I Am SOLO’s Yeong-cheol reveals public service career and willingness to take on childcare

Yeong-cheol drew the women’s interest on season 34 of I Am SOLO after revealing that he works as a seventh-grade administrative public official, read at least 60 books last year and would be willing to take on childcare so his future spouse could concentrate on work.

Known for his good looks, lively conversation and a dating history of about 20 relationships when shorter relationships are included, he presented a more practical side during the contestants’ self-introductions. His steady job, commitment to reading and investment study, and views on sharing family responsibilities added to the attention he had attracted.

The episode aired on the 14th on ENA and SBS Plus. It featured first-impression choices and self-introductions from the season 34 contestants in a special centered on people from large families. Their personalities and attractions began emerging over dinner on the first evening, before disclosures about careers, relationships and family backgrounds complicated their early preferences.

Born in 1990, Yeong-cheol said he is the third of four children and has three sisters. Alongside his administrative public service role, he described regularly studying investing and reading at least 60 books last year, revealing interests beyond his appearance and easy conversation.

His comments about parenting drew particular interest from the women. “There’s parental leave, so [my partner] can work hard and I can look after the child,” he said.

He described a willingness to respect a spouse’s work and career after marriage and handle childcare himself if needed. His remarks suggested a practical approach to dividing responsibilities according to the family’s circumstances rather than adhering to traditional gender roles.

Yeong-cheol had previously said he had been in at least 10 relationships, rising to about 20 when those lasting at most 100 days were counted. That history could raise questions about whether he had repeatedly pursued casual relationships, but the self-introduction also revealed his stable career, reading habits, investment study and thoughts on raising children. Relationship counts alone offer little basis for judging someone’s sincerity or approach to dating; his conduct as relationships develop remains the key question.

At dinner on the first evening, Yeong-cheol had taken the lead in keeping conversation flowing. He paid close attention to Hyeon-suk while making sure nobody was left out, earning positive assessments of his sociability from both Hyeon-suk and Yeong-ja.

He also took an interest in other contestants’ connections, actively talking up Sun-ja’s appeal to Yeong-ho. Sun-ja appeared to recognize another motive, however, telling Yeong-ho that Yeong-cheol was trying to draw him away from Hyeon-suk, Yeong-cheol’s first choice. Her remark surprised Yeong-ho.

Yeong-ho emerged as a popular choice in the first-impression selections, receiving three votes. Yeong-suk chose him because she liked his bright smile, while Jeong-suk expressed gratitude for his consideration in carrying her heavy suitcase. Sun-ja also selected him, explaining that his slim build, fair complexion and kind eyes were close to her ideal type.

Yeong-ja chose Yeong-cheol for his boyish charm and dependable presence. Ok-sun, meanwhile, told Sang-cheol that she wanted to make good memories with him.

Hyeon-suk, who also received three first-impression votes, showed how quickly preferences could change. She initially handed her letter to Yeong-su, whose expressionless demeanor had struck her as dependable and masculine. In a later interview, however, she said she had begun leaning toward Yeong-cheol after he expressed interest in her at dinner. Their conversations had moved him to the top of her preferences.

The next morning brought a different view of the contestants through their daily routines. Sun-ja demonstrated her organizational skills by preparing a shopping list in advance and taking charge in the kitchen. When the seasoning of her bean sprout soup proved difficult to get right, Yeong-su improved it with soy sauce, red pepper powder and other seasonings.

Sun-ja said she had discovered a domestic side to Yeong-su alongside the dependable image she already associated with him. Yeong-suk, by contrast, prompted laughter when she said she had never cooked and was confused even about which direction to turn the gas valve. Their differing habits and personalities brought practical compatibility into focus.

The other men’s self-introductions revealed further contrasts. Yeong-su, born in 1989, said he works at an architectural firm and is the youngest of eight siblings, with seven older sisters. He drew laughter by explaining that his sisters had promised not to put pressure on a future spouse over attending holiday gatherings or exchanging contact information after marriage.

Yeong-ho, born in 1991, said he works for a foreign securities firm and is currently assigned to its Japan branch. He explained that he had decided to appear on the show to seek a serious relationship.

Yeong-sik, born in 1988, said he works at a global company, meditates every day and seeks out temple stays when city life leaves him weary.

Gwang-su, born in 1991, said he works at a real estate trust company. Hoping to show a new side of himself, he had attended broadcast dance classes, and he followed that disclosure with an impromptu dance.

Sang-cheol said he was born in 1987, making him the oldest male contestant in season 34, and works at a semiconductor company. He welcomed the prospect of a long-distance relationship. Asked about a partner wanting to live in another area, he confidently suggested that he could get another home.

As the contestants prepared meals together, observed one another’s habits and introduced themselves, their initial attractions became more complicated. Yeong-cheol’s career, reading and investment study, and flexible views on childcare placed him at the center of attention alongside his dating history. Whether those qualities carry through to his dates, and where Hyeon-suk and the other women’s preferences lead, remain open questions.

Read the original (Korean)