In MBC’s ‘I Live Alone’ (directed by Heo Hang, Kang Ji-hee, Park Soo-bin, Lee Kyung-eun, and Moon Ki-young) that aired on the 8th, Ahn Jae-hyun visited a dentist to have his wisdom teeth extracted for the first time in his life.
According to Nielsen Korea, a viewership rating research company, on the 9th, the household viewership rating of ‘I Live Alone’, which aired the previous day, was 6.2% in the metropolitan area, ranking first in its time slot. In addition, in the 2049 viewership rating, which is a key indicator for advertising officials and a key measure of channel competitiveness, it recorded 3.1% (based on the metropolitan area), ranking first in the same time slot and first in Friday entertainment programs.
The best minute was the Rainbow members’ talk scene (23:38) where Ahn Jae-hyun told the story of wisdom teeth being extracted for the first time in his life. The viewership rating soared to 8.0% as the image of Ahn Jae-hyun losing his soul and saying, “I guess I’m going to love you now” and “I’m becoming an adult now” to the tiki-taka of the rainbow members who fell in love with each other, made people laugh.
Ahn Jae-hyun attracted attention by showing off his enthusiasm while decorating a new living room. He prepared postcards full of plants and emotions, and used the interior design tips he had studied in books to fill in the empty spaces in the living room. Unlike Ahn Jae-hyun, who was satisfied with his interior design, Rainbow members made people laugh by saying, “You should have bought medicinal herbs instead of plants” and “You shouldn’t have looked at the book.”
Ahn Jae-hyun then drew attention by revealing that he had made an appointment at the dentist to have his wisdom teeth extracted for the first time in his life. Rainbow members poured out stories about their own experiences with wisdom teeth, and also screamed together, sympathizing with Ahn Jae-hyun’s nervous feelings ahead of wisdom tooth extraction surgery.
Ahn Jae-hyun was shocked and panicked as he was told about the side effects of anesthesia, such as chills, difficulty breathing, and nerve damage, before signing the consent form for surgery before wisdom tooth extraction. Jeon Hyun-moo, who saw Ahn Jae-hyun’s swollen face after the dreaded wisdom tooth extraction surgery, said, ”I think he looks healthier when he’s swollen,” causing laughter.
After having his wisdom teeth removed, Ahn Jae-hyun was left reeling and exhausted, causing regret. When he came home, Ahn Jae-hyun consoled himself from the dizzying separation from his wisdom teeth with cold compresses and sweet ice cream next to his cat snacks.
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Kyeong-eun Photo News 1
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Interview on Popular Culture and Media Representation: A Conversation with Entertainment Expert Dr. Lee Kyung-min
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, Dr. Lee. We’re delighted to have you here to discuss the recent episode of MBC’s popular show ’I Live Alone’. It seems like it really resonated with viewers, especially with Ahn Jae-hyun’s trip to the dentist for his wisdom teeth extraction. What are your thoughts on why this particular episode gained such high viewership?
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! The episode was indeed a hit, and I think there are several reasons behind its success. First, ‘I Live Alone’ has a well-established format that draws viewers in with relatable themes. Ahn Jae-hyun’s wisdom teeth extraction is a universally relatable experience—most people can empathize with the nervousness and awkwardness that comes with such a procedure. The combination of humor and vulnerability taps into what audiences enjoy.
Editor: Absolutely, the human experience is at the core of what makes reality television so engaging. The episode reportedly reached an 8.0% viewership rating during a particularly humorous moment. What does this moment reveal about audience preferences in entertainment?
Dr. Lee: That peak viewership reflects a holistic understanding of audience engagement. People crave sincerity and authenticity but also enjoy comedic relief, especially in more vulnerable situations. Ahn’s humorous lamentation about becoming an adult and expressing love during the situation lightens the mood and makes it memorable. It shows that audiences appreciate when celebrities keep it real while also making them laugh.
Editor: Interesting! The Rainbow members’ interaction during that segment seemed to play a significant role too. What do you think contributes to the chemistry among cast members? How do shows like ‘I Live Alone’ foster such dynamics?
Dr. Lee: Chemistry among cast members is fundamentally about relatability and authenticity. In shows like ‘I Live Alone’, interactions are often unscripted or lightly guided, allowing personalities to shine through. The members, especially during emotional or humorous exchanges, build on each other’s energy. The reunion of their shared experiences allows them to connect with the audience on a deeper level, making their interactions feel spontaneous and genuine.
Editor: You’ve touched upon an important aspect—the balance between reality and entertainment. How do you believe shows like this impact societal perceptions of adulthood and responsibility, especially when mixed with humor?
Dr. Lee: That’s a great question. Shows like ‘I Live Alone’ really help to deconstruct traditional perceptions of adulthood. By framing typically challenging or serious experiences—like dental work—in a lighthearted manner, the show suggests that adulthood doesn’t have to be daunting. Instead, it incorporates humor into life’s less glamorous moments, encouraging viewers to embrace their own journeys with a sense of humor and camaraderie.
Editor: Very insightful! with the show’s high ratings, especially among the 2049 demographic, what does this indicate about the current landscape of South Korean entertainment?
Dr. Lee: It highlights a shift in viewing habits. The 2049 demographic is key for advertisers because it represents young adults who are influential spenders. These viewers are drawn to content that resonates with their life experiences rather than just escapism. They seek authenticity and relatability. Shows that can combine humor with these elements will continue to thrive in the current entertainment landscape.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Lee, for sharing your perspectives. It’s fascinating to see how shows like ‘I Live Alone’ shape and reflect our cultural narratives, especially with humor as a vessel for connection.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for the engaging conversation! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the impact of media on our daily lives.