Dating reality shows are all the rage now, with shows like Love Is Blind, Too Hot to Handle and Love Island quickly gaining popularity. There’s just something about watching individuals chase their dreams of finding love that gets us so addicted!
Some of the best reality dating shows from Korea have also made it up the list of most-watched TV shows across the globe. The shows come in creative formats and feature people from all walks of life, ranging from celebrities to singles and even ex-partners.
Here’s a list of 15 Korean reality dating shows that will have you head over heels!
Better Late than Single
Better Late Than Single follows a group of singles living together for nine days as they undergo makeovers, receive dating guidance, and navigate the ups and downs of modern romance.
What sets Better Late Than Single apart from other dating shows is its focus on genuine connections instead of drama.
This series leans into emotional vulnerability, personal growth, and the awkward yet heartwarming moments that come with new relationships.
Watch it here.
Single’s Inferno
If you haven’t heard of Single’s Inferno, you’re missing out! This hit Korean reality dating show, now spanning 5 seasons, brings together a group of people on an island and they have to forage for resources like food and water.
Couples that manage to pair up will be taken to a luxury hotel for the night (known as Paradise) to develop their romance.
Another noteworthy fact is that the contestants are not allowed to reveal their ages or occupations to one another while they are still on inferno. They can only do so once they pair up with another contestant and reach Paradise.
The contestants are all from different backgrounds, ranging from students to entrepreneurs. There are memes from this show all over the internet with contestants looking almost like celebrities. If you have not yet watched this show, you probably should as it promises to be full of entertaining moments and will leave you eagerly anticipating the next season. You can watch Single’s Inferno on Netflix!
Fortune Teller’s Love
In this unique Korean reality dating show, a group of mystics, shamans, and fortune tellers renowned for predicting others’ love lives come together in an attempt to find their own destined partners by using each of their unique abilities.
While staying in the possessed house for a week, each of them will navigate their feelings amidst their predicted fates.
Watch it on Viu.
My Sibling’s Romance
My Sibling’s Romance puts a twist on Korean reality dating shows by having biological brothers and sisters participate alongside each other in their search for romantic partners.
With hidden identities, the show combines romance with family comedy as the siblings observe, comment on, or even meddle in each other’s romantic affairs, and explores how romance unfolds when a sibling is watching close by.
You can watch it on Viu.
Love Like A K-Drama
Love Like A K-Drama is a new Korean dating reality show that premiered in November 2023. In this show, four male Korean actors and female Japanese actresses have to live under one roof.
Hosted by Yuko Fueki (Yu-min), this show explores whether on-screen romance can blossom into real-life love. To make things more interesting, coveted roles in six romantic K-drama episodes are up for grabs!
The cultural differences between the Korean and Japanese contestants brings another element to this show. Apart from the romantic pursuits, the series also shines light on the camaraderie and professionalism within the entertainment industry.
Watch Love Like A K-Drama on Netflix.
Nineteen To Twenty
First released in July 2023, Nineteen To Twenty revolves around eight nineteen-year-olds who have to live together for two weeks in “adulting school”. The cast partakes in activities meant to prepare them for adult life, which paves the way for new friendships and budding romances.
The show also ties in some elements of Korean culture such as the celebration of coming of age, offering an interesting peek into the lives of Korean youth.
Nineteen to Twenty is not a run of the mill fast-paced reality TV spectacle, but rather showcases a more wholesome and genuine side of coming-of-age journeys.
Watch Nineteen to Twenty on Netflix.
Between Love and Friendship
Between Love and Friendship is a 2022 reality dating show that follows a group of four male and four female friends. Unlike some of the other shows on our list, this show is somewhat of a hidden gem that has garnered positive reviews from many fans.
This friend group live under one roof for a week. The diversity among the cast makes for an amusing watch, especially for those who are experiencing love for the first time.
Between Love and Friendship comes across as a sincere and down to earth show, focusing on the strong bonds between the casts and their quirky personalities, while adding in some unexpected twists. The cast members inject entertainment value with their engaging personalities, making it a great watch!
Watch Between Love and Friendship on Apple TV.
Pink Lie
Pink Lie is a new dating reality show that premiered in October 2022, with a total of 12 episodes released for Season 1.
Four men and three women who are looking for love enter Pink House, where they will be spending twelve days together. The unique aspect of Pink House is that every contestant is keeping a secret, which is something that they are afraid of being judged for.
It can be their age, job, academic background or anything else. The objective of the show is for the contestants to find a partner that can look past their flaws without judgement.
As the show progresses, there are a series of twists planned that will put the contestants under more pressure – and leave you hooked as you watch how they navigate their way through the challenges presented to them.
Check out our article for more information about Pink Lie. Pink Lie is available on Disney+!
Heart Signal
Heart Signal is another one of Korea’s most popular dating reality shows. Comprising 4 seasons, Heart Signal gained a loyal fanbase for bringing a different and more wholesome approach to a dating show.
The show revolves around 8 contestants who are complete strangers that live in the same house for one month. The cast interacts with one another throughout their stay, and they are not allowed to divulge any romantic interests or feelings that they might have for each other.
However, at the end of every day, they are allowed to send a text message to the person that they are interested in, which will also be anonymous.
As the season progresses, the show gets more interesting as the contestants go on “missions” such as blind dates and show more of their own personalities. You will find yourself rooting for everyone to get together with the person that they are attracted to.
Heart Signal is available on Viu.
Love Catcher
Love Catcher is a dating reality show that pits contestants with different priorities against each other.
This series brings 10 contestants together to live under one roof for eight days. The contestants fall under two categories, “love catchers” and “money catchers”.
The love catchers are there to find true love, hoping to match with another contestant who is out to find love as well. The money catchers are those who are participating to win the grand prize of 50 million won.
The catch is that if the money catchers pair up with each other, they will be eliminated from the game, rendering them unable to win the prize money.
The interesting part of the show is watching the contestants try to figure out who the money catchers are in order to steer clear of them. It gets quite intense and the commentary from the hosts (or love experts) makes it even more entertaining!
Watch Season 4 of Love Catcher on Apple TV!
EXChange
EXChange is a dating reality show that brings together 4 pairs of ex-couples. There are 3 seasons that have been released, with the first and second seasons airing in 2019 and 2022 respectively. The latest season of this show premiered on 29 December 2023, with 16 episodes.
The eight contestants have to live together in the same house and engage in a range of planned activities together. They can either attempt to rekindle their relationship with their ex or find love with someone new. The twist? The contestants are not allowed to disclose to each other who their previous partner is, in order to keep the audience on their toes guessing which pair was formerly a couple.
EXChange is different from other Korean dating reality shows because it involves the perspective of someone who is trying to find love while still carrying baggage from their previous relationship. Through going on this show, some couples were able to get closure and move on to form a friendship with their ex, whereas some couples were not as fortunate.
It is quite an exhilarating experience for the audience as well, as you can root for your favourite couple and see if their relationship is able to last through the entire season. The second season of EXChange is available on Viu!
Check out Season 3 of EXChange on Viu.
EXChange: Another Beginning
The beloved cast members from hit reality series EXchange Seasons 1, 2, and 3 reunite in an exciting new spin-off!
This fresh chapter explores unexpected connections, evolving friendships, and sizzling chemistry as past participants embark on travel adventures together.
With new dynamics and heartfelt moments, it’s a must-watch for fans of the original series.
Watch on Prime here.
Love After Divorce
Love After Divorce tells the story of four men and four women who are divorced and looking for a new relationship. The first season premiered in 2021 and there are currently 4 seasons that have been released.
The contestants are from diverse backgrounds and have different occupations, ages and personalities. They are tasked with getting to know one another without revealing any details about their past relationships such as the reason for their divorce, or how long they have been divorced. This is so that they can avoid any stereotypes or prejudices that are commonly associated with divorce since its often cast in a negative light.
Contestants are split into two teams and embark on a series of challenges designed to allow them to get to know one another, and eventually, some of them match as couples. The twist is that those that end up as a match have to live together for one week.
The dynamics of this show are slightly different from other shows as it’s more complex. Some participants live with their kids and have to introduce their new partner to their kids and family. This show is filled with touching moments that might make your eyes well up! It is heart-warming when children who are initially reserved and apprehensive finally accept them into the family.
Watch Season 4 of Love After Divorce on Netflix.
I am Solo
Premiering in July 2021, I am Solo is a show that matchmakes single people who wish to find true love and eventually tie the knot. Like other titles in the dating reality show category, it has attained rapid success with over 100 episodes released.
I am Solo features six women and six men who are invited to the show to live under the same roof. They go on a series of missions which involve activities like road trips and get to know each other in the process. I am Solo lacks the theatrics and drama of some other shows that spark more controversy with their risqué scenes. Instead, it focuses on giving the audience a more authentic experience. Contestants act naturally in front of the camera and express their true emotions in front of one another.
An interesting fact about I am Solo is that the contestants never reveal their real names on camera. Instead, they use pseudonyms throughout the entire show. A couple that successfully matches can reveal their names to each other, but the viewers are still unaware.
As the cast consists of ordinary members of society that come from diverse backgrounds, viewers can easily empathise with them. As the contestants on this show are genuinely interested in pursuing a relationship, it makes for a compelling watch! In fact, 6 couples from this show actually ended up getting married!
Watch it on Apple TV.
Change Days
Change Days is another dating reality show albeit with a unique twist – it features couples that are on the verge of breaking up. The first season of Change Days aired in May 2021, quickly becoming a hit due to its interesting storyline. Following its success, the second season was released in June 2022.
The objective of Change Days is to allow contestants to interact with someone new, in hopes that the time spent away from each other would allow them to see their previous partner in a different light. The contestants were made to exchange partners and participate in a series of dates that would make them rethink about their existing relationships.
The first season features three couples who went on a week-long trip to Jeju Island, while the second season features four couples who went on a two-week getaway. At the end of the getaway, the couples have to make a decision if they are going to end their current relationships or try to make things work with their current partners.
This show was well-received by many because it showed the everyday struggles of ordinary couples. Many felt that they could liken the contestants’ feelings to their own, and could relate to their ways of dealing with problems in their relationships.
Watch it on Apple TV.
Binge-Worthy Korean Reality Dating Shows
Which of these series are you most excited about for a new season? Share it with us in the comments below!
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