The dating program "Pursuing Old Encounters" heated up this summer with harmlessness instead of dopamine.
From June 16, KBS Joy, KBS2, and GTV simultaneously broadcasted "Pursuing Old Encounters" seasons 2 and 3 (hereafter "Omancho") for 12 weeks, capturing viewers' hearts with the candid love stories of 15 stars aged 40 and above, embarked on a project to revisit extinguished connections among singles in the entertainment industry.
In particular, season 2 featured Lee Hyung-chul, Lee Gi-chan, Park Kwang-jae, Lee Sang-jun, Wax, Park Eun-hye, Shin Bong-sun, and Kang Se-jeong, showcasing beautiful authenticity that is imperfect, while season 3 featured Song Byeong-cheol, Park Kwang-jae, Lee Kyu-han, Lee Kyeon, Jang So-yeon, Hwang Bo, Solbi, and Hong-ja, demonstrating courageous choices without regrets, successfully completing a mature romance that only adults can show.
◆ "Omancho" season 2, the emotion conveyed by imperfection
The season 2 cast were more tightly woven by connections than other seasons. In particular, Wax, Park Eun-hye, Shin Bong-sun, and Kang Se-jeong were all individuals who had some connection to Lee Gi-chan, making him a perfect match for the show's intention. However, with the missed 4-way love line connecting Park Kwang-jae, Kang Se-jeong, Lee Gi-chan, and Park Eun-hye, no couple formed a connection in season 2.
Though it did not develop into a relationship, the authenticity of the season 2 cast shone through. Park Kwang-jae confessed that he felt excitement again after a long time through "Omancho," and the tears of regret following their missed connections, as well as the mutual affection felt between Lee Sang-jun and Wax, who ultimately could not overcome the age gap of older woman-younger man, stirred viewers' empathy.
◆ "Omancho" season 3, two couples born from courageous choices without regrets
In season 3, the couples Hong-ja♥Park Kwang-jae and Hwang Bo♥Song Byeong-cheol were born. Participating again in season 3 after season 2, Park Kwang-jae felt psychological pressure due to his return but vowed to make a choice without regrets. He courageously confessed to Hong-ja, who opened her heart to his sincerity.
Song Byeong-cheol and Hwang Bo maintained their feelings from their first meeting throughout. Although they did not even get a chance to date during their connection journey, the two did not forget the emotions from their first meeting and completed a beautiful relationship.
Additionally, Lee Gyu-han's mature decision to forgo his final choice, saying, "I want to protect my friends," along with Jang So-yeon's warm sentiments towards Park Kwang-jae as "as a friend" warmed viewers' hearts.
◆ "Omancho," a dating show with a different tone
The biggest attraction of "Omancho" lies in its harmlessness, which differentiates it from existing dating shows. Instead of provocative conflicts, it cherishes connections and shows a mature, sincere exchange of emotions, providing viewers with a comforting sense of emotional impact and awakening their dating instincts.
Many viewers are eagerly awaiting season 4 of "Omancho," which delivered intense emotional experiences this summer with seasons 2 and 3. The production team stated, "Even if it is not perfect, we were able to witness how beautiful a sincere romance among adults can be," and expressed hope that viewers would wait for the day when they could rekindle connections with other old acquaintances.
[Photo] Provided by KBS Joy-KBS2 "Pursuing Old Encounters"
[OSEN]