The choice of Lee Gyu-han, who received a full vote, was Solbi.
On the broadcast of KBS2's "Pursuing Old Encounters" on the 28th, the appearance of season 3 participants coming together to find their connections was depicted.
Lee Gyu-han emerged as the first member of season 3 of "Pursuing Old Encounters." Then singer Hwangbo appeared, and the two quickly became close due to shared acquaintances with 'Kim Young-cheol' and the commonality of being born in 1980. Following them, comedian Song Byeong-cheol, actress Jang So-yeon, singer and painter Solbi, and actor Lee Kyeon appeared one after another, filling the season 3 spot of "Pursuing Old Encounters."
Among them, the program planner and 'chooser' Song Eun-i joined the members. Song Eun-i noted, "I feel a sense of familiarity and friendship with everyone. In particular, I have gone to their house with Lee Gyu-han and watched horror movies together under the same blanket," which raised strong suspicions. Following Song Eun-i, Park Kwang-jae, who couldn't find a connection in season 2 of "Pursuing Old Encounters," joined the season 3 cast, drawing attention. Although it was believed there were 8 members in season 3 of "Pursuing Old Encounters," the appearance of singer Hongja caused a stir again. It turned out that Song Eun-i was not a member but a 'chooser,' and with Hongja, there were 8 members in season 3 of "Pursuing Old Encounters."
Lee Kyeon, known as a famous CEO in Vietnam, cited Hwangbo as someone he wanted to see. He said, "When I was very young, I liked her quite a bit. It wasn't romantic. In 2003, we went on a special Guam trip for 'War of Roses,' and her personality was different from when we met privately, which I liked. She's someone who evokes both nostalgia and warmth in me, and she truly hasn't changed," he remarked. Hwangbo added, "I was very surprised. To me, he's endlessly shy and childlike, and I wondered if because he liked me I had to think seriously about it."
At this time, a text arrived for the members stating that the journey of season 3 of "Pursuing Old Encounters" had begun and asking them to introduce themselves. Lee Gyu-han said, "I came here because I want to meet good friends. These days, I really want to talk, but there are quite a few days where I go by without saying even one word, as I tend to stay home. Upon entering my 40s and reflecting on my acting life, the biggest regret has been not having friends. Because I felt insecure about work, I viewed my colleagues as competitors and couldn't maintain friendships. I felt I lived wrongly because I had no one to confide in, which is why I came here," he said. Hongja and Solbi appreciated Lee Gyu-han's sincerity and showed favorable feelings.
Following that, Hwangbo introduced herself. Hwangbo said, "I've been featured in many dating variety shows. Back then, it was hard to even contact people. I hope it goes well, and even if it doesn't, I hope there's a strong camaraderie, so I think it's a fitting program. I decided to participate due to my trust in Song Eun-i, and it seems that a day of expectations has begun after coming without any." Song Eun-i remarked, "I traveled to Israel with Hwangbo, and she was extremely popular with Arab men," to which Hwangbo replied, "At first, it was fascinating, but later it became annoying."
Song Byeong-cheol stated, "I have many hobbies, but I've been fishing a lot. In the past, I did date, but at some point, as I got older, I thought about getting married after making money. The more I worked hard and saved, the later the timing for marriage got, and I stopped dating in my early 40s. As time passed, I became more cautious and difficult about dating, so I wanted to revive my dating instincts and thought perhaps I could find a good connection, which is why I decided to participate. Now, I want to date instead of going fishing," he expressed his aspirations. Song Byeong-cheol's ideal type is a woman who doesn't smoke, drinks moderately, and doesn't curse. The '5-year smoke-free' Song Byeong-cheol and the '9-year smoke-free' Lee Gyu-han evoked a strange sense of camaraderie and laughter. Jang So-yeon showed her admiration for Song Byeong-cheol, saying he seems physically and emotionally healthy.
Jang So-yeon said, "I'm feeling excited and expectant," and proceeded to introduce herself using English, Chinese, Japanese, and Yanbian dialect to hide her nervousness. Jang So-yeon explained that she doesn't usually get nervous when filming, but she feels shy during group photos or selfies when traveling, sharing her hobby of shopping for traditional clothing while traveling. She mentioned wanting to wear Ao Dai when she was in her 20s and left for Vietnam with her sister, presenting uniqueness different from Solbi.
Lee Kyeon said, "I chose my stage name to brighten the dark times when I debuted in 1997. My real name is Yang Sang-mo. I am running a travel business in Vietnam, where I aimlessly left to sort everything out. I neither easily get addicted to something, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage. I have tried golf, but it was only for a year. Once I get somewhat proficient, I move on to the next thing, including dating. So, that's how I ended up here. It's not a contractual relationship. Although I came here alone, I hope to build connections by either receiving promises or sharing flight tickets to show where I live," he shared. Solbi expressed her admiration for Lee Kyeon's pursuit of a different life.
Solbi said, "After starting my painting hobby as a singer, it has led me to a new career as an artist for 15 years. I dated in my 20s, but during my 30s, I immersed myself entirely in my art, causing dating to take a back seat. However, I never failed in the pursuits I was determined to follow since childhood. It was important to have the right mindset. These days, I feel like dating a bit, so I'm thinking about who I might have some playful banter with. I consider this time we are spending together as a good memory, and I will try to enjoy it as much as possible," she expressed. Solbi revealed that since turning 20, she has had serious relationships about five times and mentioned a person she hopes would approach her, piquing curiosity.
The youngest of season 3, Hongja, said, "In reality, I have a bright and loving personality. I don't like exercising, but I did well and continued for a long time; I enjoy staying at home, but I interact well with friends. I don't like water, but I got a boating license," Hongja said, adding, "There are both sides to me. I didn't intend to, but I'm not bound by any boundaries." Hongja, who tends to have long relationships, stated that she wants to meet older men but keeps attracting younger ones, expressing her current desire to date someone older. She identified her ideal type as a manly person with sad eyes. Park Kwang-jae commented, "Every single one was fun. There seems to be a quirky charm as well," showing his admiration.
Re-examine student Park Kwang-jae mentioned, "I've come back without shame. I've been a basketball player for 20 years and have been acting for 13 years. You might ask, 'Why are you back again?' If it was painful, I consider it an experience, and if it was enjoyable, it's a memory. Having had those experiences, I want to make good memories this time. While acting as an actor, I haven't been able to do a melodrama, so I've come here wanting to shoot a melodrama that I couldn't do before," he noted, eliciting excitement as he mentioned he has someone in mind he wants to shoot the melodrama with. Hongja and Jang So-yeon looked at Park Kwang-jae earnestly, giving him a good gaze.
With 'chooser' Song Eun-i absent, initial interest texts arrived. If hearts align, they could go on a late-night driving date, and Park Kwang-jae first expressed, "I felt a connection to her bright smile," choosing Hongja. However, Hongja responded, "As I opened up about hardships I've faced that were hard to express, I became more interested in getting to know Lee Gyu-han."
Solbi also chose Lee Gyu-han, saying, "It was a new side to hear during the introduction. I was curious about how it would be when we are together." Lee Gyu-han, chosen by Hongja and Solbi, remarked, "I always have fun memories because of this person," and selected Solbi, marking the birth of the first couple based on initial interest.
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