A Korean show has captured widespread attention by surpassing 'Squid Game 2,' a series with a production budget of 100 billion KRW (approximately 68.7 million USD), to claim the top spot on Netflix’s rankings in South Korea.
The show in question is SBS Plus and ENA’s 'I Am Solo, Love Forever,' a spin-off of the hit dating series 'I Am SOLO.' Directed by Nam Gyu Hong, the show follows past fan-favorite contestants as they navigate new relationships. The series is hosted by Defconn, Kyungri, and Yoon Bomi. In addition to the MCs' humorous commentaries, the program’s dramatic portrayal of romance among divorcees has captivated viewers with its unexpected twists.
As of 11:04 AM on January 5, 'I Am Solo, Love Forever' ranked No. 1 on Netflix’s "Top 10 Series in Korea" list, overtaking 'Squid Game 2.' Other notable rankings included 'Tails of Tales' at No. 3, 'The Tale of Lady Ok' at No. 4, and 'When the Phone Rings' at No. 5.
The achievement is particularly notable given 'Squid Game 2's global success. As of January 3, the show had topped Netflix’s TV category in 80 countries and ranked 7th on Netflix’s all-time list of the most popular non-English TV shows during the fourth week of December.
'Squid Game 2' follows Gi Hun (played by Lee Jung Jae) as he returns to the deadly game seeking revenge and faces off against the enigmatic Front Man (portrayed by Lee Byung Hun). The season also features an expanded cast, including Im Si Wan, Park Gyu Young, Yang Dong Geun, Kang Ha Neul, and Jo Yu Ri, alongside returning stars.
Meanwhile, anticipation is building for the January 9 episode of 'I Am Solo, Love Forever' which teases a dramatic "rainy day date" at the "Single Parent Guesthouse." A teaser clip released on January 3 shows the 10 participants gathering with umbrellas amid pouring rain after a period of self-reflection.
In the clip, Defconn comments, "It seems like they’ve sorted out their feelings," as the participants prepare for their next choices. The scene shifts to the female contestants anxiously waiting by a wall as the men approach one by one.