The Rise of Dating Shows: From Singles to LGBTQ+ Love Stories

In recent years, dating shows have surged in popularity in South Korea, captivating audiences across various demographics. Lee Hyun-jung, a 45-year-old housewife, is a self-proclaimed 'dating show fanatic.' Every Thursday night, she finds herself torn between watching 'I Am Solo' (나는솔로) and 'Dolsing Singles' (돌싱글즈), as their airing times overlap. She describes the experience as a form of vicarious romance, saying, "It's something that could never happen in my reality. It's like living through someone else's love life."

Similarly, Kim, a corporate executive in his 50s, has been engrossed in the recently concluded dating show 'Last Love' (끝사랑). He empathizes with the contestants, stating, "It's like a journey for my peers to find their last love. I think there are many men my age who also watch 'I Am Solo.'"

The dating show phenomenon has reached new heights, with even K-pop star G-Dragon admitting to his addiction while serving in the military. He shared, "I first saw it in the army. Everyone was talking about it. Can you not empathize? The three weeks waiting for the next episode felt like three years!" This speaks to the universal appeal of these shows.

Many viewers find satisfaction in living vicariously through the contestants. Kim, a 41-year-old office worker, watches 'I Am Solo' with her husband as part of their weekly routine. She explains, "Watching the emotional struggles and the complexities of human nature gives me a sense of superiority and relief, knowing I’ve built a family amidst such fierce competition."

Park, a 45-year-old employee at an LG affiliate, also makes it a point to watch dating shows with his wife. He enjoys discussing hypothetical scenarios, saying, "It’s a fun way to learn more about each other in our marriage."

For single individuals like 34-year-old teacher Park Min-jung, these shows provide social insights. She notes, "I mostly meet people in limited professions, but watching dating shows helps me develop my social skills. I also learn lessons about what not to do in relationships."

The trend of dating shows is evolving, with programs like 'Transit Love' (환승연애) and 'Heart Signal' (하트시그널) featuring younger contestants, which some viewers in their 40s and 50s find daunting due to the perceived distance from their own experiences. In contrast, shows like 'Dolsing Singles' and 'Last Love' cater to a more mature audience, proving that the desire for love transcends age.

The variety of dating shows continues to expand. Recently, CBS launched 'Holy Match' (홀리한 내짝), the first Christian dating reality show in Korea, acknowledging the importance of shared faith in relationships. On the other hand, a summer program titled 'Divine Love' (신들린 연애) featured fortune tellers, tapping into the curiosity many have about their romantic futures.

There’s even a queer dating show called 'Others' Love' (남의연애), featuring an all-male cast, which has attracted a significant female audience due to the contestants' appealing looks. Despite some negative feedback, the show has already aired its third season, with plans for a lesbian counterpart titled 'Your Love' (너의연애).

Some participants from 'Others' Love' have even become real-life couples, sharing their journey on YouTube, amassing 310,000 subscribers. This trend has sparked discussions about the motivations behind participating in dating shows, with some critics suggesting that contestants may be using the platform to launch careers or personal brands.

As the dating show landscape continues to evolve, viewers are left wondering what the next trend will be. Will there be shows focused on seniors, age-gap relationships, or even elementary school romances? Notably, there have already been programs addressing teenage dating, such as 'Boys and Girls in Love' (소년 소녀 연애하다) and 'Nineteen, Twenty' (열아홉 스물). Whatever the future holds, it seems likely that audiences will be treated to even more unexpected and engaging content.