Controversial and dramatic content becomes key selling point within Korean entertainment scene

▲ This photo shows posters for dramas (clockwise) "You Are My Spring," "Nevertheless," "Monthly Magazine Home," and "At a Distance, Spring Is Green" provided by each respective broadcaster. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, July 19 (Yonhap) -- As dramas that deal with provocative content start to earn the public's interest, it is nowadays hard to see romance dramas succeed. However, Kakao TV's "Change Days," which combines both elements of romance and drama, is starting to grab people's attention.

On Kakao TV's "Change Days," three couples who are on the verge of facing a breakup, go on dates after exchanging partners, while TVing's "Transit Love," where separated couples live in one house and find new love, are the current representative examples of love reality shows in Korea.

According to experts, the new and distinct content love reality programs give to the audience is what makes it popular and different from existing dull romance dramas. Melodramas or romance comedies are too predictable for viewers, however reality programs give refreshing turn of events by incorporating a new storytelling approach.

However, there are also growing concerns in terms of recent love reality programs that excessively highlight provocative aspects by utilizing content that have been considered taboo in broadcasting.

"Change Days" follows three couples, who are experiencing difficulty in their relationships and have to live together for a week on Jeju Island. Although the intention of this program is to look into the individuals' problems from a new perspective by meeting other partners, the most talked-about aspect of the show are the "change dates."

The part where participants, who are still involved in relationships, spend time with someone else's partner and not with their respective lovers, is still viewed as an act of the so-called "cheating."

"Transit Love" is different from "Change Days" in that it features couples who have already broken up and adds an element of fun in guessing which participants were past lovers, but the program still gives the audience the same thrill in seeing the cast members enjoy their dates with other partners.

On the other hand, romance dramas currently on air are not much different from existing works.

tvN's "You Are My Spring," starring Seo Hyun-jin and Kim Dong-wook, combines mystery and thriller aspects with romance, however it has already been dealt in several dramas such as "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" or "When the Camellia Blooms." JTBC's "Nevertheless" began by being distinctive as the drama was rated R, but previous works including "The World of the Married" has also dealt with the same content in depth.

In addition, JTBC's "Monthly Magazine Home" incorporated content related to real estate, however also followed the basic principles of existing romantic comedies while KBS 2TV's "At a Distance, Spring Is Green" resembles typical youth dramas in Korea.

"The existing love reality programs have all gained popularity over the years, but the recent ones have more controversial points," said Jung Duk-hyun, a pop culture critic. "In the case of romantic dramas, the viewers already know the ending since dramas stick to the obvious storylines."

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