In a surprising shakeup on Netflix Korea’s Top 10 chart, a new reality dating program titled Better Late Than Single has overtaken global phenomenon Squid Game 3 to claim the No. 1 spot a first for a Korean romance reality show.
The milestone occurred on July 11, just three days after the show’s release. Rising from No. 2 the previous day, the series now leads the national streaming chart, while Squid Game 3, which had held the top position since its debut, has slipped to second.
The series, which premiered on July 8, centers around “mossols” individuals who have never been in a romantic relationship. Over the course of six weeks, these participants embark on their first foray into love, supported by celebrity panelists known as “Somemakers”: Seo In-guk, Kang Han-na, Lee Eun-ji, and Car, the Garden.
Rather than focusing on picture-perfect romances, the show captures the awkwardness, earnestness, and emotional complexity of inexperienced daters. Some viewers have even likened it to a hybrid between a dating show and a sitcom, thanks to its endearing realism and unscripted charm.
Director Jo Wook-hyung described the series as “a reality show that supports individuals experiencing love for the first time,” emphasizing its mission to guide participants through both external makeovers and internal growth.
Co-director Kim No-eun added, “We discovered a unique combination of surprise, desire, and emotional sincerity that sets this show apart. Viewers can expect a new kind of emotional dopamine.”
The show’s sudden rise to the top of Netflix Korea suggests a shift in viewer preferences toward content that prioritizes authenticity over spectacle. It also reflects growing fatigue with high-concept survival dramas, and a renewed interest in grounded, emotionally resonant storytelling.
With Squid Game 3 dethroned, the success of Better Late Than Single could mark a turning point for the genre and potentially for Korean streaming content as a whole.
