"Better at math than women"... 12 single-by-choice participants, unpredictable from the first impression 'peak 4.6%' [Comprehensive] (I Am Solo)

*This content was translated by AI.

'I Am Solo' Season 33's single men and women captivated viewers with unpredictable shifts in attraction from day one.

According to Nielsen Korea's ratings survey on the 6th, 'I Am SOLO' (I Am Solo), an ENA and SBS Plus real dating program aired on the 5th, recorded an average viewership of 3.8% (combined ENA and SBS Plus figures for cable households in the capital region). The peak rating per minute soared to 4.6%. Among the target demographic 'men and women aged 20–49', it secured 1.9%, maintaining its number-one position overall. The 'Best One Minute' segment featured a pre-interview scene with Hyun-sook.

The broadcast on this day captured the launch of Season 33's 'Born Single Special' at 'Solo Nation, Address 33', located in Muju, Jeollabuk-do. First to enter, Young-su revealed his reason for being a 'born single': "I was immersed in studying math and foreign languages instead of dating. I think back then, I was better at math than women."

Next, Young-ho confessed, "I focused solely on work, so I had no opportunities to meet the opposite sex." Young-sik, who appeared with flowing long hair, revealed his surprising background: he grew up in the Philippines as a KATUSA (Korean Augmentation to the United States Army) member and is also a racing driver and instructor. He added, "I found it difficult to approach people first, so I often ate alone during my school days."

Young-cheol, with his robust physique, shared, "During college, I had to cover all my tuition, living expenses, and sports-related costs myself, so I worked constantly and had no realistic room for dating." Kwang-su, who projected an elite image, said, "I hadn't even thought about dating for 31 years," adding that a friend once told him, "You might be asexual." Finally, Sang-cheol admitted, "I rarely had chances to meet women, and I became fidgety in front of the women I liked, making dating difficult."

Next, Young-sook made her appearance. With doll-like features, she explained in a pre-interview, "I postponed dating to focus on studies and my career," laughing as she added, "Even my parents don't realize I'm a born single." Jeong-sook entered with a spirited stride, stating, "Although I lived abroad for about 10 years, I had no dating experience. Even when I met someone I liked, I couldn't express it first."

Soon-ja, with fair skin and a 'Dana-ka' accent in her greeting, explained, "I dated for about three months eight years ago, but it didn't feel romantic, so we amicably agreed to break up," drawing laughter. Young-ja, radiating bright energy upon entry, declared, "I've already prepared for marriage; I just need a partner now," showing confidence.

Ok-soon, with a lively and bouncy demeanor, confessed, "Although I'm not old, I appeared on the show out of fear that I might remain a born single forever." Finally, Hyun-sook said, "I've liked many men in the past," but added, "I never expressed my feelings and only suffered silently."

Once the 12th single men and women gathered, the women made their first-impression selections. Young-sook walked straight toward Young-su, who had carried her suitcase. Jeong-sook chose Sang-cheol, who had tried to set a friendly tone from their first meeting. Soon-ja selected Young-sik, who had carried her luggage, noting that his refreshing appearance and relaxed smile were close to her ideal type.

Young-ja turned toward Sang-cheol. When they awkwardly made eye contact, Young-ja looked at flowers blooming on the ground and said, "They're pretty." Sang-cheol replied, "Even prettier," expressing his interest. However, after conversing with her, Young-ja suddenly wavered.

In an interview, he said, "From a distance, he seemed to fit my ideal type, but up close, he didn't. I found Sang-cheol's smooth and slick demeanor burdensome."

Ok-soon chose Young-cheol, who naturally picked up the trash she was holding. Finally, with Hyun-sook also heading toward Sang-cheol, he received a total of three votes. Sang-cheol, crowned the 'First-Impression Zero-Vote Man', smiled broadly, saying, "This is something I've never experienced in my life." In contrast, Young-ho and Kwang-su received not a single vote.

However, after the first-impression selections, a twist occurred. Although participants were supposed to ride in men's cars to the lodging based on their first-impression matches, Young-ho stepped forward first when Sang-cheol struggled to fit all three women's luggage into his car, offering to transport their belongings in his own vehicle. Hyun-sook, despite receiving zero votes, praised Young-ho, saying, "He seemed like a magnanimous and caring person."

Shortly after, Season 33 arrived at the lodging. Young-sik immediately went to the women's lodging and delivered pre-prepared 'welcome gifts' and bottled water. In response, Young-sook remarked, "He seems to think several steps ahead," showing interest in him, and volunteered to join his grocery-shopping team to get to know him better.

In contrast, Young-cheol and Sang-cheol passed by the single women without initiating conversation upon meeting them. Kwang-su also marveled at other participants heading to the women's lodging, saying, "Those people were brave."

Eventually, Young-cheol mustered the courage to visit the women's lodging with Kwang-su, and the two broke the ice by playing a liar game with the single women. Later, in a gathering of all participants, Young-ho volunteered to lead the game.

He skillfully explained the rules and order, steering the atmosphere, and turned his initial disappointment of receiving zero first-impression votes into a positive experience through his witty remarks and hosting ability. Watching this, Soon-ja and Young-ja developed interest in him.

Meanwhile, during the grocery-shopping trip, Young-sik and Hyun-sook had an enjoyable conversation centered on movies and foreign dramas. Hyun-sook felt attracted to Young-sik's English pronunciation and cultural tastes. Observing their exchange, Young-sook thought, "They seem well-matched," and decided to keep other possibilities open rather than pursuing Young-sik directly.

At the lodging, Young-su distributed candies he had prepared to each participant. His earnest effort to ensure even Young-sook, who was unwell, received a candy drew laughter.

During the subsequent dinner, Young-ho and Young-ja grew closer over bibim-myeon (spicy mixed noodles). When Young-ho expressed his desire for bibim-myeon, Young-ja immediately prepared it for him. Young-ho said, "I'm so grateful," giving a thumbs-up to Young-ja's consideration.

In contrast, Soon-ja, who had newly developed interest in Young-ho, found it difficult to approach the two easily while watching them. In the subsequently released preview, Soon-ja was seen initiating conversation with Young-ho by asking, "Could you step aside for a moment?" Additionally, the 'self-introduction' segment began, raising curiosity about the next episode.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.