ENTERTAINMENT
Hide the divorce, cross your legs... 'I'm Solo', 100 twists and turns embracing the performer's problems
Reporter Kim Seo-yoon of TenAsia digs into the current status of the entertainment industry, including notable dramas, entertainment, and noteworthy rising stars.
After many twists and turns, we reached our 100th episode. ENA, SBS Plus 'I'm Solo' was a lot of talk and a lot of trouble, but it was named as a long-lived variety show. As much as it boasted high topicality, can 'I'm Solo', which suffered from the problem of verifying the performers, make a leap forward?
'I'm Solo' started in 2021 and was the main character of the craze of dating programs. Along with 'Strange Lawyer Woo Young-woo', he played a big role in helping Studio Genie turn profitable in two years. In particular, it took first place in Korean streaming in the TV show category on OTT Netflix last year.
In a word, it has risen to the ranks of 'well-known programs'. It is an entertainment show that is influential enough to become a celebrity by appearing on 'I'm Solo'. The raw appearance of the performers served as a factor in popularity. Unlike other entertainment programs, it does not use a filter that emphasizes a bright and blemish-free face. The scene where he confesses his honest feelings is also shown without adding or subtracting.
However, topicality and controversy were proportionate. It's not a day or two that it's been rumored that it's a verification problem because it's a normal person appearing. Also, since I was pursuing 'real', my outspoken remarks became a problem.
Youngcheol (pseudonym) in the 4th season was criticized for coercive words and actions by female performers at the time of the appearance. Even after the broadcast, he was handed over to trial for insulting Jeongja, who appeared together on his YouTube channel, and sentenced to a fine of 2 million won.
Sang-cheol, a cast member in the 11th season, was caught up in suspicion of having both legs. Young-sook and the final couple were supported by viewers, but in the end they broke up. The reason is that Mr. A, who had been dating Sang-cheol, revealed it. Mr. A appeared on 'I'm Solo' not long after he broke off his engagement, and claimed that he went on a blind date while he was dating him. Sang-cheol finally acknowledged it and lowered his head.
However, 'I'm Solo' continues to run. On the 7th, 'I'm Solo' opened its 15th season with the 100th special broadcast. Usually, entertainment programs are aired on a seasonal basis. As an example, there are popular TVing original 'Transfer Love' and Channel A 'Heart Signal'. 'I'm Solo' continues to lead the fan base and introduces several episodes in succession.
'I'm Solo' has been looking for viewers for about two years without being shaken by the controversy. Producer Nam Kyu-Hong, who celebrated the 100th episode, said, "I can't conclude that there will be no problems with the performers in the future, but I am grateful as the production team for the viewers to verify and judge through the broadcast."
The problematic past of the performer, which is revealed through exposure, is leading to controversy surrounding 'I'm Solo'. After the controversy, viewer fatigue accumulates, and viewership ratings are on the decline. Of course, the production team cannot know all the information about the performers. It is said that they make every effort to check life records and interview acquaintances, but as they are not investigative agencies, their limitations are clear. A systematic verification system is necessary, but in the end, it is a risk that the production team must bear.
Kim Seo-yoon, staff reporter seogugu@tenasia.co.kr
