South Korea’s groundbreaking lesbian dating show ToGetHer faces controversy just days after its April 25, 2025, premiere on Wavve. An emotional online post by the alleged ex-girlfriend of contestant Dagyo has stirred debate among fans, with claims that Dagyo ended their long-term relationship to join the show.
Show Premiere and Format
ToGetHer, South Korea’s first lesbian dating reality show, premiered on Wavve for Korean viewers and Rakuten TV for international audiences. The series features seven women—Mirang, Dagyo, Jinah, Seoyeon, Riwon, Heeyoung, and Hangyul—living together in a house on Jeju Island. They engage in activities like one-on-one dates, letter-writing, and group bonding to form romantic connections. The show enforces strict rules, prohibiting contestants from sharing personal details like age, job, or background in early episodes to foster genuine chemistry. New episodes air every Friday until June 27, 2025, with a total of nine episodes planned.
The show follows the success of other Wavve LGBTQ+ dating programs, such as His Man, which focused on gay men, and Merry Queer, which highlighted diverse queer couples. ToGetHer has been praised for increasing LGBTQ+ visibility in South Korea, where same-sex marriage remains unrecognized, and societal acceptance of queer relationships is still evolving.
Dagyo’s Ex-Girlfriend’s Claims
The controversy began when a woman claiming to be Dagyo’s ex-girlfriend posted emotional messages online, alleging that Dagyo abruptly ended their long-term relationship without clear reasons. The ex-girlfriend initially blamed herself for the breakup but later believed Dagyo left to participate in ToGetHer. She shared her pain in a viral post on X, which included matching “lovestagram” photos—images with similar backdrops and poses—suggesting a past relationship with Dagyo.
“We suddenly broke up. I thought it was my fault, so I’ve let her go, now everything makes sense. I was excited for the show, but now I can’t stop crying.”
The post, shared by user @lee__bo_ra on April 25, 2025, quickly gained traction, sparking widespread discussion. Other accounts, including @hubgirlslove and @notis_boyslove, echoed the claims in different languages, amplifying the story globally.
Public Reactions Split
The allegations have divided ToGetHer’s audience. Some netizens expressed sympathy for the ex-girlfriend, criticizing Dagyo for allegedly prioritizing the show over their relationship.
“Poor gurl can’t even enjoy the first lesbian dating show from her own country…”
“Imagine being excited to watch the first lesbian dating show in ur country, only to find out that your ex who randomly broke up with you is searching for true love on the show…”
Others felt the breakup was a personal matter and defended Dagyo, noting that ending a relationship before joining the show does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing. They urged caution against judging Dagyo based solely on one side of the story.
“Let’s not judge first there’s always two sides of the story.”
“She has all the right to break up, she didn’t cheated so its all good.”
“I need everybody to stfu and leave Dagyo alone for now… she broke up with her ex clean and all. its not anyone’s business to pry.”
Some netizens suggested the ex-girlfriend’s claims might be motivated by bitterness or incomplete context, pointing out that “lovestagrams” are common in South Korea and may not fully prove the relationship’s dynamics.
Dagyo’s Background
Dagyo, whose Instagram handle is @daaxxgyo, is a nurse reportedly born in 2000. She describes herself as someone who takes time to build deep relationships but actively pursues love once committed. Limited personal details are available due to the show’s format, which restricts early disclosures to maintain authenticity. Dagyo has not publicly addressed the allegations, and her social media activity has not referenced the controversy.
Production Team’s Silence
As of April 29, 2025, neither Dagyo nor the ToGetHer production team has issued an official statement regarding the claims. The lack of response has fueled further speculation, with fans awaiting clarification as new episodes air.
Other Controversies Surrounding ToGetHer
The show has faced additional scrutiny beyond Dagyo’s situation. A significant age gap among contestants has sparked debate, particularly regarding Hangyul, a singer-songwriter born in 2006, making her 19 years old. Some viewers expressed discomfort with her participation alongside older contestants, believed to be in their 30s, like Heeyoung, a tattoo artist born in 1993. Netizens on platforms like Theqoo and X voiced mixed reactions, with comments ranging from concern to humor.
“She’s totally my type, but she’s just a baby. After learning her age and rewatching the clips, she really does come off super young ㅋㅋㅋ.”
“What is a 06 doing in a dating show?”
The age gap controversy has led to calls for better casting considerations in future seasons, though some fans argue that age differences are common in dating shows and should not overshadow the program’s purpose.
Cultural Significance of ToGetHer
ToGetHer marks a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in South Korea, a country with limited legal protections for queer individuals. Same-sex couples cannot marry or adopt, and public attitudes toward LGBTQ+ relationships remain conservative, though younger generations are increasingly open. The show builds on the legacy of His Man and Merry Queer, which broke ground by showcasing queer love stories. Fans globally have praised ToGetHer for its cozy vibe, reminiscent of shows like Heart Signal, and its focus on authentic connections.
However, the show has faced criticism for its cast’s visuals, with some viewers noting a lack of diversity in appearance, leaning heavily toward hyper-feminine aesthetics. Others have reported lesbophobic comments online targeting a butch contestant, highlighting ongoing challenges for queer representation.
Viewer Access and Engagement
ToGetHer is available on Wavve for South Korean audiences and Rakuten TV internationally, with English subtitles provided for global viewers. Highlights are also shared on the YouTube channel LIKETHAT, offering clips like contestant introductions and first dates. The show has garnered significant buzz, with fans on X and forums like Theqoo praising the contestants’ beauty and the program’s fresh format.
Current Status
As of April 29, 2025, ToGetHer continues to air weekly, with two episodes released so far. The controversy surrounding Dagyo remains unresolved, with fans eagerly awaiting any response from her or the production team. The show’s milestone as South Korea’s first lesbian dating program keeps it in the spotlight, balancing praise for its representation with debates over its controversies.
