'Mongle Counseling Center' has enchanted viewers with its irresistible charm, showcasing the journey of young adults with developmental disabilities as they navigate the path to love. Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon provided unwavering support to these young individuals embarking on their dating adventures.
On the 15th, SBS's special 'My Heart is Mongle Mongle - Mongle Counseling Center' (hereafter 'Mongle Counseling Center') aired its second episode, featuring the delightful beginnings of new relationships for three young individuals (referred to as 'Mongle') and the warm mentorship of Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon, offering a healing experience. The second episode of 'Mongle Counseling Center' achieved the highest viewership ratings among terrestrial channels in its time slot, with a notable increase in the 2049 demographic, reaching 0.8%.
Ji-hyun Oh met various people through a group blind date and revealed her changed ideal type, stating, "I realized it doesn't matter if someone is short, tall, or not conventionally attractive." On her second date, she met Jun-hyuk Park, a gentleman who expressed his feelings with a bouquet and a handwritten letter. Noticing Ji-hyun's difficulty with ordering, he kindly recommended a menu, showing his consideration. Lee Hyori commented, "It's the first time I've seen someone lead Ji-hyun," as she became engrossed in the meeting between 'Human Vitamin' Ji-hyun and 'Sunshine-like' Jun-hyuk. Ji-hyun candidly shared her challenges, saying, "I have an intellectual disability, so I'm not good at math, and managing time, money, or transportation is very difficult for me." Jun-hyuk responded, "With practice, you can overcome those challenges. I can help you with things you're not familiar with," envisioning a supportive relationship that touched hearts.
At the end of their date, Ji-hyun surprised Jun-hyuk with a handmade paper heart and a letter. She confessed, "I once confessed my feelings, and the person insulted me and threw away my gift," evoking empathy. Lee Sang-soon expressed hope that Jun-hyuk could heal Ji-hyun's wounds, supporting a warm romance, and wished for Ji-hyun's happiness to continue, as she smiled with excitement, saying, "I can't stop smiling."
Ji-hoon Yoo grew closer to So-yeon Jeon, whom he had parted with due to poor condition on their first date, through a horseback riding date. After the date, Ji-hoon sincerely expressed, "Thank you for doing something I like today," to which So-yeon replied, "Next time, let's do something I like," promising a third meeting.
Ji-won Jung met his ideal type on his second date, falling for the petite and confident poet Do-a Song at first sight. During their Myeongdong date, Ji-won asked, "Can I hold your hand so I don't lose you?" and held Do-a's hand tightly as they strolled through the streets. Experiencing firsts like hailing a taxi, taking photos, and enjoying street food, their date sparkled with the essence of young love. Lee Hyori remarked, "Why is this so touching and beautiful?" as she was moved by their growth through new experiences, echoing Do-a's sentiment, "My heart is racing. I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight," capturing the charm of their budding romance.
Ji-won planned a day trip to Chuncheon with Do-a, marking his first trip without family, and prepared thoroughly. However, unexpected situations arose, causing him to worry about ruining their first trip together. Anticipation builds for their Nami Island date.
Interviews with the families supporting the new beginnings of the 'Mongle' individuals resonated deeply. Ji-hyun's sister's statement, "Disability isn't a crime, so why hide it?" empowered Ji-hyun to step confidently into the world, leaving a profound impact. Ji-hyun's mother expressed her wish for Ji-hyun's 20s to be filled with beautiful memories.
Above all, Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon, as the heads of the counseling center, provided wholehearted support for the 'Mongle' individuals' new experiences, adding to the emotional impact. Lee Hyori became Ji-hyun's stylist for her second date, assisting her in shopping independently, teaching budgeting, receipt checking, and even sharing sleeve flirting skills. She gifted Ji-hyun a 'lucky' pink necklace, saying, "If you wear this, love will come true. May our Ji-hyun have a beautiful love," and even gave her a coat, spreading warmth. Lee Sang-soon helped Ji-won plan his Chuncheon trip, carefully considering travel methods and itineraries, offering encouragement.
The second episode of 'Mongle Counseling Center' captured the honest and pure charm of the 'Mongle' individuals as they embarked on new relationships and experiences, expanding their world slowly. Their journey, like the approaching spring, melted away viewers' prejudices, resonating with the brilliance of youth. The show offered magical moments that felt like a cleansing of the heart, captivating viewers with its lovable charm.
Following the broadcast, social media buzzed with praise, such as "It has tears and laughter! Such a precious program," "I've dated a lot, but never experienced love like the 'Mongle' individuals," "I realized my understanding of developmental disabilities was limited," "I love how Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon speak like real siblings," and "It's harmless and warm."
Meanwhile, the theme song 'Different' for 'Mongle Counseling Center,' sung by Lee Hyori, produced by Lee Sang-soon, and written and composed by Young-shim Noh, will be released today (16th) at 6 PM on various music sites.
'Mongle Counseling Center' is about the first romance-making journey of young adults with developmental disabilities. The third episode will air on the 22nd at 11:05 PM.
<Photo> SBS 'My Heart is Mongle Mongle - Mongle Counseling Center'
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr