Forget the 13-Year Romance—Jung Kyung-ho & Choi Soo-young Go from Lovers to Rivals

Real-life couple Jung Kyung-ho and Choi Soo-young, who have been dating for 13 years, are making headlines as they prepare to face off on television—for the very first time.

While both are seasoned actors with years of experience, this marks the first occasion the couple will be competing directly with new lead dramas airing just days apart.

Choi Soo-young Kicks Off First With 'Second Shot at Love'

Choi Soo-young, a member of Girls' Generation, will make her return to the small screen on May 12 in tvN’s new Monday-Tuesday drama Second Shot at Love, also known as Please Stop Drinking (금주를 부탁해).

The romantic drama follows Han Geum-joo (played by Soo-young), a talented auto mechanic whose life spirals due to her drinking habits. The story unfolds as she reunites with her first love—now a health clinic director who despises alcohol—and struggles to quit drinking.

Gong Myung co-stars as Seo Eui-joon, Geum-joo’s first love and a man with a deep resentment for alcohol.

Soo-young, known for her refreshing charm and candid energy in previous roles like Not Others, is expected to deliver a performance that maximizes her strengths. She brings to life both the bold side of a skilled elite mechanic and the emotional complexity of a woman confronting personal demons tied to alcohol.

A teaser released on April 8 shows Soo-young in a variety of drinking scenes—laughing, clinking glasses, and even blacking out—showcasing her full comedic and dramatic range.

Jung Kyung-ho Follows With Fantasy Comedy 'Labor Attorney Noh Moo-jin'

Just four days later, on May 16, Jung Kyung-ho returns with 'Oh My Ghost Clients' also known as 'Labor Attorney Noh Moo-jin' (노무사 노무진), a fantasy workplace comedy airing on MBC.

The drama tells the story of a labor attorney who, after a near-death experience, begins seeing ghosts—and gets reluctantly roped into solving labor disputes on their behalf.

Jung takes on the title role of Noh Moo-jin, a pragmatic, apolitical attorney who becomes an unwilling hero for troubled spirits. It’s a humorous yet heartfelt tale of growth, justice, and the supernatural.

This project marks Jung’s first drama in two years since his smash hit Crash Course in Romance (일타 스캔들), and it’s also the drama directorial debut of acclaimed film director Im Soon-rye (The Deal, Little Forest), generating strong anticipation from fans and the industry alike.

In this new role, Jung is set to showcase his signature wit and charm, taking on scenes where he's possessed by ghosts while tackling workplace issues.

A Friendly Face-Off in May

Though both stars have supported each other's careers throughout their long-term relationship, this is the first time they will compete head-to-head in viewer ratings and buzz. Fans are eagerly anticipating not only their respective performances but also the friendly rivalry between the two beloved stars.

With Choi Soo-young starring in a bold, emotionally-driven romantic drama and Jung Kyung-ho tackling labor justice through a ghostly twist, May promises to be a thrilling month for K-drama fans—and a meaningful one for Korea’s favorite real-life couple.