If South Korea’s large growth in courting and relationship actuality TV exhibits is something to go by, the nation’s curiosity in romance has by no means been better.
At least 20 such exhibits aired throughout the nation’s cable TV networks and video streaming platforms final 12 months, greater than triple the quantity in 2021, in line with a Reuters tally.
There’s a plethora of exhibits matchmaking younger single individuals, but additionally, notably, a rising quantity highlighting South Korea’s rising acceptance of non-traditional relationships that do not revolve round marriage and beginning a household.
“Living Together without Marriage”, for instance, focuses on {couples} who’ve chosen to not tie the knot and “His Man” is certainly one of two exhibits that includes LGBTQ individuals. Other exhibits throw the highlight on divorced individuals trying to find love once more.
The trials and tribulations of courting and relationships – perennial fodder for TV content material in most cultures – tackle explicit weight in South Korea. Here, the recognition of marriage in addition to enthusiasm in the direction of parenthood have nosedived. Sharp gender inequality and the sky-high prices of rearing youngsters are extensively blamed.
Kim Jin, chief producer of “Living Together without Marriage”, says the present, which premiered in January, doesn’t intend to advocate single cohabitation or discourage marriage, however spark debate.
“By showcasing these couples’ lifestyles and the reasons behind their decision, we wanted to bring the topic to the fore of society,” she advised Reuters.
While official statistics on their numbers aren’t saved, single {couples} dwelling collectively not increase eyebrows in South Korea. That mentioned, having youngsters outdoors of marriage is a step few Koreans would ponder.
Whether to marry or not has been a supply of stress for Cho Sung-ho and Lee Sang-mi, a few greater than 10 years featured on the present.
For 32-year-old Lee, a mannequin, the choice to reside collectively single was a deliberate selection to not be certain by custom. She’s not desperate to have youngsters, saying it might be “impossible in reality” to be an excellent mom and keep true to herself.
“I am most comfortable with how it is now, and don’t quite get why I should get married and have more obligations such as visiting both sets of parents in the holiday season,” Lee mentioned.
Cho, additionally 32, nonetheless hopes for marriage and kids, though the previous Ok-pop idol turned YouTuber says he understands Lee’s reluctance given that girls often bear the better burden in child-rearing.
South Korean disaffection with marriage and having youngsters is underscored by grim statistics: the variety of newly married {couples} has slid 23% up to now 5 years and the nation has the doubtful distinction of getting the world’s lowest fertility fee.
And whereas romance actuality exhibits could also be all the fad, a considerable variety of Koreans additionally seem ready to eschew relationships altogether.
According to a survey of round 1,000 individuals final 12 months by the Korea Population, Health and Welfare Association, about two-thirds of single individuals aged between 19 and 34 weren’t in a relationship. Of these, 61% of ladies and 48% of males mentioned that they had no want to discover a boyfriend or girlfriend sooner or later.
Shows like “Living Together without Marriage” illustrate how South Korea is embracing variety in relationships in a approach that’s nearer to Western societies, however the exhibits are additionally nonetheless very distinct from their Western counterparts.
Most have little in the best way of battle and tantrums. Although flirting, hugging and cuddling are depicted, kissing and intercourse aren’t. Even on courting exhibits like Netflix’s hit “Single’s Inferno” which transports younger individuals to a abandoned island, many of the exhibits’ content material revolves round lengthy conversations between individuals.
The conversations in and round courting and relationship exhibits are good for South Korea, says Lim Myung-ho, a professor of psychology at Dankook University.
“The government and society really need to make efforts to foster a more positive attitude towards dating and marriage and these reality programs can help with that,” he mentioned.
© Thomson Reuters 2023.