K-Pop Star Lee Hyori Opens Heartwarming Dating Counseling Show for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities

K-pop icon Lee Hyori has launched a unique dating counseling show.

Lee Hyori and her husband, Lee Sang-soon, have taken on the role of 'counselors' to support the romantic aspirations of young adults with developmental disabilities, affectionately referred to as 'Mongle-ssi.' The show has garnered significant attention even before its premiere, and its first episode, released on the 8th, has climbed to the 7th spot on Netflix's 'Today's Top 10 Series in Korea' as of March 12.

The upcoming second episode of 'Mongle Counseling Center,' airing on the 15th, will feature three 'Mongle-ssi'—Oh Ji-hyun, Yoo Ji-hoon, and Jung Ji-won—embarking on their second dates. Oh Ji-hyun and Jung Ji-won will meet new partners, while Yoo Ji-hoon will reunite with Jeon So-yeon, whom he had to part with prematurely due to health issues during their first date.

Among them, Jung Ji-won, who has been dubbed a 'drama-like male lead' for his romantic charm, is set to meet his ideal type, raising expectations. Jung Ji-won, who previously expressed his preference for cheerful and cute women, encounters a partner with petite and independent charm. His gaze, seemingly smitten at first sight, even excites Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon, who are watching from the monitor. Both Jung Ji-won and his date share a common hobby of watching romance dramas, prompting Lee Hyori to joyfully remark, "They'll get along well," before humorously adding, "Are they going to reenact everything they've seen in dramas?"

Lee Sang-soon is particularly impressed by Jung Ji-won's exceptional manners. When Jung Ji-won helps his date with her coat, Lee Sang-soon proudly comments, "Ji-won is really good at these things," and praises him for offering food to his date first, saying, "Such good manners." Lee Hyori, too, becomes emotionally invested, describing the date as "touching and beautiful," akin to a scene from a movie. This raises curiosity about Jung Ji-won's second date that moved Lee Hyori.

Meanwhile, Lee Hyori and Lee Sang-soon express their pride in the 'Mongle-ssi,' who have grown since their first dates, saying, "They're now love experts." The deepening romance narratives of the 'Mongle-ssi' promise to deliver a more profound impact in the second episode of 'Mongle Counseling Center,' heightening anticipation.

SBS Special 'My Heart is Mongle Mongle - Mongle Counseling Center' will air its second episode on the 15th at 11:05 PM.

Reporter: Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr