Koo Sung-hwan bungee jump also sparks controversy… ‘I Live Alone’ self-praise: “No. 1 in ratings for three consecutive weeks” [Star Issue]

Amid a series of controversies, MBC’s variety show ‘I Live Alone’ (directed by Heo Hang, Kang Ji-hee, Kim Jin-kyung, Moon Ki-young, Jung Ji-un, and Kim Gyu-ri) secured the No. 1 spot in weekly 2054 ratings for three consecutive weeks.

On the 19th, MBC stated as much, describing the 2054 rating as a key indicator of channel competitiveness that reflects changes in the media consumption environment.

According to data from Nielsen Korea released by MBC, ‘I Live Alone,’ which aired on the 16th, recorded a 2054 rating of 3.8%, ranking No. 1 among Friday variety programs. In particular, MBC self-assessed that ‘I Live Alone,’ which has maintained the top spot in 2054 ratings for three consecutive weeks, once again demonstrated its solid competitiveness.

The household rating also recorded 5.9% based on the metropolitan area standard, ranking No. 1 among Friday variety programs, while the peak per-minute rating soared to 6.8%.

The episode aired that day revealed the daily lives of actor Koo Sung-hwan and Seo Beom-jun. The MBC side explained, “Koo Sung-hwan’s romantic ride overcoming a 26-year age gap and his successful first-ever bungee jump, along with Seo Beom-jun’s happiness-filled Daejeon bread pilgrimage, captured the core viewership by simultaneously providing pleasant laughter and heartwarming emotion.”

In particular, Koo Sung-hwan revealed scenes of him enjoying a “gourmet ride” with his younger brother, Park Tae-hwan, who is 26 years his junior, whom he met at a motorcycle licensing center. They spent special time together on a course filled with romance, including pizza, pasta, donuts, and cafes, for the sake of his younger brother, who balances work and studies.

The two also took on bungee jumping, which had been on their bucket list, side by side. Koo Sung-hwan conveyed heartfelt sincerity about a friendship that transcends age, saying, “Although there is a 26-year age gap, it didn’t matter. It’s a trip where I come back receiving so much energy.”

However, after the broadcast, safety controversies erupted over the bungee jump scene.

The issue arose regarding whether an on-site official who assisted Koo Sung-hwan in his bungee jump was wearing safety equipment. While Koo Sung-hwan was seen wearing safety gear, it was pointed out that no separate safety device was visible on the employee.

In response, some netizens expressed criticism toward the production team of ‘I Live Alone,’ expressing concern over the risk of accidents such as falls. On the other hand, reactions also emerged stating that holding the production team responsible is excessive, given that the operation and safety of the bungee jump facility are the responsibility of the relevant company.

The controversies surrounding ‘I Live Alone’ are not new. In August, suspicions of filming manipulation were raised over an impromptu travel episode in Kazakhstan. Doubts arose because the car rental process was completed in about 40 minutes, despite reports that a separate notarization procedure is required when renting a car locally, leading to claims that the trip had been prepared in advance.

In response, the production team of ‘I Live Alone’ denied the suspicions of manipulation. The team explained that they submitted the international driver’s license and passport requested by the local rental car company just before departure to rent the vehicle, drawing a line by stating, “We have not received any filming support or sponsorship related to the trip.”

However, questions about the car rental process continued through local travelers and others. The production team later explained that they confirmed with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kazakhstan and belatedly learned that a separate notarization procedure was required.

The production team had previously dismissed claims of receiving filming support or sponsorship related to the Kazakhstan trip, but as the controversy continued, while emphasizing, “We have not received any financial sponsorship or production cost support from the Almaty City Tourism Bureau,” they reversed their stance by stating, “It proceeded smoothly after receiving administrative procedures necessary for local filming and filming cooperation required for on-site execution.”

Meanwhile, ‘I Live Alone,’ airing on the 23rd, is scheduled to reveal actor Cha Woo-min’s daily life as the “Pied Piper of Mangwon-dong” and the behind-the-scenes of producer Code Kunst and comedian Lee Sun-min’s “Sansjang bulk-up.”