In the 31st installment of the popular dating reality show I’m SOLO, aired on ENA and SBS Plus, 14 out of 31 male contestants selected the ‘first date state’ during the initial date lineup, sparking intense competition among the solo participants.
First Date Selections Ignite Passion
The episode featured solos making bold choices in the ‘big day date’ and ‘mutual selection’ segments. Despite the pressure, many men opted for the first state post-selection, driven by strong first impressions and lingering affections. One young woman exclaimed, “I’m going out!” upon realizing the situation, overwhelming her partner who responded straightforwardly.
After the interview, she reflected, “I was so nervous at home. That’s why I started with that style.” Meanwhile, pairs like Young-ho and Ok-soon, as well as Young-sik and Jeong-hee, successfully formed stable 1:1 dates.
Unexpected Group Dates and Rejections
Anticipating solo women’s interest, another contestant arranged a 2:1 date with Soon-ja and Young-ja. However, Young-cheol and Kwang-soo faced rejection, landing in the ‘fixed Jeong-sik’ waiting group.
Candid moments emerged during dates. Young-sik and Jeong-hee shared a playful TikTok dance inside a cafe. Young-sik grabbed her hand during a song, prompting MCs Defcon, Lee Yi-kyung, and Song Ha-na to react, “That seems sweet.” Jeong-hee shyly admitted, “My heart raced more at home,” flipping a pink board in excitement.
In Ok-soon and Young-ho’s date, tension built as Ok-soon directly asked about Young-ho’s type, saying, “Your vibe feels so strong,” while Young-ho responded awkwardly. Their conversation lacked depth, but Young-ho showed a happy expression, noting, “I think we could do the final selection.”
Flirtatious Exchanges and MC Commentary
During Kwang-soo’s 2:1 date with Soon-ja and Young-ja, flirting ensued. Soon-ja teased, “He’s the best-looking one I’ve seen,” while Young-ja used a sweet, lingering tone to captivate Kwang-soo. In their 1:1 talk, Soon-ja openly stated, “I’ve never seen anyone prettier overall.” She added, “Even the first selection was quite shocking,” dubbing it ‘Soon-jaebo.’
Kwang-soo responded in the interview, “Soon-ja has even more interest in me.” Sang-cheol and Young-sook’s ‘2:1’ date missed expectations, confirming personal preferences through early choices. Though a 1:1 date occurred without sweetness, their talk revealed a famous tension vibe.
MC Defcon noted during Young-sook’s emotionless scene, “The main point of the conversation is hidden,” while Song Ha-na teased, “He’s shy.”
Shifting Alliances and Final Thoughts
Young-sook and Jeong-sook’s date lacked sparkle. Jeong-sook muttered internally, “(For partners with interest in the middle) It’s all the same,” and Young-sook replied, “No comment.” This moment divided opinions.
Post-date, Young-sook told the production team, “(To Jeong-sook) That attraction wasn’t thick enough.” Those who missed first dates returned to the dorms. To ease fixed Jeong-sik worries, Kwang-soo and Young-cheol bravely persisted.
Kwang-soo fully conveyed another woman’s feelings to Young-sook, but she countered, “Attraction feels like a temporary itch—it’s not deep.” Kwang-soo pressed, “Isn’t that becoming real?” One-sided Young-cheol said, “Even Young-ja wants to see you more (and eat),” but Young-ja pinged in interview, “Kwang-soo still has more heart.” Young-cheol exaggerated internally, “(Heart is) bigger for Young-sook.”
Young-sook revisited Soon-ja but received a direct response: “(Instant danoltenni feel) It’s okay.” Post-match, Soon-ja declared in interview, “Heart-wise, first Kwang-soo, second Young-sook!” securing ‘Kwang-soo direct win.’
Sang-cheol advised Ok-soon, “Someone you want to see and eat with has two names,” but Ok-soon insisted, “Tonight, I focus on Young-ho.” Later, she reflected, “(Sang-cheol’s heart partner) Saying two names was just bluffing,” and “I was really embarrassed.”
Sang-cheol pushed Jeong-hee again, “I want to go on a big meal date and see,” assigning ‘Plan B.’ Jeong-hee responded positively, “I’d like to have more talks.”
Closing Anticipation
In a final sincere talk, Kwang-soo pressed Young-sook: “I told them my side. I didn’t hold back because of jealousy, so no interest in that seat.” Kwang-soo explained, “There was a misunderstanding. (With interest) It’s not in my name.” He joked, “I did the date once,” while Young-sook countered in interview, “He has good reasons, charm, and talent— that’s why.”
Kwang-soo added, “Soon-ja and Young-sook are 7 to 3.” Post-date, women in the dorm overwhelmingly favored Kwang-soo. Young-sook admitted, “Talking revealed thicker interest,” and Young-ja pinged, “Still number one is Kwang-soo.”
Especially, charismatic Soon-ja confessed to production, “I can’t sleep otherwise, so I’m thinking he’s the best,” inducing ‘Kwang-soo Asi.’
In the preview, Young-sik and Jeong-sook showed new tension vibes. Jeong-sook confessed, “Young-sik entered my heart,” with Jeong-hee tearing up over capture. Defcon hyped, “It’s not just one thing—it’s a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish. The essence of jealousy will unfold next!”
The next episode airs on the 22nd at 10:30 PM on ENA and SBS Plus.
