MBC’s Friday night reality hit I Live Alone delivered a striking contrast of rock nostalgia and everyday humor in its latest episode, topping all Friday variety programs with a nationwide rating of 5.6 percent.
The February 6 broadcast spotlighted two very different Rainbow Club members: Han Kyung-rok, bassist of legendary indie rock band Crying Nut, and trot singer Park Ji-hyun, whose winter survival routine drew laughter and empathy in equal measure.
Han, celebrating 30 years since his debut, surprised viewers by revealing that he has left Hongdae after nearly three decades, relocating to what he now calls “Captain Rock House.” The segment, which peaked at a 6.4 percent viewership rating, captured him enjoying a calm morning routine that included stretching, caring for flowers, and brewing coffee in sunlit silence. Panelist Jun Hyun-moo remarked that the scene felt “like watching a female actress’s daily life,” underscoring the unexpected softness of the rocker’s private world.
The contrast only deepened as Han returned to Hongdae, donning his trademark bandana and reconnecting with friends while preparing for “Kyung-rok Festival,” his birthday celebration and one of the area’s unofficial annual events. Fellow cast member BIBI admitted she became a fan after seeing Han perform live, despite having had little interest in rock music before.
Reflecting on his philosophy, Han said he wants to keep writing and performing songs rooted in the present. Rather than relying solely on past hits, he expressed a desire to sing about current emotions and the era he is living in now, a message that resonated strongly with viewers.
Park Ji-hyun’s segment shifted the focus to everyday practicality. Admitting he is highly sensitive to cold, Park explained that even a single illness could derail his schedule as a singer. His winter strategy ranged from visiting warm botanical greenhouses to shopping at traditional markets for thermal clothing. Along the way, he encountered fans, reconnected with acquaintances, and jokingly reflected on his rising popularity following his Popularity Award win at the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards.
Back at home, Park attempted a series of DIY renovations to keep warm, enlisting the help of close friend Kang Jae-soo. The improvised setup turned the apartment into a sauna-like space, leaving both men drenched in sweat. Park later thanked his friend with homemade hotteok, spicy tteokbokki, and ice cream, closing the segment on a warm, comedic note.
With its blend of introspection and humor, the episode reinforced I Live Alone’s appeal as a showcase of unscripted personalities, securing its position as the most-watched entertainment program of the night.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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