K-Pop and K-Dramas have reached global recognition in the past few decades. If you told me this would happen when I first discovered them in 2007, I’d assume you were trolling. Now BTS is the biggest band in the world, and Squid Game is the most streamed show of all time. The Hallyu Wave (popularization of Korean culture) is still going strong, but recently another facet of it has started garnering attention: reality dating shows. Despite the success of shows like We Got Married, Korean dating programs haven’t had the same following K-Pop and K-Dramas enjoyed overseas. But thanks to streaming sites like KOCOWA, that’s all changing.
One reality show that’s getting a lot of buzz is “Change Days 2”. The show starts by gathering four couples on the brink of breaking up in a beautiful house on Jeju Island for two weeks. They go on charming dates with each other’s partners, and then they have to choose whether to stay with their original partner, choose someone new, or walk into the sunset alone. So far, eight episodes are available to binge on KOCOWA, and they’ve been an emotional roller coaster. The couples’ problems range from moderate (communication and trust issues) to severe (arguing every time they open their mouths). There are also contestants who have chemistry with other people’s partners.
Meet the Couples:
Lee Jeong Hun and Choi Hui Yeon
Ever wonder what would happen if an ex-idol and a pilates instructor fell in love? Well, here you go. Jeong Hun is a former member of the now defunct K-Pop group TST, and Hui Yeon operates a pilates gym. They’ve been dating for almost four years, making them the couple who’ve been together the longest on the show. Jeong Hun is laid-back, while Hui Yeon is extroverted and charismatic.
They came on “Change Days 2” because Hui Yeon feels like they’ve lost the spark in their relationship. She’s also at the stage in her life where she’s ready to get married but isn’t sure she can wait for Jeong Hun to complete his mandatory military service. Both rarely argue and seem to love each other, but being apart for two years with limited contact is a big hurdle. Timing can be very important when it comes to relationships. On top of that, Hui Yeon seems to have chemistry with everyone she goes on a date with! In the first episode, her vulnerable conversation with Hyo-gi had me cooing, and her date with Tae-wan was surprisingly cute.
I’m not sure what decision Jeong Hun and Hui Yeon will make at the end of the two weeks, but I have a sinking feeling they might end their relationship. Jeong Hun’s military service is too much of an unchangeable factor.
Kim Do Hyung and Kim Ji Yoo
Do Hyung is a math teacher, and Ji Yoo is a YouTuber. They have a painful history because Ji Yoo once ghosted him instead of communicating when they had problems. Now, I’m sure you’re thinking: “Everybody gets ghosted. What’s the big deal?” But it’s a bit deeper than that. Ji Yoo actually moved out of her apartment, changed her phone number, and cut off all contact with Do Hyung without saying a word. They got back together, but the situation hung over their heads. Ji Yoo feels extremely guilty, and neither wants to experience another traumatic breakup, so they sweep any negative feelings under the rug.
At the moment, their communication hasn’t improved even though Do Hyung is making an effort. That’s not to say Ji Yoo is completely at fault, though. Everyone is different, and it’s clearly hard for her to articulate her feelings, especially when she’s upset. But Do Hyung is a teacher who has to communicate his thoughts clearly to students every day, so it’s a little easier for him. He essentially gets practice every day. Then there’s the issue of Hye Yeon, another contestant who makes it no secret she’s genuinely interested in him. Do Hyung is enjoying the attention a little too much, in my opinion, but his heart is still with Ji Yoo. He doesn’t seem to view Hye Yeon as an actual romantic partner. Besides, he’s not the only one getting attention. Ji Yoo has chemistry with Hyo Gi and Tae Wan, and her date with the latter was filmed beautifully and filled with banter. I felt like I was watching a K-Drama.
I don’t know whether this couple will stay together or break up, but if they stay together, they have to commit to communicating, or their relationship won’t stand a chance.
Kim Tae Wan and Kim Hye Yeon
This is a couple I had doubts about from the beginning. Tae Wan is a fitness trainer who is two years younger than Hye Yeon, a primary school teacher. Tae Wan feels like she isn’t affectionate since she doesn’t initiate touching, hugging, or kissing him. It seems like his Love Language is physical touch, but Hye Yeon argues that it isn’t hers, and she shows affection in different ways. The problem with that declaration is Hye Yeon finds it easy to touch everyone else. She took an instant liking to Do Hyung and playfully shoves him, touches his arm, and rests her head on his shoulder during their dates. So…something isn’t adding up. Early on, she expresses not being able to rely on Tae Wan, but I just think she’s hung up on the fact that he’s younger. He has definitely exhibited some immature behavior (and so have other people on the show), but he’s shown he can be serious and thoughtful as well. I kept thinking Hye Yeon needs to be honest with herself, and I got my wish at the end of episode eight when she contemplates the fact she just may not like Tae Wan that much.
They’ve had a few fights and a big blowout that seemed a lot like a break up in episode seven, so I can’t see them choosing each other in the end.
Min Hyo Gi and Choi Yun Seul
Hyo Gi is an actor that’s appeared in dramas like “Color Rush” and “Color Rush 2” while Yun Seul is a college student. They’ve been together for about a year and a half, and all they do is fight. They’ve even admitted to breaking up repeatedly! This is far from a healthy relationship, and it doesn’t help that Hyo Gi compares her to the contestants he’s gone on dates with. He also has a habit of airing out their dirty laundry in front of the others while Yun Seul is sitting right there. Hyo Gi is one of the more immature contestants, if you ask me. Yun Seul isn’t perfect, but she’s at least more respectful. They are proof opposites don’t always attract. They’re better off breaking up and staying that way.
Hyo Gi has chemistry with Hui Hyeon and Ji Yoo, while Yun Seul doesn’t have a romantic vibe with anyone. During a drinking game, she admitted to not trusting Hyo Gi, and in episode eight, when Do Hyung asks her if she’ll choose Hyo Gi, she said the chances were 60%.
I really can’t see them surviving this process, and even if they do, their relationship is what many would call toxic.
If you’ve been watching “Change Days 2,” which couple do you think will stay together? If you haven’t, then what are you waiting for? It’s available to binge right now on KOCOWA!
