KBS Joy’s reality dating show ‘Old Encounter Pursuit’ has become a hot topic, with fans especially invested in the connection between broadcaster Lee Young Ja and actor Hwang Dong Joo. As the show heads toward its grand finale on March 9, director Jang Kyung Eun revealed in an interview with Ilgan Sports on March 4 that behind-the-scenes stories involving Lee Young Ja, Hwang Dong Joo, comedian Kim Sook, and actor Goo Bon Seung will be unveiled in the final episode.

‘Old Encounter Pursuit’ is an observational dating show that explores whether long-time single celebrities can find romance with fellow industry peers. The cast includes Lee Young Ja, Kim Sook, Ji Sang Ryeol, Jang Seo Hee, Goo Bon Seung, and Hwang Dong Joo. Since its premiere in January, the show has drawn widespread attention, particularly due to Lee Young Ja’s unexpected romantic arc. Alongside her dynamic with Hwang Dong Joo, the chemistry between Kim Sook and Goo Bon Seung also intrigues viewers.

PD Jang addressed speculation that the romance between cast members was scripted. "Everyone is cheering for them," Jang stated, emphasizing the genuine connections forming on the show. 

“If we had staged romantic moments for entertainment purposes, viewers would see right through it. The production team only sets up basic scenarios, but beyond that, everything is up to the participants. Nothing is predetermined,” Jang explained. “Even we don’t know who will end up together—it’s all about the emotions and choices of the cast.”

The show’s popularity has skyrocketed, with some episodes surpassing 1.3 million views on YouTube as of March 5. Originally planned as a five-episode series, its success led to producing two additional episodes to capture further developments. ‘Old Encounter Pursuit’ has resonated with audiences by showcasing celebrities in a new light and exploring mid-life romance in a genuine and relatable way. “Both the production team and cast are incredibly grateful for all the love and support from viewers,” Jang shared.

Jang also shed light on how the show came to be. “‘Old Encounter Pursuit’ actually started as a fun idea on ‘BIBO,’ a show hosted by Song Eun Yi and Kim Sook. They joked about a ‘50s edition’ of ‘I Am Solo,’ and at first, we considered making it a parody. But as the idea developed, it evolved into what it is today. We wanted to break away from the usual romance reality show format and try something different. None of us expected this kind of response from viewers, and we’re truly grateful.”

As for a second season, PD Jang confirmed that discussions are ongoing. When asked whether the current cast members might return, Jang teased, “You’ll have to tune in to the final episode to find out.”

The finale of ‘Old Encounter Pursuit’ airs on March 9 at 9:20 PM KST.

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