The premiere of Mnet's Couple Palace 2 captivated viewers from the first broadcast, introducing the first meeting of 60 attractive singles eager for marriage. The show, which debuted on the 5th, returned with MCs Kim Jong-guk, Yoo Se-yoon, and Mi-Joo, enhancing its format for season two.
Starting with the thrilling speed train segment where contestants quickly select potential partners by pressing "pick" buttons, Couple Palace 2 sets the stage for what seems to be an intense marital quest. The show has managed to draw substantial viewership, recording 1.7% ratings thanks to its appeal among female demographics, particularly those aged 40 to 50.
The season kicked off with upgraded visuals and narratives compared to the first season. This promising start was underscored by the "first impression vote," where singles scanned each other for 30 seconds to make quick, impactful decisions.
The introduction of contestants was entertainingly tagged with intriguing keywords like "Sweet Large Dog" and "Elite Overseas," which piqued viewer interest. Audience reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the energy as "dopamine-lit" and agreeing on the physical attractiveness of the participants.
Among the singles was a handsome Japanese office worker, described as charmingly sweet. His appeal, alongside three other successful men, clearly made waves on the pick button section. Yet, as their marriage conditions unfolded, unforeseen twists emerged, such as someone seeking qualities of a maternal figure who could establish honeymoon arrangements and another insisting on having property. A standout among the cast was beauty creator office worker A, who impressed by sticking to his choices, attracting interest from multiple women.
Instead of fading away after the first impressions, the evening continuously built excitement, especially as U.S. attorney Kim Gun-hee returned to the "Elite Overseas Team" train, rekindling the cheers seen during the first season.
Newly introduced players included captivating figures like rapper McDaddy, who surprisingly engaged one lucky lady who professed herself to be one of his fans. Adding to the mix was the compelling story of a national golf player turned dermatologist who caught numerous attention—his statement on marital conditions, followed by the humor of not wanting to handle anything "heavy," showcased both his charm and authenticity.
Indeed, some contestants discovered instant chemistry. An office worker from a prestigious Chinese university expressed infatuation with Woman No. 10 at first sight. First impression ranked Woman No. 10 opted for her own unique criteria—she was not particularly fond of the tall and handsome type, yet still connected on a one-on-one date due to their compatibility.
Equally, Woman No. 13, who engaged with Eastern philosophy, revealed her attraction to her suitor with shared interests, sparking immediate emotional ties. The evening ended with another cliffhanger, as Woman No. 9, who demanded significant conditions centered around wealth and property, managed to capture the attention of the confident patent attorney, who pressed the pick button regardless of the apparent challenges.
Introducing model Yoo Hye-won to the audience, she conveyed, "My dream is to meet a good person and get married, not someone bad or just popular. I want to have the usual relationship everyone else does." Her heartfelt rhetoric, shared by many on the show, left the viewers intrigued about how her story would evolve.
Next week promises the launch of the speed train featuring female cast members, highlighted by former Miss Korea contestant Kim Yerin, who reportedly lost 20 kg since her last appearance. Fans are eager to witness how the narrative will advance as the potential future matches on the show progress.