Controversy Surrounds ENA's 'Solo Information Company' for Its Questionable Matchmaking Tactics

'You Know What?' Reporter Lee So-jung from TenAsia captures intriguing issues in the broadcasting world to stimulate the public's dopamine.

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The ENA YouTube variety show 'Solo Information Company,' which claims to be a matchmaking service, is stirring controversy among viewers. Despite its intention to fulfill the dream of marriage, the consultants' evaluation methods are perceived as undermining the self-esteem of participants.

Featuring many participants previously seen on 'I Am Solo,' the show airs every Thursday at 7 PM. The program is led by Cha Hee-yeon, who runs a real-life matchmaking company, using her expertise to evaluate the marriage suitability of single men and women and facilitate couple matching.

The issue lies in Cha's vague criteria and rude demeanor, as seen in recent episodes. Jung-sook from the 11th season, a patent attorney born in 1986, is praised for her stable career and financial security. She expressed her serious consideration of marriage on the show, stating she is willing to overlook many factors such as appearance, age, and wealth in a partner. However, she firmly opposed marrying a divorced man with children, citing potential complications and parental disapproval.

Cha's reaction to this stance drew criticism from viewers. She mentioned Jung-sook's age as a reason to reconsider rejecting divorced men with children, sparking comments like "Why criticize a realistic opinion?" and "Why should a successful patent attorney marry a divorced man with children?"

Jung-sook also revealed she owns a home in Gajwa-dong, Jinju, without a mortgage and has substantial savings. Cha's response, "Having too much real estate can be a disadvantage," puzzled viewers. In contrast, Young-ho from the 20th season, who works at a large corporation but has no savings, was praised for his financial management skills, leading to accusations of double standards.

Additionally, when Hyun-sook, an acupuncturist born in 1988 from the 8th season, stated her dislike for divorced men, Cha remarked, "Then you must give up all other conditions," leaving viewers bewildered. Even if no divorced match was made, the suggestion to lower standards was met with dissatisfaction.

Educational evaluations were equally perplexing. Soon-ja from the 24th season, a graduate of Hanyang University's Seoul campus with a degree in business, received a score of 3. Meanwhile, Ok-soon from the 7th season, working at a global company, was told, "Being a divorcee is better than being single," raising eyebrows.

Comments like "You should own a home by your mid-30s" and "If a glamorous person is kind, they often get dumped for being boring" have left viewers displeased.

The overall tone of scolding, unconvincing explanations, and subjective criteria are major concerns. As the show continues to undermine participants' qualifications, fundamental doubts about its direction are emerging. Netizens express negative reactions, saying, "Is this a tactic to lower expectations?" "It only hurts those who want to marry," and "Constantly belittling conditions will erode self-esteem."

'Solo Information Company' is criticized for offering fatigue rather than positive guidance to those contemplating marriage, with its scolding tone and hard-to-accept standards. A comprehensive review of its tone, criteria, and attitude seems necessary to provide practical solutions.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr