Dawn attracted viewers with his unexpected lifestyle and personal interests on MBC’s I Live Alone, showing a side of himself that was different from his powerful stage image.
The July 24 episode featured Dawn’s daily life as a person who has lived alone for four years, along with the second part of Kian84, SHINee’s Minho, and Bae Na Ra’s running trip. The episode recorded strong viewership results, becoming the top-rated Friday variety program.
According to Nielsen Korea, I Live Alone recorded 5.9% viewership among metropolitan households and ranked first among Friday entertainment programs. The show also ranked No. 1 in the 20 to 54 age group with a 3.3% rating. The highest rating reached 6.7% during the scene where Dawn talked about Korean intangible cultural heritage.
During the broadcast, Dawn introduced his home filled with Eastern-inspired furniture and unique objects. One item that surprised the cast was his wooden living room table, which he revealed he purchased through a secondhand marketplace for 50,000 won.
Unlike his intense image on stage, Dawn showed a calm and relaxed daily routine. Instead of a traditional breakfast, he prepared finger foods and a raspberry wine drink before sitting on the stairs near his entrance and enjoying the view of his small yard. He described the yard as his favorite place, explaining that he spends time there because he wants to get more sunlight for his health.
Dawn also shared his love for preserving old items and appreciating their original value. He revealed his interest in various things, from a 1998 vintage car to Korean intangible cultural heritage.
Explaining how he became interested in traditional crafts, Dawn said, "I really love furniture and objects. While searching for them, I found what I thought was the perfect piece, but I later discovered it was actually a Korean intangible cultural heritage item."
He added that he has been personally working to introduce these traditions because some intangible cultural heritage skills are at risk of disappearing due to a lack of successors.
At the end of the day, Dawn reflected on living alone and shared his personal philosophy.
"My favorite saying is 'no news is good news.' Because there was no news, I was able to do everything I wanted when I had free time," he said.
He continued, "Living alone is actually difficult and lonely. There are many annoying things too. But I think I can truly understand myself when I am alone."
Meanwhile, Kian84, Minho, and Bae Na Ra continued their running trip in the episode. The three became closer while spending time together as members of their running group.
Bae Na Ra, who struggled during trail running, impressed the members at the campsite by preparing dishes including chilled pork, green onion salad, and various sauces. Kian84 and Minho praised his cooking skills.
After the meal, Kian84 jokingly expressed disappointment toward Jun Hyun Moo, saying, "I hoped Hyun Moo would run with us at least once." He added, "He completely refused and said he would never run together, but later he was doing a 'Fun Run' somewhere else."
When Bae Na Ra suggested that Jun Hyun Moo might join them after hearing this, Kian84 humorously replied, "I don't think he will."
MBC’s I Live Alone airs every Friday at 11:10 p.m. KST.
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