From left, posters for "Romance School: First & Again," "Better Late Than Single" and "Match To Marry: With Parents Season 2" / Courtesy of MBC Every1, Netflix and SBS
Korea's dating reality TV market has long been described as oversaturated, with viewers frequently complaining that too many programs feature ordinary people searching for love.
Yet despite predictions that the genre had reached its limit, several newer dating shows have done what many industry observers considered difficult: secure a second season.
Rather than relying on conventional romance formats, these programs have found audiences through increasingly specific concepts — from lifelong singles looking for their first relationship to divorced women meeting inexperienced men, and even matchmaking shows involving parents and family members.
The trend suggests that while viewers may be growing tired of traditional dating programs, they are still willing to embrace new formats that offer fresh stories and emotional connections.
