They say being treated like an “invisible person” is scarier than talking behind someone’s back. SBS Plus and ENA’s hit dating show “I Am Solo” is facing a massive backlash as its latest season is embroiled in a controversy over “clique culture,” something rarely seen in dating variety shows.
In the recent episodes of Season 31, scenes emerged showing some contestants belittling or manipulating conversations around female contestant “Sunja,” creating an atmosphere of collective isolation where she was treated as if she weren’t even there.
There were moments where other contestants spoke critically of Sunja even though she was in the next room and could easily hear them. Sunja expressed her distress, saying, “The girls’ talk in that room is scary,” and was unable to even step outside, leaving viewers absolutely furious.
Viewers are reacting strongly because these scenes trigger real-life traumas, such as school bullying or workplace harassment. The controversy is intensified by the fact that the show has moved beyond the essence of a dating show, which deals with attraction and conflict, to show an extreme lack of basic courtesy.
Much of the criticism is focused on contestant “Oksoon,” who is seen as the center of the conflict. She is being criticized for repeatedly spreading negative evaluations of Sunja and acting as a “fire starter” who fuels the conflict rather than simply expressing her feelings.
The anger has spilled over beyond the broadcast.
Criticism of the “I Am Solo” cast continues across various online communities. Some have even resorted to “star rating terror” on the reviews of the hospital reportedly run by Youngho, who is Oksoon’s partner. Additionally, exposure posts targeting Oksoon’s professional life have appeared on the anonymous community for employees, Blind.
A broadcasting industry insider expressed concern, stating, “‘I Am Solo’ features the real-life dating of non-celebrities, making the cast’s words and actions feel much more immersive than a drama. Seeing someone get hurt by hearing bad-mouthing about themselves in a confined space can be perceived as a scene of social violence.”
