What K-Variety genre is South Korea truly good at, and why is it dating reality shows? Over the years, we’ve seen so many creative and addictive concepts in through shows like “EXchange,” “Heart Signal,” “I Am Solo,” and “My Siblings’ Romance.” Each of these dating shows brought something new to the table, whether it’s ex-lovers reuniting, strangers finding love, or siblings secretly watching each other date.
A new dating reality show has premiered, and it’s something that’s never been touched on in a dating show, because this time it’s not just about the singles, but it’s also about bringing their mothers on the show!
“Match To Marry: With Parents”
Casts: Seo Jang Hoon, Lee Yo Won, Kim Yo Han
Synopsis: Ten single men and women dreaming of marriage come together to find love. But there’s a twist. They must date under the watchful eye of their mothers.
Coming soon on KOCOWA+!
Why You Should Watch “Match To Marry: With Parents”
“Match To Marry: With Parents” takes dating shows to a whole new level by focusing on marriage instead of casual romance. The show follows 10 single men and women who genuinely want to get married, but here’s the twist: they live together for 6 days and 5 nights with their mothers watching closely. This setup instantly raises the stakes, making every interaction more serious and meaningful!
Unlike other dating shows that focus mainly on chemistry and feelings, this one brings real-life marriage factors into play, such as age, career, financial stability, and even views on having children. This concept just made the show more interesting, refreshing, and nerve-racking, so we can’t help but get invested in the couple’s story!
Adding even more excitement to the show is its strong panel lineup. Seo Jang Hoon, known for his sharp honesty and logical advice on shows like “My Little Old Boy,” brings his straightforward perspective on relationships and marriage. Actress Lee Yo Won, famous for her performances in K-Dramas like “Fashion 70s,” and completing the panelist is Kim Yo Han, an idol-turned actor who gained recognition through “School 2021!” His youthful viewpoint and sincere reactions add warmth and relatability to the commentary. Together, the panel’s chemistry makes the viewing experience even more engaging, as their reactions often reflect exactly what we’re thinking!
Other Korean Dating Shows To Watch
“My Sibling’s Romance“
An exciting Korean dating show that I enjoyed watching is when that know how to bring a refreshing twist by adding family into the equation in the most unexpected way! “My Sibling’s Romance” features siblings living together in one house to help each other find love, but the biggest catch is that none of the participants know who is whose sibling. This unique setup creates tension, excitement, and plenty of awkward moments as everyone tries to navigate romance while unknowingly being watched by their own family. A favorite thing about this show is how it captures real sibling dynamics, from playful teasing to silent support, while proving that family can play a big role in finding love.
“Alumni Lovers“
If you love dating shows mixed with nostalgia, “Alumni Lovers” is a must-watch. The show reunites former schoolmates at a special training camp, giving them the chance to reconnect, relive old memories, and see if past feelings can turn into present-day romance. I mean, who didn’t think that their high-school crush could be their forever partner? We all have been there! Plus, it’s directed by the same producer behind “We Got Married,” making the show feel warm, emotional, and very relatable, especially for anyone who has ever wondered what happened to their old crush
“Mind The Noona Gap“
A recent favorite of mine is the current ongoing “Mind The Noona Gap,” which boldly challenges traditional dating norms by focusing on age-gap romance between successful older women and younger men who believe that age is just a number! I love how the show highlights honest conversations, emotional growth, and genuine connections, proving that love does not follow a fixed timeline. Plus, the Korean title translates to “Noona, You Are a Woman to Me,” which perfectly captures the heart-fluttering moments we are all experiencing while watching the show!
“Heart Pairing“
Fan of the popular dating show “Heart Signal?” “Heart Pairing” takes the beloved concept and gives it a more mature and serious twist. While “Heart Signal” focused on subtle feelings and romantic tension, this new series is about finding a life partner. Featuring older contestants who are ready for marriage, the show explores deeper conversations and realistic expectations about love. The best thing about this is that the show is filmed in beautiful locations like Florence and Tuscany in Italy, making the whole watching experience more breathtaking!
Now, don’t worry about where to find these shows, as they are all available for streaming on KOCOWA+ with multiple subtitle options!
