On the episode of SBS's variety show 'Matchmaking Retreat' aired on the 29th, mothers who had previously disappeared made a surprise return, leading to unexpected matchmaking dates that stirred the hearts of the participants as they approached their final choices.
The dates were initiated by the men's choices. Jo Eun-nae and Seo Han-gyeol, Jang Min-cheol and Kim Hyun-jin, and Kim Myo-jin with Moon Se-hoon and Lee Seung-hak were matched for the outing, while Kim Jin-joo received no votes once again. The seemingly ordinary outing turned out to be a 'matchmaking date' with both mothers joining the meal.
The matchmaking date between 1995-born lawyer Seo Han-gyeol and 1988-born announcer Jo Eun-nae drew attention with its tense atmosphere. Jo Eun-nae's mother expressed her delight upon seeing Seo Han-gyeol, while Seo Han-gyeol's mother maintained a stern expression, heightening the tension.
Moon Se-hoon and Lee Seung-hak, who both chose Kim Myo-jin, went on a date together. In the car, Moon Se-hoon asked, "Do you have lip balm?" and Kim Myo-jin applied it to his lips. Watching the left-out Lee Seung-hak, Seo Jang-hoon commented, "It breaks my heart. It's like he's not even a nephew brought along on a date," and added, "It feels like I'm looking at myself," drawing laughter by comparing himself to the situation.
That night, Seo Han-gyeol and Jo Eun-nae had an honest conversation. Seo Han-gyeol admitted, "My mother's idea of a spouse might not perfectly align with mine," while Jo Eun-nae tried to ease the pressure by saying, "Don't take our choices too seriously." However, Seo Han-gyeol expressed his complex feelings, saying, "I don't think the choice will feel light." In a candid interview, Seo Han-gyeol shared, "If things go wrong while negotiating marriage, it might feel like a waste of her time more than mine. Honestly, it's really tough."
On the final choice day, Seo Han-gyeol was seen writing a letter and shedding tears, causing a stir. When his mother asked, "Is it the last letter?" he replied, "I don't feel good," and Kim Yo-han expressed concern, saying, "It doesn't seem like a good sign."
As the final choices approached, the emotional turmoil among the participants heightened interest. Kim Hyun-jin made a direct confession to Kim Hyun-jun, and Kim Myo-jin found herself deeply torn between the attraction to her peer Moon Se-hoon and the comfort offered by the younger Lee Seung-hak.
Reporter Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr