MBC's 'I Live Alone' Faces Ratings Slump Amidst Kim Dae-ho's Departure

In the era of content overload, TenAsia's reporter Taeyuna becomes your 'entertainment guide,' diving into the hottest issues, key points, main figures, and behind-the-scenes stories to enhance your viewing experience.

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MBC's 'I Live Alone' (also known as 'Na Honja Sanda') has hit its lowest ratings in four years, dropping to the 4% range. The show has been on a downward trend since the beginning of the year, with a notable decline following Kim Dae-ho's departure from MBC.

The recent 601st episode featured Kim Dae-ho, Ok Ja-yeon, and Code Kunst forming 'Codename: Nature' and embarking on a nature exploration. Additionally, Ahn Jae-hyun's day was showcased as he navigated the 'staircase hell' due to elevator renovations in his apartment.

The episode recorded a nationwide rating of 4.8%, a 0.7% drop from the previous week's 5.5%. This marks the first time the ratings have fallen to the 4% range since April 11th's 591st episode, and it's the lowest since the 4.2% rating of the 422nd episode in November 2021.

The decline to the 4% range signals a crisis for 'I Live Alone,' which maintained an average of 6-7% until last year, solidifying its position as a flagship MBC variety show. However, since March, the show has struggled to rise above the 5% range.

The ratings drop is particularly pronounced in episodes featuring Kim Dae-ho, who left MBC in February to become a freelancer. Kim, a broadcaster nurtured by 'I Live Alone,' gained significant attention with his first appearance in April 2023. His episodes consistently drew interest, and he even won the Best Excellence Award at the 2024 MBC Entertainment Awards. This success led him to leave MBC after 14 years.

However, Kim's first appearance on 'I Live Alone' post-departure in episode 588 saw ratings drop to 5.1%, marking the show's first dip into the 5% range this year, a 1.4% decrease from the previous week. His subsequent appearance in episode 598 also saw a 0.7% drop to 5.0%. The 601st episode, which recorded the year's lowest ratings, also featured Kim.

While it's not solely Kim Dae-ho's fault, industry insiders suggest his departure has had an impact. During his time at MBC, his appearances were limited, allowing viewers to glimpse his life through 'I Live Alone.' Post-departure, his appearances on other networks and YouTube have reduced his exclusivity. While he was loved for his dual image as a neat office worker by day and a relatable neighborhood guy by night, his freelance transition has diluted his charm, with some viewers focusing more on his less polished aspects.

Amidst this slump, next week's episode promises a potential ratings boost with the 'Palm Oil' group's trip to Turkey. The preview teases actor Lee Jang-woo, who is set to marry in November, announcing his departure from the 'Palm Oil' group, stirring emotions. All eyes are on whether this episode can revive the show's declining ratings.

Taeyuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr