As K-pop fans eagerly follow the latest in Korean variety shows, the recent ratings dip in MBC's 'I Live Alone' is stirring up discussions.
The show, featuring An Jae-hyun and Lee Joo-seung, saw its viewership slide to 5.7%, down 1.1% from the previous week. An Jae-hyun's lack of a distinct edge as a guest and Lee Joo-seung's subdued energy have drawn criticism, suggesting that their segments fail to engage viewers on a lively Friday night. This drop follows previous high ratings of 7.9% and 5.1% in earlier episodes, indicating a troubling trend for the long-running series.
During its 570th episode aired on October 8, An Jae-hyun's experience of having a wisdom tooth extracted was featured, alongside Lee Joo-seung’s visit to a wedding venue for his brother's nuptials. However, the combination of An’s low-key presence and Lee’s monotonous daily life left viewers wanting more excitement. Additionally, the competition from SBS’s 'The Fiery Priest 2' further diminished interest in 'I Live Alone.'
Insiders suggest that many celebrities are now hesitant to appear on 'I Live Alone' due to concerns over privacy and the intense scrutiny that comes with reality TV. The fear of being stalked by overly enthusiastic fans and the pressure to provide thrilling content make committing to the show daunting. This has led producers to struggle with recruiting fresh talent while looping back to already familiar faces, which may not guarantee the spark needed to revitalize the show.
As 'I Live Alone' celebrates over a decade on air, viewers are increasingly calling for a transformative change to keep the show's charm alive. There's a growing consensus that the program needs to evolve beyond its current format to re-engage its audience. The call for innovative and dynamic episodes could mark a pivotal moment for the beloved variety show.