Zico, Seolhyun’s Public Breakup Sparks ‘Bonnekdo’ Dating Ban Shockwave: ‘Ahngeun Jinja’ Hits Record 2049 Ratings, Tops Monthly Variety Charts

South Korean variety reveal 아니 근데 진짜! (Not Really!) achieved a new ratings milestone on April 20, 2026, recording its highest-ever household viewership of 20.49% according to Nielsen Korea data. The episode featured BoyNextDoor member Nam Jae-hyun as a guest, whose candid remarks about family connections and past relationships sparked widespread online discussion and contributed to the program’s surge in popularity.

The April 20 broadcast marked a turning point for the SBS series, which has steadily gained traction since its relaunch with a new “Suji’s Boarding House” concept. Hosted by comedian Lee Soo-ji portraying a boarding house landlady, the show blends scripted scenarios with unscripted celebrity interactions, creating a hybrid format that resonates with audiences seeking authentic entertainment. The episode’s success reflects growing viewer engagement with the show’s unique blend of humor and personal revelations.

During the episode, Nam Jae-hyun revealed that host Tak Jae-hoon knew his mother, stating, “Tak-sama, you recognize my mom — she went to the school next to yours.” Tak Jae-hoon responded with a knowing smile, confirming, “Jaehyun-ah, I actually know your mom,” prompting Nam Jae-hyun to jokingly notify him to “turn off the TV, Dad.” The exchange quickly became a viral clip, praised for its natural chemistry and comedic timing.

Tak Jae-hoon later shifted the conversation to singer Zico, referencing his past public relationship with former AOA member Seolhyun. “Zico didn’t do that, did he?” Tak Jae-hoon asked, alluding to rumors about the couple’s brief romance in 2022. Zico and Seolhyun confirmed their relationship in July 2022 but announced their separation just one month later, citing busy schedules. Neither party has disclosed further details about the breakup, and both have since focused on their respective music careers.

The episode also highlighted Nam Jae-hyun’s stance on relationships, as he previously stated in interviews that he avoids dating due to his busy schedule with BoyNextDoor. His agency, KOZ Entertainment, has not issued any official statement regarding personal relationships among its artists, maintaining a policy of privacy unless disclosed by the individuals themselves.

Following the broadcast, 아니 근데 진짜! topped the monthly variety show rankings for April 2026, according to data collected by Good Data Corporation. The show’s consistent performance has positioned it as a leading force in South Korea’s competitive weekend television landscape, drawing praise for its innovative format and ability to generate meaningful viewer engagement.

The success of the April 20 episode underscores the growing appeal of hybrid variety formats that balance scripted setups with genuine celebrity interactions. As broadcasters continue to experiment with new concepts, programs like 아니 근데 진짜! demonstrate how authentic moments — whether humorous, nostalgic, or emotionally resonant — can drive both ratings and cultural conversation.

For updates on future episodes and ratings performance, viewers can refer to official SBS announcements or Nielsen Korea’s monthly television reports, which are typically released within five business days after the end of each month.

What did you think of Nam Jae-hyun’s appearance on 아니 근데 진짜!? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media using the show’s official hashtag.

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