Are they for Real?

I've watched a few dating shows from Korea over the past few months. Of course I have some observations that I'm sure our readers are waiting to hear. I have never watched an American Dating show but that doesn't stop me from having strong opinions about what I THINK American Dating shows might be like... This Gmama is nothing if not opinionated!

A few titles of Korean Dating Shows include:

Single's Inferno (big time emphasis on hunkiness & beauty)

Better Late than Single (they're maybe 32 & worried time has run out)

Love Lab (crazy first date ideas.... first date in a bed as an example )

Overweight Dating (haven't seen it... but good grief!)

I think the biggest difference between Kdating & USdating (I just invented those terms) is the intense thought Koreans put into their feelings. They do not go into relationships on a whim thinking 'yeah this might be fun.' Instead they seriously think about what their perfect partner might be like and they diligently ask questions to ascertain if their prospective date has those characteristics.

It's almost like a job interview.... 'What do you look for in a partner?' 'What's your MBTI?'

They also express their feelings much more than Americans do. If they go on a date that is a dud they will discuss it with each other by saying things like 'I was worried I didn't express myself clearly to you' or 'I'm not interested in the things that you are so this date wasn't very much fun for me.' Do you hear Americans saying that? I don't think so.... I think they'd just say 'bye' and move on.

Koreans genuinely seem to want to grow and learn from their dating. I don't see the kind of carefree attitudes that I believe Americans embody. They earnestly ask each other how they can improve and openly discuss their perceived flaws. They'll say things like 'I'm usually very reserved but I want to be more assertive.' What?! They're actually so self-aware that they can form that sentence?

Okay, maybe it's just the writers and directors that are pulling the strings and I've been completely bamboozled. ~ Judy

You’re not going to believe this, but I have no opinion on this subject. I’m not remotely interested in watching a Korean dating show or an American dating show or a Swedish dating show or any dating show. I think as a society we are too intrusive in other people’s lives, and dating shows are at the top of the heap. I’ve got friends here who watch that stuff on American tv who wouldn’t miss a show for anything. Not me. I’m too busy watching Kdramas! ~ Pat