Im Hero and His Close Friends Conclude 'Island Bachelors' on a High Note, Dominating Tuesday Variety Ratings

SBS's entertainment program 'Island Bachelors' has successfully wrapped up its journey with Im Hero and his close friends in a remote island village, achieving a triumphant finale.

The final episode, aired on the 16th, recorded a 2049 viewership rating of 1.2%, clinching the number one spot among all programs aired on Tuesday. The household rating also hit 4.5%, solidifying its position as the top-rated Tuesday variety show, with peak viewership reaching an impressive 6.1%.

From its premiere to its conclusion, 'Island Bachelors' consistently held the top position in Tuesday variety ratings. It also proved its widespread popularity across both online and broadcast platforms by ranking third in non-drama TV-OTT search interest according to Good Data Corporation and entering the top 5 on Netflix's Korean series list.

The broadcast kicked off with hearty laughter thanks to Heo Kyung-hwan's 'bittersweet' Halli Galli game incident. When the members decided to play for their meal expenses, Heo Kyung-hwan lost and was tasked with paying for 20 servings of groceries with his own card. Gwedo and Im Tae-hoon went grocery shopping in Wando and returned with a bundle of receipts mixed with other shopping. Gwedo joked about buying many gifts, to which Heo Kyung-hwan humorously threatened legal action if the total neared 990,000 won, eliciting more laughs.

A particularly heartwarming moment occurred when Im Hero personally spoke with Heo Kyung-hwan's mother. At Heo Kyung-hwan's request, Im Hero warmly greeted her and promised to invite her to a concert if possible. Heo Kyung-hwan's mother responded with a laugh, saying even his own mother found it difficult to attend, and affectionately declared, 'You are now an eternal hero,' showcasing her fan devotion.

The highlight of the episode was undoubtedly the 20-serving Chinese course meal prepared by Im Tae-hoon and Im Hero's touching island concert. The elderly residents were deeply impressed by dishes like Mapo Tofu, Yu-Lin-Gi, and Jjajangmyeon, exclaiming, 'A day like this exists in the world,' and 'This is truly delicious.'

Following the feast, Im Hero held an island concert, singing 'Man of the Harbor,' 'Mother's Song,' and 'Don't Ask.' The elderly residents were visibly moved, with tears welling up. Reflecting on his friendship with his close friends, Im Hero shared, 'Gwedo makes me feel special, and Tae-hoon makes me feel ordinary. Both are great friends, which is why I think we've been together for so long. Having good friends by your side is the greatest healing.' The episode concluded with a caption suggesting a potential Season 2, leaving viewers with anticipation: 'The island bachelors will visit again when you miss home.'

Im Hero, known for his powerful vocals, made his official variety show debut with 'Island Bachelors,' showcasing his charming personality beyond music. His genuine interactions with friends and the island residents deeply resonated with viewers. The show highlighted his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, cementing his status as a beloved entertainer.