The world of reality television is no stranger to drama, but the upcoming fifth episode of MBN’s hit show ‘Doll Song Circus 7’—airing August 17, 2025—promises a spectacle that’s both awkwardly captivating and deeply revealing about the complexities of modern televised romance. This week’s episode centers on a ‘virtual doll date’ event, a format where female participants select their partners in a secretive, high-stakes environment. But what unfolded during filming left not only viewers but also the show’s five seasoned MCs—Lee Hye-young, Yoo Se-yoon, Lee Ji-hye, Eun Ji-won, and Lee Da-eun—both entertained and visibly concerned.
According to Edaily, the episode gets off to an electrifying start as one male contestant reveals a surprisingly intense preference for a virtual doll without a neck. This unusual detail immediately stirs conversation among the MCs and production team. The participant’s strong reaction is described as both enthusiastic and, at times, bordering on discomfort for those observing. As the MC Lee Ji-hye candidly put it, “He seems too rushed,” voicing the unease that many in the studio felt as the date progressed.
The atmosphere, initially charged with anticipation, soon shifts as the male contestant’s approach quickly escalates. From the very beginning, he showers the selected female with compliments, effectively placing her in what Lee Ji-hye later dubbed a “compliment prison.” His intensity doesn’t stop there. Throughout their conversation, he maintains what the show’s commentators call an ‘eagle eye’ focus, and ultimately, he attempts close physical contact—an action that visibly unsettles his date.
As the encounter unfolds, the female participant’s demeanor shifts from excited to increasingly withdrawn. Her body language becomes defensive, and she begins to distance herself, both physically and emotionally. The MCs, watching from the studio, can’t help but react. “That kind of behavior and situation itself is burdensome,” one MC remarks, echoing the growing discomfort both on and off screen.
Lee Ji-hye, who had previously expressed a personal fondness for the male contestant, openly empathizes with the woman’s predicament. “Personally, I really liked him at first, but my feelings are cooling as it goes on,” she admits, capturing the collective mood. Lee Hye-young, another of the MCs, sighs, “I don’t have a good feeling about this,” foreseeing the trouble ahead.
The tension reaches a breaking point when the male participant, perhaps unaware of the signals he’s sending, delivers what’s described as a ‘decisive blow’—a move so awkward it leaves the female unable to mask her discomfort. Eun Ji-won, watching the scene unfold, quips, “I’ve never seen a face like that before,” breaking the tension with a bittersweet laugh. Even Lee Ji-hye and Lee Da-eun lament, “He should have paced himself,” highlighting the importance of emotional timing in such vulnerable settings.
This episode’s events underscore the delicate balance required in televised matchmaking, especially when participants’ emotions—and reputations—are at stake. The five MCs, each seasoned in navigating on-air relationships, are lauded for their detailed and enthusiastic management of the virtual doll date event. Yet, as Ilgan Sports notes, even their expertise couldn’t prevent the awkwardness that ensued.
Behind the scenes, the production team is reportedly walking a tightrope. The appearance of the virtual doll itself has sparked ongoing debate, with some team members advocating for adjustments to better suit the participants’ preferences. The team’s commitment to creating a thoughtful, engaging experience is clear, but as the episode shows, even the best-laid plans can go awry when real emotions come into play.
The male contestant’s nervous energy—described by multiple sources as both intense and somewhat overwhelming—serves as a reminder of the pressures unique to reality television. With cameras rolling and millions of viewers watching, every gesture is magnified, every word scrutinized. The fact that a seemingly small detail—the absence of a neck on a virtual doll—could become a focal point of both desire and discomfort speaks volumes about the unpredictable nature of these shows.
As the MCs reflect on the experience, their commentary resonates beyond the confines of the studio. Lee Ji-hye’s observation that “He seems too rushed” isn’t just a critique of one contestant’s approach; it’s a broader meditation on the pitfalls of moving too quickly in new relationships, especially under the glare of studio lights. For viewers at home, the episode offers both entertainment and a cautionary tale about reading the room—whether that room is virtual, televised, or all too real.
The production team, for its part, remains committed to managing the show with sensitivity and care. According to Edaily, they plan to continue refining the event, taking into account the diverse preferences of participants and the feedback from both MCs and audience members. Discussions about the design and role of the virtual doll are ongoing, with the goal of striking a balance between novelty and comfort.
Meanwhile, the five MCs—Lee Hye-young, Yoo Se-yoon, Lee Ji-hye, Eun Ji-won, and Lee Da-eun—have been praised for their ability to steer the conversation, offering both humor and heartfelt concern as the episode unfolds. Their reactions, ranging from laughter to genuine empathy, serve as a mirror for viewers navigating their own complicated feelings about love, attraction, and vulnerability.
As reality television continues to evolve, episodes like this remind us that the line between entertainment and real human emotion is often thinner than we think. For the participants of ‘Doll Song Circus 7,’ and for those watching at home, the latest episode offers much more than just spectacle—it’s a window into the hopes, fears, and sometimes painfully awkward missteps that define the search for connection in the modern age.
With the fifth episode set to air, all eyes will be on how the show’s producers, participants, and MCs navigate the aftermath of this unforgettable date. One thing’s for sure: in the world of televised romance, surprises are always just around the corner.
