The finale, which aired Sept. 16, posted a 1.2% rating in the 20?49 demo to lead all shows that day. Household ratings hit 4.5% to top Tuesday variety, with a peak minute at 6.1% in the Seoul metro (Nielsen Korea, households).
The episode opened with a laugh-cry moment: a high-stakes round of the Halli Galli card game to decide who would cover the grocery bill. Heo Kyung-hwan lost and had to pay for ingredients for 20. While shopping in Wando, Orbit and Im Tae-hoon mixed in extra receipts to prank him. “We had a lot of gifts to buy,” Orbit deadpanned, as Heo groaned, “This looks like nearly 990,000 won―expect a formal complaint when we’re back in Seoul,” cracking up the group.
A sweet detour followed when Lim phoned Heo’s mother at Heo’s request. “If we can make it work, I’d love to invite you to my concert,” Lim said warmly. She fired back, joking, “Even your own mom says it’s impossible to get in,” before adding, “You’re my hero forever,” in a proud fan moment.
The night’s biggest scene belonged to Im Tae-hoon’s 20-person Chinese-style feast―and Lim’s intimate concert for the island’s elders. With mapo tofu, yuringi (crispy chicken in a tangy sauce) and jjajangmyeon on the table, the seniors marveled, “Never thought we’d have a day like this,” and “It’s truly delicious.”
Lim then turned the gathering into a small-town show, as teary-eyed residents soaked in the moment. Reflecting on his friendships, Lim said, “Orbit makes me feel special; Tae-hoon keeps me grounded. They’re both such good friends―that’s why we’ve stayed close so long,” adding, “Having good friends by your side is the best kind of healing.”
A final caption teased what’s next: “When you start missing home, the 'Island Hero' will be back,” leaving the door open for Season 2.
From premiere to finale, “Island Hero” held the Tuesday variety crown, ranked No. 3 on Good Data Corporation’s buzzworthy non-drama TV-OTT chart and even cracked Netflix Korea’s Top 5 for series―proof of its traction across broadcast and streaming alike.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)