Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon to Host Heartwarming Romance Show for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities

SBS's 'Mongle Counseling Center' features Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon as they meet young adults with developmental disabilities dreaming of love. During a mock dating scenario, Lee Sang-soon faces a humorous rejection.

Premiering on November 8 at 11:05 PM, SBS's special 'My Heart is Mongle Mongle - Mongle Counseling Center' (directed by Go Hye-rin) is a new venture by the award-winning director known for 'Hakjeon and the Back Kim Min-ki.' The show aims to create first romances for young adults with developmental disabilities, with celebrity couple Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon serving as 'counselors.' Notably, the theme song for 'Mongle Counseling Center' was gifted by 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' music director Noh Young-shim, sung by Lee Hyori, and produced by Lee Sang-soon, garnering significant support and anticipation.

In the first episode, Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon meet three 'Mongle' participants through a special dating counseling session. Out of 93,000 young adults with developmental disabilities, over 500 applied to the counseling center. Before meeting the participants, the couple reads postcards from applicants, revealing their heartfelt desires for affection. Lee Hyori expresses concern, wondering, "Can we really mentor them?" before sharing a determined look with Lee Sang-soon, adding humor to the scene.

The three 'Mongle' participants each captivate with their unique charms. Ji-hyun Oh, with an intellectual disability, charms with her eloquence and sunny smile. Ji-hoon Yoo, on the autism spectrum, brings laughter with his innocent demeanor despite his strict routines. Actor Ji-won Jung, also with an intellectual disability, exudes a romantic aura reminiscent of a drama character.

During their first meeting, Lee Sang-soon faces unexpected rejection from Ji-hyun Oh. Playing the role of an unwanted suitor, he pleads, "Ji-hyun, let's meet again," only to be promptly turned down with "No, sorry!" Lee Hyori applauds Ji-hyun's assertiveness while laughing at her husband's 'zero confession, one rejection' moment.

Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon are also taken aback by the participants' candid remarks. During her first meeting with Ji-hoon Yoo, Lee Hyori asks, "Do you know us?" Ji-hoon responds, "I know Lee Hyori, I've seen you," but adds, "I don't think I've seen Lee Sang-soon," causing laughter. Similarly, Ji-won Jung, who initially exclaims "Wow!" upon seeing the couple, humorously admits, "I don't know you!" when asked by Lee Hyori.

The first episode of 'Mongle Counseling Center,' filled with genuine laughter and heartwarming moments, is highly anticipated.

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

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