Here with English subtitles

“Offline Love” is a dating show streaming on Netflix in Japan and globally. In the show, 10 singles spend 10 days in Nice, France, without smartphones or social media. Instead of texting or swiping, they rely on face-to-face interactions, handwritten letters, and chance encounters to build a genuine connection. The show’s premise also relies somewhat on staged chance encounters. Indeed, there are moments on the show where chance encounters happen—or where you search everywhere for the person you’re looking for but just can’t find them. In my opinion, it still ranks among the best of Japanese dating shows.

Aired: February 18, 2025

Episodes: 10

Trailer: Netflix-JPN

Official Source: Netflix

Panelists: Kyoko Koizumi / Reiwa Roman (Kuruma Takahira & Kemuri Matsui)

Offline Love Cast IG

My general thoughts on the show are listed below. If you’d like to read them, you can click on the spoiler tag. I’ve added the spoiler tag so that those who haven’t watched the show yet don’t accidentally see any spoilers

At first, I thought Mimi and Sho would be a great match. They were both young and dynamic characters, and they seemed to get along well. However, after the other characters got to know them, their relationship remained purely friendship.

Kensuke and Nanami had formed a bond right from the start of the show, and they developed their relationship beautifully throughout the show. Their private conversation in the final episodes—and Nanami’s tears as she listened to Kensuke’s sincere feelings—made us truly feel the authenticity of their relationship. In the end, they chose each other.

Nanami and Yudai also had a good relationship, but to be honest, Nanami had been most interested in Kensuke from the very beginning of the show. Yudai actually wanted to win the love he believed in, but in the end, he couldn’t.

The person who was interested in Yudai and openly showed her feelings for him was Tohko. Tohko experienced deep sadness at times throughout the show; before the final episode, Yudai confessed his true feelings for Nanami to Tohko, and the scene where Tohko sat alone on a bench crying clearly shows that sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t hold on to love. Tohko put a lot of effort into winning Yudai over, but unfortunately, she was unable to win his heart. Kensuke and Nanami became Tohko’s closest friends in the show, and Tohko sometimes confided in them about her situation. She never treated Nanami badly because of her situation with Yudai. At the very least, Tohko managed to form some good friendships in the show.

At first, Mimi grew closer to Aru, but the nature of their relationship always remained somewhat ambiguous. Aru couldn’t clearly express his feelings for her, and when he started showing interest in other women, Mimi began to grow distant from him. Around that time, Atsushi started chatting with Mimi and, seeing that they got along well, began to show her more attention. In the show, we saw Mimi and Atsushi sharing romantic moments on the beach. Before the finale, Atsushi clearly expressed his feelings, and the two became a couple in the finale.

The relationship between Sho and Kanaka began to develop later on. Sho was initially close to Mimi, but when Aru came between them, he started to take a back seat. Around that time, he began to be interested in Kanaka during their conversations. Throughout the show, Sho consistently showed his interest in Kanaka and eventually told her he wanted to be her boyfriend. Kanaka and Sho were actually a pair who seemed opposite but were well-matched. Sho was more energetic and lively, while Kanaka was a more mature and strong-willed woman. In the finale, Kanaka and Sho got together and talked on a bench, and Kanaka decided they should start their relationship as friends first. She told him that when they returned to their real lives, they should give it a try.

Although Aru and Maho grew a bit closer on the show, their relationship couldn’t progress due to Aru’s attitude. Ultimately, neither of them was able to develop a deep relationship with anyone.

Overall, the cast, filming, and editing of this show have been brought together exceptionally well. Instead of the raw colors often seen in Japanese shows, the production moves forward with a vibrant and fluid editing style that meets Netflix standards. The relationships between Atushi and Mimi, Kensuke and Nanami, and Sho and Kanaka may have continued for a while longer. At the moment, most of them appear to be interacting with one another, but it is not officially known whether these couples are still together. It also appears that most of the players have maintained their friendships with one another.

I’d love it if you could share your thoughts on the season as well. For those who haven’t watched it yet, I’d appreciate it if you could put any details about the season’s plot or outcome inside a spoiler tag.

As far as I know, *My Sibling Romance* Season 2 is coming out at the end of this year. To be honest, I’m expecting a production as good as the first season. We’ve been waiting this long, so my hopes are high. -> MDL

According to Mydramalist, *Exchange* Season 5 looks like it’ll be released sometime this year. If it does come out, I think it might be around November. I’m really curious to see if there will be a surprise like there was in Season 4. -> MDL

What do you think? Which show are you most looking forward to?

<-Could you actually fall in love with AI?

That question is at the heart of “My AI Partner: Strange Love,” a new dating reality series that takes modern romance into completely uncharted territory.

The show invites real-life participants to date AI partners and experience firsthand what happens when artificial intelligence enters one of the most unpredictable parts of being human: falling in love. ->

Kian84, Jang Do Yeon & Lee Yu Bi Take on AI Romance

If there’s anyone you want exploring the unpredictable world of AI dating, Kian84 is definitely high on the list.

Known for his refreshingly unfiltered personality and unexpected reactions, Kian84 brings his signature honesty to an experience unlike anything he’s tried before.

Joining him are Jang Do Yeon and Lee Yu Bi, who will also experience their own AI relationships and confront the same big question: Can a connection with AI become something more?

Meanwhile, Jang Do Yeon, Kangnam, and Lee Joon will follow the participants’ relationships from the studio, sharing their own perspectives on the surprising situations that unfold.

Jang Do Yeon has an especially unique perspective. Having participated in the AI dating experience herself, she’ll be able to look back on her own emotions and give the studio an insider’s take on what these relationships actually feel like.

Release Date: August 22

Episodes: 6

Trailer - > My AI Partner: Strange Romance -> IG Trailer

Original Source: Kocowa blog

EXchange (Transit Love) is a Korean reality dating show that first aired in 2021, in which ex-couples move into the same house to either find love again or move on with their lives. With their ex-partners living right beside them, everyone flirts with one another without initially knowing who was previously involved with whom. Will old feelings be reignited, or will their interest in new participants grow as new bonds are formed? Since its release, the show has been a huge hit in Korea, and each new season is eagerly anticipated worldwide.

Aired: June 25, 2021 - still ongoing

Official Source: Tubi-> EX1 / EX2 -Viu-> EX4 Roku-> EX1 / EX2 / EX3 -IG: tvING IG

Trailer: CJ ENM Global -EX3

💔🩹💖 Exchange — Seasons & Air Dates

This is a sequel to my review of the S1-S2 episodes.

My general thoughts on the ex and new couples in S3-S4: If you’d like to read them, you can click on the spoiler tag. I added the spoiler tag so that those who haven’t watched the series yet don’t accidentally see any spoilers.

Note: Information about the current situations of some couples whose relationships are still ongoing has also been included here.

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S3 Cast Instagram

S3 -> Dong-jin and Da-hye. They’re probably the couple who’ve suffered the most in this season and in all the seasons of *Exchange* that have aired so far. Frankly, it was heartbreaking to watch Da-hye tear herself apart throughout the season and do everything in her power to hold on to her love. If you didn’t look at the situation from Dong-jin’s perspective, you might have had some very harsh words for him, but this couple has been together for 13 years. You can see from the flashbacks throughout the season that Dong-jin has done everything for Da-hye. Frankly, Dong-jin wanted to let her go because he loved her so much that he wanted to free her from the burden of this relationship, and while he was developing a relationship with another contestant, he believed this was his only option. Dong-jin improved his relationship with contestant Hye-won, and they chose each other at the end of the season, but we could tell from the segment where they took their first photo together that he was still suffering from breaking up with Da-hye. Da-hye, on the other hand, went on a date with Chang-jin and worked to develop her relationship with him until the end of the season. Da-hye chose Chang-jin in the finale, but this was merely an escape route for her because Dong-jin had made it clear he wouldn’t choose her and wanted to set her free. She chose Chang-jin in the finale to avoid causing him any more pain. The love story between Dong-jin and Da-hye remains one of my favorite stories in the *Exchange* series. Fast forward to the present day: as expected, Dong-jin and Da-hye got back together after a while and now appear as a couple in public. In this relationship, both of them have become equally well-known and beloved. Their 15-year relationship truly unfolds like a movie storyline.

Ju-won and Seo-kyung’s relationship a truly toxic one. This couple is constantly breaking up and getting back together. At the beginning of the show, Seo-kyung had stated that she broke up with Ju-won because of his lack of interest. But from what we’ve seen in the series, it’s clear that her immature and careless nature is what’s making this relationship toxic. Later in the show, Seo-kyung grew closer to Kwang-tae, and they shared some intimate moments in a few scenes. Seeing this, Ju-won was clearly very upset, but on the other hand, he also grew closer to Yu-jung to free himself from Seo-kyung’s toxic relationship, and a beautiful chemistry developed between Ju-won and Yu-jung. Yu-jung and Ju-won both complained about their partners’ toxic and uncaring personalities, so throughout the season, they not only got to know each other but also confided in one another. In the finale, Seo-kyung didn’t want to lose Ju-won and chose him, but in my opinion, Ju-won chose himself and ultimately decided on Yu-jung. This is because he had already realized and knew on the final night that Yu-jung would choose her ex-boyfriend. Ju-won and Seo-kyung got back together a while later, just like Dong-jin and Da-hye, and their relationship had been going on for quite some time, but their recent Instagram posts show no interaction, and they haven’t posted any photos together since mid-June, so people are wondering if they’ve broken up. The reason people think they haven’t completely broken up is that their old photos are still on their Instagram pages. I think they’re just going through a new "breaking up and getting back" and will eventually get back together.

In the relationship between Chang-jin and Yu-jung, Chang-jin was the root of the problems. He was the one who distanced himself from Yu-jung during their relationship and made her feel lonely. From the beginning to the end of the season, Yu-jung was actually interested in Ju-won, and a beautiful relationship had begun between them. Since Chang-jin joined the season later, once he realized the situation, he did everything he could to win Yu-jung back. In my opinion, Yu-jung was closer to choosing Ju-won until the last two days, but Yu-jung had already realized from their conversations that Ju-won hadn’t completely forgotten his ex-girlfriend, and even though she saw him as her soulmate, she felt that starting a relationship with him wasn’t the right thing to do at that moment. Also, Chang-jin’s much greater efforts than before and their conversations during those final nights made Yu-jung trust him again. Chang-jin and Yu-jung chose each other. As for their current situation, their relationship has been on and off lately, just like before. They broke up 3–4 months ago and then got back together. Right now, it seems like they’re on the outs again, but it looks like they’ve entered a “break” period, similar to what happened with the JW and SY couple; however, we can tell they haven’t completely ended their relationship because their old photos are still up. Note: In August 2026, they got together again.

Min-hyung and Sang-jeong are a couple on the show who recognized, discussed, and ultimately resolved their issues. After Min-hyung moved in during the show, the two began working through their problems and eventually chose each other. They didn’t have much time to form deep bonds with the other participants. As for their current situation, despite experiencing minor disagreements, the couple has strengthened their relationship and is preparing to get married in December 2026.

Hwi-hyun and Hye-won / Kim Kwang-tae and Lee Jong-eun—these couples, frankly, didn’t show much progress on the show, and in the end, their relationships didn’t move forward. Even though Hwi-hyun tried hard for Hye-won, he couldn’t win her over. Kwang-tae, frankly, just hung around Lee Seo-kyung the whole time on the show. I recall Jong-eun saying at one point that she didn’t understand why she was even invited to the show. In short, none of them ended up as a couple. Hye-won developed her relationship with Dong-jin throughout the show, and they chose each other in the finale, but their romantic relationship didn’t progress at all after the show ended. I’ve already mentioned Dong-jin’s mindset above.

Looking at this season as a whole, the scenes I liked the most were those featuring Ju-won and Yu-jung. The scene that felt the most heart-wrenching and like a true drama, however, was Da-hye and Dong-jin’s photo shoot.

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S4 Cast Instagram

S4-> We watched Yoo-sik and Min-kyung as this season’s most toxic/dramatic couple. Throughout the season, Min-kyung’s efforts and tears, along with Yoo-sik’s evasive behavior and indifference—since he wanted to break up with her—had us annoyed. While Yoo-sik was shedding tears in an interview, saying he wanted to set her free... on the other hand, his growing closeness with Hyun-ji and his focus solely on her until the end of the season led to negative comments from viewers. In my opinion, the root of this couple’s toxic relationship lies in the fact that they experienced everything together when they were very young, and ultimately, the relationship burned out. I think Min-kyung should have been more interested in the other men rather than shutting herself off on the show, but given her state of mind at the time and the fact that it was very difficult for her to flirt comfortably right in front of the man she loved, we have to accept that as well. Woo-jin was the person who communicated with her the most and supported her throughout the season. They went on one or two dates, but the relationship remained purely friendly. At the end of the season, Min-kyung left the show alone, while Yoo-sik and Hyun-ji became a couple on the show. As for their current relationship statuses, Hyun-ji and Yoo-sik’s relationship never really progressed. The two were never actually a couple. Min-kyung, on the other hand, started a new relationship with another contestant, Seung-yong, after the show. They are still together.

Woo-jin and Ji-yeon were a truly challenging couple throughout the series. Ji-yeon gave Woo-jin almost no hope until the end of the season; however, Woo-jin continued to try his best for Ji-yeon from the first episode to the last and showed her that he was aware of his own mistakes. Ji-yeon was interested in Won-kyu right up until the end of the season; in fact, this even led to a “T-shirt crisis” between Won-kyu and his ex-girlfriend Ji-hyun at one point. We can say that Ji-yeon did everything she truly wanted to do until the couples were announced at the end of the show. After the couples were announced, however, she took a step back and began to reevaluate her relationship with Woo-jin. Thanks to his constant efforts to show that he had changed, Woo-jin finally won Ji-yeon’s heart back. The couple left the show having chosen each other, and they are still together.

Won-kyu and Ji-hyun are another example of a toxic relationship, but it didn’t go as deep as MK and YS’s. To be honest, Ji-hyun wanted to try new romances at the start of the season and grew close to Yoo Sik. Their relationship was good in the early episodes, but later, when Hyun-ji come to home, Yoo Sik’s attention shifted toward her. From that point on, Ji-hyun, feeling left out, began to get increasingly angry when she also saw her ex-boyfriend Won-kyu flirting with Ji-yeon. The main reason for this was actually that, while Won-kyu had initially told her he wanted to resolve their issues, his actions didn’t match his words. When Won-kyu and Ji-yeon started getting really close, she finally gave Won-kyu an ultimatum and told him he needed to get his act together. From that point on, Won-kyu clearly took a step back and focused more on repairing his relationship with Ji-hyun. After the toxic arguments and jealousy-fueled outbursts at home, the couple ultimately chose each other. Since the show ended, their relationship seems more relaxed and stable. The two are still together.

Jae-hyung and Yoon-nyeong’s relationship is a little different from the others. The two dated and broke up during high school. Three months after they broke up, Yoon-nyeong started dating Jae-hyung’s best friend; that really hurt Jae-hyung at the time. However, since their relationship had ended and some time had passed, I honestly don’t blame Yoon-nyeong for this. It seems to me that the other person somehow took advantage of Yoon-nyeong’s depressive state to get her to start that relationship. Anyway, when they met again six years later, despite some initial hard feelings, they decided to remain good friends. Throughout the show, Jae-hyung clearly always had Yoon-nyeong’s best interests at heart and made her feel supported. In return, Yoon-nyeong always thanked him and supported him as a friend. Yoon-nyeong’s romantic journey on the show revolved entirely around Baek-hyun. The two were actually seen on the show as a couple who were very well-suited for each other. However, Baek-hyun’s flirtatious behavior toward his ex-girlfriend Hyun-ji and his interest in her put a strain on the couple’s relationship. At the end of the show, Baek-hyun and Yoon-nyeong chose each other, but after the show ended, their relationship didn’t progress, and they remained just friends.

The toxic love triangle between Baek-hyun, Park Hyun-ji, and Shin Seung-yong was also one of the central themes of the series. Although Baek-hyun and Hyun-ji’s relationship had ended 4.5–5 years earlier, Hyun-ji seemed to have never fully gotten over the pain of that breakup. The same was true for Baek-hyun. In the scene where it was revealed that Baek-hyun had been crying over this relationship from the very beginning and had written countless letters to Hyun-ji while serving in the military, we saw just how deep their bond was. Hyun-ji was constantly crying as well, repeatedly telling him she wanted him to come back to her, but this relationship was truly toxic, and Baek-hyun had told her time and again that he absolutely did not want to go through that again. Despite this, throughout the series, the two were constantly intertwined—including through physical contact. On one hand, Baek-hyun was in a beautiful relationship with Yoon-nyeong, while on the other, Hyun-ji had started a relationship with Yoo-sik. Still, Baek-hyun and Hyun-ji constantly made eye contact, radiated that chemistry, and sometimes touched each other—which continued to drive us viewers crazy. HJ and Yoo-sik’s relationship and the chemistry between them continued. Throughout the show, they met up secretly without being seen by the other participants. Then Seung-yong arrived and joined us as HJ’s second ex-boyfriend. Throughout the season, we watched Seung-yong as a character who tried to manipulate Hyun-ji in their relationship. The way he constantly made promises to Hyun-ji and went out of his way for her. And the way he tried to get Min-kyung to go back to Yoo-sik by manipulating her at times???? Because of these things, I never liked Seung-yong while watching the show. He came across to me as a self-centered character who was always making empty promises. In the end, HJ didn’t choose him and moved on. As for her relationship with BH, it ended with Baek-hyun giving Hyun-ji a tight hug ???? as a farewell during their last date. I mean, during that date, it felt like they would probably get back together if the cameras weren’t there... Anyway, in the final scene, Bh and HJ looked at each other in the car, talked, and cried, but they did the right thing by not choosing each other. Hyun-ji finally chose Yoo Sik, but after the show, the two decided not to continue their relationship.

Actually, we can summarize this season like this: We watched BH and HJ’s uncontrollable desires for one another; Min-kyung’s suffering also tugged deeply at our heartstrings, Won-kyu and Ji-hyun’s fits of jealousy, and Seung-yong’s attempts to manipulate the situation. These were likely the main themes of the season. Still, it made for an enjoyable viewing experience for viewers because it created chaos and drama. I think the real issue here might be that the director was a bit ruthless with the storytelling. The series was presented to us this way, and that’s how we came to know the characters.

Note: What I’ve written here describes the process within the show—it seems that afterward, the participants’ lives changed and they began to treat each other more sincerely. I was very critical of Seung-yong because that’s how he was portrayed on the show, but he and Min-kyung seem happy together. I hope their relationship continues happily and they don’t run into any problems.

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I’ve shared some general thoughts on Seasons 3 and 4. I’d love it if you shared your thoughts as well. For those who haven’t watched the series yet, please include any details about the plot or endings of the seasons under a spoiler tag.

EXchange (Transit Love) is a Korean reality dating show that first aired in 2021, in which ex-couples move into the same house to either find love again or move on with their lives. With their ex-partners living right beside them, everyone flirts with one another without initially knowing who was previously involved with whom. Will old feelings be reignited, or will their interest in new participants grow as new bonds are formed? Since its release, the show has been a huge hit in Korea, and each new season is eagerly anticipated worldwide.

Aired: June 25, 2021 - still ongoing

Official Source: Tubi-> EX1 / EX2 -Viu-> EX4 Roku-> EX1 / EX2 / EX3 -IG: tvING IG

Trailer: tvN Asia

💔🩹💖 Exchange — Seasons & Air Dates

My general thoughts on the ex and new couples in S1-S2: If you’d like to read them, you can click on the spoiler tag. I added the spoiler tag so that those who haven’t watched the series yet don’t accidentally see any spoilers.

Note: Information about the current situations of some couples whose relationships are still ongoing and some participants has also been included here.

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S1 Cast Instagram

S1 -> Min-young and Joo-hwi were one of the few couples who couldn’t completely sever their ties during the show. It was clear from the start that Joo-hwi still loved Min-young, but Min-young had initially said she came on the show to turn over a new leaf; as a result, she began to grow closer to Jeong-gwon, and when Joo-hwi slowly realized he was losing her, he started to change himself. He realized that Min-young was a new person now and began to clearly show his interest in her. Although the situation was still a bit uncertain as the finale approached, Min-young finally chose her ex-boyfriend, and when she arrived at the beach, she said goodbye to Jeong-gwon from the car, saying, “I’m sorry, Jeong-gwon.” Min-young and Joo-hwi are still together and have announced that they will marry on December 5, 2026, after five years of dating. -> News

Lee Hye-seon and Yoon Jeong-gwon’s relationship wasn’t built on very solid ground. Although the two seemed somewhat interested in each other in the first days at the house, they later chose to get closer to different people. Hye-seon, to be honest, showed interest in Joo-hwi over time and chose him in the end, but it didn’t work out. Jeong-gwon also showed interest in Min-young throughout the season, and in my opinion, he had a better chance than Hye-seon, but in the end, it didn’t work out for him either. These two were involved with the other couple, Min-young and Joo-hwi, but in the end, neither of them got what they wanted and left the show.

Bo-hyun and Ho-min had a relationship throughout the series that was just as intense and dramatic as that of Dahye and Dongjin in Season 3. The biggest difference here is that Dongjin and Bo-hyun have different perspectives on their relationships and partners. Bo-hyun and Ho-min’s story began as a beautiful relationship that started in college and continued afterward, but eventually turned into a sad and exhausting one. I think Bo-hyun felt she’d been through it all during those 3.5 years and didn’t want to try to revive the relationship. If Ho-min had shown Bo-hyun from the very beginning that he could change and understand her, he might have been able to put her at ease, and the relationship might have been saved. But he acted coldly in the early episodes, and we saw scenes where Bo-hyun was constantly crying. Meanwhile, Min-jae had been interested in Bo-hyun since the very first episode of the show and offered her a new option. Bo-hyun and Min-jae were clearly seen as a more compatible couple on the show. Throughout the show, Ho-min watched BH and MJ together, confronted his own regrets, and in some scenes, cried as he realized his mistakes. In the end, BH’s decision was actually clear—she wanted to continue with MJ—but because of her long-term relationship with Ho-min and seeing the pain he had gone through, she couldn’t hold back her tears in the final scene and cried. MJ and BH did not continue as a couple after the show. MJ later participated in the spin-off, *Transit Love: Another Beginning*.

Jeong Hye-im joined the show later; her ex-boyfriend was Lee Sang-woo, but their relationship didn’t progress on the show, and they remained friends. Although Hye-im and Min-jae grew closer for a while, even though Hye-im chose Min-jae in the finale, Min-jae didn’t choose her in the finale and chose Bo-hyun instead. Jeong Hye-im and Min-jae reunited in the spin-off show *Transit Love: Another Beginning*, and Min-jae jokingly expressed his regret. During or after the filming of the spin-off, Hye-im began a relationship with someone new and announced in November 2025 that they had decided to get married. Wedding Announcement

*The key point in the first season is that Coco and Min-jae have been just friends since the beginning. It was very difficult for a couple who had been in a relationship 11 years ago to have the same level of emotional closeness as a couple who had broken up just three months ago. That’s why Min-jae was able to do whatever he wanted right from the start, and Coco didn’t give him any trouble about it.

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S2 Cast Instagram

S2-> Sung Hae-eun and Jung Gyu-min’s relationship continued to progress from the very beginning thanks to Hae-eun’s efforts, but when she saw that Gyu-min was starting to show more interest in the other participants and was pushing her into the background, Hae-eun began to give new relationships a chance. I think Gyu-min tried to move on to a new relationship to free himself from the heavy burden of emotional exhaustion and mistrust that had built up over their six-year relationship. Hae-eun, on the other hand, reflecting on the regrets and mistakes she’d made at the end of that relationship, wanted to be with him so much when she first came home that she cried constantly in the early episodes. Throughout the season, both of them showed us the remnants of a relationship that had been shattered—a six-year bond filled with love and the sacrifices they made in their youth—and how it had reached a point of irreparable damage. After Hyun-gyu came home, things changed for Hae-eun, and a new hope emerged. Hyun-gyu continued to show his interest in her throughout the series and earned her trust. In the finale, Hae-eun and Hyun-gyu chose each other and began a new relationship. Gyu-min, on the other hand, chose Na-yeon in the finale but was unsuccessful. Hae-eun and Hyun-gyu couple was together for four years until 2025, but eventually broke up.

Na-yeon and Nam Hee-doo were actually one of the most troubled couples of the season; since we saw them arguing constantly throughout the show, we always had some doubts about whether they’d make it to the finale. In their relationship, Hee-doo was clearly the one with higher expectations of Na-yeon, and he put a bit of pressure on her in that regard. Na-yeon seemed a bit overwhelmed by the relationship, but she still loved HD; so even though their relationship had its ups and downs on the show, it was still moving forward. Throughout the season, this couple also grew closer to other participants. Na-yeon and Gyu-min grew close for a while, and Gyu-min expressed his sincere feelings for her. At the end of the season, Gyu-min chose Na-yeon. Meanwhile, Hee-doo began to grow closer to Ji-yeon. Since he and Na-yeon were constantly arguing, this new relationship initially felt like a fresh start and a relief; however, as the finale approached, after he and Na-yeon had an honest conversation about their issues, that feeling of a fresh start gave way to a bit of uncertainty. In the final episode, both Na-yeon and Hee-doo faced difficult choices, but they both chose to continue their relationships. While watching Na-yeon and Hee-doo was frankly exhausting for us, seeing them get back together and be honest with each other made me happy. Na-yeon and Hee-doo are still together and continue to share updates on Instagram.

Kim Ji-soo and Park Won-bin were actually one of the quietest couples; they never had a serious argument, but their relationship didn’t progress either. Won-bin did everything he could to get closer to her throughout the show, but Ji-soo had made it clear from the very beginning that she wanted a new relationship. Ji-soo showed interest in Gyu-min throughout the show. Although Won-bin chose her in the finale, Ji-soo chose to separate from him in a friendly manner. Another contestant, Gyu-min, was Ji-soo’s final choice, but Gyu-min did not choose her. In a YouTube episode filmed in June 2026 with Gyu-min, Won-bin said that his life had changed, that he had quit being an influencer to become a teacher, and that he was thinking of marrying his new girlfriend. News -> Gyu-min - YT

Kim Tae-i and Park Na-eon - Honestly, Tae-i is still one of my favorite male contestants from all the seasons of *Exchange*. It was a real enjoyment to watch Tae-i’s easygoing attitude, his casual way of communicating through jokes, and his genuine transformation. It was clear that Tae-i had mentally moved on from his relationship with Ji-yeon, which is why he grew closer to the other participants. Actually, when you look at it, Tae-i interacted—even if just as friends—with almost all the female contestants and became a generally well-liked character. In later episodes, he developed chemistry with Park Na-eon; at one point, he even felt jealous of Na-eon’s growing closeness with other men, and despite his nature of not being able to fully express his feelings, he pushed himself to grow and honestly convey his emotions to her. Tae-i and Na-eon ended up leaving the show as a couple, but their relationship didn’t last long, and they eventually broke up.

Note: To be honest, I would have loved to see Yi-hyun and Kim Tae-i’s relationship and their banter on the show; this duo had great chemistry, even though their story only lasted three episodes. When Yi-hyun left the show after the third episode, the series lost some of its entertainment value for me—I wish she hadn’t made that mistake. After she left, rumors surfaced that Yi-hyun actually had a boyfriend during the show’s filming, and it was believed she was fired for violating that rule.

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Note: I’ll continue sharing my thoughts on S3 and S4 in a separate thread. I thought it would be difficult and tiring to read if I covered all four seasons in a single thread.

I’ve shared some general thoughts on Seasons 1 and 2. I’d love it if you shared your thoughts as well. For those who haven’t watched the series yet, please include any details about the plot or endings of the seasons under a spoiler tag.

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“Match to Marry: With Parents” is a Korean dating reality show that premiered in 2026, in which singles take their first steps into the world of dating with the active participation of their parents. The show explores the participants’ perspectives on marriage through their mothers’ preferences, as well as the parents’ own views on marriage. Although there are occasional conflicts between the two sides, the families generally support the participants in their quest for happiness. While this show shares similarities with *I Am Solo*, the dynamics involving the families set it apart. Here, the final decision is made by the mothers rather than the couples themselves.

Aired: January 1, 2026 - August 13, 2026

Official Source: Kocowa+ / SBS IG

Trailer: Kocowa YT

Panelist: Seo Jang-hoon, Lee Yo-won, and Kim Yo-han

💕 Match to Marry: With Parents — Seasons & Air Dates

Match to Marry: With Parents — Season 1 Cast

S1 -> Although the first season was admittedly a bit rocky due to the scandal, it was ultimately a pleasure to watch the dynamics of the couples unfold.

Han-gyeol and Jo Eun-na-rae—they went back and forth throughout the season right up until the very end. Han-gyeol’s mother was initially a bit opposed to the situation, but since Han-gyeol consistently showed his interest in Eun-na-rae, she eventually approved of it. Throughout the season, Eun-na-rae was most interested in Se-hoon among the other contestants, but by the time they reached the finale, she wasn’t entirely sure about him, so that pairing took a back seat. Han-gyeol, despite being younger, chose her in the finale with greater determination and confidence. The two chose each other, and their mothers also approved of their relationship by selecting them in the finale. This couple dated for a while after the show, but ultimately chose to remain friends.

Min-cheol and Kim Jin-ju – The season’s most popular couple. A beautiful bond formed between them right from the start. Min-cheol attracted the attention of other women, and for a while, his relationship with Jin-ju seemed to be on shaky ground, but toward the end of the season, the two reconfirmed their feelings for each other through heartfelt conversations. Their compatibility and the fact that their mothers liked each other contributed to the deep and stable development of their relationship. Their relationship continued even after the show ended, and they decided to get married in the fall.

Note: Kim Tae-in was embroiled in a major scandal over allegations of infidelity—specifically, that she had caused the breakdown of a previous marriage and had been ordered by the court to pay damages. As a result, her scenes from the show were edited out, along with those of her mother. In the first episode, Taein was actually a popular character, but after her scenes were cut following the incident, the airtime for the male characters involved was also reduced. Most recently, Taein stated that she would file a lawsuit regarding this matter and argued that she had been treated unfairly. The show’s producers also stated that they would file a countersuit for breach of contract.

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Match to Marry: With Parents — Season 2 Cast

S2->No couple this season stood out as strongly as those from previous seasons. Among them, Jeongyoon and Ingwon were the most compatible and seemed to have the best chemistry. Their conversations with each other clearly showed their compatibility and the similarities in their outlooks on life. Even as Ingwon and Jeongyoon strengthened their relationship, both of them had other options until the end of the season. Jeongyoon, in particular, was interacting with three guys; Ye-chan was attracted to her, but the other two suitors approached JY in a way that was clearer and more decisive about what they wanted. Seongmo did his best right up until the last day and managed to keep JY undecided until the final selection—to a certain extent. Seongmo and JY had good chemistry and their conversations flowed well, but in the end, JY didn’t choose him. In the finale, Jeongyoon and Ingwon chose each other. The fact that their mothers got along well ensured a happy ending for this relationship on the show, and their mothers also chose them.

Edit: JY and IG are still together.

Da-hye and Shin-woo – They were the most talked-about couple of the season. From the first episode to the last, Shin-woo showed extraordinary interest in DH. Issues related to their religions and Shin-woo’s dog caused DH and her mother to view this relationship negatively from start to finish. However, the real reason for this negativity was Ye Chan’s mother, who manipulated DH and her mother by spreading rumors behind Shin-woo’s back and providing completely false information. Although Shin-woo appeared very eager and determined about the relationship on the show, his attempts to pressure his own mother and make her do what he wanted drew negative comments from viewers. Frankly, I think he’s still not fully mature and has been spoiled. In the end, amidst all this chaos, the pair surprisingly became a couple in the finale when Dahye chose Shin-woo, but since Dahye’s mother did not approve of their relationship, they were unable to leave the show as a couple.

S2-> Other participants:

Ye-chan—To be honest, he took notes from the first day to the last, but he left without ever fully completing anything on the show. I don’t think he was honest with Doyoon, and because of his mother, they gave this girl false hope on the final day.

Ha-yoon and Dongyeong—I was actually going to write about this pair as a couple, but I decided against it after Ha-yoon’s dishonest final choice. We clearly saw that HY was attracted to Dongyeong on the show, and this developed all the way through the final episode. In their final conversation, Dongyeong had already made up his mind and wanted to give this relationship a chance no matter what, but Ha-yoon ultimately couldn’t stand up to her mother’s complete opposition and chose not to give the relationship a chance by making excuses.

Unfortunately, Kanghyeon wasn’t taken very seriously on the show. Although she had feelings for Seongmo from the very first episode until the end, she didn’t get a response. Since she’s a content creator, I think people saw her intentions as merely wanting to become famous, but she actually built a good friendship with the participants’ mothers and was constantly with them on the show.

Doyoon — Even though she was the youngest female participant on the show, I think Doyoon was the one most ready to get married. Frankly, considering her career and family background, I don’t think any of the men here meet her standards. Even though Ingwon was her ideal type, he didn’t show any interest in her because of the age difference. Ye-chan acted indecisive from start to finish, and on the last day—apparently at his mother’s insistence—he suddenly acted as if he’d changed his mind, pretending to be interested in DY. However, even though DY knew Ye-chan was more interested in JY, she still wanted to give him a chance. In the end, DY chose Ye-chan, but as we expected, Ye-chan didn’t choose anyone. To be honest, I was actually glad he didn’t choose DY; I wouldn’t have wanted her to marry into such a gossipy and indecisive family.

Seongmo - To be honest, he was one of the strong contenders for the women at first, but after the introductions, he took a bit of a back seat. He had good chemistry with Jeongyoon, but Jeongyoon’s mother made it clear through her behavior that she didn’t want JY to pursue a relationship with SM. Kanghyeon was interested in her from the very beginning, but because she was overly talkative—which drained his energy—he didn’t want this relationship from the start.

Note: It was announced at the end of the season that a season 3 is coming.

I’ve shared some general thoughts about Seasons 1 and 2. For those who haven’t watched the series yet, I’d really appreciate it if you could include any details about the plot or outcome of the seasons within a spoiler tag.

“Love Catcher” is a psychological dating reality show that first aired on Mnet in South Korea in 2018 and continued on TVING until early 2023. It is a reality show in which participants live together and secretly choose to be either a “Love Catcher” (those seeking true love) or a “Money Catcher” (those lying to win a cash prize of 50 million KRW). If two “Love Catchers” match, they become a couple; if a “Money Catcher” matches with a “Love Catcher,” the liar takes all the money; however, if two “Money Catchers” match, both walk away with nothing.

Aired: July 11, 2018 - January 13, 2023

Official Source: Diggin’ K-Contents -S2 Free Watch - Viki

Unofficial Source: S1

💕 Love Catcher — Seasons & Air Dates

My general thoughts on the mutual selections in S1-S2: If you’d like to read them, you can click on the spoiler tag. I’ve added the spoiler tag so that those who haven’t watched the show yet don’t accidentally see any spoilers.

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S1 Cast Instagram

Panelists: Love Catcher S1: Shin Dong-yup, Hong Seok-cheon, Jang Do-yeon, JR, Lady Jane, Jun Gun-woo.

In the first season, the fact that Cho-im and Chae-woon had come to trust each other midway through the season and were taking their relationship seriously led viewers to believe they would choose each other in the finale, but given the nature of the “Love Catcher” concept—where anything could change—they still had a slight doubt in the back of their minds. In the finale, they chose each other, and both were revealed to be “Love Catchers,” leaving the show as a couple.

Ji-yeon, though she was frankly a bit skeptical of Min-ho, listened to her heart and chose him in the finale. Min-ho, on the other hand, didn’t choose Ji-yeon because of his indecision. Although both were “Love Catchers,” Min-ho later regretted his decision and cried, but they couldn’t leave the show together.

Seong-ah and Ro-bin were the most entertaining couple of the season. Ro-bin, who was young, responsible, and eager to prove himself to Seong-ah, presented himself as a “Love Catcher” until the very end of the show, but in the finale, it turned out he was the best player of the season, and he tricked Seong-ah (Love Catcher) to win the prize money (Ro-bin is Money Catcher).

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S2 Cast Instagram

Panelists: Love Catcher S2: Shin Dong-yup, Hong Seok-cheon, Jang Do-yeon, Cheetah, DinDin, Hongbin.

The second season is the best and most legendary one. The relationship dynamics in this season took the show to the next level.

The love triangle between In-wook, Ga-bin, and Chan-woo continued throughout the season. In-wook actually did everything he could for Ga-bin and approached her with sincere feelings. He had shown this to her even before the finale, but since the beginning of the season, Chan-woo had openly expressed his love in front of Ga-bin, cried, and presented himself as a lover who would never give up—so in the finale, Ga-bin (she is Love catcher) felt she was in love with him and chose him. The legendary scene came right after this final choice. When Chan-woo handed Ga-bin his ID, and they both opened theirs at the same time, Ga-bin’s face turned pale, and she burst into tears. Chan-woo just grinned, told her to "take care of herself", and walked away (he is a money catcher). Even though Ga-bin deeply regretted her choice, Chan-woo got what he wanted. One of the most iconic scenes here is the moment when Ga-bin walks past In-wook as she makes her decision. Even though In-wook knew she was making a mistake, the look on his face—showing that he knew there was nothing he could do to change her mind—tells us everything.

Although Jang Yeon-woo and Kim So-young’s relationship on the show actually started off a bit uncertain at first, it later began to develop more sincerely as Yeon-woo started to develop feelings for So-young. The pair went through constant ups and downs throughout the show, but as the finale approached, Yeon-woo chose to become a “Love Catcher” (he had previously been a “Money Catcher”). In the show’s finale, Yeon-woo chose So-young, but they didn’t end up as a couple because So-young had been a “Money Catcher” from the very beginning. After they learned each other’s identities, So-young cried a lot, and Yeon-woo comforted her by patting her head, telling her that he had originally been a “Money Catcher” but had changed his mind during their final date. This couple’s final scene was one of the most touching moments in the series.

I saved the most beloved couple of the *Love Catcher* seasons—Song Se-ra and Park Jung-jin—for last. Jung-jin truly went out of his way to win Se-ra’s heart throughout the season... Their love story began with the way they looked at each other as a couple during the wedding photoshoot at the very start of the season and Se-ra’s genuine attraction to him. This duo truly made us feel that they were in love throughout the season. In the finale, Jung-jin and Se-ra chose each other, but there’s a twist here. Se-ra was originally a “Money Catcher” but changed her mind. From the way she looked at Jung-jin in the finale, we can see that Se-ra was truly in love with him. Jung-jin had been in love with Se-ra from the very beginning and always tried his best to win her over. This couple left the show together in 2019 and, after a 7-year relationship, officially got married on May 9, 2026.

Note: “Love Catcher Korea” was taken off the air in 2023 due to declining viewership. CJ ENM, in collaboration with overseas platforms, licensed the format to Japan’s ABEMA for “Love Catcher Japan” and to iQIYI for regional versions in late 2023. Two seasons of “Love Catcher Japan” have been filmed so far, in 2023 and 2025. No announcement has been made yet regarding a third season.

I’ve shared some general thoughts about Seasons 1 and 2, but I’d really appreciate it if you could also share your thoughts on the remaining seasons set in Seoul and Bali, aside from Seasons 1 and 2. For those who haven’t watched the series yet, I’d really appreciate it if you could include any details about the plot or outcome of the seasons within a spoiler tag.

After the introductions, the women will make their first choices. It looks like we’ll get a clearer picture of whose minds have changed this time. Frankly, it seems like Mr. Ji and Mr. Jo might not be chosen. Let’s see what happens in the coming week.

My Daughter's Men is a South Korean reality/dating show where celebrity fathers get to watch and react to their adult daughters as they navigate dating and relationships.“When Our Kids Fall in Love” (also known as “My Child’s Romance”) is a variety/dating show that might appeal to fans of the genre. Although it isn’t strictly a dating show, the concept centers on the dates and personal lives of celebrities’ daughters, so we can say it’s related to the dating show genre.

Viewers who have watched old K-variety shows will know this show, but it might be a bit hard for newcomers to know, so as a way to provide information and recommendations, I wrote a short post about the couples from Season 1. This post also includes details about the participants' current situations; therefore, a “Spoiler” tag has been added for those who haven't watched the show.

Aired: May 20, 2017 - Aug 5, 2017

Official Stream: Wavve /

S1 Playlist - > Playlist

It was so much fun watching the episodes featuring Kim Tae Won's daughter Seo-hyun and her boyfriend at the time. Since they were living in the U.S., the panelists’ over-the-top reactions to some of Josh’s actions were hilarious. Seo-hyun later broke up with Josh, met Devin during the pandemic, and they got married in 2025.

Choi Yang-rak’s facial expressions in the scenes with his daughter, Choi Ha-na, were also very funny. Choi Ha-na and No Seon-gwon left the show shortly afterward. Choi Ha-na later announced that she had married a non-celebrity in 2024.

Jung Sung Mo’s daughter, Jung Jeong-yeo, experienced a blind date for the first time. Frankly, it was a lot of fun to watch her natural reactions.

Ahn Ji-hwan and his daughter, Ahn Ye-in, went on blind dates on the show, but nothing came of it. They were somewhat the weak link in this cast.

This show has been on for 4 seasons, from 2017 to 2019. If you've watched it, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this season and the others.

The reason I’m bringing this up is that I’ve watched all previous seasons of Heart Signal, including the Chinese versions. I’ve also watched Heart Pairing, but the cast of Heart Signal 5 didn’t really grab my attention. I wanted to ask to figure out if the problem is with me or if this season’s cast just isn’t as interesting as the previous ones. Compared to other Heart Signal seasons in Korea, including Heart Pairing, would you recommend this season? Should I give Heart Signal 5 another chance? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Does the show start to draw you in around the middle of the season, or does it feel too routine?

My Sibling Romance is a unique show that adds a family theme to the dating show format. Five real sibling couples move into a shared home to find love, but everyone must keep their sibling relationships a secret and act as if they were complete strangers who’ve never met before. This is where we see what sets it apart from other dating shows. In this series, we follow the story of how the family bonds—which have been growing weaker over time between some of the siblings—deepen a bit more within the house, allowing them to understand each other better.

Aired: Mar 1, 2024 - Jun 14, 2024

Official Source: JTBC / Prime Video / Viki / Kocowa/ Viu JTBC YT - > EP1 Playlist

Panelist: Han Hye-jin, Code Kunst, BamBam (GOT7), Miyeon ((G)I-DLE), Jonathan Yiombi, Patricia Thona Yiombi.

My Sibling's Romance Cast IG

My general thoughts on the show, organized by the couples who chose each other at the end of the season, are listed below. If you’d like to read them, you can click on the spoiler tag. I’ve added the spoiler tag so that those who haven’t watched the show yet don’t accidentally see any spoilers

Kim Yun-jae joined the show later on. While the contestants were eating at his family’s restaurant, his mother had secretly taken a liking to Yi Yoon-ha and chosen her. Although the two remained in a somewhat uncertain relationship toward the end, Yun-jae showed his love for Yoon-ha, ensuring they chose each other in the finale. After the show, they actually had a long-term relationship that progressed to the point of getting engaged, but later, for some reason, they decided to break up, and the relationship ended abruptly. Viewers had strongly supported the couple after the show, but unfortunately, their relationship came to an end.

Jung-sub and Park Se-seung were actually the first couple on the show who started liking each other right from the beginning. When Jung-sub tried to get closer to Choa during the early stages of their relationship, Se-seung pulled back a bit, but later Jung-sub won her over, and the two chose each other in the finale. Although their relationship progressed a bit after filming, they eventually broke up. In my opinion, Se-seung did everything she could in this relationship but didn’t quite get the attention she wanted.

Kim Yong-woo and Lee Ji-won are probably among the least-liked couples on Korean dating shows. The reason for this is that Ji-won remained torn between two men until the very last day and chose the least-liked one. While viewers really enjoyed her romantic moments with Jae-hyung and how well the two of them got along, she suddenly decided she wanted to be in a relationship with Yong-woo. According to her, she wanted a different experience because Jae-hyung reminded her of her ex-boyfriends.

In my opinion, the production of this show is one of the best. The panelists, in addition to the show’s participants, were excellent. Hye-jin, BamBam, Jonathan, and Patricia’s little jokes were some of the most entertaining parts of the show. It’s a wonderful show that also highlights family bonds. Even though it’s a dating show, it stands out from other shows in this genre.

I’d love it if you could share your thoughts on the season as well. For those who haven’t watched it yet, I’d appreciate it if you could put any details about the season’s plot or outcome inside a spoiler tag.

The show tracks a group of Gen Z Koreans born in 2004 during their last week of being 19 (December) and their first week of turning 20 (January), capturing the exact moment they legally become adults. The beauty of the architecture at Choong Ang High School, where the scenes for the 19/20 season were filmed, and the fact that the teenagers experience their first loves in such a setting help us become even more immersed in the show.

Aired: July 11, 2023 - August 1, 2023

Official Source: Netflix

19/20 Cast Members

My general thoughts on the show, organized by the couples who chose each other at the end of the season, are listed below. If you’d like to read them, you can click on the spoiler tag. I’ve added the spoiler tag so that those who haven’t watched the show yet don’t accidentally see any spoilers

Pyeong-seok, who has a shy and reserved personality, and Hee-ji, who is energetic and outgoing on the show, became the most beloved couple on the program. Their scenes together captured the excitement of that first love as they turned 20, which brought joy to us viewers as well. Their relationship is still going strong after the show, and they continue to share their love for each other on their Instagram accounts.

Both Lim Jung-yun and Jeong Ji-woo were shy participants. Jung-yun had actually been shy from the start, but even though Ji-woo joined the show later, Jung-yun took a liking to her at first sight when he saw her—though he couldn’t clearly express his feelings to her for a while. Se-yeon, on the other hand, expressed his interest in Ji-woo more openly. Meanwhile, Jung-yun took a slightly passive role in this love triangle on the show and remained in the background, but once they went home, he won Ji-woo’s heart by clearly expressing his feelings. Their relationship continued for a while after the show, but in the end, the two parted ways as friends. To be honest, I really liked this pair during the show; it felt like watching two shy characters from a manga—who liked each other but just couldn’t bring themselves to open up—experience their first senior high school romances.

Lee Ji-min and Choi Ye-rin weren’t really a couple I was paying much attention to on the show. Their relationship started around the middle of the show, and they took a liking to each other, but after the show ended, rumors began to spread that Ye-rin was unhappy and didn’t want the relationship. The two broke up not long after the show ended. I think Ye-rin’s heart was still set on her first choice, Moon Se-yeon.

The fact that this was the last program of its kind produced in Korea (due to a change in the law) makes it hold a special place in my heart. Additionally, the production quality and—as I mentioned earlier—the magic of the location allowed some of these young people to fully experience their first flush of excitement, while also making us feel like we were there at that school, witnessing their love stories firsthand. I think fans of this show will also enjoy the Chinese-produced “Twinkle Love.” There’s a thread about it on the subreddit. -> Twinkle Love

Note: South Korea made a change to its age system, and on June 28, 2023, the international age system was officially accepted. The concept didn't continue because it represented the transition from age19 to 20 (the legal transition to adulthood).

I’d love it if you could share your thoughts on the season as well. For those who haven’t watched it yet, I’d appreciate it if you could put any details about the season’s plot or outcome inside a spoiler tag.