Channel A ‘Heart Signal 5’

On Channel A, ‘Heart Signal 5’ is drawing attention over whether bringing in a ‘catfish woman’ can spark a rebound after four consecutive episodes stuck in the 0% ratings range.

In the preview for episode 5, airing on Tuesday the 12th, the final housemate, the ‘catfish woman,’ appeared, signaling a shift in mood. She caught the eye with styling that paired a black tweed jacket, a short skirt, and long boots, accented by a red bag. Her neat image with long straight hair also drew notice.

In particular, as the love triangle centered on Park Woo-yeol, Kang Yu-gyeong, and Jeong Gyu-ri has intensified, attention is focused on what ripple effect the addition of the ‘catfish woman’ will bring.

Meanwhile, ‘Heart Signal 5’ started at 0.6% for its premiere, then fell to 0.4% for episode 2 and 0.3% for episode 3; episode 4 likewise stayed at 0.4%, delivering results that fall short of expectations. It is also trailing the competing program in the same time slot, ‘Dolsing N Mosol,’ struggling in both buzz and viewership.

Instagram screenshot of Kim Ji-young.

Previously, ‘Heart Signal’ has produced headline-making figures each season. Im Hyun-joo, who signed with an entertainment agency after the broadcast and is active as an actor, and Kim Ji-young, who has 440,000 Instagram followers and appears with her husband on SBS ‘Same Bed, Different Dreams 2: You Are My Destiny,’ among others, continue active moves as ‘semi-celebrities.’

All eyes are on whether the original standard-bearer of dating reality can regain its pride, and whether the ‘catfish woman’ card can be the breakthrough for a ratings rebound.