Latest news with #ToGetHer
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
'Non-celebrity risk' shakes Korean dating reality TV
Authenticity and low overhead costs continue to make non-celeb shows appealing to producers despite off-screen scandals Dating reality shows featuring ordinary people have gripped South Korean audiences for years now, with hits like "I'm Solo" consistently dominating the country's television ratings. But there's a dark side to the trend: as these shows gain popularity, the term 'non-celebrity risk' has taken hold in the entertainment industry — referring to cases in which participants are later revealed to be involved in legal or ethical misconduct. The issue was thrust into the spotlight in late June when Seoul's Mapo Police Station confirmed the arrest of a man in his 30s, identified by the surname Park, on charges of quasi-rape, a crime distinguished in Korean law by the victim's state of unconsciousness. Park allegedly sexually assaulted a woman on June 21 in a parking lot in Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu. Local media soon identified Park as part of the 25th cohort of participants in "I'm Solo," one of Korea's most popular dating reality programs, where he appeared under the nickname Young-chul. "I'm Solo" brings together ordinary men and women for one week to see if they can find love. What added to the controversy was that Park, at the time of his arrest, was still appearing on "I'm Solo, Love Forever" — a spinoff featuring the ongoing romantic arcs among former cast members of "I'm Solo." In a statement, the show's production team said, 'We learned of Park's criminal charges and the court's warrant for his arrest through media reports. Given the gravity of the situation, we will take appropriate measures to ensure viewers are not made uncomfortable during the broadcast.' Not only was footage of Park removed from the show, but so were scenes involving other cast members with ties to him. This incident followed another major scandal involving a former fan-favorite from the show's 10th cohort of daters. A cast member identified by her surname Choi — known to viewers by the nickname Jung-sook — was fined 7 million won ($5,026) in June for multiple offenses, including assault and defamation. According to prosecutors, Choi struck the victim in the face six times and destroyed their phone, while also publicly insulting them. "ToGetHer," Wavve's viral reality series featuring lesbian daters, also came under fire in May when allegations surfaced online against cast member Kim Ri-won. Anonymous posts accused Kim of previously working as an online adult content broadcaster and engaging in prostitution. In response, Kim admitted to having participated in six dinner meetings during her time as a BJ (broadcast jockey), but denied any physical involvement, saying, 'All of the gatherings were strictly dinners.' Following public backlash, the production team removed all of Kim's scenes and romantic storylines from the show. Unlike shows featuring celebrity performers -- who are represented by agencies and have received professional training in media conduct -- reality programs that rely on non-celebrities can be far more unpredictable off-screen. Still, producers say the format remains attractive for its authenticity and low overhead costs. 'Watching these reality shows, viewers can easily empathize (with the cast) and become immersed as they see their own experiences or emotions reflected in the honest and unfiltered appearances of the non-celebrity cast members,' said a local producer on the condition of anonymity. 'Plus, their appearance fees are significantly less than what celebrities command, making the productions highly cost-efficient.' But experts argue that the financial upside can no longer justify the reputational damage to broadcasters and the recurring cycle of scandals, rushed edits and public apologies, which undermine the authenticity of the programs and ultimately damage the credibility of Korean unscripted content as a whole. Lee Moon-haeng, a media and communications professor at Suwon University, emphasized that the core issue lies in the casting process. 'Broadcast media is inherently drawn to marketable individuals. Once a new person with public appeal is discovered, production teams often rush to cast them without conducting proper background checks.' Lee added, 'The focus is often on superficial traits — looks, education, social media presence — at the expense of character evaluation. That needs to change.' To tackle the issue, she suggested not only enhancing background checks but also implementing stricter legal safeguards for producers. 'Appearance contracts should include accountability clauses, such as the right to claim damages or pursue legal action if a cast member becomes embroiled in controversy," said Lee.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fans are livid after first Korean lesbian dating show edits out controversial cast member
South Korea's first ever lesbian dating show has seemingly lost the plot as former fans denounce the decision to edit one controversial cast member out of the show. After the first episodes of ToGetHer dropped in April, contestant Kim Riwon quickly found her past working as a cam girl outed to the world. She was also accused of "queerbaiting" after it was discovered she had previously been in a relationship with a man she alleged was toxic and abusive, despite her insistence that she is, in fact, a woman who loves women. As conservative tides turned against her, a fellow cast member also made confusing accusations that Riwon made inappropriate advances towards her by seemingly asking her to spend time together. All of this led to the production company hitting pause on the episodes to regroup as they decided what to do. Some fans were demanding Riwon be cut from the show entirely, while others were furious this was even being considered a scandal. On May 4, ThisPlay announced that the show would be resuming — with Riwon edited out as much as possible without losing the overall storylines. — (@) The decision has sparked outrage and frustration on social media, particularly from international viewers. Posts from the official account have been met with repeated protests of "no riwon no views" and slamming ThisPlay for allegedly catering to misogyny and homophobia while failing to protect Riwon. — (@) "Oh so yall decided to stand by the buillies, riwon is a victim not a criminals yall just token support women and always stand by the men and the patriarchal society i guess" — (@) "You know damn well that no one will watch the reality show now, because you didn't want to protect Riwon, she really needed it, don't expect support of any kind and even less from the community to whom this program was directed, it's shameful." — (@) "Don't do another show next time. You don't know what you are doing. Your lack of awareness, understanding and insensitivity around these women has been distasteful. This is a reflection of your failure to protect those women" — (@) "I think riwon just agreed to whatever was discussed—like limiting her scenes—because she probably felt she had no right to demand anything. She's been publicly humiliated simply because of her past. All she wanted was to find love and be out and proud. She didn't sign up for this" — (@) "The people you're pandering to will NEVER be accepting of us lesbians, no matter how hard you try to please them. This is a big mistake. Blaming doesn't help us advance our rights, but in this case you are to let down not only Riwon, but also the lesbian community." — (@) "You did your own background checks. You wanted Riwon on your show. She's shown bravery by coming out & appearing on #ToGetHer despite the serious homophobia in your country. Now, you take the easy way out & just cut off the "controversy." Then, that's it for me, too. I'm out." And as subsequent episodes have begun to air, the lack of Riwon has been painfully noticeable, which has added to the backlash. — (@) "If Riwon is not there, then the program is not watched." — (@) "and fuck you for editing riwon out tf" — (@) "ToGetHer is boring and empty without riwon im sorry yall i'm out" — (@) "Riwon and Seoyeon picking matching cards to go on a painting date, you see Riwon hand on Seoyeon shoulder, she is so happy about it, it's so tragic we didn't get to see the date, those two actually like eachother" — (@) "Hard to watch now that riwon has been completely cut" — (@) "the lack of riwon makes me sick so it's so good to see her when we do" — (@) "riwon brought so much heart to the episodes. sorry to say but it feels so empty and boring without her. selective allyship is the real stain on the show. BRING RIWON BACK" — (@) No matter how you spin it, it's an unfortunate way for South Korea's first lesbian dating show to play out.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Korean lesbian dating show 'ToGetHer' has been paused, the controversy explained
South Korea's first ever lesbian dating show is hitting pause after backlash against one of its cast members — and fans are not happy about it. 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. 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. "hangyeol saying that riwon was trying to call her to the sex industry js bc she asked her out a date, bro wdym" 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. "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 :( " "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." "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?!!!" "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" "if they edit riwon out i'm not watching" "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" "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" "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" "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" "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.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Korean lesbian dating show 'ToGetHer' has been paused, the controversy explained
South Korea's first ever lesbian dating show is hitting pause after backlash against one of its cast members — and fans are not happy about it. 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. — (@) 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. — (@) "hangyeol saying that riwon was trying to call her to the sex industry js bc she asked her out a date, bro wdym" — (@) — (@) 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. — (@) "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 :( " — (@) "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." — (@) "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?!!!" — (@) "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" — (@) "if they edit riwon out i'm not watching" — (@) "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" — (@) "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" — (@) "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" — (@) "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" — (@) "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.
![[팟캐스트] (684) 최초 레즈비언 연애 프로](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwimg.heraldcorp.com%2Fnews%2Fcms%2F2025%2F05%2F01%2Fnews-p.v1.20250501.fa7bc416236746d6aeca48b6b55f4edd_T1.jpeg&w=3840&q=100)
Korea Herald
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
[팟캐스트] (684) 최초 레즈비언 연애 프로
First Korean lesbian dating reality show to stream on Wavve 진행자: 최정윤, Tannith Kriel 기사 요약: 국내 최초 레즈비언 연애 리얼리티 프로그램 '너의 연애'가 베일을 벗고 티저 영상을 공개했다. [1] South Korea's first dating reality show featuring exclusively lesbian participants is set to premiere later this month. Korean streaming platform Wavve announced it will exclusively launch a new reality dating series,'ToGetHer,' on April 25, releasing the show's teaser on YouTube. The teaser has English subtitles for global audiences. feature: 선보이다 exclusively: 독점적으로 premiere: 개봉하다 [2] 'ToGetHer" follows participants searching for romantic connections through various activities, such as going on dates and writing letters to one another, while living together in a shared house called the ToGetHerHouse on Jeju Island. follow: 따라가다 [3] The new series follows Wavve's gay dating reality show 'His Man.' That series, which centered on gay participants seeking love while cohabiting for eight days, included elements such as daily phone calls for participants to express their feelings and a catfish twist, where a new contestant was introduced midseason to disrupt the group dynamics. 'His Man," the first season of which streamed in 2022, has so far had three seasons. center on: ~에 초점을 맞추다 catfish: 메기, 사기꾼 [4] According to Wavve, 'His Man,' the first gay dating reality series in Korea, became its top-performing content in terms of attracting new paid subscribers following the release of its first season.
