Directed by Go Hye-rin, who previously won the Baeksang Arts Award for her work 'Hakjeon and the Back', 'Mongle Counseling Center' is a unique dating reality show featuring young adults with developmental disabilities, referred to as 'Mongle'. The show follows their journey as they experience romance for the first time. Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon, known for their strong marriage of 14 years, take on the role of 'counselors', drawing significant attention from the public. Additionally, the show's OST, composed by No Young-shim, the music director of 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo', features Lee Hyori's vocals and is produced by Lee Sang-soon, adding to the warm support for the show.
In the first episode, 'counselors' Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon meet three 'Mongle' participants: Oh Ji-hyun, Yoo Ji-hoon, and Jung Ji-won, each with their unique charm. They assist them in their first dates. Notably, Jung Ji-won, an aspiring actor with an intellectual disability, surprises the counselors with unexpected romantic developments during his date.
Ahead of his first date, Jung Ji-won prepares by watching melodramas. At a picturesque Han River restaurant, he meets his date and impresses Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon with his romantic gestures, such as pulling out a chair and taking care of his date's coat, reminiscent of a drama scene. Lee Hyori comments, "It's like a movie," as she smiles warmly at the youthful and awkward yet sincere interactions.
Viewers are eager to see how Jung Ji-won's first date unfolds and whether he will find the heartwarming love he dreams of.
SBS's special 'Mongle Counseling Center', set to challenge stereotypes and offer excitement and healing this spring, airs its first episode tonight at 11:05 PM.
Reported by Ryu Ye-ji, TenAsia ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr