Reality show ‘Home Alone’ celebrates decade-long run

In the era of overflowing content in the entertainment industry, it’s difficult for a program to stay on the air for a long time. Yet, MBC’s popular reality show “Home Alone” manages to keep itself relevant to viewers after 10 years on the air.

The reality show, which premiered in 2013 and has been airing every week since, captures the single life of celebrities. In a documentary style, they candidly share their daily life as well as tips, secrets and philosophies of living by themselves.

“There are a lot of programs that run on a season basis, but we have been continuing (the show) without break for even one week. Running like a marathon, then sprinting like a power run, next thing we know we’ve reached our 10th anniversary,” the show’s producer Heo Hang said during a press conference for the show held at the broadcaster in Mapo District, Seoul, Monday.

“There have been ups and downs within that journey, but as the life of a human is about continuous ups and downs, we’ve come this far in that

breath thanks to the viewers.”

TV personality Jun Hyun-moo, who joined the show in 2013, is the oldest among the current regular cast, which also includes Park Na-rae, Kian84, Lee Jang-woo, Key and Code Kunst. He looked back at the changes the show has brought not only to his life but to the lives of singles.

“I joined the show as the newest member during the early days (of the show) when single life was viewed as depressing and pitiful. But these days, it has become an era where people enjoy single life. As I’ve done this show

for 10 years, I feel there have been definite changes in the public’s perceptions of single-person households,” Jun said, reflecting on a shift in societal attitudes, in which living alone is now widely embraced as a lifestyle choice.

“Nowadays, (viewers) support me confidently living my life as a bachelor. Now, maybe they’ve given up on me, but they don’t even suggest that I get married.”

Other cast members also shared how the show helped them grow by allowing them to experience different perspectives.

“When I think of my life before and after sharing it on the show, I’ve never seen anyone who lives like Jun and Kian84. And just when I thought I’d gotten used to them, announcer Kim Dae-ho showed his extraordinary daily life,” Key said.

“As I come to acknowledge and accept the differences, I could learn a lot. The most significant change in me is that now I put myself to try out other people’s lifestyles.”

Park added, “At first, it felt awkward to appear on ‘Home Alone’ and with the cast members. But as time passed, we’ve gotten intimate, like a family now. I feel we’ve all grown together from the show.”

The show invites different guests, giving a glimpse of the personal side of various celebrities from A-listers to sports stars. Adding that reality is the most crucial factor of the show, the producer said she seeks positive energy when casting the guests.

“One thing we keep precious like our lives is authenticity. And I think that’s what keeps the spirit of the show,” Heo said. “When (a celebrity) tends to give positive energy and fresh vibe, they become a possible candidate (for the show).”