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ENA’s latest drama, Brewing Love (취하는 로맨스), premiered on November 4, 2024, and has already garnered buzz for its unique blend of comedy, drama, and romance set in the alcohol industry. With a stellar cast led by Kim Sejeong and Lee Jong-won, the series captures the story of a fiercely ambitious sales team leader and a sensitive brewmaster. As their worlds collide, the show explores themes of love, rivalry, and personal growth, making it a must-watch this season.
Kim Sejeong stars as Chae Yong-joo, a top-tier sales team leader at a major liquor company, Jisang Liquor. With a military background and an unwavering drive for success, Yong-joo is known for her incredible work ethic and sharp instincts. However, her inability to express her emotions makes her both a formidable leader and a complex character.
Kim Sejeong’s portrayal of Yong-joo shows a new side of her acting range, as she steps away from her previous cheerful and bubbly roles. Her transformation into a pragmatic and competitive professional has already earned praise from viewers and critics alike.
Lee Jong-won plays Yoon Min-joo, a calm and empathetic brewmaster running a small brewery in the countryside. Dedicated to crafting artisanal beer, Min-joo represents the opposite of Yong-joo’s corporate-driven mentality. Their unexpected meeting sparks both romantic tension and professional conflict, as they navigate their differing approaches to life and work.
Lee Jong-won brings a quiet intensity to Min-joo’s character, making his journey from solitude to connection all the more compelling. His nuanced performance highlights the internal struggles of a man torn between tradition and modernity, making him a perfect foil to Kim Sejeong’s assertive Yong-joo.
The ensemble cast of Brewing Love plays a crucial role in adding layers of emotion and comedy to the narrative.
•Shin Do-hyun as Bang Ah-reum, a competitive and ambitious planning manager at Jisang Liquor. With her sharp wit and relentless pursuit of success, Ah-reum is both a rival and ally to Yong-joo.
•Baek Sung-chul as Oh Chan-hwi, Yong-joo’s free-spirited best friend who runs a food truck. His easygoing personality and adventurous lifestyle serve as a counterbalance to Yong-joo’s strict, goal-oriented mindset.
Both supporting characters bring dynamic energy to the story, adding humor, emotional tension, and relatable struggles to the drama.
A Fresh Setting: The Alcohol Industry
One of the standout aspects of Brewing Love is its unique backdrop. Set in the alcohol industry, the drama delves into the contrasts between mass production and craft brewing, exploring themes of tradition, innovation, and passion for one’s craft. This fresh and unconventional setting not only serves as a metaphor for the characters’ conflicts but also provides fascinating insight into a lesser-seen side of Korean culture.
Chemistry That Sizzles
The undeniable chemistry between Kim Sejeong and Lee Jong-won is another major draw. Their dynamic, which oscillates between rivalry and romance, keeps viewers engaged as the characters slowly break down each other’s walls. The supporting cast further enhances the storyline, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected relationships and conflicts.
