The latest season of the popular dating reality show ‘I Am Solo’ concluded with a significant milestone: four couples successfully formed by the end of Season 32, a special “Dolsing” (divorced individuals) edition. The episode, broadcast on SBS Plus and ENA, chronicled the final dates and choices of the remaining participants, culminating in these four pairings receiving enthusiastic viewer support.
The “Super Date” Challenge and Its Aftermath
Leading up to the final selection, the contestants engaged in a team-based “Super Date” challenge, a first for the show. The competition was fierce between the “Solo Team” and the “Nara Team.” A key event in this challenge was the “Stone Finding” game, where participants had to identify a stone slightly lighter than a golf ball. The “Solo Team” secured victory in this round thanks to a strategic approach. The final game, a relay race, also saw the “Solo Team” emerge victorious, with a determined runner pushing through despite a fall.
As a result of winning the “Super Date”권 (rights), the “Solo Team” members had the opportunity to choose their partners for extended dates. Young-cheol, a member of the winning team, immediately asked Young-ja, who was on the same team, for a date, expressing a desire to resolve past misunderstandings. Young-ja reciprocated, also intending to use her “Super Date”권 on him. Meanwhile, Jung-hee chose Young-ho, who she felt hadn’t had a proper date yet. Soon-ja proposed a strategic exchange to Young-soo: she would use her “Super Date”권 on him if he used his on Jung-sook. Although Young-soo initially intended to use his권 on Soon-ja, he ultimately chose Jung-sook after Soon-ja’s persuasive argument.
However, both Young-soo and Jung-sook expressed reservations. Jung-sook felt that Young-soo hadn’t genuinely chosen her but rather felt obligated due to the strategic arrangement. Young-soo, in turn, was disappointed that Soon-ja seemed to prioritize her potential connection with Jung-sook over their own possibility.
Final Dates Reveal Deepening Connections and Lingering Doubts
Young-ho and Jung-hee embarked on their date filled with anticipation. During their conversation over song-uh-hoe (raw fish), they openly discussed marriage and family. Young-ho expressed confidence in their compatibility, predicting they wouldn’t have major arguments. Jung-hee echoed this sentiment, stating that Young-ho seemed like a better potential husband than a boyfriend, indicating a strong desire to get to know him better.
Soon-ja’s date with Young-soo was marked by a direct confrontation. Soon-ja questioned if there had been any development in their feelings, to which Young-soo responded with disappointment, noting a lack of effort to build a connection. In a later interview, Young-soo likened the experience to opening a lottery ticket with low odds, stating he wasn’t overly disappointed but had firmly decided to move on from Soon-ja.
Young-soo’s date with Jung-sook showed a sweeter side, with him fastening her seatbelt. Jung-sook revealed a willingness to have children if she met the right person, a sentiment Young-soo, who desires a large family after remarriage, welcomed. However, the mood shifted when Young-soo brought up practical matters like inheritance and prenuptial agreements, creating a somber atmosphere. In her interview, Jung-sook described the conversation as feeling like a “wall” had been erected between them. Young-soo admitted that the “powerful attraction” wasn’t strong enough to overcome these practical concerns.
Meanwhile, Young-cheol and Young-ja used their “Super Date” to clear the air. Young-ja confessed her past feelings for Young-cheol, and he apologized for his reactive behavior, acknowledging his own emotional investment. Despite this reconciliation, Young-ja decided to end their romantic pursuit, citing faded feelings due to repeated conflicts and wishing him well in finding someone else. Young-cheol, in his interview, attributed their incompatibility to personality differences from the outset and expressed regret for not exploring other connections more deeply.
A Misspoken Word and a Last-Minute Apology
As the final selection approached, a candid moment occurred when Young-sik, discussing his ideal type, mistakenly revealed his external ideal was Soon-ja while his internal ideal was Young-sook. This slip of the tongue visibly affected Young-sook, who later expressed her hurt to other participants, questioning why he would make such a remark in front of everyone at such a crucial time.
The following morning, Ok-soon prepared a special breakfast for Kwang-soo, declaring him her “number one.” She expressed feeling a sense of security and trust from his consistent support. Kwang-soo, moved by her declaration, went to the rooftop and shouted his gratitude for reigniting his heart. He presented her with flowers and a handwritten letter, promising to always be by her side.
Hyun-sook also took the initiative with Kyung-soo. Having been interested in him since their first meeting but frustrated by his lack of overt expression, she decided to make her feelings known. Kyung-soo readily accepted her advance, confirming his readiness.
Young-ho and Jung-hee had their final conversation. Jung-hee tearfully expressed her anxieties about starting a new relationship with a child. Young-ho offered comforting words, assuring her that he would be there to support her every step of the way, encouraging her to take a leap of faith together.
Young-sik, realizing his earlier misstatement, made amends. He apologized for his bluntness at a brunch cafe and prepared a surprise for Young-sook, including a bouquet of her favorite freesias, a cake, and a meal. Despite his awkwardness, Young-sook was touched by his efforts and forgave him, her anger dissipating into a smile.
The Final Choices: Four Couples Formed
The final selection began. Kwang-soo chose Ok-soon, who reciprocated, marking the first official couple of the season. Sang-cheol, Young-soo, Jung-sook, Soon-ja, Young-cheol, and Young-ja all chose not to select a partner, ending their journeys on the show.
Kyung-soo confirmed his decision, stating his feelings for Hyun-sook remained unchanged, and she chose him in return, forming the second couple. Young-ho, arriving slightly late, selected Jung-hee. Jung-hee, feeling assured and confident in Young-ho, chose him as well, wanting to explore their relationship further in the real world. This marked the third couple.
Finally, Young-sik and Young-sook chose each other, solidifying the fourth and final couple of Season 32. The “Dolsing” special concluded with these four couples embarking on their new relationships.
What’s Next for ‘I Am Solo’
Following the “Dolsing” edition, Season 33 is set to feature a “Motae Solo” (individuals who have never been in a relationship) special. ‘I Am Solo’ airs every Wednesday at 10:30 PM KST on SBS Plus and ENA.
