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| Photo: Screenshot from I'm SOLO |
On the April 1 broadcast, SBS Plus and ENA’s dating reality series I'm SOLO introduced the singles who moved into Solonara 31, revealing their first meetings and initial impressions. From their very first appearances, reactions split sharply and emotions shifted quickly, raising the stakes early. According to Nielsen Korea, the episode averaged a 3.5% rating (combined SBS Plus and ENA, paid households in the Seoul metro area) and peaked at 4.1% minute-by-minute. The episode’s highest-rated minute featured Jung-hee telling a pre-interview that she likes faces like Gong Yoo’s. The show also ranked second on Good Data Corporation’s Fundex chart for non-drama buzz (released March 31), underscoring its cultural footprint.
The men assembled at Solonara 31 captured attention with distinct personalities. Yeong-su arrived first with a bruised face, raising eyebrows; he told producers he had a match the day before and has been boxing for a year, and he also paints as a hobby. Balancing toughness with sensitivity, Yeong-su made a strong first impression. Next was Yeong-ho, the bespectacled “nerd” type at 181cm (5 ft 11 in). He described a global upbringing in the U.S. and Singapore and said he graduated from S University in chemical and biological engineering and even passed a major company’s hiring process, but turned it down because he didn’t want to live in Seoul’s poor air quality. “I’m introverted and quiet, but when someone falls for me, they fall deeply,” he said.
Yeong-sik, hailed as a “3-second Seo Kang-joon,” is a Marine veteran who boxes, lifts, and has completed full marathons. He left his job to care for his ailing father, demonstrating deep filial loyalty; he also owns a single-family home and an officetel and is active in saving and investing — the picture of a prepared man. Yeong-cheol said he spent his school and work life in male-dominated environments and hasn’t had many chances to meet women; he added that people with exceptional looks or credentials can feel intimidating. Gwang-su, who fast-tracked out of science high school and completed both bachelor’s and master’s degrees at a prestigious university, described a relatively steady life and emphasized his warmth: “When I love, I stick with it.” At 186cm (6 ft 1 in), Sang-cheol is a lawyer who maintains himself through regular exercise. Finally, Kyung-su — dubbed the “soft-good guy” — drew praise as a Gong Yoo lookalike with a gentle smile and relaxed presence. MC Defconn quipped, “A hunter has appeared!” and anticipated Kyung-su’s moves.
The women entered with equally distinct charms. Young-sook described herself as bright and energetic and said, “When I set a target, I go straight for it.” She revealed she’s competed in fitness contests and said she values someone she can grow with. Jeong-sook presented an elegant, conservative sensibility and prefers analog hobbies like running, meditation, and reading; she said she aims for steady, long-lasting relationships. Sun-ja, who once had a six-year relationship, said she’s accustomed to giving love and tends to like someone without a particular reason, signaling a devoted streak. Young-ja said she moved from Daegu to Seoul and built her life without parental help, working as a fitting model and in clothing sales before arriving where she is now; she also admitted to nearly a decade-long past relationship and said she wants someone who speaks kindly and acts mature. Ok-soon made an immediate impression with a bold, down-to-earth manner; after preparing for finance roles, she tried out to be a flight attendant and quipped, “I’m fun, so I prefer a guy who isn’t.” Hyun-sook said she’s been single for four years after a five-year relationship and described her ideal as someone smart and easy to talk to. Jung-hee, who studied in Germany for seven to eight years, said she once dated a German man for six years and prefers relationships with clear beginnings and endings.
With 14 singles in the house, the men then made their first-impression choices. Though Young-sook went first, Sang-cheol, Gwang-su, Yeong-cheol, and Yeong-ho all chose her, making her the episode’s first “all-kill” woman. In a post-choice interview, Young-sook said, “I liked Yeong-cheol and Yeong-su, but I thought Yeong-cheol liked Young-ja more, so I picked Yeong-su first,” revealing Yeong-cheol had been her top pick. Jeong-sook received no votes and left disappointed; she later admitted she had ranked Yeong-ho first. Sun-ja, who hadn’t chosen Kyung-su but received picks from Yeong-su and Yeong-sik, laughed and said, “I’m saved. I felt grateful.” Kyung-su, who drew early interest from many women, chose Young-ja. Young-ja — who had selected Yeong-cheol — said she was surprised Kyung-su came instead: “I was shocked that Kyung-su showed up instead of Yeong-cheol,” she admitted, adding, “I’m more attracted to someone who chose me.”
With the seven male picks concentrated at the front, Jeong-sook, Ok-soon, Hyun-sook, and Jung-hee ended up with zero votes and returned to the house to share their feelings. All four openly admitted an interest in Kyung-su. Young-ja said, “He looks better up close than I thought,” signaling a change of heart. Sun-ja teasingly asked, “So we’re not going to sleep back-to-back in bed now, are we?” hinting at rivalry. Jung-hee said she felt betrayed because she expected Kyung-su to pick her in the first-impression round, and Ok-soon joked, “Guilty man,” acknowledging his popularity.
Later, the women continued with a second round of conversations in the common living room, and attention again centered on Kyung-su. Jung-hee admitted she felt slighted that Kyung-su didn’t pick her and hinted at her interest. Young-sook, Jeong-sook, Young-ja, and Sun-ja all confessed they were drawn to him, setting the stage for a “Kyung-su showdown.” A preview clip released immediately after showed competition for a single man intensifying as soon as the first night began, leaving viewers eager to see how Season 31’s emotional arc will develop.
You can watch the turbulent romances of Season 31 — which kicked off with unanimous votes and an early runaway — on I'm SOLO, airing April 8 at 10:30 PM on SBS Plus and ENA.
[Sports Today reporter Yoon Hye-young ent@stoo.com]
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