Controversy Surrounds New Dating Show 'DolsingNMosol' for Its Provocative Approach

In the era of content overload, Teyuna from TenAsia becomes your 'entertainment guide,' unraveling the hottest issues, key points, main characters, and behind-the-scenes stories in the world of variety shows.

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The essence of 'empathy' seems lost, overshadowed by 'dopamine.' MBC Every1 and E Channel's new dating show 'DolsingNMosol' is raising concerns even before its broadcast, prioritizing provocative settings and statements over genuine connections.

'DolsingNMosol' features divorced women and men who have never dated, cohabiting in a 'dating boarding school' to find partners. This setup, bringing together two groups with vastly different backgrounds and dating experiences, surpasses previous bold dating show concepts.

The recently released teaser is precarious from the start. It includes scenes where participants bluntly ask, "Can't raise someone else's child?" and tearfully express, "My first relationship is with a divorcee. That's too much of a flaw." The focus seems more on conflict and sensational 'spicy' developments than the excitement of building connections.

Previous shows like MBN's 'Dolsingles' or Netflix's 'I Want to Date but I'm a Virgin' matched participants in similar situations, gaining empathy from viewers. Sharing common pains and gradually opening up won audience support. In contrast, the combination of divorced and never-dated individuals is a challenging match, with significant value differences leading to inevitable clashes. This has led to criticism that the show prioritizes sensationalism over its stated goal of finding love.

The fundamental issue is the mismatch in life pace and values. One group prioritizes practical conditions like childcare and financial stability, while the other is just taking their first steps in dating. This setup increases the likelihood of hurt rather than fostering dialogue and understanding.

The production team's approach focuses on consuming these differences as spectacle rather than fostering empathy. By exposing the realities of remarriage and childcare for the divorced, and the confusion of the never-dated, the show uses these elements solely for entertainment, trapping participants' concerns in a sensational narrative.

Existing dating show participants, like those from 'I Am Solo,' often face severe online harassment post-broadcast. In this context, a focus on provocative statements and emotional breakdowns raises concerns about the protection of ordinary participants, suggesting they might be left vulnerable to public scrutiny for ratings.

Viewer reactions are also cold. Following the teaser release, comments like "If the gender roles were reversed, there'd be an uproar" highlight criticism of the gender-based standards and provocative settings. This indicates that the show's intended 'shock' is perceived as discomfort rather than empathy by the public.

Nevertheless, there is room for a positive outlook. By featuring 'never-dated' and 'divorced' individuals prominently, the show attempts to expand the spectrum of dating reality shows by candidly exploring their perspectives on relationships. If it can authentically portray the clash of values encountered in real life, it might transcend mere provocation to offer a new narrative of mutual fulfillment.

In the flood of dating shows, the attempt to find a unique angle is commendable. However, the essence lies in the relationships and sincerity between people. 'DolsingNMosol' must overcome the challenge of capturing the genuine essence of its participants, beyond mere shock value.

Teyuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr