Premiering Aug. 26 on SBS, the show opened to a 1.1% rating in the 20?49 demo and a 5.4% household share in the Seoul Capital Area, according to Nielsen Korea―No. 1 in its time slot and the top Tuesday entertainment program locally.
For the first episode, Lim headed to Somo-do in Wando County with his real-life besties: science whiz Orbit and chef Im Tae-hun. “We wanted to go somewhere off the grid and have some real talks―about the tough stuff and the good stuff,” Lim shared about why the trip came together.
The trio caught the first ferry at dawn and quickly learned the island was pure self-sufficiency―no supermarkets, no convenience stores, no restaurants―meaning everything had to be cooked from scratch. Whenever Orbit tried to sneak in a science lecture, Lim teased, “You’ve done it more than five times in 30 minutes. It’ll get edited out anyway,” showing their easy, longtime-friends chemistry. Gazing at the sea from the boat, Lim grew reflective: “Back when I was unknown, I did a lot of cruise gigs. It brings those memories right back.”
Once ashore, the steep hills and suitcase-unfriendly stairs had them huffing, but the oceanfront view from their place instantly made up for it.
Locals, spotting Lim in the flesh, sprinted out―some barefoot―to hug him, sparking laughter all around. After greeting the village and taking a short stroll, the three crashed for a much-needed nap. “I usually have trouble sleeping, but I felt so at ease here that I was out the moment I lay down,” Lim said, sounding recharged.
Orbit gifted custom friendship tees designed with chemical element symbols to match each personality―and then surprise guest Lee Yi-kyung showed up with a haul of groceries. He MacGyvered a brick stove in minutes and proved a capable all-around fixer, quickly earning the role of Chef Im’s MVP sous-chef. Still, after tasting Im’s first pot-cooked rice, Lee cracked, “Maybe it’s the smoky char talking―it just won’t quit. If this hit a memorial table, even our ancestors might spit it out,” landing a playful roast.
Ever the science evangelist, Orbit launched into how the Maillard reaction makes meat delicious. In a later interview, Lee laughed it off: “Was it the ‘Neymar’ reaction? I already forgot,” mixing up chemistry with a soccer idol.
Over a feast-like dinner, Chef Im loosened the reins: “Go ahead and talk science all you want tonight.” Lim shot back, “Hyung, are you trying to go to bed early?”
With the ocean as a backdrop, Lim previewed "I’m HERO," a cut from his second studio album and the series’ main theme―turning the moment into a mini-concert.
The closing teaser showed Lim battling his first-ever night fishing trip, plus late-night heart-to-hearts and a cozy in-room live set―fueling anticipation for what’s next. "Island Hero" airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on SBS.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)