'Pursuing Old Encounters' Season 2 began airing, sparking viewer anticipation from the start.
The first episode of 'Pursuing Old Encounters' (hereinafter 'POE'), aired on KBS Joy, KBS2, and GTV on the 16th, depicted the first meetings of eight singles from the entertainment industry seeking genuine connections. Since the couple of Lee Young-ja and Hwang Dong-joo received significant popularity in Season 1, viewers showed curiosity about whether a relationship where 'true emotions' resonate would appear once again before the start of 'POE' Season 2.
The members of 'POE' Season 2 engaged in the program sincerely from the first meeting, forming a consensus and raising the emotional temperature of their relationships. Viewers became captivated by the unique charm of 'POE,' which focuses on connections between 'people rather than just simple excitement' found in dating reality shows. Could a second couple reminiscent of Lee Young-ja and Hwang Dong-joo be born?
◆ More genuine than expected
Each participant was not shy about revealing their true selves. Shin Bong-seon expressed a desire to participate in 'POE' as a woman rather than a comedian, requesting to be called by her pseudonym 'Shin Mina.' Additionally, Park Eun-hye calmly stated, "It has been over 8 years since I became single," revealing her status as a 'divorcee' and expressing anticipation for a new connection through her enjoyment of camping.
'Petite Mountain Bandit' Park Kwang-jae gained the favor of the female participants merely through his self-introduction letter. He said, "I can confidently say I won't let my woman go hungry," and presented himself as "a man who has lost his innocence but maintains his purity" with his earnest charm. He also attracted attention by stating he has exceptional cooking skills to the extent of preparing Pyongyang cold noodles himself.
Despite his large physique, Park Kwang-jae showcased a contrasting charm with a shy smile and unexpected cuteness. His warm and kind personality, hidden beneath a strong first impression, excited even the viewers. While he appears tough, he is a caring person, and there are expectations for how he will showcase emotional changes within 'POE.'
Lee Sang-jun has never met an older woman before, but after hearing the self-introductions of the participants, he opened up, saying, "My preconceived notions about older women have been shattered." Such genuine attitudes resonated with viewers and added trust to the authenticity of the 'love lines' that will be formed later.
◆ Lee Ki-chan, the central figure in relationships
The relationship between Lee Ki-chan and the female participants was also intriguing. Lee Ki-chan had connections with all four female participants. Wax is a 'close friend' of 25 years, and he had met Park Eun-hye several times in private settings. He shared experiences with Shin Bong-seon from a YouTube show and had featured Kang Se-jeong in his music video in the past.
As various pieces of their past naturally connected, Lee Ki-chan emerged as the central axis of relationships in 'POE' Season 2. There is anticipation about how emotions beyond mere 'past connections' will unfold in the future and what balance of emotions he will establish at the center.
◆ Common denominator 'scuba diving': will it become a new link?
Unexpectedly, scuba diving became a medium for the participants. Upon hearing that Lee Hyung-chul runs a related business, Wax and other female participants revealed that they hold scuba diving certificates. Natural conversations and common ground were formed, and Lee Hyung-chul and Wax chose each other in the 'first impression vote,' signaling a green light for their 'love line.'
Expectations are mounting for how Lee Hyung-chul and Wax will develop their relationship based on their shared interests, while it will also be interesting to see what new connections arise among 'POE' members following scuba diving.
In 'POE' Season 2, various forms of 'old encounters' gathered in one place, including a 25-year close friend, a past lover from a music video, and entertainment industry colleagues whom they only knew by name, marking an innocent beginning. Although the cast, including Lee Hyung-chul, Lee Ki-chan, Park Kwang-jae, Lee Sang-jun, Wax, Park Eun-hye, Shin Bong-seon, and Kang Se-jeong, do not display the excitement of falling in love at first sight, they are gradually revealing their sincere feelings. Attention is focused on whether a 'second couple like Lee Young-ja and Hwang Dong-joo' can be born.
Meanwhile, 'Pursuing Old Encounters' Season 2 airs every Monday at 9:50 p.m. on KBS Joy, KBS2, and GTV.
[Photo] 'Pursuing Old Encounters' Season 2 provides
[OSEN]