An unexpected controversy over exclusion and behind-the-back talk has erupted on a dating program that should be all about dopamine-filled excitement. I'm SOLO season 31 has become a hot potato amid allegations that some contestants engaged in ostracism. Instead of a dating show, a huge human experiment has unfolded in Solo Land.
On the ENA and SBS Plus entertainment show I'm SOLO (abbreviated as I'm SOLO) currently airing, season 31's Solo Land is in full swing. I'm SOLO season 31, which opened its first episode on the 1st of last month, at first seemed to present scenes no different from other ordinary seasons. But as episodes progressed, unexpected problems surfaced. It is reportedly the series' first-ever case of collective ostracism.
Viewers see the victim as Sunja, one of the female contestants of I'm SOLO season 31. Fellow season 31 contestants Oksun, Youngsuk and Junghui have not hesitated to speak ill of Sunja both to her face and behind her back, continuing remarks that mock or criticize her.
Sunja of I'm SOLO season 31 is also aware of the sharp atmosphere directed at her and is suffering inwardly. She pauses at the door of the lodging when she hears people speaking ill of her, briefly shows tears outside the lodging to compose herself, and even suffered acute gastric cramps from stress.
Nevertheless, some contestants such as Oksun, Youngsuk and Junghui did not show consideration for Sunja; during a mission game they even misinterpreted tripping over their own feet as Sunja having tripped them, and they burst into laughing in a mocking way in front of Sunja as she suffered from stomach cramps. When Sunja left the table because of ostracism, they waited without having breakfast. Not out of concern for her meal, but as if setting the table was Sunja's job, none of the contestants lifted a finger and only began preparing food after Sunja returned.
It is such an immature scene to regard this as conflict arising among adult men and women meeting for the first time competing for successful romances. The situation in the Solo Land lodging among fully grown adults was so thoughtless it evoked school violence among minors. Fans of I'm SOLO are rubbing their eyes in shock, wondering, "Am I watching a dating show?"
As a result, the biggest interest in I'm SOLO season 31 has focused on how the confrontation between Sunja and those excluding her — Oksun, Youngsuk and Junghui — will be resolved in Solo Land. Whether a real-life couple emerges among the contestants or a final couple is formed has long been erased from viewers' minds. Even I'm SOLO hosts Defconn, Song Hae-na and Lee Yi-kyung at times are left speechless when the ostracism dynamic involving Sunja, Oksun, Youngsuk and Junghui appears.
The thrill and stimulation that come from contestants' romantic feelings — the pure fun of what is commonly called a dating show. Of course, throughout its series I'm SOLO has built a distinctive identity beyond simple romance by showcasing episodes featuring many divorced singles and remarkable contestant performances, allowing viewers to appreciate unexpected charms and activities of ordinary contestants. The accumulated diverse expressions of contestants' humanity now appear in I'm SOLO season 31 like a vast experiment in humanity and goodwill.
Nam Gyu-hong, the producer who directed the I'm SOLO series, has previously cited the program's strength as "ordinary contestants being able to objectively see themselves through broadcast footage in ways they can't elsewhere." While filming began and some contestants such as Sunja, Oksun, Youngsuk and Junghui used pseudonyms for broadcast and immersed themselves in the setting, they appear to have forgotten the trappings of being mature members of society in exchange for focusing solely on Solo Land. Will they be able to reflect on their objective selves in response to viewers' harsh criticism while watching the broadcast?
Production staff of I'm SOLO told OSEN regarding the currently heated controversy over season 31's broadcasts that they "plan to air it according to the flow of the content," expressing a firm editing policy. It has reached a point where, despite viewer criticism, it is difficult to edit out portions related to ostracism. Without these parts, one cannot understand the flow of I'm SOLO season 31. One must salute the databases densely filled in I'm SOLO's human experiment as to where so many viral ordinary contestants keep gathering nonstop.
Coincidentally, I'm SOLO conducts a live broadcast on the production company's Chonjang Entertainment official YouTube channel to coincide with each season's final episode. How will the season 31 contestants who will gather again present themselves on that stage? The remaining content of I'm SOLO season 31 is expected to draw hotter attention than ever.
[Photo] Provided by ENA.
[OSEN]