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Fran Lu

Chinese audiences have been captivated by a new South Korean dating show that features young people battling serious illnesses, drawing inspiration from their courageous pursuit of love.
The dating reality show, Love Against Time, released by the Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) this summer, has gone viral on Chinese social media.
While various dating reality shows have long served as a hallmark of South Korean entertainment, this new entry retains a unique appeal, bringing together eight individuals in their 20s and 30s who are confronting terminal diseases.
Unlike other shows where participants engage in playful flirtation, the participants on Love Against Time immediately introduce their personal stories by reading heartfelt letters.
One member, Kim Jong-eun, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia just before he was set to take the test for his dream job as a firefighter, for which he had prepared for a year.
After receiving a bone-marrow transplant, he faced serious complications, with the donated immune cells attacking his healthy tissues. As a result, his lungs, joints, and knuckles continue to function poorly.

Another participant, Kim Seon-ho, ended his relationship with his girlfriend upon being diagnosed with rare lymphoma, fearing that he would be a burden. He had promised three fellow patients that they would share beers together once they recovered, but he became the only one to survive.
Having endured the darkest moments of their lives, they have chosen to bravely pursue love once again. A female participant, Kim Na-young, lost her hearing in her left ear and gained 20kg within a month while treating her acoustic neuroma. She reflected on how this journey allowed her to contemplate life and death.
“I have not been doing what I truly want in the past. I will cherish my precious time to love, work, have fun, and follow my heart,” she shared.
The show’s producer, Lee Eun-sol, explained that the concept emerged from her curiosity about how awareness of mortality shapes young people’s perspectives on life and love, as reported by The Korea Herald.
Her intention is for the show to centre on how young individuals “rebuild their lives and find love” after confronting illness, rather than focusing solely on their struggles.

Participants are also encouraged to express their affection by dedicating a quota of 100 minutes to those they truly wish to spend time with.
Many Chinese viewers have expressed their admiration for the show, commenting on how it inspires them to re-evaluate their own attitudes towards life and love.
“I was profoundly moved by this show, witnessing these young individuals willing to open their hearts and courageously embrace new love after enduring significant pain and suffering,” one viewer remarked.
Another noted that the show highlights the universal desire for love among those with serious illnesses: “Being diagnosed with cancer does not mean one does not deserve love. Love transcends physical ailments and is the connection of two souls.”


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Chinese viewers praise Korean dating show featuring serious illness survivors as lesson in love

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People & Culture

Show producer reveals concept stems from curiosity about how awareness of mortality shapes young people’s perspectives on life and love


Show producer reveals concept stems from curiosity about how awareness of mortality shapes young people’s perspectives on life and love.


South Korea

Kim Jong-un

Chinese viewers praise Korean dating show featuring serious illness survivors as lesson in love

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Show producer reveals concept stems from curiosity about how awareness of mortality shapes young people’s perspectives on life and love

Show producer reveals concept stems from curiosity about how awareness of mortality shapes young people’s perspectives on life and love