Korean dating reality shows are no longer just about romance – they’ve become the quick route to fame. From beauty queens to influencers, a growing number of young women are entering these programs, hoping not only to find love but also to transform their lives.
The most recent example is Park Hee Sun, the beauty queen of Single’s Inferno 5, who gained more than 500,000 followers on Instagram in just one day of opening her account to the public. Lim Su Been, who left the show along with her, also saw it increase by more than 200,000.
They join a growing list of emerging names like Min Ji, Song JiA (season 1), Dex and Shin Seulki (season 2), who have all experienced explosive growth in engagement and visibility after appearing on the show.
From ordinary life to celebrity
According to Iguplus, dating reality programs have become increasingly popular on Korean streaming platforms such as TVING and Netflix. Titles like Heart Signal, I’m Solo, Single’s Inferno and Transit Love consistently top the viewership charts whenever new seasons premiere.
A fundamental aspect is relativity. Unlike traditional variety shows filled with established celebrities, these programs focus primarily on “ordinary” individuals or relatively unknown figures in the entertainment industry.
This allows viewers, especially women in their 20s and 30s, to emotionally immerse themselves in the contestants’ romantic journeys. The mix of love, jealousy, conflict and emotional highs and lows stimulates dopamine levels, creating compelling visual experiences.
The single Inferno, inspired in part by the bold American format Too Hot To Handle, has become a global phenomenon since its debut in 2021. Now in its fifth season, the show continues to dominate the global charts.
Song JiA remains one of the most legendary stars, gaining millions of followers in just days, although her career later suffered due to a luxury brand scandal. Meanwhile, Dex has evolved from contestant to entertainment star, becoming a regular panelist and appearing in numerous TV shows and films. Shin Seulki successfully transitioned into acting, even winning rookie awards.
For many competitors, follower numbers skyrocket from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands, or even millions, in a matter of days, opening the door to lucrative advertising and brand deals.
Min Ji became the first season five contestant to surpass 1 million followers. Park Hee Sun went from under 40,000 to over 600,000 in less than 24 hours.
“Life improvements” in real life
Some participants experienced a dramatic financial transformation.
According to Hankyung, Sung Hae Eun, who rose to fame through Transit Love 2, revealed that she purchased a new house in early 2025. She once lived in a basement apartment and felt “ashamed of her poverty,” later moving to Raemian Yongsan The Central, a high-end residential complex in Seoul.
Sports Khans described her journey with the headline: “Sung Hae Eun’s Life Has Completely Changed Thanks to Transit Love.”
Similarly, Lee Si An, who appeared in Single’s Inferno 4, admitted that her income “added an extra zero” after the show, according to Xports News.
Fame or love?
Given these undeniable success stories, requests for dating programs have increased, despite the risk of scrutiny or public criticism.
Shows like I’m Solo tend toward documentary-style realism centered around marriage. Others prioritize entertainment, adding more romantic tension or even subtle sexual elements to maximize drama.
Herald Corp notes that for social media influencers, fitness instructors, Pilates instructors, freelance MCs, announcers and models, appearing on such shows represents a powerful career opportunity.
However, skepticism remains. Critics question whether the participants are sincerely looking for love or are strategically building personal brands.
Indeed, many contestants boast striking images: beauty queens, athletes, MCs, and KOLs. In Single’s Inferno 5, there were three beauty title holders and several models in the cast. Notably, in four seasons, the show has yet to produce a confirmed long-term couple, fueling doubts about authenticity.
However, hope persists. Park Hee Sun and Lim Su Been reportedly continued dating after filming ended in mid-2025, restoring some trust among viewers. Several couples from Transit Love and other Korean dating programs have also maintained relationships, some even getting married.
A cultural reflection
The rise of dating shows doesn’t just reflect entertainment trends: it reflects the intersection of romance, media, and ambition in modern society.
In today’s content-driven age, love stories are no longer private affairs; they are broadcast narratives that can reshape careers and financial futures overnight.
For many young beauties, entering a dating show may begin with the search for romance, but it often ends with something equally powerful: visibility, opportunity, and a new life trajectory.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
