Netflix’s ‘Better Late Than Single’ may return, producers say
Netflix dating show “Better Late Than Single” features singles who have never been in a relationship. Courtesy of Netflix
Netflix has created fresh buzz in the crowded dating reality landscape with “Better Late Than Single,” the country’s first show to feature people who have never been in a romantic relationship.
Selected from a pool of more than 4,000 applicants, the participants drew attention even before the program aired, and the series has since climbed into Netflix’s global Top 10 non-English TV chart.
According to producing director Kim Noh-eun, the flood of applicants came as a surprise. “We didn’t expect such numbers. Not everyone applied because they couldn’t date. Some had simply chosen not to, while others wanted to challenge themselves by experiencing love for the first time,” she said.
To ensure authenticity, producers conducted extensive background checks beyond simple applications. Families and friends were interviewed, dating histories were scrutinized and even affidavits were signed to guarantee that participants truly fit the program’s theme.
Producing director Won Seung-jae said, “Talking to them, we understood why they hadn’t dated yet. It all made sense.”
A scene from Netflix dating show “Better Late Than Single” / Courtesy of Netflix
Imperfect but genuine moments
Director Cho Wook-hyung recalled being struck by contestant Jae-yoon, describing his first impression as “someone with the aura of actor Im Si-wan,” but noting his shyness and quiet voice. “He seemed enclosed in his own world but also eager to break out of it. That’s why he was perfect for the show,” Cho said.
Not everything went according to plan. A roller-skating shoot was expected to produce shots of couples holding hands, with drones capturing sweeping footage.
Instead, the contestants skated separately. “I thought we were in real trouble,” Cho admitted with a laugh. Yet in the final cut, that awkwardness underscored the participants’ authentic inexperience.
At one point, Jae-yoon hid in the bushes — a moment the crew first mistook as a collapse from drinking. “It was funny but also heartbreaking for him. Still, it captured the vulnerability we wanted viewers to understand,” Cho said.
The directors said the experience taught them to step back. “When producers intervene too much, participants wait for instructions and lose their natural reactions. Observing quietly was the most important lesson,” Cho said.
Even with only one couple forming by the end, producers considered the experiment a success. “Jae-yoon had a spark to change. Yeom-yeong and Seung-ri also showed courage. I hope viewers found courage through them as well,” Cho said.
Given that the contestants are ordinary people, aftercare was a priority. “They felt overwhelmed being exposed to a new environment. We arranged for psychological counseling and even advised them to refrain from using social media for a period to avoid indiscriminate messages,” Kim explained.
The team believes the concept could resonate abroad. “The idea of ‘never-dated’ singles is intriguing in the West,” Cho said. Kim added, “Regardless of age, the excitement of a first romance is universal. That emotional common ground is what global audiences can connect with.”
Producing directors hint at a sequel to “Better Late Than Single.” Courtesy of Netflix
Honest portrayal of intimacy
The decision to not edit out kisses or first moments of physical contact divided viewers, but the directors stood firm. “For the participants, these were once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Cutting them would have implied we were passing judgment. We wanted to show genuine, unfiltered moments of love,” Cho said.
Kim stressed that the show’s strength lay in its theme. “In an era flooded with dating shows, we were the first to highlight the special experience of a first romance. It was clumsy but heartfelt, and that sincerity resonated with viewers. Watching someone’s first love unfold can be more powerful than any scripted drama,” she said.
With the first season’s success, questions about a follow-up are mounting. “If given the chance, we’d be grateful to produce a second season,” Kim said.
Won added, “We know the positive reactions came from sincerity, and that will remain our focus if we return.”
Cho also offered a lighter note, joking, “If we do Season 2, we’ll definitely leave out the punching machine,” drawing laughter from reporters.
From left, producing directors Cho Wook-hyung, Kim Noh-eun and Won Seung-jae of Netflix’s “Better Late Than Single.” Courtesy of Netflix
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.