Introducing Provocative Elements to Differentiate from Other Programs
"Romantic Variety Shows Easily Secure Popularity... Trend Will Continue in the Future"
As dating reality shows flood the market, some programs are facing criticism for their sexual content. The photo is unrelated to the specific content of the article. [Image source=Pixabay]
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] As dating reality entertainment programs flood the market, criticisms regarding the level of explicit content continue to arise. Devices introduced to differentiate from other programs are being criticized for promoting excessive exposure and physical intimacy, making them appear sensational.
The Wave original entertainment show "Jamman Janeun Sai" (While Just Sleeping), set to premiere on the 14th, has faced criticism for its sexual content. The controversial aspect was the production team's concept describing nighttime dates as the "honest and confident love style of the MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z)." This program reinterprets the newly coined term "Jamanchu," originally meaning "seeking natural encounters," as "seeking encounters by trying," and introduced it as a key device driving the show. Accordingly, couples matched for dates spend time together from 6 PM to 6 AM. A preview video released last month showed male and female cast members enjoying nighttime dates in locations such as beds and swimming pools.
However, some viewers belonging to the MZ generation do not resonate with such entertainment programs. They argue that not all MZ generation members are open about sex or pursue casual relationships, and they find it unpleasant that the program targets a specific generation with sensational content. Some online communities have even discussed the idea of "quitting the MZ generation."
This is not the only dating entertainment program criticized for its explicit content. As numerous dating shows emerge, there is criticism that provocative concepts are being introduced to secure attention. Previously aired Channel IHQ's entertainment show "Eden" caused controversy due to mixed-gender cohabitation, excessive exposure, and physical intimacy. The cast members met wearing revealing swimsuits, frequently engaged in physical games, and the mission reward included the right to assign beds by choosing the opposite-sex partner they wanted to sleep with, which drew criticism. Particularly, since the program was rated suitable for viewers aged 15 and above, concerns were raised about its negative influence on teenagers. According to IHQ, "Eden" Season 2 finalized its cast lineup at the end of last month and has begun filming.
The fifth episode of Coupang Play's "Chain Reaction," released on the 7th, was criticized for its setting that restricts the cast's physical movement. Although the chains used to bind the hands were not short enough to significantly hinder the cast's daily activities, unexpected situations arose, such as a cast member being chained to a door handle even when going to the bathroom with their opposite-sex partner.
However, the production team of "Chain Reaction" explained these concerns as "a device to reveal the cast members' honest emotions." Writer Jo Min-sun said at the production presentation on the 14th of last month, "Chains do carry an image that stimulates imagination," adding, "Instead, being physically close heightens the cast's emotions, and even small acts of consideration that arise because they are chained can change their feelings."
On the 14th of last month, the cast members posed at the production presentation of Coupang Play's first dating variety show 'Chain Reaction,' held at the Conrad Hotel in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. From the left: singer Zico, actress Yoo In-na, Brave Girls' Yoojung, comedian Lee Jin-ho. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Cultural critic Jung Deok-hyun explained, "Since the framework of dating entertainment is limited, it cannot be very different from other programs," adding, "As the number of dating shows increases, there is a tendency to introduce various artificial devices and pursue provocative elements to create differentiation." He further analyzed, "The level of how much private moments are captured in an observational camera format is also increasing."
Regarding the flood of dating entertainment programs, he said, "It is because it is the current broadcasting trend." Unlike the past when various experiments were attempted, the current entertainment landscape is moving toward reality-based content. Critic Jung said, "Since the format involves presenting subjects and perspectives to observe, and then creating stories through post-editing of the footage, it is difficult to experiment with new formats." He added, "The broadcasting trend is moving toward reality, and the easiest way to secure mass appeal is through male-female relationships and dating," concluding, "Therefore, many dating entertainment programs will inevitably continue to appear in the future."
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