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Korean Dating Reality Shows Evolve : From Exes to Parents, Reinventing the Genre

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Korean Dating Reality Shows Evolve : From Exes to Parents, Reinventing the Genre
Type	Other	Genre	Broadcasting

Korean Dating Reality Shows Evolve : From Exes to Parents, Reinventing the Genre

This article shows how Korean dating reality shows are diversifying formats by bringing in

family members, exploring new demographics, and shifting concepts to sustain global audience

demand. This makes it a key reference for buyers tracking K-entertainment's adaptability and export

potential.

♦ Family-Driven Dating Formats

• SBS is preparing “Matchmaking Camp” where singles join with their parents in shared lodging to find

partners

• tvN Story & E Channel’s “My Kid's Dating” features celebrity parents as studio observers of their

children's love lives

♦ Genre Evolution & Global Success

• From MBC’s “Love Studio” (1994–2001) to SBS’s “Jjak” (2011–2014), the genre matured into ensemble

dating formats

• Recent hits like “I Am Solo”, “Heart Signal”, “EXchange”, and Netflix’s “Single’s Inferno” built strong fan

communities and global visibility

♦ Targeted Demographics & Creative Concepts

• Innovations include “EXchange” (ex-couples), “My Sibling’s Romance” (siblings), “Love After Divorce”

(divorcees), and “Love in the End” (middle-aged romance)

• Creative twists feature fortune-teller cast, shy “never-dated” and celebrity matchmaking

♦ Market Challenges & Future Outlook

• Broadcasters see enduring demand for dating reality shows but emphasize the need for distinctive

hooks to avoid market saturation

• Industry insiders note risks of overreliance on unvetted cast members, urging tighter screening and

fresh concepts to maintain viewer engagement

Source

Yonhap News Agency. (2025. 8. 24)

Source

Yonhap News Agency