Lesbian Dating Show Contestant’s Emotional Apology Triggers Scathing Reactions From Koreans
Following her handwritten apology, ToGetHer’s Kim Riwon — a contestant on Korea’s first lesbian dating show — has become the center of heated reactions.
In a handwritten letter shared on Instagram, Riwon addressed multiple allegations tied to her past as a racy streamer. She admitted to her previous racy streaming activities, spoke openly about her sexual orientation, and revealed personal struggles involving an abusive ex-boyfriend. She also apologized to the LGBTQ+ community, the production team, and viewers.
Despite the vulnerability and remorse expressed in her letter, the public response has been largely unforgiving. Many Korean netizens questioned her motives, criticized her decision to appear on a mainstream dating show, and expressed concern about how her past could negatively impact perceptions of the LGBTQ+ community.
- “It’s whatever if she dated a guy, but someone who did racy streams shouldn’t be stepping into the public eye.”
- “Yes, it’s true that being gay makes you a minority, but being a minority doesn’t give you a free pass. Racy streaming is just straight-up [sexual content]. There’s no room for sympathy or leniency with something like that. People like her going public is harmful to society, it only ends up hurting decent women and LGBTQ+ people.”
- “She made money satisfying men’s sexual desires, and now she wants to show up on a lesbian dating show? What kind of mindset is that?”
- “From what I saw, that wasn’t the kind of stream you could call a ‘personal broadcast.’”
- “Honestly, she brought this on herself, but I still feel bad… Why did she make that choice…”
Others doubled down, claiming her sexuality is not the problem, but the content of her past broadcasts is.
- “It was practically p*rn, and she got paid for it.”
- “If she wanted a fresh start, she should’ve done it in her personal life, not on a TV show.”
- “Her sexual orientation isn’t the problem here, is it?”
- “Did she think she wouldn’t get caught..? How did she even think she could go on a dating show?”
As the show continues to air, it remains to be seen how both the public and the production team will move forward from the controversy.
