Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Divorce shows shift from sensationalism to solutions
Star divorce lawyer Cha Eun-kyung (Jang Na-ra), right, talks about her own divorce case to reporters during the scene from SBS drama "Good Partner." Courtesy of SBS
By Park Jin-hai
While divorce-themed shows have proliferated in the Korean entertainment scene in recent years, new shows and dramas focusing on divorce continue to captivate viewers. Since the debut of TV Chosun's "We Got Divorced" in 2020 — a satirical twist on its predecessor "We Got Married," which began airing in 2012 — there has been a surge in content highlighting the divorces of celebrities and other public figures, reflecting evolving attitudes toward marriage and separation.
Reality shows like TV Chosun's "I'm Alone Now," SBS' "Dolsing Fourmen," and MBN's "Decision to Divorce" explicitly address divorce. Additionally, even shows that don't solely focus on divorce, such as MBC's "Oh Eun-young's Report: Marriage Hell" and Channel A's "Daddy's Blooming Day," frequently feature stories of couples contemplating or undergoing divorce.
JTBC's reality show "Divorce Camp" was launched as a regular program last week after a successful pilot run, while "Decision to Divorce" allows couples to experience the divorce process firsthand, albeit virtually.
A scene from JTBC's reality show, "Divorce Camp" / Courtesy of JTBC
On top of this, SBS's new drama "Good Partner," written by Choi Yu-na, a lawyer specializing in divorce, is enjoying immense popularity. It has consistently claimed the top spot in Good Data Corporation's weekly TV-OTT drama buzzworthiness rankings for the third time.
The Friday-Saturday drama achieved its highest ratings to date by realistically and vividly portraying the stories of couples whose marriages are on the brink of collapse. The latest episode, which aired on Saturday, peaked at 21.5 percent.
In the drama, celebrity divorce lawyer Cha Eun-kyung (Jang Na-ra), known for her rational approach, teams up with the warm-hearted and passionate rookie lawyer Han Yu-ri (Nam Ji-hyun). Together, they offer diverse perspectives on the causes and solutions of divorce, helping viewers to see the issue beyond a simplistic dichotomy of good versus evil.
Experts attribute the enduring popularity of these divorce-themed shows to their shift from sensationalized stories to practical advice. While past shows often focused on scandalous tales of troubled couples, the current wave of shows emphasizes providing legal counsel and solutions, which resonates with viewers in an era where divorces are increasingly common.
A scene from MBN's reality show "Decision to Divorce" / Courtesy of MBN
According to the OECD's "Society at a Glance 2019," Korea's divorce rate (number of breakups per 1,000 people) stood at 2.1 in 2016, higher than the OECD average of 1.9 and the highest among Asian countries.
A divorce attorney who recently appeared on tvN's "You Quiz on the Block" estimated that roughly 3.5 out of every 10 couples end up divorcing, indicating that a significant portion of the population may experience divorce at some point. This trend is further supported by statistics from the Korean Bar Association, which reveal a 64 percent increase in the number of divorce attorneys, from 517 in 2021 to 851 in 2024.
Kim Min-jong, the director of "Divorce Camp," explained what sets his show apart from other similar reality shows.
"Rather than merely showcasing the stories of couples, 'Divorce Camp' aims to restore relationships in crisis through various solutions. The camp offers a comprehensive package to address relationship issues, including 55 hours of couple counseling, drama therapy, and legal advice," Kim said.
"The highlight of the program is witnessing couples, who initially appeared incompatible, improve their relationships through the camp. The focus of the show is on providing solutions and fostering relationship recovery."
Hwang Jin-mee, a culture critic, noted that viewers are not only drawn to these stories out of curiosity, but are also seeking practical advice.
"As divorce has become more common, there is a growing demand for practical advice on navigating the process. People are now more interested in understanding how to handle the legal aspects efficiently, rather than just hearing about divorce stories. This shift in interest explains why content that offers legal tips and time-saving strategies, such as 'Good Partner,' has gained such popularity," she said.