New Weekend Drama Explores Love And Family Bonds

On May 3, 2025, KBS 2TV aired the new weekend drama 'Dare to Love Me,' which delves into the lives of the Doksu-ri family and their five siblings. The show captures the essence of family bonds, struggles, and the complexities of running a traditional liquor house, all while intertwining themes of romance and personal growth.

The story begins with Ma Gwang-soo, played by Uhm Ji-won, who recently married Oh Jang-soo, portrayed by Lee Pil-mo. Tragically, Gwang-soo's life takes a sudden turn when her husband dies in a car accident, leaving her to navigate the challenges of being the head of the family. Jang-soo was the eldest son responsible for managing the family business, Doksu-ri liquor house. With his untimely demise, the family faces a crisis that threatens their legacy.

As the drama unfolds, viewers are introduced to the other siblings: Oh Cheon-soo, played by Choi Dae-chul, who previously led an investment team at Hanseong Securities; Oh Heung-soo, portrayed by Kim Dong-wan, a dance team leader at an entertainment agency; Oh Beom-soo, played by Yoon Bak, an academic who returned to Korea after studying at Stanford; and the youngest, Oh Kang-soo, played by Lee Seok-gi, who serves in the Navy's special forces. Each character brings their unique perspective and challenges to the family dynamic.

After Jang-soo's death, Gwang-soo takes over the Doksu-ri liquor house, recalling the recipes her husband taught her. She successfully develops a new product, Jang Gwang-ju, and manages to supply it to the LX Hotel, run by Han Dong-seok, played by Ahn Jae-wook. However, the family faces a setback when a rumor spreads that the Doksu-ri makgeolli is made from cheap rice. This rumor, it turns out, is orchestrated by Shilla Brewery, founded by Dokgo-tak, played by Choi Byung-mo.

In a bid to defend her family's honor, Gwang-soo starts a one-woman protest in front of Shilla Brewery. Han Dong-seok, witnessing her efforts, steps in to help. He assures her, "Dokgo-tak will apologize, and I will make sure he does. Please stop your protest for now." Gwang-soo, taken aback, asks, "Are you really going to do that for me?" to which Dong-seok replies, "Of course, I care about you. I don’t want you to be a spectacle for others to gawk at." This moment marks the beginning of Dong-seok's deepening feelings for Gwang-soo.

As the plot thickens, Gwang-soo expresses her surprise at Dong-seok's affection, asking, "Do you really like me?" to which he candidly responds, "Yes, I do. I like you, Ma Gwang-soo." Despite his confession, Gwang-soo feels overwhelmed and retreats, saying, "This is too sudden; I need some time to think." Nevertheless, Dong-seok remains steadfast in his pursuit, insisting that his feelings are genuine.

In a pivotal scene, Han Dong-seok confronts Dokgo-tak, demanding a formal apology for the damage done to Doksu-ri liquor house. He asserts, "The reputation of Doksu-ri liquor house is tied to our hotel’s reputation. We need to clear this up publicly." Following this confrontation, Dokgo-tak eventually holds a press conference where he admits, "This incident arose from the greed of some employees, and I sincerely apologize to the Doksu-ri liquor house for the distress caused." However, his apology does little to quell the anger of the Doksu-ri employees, who feel that he is shifting the blame onto them.

As tensions rise, Gwang-soo vows to create even better makgeolli, determined to restore her family's honor. Meanwhile, the romantic tension between her and Dong-seok continues to build. He persistently pursues her, suggesting they meet over drinks to discuss business. He even sends a chauffeur to pick her up for a meeting, further demonstrating his commitment.

During their interactions, Dong-seok's compliments often leave Gwang-soo feeling uncomfortable. He tells her, "You look the most beautiful today," to which she responds, "Please, no more compliments. Just drive the car!" This playful banter highlights the chemistry between them, though Gwang-soo remains cautious about their budding relationship.

On May 4, 2025, the drama continued to explore the complexities of Gwang-soo and Dong-seok's relationship. Gwang-soo, feeling burdened by Dong-seok's attention, tells him, "I appreciate your kindness, but it’s overwhelming. I’ve just lost my husband and I’m not ready for this." She expresses concerns about their differing backgrounds, saying, "Your life is so different from mine; I hope you don’t misunderstand my feelings." Dong-seok reassures her, stating, "I’ve thought long and hard about my feelings for you, and I won’t take them back."

As the drama unfolds, it becomes clear that the characters are not just dealing with business challenges but also navigating their personal lives amidst grief and newfound love. The show poignantly captures the struggles of moving on while honoring the past, as well as the importance of family, resilience, and the courage to love again.

With its engaging storyline and relatable characters, 'Dare to Love Me' continues to resonate with viewers, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 8 PM on KBS 2TV. The drama not only provides entertainment but also reflects on the intricacies of human relationships and the strength it takes to overcome adversity.