"I Live Alone" is defending its Friday night variety show crown thanks to the efforts of comedian Kim Shin-young.
On May 18, MBC said the variety show "I Live Alone" ranked first among variety programs in the 20-54 weekly ratings for the second week of May 2026. In that sector, "I Live Alone" held the variety crown for three consecutive weeks. In particular, at the center of that success was Kim Shin-young, who recently joined "I Live Alone."
On May 15, Kim Shin-young revealed her postwork homebody routine on "I Live Alone." Thanks to that, the show recorded a nationwide 5.3% rating from Nielsen Korea that day. It was the highest figure among Friday variety shows that day. In the 20-54 rating category the broadcast registered 3%. It was the highest figure not only among Friday variety shows but among weekly variety shows as well.
That day the show's peak minute rating rose as high as 6.3%, and the "best minute" also featured Kim Shin-young. During recording, Kim Shin-young, who was suffering from laryngitis, drank a bowl of crushed strawberries as if it were a restorative soup, and the moment recorded the peak rating. In addition, her decadelong self-haircut, meticulous bathroom cleaning like a new home, and restorative-course mukbangs showcased Kim Shin-young's unique, fulfilling solo everyday life, thrilling viewers of "I Live Alone."
In this way, veteran entertainer and comedian Kim Shin-young's realistic yet laugh-inducing presence has been well received. A preview of "I Live Alone" also teased the addition of another comedian, Lee Seon-min, raising expectations further. Attention is focused on the trajectory of "I Live Alone," which captures both realism and laughter.
[Photo] Provided by MBC.
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