What Kim Seung-soo and Yang Jung-ah (both 53) filmed was not a variety show, but a high-quality 'situationship' drama. The long 'situationship' ended, as expected, not with a development into a romantic relationship, but by remaining friends.
On the 15th, during the broadcast of SBS's variety program 'My Ugly Duckling' ('My Ugly Duckling'), actor Kim Seung-soo finally confessed to his long-time friend Yang Jung-ah, who rejected him, putting an end to their prolonged situationship. The 'confession episode' featuring Kim Seung-soo and Yang Jung-ah dominated the entire episode, achieving a peak viewership rating of 19.1%. Although it was unfortunate for Kim Seung-soo, 'My Ugly Duckling' ended its situationship on a high note.
Kim Seung-soo consulted with his close friend, actor Son Ji-chang, before deciding to confess to Yang Jung-ah. He had long-standing feelings for a friend who understood him better than anyone else, but he hesitated, worried that confessing might ruin their good friendship. However, he ultimately decided to reveal the true nature of their 'situationship.'
Kim Seung-soo chose a gift scarf for Yang Jung-ah and waited for her at an atmospheric restaurant, gulping down water nervously. While they barely touched their food, he indirectly confessed by saying, "I want to meet in a different way than just friends," and added, "If someone asks me if I have a girlfriend, I want to say yes."
Wearing a purple turtleneck sweater, Yang Jung-ah looked particularly beautiful that day (the camera work was also impressive), and she pondered with her arms crossed after her friend's confession. Later, while driving Yang Jung-ah home after a night walk in the park, she responded more quickly than expected.
In response to Kim Seung-soo's thoughtful and delicate confession, Yang Jung-ah answered realistically. Having already experienced a relationship and considering their age, she pointed out the need to think about marriage and children. She wished for Kim Seung-soo's happiness, saying, "I want to see you build a beautiful family and have children," and rejected his confession.
Actress Oh Yoon-ah, who appeared as a special MC that day, understood Yang Jung-ah's realistic concerns, and MC Shin Dong-yeop comforted Kim Seung-soo by saying, "Yang Jung-ah's feelings are deep."
Shortly after Kim Seung-soo joined 'My Ugly Duckling', the main focus shifted to the 'friendship and love' between him and Yang Jung-ah. This rekindled the long-standing and unanswered debate about whether friendship can exist between men and women, filling viewers with excitement. However, as the 'situationship' dragged on, suspicions grew that it was merely for show.
Sometimes we are deceived without knowing, and sometimes we are aware of the deception. This is why dating variety shows are popular. Even though it is a dating 'variety show', viewers often get so emotionally invested that it feels real. Couples from 'We Got Married' are still talked about today.
Did the viewers really not know the outcome of this situationship? If the two had seen each other as more than friends earlier, would they have remained friends until now? Would a thoughtful person like Kim Seung-soo have confessed his true feelings for Yang Jung-ah on national television?
Whether in variety shows or dramas, it's important to know when to end things appropriately. If viewers are misled and dragged along indefinitely, it can quickly backfire. The fact that the 'confession episode' wrapped up the confession and response in one episode without dragging it out further is commendable. Although the development was frustrating, the ending was satisfying. The two beautiful actors, the lovely visuals, and the bittersweet story between friendship and love were just right. It ended well at this point.
