Episode 1 of "Brewing Love" kicks off with a dynamic and formidable woman, clad in a sleek black special ops uniform, disruption a clandestine beer sale orchestrated by a deceitful wholesaler. This fierce individual is none other than Chae Yong-ju, a pillar of Jisang Liquor. The unscrupulous wholesaler had procured beer on credit from Jisang with the intent to sell it for immediate profit, leaving Jisang unpaid. However, Yong-ju and her crack team intervened swiftly, bringing the operation to a grinding halt.
Following their triumphant disruption, Yong-ju and her comrades celebrate their victory. Through the lively chatter among her team members, we delve into how Yong-ju meticulously crafted the Likey brand into a colossal success in Busan over the span of six years. But as wholesalers began to exploit their trust, Yong-ju transformed into her black-suited avenger, hunting them down one by one.
In another corner, a seasoned member alerts Yong-ju that the chairman is on his way. The scene shifts to the chairman presenting a novel beer, Naro Beer, to his board members. As they all lavish praise on its exquisite taste, the chairman issues an ultimatum: Jisang must acquire the beer or, alternatively, recruit its owner, Yoon Min-ju, into the fold at the earliest convenience.
Two senior managers, seemingly at odds with each other, hastily exit the chairman's meeting to confer with their respective teams. The head of the planning team urgently seeks out Bang Ah-reum, the team's ace section chief, who, ironically, is currently entangled in a matchmaking session, in search of her ideal husband.
The narrative then transitions to Chungcheong province, where a young man named Chan-hwi pilots a truck selling toast. He makes his way to Uillhan Brewery and engages with Yoon Min-ju, confessing his unbridled passion for her beer. His affection is so profound that he自愿 offers to work as a part-timer whenever needed, solely for the privilege of tasting her delightful brew.Chan-hwi politely requests an advance on the beer supply, intending to share it with his cherished noona—a term of endearment for an older female friend. To everyone's surprise, this noona is revealed to be Yong-ju herself. They bond over the brew, and Yong-ju instantly falls in love with its taste.
In Chungcheong, we meet the team working alongside Min-ju, consisting of two meticulous middle-aged ladies, a sprightly young woman named Jjuan, and her devoted husband. During their lunch break, Min-ju receives a message from Ah-reum, who hints at a proposition for him. However, he remains uninterested. Soon, the village chief joins their ranks, and the conversation drifts to Min-ju's reserved demeanor.
After the others disperse, Jjuan and her husband confide in Min-ju that they're planning a trip to her hometown. Min-ju, perpetually attuned to the emotions of those around him, mentions that he'd already sensed their upcoming journey from Jjuan's cheerful demeanor throughout the day. Jjuan's husband apologizes for leaving Min-ju short-staffed during such a busy period, but Min-ju remains as gracious and understanding as ever.
Back in Busan, Yong-ju unwinds with her colleagues over drinks before heading home to her grandmother. She gently tucks her snoozing grandma into bed and proceeds to tackle a string of household chores with diligence.
The following morning, Min-ju is called by a young boy named Min-ho, who insistently asks him to visit for his birthday celebration. In response, Min-ju entrusts Chan-hwi with the task of babysitting his cat in his absence. Coincidentally, Ah-reum and her colleague visit the brewery on the same day, initially mistaking Chan-hwi for the owner. However, the misunderstanding is swiftly cleared up.
Meanwhile, a restaurant proprietor reaches out to Yong-ju in desperation, seeking assistance as a scuffle has erupted between Jisang employees and those of Baekmok, the dominant beer brand in the vicinity. Yong-ju navigates the tumultuous situation with the prowess to broker peace with the opposing brand's manager, albeit noting that Jisang finds itself in turbulent waters.
Upon arriving at Min-ho's birthday celebration, Min-ju discovers that his father, a retired army general, has transformed the event into a reunion for his comrades. It becomes evident that Min-ho is Min-ju's younger sibling. The father-son bond takes a strained turn as they clash, with the elder labeling Min-ju as weak. Defiantly, Min-ju asserts his sensitivity, emphasizing his empathetic nature, arguing there's no shame in it. A memory from the past flickers — his mother's funeral, revealing that the current woman in their lives is the father's second wife. Frustrated, Min-ju storms out, cradling Min-ho in his arms.
Yong-ju's day doesn't fare much better as her supervisor delivers the grim news that the Busan branch is shutting down, a casualty of the chairman's pursuit of Naro. Yong-ju remains steadfast, her resolve unwavering despite the adversity.
Min-ju takes Min-ho to an amusement park, where Min-ho's eyes light up upon spotting a magnificent teddy bear. However, acquiring it requires amassing 700 points in a shooting game, an unforeseen hurdle. Who should eavesdrop on this conversation but Yong-ju herself! Min-ju notices her distinctive army shoes and hesitates, yet Min-ho forms an instant bond with her.
Embarking on the challenge, Yong-ju starts shooting, muttering the names of Naro and Yoon Min-ju as she vents her frustrations. By the end of Brewing Love Episode 1, Min-ju reaches out to hold her hand, sensing her deep distress vividly. He inquiries about her well-being, to which she responds in the affirmative. He, however, perceives her lie, gently acknowledging that she is not alright.
