The episode aired on the 17th, directed by Heo Hang, Kang Ji-hee, Kim Jin-kyung, Moon Ki-young, and Jung Ji-woon, featured Koo Sung-hwan's 446km journey across the country and actress Park Kyung-hye's life four months into living alone.
According to Nielsen Korea, the household viewership rating for this episode was 5.4% in the metropolitan area, ranking first among Friday entertainment programs. The 2054 viewership rating, a key indicator of channel competitiveness reflecting changes in media consumption, also topped the charts at 3.5%, securing the number one spot for the third week of April and maintaining the lead for two consecutive weeks. The peak minute rating soared to 6.0%.
The 'best moment' of the episode was when Koo Sung-hwan encountered a cherry blossom path during his journey and when Park Kyung-hye's '6-pyeong studio' with rust and mold was revealed. The romantic sight of cherry blossoms amidst a grueling journey and the reality of a novice solo dweller struck a chord with viewers, leaving a lasting impression.
Koo Sung-hwan embarked on the final stretch of his 446km journey from Seoul to Busan, sharing his heartfelt story. He revealed, "I consider this my last challenge," and opened up about the pain of losing his companion dog 'Kkotbuni' after 11 years. His confession, "I started walking to overcome my difficult feelings," touched the hearts of viewers.
Carrying a keychain with Kkotbuni's face and wearing her leash on his wrist, Koo Sung-hwan's journey was filled with emotion. He expressed, "Seeing it gives me strength," while Code Kunst empathized, "She gives you a reason to live, both when she was alive and after she's gone." Despite rain, strong winds, and endless stairs and hills, his unwavering steps left a deep impression.
Meanwhile, actress Park Kyung-hye drew attention by revealing her 'raw life' four months into living alone. Despite the rust and mold in her '6-pyeong studio,' she maintained a positive attitude, saying, "I think it will get better with care," exuding positive energy.
Her childhood dream of installing a 'bunk bed' brought tears of happiness, showcasing her pure charm. The 'too much small talk' from the installation technician to the Rainbow members brought laughter, and her bright energy spread to the studio.
Additionally, Park Kyung-hye revealed her realistic life, balancing her acting career with a part-time job at a cafe for two years. She candidly shared, "I needed a stable income," and demonstrated her strong work ethic by adeptly handling cleaning, inventory management, and customer service. She conveyed her journey of self-discovery, saying, "Living alone is a process of getting to know myself," highlighting her growth despite challenges.
This week (24th), viewers can look forward to the final chapter of Koo Sung-hwan's journey and the '21st-century laziness boy' lifestyle of actor Yoo Soo-bin, who has been living alone for six years.
'I Live Alone' continues to lead the trend of single life through the diverse rainbow lives of single celebrities, maintaining its top position in the 2054 viewership ratings for the third week of April and receiving consistent love from viewers.
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr