'Transfer Love' and 'Dolsingles' Dating Reality Shows Popular
High Buzz Despite Some Viewers Reporting Fatigue
Varied Concepts Including Breakups, Divorce, and Virtual Spaces
"Indirect Experience Through Dating Reality Shows"
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Dating reality shows are dominating the broadcasting scene. While some viewers express fatigue due to the increasing number of similar dating programs, the popularity of dating reality shows continues unabated.
Recently released episodes 7 and 8 of the TVING original 'Hwanseung Love 2' maintained the number one spot for five consecutive weeks in paid subscriber contributions among TVING original content, once again proving its high level of public interest. As the serious dating began and relationships among the cast members became unstable, viewers' reactions grew heated. MBN and ENA's 'Dolsingles 3' also recently broke their own viewership records. The 7th episode, where the cast members made their final choices, recorded a 5.3% viewership rating (Nielsen Korea paid broadcasting households, part 2).
In the fierce competition among dating reality shows, each program attracted attention with unique concepts. KakaoTV original 'Change Days' features four couples contemplating breakups who switch partners and date each other while traveling. 'Hwanseung Love' has ex-lovers living together under one roof to decide the direction of their feelings. 'Dolsingles,' which features people with a past of divorce, gains empathy from viewers by addressing realistic issues such as child-rearing before starting new relationships. Additionally, SBS's 'Love is Straightforward' is a spin-off of the soccer reality show 'Kickball Girls,' where eight men and women who enjoy soccer meet while traveling to find their soulmates.
Thanks to the characteristics of online video services (OTT), LGBTQ+ dating reality shows are also gaining popularity. Since content is created based on subscriber demand, the barriers to producing and succeeding with queer content are lower. Wavve original 'Maryqueer' portrays the confident dating and marriage challenges of diverse couples as the 'nation's first coming-out romance,' while 'Someone Else's Love' presents the 'honest and bold romance of men living in someone else's house.'
However, there has been criticism regarding programs being produced provocatively to gain attention. iHQ's 'Eden' was embroiled in controversy over sexual content from its first broadcast. There were ongoing criticisms about excessive exposure of cast members, such as meeting in swimsuits and frequently engaging in skinship games. The rule of 'co-ed dormitory,' where the winner of a game chooses a partner of the opposite sex to share a bed, also sparked controversy. Especially since the program is rated for viewers aged 15 and older, concerns were raised about its negative influence on teenagers.
Some viewers feel fatigued by the flood of dating reality shows with similar concepts. Baek, an office worker and avid viewer of Channel A's 'Heart Signal' series, said, "'Heart Signal' was rare when it was popular, as there weren't many dating reality shows featuring ordinary people. I think the program's unique atmosphere, exquisite background music, and the charm of the cast were the reasons for its popularity, but now there are so many dating reality shows that they all feel the same."
Meanwhile, various variations of dating reality shows continue to be attempted. JTBC's 'Love in,' set to premiere on the 23rd, features cast members enjoying blind dates and dates in a virtual space through avatars customized to their desired appearances. Recently launched by Coupang Play, 'Office Romance' is set in a fictional fashion company that encourages dating, where 12 cast members become new employees and enjoy 'office romance.'
Some believe that viewers focus on the 'reality' of dating reality shows. The fact that the cast consists of ordinary people rather than celebrities and that the shows deal with dating and breakups that anyone can experience increases realism and enhances viewer immersion.
Professor Lim Myung-ho of Dankook University's Department of Psychology explained the popularity of dating reality shows by saying, "Dating is one of the most basic human desires, so viewers can indirectly experience it through these programs," adding, "Viewers empathize with the cast and their situations." He further noted, "With the increase in non-face-to-face activities due to COVID-19 and the difficulty of direct dating experiences, many people seek indirect experiences through dating reality shows."
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