Kim Dae-ho of 'Ana84' returned as a 'high-earning freelancer,' and SHINee's Key is set to unveil a newly brightened Han River view dwelling. While they are all bright, the heavy burden of relative deprivation cannot be escaped, which weighs on the shoulders of the production team.

In the MBC entertainment program 'I Live Alone' aired on 21st, Kim Dae-ho, a member of the Rainbow Team, made his comeback after two months. He was a broadcaster at MBC before, but after resigning, he returned to 'I Live Alone' as a freelance entertainer.

Not being a regular employee, he enjoyed his rest during weekday afternoons and clearly delineated the boundary between work and rest, unlike in the past when he was so busy that he rested only one or two days a month. His close friend Kian84 noted, "It seems like he didn’t declare freelance work but has actually retired," which brought laughter.

The returned Kim Dae-ho seemed unchanged. He made spring vegetable bibimbap and ate it hurriedly, much like during his 'Ana84' days. The members of 'I Live Alone' teased him, saying, "He was much more relaxed when he went to buy comics during his broadcasting days." The studio was different. Seemingly feeling the burden of comments and coverage, he engaged in talks passionately, prompting Kian84 to ask, "Why are you so rushed?" To which 'freelance senior' Jeon Hyun-moo added, "Freelancers have to squeeze out their efforts."

Correspondingly, in the preview aired at the end of the same day, a glimpse into SHINee's Key's daily life after moving to a Han River view dwelling was shown. He appeared to have moved to the top floor, boasting a more open Han River view than before, with his dogs running on the grassy terrace in the heart of Seoul, and the interior of the home being more vibrant, which left viewers in awe. The 'high-earning freelancer' Kim Dae-ho and SHINee's Key, who moved into a more lavish Han River view dwelling, stirred envy among 'I Live Alone' viewers.

However, this has been a consistent dilemma for 'I Live Alone' since its broadcast began. Envy can easily evoke a sense of relative deprivation at the same time. Kim Dae-ho, for instance, has reportedly received a massive signing bonus from his agency One Hundred and is gaining attention as a 'high-earning freelancer.' The process of his resignation, marked by his high popularity, has made it difficult to detach from descriptors like 'high-earning,' 'signing bonus,' and 'freelancer.' Given that his humble appearance has garnered favor, it seems Kim Dae-ho's image on 'I Live Alone' is entering a transitional phase before it can be as familiar as before.

Key's new home is similar; there has been ample 'respect' for the time and achievements he has made as a member of SHINee and an idol on 'I Live Alone.' Nevertheless, the repeated emphasis on his glamorous lifestyle has quickly increased the distance between viewers and 'top idol' SHINee's Key.

Of course, since 'I Live Alone' has been airing for 12 years, it has sought new members whenever viewers might tire of the glamorous lifestyle, balancing between simplicity and lavishness. Immediately behind SHINee's Key's splendid home, there was also humor in the daily life of actor Lee Joo-seung, who climbs mountains for his overweight dog’s diet.

However, audiences often rally behind relatable figures like actor Ko Seung-hwan. When someone they feel comfortable supporting grows, the public tends to send admiration and encouragement regardless of how glamorous they are. Creating such figures is the ongoing dilemma faced by the production team of 'I Live Alone.'

[Photo] Provided by MBC.

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