Welcome to the quirky and heartwarming world of Brewing Love, where beer is more than just a drink—it’s a bond. In these first two episodes, we meet the relentless Chae Yong-joo, the sales dynamo of Jisang Liquor’s Busan branch, and Yoon Min-joo, a sensitive brew master with a gift—and burden—of empathic intuition.

Meet Chae Yong-joo: The Unstoppable Saleswoman

Our story kicks off with Chae Yong-joo (played by Kim Se-jung), the fiercely passionate head of sales at Jisang Liquor’s Busan branch. Yong-joo’s a pro at securing accounts, although some wholesalers cheekily call her “Dog Yong-joo” for her persistence in collecting debts. And this nickname is well-deserved, as we soon see her using her ex-special forces skills to retrieve overdue payments in action-packed scenes more reminiscent of a thriller than a rom-com. Her journey from soldier to salesperson is hinted at, but we sense it’s closely tied to her family background, especially her strong connection with her grandmother who raised her. It’s a surprising career turn that invites intrigue, hinting at layers yet to be uncovered.

Enter Yoon Min-joo: The Sensitive Brew Master

In contrast, Yoon Min-joo (played by Lee Jong-won) runs a small-town brewery with a cult following for its signature Naro beer. Min-joo’s hypersensitivity makes him a unique character, as he deeply feels others’ emotions. His father disapproves of his sensitive nature, seeing it as a weakness—a conflict that isolates Min-joo but also gives him the drive to protect his emotional boundaries. This sensitivity is both his strength and vulnerability, keeping him at a distance from others except his younger half-brother, whom he adores.

The plot thickens as Jisang Liquor’s chairman becomes determined to sign Min-joo to create a new beer that could save the company’s declining revenue. To afford this risky venture, they plan to shut down Yong-joo’s Busan branch, crushing years of her hard work. When Yong-joo finds out, she’s outraged. She refuses to let her efforts go to waste and accepts an alternative—join the HQ marketing team to win Min-joo over and save her branch.

The Amusement Park: A Meeting of Opposites

Meanwhile, Min-joo takes his younger brother to an amusement park, where they run into Yong-joo, who’s venting her anger by winning at a shooting game. She unknowingly impresses Min-joo’s brother, who’s drawn to her fierce determination. When Min-joo senses her sadness despite her strong exterior, he’s compelled to comfort her, a rare move for him. Yong-joo, confused by his sudden insight, wonders if he might be psychic.

Back in town, Yong-joo joins HQ’s marketing team, embarking on her mission to bring Min-joo onboard. Her competitor in this mission, Bang Ah-reum (Shin Do-hyun), leads the planning team, and she’s determined to win him over too. Ah-reum is ambitious, seeking financial security to marry her ideal man and retire in luxury. While pursuing Min-joo, Ah-reum meets the lovable Oh Chan-hwi, who works part-time at Min-joo’s brewery. Although not her “ideal man,” Chan-hwi’s sincerity leaves an impression on her.

Min-joo’s Refusal and Yong-joo’s Determination

Yong-joo and Ah-reum both fail to convince Min-joo, who values his independence over corporate offers. Yet Yong-joo’s persistence doesn’t waver; she volunteers at the brewery’s village during their busiest season, winning over the locals and earning herself an extended stay. Her efforts finally get Min-joo’s attention, and he finds himself reluctantly impressed by her relentless spirit. When she injures herself, Min-joo, in a rare moment of vulnerability, tends to her, once again sensing the pain she tries so hard to hide.

These two episodes set up a dynamic connection between Yong-joo and Min-joo, each with something the other lacks. Yong-joo’s unbreakable determination starts breaking down Min-joo’s emotional barriers, while he gently reminds her to look after her own well-being. With her branch’s future at stake, Yong-joo’s fiery drive only grows, hinting at a compelling partnership in both business and, potentially, love.

Stay tuned for Episode 3, where the stakes—and emotions—are sure to rise, with Yong-joo likely finding new ways to get Min-joo on board.