Unique Characteristics and Cultural Nuances Propel Korean Dating Reality Shows to International Fame

Courtesy of Netflix

In recent years, South Korean romance reality shows have emerged as global sensations, captivating audiences worldwide with their unique charm and distinct characteristics. The latest installment, the third season of the Korean Netflix original series "Single's Inferno," released on Tuesday, continues the trend set by its predecessors.

The inaugural season of "Single's Inferno" made history by securing a spot on Netflix's Global Top 10 TV Shows list for three consecutive weeks after its December 2021 release, marking a significant achievement for Korean reality television. Its sequel, "Single's Inferno 2," released a year later, achieved similar success, earning a place in Netflix's Top 10 TV series in 14 countries, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, and Singapore. 

▲ Courtesy of NetflixNotably, other hit Korean romance reality shows, such as "Love After Divorce 4," also gained international acclaim, entering the top 10 list in Singapore and Hong Kong just a month after its August release. Additionally, "Love Transit," a Japanese remake of the popular Korean dating reality show "EXchange," secured the eighth position in the television show category on Amazon Prime Video in Japan.

Experts attribute the global appeal of Korean dating reality shows to their unique focus on relationship-building. Pop culture critic Jung Duk-hyun notes that contestants on these shows emphasize meaningful interactions and conversations, setting them apart from their Western counterparts, where physical relationships often take center stage at a rapid pace. Viewers from around the world find the deliberate and intricate pace of Korean dating reality shows to be a refreshing departure from the norm.

Jung also highlights the traditional Korean strength in portraying melodrama on television as a contributing factor, providing depth and enhancing the quality of these reality shows. Viewers appreciate the slow, yet delicate, approach to romance that contrasts with the more rapid and superficial relationships often portrayed in Western dating reality shows.

Feedback from global viewers underscores the appeal of this distinctive approach to dating. Ana Gonzalez, a college student in New York, mentions the subtlety of interactions in "Single's Inferno," noting that scenes where participants are hesitant to even shake hands provide a contrast to the more impulsive relationships depicted in US shows like "Love Island."

Maria, another viewer from New York, appreciates how the show offers a glimpse into a culture that differs from the American dating scene. She highlights the emphasis on step-by-step development of love and relationships, contrasting with the more immediate and physical approach seen in US shows like "Too Hot To Handle."

Experts predict an increasing demand for diverse dating reality shows, particularly as high youth unemployment and economic challenges make traditional dating more difficult. Jung suggests that these shows may serve as a universal outlet for people worldwide to satisfy their desire for dating experiences, making dating reality programs on global streaming platforms a potential common denominator for a global audience.

Sayart 

Blue YIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com