Producers Jo Wook-hyung, Kim No-eun, and Won Seung-jae shared the behind-the-scenes stories of 'I Want to Date Even Though I'm Forever Single'.
Netflix's 'I Want to Date Even Though I'm Forever Single' is a makeover dating reality show that helps forever single individuals who are clumsy at dating experience their first love. Although awkward and clumsy, it evokes memories of first love and resonates with viewers, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. It achieved the feat of ranking in the top 10 of Netflix's non-English TV series for two consecutive weeks.
Actors Seo In-guk and Kang Han-na, broadcaster Lee Eun-ji, and singer Car the Garden served as 'Somm Makers' and MCs. Twelve participants, including Min Hong, Hyun-kyu, Jae-yoon, Yeom, Seung-chan, Mi-ji, Sang-ho, Lee Do, Jungmok, Jiyeon, Ji-soo, and Seung-ri, participated. In the final episode, Jungmok and Jiyeon, Ji-soo and Seung-ri ended up as couples.
Producer Jo Wook-hyung said, "We are grateful that many people watched the program we prepared. When selecting participants, the production team and Netflix managers had late-night discussions. There were conflicting opinions about whether to include certain individuals, leading to extensive discussions until the last minute. I believe the converged opinions resulted in a good outcome."
When asked about the possibility of producing Season 2, Producer Kim No-eun revealed, "I would be grateful for the opportunity. It is still undecided." She added, "Even if we produce Season 2, we will prioritize authenticity. We will select individuals who genuinely want to date and can express their emotions. While external factors are important, we are more drawn to those who are sincere."
Regarding the status of 'real couples', she cautiously stated, "It has been 10 months since we filmed. After that, they have their private lives. They will reveal it soon through their own words."
On whether participants are prohibited from using social media, she explained, "We recommended against it because we thought they would receive indiscriminate DMs after the broadcast. There are various issues, such as fraudulent DMs or inappropriate content."
Meanwhile, the kiss scene between Ji-soo and Jungmok before the final choice became a hot topic during their '1 Night 2 Days' date.
In response, Producer Kim No-eun commented on the '1 Night 2 Days' date, "We hoped to have about three couples, so we prepared the location and setup, but only one couple went out. So, it seems that more focus was placed on that couple. While we set up the location, I think it's natural for men and women in their late twenties to start dating. Since it's a dating program, I believe it's a clear expression of emotions and a natural part, so we showed their romance without adding or subtracting anything."
Producer Won Seung-jae elaborated on the reason for not editing, "Some viewers reacted that the feelings of the forever singles seemed to ignite too quickly. However, we didn't feel it was strange while editing. When you fall in love, it happens, and it's a matter of timing. I thought it would be good to show that as it is."
Producer Kim No-eun emphasized, "Kisses from the participants have appeared in dating reality shows like 'Single's Inferno'. Since we are forever singles, it seems to have a bigger impact. However, our participants are not minors; they are in their mid to late twenties. It's just their first love, and everyone goes through a rough process."
Producer Jo Wook-hyung mentioned, "Some viewers were a bit surprised by the 1 Night 2 Days date of Jungmok and Jiyeon. We initially said it was a dating without rules, but suddenly it seemed like we were using shortcuts, which surprised them. There are various forms of love, so I would appreciate it if you could view it with a warm perspective."
He added, "Some participants went through confusing times. Those who received negative feedback felt mental pressure. Everyone wants to show their beautiful and cool side. However, the participants showed the courage to reveal their awkward sides. Please embrace them with love. I would be very grateful for that."
[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]
