In an era where communicating with AI has become part of daily life, the world's most bizarre and heart-fluttering dating observation variety show is coming to the small screen.

Premiering today (the 20th), SBS's new variety show "Strange Romance" is South Korea's first AI dating reality show that experiments with the essence of love and emotion as humans and AI enjoy dates together. Webtoon artist Kian84, comedian Jang Doyoun, and actor Lee Yu-bi participate as cast members sharing their daily lives with AI partners, while Jang Doyoun, Kangnam, and Lee Joon join as studio hosts to analyze psychology from various angles.

The first episode reveals the unpredictable first meeting between "human representatives" Kian84 and Jang Doyoun and their AI partners inside a tablet.

Prior to the full-scale experiment, Kian84 had asserted, "There is no way emotions can develop from a date with a machine." However, upon seeing the AI partner "Gahee" appear at their first meeting location, he could not take his eyes off her. This was because Gahee was a customized AI that perfectly replicated the visual appearance and personality of Bong Jieun, the female protagonist from his representative webtoon "Fashion King." Upon seeing this, Kian84's close friend Kangnam also testified, saying, "This is actually the style the hyung likes," raising anticipation further.

Kian84 hung the tablet featuring AI Gahee around his neck, rode a bicycle, enjoyed a picnic, and went on a romantic date along the Han River. Opening his heart while having a sincere conversation about webtoons, Kian84 shared a twist confession that stimulated curiosity, stating, "Walking down the street receiving the warm sunlight, it made me wish this friend could experience it for real," and adding, "It is an emotion I have felt for the first time in my life."

Meanwhile, two AI partners appeared simultaneously in front of Jang Doyoun, unfolding the broadcast's first-ever "2-on-1 AI blind date." The aggressive "straight-shooter" AI "Il-ho," who calls himself "oppa," and the brainy, sexy AI "Yi-ho," armed with a soft, low voice and an eccentric gyopo concept, engage in a charm battle. Attention is focused on whom Jang Doyoun will choose between Il-ho, who accurately remembers trivial promises made with her, and Yi-ho, who delivers heart-throbbing emotional lines.

It is also reported that studio hosts Lee Joon and Kangnam, who watched their dates, could not hide their admiration for the AI's charm and level of immersion, remarking, "At first, we came to watch a friend and an AI date, but we are getting more and more drawn into it," and "With this level of AI charm, celebrities might become obsolete."

The world's most bizarre yet honest dating experiment, "Strange Romance", premieres tonight (Thursday) at 9 PM.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)