@article{ART003353361},
author={Kim Taehee},
title={The Boom of Dating Reality Shows in an Age of Non-Romance and the Paradox of Vicarious: Focusing on Fan Immersion and the Growing Distance from Real-Life Dating},
journal={International Journal of K-Culture/K-Culture융합연구},
issn={2951-2808},
year={2026},
volume={9},
number={9},
pages={183-206}
TY - JOUR
AU - Kim Taehee
TI - The Boom of Dating Reality Shows in an Age of Non-Romance and the Paradox of Vicarious: Focusing on Fan Immersion and the Growing Distance from Real-Life Dating
JO - International Journal of K-Culture/K-Culture융합연구
PY - 2026
VL - 9
IS - 9
PB - K-culture Convergence Research Society
SP - 183
EP - 206
SN - 2951-2808
AB - (1) Objectives: This study examines the popularity of dating reality shows in contemporary Korean society, where non-romance among young people has become increasingly common. It explores why viewers are deeply immersed in televised romance despite declining participation in real-life dating.
(2) Methods: The study analyzes major Korean dating reality programs, including EXchange, Single’s Inferno, I Am Solo, and Heart Signal. It focuses on audience engagement with romantic narratives, final couples, real-life couples, and the emotional appeal of vicarious romance.
(3) Conclusions: Dating reality shows provide viewers with opportunities to experience romance indirectly while reducing the costs and burdens associated with real-life relationships. At the same time, the idealized images of romance presented in these programs may raise expectations for relationships and contribute to a greater distance from actual dating. The boom in dating reality shows can therefore be understood as a cultural symptom of a non-romantic society, reflecting both the desire for romance and the contraction of real-life intimate relationships.
KW - dating reality shows;non-romance;vicarious romance;audience immersion;final couple;real-life couple;influencer;reality romance
DO -
UR -
ER -
Kim Taehee. (2026). The Boom of Dating Reality Shows in an Age of Non-Romance and the Paradox of Vicarious: Focusing on Fan Immersion and the Growing Distance from Real-Life Dating. International Journal of K-Culture/K-Culture융합연구, 9(9), 183-206.
Kim Taehee. 2026, "The Boom of Dating Reality Shows in an Age of Non-Romance and the Paradox of Vicarious: Focusing on Fan Immersion and the Growing Distance from Real-Life Dating", International Journal of K-Culture/K-Culture융합연구, vol.9, no.9 pp.183-206.
Kim Taehee "The Boom of Dating Reality Shows in an Age of Non-Romance and the Paradox of Vicarious: Focusing on Fan Immersion and the Growing Distance from Real-Life Dating" International Journal of K-Culture/K-Culture융합연구 9.9 pp.183-206 (2026) : 183.
Kim Taehee. The Boom of Dating Reality Shows in an Age of Non-Romance and the Paradox of Vicarious: Focusing on Fan Immersion and the Growing Distance from Real-Life Dating. 2026; 9(9), 183-206.
Kim Taehee. "The Boom of Dating Reality Shows in an Age of Non-Romance and the Paradox of Vicarious: Focusing on Fan Immersion and the Growing Distance from Real-Life Dating" International Journal of K-Culture/K-Culture융합연구 9, no.9 (2026) : 183-206.
Kim Taehee. The Boom of Dating Reality Shows in an Age of Non-Romance and the Paradox of Vicarious: Focusing on Fan Immersion and the Growing Distance from Real-Life Dating. International Journal of K-Culture/K-Culture융합연구, 9(9), 183-206.
Kim Taehee. The Boom of Dating Reality Shows in an Age of Non-Romance and the Paradox of Vicarious: Focusing on Fan Immersion and the Growing Distance from Real-Life Dating. International Journal of K-Culture/K-Culture융합연구. 2026; 9(9) 183-206.
Kim Taehee. The Boom of Dating Reality Shows in an Age of Non-Romance and the Paradox of Vicarious: Focusing on Fan Immersion and the Growing Distance from Real-Life Dating. 2026; 9(9), 183-206.
Kim Taehee. "The Boom of Dating Reality Shows in an Age of Non-Romance and the Paradox of Vicarious: Focusing on Fan Immersion and the Growing Distance from Real-Life Dating" International Journal of K-Culture/K-Culture융합연구 9, no.9 (2026) : 183-206.
