Actress Hwang Jung-eum expressed her special affection and gratitude for ‘Because I‘m Solo’, which has been confirmed for Season 2.

Hwang Jung-eum served as MC for her first entertainment program in 23 years since her debut on ‘Because I’m Solo’, a joint production of SBS Plus and E Channel, which first aired on October 29th. She received favorable reviews from viewers for her friendly hosting, including her ‘irreplaceable’ positive energy and her straightforward remarks. In particular, Hwang Jung-eum‘s ‘Collection of Famous Quotes’ received a lot of attention and love, with a total of 5.04 million views on YouTube Shorts (total of 2.802 million) and Instagram Reels (total of 2.245 million).

Regarding ‘Because I’m Solo’, which will return for season 2 in February next year due to enthusiastic support, Hwang Jung-eum said, “This is the first program I‘ve challenged as an MC, and I’m so grateful that they‘re producing a second season because of the good response. It’s all thanks to the viewers,” and expressed her gratitude, saying, “I will work hard to show an even more developed side of me as an MC in season 2 than in season 1. I will show my honest side as always.”

Hwang Jung-eum continued, “I think the viewers liked seeing a new side of the cast that they hadn‘t seen before. She added, ”Many people sympathized with me because I showed my happy and joyful, or anxious and lonely, appearance as a single person, and I also gained support while watching their daily lives.“

Of course, Hwang Jung-eum, who said she had worries before appearing on the program, said, ”I was worried because it was an area I had never experienced before, but I thought it would be okay if I worked with senior Shin Dong-yup. After actually filming, she said, ’As expected from Shin Dong-yup!‘“ and expressed her trust in Shin Dong-yup, saying, ”Senior Dong-yup has the leadership and charisma to lead everyone. Thanks to him, (the studio) has a more cheerful atmosphere. She also said, “You’re really amazing, and I still have a long way to go, but I‘ll try my best.”

The great chemistry between the 2MCs Shin Dong-yup and Hwang Jung-eum as well as the ‘Solo Sisters’ became a hot topic. Hwang Jung-eum said, “Because we have a lot in common and support each other, I think we naturally opened up and became close quickly.” She shared her feelings, saying, “I hope that not only my family but also the new relationships I’ve met while ‘Because I‘m Solo’ will have a happy 2025.”

Lastly, Hwang Jung-eum said, “The production of season 2 was possible thanks to the viewers who sent us so much love and interest. Thank you again, and please wait a little longer as we will be back soon with season 2. “I hope you all have a happy and warm holiday season, whether you’re together or alone,” he said.

The SBS Plus and E Channel jointly produced variety show ‘Because I’m Solo’ will air its 8th episode today (the 17th) at 8:40 p.m., and after taking some time to reorganize, it will return with season 2 in February next year.

● The following is a Q&A with Hwang Jung-eum.

Q: Through ‘Because I’m Solo’, you have served as an MC for your first variety program in 23 years since your debut. Please share your thoughts.

- At first, I was so worried. I wondered if I could do it. I had no idea since it was an area I had never tried before. But when I heard that senior (Shin) Dong-yup would be doing it, I decided to give it a try. I thought it would be okay to work with him. As I was filming, I was able to do it comfortably not only thanks to senior Shin Dong-yup but also the other cast members, and although I still have many shortcomings, I will continue to work hard in the future.


Q: When you were offered the role in ‘Because I’m Solo’, you said you decided to appear because of Shin Dong-yup, but how was your chemistry when you actually worked together?

- I thought, ‘What can I say? As expected of Shin Dong-yup!’. I had the mindset to trust him unconditionally and go for it. I‘ve appeared as a guest on his programs before, but this is the first time we’ve worked together for this long. He has the leadership and charisma to flexibly lead everyone. It‘s natural that the atmosphere becomes more cheerful because of him, I think he’s really amazing.


Q: As the episodes of ‘Because I‘m Solo’ went on, you quickly became close with the ‘Solo Representatives’, which stood out. Your chemistry could be felt even on screen, so is there a special secret?

- Company dinners? (Laughs) We talked a lot during the company dinners. I can’t drink well, but I find it fun to be with you. Because we have a lot in common and support each other, we naturally open up to each other quickly.


Q: Your straightforward speaking style in ‘Because I‘m Solo’ has been a hot topic every day. Don’t you feel pressured to speak so bluntly?

- It‘s not that I don’t feel pressured, but I thought it would be nice if everyone could talk comfortably by continuously thinking about the parts I can relate to and being honest about my story rather than hesitating. The cast also mustered up the courage to show us sides of themselves that they haven‘t shown us before. I wanted us to talk more comfortably, so I spoke more honestly, as if I was talking to a friend.


Q: ‘Because I’m Solo’ has been a hot topic since its first episode, as well as showing unrivaled results in viewer ratings. What do you think the secret is?

- I think it‘s because of the cast’s new sides that we haven‘t seen before. I think many people sympathized with the fact that they showed their happy and joyful sides as well as their anxious and lonely sides as soloists. I also sympathized a lot and became a source of support while watching their daily lives.


Q: Thanks to its popularity, ‘Because I’m Solo’ has confirmed the production of Season 2. What are your thoughts and determination?

- It‘s thanks to the viewers. Thank you. This was my first time challenging myself as an MC, and I’m so grateful that they‘re producing Season 2 because of the good response. I hope to show you a more developed side of me as an MC in Season 2 than in Season 1. I’ll show you my honest side as always. (Laughs)


Q: You‘ve ended this year with ‘Because I’m Solo’. Do you have any new determinations or hopes for next year?

- Let‘s be happy! I’ve always thought that I should work hard for the well-being and happiness of my family. I also hope that the new relationships you meet while doing ‘Because I‘m Solo’ will have a happy 2025.


Q: You had a successful MC debut through ‘Because I’m Solo’. Because of that, I‘m sure you’ll get a lot of requests to appear on other entertainment programs. Do you have any plans to expand your activities as an MC in the future?

- I‘ve received offers, but nothing has been confirmed. For now, I want to focus on ‘Because I’m Solo’. There are still areas where I lack the ability to take on other challenges as an MC, and entertainment programs seem difficult. If a good opportunity like ‘Because I‘m Solo’ comes again, I’ll think about it. (Laughs)


Q: Please say a word of gratitude to the viewers who showed so much love for ‘Because I‘m Solo’.

- I think it was thanks to the viewers who showed so much love and interest in the program that we were able to produce Season 2. Thank you for watching. I will be back soon with Season 2 of ‘Because I’m Solo’, so please wait a little longer. Always take care of your health, and I hope you spend the coming end of the year happily and warmly, whether you‘re with someone or solo.

Photo courtesy of SBS Plus·E Channel

Reporter Lee Seul-bi, Donga.com misty82@donga.com