The newly launched 'Pursuing Old Encounters' Season 3 once again stimulates excitement.
On the 28th, 'Pursuing Old Encounters' (hereafter 'POE') aired on KBS Joy, KBS2, and GTV, recording a 2.4% viewer rating (Nielsen Korea, nationwide). This marks an increase of 0.5 percentage points from the final episode of Season 2 aired last week. Considering that Season 2 fluctuated between 1.3% and 2.0%, this is an encouraging start.
With a total of eight cast members, including Song Byeong-cheol, Lee Gyu-han, Park Gwang-jae, Lee Kyun, Jang So-yeon, Hwang Bo, Solbi, and Hong-ja, interest is growing in how they will develop their love lines. We looked into the upcoming viewing points for Season 3 of 'POE'.
◆ Will old acquaintances turn into lasting lovers?
Among the old acquaintances that captured attention during the first meeting, Hwang Bo and Lee Kyun stood out. The two first met 22 years ago on KBS2's 'Mountain Lodge Meeting - The Rose War,' and Lee Kyun candidly confessed, "I really liked Hwang Bo at that time." Hwang Bo, who learned Lee Kyun's feelings for the first time, remarked, "I remember he was quite shy; was that because he liked me? It made me think seriously about our long-standing connection."
Solbi and Lee Gyu-han, who built their connection eight years ago on the same entertainment program, chose each other in the first impression vote. Solbi said, "I was curious about what it would be like when the two of us are together," while Lee Gyu-han noted, "I think it would be more fun together," confirming mutual attraction. Having chosen each other in the first impression vote, the two even got the opportunity for a late-night drive date. Although Lee Gyu-han acknowledged dating Yoo Jeong, formerly of the girl group BBB, in September 2023, they broke up in August last year after one year together. This has heightened interest in the direction of Lee Gyu-han and Solbi's relationship.
Additionally, the reappearance of Season 2 member Park Gwang-jae caught attention. He mentioned, "I want to create good memories" and talked about his courage to join once again. There is anticipation surrounding whether Park Gwang-jae's genuine desire to try his hand at romance will become a reality.
◆ The youngest lineup in history…closer distance
The biggest difference in Season 3 is the age range. The average age of the cast for Season 3 is 44, younger than the average age of 52 for Season 1 and 46 for Season 2. The age difference between the youngest cast member, Hong-ja, and the oldest, Song Byeong-cheol, is only six years, making it easier for them to form peer consciousness and empathy.
Lee Gyu-han candidly shared during his introduction, "Looking back on my acting life now that I'm in my 40s, I feel a sense of regret that I have no friends. I have no one to open my heart to." He also mentioned, "I had an inferiority complex. At some point, my colleagues appeared as competitors," revealing deep feelings. This unique concern and reflection from being in their 40s is expected to resonate deeply among the cast of the same age group, becoming a point of attraction.
◆ Changes in rules, excitement evolves
Changes in rules are also a new point of interest. Unlike previous seasons, in Season 3, only the man and woman who chose each other in the first impression vote will have the opportunity for a one-on-one late-night drive date. Lee Gyu-han and Solbi are the first recipients of this benefit, raising curiosity about how their date will influence future developments.
The format of the first date in the connection journey has also changed. In Season 1, the pair decided to date based on tracksuit colors, while in Season 2, they chose between camping, cycling, yachting, or tennis. In contrast, in this Season 3, the female participants will directly choose their partners from the first date. The decisions made by the female cast members are expected to serve as significant turning points for the romantic connections in Season 3.
Meanwhile, 'Pursuing Old Encounters' airs simultaneously every Monday at 9:50 p.m. on KBS Joy, KBS2, and GTV.
[Photo=KBS Joy-KBS2 'Pursuing Old Encounters' Season 3 provided]
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