Culture · Story

Navigating Love in Korea: A 20-Something's Candid Dating App Experiences

On the latest episode of KBS Joy's What Do You Want to Ask?, a young international student shares her struggles with dating in Korea. Expecting meaningful connections, she found herself confused by cultural differences and unsettling experiences on dating apps.

By Jae KimJuly 22, 20262 min read
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Navigating Love in Korea: A 20-Something's Candid Dating App Experiences
OMONAR

On the latest episode of KBS Joy's What Do You Want to Ask?, airing on July 20, a young international student opens up about her dating struggles in Korea. Having moved to Korea two and a half years ago, she confidently states she has been fluent in Korean since childhood, thanks to her habit of watching dramas without subtitles.

Navigating Love in Korea: A 20-Something's Candid Dating App Experiences

Initially hoping for the type of serious relationships she saw in Korean dramas, she quickly became confused by the lighthearted attitudes of the men she encountered. "How can I tell a good man from a bad one?" she asks, reflecting a common dilemma faced by many in the dating scene.

As the conversation unfolds, she recounts her experiences with dating apps, using them as a way to combat loneliness. But when host Seo Jang-hoon hears about her app escapades, he responds bluntly, saying, "That's where it all goes wrong." The student counters this, saying perspectives on dating apps are different in Kazakhstan, where she is from.

She shares a shocking experience from her first date when a man suggested they move in together right after dinner. Additionally, she reveals unsavory encounters during rotation-style blind dates, where men seemed more interested in alcohol or hotels than forming genuine connections.

In response, Seo Jang-hoon and Lee Soo-geun emphasize the risks involved with dating apps and offer advice on distinguishing trustworthy partners. Their insights serve as a cautionary tale for anyone navigating the complex dating landscape in a different culture.

End of story. The omonar! Desk.

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