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.
Romance reality show ‘Real Love Lab: Poison Apple’ returns with extra-spicy flair
Host for SBS Plus' upcoming romance reality show "Real Love Lab: Poison Apple" / Courtesy of SBS Plus, Kstar
By Park Jin-hai
SBS Plus’ romance reality show “Real Love Lab: Poison Apple,” which drew controversy with its first season last year, is returning with an even more provocative and daring twist.
Season 2, which will be released on Saturday, is expected to feature a format where a real-life couple is tested by a so-called “Apple Girl” who secretly tries to flirt with the male partner, all observed in real time via hidden camera.
The show’s first season won positive reviews for its honest portrayal of Gen Z’s dating psychology and real relationship issues. However, its blend of candid emotional moments and physical intimacy has fueled debate over alleged staging — some viewers questioned if the situations and reactions were truly real — as well as concerns over provocative images and the privacy of male partners.
Despite, or perhaps due to, these controversies, the show’s viewership and public profile have only climbed. Season 1 proved its popularity by staying in the Top 20 trending rankings on local streaming platform Coupang Play for eight weeks, while multiple short-form clips surpassed 1 million views.
Season 2 turns the show’s signature “Poison Apple Challenge” into the central focus, aiming to immerse viewers even deeper in the process of uncovering the suspicious sides of romantic partners. By closely tracking the anxiety and psychological tension within real relationships, the show seeks to heighten its sense of realism even further.
An "Apple Girl" is seen in a scene from SBS Plus' romance reality show "Real Love Lab: Poison Apple." Courtesy of SBS Plus, Kstar
This season, instead of dropping the “Apple Girl” into chosen scenarios blindly, the producers will provide them with the personal details and preferences of boyfriends who will undergo the test of love.
In an era overflowing with dating shows, the hosts of “Poison Apple 2” point to authenticity as its biggest differentiator.
“Because everything’s real, it’s only natural that harsh words come out,” said Lee Eun-ji, a comedian and host for the show, during Friday’s online press conference.
“There are plenty of dating shows, but in ‘Poison Apple,’ clients put their own boyfriends to the test, so the reactions are much more genuine. For viewers, it might feel frustrating, and for cast members, emotions run hot. If you watched with earphones on, you’d probably throw them off at some point,” she added with a laugh.
“By the end, you start to wonder, ‘What is love, really?’ Watching some people accept the messiness of these relationship experiments makes you ask, ‘Can I understand that? What does my own love look like?’”