This is Part 1 of an exclusive interview by Esquire Korea featuring the Male participants of Transit Love 4 (EXchange 4), which recently concluded with its series finale.
Baek-hyun
(The interview date is December 21) You just said that at the time you filmed the video interview, you had been to the U.S. Did you go on a trip?
Yes. I traveled to Seattle and LA, and then I went straight to Kyoto, Japan. Since I kept traveling, I haven’t really been able to fully feel people’s reactions around me yet. I also haven’t been able to meet my friends even once.
Do you usually watch the broadcast yourself?
In the U.S., I couldn’t watch TVING, so I naturally didn’t get to watch much. After the show started airing, I got a lot of calls from my family. Every time an episode ended, my mom, older sister, and younger sibling would call and say, “You can’t act like that.”
If there was a decisive reason you made your final choice, what would it be?
I thought long and hard about what kind of choice would make me happier. That decision was what I arrived at after all that deliberation.
Is there a new side of yourself you discovered through Yun-nyeong?
I realized that someone with bright energy can make others happy. I started thinking that I want to become that kind of person too, and I think I discovered myself trying to apply that side of me little by little to my own life.
The activities you did with Yun-nyeong on the show were memorable. Do you usually like active dates?
I really love water, so I like almost all water sports: ocean swimming, surfing, water skiing, too. In winter, I ski sometimes, but personally I prefer sports you can do in summer. So when I seriously injured my foot, it was even harder. I had to stay in bed the whole time.
Thinking back to that period, you probably think of Hyeon-ji a lot too.
Right. I think it lingers even more because I spent that time with Hyeon-ji. Hyeon-ji is an active person too, and it upset me that we couldn’t do much together. Since my body was hurting, it felt like my emotions collapsed along with it. There’s one day I remember: I insisted that I wanted to see the Yeouido Fireworks Festival, so we went together while I was on crutches. There were so many people that Hyeon-ji stayed right next to me, taking care of me the whole time and I was really grateful, but I felt even more sorry. In Japan, talking with Hyeon-ji made me feel like we were breaking up one more time. I really wanted to wrap things up well, and rather than calculating or planning, I wanted to be honest about my feelings in that moment.
After breaking up with someone you loved deeply, do you have a way to recover?
Even when emotions are hard, I think it’s more important to keep my life busy rather than relying on drinking with friends. If you depend on alcohol, you feel okay in the moment, but when you get home, the emptiness feels even bigger. So I go for walks, travel alone, cry when it’s hard, and watch fun videos and laugh. I try not to avoid the emotions that come flooding in. I look at them carefully and try to comfort myself.
How did you feel when you found out there were two “X”s?
I knew there were two X’s, but I truly had no idea who the other X was. The whole time we were filming, it bothered me without me realizing it. I tried not to guess, but my mind kept going there. Then the moment I saw hyung (Seungyong), I just knew instinctively: “Ah, it’s this person.” Even now, I’m on good terms with him. He has a great personality and is funny, so we naturally got close, and since he likes working out too, we decided to exercise together soon.
Is there a reason you were always wearing headphones at the lodging?
I really love music. It’s a habit of mine to always have music playing, but since the lodging had a lot of people, I kept my headphones on. I really was listening to music. Back then I listened to a lot of SZA, and I also listen to pop music often in general.
The “X Introduction” and your letter-writing skills shown on the broadcast became a hot topic. Where do you get inspiration for writing?
I like poetry collections and essays, so I read a lot during my time in the military, and I think that experience helped.
If you could go back, would you appear on EXchange (Transit Love) again?
I think I would. Not many people get to have an experience like this. I feel grateful that I was able to have such a special experience. While filming, I got to learn sides of myself I didn’t know, and it was also a time to reflect on myself. It was really hard, but looking back now, I still think, “I’m glad I did it.”
If you had appeared on EXchange (Transit Love) together with Yun-nyeong, what do you think it would’ve been like?
Wouldn’t I have gotten scolded a lot? I probably would’ve been apologizing again. Yun-nyeong is like an older sister to me. She’s decisive and very clear-cut.
Has your daily life changed after EXchange (Transit Love)?
Ever since I was young, I wondered what it would feel like if someone recognized me. I vaguely thought it would just feel good, but it’s actually very different. Recently, during my U.S. trip, someone recognized me at the airport, and I was so flustered I couldn’t say anything. I’m truly grateful when people recognize me and come up to me, but I regret that I freeze up and the atmosphere becomes awkward. Still, in my heart I’m always very thankful.
If you could go back to before you appeared on EXchange (Transit Love), what time would the “Transfer Clock” be?
12 o’clock. I’d choose the same time again.
If you could have gone on one more “X date,” once in Seoul and once in Japan, would your final choice have changed?
I don’t think it would have changed.
Yoo-sik
(The interview date is December 21) Now that the show is airing, how have you been doing?
I’ve been keeping busy day to day with dance company rehearsals. I don’t really go out of my way to watch the show I’m on, and I barely use social media, so I don’t really watch the clips either. I guess seeing myself exactly as I am on screen feels a bit embarrassing.
Photos from recent “sightings” have been going viral.
When I go out, a lot of people recognize me. Sometimes my location even gets spread on social media in real time, which feels fascinating, but at the same time, it also makes me a little wary. People around me especially say, “Why did you look so tired in the interview room?” When I think back on that time, even now it feels like I was really going through things in a daze.
Since it was your first time on a broadcast, it must’ve been tough. But you looked very professional on stage. If you had one “life performance,” what would it be?
Thank you. Performing on stage and being on a broadcast are really different. If I had to pick a “life performance,” there’s one show that left the biggest impression on me. It was a performance I prepared while also filming EXchange (Transit Love), and continuing to rehearse when neither my body nor my mind felt whole wasn’t easy. The performance was the week right after I left the house, and I still vividly remember arriving back in Korea and heading straight to the rehearsal studio, dragging my suitcase behind me. I think in that moment, the stage was what truly kept me going.
Your passion is incredible. After you were cast for EXchange (Transit Love) and before you appeared, did you prepare anything separately?
Even then, it was an extremely busy period with performances and lessons. I couldn’t even contact the writer as often as I should have. I felt bad about it. So I didn’t prepare anything in particular. On the day filming started, I entered the house after rehearsing until 3 a.m. So I also remember not liking how my face looked on the first day. (Laughs)
If there was a decisive reason you made your final choice, what would it be?
After a lot of deliberation, I decided to trust the fluttering excitement I felt in the house. I didn’t want to ignore that feeling. I wanted to face it honestly.
You seemed to especially dislike someone being much younger, was there a reason?
Normally, I don’t care about age at all. But on the show, since my age and my face were both publicly revealed, I think I worried that people might judge me based on “age.” It’s absolutely not that I meant, “I don’t like them because I’m young.” It was more that I wanted to be extra careful because of that.
Is there a side of you that’s different from what was shown on the broadcast?
Maybe because I really liked the people I lived with, I was doing better than I expected. Usually I struggle even with one-on-one conversations with strangers, and I’m not good at enduring awkwardness. But once my age was revealed and everyone knew I was the youngest, I think I could act cuter with the older guys and approach them more naturally. They took great care of me, so I could show myself more comfortably. Even after filming ended, I still meet the older guys often—we eat together, drink together, and keep in touch.
Do you have any long-term relationship tips, Yoo-sik style?
I think I always kept this in my heart: “Don’t try to force the other person to fit me. Respect them as they are.” Of course, the other person adjusted to me in many ways too, but as I also tried to adjust, I think that’s how we naturally managed to stay together for a long time. And above all, comfort is important—being at ease together, and communicating well. In a relationship, you also end up seeing each other’s sharp edges, but I think even that comes out because you feel comfortable. So I feel like that’s also a part of love.
Q: Do you have your own “secret” to being affectionate and sweet?
I think it’s because I grew up receiving a lot of love. I feel like I naturally learned it by watching my father be affectionate toward my mother.
If you had to pick a breakup-song from your playlist, what would it be?
Sung Si-kyung’s “Farewell, Once Again” (한 번 더 이별). The lyric “A word I never once said—goodbye” especially stays with me for a long time.
Is there something you want to say to Min-kyung?
I truly cheer for you. Aalways stay healthy, and I hope everything you set out to do goes well. Wherever you are, and whatever you look like, I hope you’re always happy.
Last question. If you could go back, would you want to appear on EXchange (Transit Love) again?
If I could go back while keeping all the memories I have now, I think I’d appear again because it would feel like a good opportunity. But if I had no memories at all, I don’t think I would. It really wasn’t an easy time. Still, if I could return carrying these memories, I’d want to think about it more seriously. EXchange (Transit Love) has remained a very special experience in my life—something I’ll never get to do again.
Woo-jin
(The interview date is December 21) The show is in full swing. How has the restaurant been lately?
Since it’s the year-end peak season for restaurants, I’ve been extremely busy. It’s a busy season anyway, but it’s also true that I’ve benefited a lot from the show. Some people come specifically to see me, and many others take photos before they leave. It still feels a bit unreal, but I’m grateful for the attention. Because of that, I’ve been feeling even more responsibility toward my work and thinking that I should keep living each day diligently.
Do you personally keep up with the broadcast?
I haven’t watched all of it. Just some of it. While watching, I found myself seeing things objectively, like, “Oh, I said that,” or “I was making that expression.” It felt unfamiliar and a bit embarrassing. Especially since my emotions show on my face so clearly and that’s something I want to fix. I could also tell that my tone of voice revealed how I was feeling. I’m actually grateful that the show helped me notice those things, and I’m trying to improve little by little.
If there was a decisive reason you made your final choice, what would it be?
It wasn’t one single decisive reason—rather, through the program I became completely sure of how I felt. After I realized that, I didn’t waver/overthink about my final choice even once. I expressed everything I could so I wouldn’t regret it, and I made my final decision exactly in line with that heart/feeling.
When you decided to go all-in, Ji-yeon didn’t open up easily so why did you keep pushing your feelings until the end?
Because I felt like I would definitely regret it later if I didn’t. No matter what the outcome was, it was more important to me to express myself honestly than to end it while hiding my feelings.
If you had to pick the most memorable date, which would it be?
The date where I went to the water leisure park with Min-kyung is the one I remember most. I’m not originally the type who enjoys activities, but maybe because of the weather or the vibe, it felt like the first date after moving in where I truly opened up and enjoyed myself comfortably. I remember just laughing without thinking about anything in that moment. Normally, I prefer more quiet, low-key date like relaxing at a café, resting at home, and if I do move around, it’s usually just shopping.
It seems like there are some misconceptions about the food service industry.
I’m not a professional chef. I’m someone who runs a food business. There’s a professional chef on our team, and I’m in charge of the overall operation of the restaurant. I’ve been in the food industry for about 3–4 years, but once I actually started running my own place, it felt like a completely different world. There’s so much to take care of, and it made me respect all self-employed business owners. It’s physically exhausting, and the stress and pressure are huge. I remember times when I couldn’t even sleep properly.
If you could go back, would you appear on EXchange (Transit Love) again?
I think I probably would. There were a lot of tough moments, but it was definitely fun, and it was a valuable experience where I learned a lot about sides of myself I didn’t know. It made me reflect on my shortcomings and think about what I should fix. If I had to name one positive thing about myself, though, it’s that on dates I try to make the other person feel comfortable. I try to listen in a way that doesn’t feel awkward and react well, too. I’ve always liked listening more than talking.
On the show, what was the turning point that made you decide to reunite with your X?
In the X Room, while looking at memories from our past relationship, I felt again just how precious this person had been in my life. I think that’s why my emotions became complicated. I tried as much as possible not to watch scenes where my X was with someone else, but there were moments I inevitably saw. Since that place is such a special, unusual situation, I tried to steady myself and not overthink it. Still, there were moments when my emotions couldn’t help but shake.
Through appearing on the show, what new things did you realize about your X, and what would you like to say to them?
I realized once again that my X is a person who’s extremely honest and genuine when it comes to love—no lies. Ji-yeon, I’m really sorry. I think I got so used to being loved by you that I took those feelings for granted.
Among the “Woo-jin who loves Ji-yeon,” what part of yourself do you like the most?
There were times when even I surprised myself with how I could suddenly get heated, but I think it’s a good thing that whenever that happened, I tried to acknowledge my emotions and quickly apologize for what I did wrong. I’m not perfect, but I do like the version of me that tried to be honest with the other person.
If you could add one line to the X introduction sheet based on what you know now, what would it be?
They’re someone who’s bold in expressing love and honest about their true feelings.
Do you have any “romance” you dream of for your future dating life?
No special fantasy, really. I just want to date as I am an ordinary, natural relationship that suits my age and feels like me. A relationship where we don’t try to dress things up, and we can show each other our real selves and that’s the kind of love I think is best.
Won-kyu
(The interview date is December 21) Now that the show is airing, how have you been doing?
I’ve been doing well and staying calm. Not many people talk to me directly about the show—most of them seem to tell my friend, “I watched the show.” I usually don’t go out much, so I don’t feel the reactions that strongly, but when I do go out, some people recognize me even if I’m wearing a hat or a mask, which is fascinating. I’m even more grateful because instead of asking for anything burdensome, they just say things like, “I’m enjoying the show,” and “I’m cheering for you.”
If there was a decisive reason you made your final choice, what would it be?
When it came to the things Ji-hyeon wanted, I always thought, “I don’t think I can do that.” But at some point, I started to think that I actually could become the kind of person Ji-hyeon wants, and I gained confidence that if we got back together, I could make her happier. That’s why I made that choice.
After you were contacted and before you appeared, was there anything you prepared?
Since I wear a uniform to work, I didn’t really have many clothes. All I had were comfortable training outfits, but once I thought about being on TV, I realized I’d need clothes. So I spent a lot of time buying outfits. I thought I bought quite a lot, but once filming started, it still felt like I didn’t have enough.
What kind of place was the “garden” for Wonkkyu?
I’ve always liked nature, and the scenery you could see from the garden was really beautiful. There weren’t many people, so it was a good place to organize my thoughts, and it was also a great space to sit quietly alone.
Do you have your own health-management tips?
I’m the type who keeps my routine well. Even when I don’t have work, I try to wake up around the same time in the morning, and I try to work out about five times a week. Even if the intensity isn’t high, I think consistency is what matters. I mainly do weight training or running, and when I run, I usually keep a pace of about 4 minutes 40 seconds per kilometer for 10km. I’m not someone who never drinks at all, and I like high-calorie foods like pizza, so I make sure to work out as much as I eat. Literally, I’m the type who “works out to be able to eat.”
Is there a reason you take Gyeongokgo?
Gyeongokgo can be seen as something for recovering from fatigue, but originally it’s something you take regularly to improve basic stamina and immunity. It’s not so much for treatment purposes as it is for maintaining my health, so I take it consistently. It’s similar to Gongjindan, but it’s less of a financial burden, so I think it’s a practical choice.
If you had to pick the most memorable date, which would it be?
The zoo date in Japan is what I remember most. Personally, it was the date I enjoyed the most, and it seems like viewers liked it too. I’ve always liked animals, and among them, I like monkeys the most. A lot of other animals stay still, but monkeys are always energetic and lively, so they’re fun to watch. Since I have a quiet personality, I think that kind of energy feels even more appealing to me.
Is there a new side of yourself you discovered through Ji-yeon?
“Me being led by someone—this is new?”
Between “the person I like” and “the person who likes me,” which one are you?
The person I like. I’m absolutely sure about that. I’m the type who has to be drawn in first. I tend to place importance on how “upright” someone is, and I’m attracted to people with clear values and a healthy way of thinking.
What is Won-kyu’s view on marriage?
I think mutual compromise and consideration are the most important things in marriage. It’s not just a relationship where you meet because you vaguely like each other. You’re going to live together for the rest of your lives. So if there are parts that don’t match, you have to adjust, and if there’s something your partner dislikes, you should be able to accept it even if you don’t fully understand why. I believe that kind of compromise is essential in marriage.
If there was a reason you started thinking about marrying Ji-hyeon, what was it?
It felt different from my previous relationships. When I looked at her, I thought, “I want to cherish her,” and “I want to hold her close and take care of her.” Listening to her daily routine made me think she must have gone through a lot, and it made me want to embrace her even more. As those feelings piled up, marriage started to cross my mind.
What made Ji-hyeon especially special?
When I think of Ji-hyeon, it’s not just excitement—I also feel a desire to protect her and cherish her. As a relationship lasts, the fluttering feelings can naturally fade, but I think the desire to embrace someone and want to be with them comes only when you’re prepared to share your life with them. It was the first time I felt those kinds of emotions, which is why Ji-hyeon was special.
Was there a moment during filming when you discovered a new side of Ji-hyeon?
I already knew she was bright, social, and had a lively, bubbly charm. But when we were dating before, I didn’t often get to see that side of her in front of other men. In the house, I got to see it right in front of me, and it felt very new and to be honest, it even came as a shock.
During the show, what made you decide you wanted to get back together?
The filming situation itself was very unusual, and it was an environment where it was hard to properly control emotions. Still, even if it was a decision made when my judgment was shaken, I felt like I wouldn’t regret choosing her. That’s why I thought about getting back together. When I said on the show that I still had lingering feelings, it was because of that.
If you could go back, would you appear on EXchange (Transit Love) again?
Honestly, I’m not sure. I thought about this a lot even during filming. It was so hard that I thought if I went back, I shouldn’t do it again—but now that I look back, I think I probably would still go on. I got to meet a lot of good friends, and I learned new sides of myself too. It gave me a chance to look at myself from a third-person perspective and reflect. In that sense, I think it would be okay to appear again. Watching the show, I realized I should drink more moderately, and I also thought I should speak in a gentler tone.
If you could go back to before you appeared on EXchange (Transit Love), what time would the “Transfer Clock” be?
12 o’clock. I think the probability of getting back together is 100%.
If you could add one line to the X introduction sheet based on what you know now, what would it be?
“Even if I chant something weird, please chant along with me.”
Is there anything new you realized about Ji-hyeon through appearing on the show, or anything you’d like to say to her?
I realized she’s someone who seems like the complete opposite of me, but also has a lot of similarities. There will be many busy and difficult things ahead, but I hope you get through them well—and I’ll help you a lot from your side.
Seung-yong
After a long run, EXchange (Transit Love) 4 has finally ended. Viewers are most curious about how the cast members are doing now. (The interview date is December 21) How have you been lately?
People around me have been telling me they’re enjoying the show a lot. But at the hospital, most of the patients are foreigners, so I’ve hardly heard anyone say they watched it. So in my day-to-day life, things have been quieter than I expected.
Looking back on the filming, what’s your most honest overall takeaway?
Honestly, filming itself was a bit hard. Maybe because I’m an introvert, the whole process of adjusting in the beginning wasn’t easy. Almost as soon as I joined, we had to leave for Japan, and I hadn’t even memorized everyone’s names yet when we departed—so more than anything, it felt extremely awkward. There wasn’t much time to get close, so early on I struggled to adapt. Still, everyone treated me warmly, so when I look back, I remember more good things.
Was there a cast member who helped you the most during filming?
Jae-hyung. Since we shared a room and had many chances to talk, I naturally relied on him a lot. After joining as the “catfish,” the psychological pressure was honestly the heaviest, but Jae-hyung looked out for me a lot, so I was able to adapt more quickly. I want to say thank you to Jae-hyung through this interview. Jae-hyung—are you watching?
Viewers are also really curious about the chemistry between Won-kyu and Seung-yong. What kind of bond did you share with Won-kyu?
I’m not sure if all of it was shown on the broadcast, but since we’re around the same age, we naturally had a lot in common. The kinds of worries people have at this stage of life were similar, and our career concerns were alike too. We talked a lot about realistic things related to marriage like dating with marriage in mind, and the conditions you think about when considering marriage. Our concerns in that area were very similar.
How did it feel joining as the “catfish”?
Honestly, it was a lot of pressure. Not only because of the “catfish” role itself, but also because everyone else was already close with each other. I was entering that space alone, so I worried a lot. If I had joined from the beginning, it might have been a little different. Of course it’s a bit of a shame, but it’s already in the past.
If you had to pick the most memorable date during filming, what would it be?
Watching the show again, the Ferris wheel date stands out the most. There was a karaoke machine inside the Ferris wheel, but there were barely any Korean songs. The only thing we could really sing was BLACKPINK. At the time, I was so nervous that I was out of it, but when I watched it later, I thought, “Why am I acting like that?” Back then, since it was just the two of us, I didn’t realize how weird it might seem—I only remember laughing. Still, seeing it become a fun, talked-about scene now makes me feel a little proud.
Was there a date someone else went on that you wished you could’ve tried?
The water park date. I normally love water activities, so if I had gone, I think I would’ve had a blast.
If you could have gone into the X Room, would you have?
If it were at that time, I think I would’ve gone in. If it were now, I wouldn’t but I don’t really regret it that much.
You said you usually don’t cry much when dating, but you cried during the X date—why was that?
I actually do tend to cry easily. At the time, I was emotionally very drained, and the X date ended more abruptly than I expected, so a wave of shock hit me and I cried.
Did you realize anything new about your X through appearing on the show, or is there something you’d like to say?
I realized that my X needs more tenderness and affection. And more than anything, I want to tell them: “Fighting” hang in there and keep going.
If you could add one line to the X introduction, based on what you know now through this season, what would it be?
My X’s ideal type is a kind and affectionate man. When they look at someone romantically, “tenderness” matters most to them.
You said you already knew about Baek-hyun’s existence.
Back when we were dating, I once found a bundle of letters while looking for something at Hyeon-ji’s house. After reading a few pages, I could tell who wrote them and what the situation was, and it left a strong impression so I remembered it. That’s why I said on the show that I already knew.
How was your chemistry with Baekhyun?
We clicked well, like friends who already knew each other. We like similar things, and when we talked, I really felt we were on the same wavelength. Our interests were similar, so conversation flowed well and we had a lot of common ground. I think viewers found that interesting to watch too.
You formed a “cross alliance” with Min-kyung and played the role of a “dating consultant”—do you have any episode involving Min-kyung?
It didn’t air, but Minkyung and I talked a lot one-on-one and got close quickly. Whenever we were having a hard time, we would give each other “princess lighting” (hyping each other up like a princess), and naturally share laughs.
How do you feel about people saying you look like “Nonoka-chan”?
I’m grateful because I take it as a compliment. Honestly it’s a little embarrassing, but since it’s a positive reaction, I feel even more thankful. I also somehow feel a tiny bit sorry to Nonoka-chan, too.
What is your usual dating style?
I’m the type who tries to match my partner. I try to accommodate what they want as much as possible. If I had to choose between “someone who likes me” and “someone I like,” I think I match better with “someone I like.” Because then I can try harder. Also, rather than someone who’s the complete opposite of me, I prefer someone with a similar vibe. I think having similar values and a similar direction in life is important.
What are your thoughts on marriage?
I think the most important thing in married life is the relationship between the couple. A relationship where you feel comfortable together, and where you become a place of emotional rest for each other that feels like the most beautiful kind of marriage to me. That’s the direction I aim for too. I really want to be a home-oriented husband.
If you could recommend one more song to add to a breakup playlist, what would it be?
Lee Juck’s “Don’t Worry, Dear” (걱정 말아요 그대). While filming, I felt that rather than staying stuck in regret about the past, it’s important to have an attitude of accepting the time that has passed. I especially like the lyric, “What has passed has passed, and it has meaning as it is.”
Did you prepare anything in advance before appearing?
I got trapezius Botox. Not a lot—just a tiny bit. Since it’s an area I can physically feel, I decided the design myself while looking in the mirror and did the procedure. Personally, I felt the effect was pretty good, so if anyone is considering it, I’d highly recommend it.
If you had to recommend just one facial procedure that works well like trapezius Botox—what would it be?
If I had to recommend just one… Botox. It’s relatively low-burden in many ways and the effect is great for the price. Even for people who’ve never had any procedures before, it’s an easy, simple one to try. As for skincare-related treatments, in winter sebum production drops and skin can get dry more easily, so I’d recommend something that boosts hydration. Each clinic specializes in different hydration treatments, so if you consult a nearby clinic or one you visit often, they can recommend what fits your skin type and apply the most effective option.
Have you changed in any way after the show?
I used to prefer having my hair up and exposed, but since many viewers told me my hair down suits me better, I’m going to stop wearing it up. Also, after watching the show, I decided I should hold back on “over-the-top reactions” a bit. The experience of seeing myself as an “object” from the outside felt special. I want to become someone who reviews myself objectively, makes up for weaknesses, and adds more of my strengths.
If you could go back, would you appear on EXchange (Transit Love) 4 again?
Can I be honest? I don’t think I would. There were tough parts, but more than that, by nature I don’t like being known by people. I’m introverted, so the broadcast-related parts felt more burdensome than I expected. If I could go back, I want to be an enthusiastic viewer instead totally immersed, watching with my heart in my throat. I think that would be fun.
If you could go back to before appearing on EXchange (Transit Love) 4 right now, what time would the “Transfer Clock” be?
11 o’clock. You can’t completely turn everything back, but I think it’s still a time where you have some room left to choose.
Jae-hyung
(The interview date is December 21) How have you been doing since the show ended?
I’ve been living the same routine as before the broadcast. Since I work at a café, I basically just repeat three places: the café, home, and the gym. Nothing has really changed.
Do you have any new goals you set for this year?
I have one big resolution I really want to keep in 2026. My nephew is being born at the end of January, and I want to successfully quit smoking before the baby comes into the world. I really want to achieve this for sure. Aside from that, if I get the chance, I want to try a variety of activities. After watching the show, I realized how meaningful it feels to have my younger self recorded on video. So going forward, I want to film things like vlogs and record different parts of my everyday life.
Did you prepare anything in advance before appearing on the show? Any tips for future cast members?
Honestly, my mindset was “I’ll go as I am,” so I didn’t prepare much. But since I usually wear mostly training clothes, and even when I dress up it’s basically just jeans, I thought I should bring more colorful outfits so I did a bit of shopping. I tried really hard to pick things, but I wouldn’t say I have amazing fashion sense, so nothing felt absolutely perfect. Among what I bought, I liked the mint-colored knit and a black short-sleeve top the most. I’m planning to wear them a lot even after this. Try buying lots of clothes that suit you well.
You were brought in as a “catfish” with a strong impact on the show. Do you have any regrets?
Not really. The way my first date was decided was pretty unique, right? Choosing your date through blind chatting. I heard that method hadn’t been used in previous seasons, so I felt proud to be the first person to do it. Also, when I first entered the house, I thought the male cast members weren’t interested in me. But when I watched the broadcast, I saw that Yoo-sik washed his hair, and Woo-jin hyung put on lip balm and stuff like that. I found out late, and honestly it made me feel a little proud.
Was there a decisive reason you made your final choice?
At the time, I wanted to be honest with my feelings, and I didn’t want to look back later and regret it, thinking, “I should’ve done it differently.”
Is there anyone from past seasons who left an impression on you?
Gyu-min from EXchange (Transit Love) 2. I had never really watched dating shows before. I wasn’t that interested. Then I happened to see a famous clip by chance, and it was Gyu-min. It was a video where the “Sun or Suck” (해가 될까) OST played as he made this expression where he raised one eyebrow, and it left a strong impression. (I’ve heard you two look a bit alike.) My friends told me that a lot too—that the vibe and the way he talks are similar to mine. I also watched Gyu-min’s YouTube from time to time, so personally, if I ever get the chance, I’d like to meet him and have a drink together.
What does “first love” mean to you in relation to Jae-hyung?
He’s the person who first taught me, “So this is what dating is like.” I think he showed me things like: if you act this way toward someone you like, it can make them happy. Even now, it remains a memory I’m grateful for.
I heard Yun-nyeong fell for Jae-hyung after seeing him dance when she was a high school student. What songs did you mainly dance to?
That’s a little embarrassing. In high school, I was in the dance club, so I think I danced K-pop the most. My favorite stages were EXO’s “Growl” and “Love Shot”—those two songs.
(Q: What was your position within EXO?)
My “position” was Kai. I really like Kai. The last time I remember dancing was probably 2–3 years ago when I did busking. I really hope it doesn’t get shared, but someone filmed it and uploaded the video to YouTube. If you look for it, you could probably find it. Still, it’s so embarrassing that I hope it doesn’t become widely known.
You also have the nickname “Kkwa-eunwoo”—the legendary “twisted donut shop Cha Eunwoo,” where female students lined up just to see the part-timer at a twisted donut shop.
All I can say is thank you for thinking of me that way. A lot of people think it was my mom’s shop, but actually it was my friend’s mom’s shop. They had just opened and were so busy, so I helped out for about three weeks. There was a girls’ high school right in front of the shop, so I think the students saw me in a good light. I think it’s a funny nickname.
Has the kind of dating style you aim for changed after the show?
My original dating style is more like being friends, so I can be kind of blunt and snappy. Because of that, I realized I lack a bit of delicacy. I think I was a little far from being “sweet” or “tender.” So after the show, the dating style I’m aiming for has changed. Going forward, rather than being too much like a friend, I want to balance being a friend and a lover, and become someone who’s more considerate and affectionate.
Did you discover anything new about Jaehyung through NEW?
I realized I’m not very good at approaching someone first and getting close to them. I think there are still so many parts of me that need to grow when it comes to dealing with people.
If you could go back to before appearing on EXchange (Transit Love) 4, what time would the “Transfer Clock” be?
The same. 11 o’clock.
Is there anything you want to say about your X after appearing on the show?
I keep thinking that “me back then” was really regretful in a lot of ways. Even so, thank you so much for liking me. I’m glad I got this chance to talk with you, and I hope you always live well and keep smiling.
If you could add one line to your X introduction sheet, based on what you know now, what would it be?
Yun-nyeong’s baseline energy is naturally really high. I hope there’s someone who can match that and help her keep that energy going.
Please recommend a breakup-song playlist.
Yoon Jong-shin’s “Like It” (좋니). The lyric, “You don’t know how pretty you were when love began,” keeps pulling me into memories again and again. Also, Sung Si-kyung’s “Farewell Once Again” (한번 더 이별). I think breakups don’t end cleanly in one cut—they dull gradually over multiple times. Each of those times feels like you’re experiencing the breakup again, and it brings up so many emotions. I don’t even know why, but every time I listen to this song, I choke up and I still keep coming back to it.
As “barista Jae-hyung,” what are your Top 3 coffee spots in Seoul?
Since I like lattes and interior design, if I rank them based on that:
First, I’ll put the café I work at—“Cres Town.” I work at the Ewha branch. The bread is slightly different by branch, so it could be fun to compare which branch tastes best.
“Acibo Roastery Café” in Songpa.
“Vicuna” near Gangnam Station.
I recommend all of them as great latte spots!
Read the Part 2 of Esquire Korea’s interview here. You can also check their Esquire Korea’s video interview below!
Interview and images are from ©Esquire Korea (Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).
Reported by Kwon Hye-jin, Park Su-eun, Lee Won-kyung
Translated by Team Cherry Blossom Romance.