MBC Smiles at 'I Live Alone' Ratings... Secures No. 1 for 5 Consecutive Weeks Despite 'Manipulation Allegations → Safety Controversy'

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Despite a series of controversies, MBCs variety show *I Live Alone* has claimed the top spot among variety programs in the 20-54 age group for five consecutive weeks. The show maintained its ratings success even amidst allegations of manipulation regarding Jeon Hyun-moos impromptu trip and safety concerns surrounding Koo Sung-hwans bungee jump.According to Nielsen Korea, a ratings research firm, the episode of *I Live Alone* (hereinafter *I Live Alone*) aired on the 30th of last month recorded a 5.0% viewership rating in the metropolitan area and a 3.5% rating among the 20-54 age group. It ranked first among Friday variety programs and also topped the weekly 20-54 ratings for the fifth week of October. This extended its record of five consecutive weeks at number one.The broadcast featured actress Kim Mins challenge at the Dongducheon City Sports Day and Kian84s birthday trip to Jeju Island. The highest minute-by-minute viewership rating was 5.6%, recorded during the scene where Kim Min shared her thoughts after receiving the Unity Award with the local residents. Kim Min participated in the Dongducheon City Sports Day, attended by approximately 1,500 residents. Running as a representative for his neighborhood in the relay race, he ran at a fast pace, helping his team avoid finishing last. After the race, he expressed his gratitude to his neighbors, stating, Winning or losing isnt important.While the show achieved success in viewership ratings, controversies surrounding I Live Alone have also persisted recently. The episode featuring Jeon Hyun-moos trip to Kazakhstan, which aired last August, was presented as an impromptu getaway, but it became embroiled in suspicions that the filming plan had been prepared in advance. Questions were raised regarding whether Jeon Hyun-moos decision to choose a destination at the airport was truly an impromptu choice.The production team clarified that while it is true there was prior preparation necessary for the filming, they did not share the specific outline with Jeon Hyun-moo. They maintained that the choice of the travel destination was also the cast members decision. However, as the details regarding the cooperation and preparation process for the pre-filming became known, a debate regarding the authenticity of the broadcast continued.Last month, Gu Sung-hwans bungee jumping scene became entangled in a safety controversy. During the broadcast on the 16th of last month, a controversy was raised regarding whether the on-site staff member who assisted Koo Sung-hwan with his bungee jump was wearing appropriate fall protection equipment. Consequently, a complaint was filed with the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and it is reported that the relevant labor office has launched an investigation into whether the bungee jump operator violated safety obligations under the Industrial Safety and Health Act. However, it is said that whether safety regulations were violated has not yet been confirmed.Kian84 celebrated his 43rd birthday in Jeju Island. Carrying a packed lunch prepared by his mother, he visited the beach and struggled to catch the kimchi made with green onions that was being blown away by the strong winds. Afterwards, he met with Girls Generations Yuri and engaged in a fashion battle, exchanging gifts of clothes they had prepared for each other. The two shared an informal conversation, displaying a bond reminiscent of close siblings. The broadcast on the 6th will reveal SHINees Minhos challenge in a triathlon and the daily life of Lee Joo-seung, who served as a film festival judge.

Despite a series of controversies, MBC’s variety show *I Live Alone* has claimed the top spot among variety programs in the 20-54 age group for five consecutive weeks. The show maintained its ratings success even amidst allegations of manipulation regarding Jeon Hyun-moo’s impromptu trip and safety concerns surrounding Koo Sung-hwan’s bungee jump.

According to Nielsen Korea, a ratings research firm, the episode of *I Live Alone* (hereinafter *I Live Alone*) aired on the 30th of last month recorded a 5.0% viewership rating in the metropolitan area and a 3.5% rating among the 20-54 age group. It ranked first among Friday variety programs and also topped the weekly 20-54 ratings for the fifth week of October. This extended its record of five consecutive weeks at number one.

The broadcast featured actress Kim Min’s challenge at the Dongducheon City Sports Day and Kian84’s birthday trip to Jeju Island. The highest minute-by-minute viewership rating was 5.6%, recorded during the scene where Kim Min shared her thoughts after receiving the Unity Award with the local residents. Kim Min participated in the Dongducheon City Sports Day, attended by approximately 1,500 residents. Running as a representative for his neighborhood in the relay race, he ran at a fast pace, helping his team avoid finishing last. After the race, he expressed his gratitude to his neighbors, stating, "Winning or losing isn't important."

While the show achieved success in viewership ratings, controversies surrounding "I Live Alone" have also persisted recently. The episode featuring Jeon Hyun-moo's trip to Kazakhstan, which aired last August, was presented as an impromptu getaway, but it became embroiled in suspicions that the filming plan had been prepared in advance. Questions were raised regarding whether Jeon Hyun-moo's decision to choose a destination at the airport was truly an impromptu choice.

The production team clarified that while it is true there was prior preparation necessary for the filming, they did not share the specific outline with Jeon Hyun-moo. They maintained that the choice of the travel destination was also the cast member's decision. However, as the details regarding the cooperation and preparation process for the pre-filming became known, a debate regarding the authenticity of the broadcast continued.

Last month, Gu Sung-hwan's bungee jumping scene became entangled in a safety controversy. During the broadcast on the 16th of last month, a controversy was raised regarding whether the on-site staff member who assisted Koo Sung-hwan with his bungee jump was wearing appropriate fall protection equipment. Consequently, a complaint was filed with the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and it is reported that the relevant labor office has launched an investigation into whether the bungee jump operator violated safety obligations under the Industrial Safety and Health Act. However, it is said that whether safety regulations were violated has not yet been confirmed.

Kian84 celebrated his 43rd birthday in Jeju Island. Carrying a packed lunch prepared by his mother, he visited the beach and struggled to catch the kimchi made with green onions that was being blown away by the strong winds. Afterwards, he met with Girls' Generation's Yuri and engaged in a fashion battle, exchanging gifts of clothes they had prepared for each other. The two shared an informal conversation, displaying a bond reminiscent of close siblings. The broadcast on the 6th will reveal SHINee's Minho's challenge in a triathlon and the daily life of Lee Joo-seung, who served as a film festival judge.