SBS Special 'Mongle Counseling Center' Premieres: A Unique Love Story for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Go Hye-rin, the producer of SBS Special 'Mongle Counseling Center,' has revealed the inspiration behind Korea's first romance growth program for young adults with developmental disabilities. She also shared behind-the-scenes stories about collaborating with the celebrity couple Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon.

The show, titled 'My Heart is Mongle Mongle - Mongle Counseling Center' (directed by Go Hye-rin), will premiere on November 8 at 11:05 PM. It features the 14-year-married couple Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon, known for their strong relationship, supporting the romantic endeavors of young adults with developmental disabilities, referred to as 'Mongle.' The couple also contributed to the show's theme song, with Lee Hyori singing and Lee Sang-soon producing, supported by music director Noh Young-shim from 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo.' The project has garnered significant attention and anticipation.

Go Hye-rin, who won the '61st Baeksang Arts Awards - TV Division Documentary Award' for her documentary 'Hakjeon and the Backside Kim Min-ki,' is taking on a new challenge with 'Mongle Counseling Center.' She shared the personal story behind the show's creation, which began with her own brother, a young adult with developmental disabilities.

Go explained, "The program started with my younger brother, who is in his 20s and has developmental disabilities. Five years ago, shortly after he became an adult, I questioned whether I truly treated him as an adult. I realized I had never considered the possibility of him dating. When we think of youth, love and romance naturally come to mind, but this connection is often overlooked for young adults with developmental disabilities. Ignoring this aspect can lead to self-abandonment. I felt this story needed to be told." Over the years, her brother experienced several relationships, prompting Go to view him from the perspective of 'youth.' She emphasized that the program is not about explaining developmental disabilities but rather about re-examining 'youth.'

Regarding the involvement of Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon, Go said, "I first met them five years ago while working on 'Hyori and Soonshim,' a project about their dog. Their sincerity left a strong impression. When I explained this project to them, they agreed it was a necessary story. Their perspective helped solidify the program's focus, and their involvement enriched the narrative."

Go noted the couple's unique approach to the program, stating, "This show differs from typical broadcasts. Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon spent significant time with the young adults, fostering genuine understanding and conversations as 'youth' and 'life mentors.' Their honest and sincere interactions encouraged the participants to be authentic."

The creation of 'Mongle' involved reaching out to organizations and conducting over 500 interviews, revealing a strong desire among young adults with developmental disabilities for such a space. Go shared, "Many participants genuinely wanted to meet someone and experience romance, not just appear on TV."

Reflecting on the experience, Go said, "Every moment was surprising. We couldn't predict the outcomes of first dates or confessions, but the participants were always honest and genuine. We learned to accept each moment as it was, seeing them as young adults experiencing excitement, disappointment, and courage."

As the premiere approaches, Go highlighted the show's focus on 'firsts'—first dates, first relationships—and the universal awkwardness and growth that accompany them. She hopes the program will spark discussions about the lives, love, and relationships of young adults with developmental disabilities, acknowledging that while it can't represent all experiences, it can initiate meaningful conversations.

SBS Special 'My Heart is Mongle Mongle - Mongle Counseling Center' premieres on November 8 at 11:05 PM.

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr