, Baek Sung-chul as O Chan-hwi, and Baek Hyun-joo as Ko Suk-ja, adding depth and complexity to the story. With unexpected twists, heartfelt moments, and comedic interludes, Brewing Love is set to captivate audiences with its unique blend of charm and emotion.

– Contains Spoilers –

Brewing Love Episode 1 Recap

The episode begins with a powerful introduction to Chae Yong-ju, the fierce and determined female lead who works at Likey, a beer company. When a wholesaler defaults on payments owed for using Likey products, Yong-ju takes matters into her own hands. She fearlessly confronts him and retrieves the money, showcasing her impressive strength and unyielding resolve. The scene cuts to a lively celebration at the office where a colleague explains Yong-ju’s background to a new recruit, highlighting her efforts to make Likey the top beer brand in Korea through a humorous recount of her past promotional strategies.

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We then meet the male lead, Yun Min-ju, an expert brewmaster and the CEO of a local beer brand called Naro, which he fondly calls “In My Name,” a wordplay in Korean. Despite its smaller scale, Naro’s beer is exceptional, drawing attention from larger companies like Jinsang Beer, Korea’s leading beer brand. Jinsang executives, eager to acquire Min-ju’s skills, plan to send their top staff member, Bang A-reum, to negotiate a deal. A-reum, ambitious and wealthy in her own right, is talented, career-driven, and searching for a perfect partner.

Min-ju enjoys a tranquil life brewing beer in the countryside, surrounded by nature and his cat, while reading people’s emotions effortlessly. One day, Chan-hwi, a carefree young man selling toast, visits Min-ju and asks for a job. Sensing his genuine nature, Min-ju hires him, even finding his playful admiration amusing. Chan-hwi, captivated by Min-ju’s looks and kindness, asks for a bottle of Naro beer to share with his sister—none other than Yong-ju.

Min-ju’s ability to read others’ emotions is unparalleled. While workers at the brewery assume one woman is upset due to her frown, Min-ju alone senses her hidden joy. His intuition is proven right when it’s revealed she is happy because she’s returning to her hometown with her husband. Generous at heart, Min-ju gives the couple money for their trip. Meanwhile, Chan-hwi shares the Naro beer with Yong-ju, who is amazed by its exceptional taste. Realizing how impactful this beer could be for Likey, she sets her sights on bringing the brewer on board.

The next day, Min-ju remembers his half-brother Min-ho’s birthday and plans a trip to Busan to see him, leaving Chan-hwi to care for his cat. A-reum arrives at Min-ju’s place with a business proposal but mistakes Chan-hwi for the owner, only to discover he’s a part-timer. Meanwhile, Yong-ju deals with challenges in Busan, cleverly handling Jinsang staff who try to plaster their posters over Likey’s. Her quick thinking saves the day and underscores her commitment to her company. Despite her professional success, Yong-ju’s personal life is more guarded.

She takes care of her grandmother and never speaks about her parents, leaving viewers curious about her backstory. The show hints that she once served in the special forces, showcasing her exceptional combat skills. At Min-ho’s formal birthday party, Min-ju notices the boy’s discomfort among the rich, stifling guests. He shares a tense exchange with his father, a man fixated on his military status, even at his wife’s funeral. Taking Min-ho away, Min-ju brings him to a carnival, where the boy shyly expresses his wish for a teddy bear. Comforting him, Min-ju reassures Min-ho that it’s okay to want what he loves, even as a boy.

However, to win the toy, Min-ju realizes he must score 700 points at the shooting game, which worries him. At this moment, Yong-ju, troubled by news of Likey’s Busan branch facing closure due to Naro Beer, arrives at the carnival. Unaware of Min-ju’s identity, she steps in to help Min-ho win the bear. As she passionately takes aim, Min-ju senses her inner turmoil and stops her, looking into her eyes. For a fleeting moment, time seems to freeze as he feels her pain and anger. He asks if she’s okay. When she insists she is, he counters, telling her she isn’t. The episode closes with the two sharing a charged gaze, both confused and curious about each other.

Brewing Love Episode 1 Review

This episode of Brewing Love brilliantly sets the stage for an intriguing and heartwarming story, showcasing the dynamic introduction of its lead characters. Chae Yong-ju is portrayed as a strong and relentless woman whose passion for her job at Likey makes her an endearing and formidable presence. Her fearless approach, seen when she chases down a wholesaler, establishes her as a character you can’t help but root for. The initial humor and camaraderie at the office add a light-hearted touch, making the audience instantly invested in her journey and her fight to save her company.

The introduction of Yun Min-ju brings a refreshing contrast to Yong-ju’s vibrant energy. Min-ju, with his serene lifestyle and empathetic nature, provides a compelling blend of depth and mystery. His interactions, particularly with his half-brother Min-ho reveal his kind-hearted yet complex personality.

One of the standout moments of this episode is the carnival scene, where Yong-ju and Min-ju finally meet. The buildup is wonderfully paced, with Yong-ju’s passion and Min-ju’s empathetic curiosity sparking immediate tension and connection. This scene not only teases the potential romantic chemistry between them but also subtly highlights their emotional struggles. The episode ends on an intriguing note, leaving viewers eager to see how their relationship will evolve and how Yong-ju’s determination and Min-ju’s sensitivity will influence each other’s lives. Overall, the episode is packed with charm, humor, and heartfelt moments, making it a promising start to the series.

Brewing Love is streaming on Viki.

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