In the Feb. 5 finale, five pairs faced their last choices. The final hurdle? Getting approval from both moms. That extra step kept viewers guessing right up to the end. Ratings spiked to a peak of 4%, with the most-watched minute going to the emotional scene where Cho Eun-na-rae and Seo Han-gyeol received both families’ blessings. (Nielsen Korea, Seoul Capital Area households)
On Final Choice day, the show revealed a signature rule that amped up the tension: Even if two contestants chose each other, they wouldn’t become a final couple without approvals from both moms. Before giving that approval, each mom also picked one person―someone other than their own child―for a last, private conversation. The room was thick with nerves as the picks came in: Kim Jin-ju’s mom and Kim Hyun-jin’s mom both chose Jang Min-cheol; Kim Hyun-jun’s mom chose Kim Hyun-jin’s mom; Kim Myo-jin’s mom chose Moon Se-hoon’s mom; Moon Se-hoon’s mom and Lee Seung-hak’s mom chose Kim Myo-jin; and Seo Han-gyeol’s mom chose Cho Eun-na-rae for a final heart-to-heart.
During those talks, Jang Min-cheol told Kim Hyun-jin’s mom that he had decided on Kim Jin-ju, respectfully declining. Cho Eun-na-rae spoke candidly with Seo Han-gyeol’s mom about real-life concerns, including their age gap, saying, “I see the final choice as a light way of saying let’s get to know each other more.” Meanwhile, after speaking with Moon Se-hoon’s mom, Kim Myo-jin admitted, “I started to wonder if she truly liked me, and once we talked about realistic issues, it felt suffocating,” sending her into deeper contemplation.
After a whirlwind of sit-downs, the choices began. Kim Hyun-jin and Kim Hyun-jun bowed out. Having already confirmed their feelings, Kim Jin-ju and Jang Min-cheol chose each other without hesitation. Torn between Lee Seung-hak and Moon Se-hoon, Kim Myo-jin followed her feelings and picked Moon Se-hoon, who chose her in return. Cho Eun-na-rae chose Seo Han-gyeol, and he realized his feelings for her were stronger than he thought―so he chose her back. It was a buzzy moment as they picked each other despite concerns about their age gap and reality checks.
That left three couples―pending the final test: the moms’ approval. For Kim Jin-ju and Jang Min-cheol, both moms walked in with big smiles, sealing them as a final couple. After all their near-misses, the payoff felt even sweeter. Watching their lovey-dovey vibes, Seo Jang-hoon quipped, “They’re basically already dating,” impressed by their real-couple moment.
Then came the unexpected shock with Moon Se-hoon and Kim Myo-jin. Moon Se-hoon’s mom walked in first, easing the tension―until Kim Myo-jin’s mom never appeared, ending their final match on the spot. The 3 MCs were stunned. Kim Myo-jin’s mom later explained, “I felt like Se-hoon’s mom had someone else in mind,” revealing a misunderstanding between the families. Moon Se-hoon said, “I’m worried his mom will be upset,” sharing his concern. Kim Myo-jin added, “I’m flustered, but I think my mom was trying to protect me. I’m disappointed in the choice, but this isn’t the end, so I’ll try to see it positively,” drawing sympathy.
Finally, a big twist brought a rush of relief for Seo Han-gyeol and Cho Eun-na-rae. Despite previously voicing opposition over their age difference, Seo Han-gyeol’s mom ultimately gave her approval―walking in with a bright smile to meet a very tense Cho Eun-na-rae and her mother, plus Seo Han-gyeol. Even the 3 MCs cheered in relief. In her interview, Seo Han-gyeol’s mom said, “I’m truly grateful that Eun-na-rae sees Han-gyeol for who he is. We still have realistic issues, but I believe we’ll find ways to balance them. I’m glad this time wasn’t for nothing,” moving viewers. Smiling at each other, Cho Eun-na-rae and Seo Han-gyeol said they would “get to know each other comfortably,” closing on a warm note.
After six days and five nights, the moms reflected: “Our kids learned things about us they never knew, and we learned things about them too,” “I thought she was still my baby, but now I can trust my daughter,” and “I feel like I can finally step back.” The children shared their gratitude as well: “I didn’t know my mom was this bright and cheerful,” “I take after my mom a lot,” and “Just being together like this was precious.”
The MCs, who mirrored viewers’ emotions with their all-in reactions, shared their closing thoughts. Lee Yo-won said, “It was nonstop butterflies and twists right to the end.” Kim Yo-han added, “When the moms are involved, it has a totally different charm,” highlighting the show’s hook. Seo Jang-hoon joked, “With the moms’ approvals, they could get married right away,” landing one last laugh.
Equal parts heart-fluttering and nerve-wracking, “Match to Marry” pulled viewers into both the moms’ and the children’s perspectives, making everyone cry and laugh together. Its unique final checkpoint―winning approval from both moms―delivered surprises to the very last minute, setting it apart from standard dating shows and leaving a lingering afterglow.
With this broadcast, Season 1 of “Match to Marry” has wrapped. The show is currently recruiting its next round of participants.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)