On the October 22, 2023, episode of TBS's variety show Water Wednesdays, comedian Kurochyan, known from the trio Yasuda Daikatsus, proposed to his girlfriend Richi after two years of dating. This moment was the culmination of the series titled New Year Kurochyan's Real Life Sugoroku, where Kurochyan unwittingly progressed through life events dictated by dice rolls.
During the show, Kurochyan had prepared for this significant moment, purchasing a ¥1.64 million (approximately $11,000) engagement ring and reminiscing about their relationship. "I genuinely love Richi and want to be with her, and I hope she'll make me happy, too. Please marry me," he professed as he presented the ring. Richi, with tears welling up, shocked everyone with her response: "I can't do this. I want today to be the end of everything. I have reached my limit long ago." Her unexpected answer left Kurochyan visibly confused and distressed, prompting viewers to empathize with him.
Richi elaborated on her feelings during the proposal, saying she had always felt unequal in the relationship. "I was always acting as Kurochyan's ideal girlfriend. I feel like my true self has been completely denied," she shared passionately. Despite her initial interest sparked by seeing Kurochyan on television, the dynamic of their relationship had evolved unfavorably for her over time.
Viewers witnessed Kurochyan grapple with Richi's rejection. He responded with desperation, asking, "Have you always thought like this? It was hard all this time?" His emotional pleas highlighted the differing perspectives they held about love and companionship. Kurochyan felt heartbroken, exclaiming, "What? This is how it ends for me?" His realization of their starkly different sentiments, compounded by Richi's statement, "Thank you for letting me say everything I've thought; it feels refreshing now. Goodbye," signified the final nail in the coffin of their relationship.
The aftermath of the proposal sent shockwaves not only through the couple but also across the audience and social media. Fans commented on X (formerly Twitter), with reactions ranging from shock to sympathy for both parties; many supporters expressed their dismay at the breakup and highlighted the emotional turmoil depicted on screen. Users tweeted statements like, "I can't believe this is how it turned out," and "Kurochyan's heartbreak is genuinely saddening," indicating their investment and connection to the show's narrative.
Richi's remarks during the breakup hinted at larger issues within contemporary relationships portrayed on reality television. Her announcement about departing from her music group WACK following this incident added another layer of complexity to her already challenging situation. Facing the end of both her romantic relationship and her artistic endeavors, Richi's transition seemed imminent.
This episode offers more than just entertainment; it sheds light on the pressures individuals face when balancing public personas with private realities, particularly when televised. The stark emotional rawness demonstrated by both Kurochyan and Richi resonates deeply with audiences, providing insight not just for the couple involved but for anyone participating and viewing the realities of love today.
The program, framed as lighthearted entertainment, has inadvertently plunged viewers deep within the complexity of human emotions, exposing times when idealized expectations clash with heartfelt truths. Such moments showcase not only the fragility of relationships formed under the public eye but also serve as poignant reminders of the importance of genuine communication and self-acceptance.
At the end of the day, Kurochyan and Richi’s story isn’t just another chapter on reality TV; it’s about real lives, complex emotions, and the sometimes painful learning processes of love. Their experience will likely linger with viewers, urging reflections on their relationships and the portrayal of romantic endeavors today.