Why Korean lesbian dating show 'ToGetHer' has been paused, the controversy explained
ToGetHer premiered on Wavve last week, with international audiences immediately scrambling to find ways to watch it themselves. But it wasn't long before accusations came out that one of the cast members, Kim Ri Won, had previously created adult content and dated men.
There was immediately backlash, with some people insisting she shouldn't be participating in the series with her past, as well as theorizing that she was secretly straight. Riwon took to social media to apologize to those who felt betrayed by the things that came to light. She also acknowledged having dated a man while trying to deny her sexuality, but says she has since accepted that she only loves women.
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The production company, ThisPlay, issued a series of statements denying that they knew about adult content. They vaguely referenced something that was initially investigated during the casting process and disproven, but said that whatever subsequently surfaced was something else of which they had been uninformed.
Things got even messier when a fellow cast member, Hangyeol, posted a statement accusing Riwon of making an "inappropriate proposal." Specifically, it seems as if Riwon made a comment about traveling together and Hangyeol later interpreted it to be something more nefarious — something Riwon has outright denied.
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"hangyeol saying that riwon was trying to call her to the sex industry js bc she asked her out a date, bro wdym"
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The controversies ultimately led to the decision to temporarily put the show — which has already been filmed — on pause as ThisPlay considers how to edit future episodes with everything that's happened in mind.
Despite the backlash Riwon has been receiving on Korean sites, sapphic fans across the world have largely pointed the finger at homophobes and misogynists for driving the drama, and have rallied to show their support.
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"With korean incels on her ass and the person she trusted with also attacking her i hope that riwon knows she has an army of people who still behind her. Please be safe :( "
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"i cannot support a show that claims to be for queer women but prioritises male opinions, so i will stop watchingshame on you. riwon and the queer women of south korea deserve better."
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"The rumor of riwon faking her sexuality to join #ToGetHer for cloutwas started by the MAN who assaulted and threatened her and some y'll believing him before even she spoke?!!!"
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"i only care about riwon's wellness right now, hope she is okay and have people that are with her in this situation. it's such a shame this is happening to her"
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"if they edit riwon out i'm not watching"
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"BRO NO ONE IS PUSHING YOU TO GET TOGETHER WITH RIWON, THIS CHILD IS PISSING ME OFF. IF U DON'T LIKE GETTING ASKED OUT FOR DINENR DECLINE HER IN UR DMS NOT AIR OUT UR BUSINESS AHhhhhHhHhHhhHh"
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"i feel so bad about riwon and the all #ToGetHer casts. they've been harrased by korean cishet hannams constantly and riwon got accused being camgirl then suddenly questioning her sexuality...? damn being women specifically LESBIAN are so hard in korea FREE MY WOMEN"
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"This was supposed to be our cute little lesbian dating show but of course men ruined it for us all… my heart breaks for Riwon and all the Korean women who have to live in such a misogynistic and homophobic society"
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"what is the point of her story like it's very immature to throw riwon under the bus like that, that's why they shouldn't cast people born after camp rock in dating shows"
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"As a lesbian woman, it just hurts to see SK first Lesbian reality show be bought down by negative people and homophobic. Riwon deserves better, she's just a woman trying to start fresh and be a woman who loves women. I hate men and homophobic women."
ToGetHer is expected to resume airing next week, but details beyond that remain up in the air.
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