Lee Jung-jin's Romantic Efforts Praised, but 'The Groom School' Struggles with Viewer Fatigue

On the recent episode of 'The Groom School', which aired approximately two weeks ago, viewers witnessed Lee Jung-jin's efforts to charm Park Hae-ri, a woman ten years his junior, with a date tailored to her interests in Seoul's trendy Seongsu-dong. The date featured tender moments, such as Lee gently guiding Park away from traffic and warning her about puddles, as well as thoughtful surprises like visiting a cozy cat cafe known as a healing spot for cat lovers.

These affectionate gestures revealed a softer side of Lee, who is often perceived as cool and distant, earning praise from his fellow cast mentors. Behind-the-scenes revelations suggest that Lee showed intense dedication in preparing for this romantic outing, emphasizing the lengths taken to produce perfect moments.

However, despite Lee's endearing efforts, the show continues to struggle with low ratings, and viewers express growing disillusionment with the scripted romance format. Audience criticism focuses on the lack of authenticity and repetitive, formulaic storylines that fail to engage viewers deeply. Even as Lee and Park share activities like golf and perfume making on previous dates, the overall sense is that these productions prioritize spectacle over genuine connection, making it difficult for viewers to embrace the romance fully.

This tension between staged romance and audience expectations frames the fragile appeal of 'The Groom School' in Korea's competitive entertainment landscape.