Brewing Love Episode 12 Review: Happy Ending and New Beginnings

In this episode, Yong-ju and Min-ju face mounting pressure as their new beer, “Together,” encounters a critical taste shift issue during mass production. Min-ju halts production, leading to a heated argument with Yong-ju, who struggles to balance her marketing team’s demands with his perfectionism. Meanwhile, tensions rise as Tae-jo, the marketing head, forces Yong-ju to continue production, and Jang-goon, a disgruntled employee, leaks negative rumors to sabotage the project.

A-reum uncovers evidence of Jang-goon’s scheme, exposing him during a pivotal meeting and forcing his resignation. Amid the chaos, Yong-ju and Min-ju’s personal relationship deepens, as both grapple with their feelings for each other and the burdens of their responsibilities. The episode ends on a determined note, with Yong-ju vowing to hold anyone accountable for interfering with their vision.

Brewing Love is a brand new 2024 Korean drama directed by Park Seon-ho, blending comedy, romance, and drama into an engaging storyline. It stars Kim Se-jeong and Lee Jong-won in the lead roles along with Shin Do-hyun, Baek Sung-chul and Baek Hyun-joo in pivotal roles.

– Contains Spoilers –

Brewing Love Episode 12 Recap

The episode begins with Yong-ju and Chan-hwi heading to the office to confront thugs who posted negative comments about Baekmok Liquor and tarnished Jisang Liquor’s reputation. Meanwhile, Min-ju is at home, deeply worried about Yong-ju’s safety. True to her promise, Yong-ju manages to fight off the troublemakers and returns home safe and sound. The next day, she holds a meeting with her team to strategise how to recover the lost reputation of their “Together” beer. She proposes a public apology to the press, lowering the beer’s price, and increasing accessibility by distributing the beer across restaurants, cafes, retail stores, and more.

All her plans are implemented swiftly, and Yong-ju also organises a significant conference with the wholesalers’ association chairman, who brings along several other company chairmen. Together, Yong-ju and Min-ju win their trust and secure bulk purchases of “Together” beer from the wholesalers. Following this success, the team celebrates with a dinner. During the gathering, Beom asks Yong-ju about the future of the Busan branch. She assures him it will not be shut down, which relieves him, as he wishes to return to Busan. However, the question creates an awkward atmosphere, as Yong-ju is reluctant to disclose her plans, knowing her teammates would feel sad if she decides to leave.

Also read: 7 Kdramas of Face Me Actor Lee Min-ki That Show His Captivating Aura!

Needing some air, Yong-ju steps outside, where Min-ju joins her and inquires about her thoughts. She confides in him about her uncertainty regarding her next step. Min-ju encourages her with words of motivation and affirmation. The following day, the Busan branch head, Mr. Nam, visits Jisang Liquor and confirms with Tae-jo that the branch will not be closed. Yong-ju requests Tae-jo to reassign Beom to Busan, prompting him to speculate whether Yong-ju is planning to leave as well. Before she can respond, Tae-jo expresses his reluctance to let go of her talent.

Outside, Nam and Yong-ju have a heart-to-heart conversation, during which he commends her incredible work ethic and advises her to find her own path, assuring her that she no longer needs to feel overly responsible. Beom overhears their discussion and surprises them by joining in. He confesses his admiration and respect for Yong-ju, acknowledging that Min-ju is the best person for her but admitting he needed to express his feelings to move on. He assures Yong-ju that he will return to Busan without expecting her to follow.

That evening, Yong-ju shares her conversation with Nam and her decision to explore a new path with Min-ju. He supports her wholeheartedly, reassuring her that they will navigate any challenges together. Yong-ju begins drafting her resignation letter, though her heart is filled with confusion. A-reum senses her turmoil and offers her support, calling Yong-ju “beautiful” – a term Chan-hwi frequently uses to compliment her. Touched by the gesture, Yong-ju returns the compliment, strengthening their friendship.

After submitting her resignation, Yong-ju’s teammates are disheartened but she reassures them that she will always remain their friend. She then rushes to Min-ju’s home and breaks down in his arms. Memories of her younger self, dedicated to Baekmok Liquor and sacrificing her youth, flood her mind as she tearfully confesses that it is all over. Days pass, and Min-ju is shown teaching special beer-making classes to selected candidates. His father undergoes a significant transformation, becoming empathetic and embracing his emotions.

In a touching scene, he calls Min-ju, wearing a pink apron, and asks him to visit with Yong-ju, expressing how much he misses them. He even cooks pasta for his wife and Min-ho, symbolising his departure from a rigid patriarchal mindset. Meanwhile, Chan-hwi takes A-reum to his home and is surprised to find that his parents haven’t changed the lock code. With no one home at the time, he cooks for A-reum and spends quality time with her. A-reum surprises him with a ring and asks him to put it on her finger.

Chan-hwi obliges, kisses her hand, and promises a future together. He reveals his real name, Oh Chan-ran, and explains that he changed it to leave his past behind. The two share a moment of mutual understanding and happiness. At the village, Suk-ja and Yeong-ja host a retirement party. Following the celebration, the village chief and Mr. Kim engage in a playful rivalry as they both plan to run for the 18th Village Chief election. To their astonishment, Mr. Kim’s wife announces her candidacy, citing her youth and fluency in English as advantages.

A few days later, Yong-ju opens her own music store-cum-café, where she plans to sell premium beers from various companies, play records, and create a space for people to relax. Min-ju is her first visitor, congratulating her on her new venture and mentioning how proud her grandmother would be. Soon after, Beom and Rao arrive. Beom shares that he has become the lead at the Busan branch, adopting Yong-ju’s leadership style, while Rao complains about dealing with a junior who reminds him of his younger, irritating self.

Chan-hwi and A-reum join the gathering, bringing a box of their wedding invitations and enlisting everyone’s help in packing them. As they share stories about their lives, Min-ju suggests taking a group photo to commemorate the moment. The episode concludes with the group smiling brightly, embracing their present and looking forward to the future.

Brewing Love Episode 12 Review

The series finale of Brewing Love delivers a heartwarming, satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends while celebrating growth, love, and camaraderie. Yong-ju and her team’s resilience shines as they recover from setbacks, reclaim their beer’s reputation, and showcase the power of teamwork. Her heartfelt decision to leave her corporate career to explore a new, authentic path feels relatable and empowering. Meanwhile, Min-ju’s steadfast support for Yong-ju reflects the quiet strength of their relationship. Moments of vulnerability, like Yong-ju breaking down in Min-ju’s arms, make the characters feel real and relatable, while the light-hearted rivalry for the village chief election and A-reum’s adorable proposal to Chan-hwi bring a touch of humour and romance to the mix.

What truly stands out is the finale’s celebration of transformation. From Min-ju’s father shedding his patriarchal mindset to Beom stepping into a leadership role in Busan, the series beautifully illustrates that growth often requires letting go of the past. The final moments—Yong-ju launching her café and the team reuniting to pack wedding invitations—perfectly encapsulate the joy of new beginnings and cherished friendships. With its mix of heartfelt emotion and uplifting resolution, the finale leaves viewers with a warm smile and a lingering sense of optimism.

Brewing Love is streaming on Viki.

Also read: All Reviews of Brewing Love!