[Part 2] Esquire Interview with the Transit Love 4 (EXchange 4) Participants

This is Part 2 of an exclusive interview by Esquire Korea featuring the Female participants of Transit Love 4 (EXchange 4), which recently concluded with its series finale.

Hyeon-ji

The “two X’s” setup is pretty shocking. You must have been really worried. What made you decide to appear on the show anyway?

Before going on the show, it’s true that both I and my X’s were fully aware of the situation when we were brought in. It was a big decision for all three of us. Of course I had a lot of worries. But the reason I decided to appear was because at the time, I really missed one of my X’s. I wanted to see them after a long time, look them in the face, and talk. I think I decided to go on the show with that kind of feeling. If anything, I probably thought about it too simply.

If you could go back to before you joined, do you think you would still decide to appear on EXchange (Transit Love) 4?

Yes. It was an emotionally tough space, but I made memories with such great people. More than anything, I had a strong desire to face my X at least one more time so even if I went back, I think I’d decide to appear again.

You joined as the female “catfish.” Do you have any regrets? What do you think it would’ve been like if you had joined from the beginning?

I’m the type who’s really shy around new people, so if I had joined from the beginning, I might’ve adapted a bit faster so that’s the one thing I feel a little regretful about. If you watch the broadcast, you’ll see that from my first appearance all the way until I entered the house, I was just smiling the whole time. When I feel embarrassed or awkward, I tend to laugh, so I think I just kept smiling then too. Still, everyone took good care of me, so I don’t really regret joining as the catfish.

Which date left the biggest impression on you?

The whole process of traveling to Japan with Yoo-sik was the most exciting. For me, the airport and the plane had always been places I went only for work. But going there in a non-work situation especially with the person I had my eye on the most so going to the airport together and getting on a plane felt like such a different, special experience.

How did you choose your interview-room outfit?

Up until now, I thought sky blue was my personal color. So naturally, I decided I’d wear a sky-blue cardigan for the interview. But after watching the broadcast, I thought it looked so bad. So I swore I’ll never wear sky blue again.

Everything Hyeon-ji wears keeps selling out. Among your date outfits, what was your favorite, or what are your shopping and styling tips?

Actually, I have a separate favorite outfit of my own. I prefer a more comfortable, casual style, but during filming I think I ended up wearing a lot of feminine clothes that I don’t normally wear. I felt shy but grateful that people paid so much attention to it.

When you were dating Seung-yong, was there a reason you decided you wanted to marry him?

I’m usually drawn to someone who feels stable, and at the time Seungyong oppa embraced me in a steady, supportive way. He wasn’t the type to speak super sweetly, but the way he took care of me in a rough, straightforward manner felt like a real “effort-type romantic.” There wasn’t one huge trigger that made me think, “I have to get married”—it was more of a natural flow. At one point, I ended up introducing Seungyong oppa to my family, and seeing how well he treated my parents made me like him even more. I thought, “We’ve dated this much, and we’ve met each other’s families—so wouldn’t the next step be marriage?” It just came naturally.

Is having the same values about marriage still important in dating?

Shouldn’t you talk about your values during the process of starting a relationship? If someone doesn’t want to get married, I feel it would be difficult for me to start a serious relationship. But during filming, because we had to make a final choice, I think I became more confused and impatient. Right now, marriage isn’t a huge priority in my life. I’m trying to focus more on myself now.

What was the big thought you had near the very end of your date with Baek-hyun?

When I came back and hugged Baek-hyun, it felt like everything. From the moment we first met—flashed past, and I really felt, “It’s truly over.” I thought, “Today is the last day.”

What is something new you realized about your X through appearing on the show?

I had worried a lot before we moved in because I thought both Bae-khyun and Seung-yong oppa were introverted, and I was afraid they might struggle. But they adapted much faster than I did. There was no need to worry!

Did you discover a new side of yourself through NEW?

I originally thought I was very shy and not great at expressing myself, but watching the show, I couldn’t hide my emotions at all and I was actually pretty proactive in expressing them. It was really hard for me to watch myself like that, but I was grateful that Yoo-sik told me that being honest is one of my strengths. I really want to say that!

Do you have a breakup-song playlist?

Kwon Jin-ah’s “I Was Lucky” (운이 좋았지). Her songs make me feel comforted, so I listen often. I especially like the lyric, “I was lucky because in my life, there was someone who loved me even more than I loved myself.” I think I relate to it a lot.

What was the decisive reason you made your final choice?

While filming, I had many worries and it was emotionally very hard. Because of that, the good moments felt even bigger, and I felt grateful to the other person. So I thought it was right to choose the person with whom I shared the most moments that made me happy and excited during that period that’s why I made my final decision.

What do you want to accomplish this year?

Since I’m taking a break from work for a while, I have a lot more free time, and I want to go on an overseas trip with my family. Before, I only went abroad for work, so I couldn’t really take time just for my family. I think traveling overseas for fun would feel a bit different!

Min-kyung

(The interview date is December 21) How have you been since the show ended?

Among the cast members, I especially became close with Yun-nyeong unnie. We got even closer when we became roommates in Japan, and even these days I’ve been spending happy time with her—eating good food and enjoying ourselves. I still have a bit left in my graduate program, so I plan to continue with it. I’m also trying to have a lot of new experiences.

You’re juggling so many roles: freelance model, graduate student, dance instructor, and more. Do you have your own time-management method?

I’m really a “J” type. So I’m the kind of person who plans my schedule very tightly, down to the hour. I’ve been extremely busy balancing modeling work and grad school along with other things, but when I make a plan and start the day with it, I can actually get more done than I expect. First, I fill my schedule with the must-do tasks, and then free time naturally appears. If you actively use that time, I think anyone can have a really productive day!

Viewers also noticed you’re preparing for a Pilates instructor certification.

That’s right. In the arts/physical education field—like dance—there are actually many different possible career paths. So I think I’ve been trying to create multiple possibilities for myself, within what I’m able to do.

Is there anything about you that changed after the show?

Since I’m just an ordinary person, it was my first time seeing myself on screen like that. So I think I reflected on myself a lot first—like, “Oh, that’s the tone I used,” or “I acted that emotionally in that situation.” It made me think I need to become more mature. After the show, I think it became a turning point that pushed me to work harder on becoming more emotionally and inwardly “grown-up.”

Do you have any updated ideal-type standards for 2026?

In the past, I think I cared about age a bit more. But now I feel like I’ve become much more open-minded about that. Watching different kinds of relationships on EXchange (Transit Love) 4 made me feel that age isn’t that important when it comes to loving someone. So now I’m keeping my mind more open. I haven’t set a strict cutoff, but I think up to about 10 years older would be fine. Also, I’ve gained a new standard for my next relationship there’s a type of person I want to date. I want to date someone mature, calm, and not emotionally reactive like someone steady. And I want to date someone who’s fun to be around.

What was the most memorable date during the show?

The water park date I had with Woo-jin oppa is the one I remember most. I hadn’t really done many water activities before, so it was almost my first time experiencing that, and it was really fun. I want to go on more dates like that in the future!

You also became a hot topic as the “textbook example of a date look.” If you had to pick your favorite date outfit, which one would it be?

My favorite outfit was what I wore on the day I went to Naksan Park with Baekhyun oppa. I wore a navy knit from Chou Chou Tong and a skort from Portena, and I think it was the outfit that felt the neatest, cutest, and suited me the best.

If you were to appear on a different dating show besides EXchange (Transit Love), which one would you want to go on?

Honestly, I’ve never properly watched a dating show all the way through—not even once. I’ve randomly seen some super-famous clips, but I’ve never watched a full program from start to finish, so I didn’t even really know how the format flows. Only after the show ended did I feel some regret, thinking, “What if I had watched at least one season of EXchange (Transit Love) or another dating show before joining?” If I had to choose one besides EXchange (Transit Love), I’d pick Heart Signal. In EXchange (Transit Love), your ex and new people appear together. But I’m curious what it would feel like to start relationships in a setting where everyone is meeting for the first time.

You were in a relationship for about 8 years. Do you have any advice for people ending a long-term relationship?

One thing I newly realized about my X while filming was that they were someone who really took good care of me. If I were to give advice about ending a long relationship, I think the most important thing is loving without regrets. If you love the other person wholeheartedly and without holding back, then maybe you can put a period on it as a good memory without lingering feelings.

Can you recommend a breakup-song playlist pick?

“Forever Has Always Been” (영원은 그렇듯) by Redoor. We filmed in the summer, and I went through a hard time on the show, so when I listen to this song, I relate to it a lot. My favorite lyric from it is: “Oh, I filled summer nights with nothing but tears.”

Was there a decisive reason you made your final choice? Also, if you could go back to before appearing on EXchange (Transit Love), what time would the “Transfer Clock” be?

I decided because I wanted to be honest about what I was feeling at the time. I think it would be 9 o’clock.

If you could add one line to the X introduction sheet based on what you know now, what would it be?

We met from our student days and shared everything together, and I think if we didn’t have each other, we wouldn’t be who we are now. I want to say thank you for letting me become who I am today, and for helping me shine.

During the X date, you seemed like you were able to accept the breakup. What kind of effort and process did it take to get there?

Just like no one can be completely indifferent about a breakup, I think I tried to let out and shake off my emotions as much as I could and because of that, I have no regrets. Time really does solve everything. I tried to spend time with good people around me. And I want to say thank you to the people who stayed by my side.

Ji-hyeon

(The interview date is December 21) How have you been these days since the show ended? Do you have any new plans?

I’ve gone back to my everyday life and I’m teaching kids again. It’s admissions season right now, so I’m a bit busy too. This year, I want to have as many new experiences as I can whenever opportunities come up. First, I want to focus on the students I’m teaching, and if more things I can do open up beyond that, I’d like to challenge myself and try them.

If you could go back to before appearing on EXchange (Transit Love) 4, would you decide to appear again?

Even though it was emotionally very difficult in there, I met so many precious people through the program and I think I grew a lot internally as well so I think I’d decide to go on again. It’s such a unique experience. Like I said on the show, I’ve lived alone for a long time, so coming home after the day ends and having everyone gathered together, eating dinner together in a lively atmosphere—those kinds of days felt so good to me. I think that’s what I loved. It was a precious time.

You seem like you would’ve been the mood-maker in the house. The toast line that became a hot topic—“MAMAMOO (Drink to your heart’s content, but don’t overdo it)”—did you come up with that yourself?

No! I really want to clear this up. I didn’t make it up. Before filming, I went to a certain event site and learned it there. Someone younger than me recommended it, saying it was a toast phrase that’s trendy these days. So I ambitiously tried it on the show, but I ended up coming across like some old-fashioned person. Please tell me—wasn’t it really trending…?

So there was a behind-the-scenes story. I thought you originally liked naming things like “downstairs household,” “upstairs household,” that sort of style. Then if you were to give a nickname to the EXchange (Transit Love) 4 house, what would it be?

I already named it “Sans-jang” (“a mountain gym”) on the show. But that was early on, before a lot of things happened, so I’ll come up with a new one. Hmm… how about “Jekyll and Hyde”? That place really feels like Jekyll and Hyde. One day it’s like this, the next day it’s like that. The house is so big that you honestly can’t really know what everyone is doing or where they are. So the EXchange (Transit Love) 4 house is “Jekyll and Hyde.”

Among the past EXchange (Transit Love) seasons, was there a cast member who left an impression on you?

For me, Na-yeon from EXchange (Transit Love) 2 is the most memorable. I think the way that couple loved each other was impressive. Even when they bickered and fought, they’d quickly melt and make up, and their sense of humor seemed to match well too so it really stuck with me.

You went on dates with various male cast members. Which date do you remember the most?

The date I had with Seungyong oppa on the day we first arrived in Japan. Besides him singing a BLACKPINK song on the Ferris wheel, we also went to a haunted house and it was seriously so fun. I’d never seen a place set up that realistically before. Filming inside wasn’t allowed, so unfortunately it didn’t air, but if you go to Japan, I really recommend it as a date course.

(The Japan date location where Ji-hyeon and Seung-yong went was “Tokyo Dome City Attractions.”)

What advice would you give to couples who broke up for the same reasons as you and your ex?

To couples who broke up for realistic, practical reasons like I did, I want to say: “Try to understand each other more.” If you think a little more from the other person’s perspective and show consideration, you can absolutely keep loving each other and do well together.

Did you realize anything new about your X through appearing on the show?

I thought my X would be very shy around people, but he actually got along smoothly with others more than I expected. Seeing that, I really thought, “Yeah, he’s an oppa through and through.” He’s mature but flexible, and he also keeps his own life rhythm well. He has this honesty where he can clearly say what he likes and what he doesn’t, and that really impressed me. I thought, “That’s probably why I liked him.” And as for what I want to say to him: I want to thank him for being with me, and I also want to sincerely apologize for hurting him.

No matter what the result was, what new side of Jihyun did you discover through NEW?

That I’m more blunt at flirting than I thought… (?) I told myself, “I should act a little more coy.”

If you could add one line to your X introduction, based on what you know now, what would it be?

“X is a very jealous person.”

After watching the whole show, was there something about Won-kyu that moved you?

Yes. I was touched by how, even when I spoke and acted harshly, my X kept trying to talk things through. Seeing it from a third-person perspective, I could feel Won-kyu’s feelings even more. And also, the “X delivery.” I cried when I saw Won-kyu hugging the hoodie.

Was there a reason you decided you wanted to marry Won-kyu?

Won-kyu is someone who has his own clear center in life. He’s diligent, responsible, and doesn’t have big emotional ups and downs. We hardly ever fought except when we broke up. Honestly, during EXchange (Transit Love) 4, we fought the biggest we ever had. He’s someone who knows clearly what’s right and wrong, and his love for family is big and deep. And he’s fun to be around. I don’t think it’s easy to find someone who gives you both maturity and fun at the same time. Also, there’s this indescribable “coolness” he has something you can’t quite put into words and I liked that, so I decided I wanted to marry him.

If you have a dream or “romance” for marriage, what would it be?

Making a weekly meal plan together and cooking, working out together, learning the same foreign language and traveling here and there, having a child and raising them in a fun, cheerful way, raising a cute dog, and even when we’re older, wearing matching couple outfits and going for walks hand-in-hand.

Yun-nyeong

(The interview date is December 21) How have you been doing since the broadcast?

While filming, I became really close with the female cast members. We even go hang out at each other’s places, eat Yeopddeok together, and just enjoy a fun everyday life. Since we lived in the same house for a whole month and went through so much together, we naturally built a strong sense of understanding and shared experiences. It’s not something you get to experience easily anywhere—living under one roof with your ex, new people, and those people’s exes. Still, I gained such precious connections, and we’re still spending happy time together. I think I’ve gotten especially close with Min-kyung because we’re the closest in age. I feel like we were almost always together—sharing the wagashi we made on my date with Baek-hyun oppa, and the snacks we bought on other dates too.

Was there a decisive reason you made your final choice?

As we spent time together, the other person gave me a lot of reassurance, and my feelings were genuine too. I wanted to trust my heart and make a choice I wouldn’t regret, so I chose that person.

The surprise watch Baek-hyun gave you in Japan also became a hot topic. Are you keeping it well? I heard it’s sold out now.

Really? I think I said at the Pyeongchang-dong lodging that I was totally captivated by it and really liked it, and then Baekhyun oppa surprised me with it, which made me so happy. Especially because it’s the denim color I love. I heard that denim color is hard to find. I remember being even more touched when he told me he went all around Seoul trying to get it. Since I can’t break it, I’m carefully keeping it on a shelf at home.

You really seem to love denim. You mentioned that “someone wearing denim is your ideal type”—have your ideal-type standards been updated for 2026?

Nothing has changed that much. But if there’s one thing I want to correct, it’s this: I said “someone wearing denim is my ideal type,” but that doesn’t mean everyone who wears denim is my ideal type. To be exact, I like someone who knows how to use denim as a styling point. My ideal type is a man who looks great in denim styled in a cool, polished way.

If you could go back to before you appeared on EXchange (Transit Love), what time would the “Transfer Clock” be?

I think it would still be 8 o’clock.

Is there something you newly realized about your X through appearing on the show, or something you’d like to say to them?

Even though he was someone I cherished and loved so much, when we were dating, I focused only on the disappointment I felt toward him and on my own emotions, and I couldn’t properly look after how he felt. I want to sincerely apologize once again for how immature I was. Through this experience, if I come to love someone wholeheartedly in the future, I think I’ll be able to express my feelings more honestly and carefully so that my hurt feelings don’t end up turning into wounds for the other person.

In a way, what did you feel during the X-date with Jae-hyung, who was your first love (first partner)?

I went on a date with Jaehyung oppa for the first time in almost six years, and I was able to spend a comfortable, enjoyable time with him—like being with a dear older brother. And it made me realize again how warm of a person he really is, now that we’ve both moved past that time.

If you could add one more line to your X introduction, based on what you know now, what would it be?

The original introduction sheet was written while thinking of him as he was six years ago, when he was 20. If I could add a line, I’d want to say: he’s a truly warm and sentimental person, and he’s such an amazing and proud X of mine.

Have you watched previous seasons? If so, was there a cast member who left a strong impression?

Yes, I watched them. For me, it was Na-eon from EXchange (Transit Love) 2. She faced her X in such a cool way, and she also sent the other person off so gracefully. I thought that scene was really impressive. I also want to have that kind of cool personality, and her bright image really stood out to me.

Your bright personality and smiling face feel similar in that sense. Your charm also stood out in the interview room. Did you have any criteria for choosing your interview-room outfits?

I thought a lot about what to wear. Rather than something ordinary, I wanted to wear something with personality, so I wore items from “Kyo.” I liked it more because the color had a subtle, unique vibe rather than a typical green, and the panel-seam details were nice too. But looking back, it might stand out a little too much.

Talking about fashion made you smile even more. Then do you have any winter styling tips as a fashion MD?

Even if you wear a thick outer layer, I hope you don’t completely hide the nice outfit you’re wearing underneath. If you layer your inner base pieces warmly, you can still style it with the jacket you want on top—even if the jacket is a bit thin. I’m the type who can’t give up fashion just because it’s cold—an “I’d rather freeze than dress plainly” kind of person.

Do you have your own criteria for choosing fashion items?

Materials matter too, but I tend to look at details first. I like clothes that elevate the completeness of a look with just that one item, even without trying too hard. I first judge whether a single piece can make you look “styled.” Compared to basic items, I’m more drawn to pieces with details like button stitching or panel cuts. I recommend you try styling with items that have appealing details too. For brand recommendations, I’d pick my favorites: Sacai, Juun.J, Andersson Bell, and Our Legacy. I like brands with that deconstructed vibe—and the details are really beautiful.

Do you have any plans for next year?

I loved Kamakura in Japan so much when I visited while filming. After that, I became even more interested in Japanese culture, so I want to start studying Japanese and also learn more about Japanese fashion little by little. I already liked Japanese brands, but after visiting in person, I really loved the quiet, calm atmosphere and that unique sensibility. Even after coming back, the feeling has still stayed with me.

Ji-yeon

Today you shot your first solo pictorial with Esquire. For your first time, it was impressive how well you did. How did you feel about the shoot?

It was really fun. I especially loved the makeup and hair. They did a half-up hairstyle, and it’s actually a style I’ve never tried before. But once I did it, I was surprised it suited me better than I expected. I want to try doing it on my own sometimes from now on. While shooting, I even thought, “Should I have done this hairstyle on the show?”

EXchange (Transit Love) 4 is already nearing its finale. A lot of time has passed since filming. (The interview date is December 21) How have you been these days?

I’m trying to do well. I quit my job and I’m currently taking a break. These days, I’ve been going to learn pottery. I tried it briefly back in college as a club activity, but once I suddenly had a lot of free time, I found myself overthinking too much. So I wanted a hobby that could help me empty my mind a bit, and that’s why I started pottery again. This year, I want to try a lot of different things and take time to figure out what I like and what I’m good at.

Did you tell people around you in advance that you were appearing on EXchange (Transit Love) 4?

I didn’t tell anyone. At the time, I thought you weren’t allowed to talk about it. So after the teaser was released, I got an insane amount of messages. A lot of people asked, “No way—is that you?” and some people even screenshot articles or teaser images and sent them saying, “This person looks so much like you.” Truly, nobody knew.

Do people recognize you after the show?

Sometimes, yes. But I don’t go out much, so it’s not that often. I don’t think I’m used to it yet. When someone recognizes me, I get even more awkward for no reason.

Do you still keep in touch with the other cast members a lot?

Yes. I talk to Yun-nyeong almost every day. We’ll talk on the phone for two or three hours, and I even invite her over and we throw little parties. It’s hard to talk in detail about filming with my other friends, so I think I actually end up talking more with the cast members. We were close already, but after the show, we got even closer.

I’m curious about the behind-the-scenes with your roommate Yun-nyeong. It doesn’t seem like it showed up much on the broadcast.

It really barely showed up, but we talked a lot about everything from what we do outside to school and our majors. We’re both in design, so we naturally talked about that a lot too. But with Yun-nyeong, we almost never talked about new people—like someone we were newly interested in. We could end up overlapping, and it felt like we should be careful. Instead, we talked the most about what was hard in the house or what was fun. We did talk about our X’s, but I don’t think we crossed the line beyond that.

I heard you stayed with a different roommate in Japan. Did the vibe feel different?

In Japan, I shared a room with Hyeon-ji unnie, and by then, everyone’s X’s had already been revealed, so it was much easier to talk. We talked naturally about our X’s, and also a lot of personal things. In Japan, there was also a lot of time for the X’s to talk to each other. Because the schedule was busy, it wasn’t as long and chatty as when I was with Yun-nyeong, but I think we had deeper conversations instead. We talked about thoughts on getting back together versus moving on, and since we could both see who we were interested in by then, we were honest about that too.

Did you ever try to guess who the other cast members’ X’s were?

I truly didn’t know anyone. Even at the moment viewers were most curious about when Won-kyu oppa opened the door. I honestly couldn’t see anything. It was dark and the lights were off, so I really saw nothing. I didn’t figure it out from the T-shirt moment either. From the beginning, I thought Won-kyu oppa’s X was Hyeon-ji unnie. Once I decided that, I just stopped making other guesses. I tried not to speculate about X’s at all. But with Yun-nyeong, I could tell. I realized her X was Jae-hyung. Early on, Yun-nyeong was so bright that I wondered if she maybe didn’t have an X there and that turned out to be true. I think I could sense it because we were roommates.

What do you think it would’ve been like if you had appeared as the “catfish”?

It would’ve been really overwhelming. I’m the type who gets shy around new people, so if I had been brought in halfway, it would’ve been much harder. Even in the beginning, adapting was really tough for me. Of course, everyone would’ve taken care of me, but if I had joined as a catfish, I think the psychological pressure would’ve been huge. Watching the show, I kept thinking Jae-hyung must have had it really hard. Back then, I didn’t realize because I had no room to breathe, but now I even regret not taking better care of him.

A lot of viewers said your emotional expressions felt very honest. Do you have a “secret” for that?

It’s just my personality. I say I like something when I like it, and I say I don’t when I don’t. I also can’t really hide it on my face. So I’d rather express it clearly, because it shows on my face anyway. And the show itself is about getting to know new people within three weeks. Since the time is so short, I think I couldn’t help but express things more boldly than usual.

Is there something you think is important when expressing your feelings?

Confidence—momentum. People with high self-esteem look prettier and cooler, right? So if you have feelings, I hope you express them confidently. I think that kind of charm definitely comes through.

What made you go straight for Won-kyu early on?

First, I like people who look sharp. And I like older guys but not just “a bit older,” I mean truly older. Won-kyu oppa definitely had that strong “older” vibe. Also, once I’m drawn to someone, I’m the type who doesn’t over-calculate and just goes straight for it, so I think that’s why too.

Didn’t you worry about the age gap?

Now I don’t remember exactly how I felt back then, but if I said it was okay, then it must have truly been okay. If it wasn’t, I wouldn’t have said it was. I’ve always thought up to six years older is fine. And since I have a younger brother, dating someone younger than me feels a bit difficult.

Early in the show, why did you hesitate about getting back together with Woo-jin?

Because I was afraid we’d break up again for the exact same reason. I’m the type who thinks that if you break up, it’s really the end. Of course, there are people on EXchange (Transit Love) who reunited and are doing well now, but that’s separate from me. I just can’t easily change that mindset. I think that’s why I hesitated more.

If the final X date had been longer, is there something you really wanted to do more with Woo-jin?

I think I already said and expressed everything I wanted to. So it’s not that there was something specific I still had to say—rather, I just wanted to spend a little more time together in silence.

How did you feel when you saw Woo-jin crying during the final X date?

It wasn’t just one emotion. I felt several emotions at the same time. I felt sorry, I felt grateful, and more than anything, seeing him cry made my heart hurt so much that it stayed with me and was hard to forget.

Through appearing on the show, did you realize something new about your X, or is there something you want to say?

Right before we broke up, I told myself, “If I let go, the relationship ends,” and that’s why I brought up the breakup. But through the program, I realized that I was also a pretty big presence to my X, and that made my feelings really complicated. I want to say that I think I had only been thinking about my own emotions all this time. I also thought my X must have been really hurt during the breakup process, and I definitely want to apologize for that.

If you had to pick the date that left the biggest impression, which would it be?

The first date. The Samcheong-dong date I went on with Won-kyu oppa is what I remember most. Since it was my first date after filming began, I worried a lot—“Will I be able to immerse myself in this situation?” But once I actually went, I really immersed myself and enjoyed it. I felt so comfortable, and the vibe was great, so it stayed with me even more.

If Won-kyu had completely cleared up his relationship with his X and then confidently pursued you, would your final choice have changed?

Other people’s actions didn’t affect my final choice. Whether I chose to reunite or to move on, I went into it with a standard I set for myself: that I wouldn’t let my decision be shaken by someone else’s actions. So even if the situation had been a little different, I don’t think my choice itself would have changed.

What was the decisive reason you made your final choice?

More than anything, I wanted to make a choice I wouldn’t regret. Regardless of whether it was “right” or “wrong,” the biggest thing was: at least, don’t lie to my own heart. I made that decision because I trusted that even when I look back on this moment someday, I’ll be able to understand and accept my choice.

If you have a breakup-song playlist, can you recommend one song?

Rosé’s solo album rosie, the track “Stay a Little Longer.” It’s about emotions you can’t easily let go of even when you know you have to end things. The lyrics capture that ambiguous feeling line by line, and I related to it the whole time listening.

Among your dates in Japan, what was the best one?

The date where we went to make pottery. I’ve always liked making things with my hands, and the scenery that day was beautiful too. It genuinely felt healing.

Are you good at cooking?

Not really. I use meal kits a lot, and I try hard to take pretty photos. People said it looked like a feast, which made me a bit embarrassed. Honestly, I think cooking is all about decoration. My skills aren’t amazing, but I spend a lot of time on plating and styling, so in photos it probably looks like I’m good at cooking.

Do you have any makeup or hair tips?

After getting professional makeup done today, I really thought, “Professionals really are different.” Looking back now, I don’t think the hairstyle I had on the show was my best. It might have been better if I wore my hair down, or tied it up completely. Also, I had a habit of biting/peeling my lips, but after seeing it on the show, I thought I really needed to fix it so I’ve completely stopped now. Since I have a lot of regrets, it’s hard to give tips.

What’s the biggest change since the show aired?

Everything feels surreal. If I type my name into a search bar, photos come up, videos show up, and there are comments—still hard to believe. It’s the same with people recognizing me. I’m still not used to it yet.

What if you got cast for another dating program?

I don’t think I would go on. I only did this because it was EXchange (Transit Love). It was my first time on TV, and I’m just an ordinary person. Honestly, it felt burdensome to have all of me shown on broadcast. And not all reactions would be positive. I worried a lot about whether I could handle that. Still, I decided to appear because I felt like I would regret it for the rest of my life if I didn’t. I’ve never even considered another dating show.

If you could go back, do you think you’d appear on EXchange (Transit Love) 4 again?

Yes, I think I would. When else would you ever get an experience like this? For an ordinary person to live for three weeks in a beautiful house with strangers. It feels like something you’d never experience again in your life.

Whether it worked out or not, what new side of yourself did you discover through NEW?

I thought I was already a fairly proactive person, but watching the show, I realized I was much more proactive and even a bit too much than I thought. Because it’s an environment where you have to get to know people in a short time, I think my emotions and expressions came out faster and more honestly than usual. Through that process, I newly realized that I’m a person who’s more faithful to my emotions than I expected.

If you could go back to before appearing on EXchange (Transit Love) now, what time would the “Transfer Clock” be?

Even if I went back to before appearing, I think my choice would be the same. Back then, I worried that much, and I entered the program in that state of mind so even if I returned, I would make the same choice.

Check their Esquire Korea’s Video Interview below!

Interview and images are from ©Esquire Korea (Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5).
Reported by Lee Won-kyung, Park Su-eun

Translated by Team Cherry Blossom Romance.