On February 23, 2025, the KBS Joy and KBS 2TV show 'Ongoing Meetings' (오래된 만남 추구) aired its latest episode, highlighting the romantic developments among its contestants, particularly between Lee Yoo Mi (이영자) and Hwang Dong Joo (황동주). The episode showcased their last date and marked the confirmation of their relationship, drawing widespread attention from fans and viewers.
During the episode, Hwang Dong Joo made his feelings known to Lee Yoo Mi, stating, "Whether it’s due to good weather or just the right occasion, Yoo Mi, let’s go on a date." This sentiment encapsulated the sweet and romantic atmosphere as they prepared to visit Nami Island, where the pair flaunted their growing closeness through casual physical contact.
Lee Yoo Mi, already comfortable with expressing her feelings, introduced Hwang Dong Joo to others as "my boyfriend," showcasing confidence and affection. Yet, amid their playful exchanges, she expressed some reservations about their age difference during interviews. "If I didn’t care about age, we could date normally. But to me, age matters, and I feel sorry," she confessed, highlighting the tension between her feelings and societal expectations.
This episode wasn't just about the blossoming romance between Lee Yoo Mi and Hwang Dong Joo. Other couples, including Kim Sook (김숙) and Koo Bon Seung (구본승), and Jang Seo Hee (장서희) with Lee Jae Hwang (이재황), also successfully paired up during their respective after-dates, contributing to the overall theme of the show: the quest for genuine connections.
During their playful interactions, Lee Yoo Mi affectionately back-hugged Hwang Dong Joo, to which he responded with amazement, exclaiming how cute she was when she did so. This display of affection had viewers glued to their screens, captivated by the chemistry and sincerity radiated from the two.
Reflecting on their experiences, Lee Yoo Mi shared with the cameras, "It feels like the interactions between Dong Joo and I are quite special. Although some say age is just a number, I still feel guilty about the disparity between us. But he gives me warmth, and I can see why he is so fond of me. I feel fortunate to have met him."
Hwang Dong Joo, too, has had long-time admiration for Lee Yoo Mi, dating back to his youthful days. He previously revealed on MBC's 'Radio Star' back in 2016, "I had always liked Lee Yoo Mi. Whenever I saw her on TV, I thought, ‘How great would it be if she were my girlfriend?’" This show's format allowed them to explore what was once admiration and fantasy and transform it gradually to reality.
This sweet encounter at Nami Island served as the ideal backdrop for their connection. The two shared moments filled with laughter and captured sweet poses during the couple mission, which fans adored. Lee Yoo Mi noted, "Seeing Dong Joo get all shy and flustered was adorable. I truly enjoyed our date. It was easy to be myself around him."
Other contestants also engaged deeply, adding more layers to their interactions through shared experiences and trials. During one light-hearted fishing date, Kim Sook and Koo Bon Seung bonded over minor mishaps, which lightened the mood, leading to playful banter.
The culmination of this episode not only highlighted the budding romances but also set anticipation for future interactions as the host hinted at "a continuation of these relationships post-show." The production team revealed plans to extend the show, seeking to explore more about the cast members' journeys once they step out of the program’s confines.
The episodes of 'Ongoing Meetings' air every Sunday at 9:20 PM, and viewers can catch up on the romance and growth between the contestants on streaming platforms like TVING and Wavve.
With 2025 offering viewers insights not just on Love but on the intricacies of human emotions, 'Ongoing Meetings' has carved its niche as not just dating reality TV but as a celebration of love, affection, and companionship across varying life stages.