Sang Yoon Enters ‘Heart Pairing’ and Disrupts Je Yeon’s Emotions

In the ninth episode of Channel A’s romance reality series Heart Pairing, aired on May 9, new resident Sang Yoon made his entrance into the Seoul Pairing House, sparking immediate chemistry with Je Yeon and causing the most chaotic romantic shift yet in the house shared by Woojae, Je Yeon, Jimin, Ji-won, Chanhyung, Changhwan, Chae Eun, and Ha Neul.

Sang Yoon’s surprise appearance in front of the existing eight cast members set off waves of tension. Wasting no time, he asked Je Yeon out on a date the very first night. The two quickly connected over shared values and personalities during their outing, causing emotional ripples for Jimin—previously known as Je Yeon’s main romantic interest. Meanwhile, Chan Hyung, who received zero romantic votes the day before, and Chae Eun, still recovering from the flu, went on a belated date and ignited a new spark, giving viewers what many called a “dopamine shower.”

Sang Yoon Heart Pairing Episode Delivers Maximum Romantic Turmoil

During a lighthearted introductory session, Sang Yoon introduced himself as a Busan native, a former college baseball player, and a six-year model. His athletic background resonated with both Je Yeon and Woojae. When asked about his ideal type, Sang Yoon responded, “Someone with strong values who loves their work,” and confidently admitted there was already someone in the house who fit that description.

Later that night, Sang Yoon placed his completed Pairing Book in the female residents’ area, then promptly approached Je Yeon to schedule their date for the next day. The following morning, while most housemates headed to work, Je Yeon asked Woojae to meet during the day, which he later informed Ji-won about—despite currently being in a contractual pairing with her. Elsewhere, Ha Neul confided in her brother about her faltering relationship with Jimin.

Chae Eun finally reconnected with Chan Hyung after missing their earlier opportunity due to illness. She candidly expressed, “You were the one I was most curious about.” Over shared soul food and soju, they bonded, and a comedic misunderstanding arose when Chae Eun revealed she had meant to vote for Chan Hyung—but mistakenly sent the message to Jimin instead. With the mix-up cleared, they opened up further about marriage and agreed to deepen their connection.

Meanwhile, Je Yeon and Sang Yoon enjoyed their first official date. During the car ride, Sang Yoon said their Pairing Books felt uncannily alike, and Je Yeon, a self-described introvert, expressed how happy she was that someone resonated with her words. They discovered they were both “T” personality types (thinkers), shared similar goals, and had mutual interest in future business ventures. Je Yeon talked about launching her own law firm, while Sang Yoon revealed his dream of saving money from modeling to someday start his own business. “It felt like we got close really fast,” Je Yeon reflected.

Back at the house, Jimin and Changhwan, roommates on the first floor, vented their frustrations about the lack of late-night returns. Their shared complaints led to the formation of a new friendship duo, jokingly dubbed the “Cheongseung Brothers.” But Jimin’s mood took a sharp turn when Ha Neul informed him that Je Yeon and Sang Yoon had gone on a date. Already feeling defensive after Ha Neul called his compliment an “iron wall” remark, Jimin later flipped over a framed photo of himself and Je Yeon and went to bed in silence.

The next day, Jimin had a long-awaited one-on-one with Je Yeon. Trying to stay honest but guarded, he told her, “Don’t laugh, I still hate you.” Je Yeon clarified that she had intended to visit his room the previous night but didn’t want to disturb anyone. Over dinner, she disclosed, “I met Woojae for lunch,” and confessed that she had emotionally ended her “thumb” relationship with him. “With Woojae, I didn’t feel like myself… but I feel like myself with you,” she said, making Jimin smile.

Jimin inquired about her date with Sang Yoon, and when Je Yeon explained they discussed their Pairing Books, Jimin quipped, “What’s the point of a Pairing Book? If you’re into someone, you’ll just go for it.” His candid words made Je Yeon laugh and confirmed that his feelings hadn’t changed.

On the ride back to the house, Jimin and Je Yeon appeared more at ease, playfully teasing each other. But upon arrival, Sang Yoon was waiting. When asked about his date with Je Yeon, Sang Yoon provocatively said, “Younger is better,” and gave Je Yeon sore throat medicine—a caring gesture that created visible “dodogyo tension” between him and Jimin.