In the 8th episode of Channel A’s ‘Heart Pairing’, which aired on the 2nd, tension ran high at the ‘Seoul Pairing House’ as the second chapter of the tenants’ “contract love” stories unfolded—with a surprise twist.

While Woojae–Jeyeon, Jimin–Yeon, Support–Woojae, Chan-hyung–Sky, and Chang-hwan–Chae-eun explored deeper emotional connections after three days of exchanging messages with their “contract love” partners, a new male tenant, Sang-yoon, suddenly appeared during a group dinner, shaking the dynamics of the house.

During a flying simulator date at an aviation center, Chang-hwan and Chae-eun grew closer. Later, in a café conversation, 40-year-old Chang-hwan cautiously asked 28-year-old Chae-eun, “Is there an age limit when you date someone?” She replied that she didn’t mind age differences as long as the person took care of themselves and even remarked in an interview, “I think I wouldn’t fight with Chang-hwan if we loved each other.”

Meanwhile, Chan-hyung and Sky, who spent their day together by the wintry sea, had an honest conversation about their incompatibilities. Chan-hyung confessed, “When I return to the house after a date, it feels like I’m going back to a friend, not a lover.” Sky, overwhelmed by juggling her career as a doctor and startup CEO, shared, “I work for personal fulfillment. I’m not sure our life directions align.” The two decided to take a break from their relationship, parting ways maturely.

Woojae and Support enjoyed a heartfelt date making flower baskets and visiting a café where Woojae’s artwork was displayed. Woojae admitted, “I don’t think these feelings will end just because the contract love ends.” Support responded with sincerity, saying she felt a bit jealous the night before, showing the emotional depth between them.

Jimin and Yeon also deepened their bond during a date to an eel restaurant in Paju, bantering and laughing all the way. Jimin affectionately said, “I feel like I’d get jealous seeing you with someone else,” and humorously offered to help raise Jeon-yeon’s future kids, saying, “I want to be a good mom.” The two spent quiet, couple-like time together in the car after their meal, holding hands.

After the contract period ended, the eight gathered for a warm dinner at the Pairing House. But the peaceful moment was cut short by the announcement of a second round of “contract love.” Tensions returned quickly.

As the men gathered to talk, Woojae, Jimin, and Chang-hwan speculated about Chan-hyung’s interests, noting his new attention toward Jeon-yeon. Chan-hyung requested a 1:1 date with her, while Chang-hwan, seeing this, rushed to “reserve” time with her too—prompting Jimin to spiral into quiet panic.

Then came the twist: during an outing, a new male tenant suddenly appeared. Introducing himself as 29-year-old Sang-yoon, he brought with him the “pairing book” of the woman he felt most compatible with—Jeon-yeon. As he expressed his admiration for her values and marriage outlook, Jeon-yeon smiled in gratitude, and Jimin, clearly shaken, struggled to hide his emotions.

MC Yoon Jong-shin, observing the situation, commented, “This is beyond a catfish. Sang-yoon is like an electric eel!” hinting at the shockwaves still to come.

During the day’s pairing results, Woojae and Support, as well as Jimin and Yeon, successfully exchanged messages and paired up. Sang-yoon sent his message to Jeon-yeon, while Chan-hyung and Chang-hwan also reached out to her. Chae-eun surprised everyone by sending a message to Jimin, not her original partner Chang-hwan, triggering reactions all around.

Yoon Jong-shin interpreted Chae-eun’s unexpected move as a strategy to appeal ahead of the next contract phase, while warning, “Because of today’s surprise, we’re going to see a major shift in the love lines.” He declared it “the Iran of Chan-hyung”—a phrase to describe total upheaval, stoking excitement for what’s to come.

The next episode of ‘Heart Pairing’, which kicks off the second round of contract love with nine participants, airs on Friday the 9th at 10:50 PM on Channel A.