South Korea’s first lesbian dating show, ToGetHer, has sparked major controversy involving contestants Riwon and Hangyul, with Choi Si Hun, the husband of singer Ailee, unexpectedly caught in the crossfire. The show, which premiered on April 25, 2025, on Wavve and Rakuten TV, has faced backlash over Riwon’s past and her alleged inappropriate behavior toward Hangyul, leading to rumors tying Choi Si Hun to the scandal.
The ToGetHer Controversy Explained
ToGetHer features seven women—Riwon, Hangyul, Seoyeon, Heeyoung, Jinah, Mirang, and Dagyo—competing for love. The show gained attention for its fresh take on dating shows, but controversies quickly emerged. Riwon, an influencer, became a fan favorite due to her charm and viral clips. However, her past as an adult-themed broadcast jockey (BJ) surfaced, sparking public criticism. Allegations claimed she hosted racy streams and met viewers for “dinner dates” privately, which she admitted to but clarified involved no inappropriate meetings.
The situation escalated when Hangyul, a 19-year-old contestant and Studio Choom producer, accused Riwon of making inappropriate proposals after filming. Hangyul claimed Riwon invited her on an overseas trip, which she initially thought was casual. She later alleged Riwon suggested a meeting with a “sponsor,” which Hangyul found unacceptable. In a social media post, Hangyul wrote:
I also tell you that I’m not the only one who has received similar proposals. In a false statement that has cleared up the past, sexual orientation should not be used as a mask to make induction easier for the industry.
Riwon denied these claims, stating the trip discussion was lighthearted and about shared food interests. She posted screenshots of their chats to clarify her intentions, saying:
All the story content posted by other performers is not true. The part of the ‘overseas schedule’ was a story that we exchanged laughing and going on a trip to the country while talking about similar food tastes in the accommodation during filming.
How Choi Si Hun Got Involved
The controversy took a surprising turn when Choi Si Hun’s name appeared in rumors linked to Riwon. On May 1, 2025, Riwon addressed speculation that Choi Si Hun, known from Netflix’s Single’s Inferno, was the CEO of her influencer agency. This stemmed from a screenshot she shared, referring to someone as “my influencer agency CEO.” Some netizens adjusted the screenshot’s brightness, claiming it revealed Choi Si Hun’s name, fueling rumors of his involvement.
Additionally, Hangyul alleged Riwon offered to introduce her to a “Billboard executive” who was actually Choi Si Hun, described as an influencer, not an executive. This raised questions about Riwon’s intentions and whether she misrepresented Choi’s role. Riwon refuted these claims, denying any inappropriate proposals and clarifying her professional ties. She pleaded:
Please refrain from spreading unfounded rumors and assumptions about people associated with me professionally.
Choi Si Hun, who married Ailee on April 20, 2025, in Seoul, has not directly addressed the rumors. His representatives also denied any connection to Riwon’s agency, emphasizing his focus on his business ventures and marriage.
Ailee and Choi Si Hun’s Recent Spotlight
Ailee, a renowned K-pop singer, and Choi Si Hun, a former actor turned entrepreneur, have been in the public eye since their wedding. The couple, legally married since August 2024, held a star-studded ceremony attended by singers like Baek Ji Young and Lee Mu Jin. They shared dreamy honeymoon photos from Dubai, captioning them with sweet notes like “I love the desert.” Their relationship, which began through a mutual friend and deepened at a g.o.d concert, has been widely celebrated.
However, the ToGetHer controversy has cast an unwanted shadow. Before their wedding, Ailee tearfully addressed rumors about Choi being unemployed and financially dependent on her, defending his work ethic on tvN STORY’s Kim Chang Ok Show 3. She said:
He works hard. He’s not just an influencer – he has multiple jobs and even works at a company. It’s upsetting, but there’s nothing I can do to help.
This prior scrutiny may have amplified the impact of the ToGetHer rumors on the couple.
Public and Fan Reactions
The controversy has divided fans and netizens. Some support Riwon, arguing she’s been unfairly targeted for her past. One fan wrote:
If life hadn’t forced her hand, who would choose such work? Kim Ri-won is taking responsibility and being honest — that takes strength, not shame.
Others expressed frustration with the show’s handling of the situation, with one stating:
If you guys are cutting out Riwon scenes, I am not watching that show. I stand with Riwon.
Conversely, some netizens criticized Riwon’s actions, siding with Hangyul and questioning Riwon’s credibility. The show’s production company, Display Company, delayed episodes 3 and 4, originally set for May 2, 2025, citing the need to address the controversy. Reports suggest Riwon’s scenes may be edited out, prompting boycott threats from her supporters.
Impact on ToGetHer and Its Cast
The controversy has disrupted ToGetHer’s run, with the show’s diverse cast—ranging from a nurse to a tattoo artist—now overshadowed by the scandal. Hangyul, the youngest contestant, felt isolated early in the show, receiving no notes from others in episode 1. Her decision to speak out has drawn both support and criticism. Meanwhile, Riwon’s apology and clarifications have failed to quell the backlash, with some accusing her of using her sexuality to deflect scrutiny.
The show’s premise, focusing on sapphic relationships, has also sparked debates about representation and authenticity. One fan remarked:
Why listen to men’s opinions on a show centered around sapphic women? It has nothing to do with them. Please don’t remove Riwon because of these comments.
Current Status
As of May 4, 2025, ToGetHer remains on hiatus, with no confirmed air date for the delayed episodes. Riwon continues to face scrutiny but has vowed to address the allegations transparently. Hangyul has not posted further updates, focusing on her music career aspirations. Choi Si Hun and Ailee are reportedly continuing their honeymoon in the Maldives, staying out of the public fray. The couple’s representatives have reiterated that Choi has no professional ties to Riwon or ToGetHer, urging the public to respect their privacy.
ALSO Read: Dagyo Faces Controversy on ToGetHer as Netizens Rally in Her Defense
The situation remains fluid, with fans awaiting Display Company’s next steps and hoping for clarity on the show’s future. For now, the controversy has highlighted the challenges of reality TV and the intense scrutiny faced by public figures like Riwon, Hangyul, and Choi Si Hun.
CREDITS: Twitter(x)
