South Korea’s first lesbian dating show, ToGetHer, premiered on Wavve to widespread attention but is now mired in controversy due to a public dispute between contestants Hangyul and Riwon. The conflict, centered on accusations of inappropriate behavior, has sparked heated online reactions.
ToGetHer debuted on April 25, 2025, on Wavve and Rakuten TV, marking a historic moment as South Korea’s first lesbian dating reality show. The series features seven women—Mirang, Dagyo, Jinah, Seoyeon, Heeyoung, Hangyul, and Riwon—living together on Jeju Island to form connections without initially sharing personal details like age or profession. The show, designed to focus on emotional bonds over romance, gained traction, ranking 14th in viewership on Wavve after its first two episodes.
The controversy began when Riwon, a popular influencer known for her charisma, faced scrutiny over her past as a broadcast jockey (BJ). On April 29, Riwon addressed allegations on Instagram, admitting she engaged in private content streaming from 2016–2018, late 2021 to early 2022, and early to mid-2024, totaling about three years. She clarified that her offline meetings were limited to six no-contact dinner dates.
“Yes, I engaged in inappropriate broadcasts. Yes, I dated a man before filming,” Riwon wrote. “I am a woman who loves women.”
Riwon shared that she dated a man who later became abusive, threatening to out her sexuality when she tried to leave. She joined ToGetHer to come out on her terms. She apologized to viewers, castmates, and the LGBTQ+ community, expressing concern that her actions might fuel prejudice.
The situation escalated on May 1 when Hangyul, the youngest contestant at 19, posted on social media accusing Riwon of making an inappropriate proposal after filming. Hangyul clarified they had no romantic connection but stayed in touch. She alleged Riwon invited her on an overseas trip, initially presented as casual. Hangyul later described it as a “meal date,” a term implying a sponsored date in the broadcast industry.
“I also tell you that I’m not the only one who has received similar proposals,” Hangyul wrote, criticizing Riwon for using her sexual orientation to promote her BJ career.
Hangyul’s accusations intensified backlash against Riwon, with some netizens questioning her intentions. Posts on X reflected mixed sentiments, with some users accusing Hangyul of exaggerating to distance herself from Riwon.
“Hangyeol made claims that Riwon wanted to recruit her as a sex worker just because she asked her on a date,” wrote @kosi_annie on X. “Just trying to distance herself and piling on Riwon.”
Riwon responded swiftly, denying the accusations and sharing screenshots of their conversations to clarify her stance. She explained that the “overseas schedule” was a casual discussion about traveling together due to shared food tastes, not a sponsored date.
“The part of the ‘overseas schedule’ was a story we exchanged laughing about going on a trip,” Riwon posted. “Why would I drag that kid into the mud like that?”
Riwon alleged that after her past surfaced, some castmates, including one who spread rumors about her being sponsored, began digging into her history. She implied Hangyul wanted to avoid association with her due to her aspirations in the music industry. Riwon expressed frustration, stating she would exit Korean media after the show ends.
On May 1, Wavve issued a statement acknowledging the controversy and verifying the situation. The production team admitted to oversights in background checks during casting, which involved multiple interviews, but confirmed no plans to edit Riwon out of the show. They urged viewers to refrain from spreading hate.
“We conducted thorough screenings with potential cast members,” Wavve stated. “Some details were missed.”
The controversy also drew unrelated rumors, with some linking Riwon to Choi Sihoon, husband of singer Ailee, as her agency CEO. On May 1, Riwon denied these claims, clarifying that a screenshot referring to “my influencer agency CEO” was misinterpreted.
“Please refrain from spreading unfounded rumors about people associated with me professionally,” Riwon pleaded.
Netizens remain divided. Some defend Riwon, arguing she’s been unfairly targeted, while others support Hangyul’s decision to speak out. On X, users expressed frustration with the show’s handling of the situation.
“Just cancel the whole damn show,” wrote @soshirevelae. “Riwon stay strong girl.”
The show’s format, which limits initial personal disclosures, aimed to foster genuine connections but has been overshadowed by these disputes. Episodes 1 and 2 highlighted moments like Dagyo sharing her bond with her mother, which moved Hangyul, and Riwon receiving playful notes from castmates. However, Hangyul received no notes, feeling isolated early on.
The third episode, released on May 2, 2025, is available on Dailymotion for Indian viewers, continuing to draw attention amid the ongoing scandal. Wavve and the cast face pressure to address the fallout as public interest in ToGetHer remains high.
CREDITS: Nate News
