Review: This is a review article written after watching the broadcast.
The 'Monggle counseling center,' which opened in winter 2025, featured the couple known as a model pair in the entertainment industry, Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon, serving as the counseling center directors. The couple, married for 14 years, appeared as dating mentors helping young people with developmental disabilities who dream of love, the so-called "Monggle-ssi," offering warm advice.
SBS special "My heart is monggle-monggle counseling center" had its first broadcast on the 8th.
That day, the two said they would become practice partners for Monggle-ssi preparing for their first blind dates, help them think through coordinating outfits to leave a good impression on dates, and support them closely as dating counselors. Especially while looking through the application postcards that covered the counseling center wall, Lee Hyori expressed anticipation, saying, "It would be nice to try blind dates and fall in love here."
Reading a story on a postcard that said "I want to have affectionate physical contact," Lee Hyori candidly asked, "Our physical contact has been too little for too long — can we mentor that?" which drew laughter.
When the first Monggle client appeared, Lee Hyori greeted the guest in person and asked, "We are a married couple — do you know who we are?" The client answered, "I don't know," and Lee Hyori showed a momentary look of embarrassment at the unexpected reaction. The client then said, "You're just so pretty and handsome," and Lee Hyori introduced herself, "Thank you. We are singers. I am Lee Hyori." Hearing this, the client exclaimed, "Oh? It's Lee Hyori!" and was surprised. When Lee Hyori asked, "Are you very different from the screen?" the client honestly replied, "Yes," causing the set to erupt in laughter. Lee Hyori laughed heartily and eased the mood.
The second Monggle client then arrived and honestly expressed, "I want to date." To the third client, the two asked, "Do you know us?" and the client replied, "I know Lee Hyori." When Lee Sang Soon asked, "You don't know me?" the client honestly said, "I don't know," and Lee Hyori laughed, "He's my husband. We are a married couple."
But as the counseling continued, heartbreaking stories were also revealed. One Monggle client said, "I have no friends," and confessed, "I was afraid they would dislike me because I'm disabled, so I couldn't even ask for phone numbers." He recalled being bullied, saying, "It was very hard at school. They said intellectual disability spreads and told others not to play with me." He added, "It was so hard that I once went up to the roof to jump," and tearfully recalled, "A male teacher stopped me. He said, 'I know it's hard. But going to the roof is not the answer. I'll help you.'" He also said, "I don't know why I have an intellectual disability," adding to the sorrow.
Hearing this, Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon warmly consoled him, saying, "That must have been really hard." The two encouraged him, saying, "You look so bright now. You can be our friend from now on," and "I think you'll soon meet a girlfriend you love. We sincerely support your first blind date." The Monggle client also showed determination about the new challenge, saying, "It's my first time so I'm clumsy, but I'll try my best. I'll make an effort. Fighting."
In addition, directors Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon actively supported the Monggle-ssi's blind dates with sunshine-like warmth. Lee Hyori accompanied them shopping for blind date fashion, imparting coordination tips and ways to appeal their charms, and took responsibility for mental care by helping them relax with yoga. Lee Sang Soon drew attention by acting as a reliable helper, thinking through date courses together.
[Photo] "Monggle counseling center"
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