While the choices and conflicts surrounding the “Super Date Ticket” in ‘I am SOLO’ Season 31 are sparking heated debate, the show itself has hit a new ratings peak!
In the episode aired on May 13 via ENA and SBS Plus, the Season 31 cast faced off in a mission for the “Super Date Ticket,” leading to a whirlwind of mixed choices, jealousy, and tears.
According to Nielsen Korea, the episode recorded an average rating of 4.3% (combined ENA and SBS Plus), with a peak of 4.94%. This is the highest rating for the show this year, and it ranked first among all Wednesday programs for the “2049” target demographic with 2.8%.
Kyung-soo shocked everyone by perfectly reciting the poem “Longing” by Yu Chi-hwan. The production team noted that while the poem has been hanging in the dorm since Season 6, Kyung-soo is the first to get it right. MC Defconn applauded, saying, “Kyung-soo did what 306 people couldn’t!” In the running race, Young-soo and Soon-ja took first place. The women’s race was a tight battle between Soon-ja and Young-sook, but in a sudden twist, Young-sook fell just before the finish line. A confused Soon-ja crossed the line after other contestants shouted, “Just go in!”
Later, the infamous “girls’ talk” broke out in the women’s dorm. Ok-soon told Young-sook, “You’re the number one in our hearts!” referring to the race, and Soon-ja heard everything from the next room. Things escalated when Young-sook speculated, “I think someone tripped me,” causing Soon-ja to suffer from stress-induced pain.
Adding to the drama, Kyung-soo visited the women’s room to check on the injured Young-sook, while Soon-ja hid behind the door in tears. Soon-ja expressed her distress to the production team, saying she felt her hardships were “piling up like lasagna.”
After a short chat with Young-sook, Kyung-soo approached Soon-ja and asked, “It might be a selfish request, but I’d like you to use your ‘Super Date Ticket’ on me.” A hurt Soon-ja replied, “You’re going to use yours on Young-sook anyway, right? Do whatever you want. It’s your choice.” Soon-ja’s stomach cramps worsened, and the production team eventually called an ambulance to take her to the hospital.
Seeing Soon-ja in pain, Kyung-soo felt guilty, admitting, “I wondered if this was right, seeing the person who is my number one suffer because of me.” He then told Young-sook that while he originally intended to use the “Super Date Ticket” on her, he had cleared his mind to focus on Soon-ja.
Young-sook’s remarks became a center of controversy immediately after the broadcast. Most viewers felt it was inappropriate for her to mock Soon-ja with a smile while Soon-ja was being rushed to the emergency room.
The complicated romance of Season 31 will continue on May 20 at 10:30 PM on ENA and SBS Plus.
