One thing that goes hand in hand with K-Pop are variety programs. With the help of these shows, both veterans and rookies have the opportunity to become better known to the public and earn a following outside of their music. Variety programs allow these artists to showcase their unique personalities, causing fans to fall deeper in love with their favorite stars.

However, one aspect that has remained a sensitive topic for both fans and idols is dating. Even under the premise of a dating program, these idols are put under a microscope and scrutinized over anything romantic. With the boon of dating shows in the past few years and the participation of idols, perception seems to be changing.

Idols being on a dating show isn't some foreign concept, nor was it born overnight. It's gone through its fair share of changes, culminating in both success and pushback from numerous fanbases.

 

The First Idol Dating Programs

One of the first dating reality shows that included K-Pop idols is the famous "We Got Married". Making its premiere in spring of 2008, it paired various celebrities and had them act as married couples. Some famous idol pairings include SHINee's TaeMin and Son NaEun, BTOB's Yook SungJae and Red Velvet's Joy, along with CNBLUE's Jung YongHwa and Girls' Generation's SeoHyun.

While it was well known by audiences and participants that this was a fake relationship, many became immersed into every single moment, as if they were getting a sneak peak of what these stars would be like if they were to actually date. The pairings produced such incredible chemistry, earning nicknames like the 'Goguma Couple' (YongHwa and SeoHyun) or the 'Bbyu Couple' (SungJae and Joy).

Another dating program with idols that surfaced in 2012 is tvN's "The Romantic and Idol". For its first season, it featured second and third generation idols in JiHyun (former 4Minute), AOA's HyeJeong, Jei (former FIESTAR), SeungAh (former Rainbow), Park HyungSik (ZE:A), GOT7's Jay B, 2PM's Jun.K, and MBLAQ's Mir. The group traveled to Jeju Island where they would stay for 4 days and 3 nights, get to know each other, and hopefully walk away being chosen at the end.

Then there's "SHINee's YunHaNam", featuring the SHINee members themselves. Through the show they proceeded to go on dates with older women, showcasing their charm as fresh-faced rookies in the scene. These programs were extremely fun and romantic, but also produced countless moments that made your entire body curl upwards in secondhand embarrassment.

 

Perception Of Idols Dating

To become an idol, one must dedicate countless hours of their life to honing their craft. They must reach a level of astounding dancing prowess, vocal stability, and outward charm to captivate the masses and become a chart-topping artist within the K-Pop industry. Of the many things that they can and cannot do, it's to date. This is due to the image of an idol and the fan culture within the industry.

However, with the modern globalization of K-Pop, sentiments toward idols dating have slowly started to change. It's becoming more and more evident that K-Pop stars are more than the vocal and dancing geniuses that regularly grace our screen. They're human just like everyone else, with fans slowly accepting the fact that these celebrities can go around, date, and find love too.

Slowly, but surely, idols have been starting to go out on a limb and have become participants in traditional dating programs, not under the premise of a simple variety program. Rather, they become vocal and sincere in their search for love. Some names include EuiJin (former A.CIAN & UNB) and soloist Sori who appeared on different seasons of Mnet's "Somebody", as well as DaHye (former BESTie) in the most recent "Transit Love 3".

While it was surprising to see K-Pop idols participate in these dating programs and actively look for a relationship, it portrays their human desire to be loved by someone else, outside of their beloved fans.

 

The Appearance Of A New Type Of Dating Reality

The beginning of March marked the start of a brand new dating reality program: TREASURE's "Shining SOLO". Where the idol dating programs of the past and ones idols participated in actually focused solely on romance, the series with TREASURE takes a different approach. The members go into the program with the intent of showcasing their various charms and capturing the hearts of the young women they meet. However, it ends not in a relationship, but one member being dubbed as "Mr. TREASURE", erring more on the side of a competition show.

It takes various components from traditional dating programs, while adding on its own spin to create a unique, never-before-seen experience for both the members and audiences watching at home. Prior to its premiere, however, it's worth noting that "Shining SOLO" did not receive a favorable response from netizens.

Upon its announcement, many were left scratching their heads with numerous responses asking if it's real or if anyone would dare to watch it. Even the international K-Pop community who is at times more open were having second thoughts on whether "Shining SOLO" should be something they watch or skip due to the pure nature of dating programs.

However, all the criticism aside, the idol "dating" show became a viral hit, with its first episode being its most watched at 7.7 million views on YouTube (as of April 9, 2024). The sincerity of the TREASURE members, their chemistry with the female participants, and their genuine reactions played a huge part in the program's worldwide success.

Even non-fans have been actively tuning in, falling for TREASURE's various charms. This could very well mark a new era of dating programs for idols. If geared under this lens, there's a fair chance that other groups could follow this model. In turn, they could capture the heart of netizens with their romantic tendencies. However, there's also the possibility that this may become a one-and-done type of occurrence. "Shining SOLO" puts idols in a new light, offering TREASURE the chance to openly experience what it's like to date, while still maintaining their idol image.

Whether or not more groups/companies will create their own "dating" program remains to be seen. However, after the success of "Shining SOLO", it can be a program millions look forward to.

What are your thoughts on K-Pop idols being on dating programs? Do you think they should follow the model of "Shining SOLO"?

Without a doubt, K-Pop idols are one of a kind, being able to forge their own path since the time of their debut. They receive a never-ending surplus of love and support from fans, cheering them on to new heights. This innate star quality not only lies in the idols themselves, but it seems to flow through their genetics too!

Some K-Pop idols do not grow up alone, having a sibling or two to support them in their endeavors. In sharing the same genes, they also share similar stunning visuals that leave netizens speechless and in awe. They show that being a talented and natural born beauty certainly runs in the family, regardless of status.

Look down below to learn more about these female K-Pop idols and their gorgeous sisters!

Note: in this article, we do not include siblings who are currently promoting as artists within the K-Pop industry.

 

1. Son NaEun

While NaEun is most known for her time on Apink, she is currently making strides as a talented actress. Every character she portrays is met with endless support and praise. Her sister, Son SaeEun, is just as talented and beautiful. While she doesn't stand on stage, she does stand underneath the spotlight as a professional golfer.

 

2. TWICE's Momo

Like Momo, her sister Hana is not only gorgeous, but an amazing dancer too. The two previously auditioned together and while Momo entered trainee life, Hana continued to hone her dancing skills. She's now a talented choreographer, teaching studio classes and sharing her love for dancing with the younger generation.

 

3. BLACKPINK's Rosé

Alongside the rest of her group, Rosé has solidified herself as a global superstar. Not only does she possess angelic vocals, but her visuals captivates fans from every corner of the world. Her sister, Alice, is just as beautiful, causing many fans to gush over her visuals.

 

4. Weki Meki's Kim DoYeon

Ever since she first step foot onto the scene, DoYeon has mesmerized the K-Pop community with her model-like visuals. She has since shown to be an absolute all-rounder in dance, singing, and so much more. And it seems that beauty runs in the family, as DoYeon's older sister is just as stunning, with celebrity-like features.

 

5. CL

CL's queen-like aura and swagger is undeniable, causing thousands to chant her name in support. Her sister, HaRin, shares the same vibes and looks like a complete replica of her celebrity sister. Fans would be overjoyed to see more photographs or videos of the two in one frame.

 

6. BLACKPINK's JiSoo

JiSoo is an idol through and through, however, she's taking leading roles in the film industry, showing her talents are certainly growing. One of her biggest supporters is none other than her sister, Kim JiYoon. Just like her celebrity sister, Kim JiYoon is a visual goddess, stunning millions at various angles.

 

7. TWICE's JiHyo

Through her persistency, JiHyo became the leader of one of the leading girl groups in K-Pop today. She couldn't have done this without the support of her family, which includes her two younger sisters. One sister in particular, Lee HaEum, has been making waves in the eyes of the public. She is currently signed to Starhaus Entertainment and has already amazed netizens with her stunning beauty through various photoshoots.

 

8. IVE's Jang WonYoung

With her group, WonYoung has topped multiple charts and earned many solo advertisements due to her unwavering charm. And it seems these idol qualities runs in the family, as her sister, Jang DaA has entered the entertainment industry as an actress. DaA has already landed a few advertisement deals, flaunting her innate beauty that she shares with her celebrity sister.

 

9. Kep1er's Bahiyyih

Bahiyyih worked extremely hard through Mnet's "Girls Planet 999", earning a spot in the final debut lineup. Now, she's a celebrated artist with such commanding talent. Her sister, Lea Navvab Huening, is just the same, mesmerizing netizens with her unfailing charms. While she did promote as an idol from 2017-2019, she has since left the idol life, becoming a prominent content creator. She uploads everything from vlogs, song and dance covers, as well as a digital single. Along with their brother, TXT's Huening Kai, the Huening family really seems to be thriving in all aspects.

Did you know the sisters of these K-Pop idols were this gorgeous and talented? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

 

Wondering what are the most popular programs on Netflix in South Korea right now? Keep reading!

As a Netflix user, you've likely noticed the rich array of Korean dramas and TV shows available on the platform. It's essential to note that Netflix tailors its content to each country, ensuring a unique viewing experience. The dramas, TV shows, and movies accessible to viewers in Korea may differ from those in other countries, and the release schedule can vary too. Stay tuned to explore the most popular programs on Netflix in Korea through this ranking.

Netflix Korea has a top 10 ranking of daily popular content on its platform. These are the most popular programs of the day on Netflix in Korea based on February 26 data (retrieved on February 27, 13:50 PM KST, data of February 26).

1. "A Killer Paradox"

2. "Doctor Slump"

3. "Risqué Business: The Netherlands and Germany"

4. "Avatar: The Last Airbender"

5. "Captivating The King"

6. "Jun HyunMoo's Plan"

7. "Eye Love You"

8. "Korea-Khitan War"

9. "Jjajangmyeon Rhapsody"

10. "Ghost Doctor"

"A Killer Paradox", starring Choi WooShik, Son SukKu, and Lee HeeJun, is once again the #1 most-watched show on Netflix in South Korea. Other popular programs on Netflix Korea include "Doctor Slump", "Risqué Business: The Netherlands and Germany" and "Avatar: The Last Airbender" (live-action).

Ongoing K-Dramas on this list include "Doctor Slump", "Captivating The King" and "Korea-Khitan War".

The J-Drama "Eye Love You" starring Chae JongHyeop in the leading role is also a popular program on Netflix in South Korea. It is gaining love and attention internationally too.

"Ghost Doctor", starring Rain and Kim Beom, which was released in 2022, seems to be regaining popularity once more.

Are you watching any of the shows in the top 10 Netflix Korea ranking?