South Korea’s groundbreaking lesbian dating show “ToGetHer” has found itself at the center of a growing storm that threatens to overshadow its historic significance in Korean media. What began as a pioneering moment for LGBTQ+ representation has quickly devolved into controversy following allegations against cast member Riwon, leading to the postponement of episodes 3 and 4 that were scheduled to air on May 2, 2025.
The show, which premiered on April 25 to significant interest as the country’s first lesbian dating reality program, now faces an uncertain future as producers grapple with serious accusations involving Riwon allegedly concealing her past as an adult streamer and making inappropriate advances toward fellow contestant Hangyul after filming concluded. The situation escalated dramatically when Hangyul took to social media with detailed claims about Riwon suggesting an overseas trip that allegedly had ulterior motives, writing that what initially seemed like “a simple invitation” revealed itself as “an inappropriate offer” upon further discussion.
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As the production company, Display Company, works to address the controversy through potential re-editing while maintaining the show’s emotional integrity, fans have expressed everything from outrage to heartbreak that a program meant to celebrate queer love has become mired in scandal. The controversy raises important questions about responsibility in reality television production, protection of LGBTQ+ contestants, and the future of queer representation in Korean media.
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Display Company, the production team behind the show, confirmed the delay in a statement that acknowledged the growing controversy surrounding cast member Riwon and its impact on both the participants and viewers.
At the heart of the controversy are allegations that Riwon concealed her past as an adult streamer before joining the show—a claim that gained traction on social media and forums. The situation intensified when fellow contestant Hangyul published a detailed social media post alleging that Riwon had made inappropriate advances after filming concluded. According to Hangyul’s statement, as reported by The Pink News, what began as a seemingly innocent invitation for an overseas trip revealed itself to have different intentions: “As she went further into detail about a ‘meal date’, I realized that she was making an inappropriate offer. Once I realized this, I declined the offer outright.”
Riwon has denied these allegations and issued a public apology addressing the controversy, but the damage to the show’s reputation was already significant. The production team released an official statement expressing regret over the situation, noting that “the backlash, spurred by rumors, misinformation, and harassment, had caused significant harm to the cast and the LGBTQ+ community.” They further explained that the temporary suspension of episodes would allow time for internal review and potential re-editing of content.
“We are committed to editing the show in a way that maintains its emotional narrative and respects the real experiences of the cast, while also reflecting public feedback and criticism,” the production company stated, as reported by allkpop. This statement suggests that while changes may be made, no final decisions have been reached regarding how Riwon’s storyline will be handled in future episodes.
The viewer response has been passionate and divided. Many fans took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their disappointment with how the situation has been handled. User @luckyvickyjang wrote: “hmmmm, at this point, cancel the show for everyone sake. Its useless to watch it anymore if you going to re edit a.k.a remove her parts or get less screentime..”
Other viewers directed their frustration at the production company for what they perceived as inadequate protection of the cast members. “You were useless, you didn’t know how to handle the situation. None of the other girls are safe with you. You don’t know how to protect them from the accusations,” one X user commented, highlighting concerns about contestant welfare.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Show Premise | Seven women living together on Jeju Island forming romantic connections without phones or detailed personal information |
| Cast Members | Riwon, Seoyeon, Heeyoung, Jinah, Hangyul, Mirang, and Dagyo (professions include influencer, nurse, tattoo artist, and producer) |
| Current Status | Episodes 3 & 4 postponed; internal review underway |
| Main Controversy | Allegations that Riwon concealed her past as an adult streamer and made inappropriate advances toward Hangyul |
| Production Response | Temporary suspension for review and possible re-editing; commitment to fairness and protecting cast |
The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about representation and responsibility in LGBTQ+ media. Some viewers have expressed concern that the show’s troubles could negatively impact future queer representation in Korean television. “I cannot support a show that claims to be for queer women but prioritises male opinions, so i will stop watching. shame on you. riwon and the queer women of south korea deserve better,” one fan commented, highlighting the perceived gender dynamics at play in the public discourse.
Others have emphasized the importance of protecting all cast members’ wellbeing above all else. “Honestly, I don’t care about the show anymore. I just want these girls to be safe and protected. This situation is incredibly complex—please don’t drag either of them to the point of hopelessness or self-harm. Please. Somebody check on them,” wrote another concerned viewer.
There is also significant support for Riwon among viewers who feel she is being unfairly targeted. “If you guys are cutting out Riwon scenes, I am not watching that show. We are not watching that show. I stand with Riwon,” declared one supporter. Another noted, “Don’t cut Ri-Won from the show… we are all on her side and against everyone who is against her.”
Before the controversy erupted, “ToGetHer” had been making history as South Korea’s first lesbian dating show. Streaming on Wavve and Rakuten TV since April 25, 2025, the program’s unique format featured contestants who could only introduce themselves by name, creating an environment where connections formed based on personality rather than background or status.
The first two episodes showcased anonymous note exchanges, intimate dinner dates, and emotional Q&A sessions that allowed viewers to witness authentic connections forming between the women. Jin-ah and Heeyoung became the first official couple on the show, while other relationships were beginning to develop. A teaser at the end of episode 2 introduced a new contestant named Min Woo, suggesting more complexity to come in the narrative.
Conclusion
With eight episodes still remaining in the planned season, the production team has emphasized that any future decisions regarding editing or potential cast removal will be based on verified facts and fairness principles. How they navigate this controversy will likely set precedents for how similar LGBTQ+ content is handled in Korean media moving forward.
The situation surrounding “ToGetHer” highlights the complex challenges faced by pioneering LGBTQ+ content in markets where such representation is still emerging. As the production team works to address the controversy while preserving the show’s integrity, the broader implications for queer representation in Korean media remain uncertain but significant.
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FAQs
The “ToGetHer” controversy could have significant implications for future LGBTQ+ representation in Korean media, potentially creating both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, networks and production companies might become more hesitant to greenlight similar content, fearing similar controversies and public relations challenges. This could result in more rigorous vetting processes for cast members and stricter production guidelines that might limit authentic representation. However, the intense public engagement with the show—even amid controversy—demonstrates a clear audience interest in LGBTQ+ content, which could encourage media companies to continue exploring this space while implementing better safeguards.
The controversy also highlights the need for production teams with deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ issues and more diverse leadership that can navigate sensitive situations appropriately. Ultimately, how Display Company resolves this situation could become a case study for the industry—if they handle it with transparency, fairness, and respect for all involved, it could establish positive precedents for protecting vulnerable cast members while still creating groundbreaking content. The controversy has also sparked important conversations about representation that could lead to more thoughtful approaches in future productions.
Reality show producers have heightened responsibilities when working with LGBTQ+ contestants, particularly in regions where acceptance varies and visibility can create vulnerability. First, thorough pre-production protocols should include comprehensive psychological evaluations and support systems before, during, and after filming. Producers must create safe filming environments with clear boundaries and consent protocols, while also preparing contestants for potential public scrutiny and online harassment that may disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ participants.
This includes media training specific to navigating questions about identity and sexuality. Production teams should include LGBTQ+ staff members and consultants who understand the nuances of representation and can identify potentially harmful narratives or editing choices. When controversies arise, producers must respond swiftly with statements that don’t further marginalize contestants or reinforce stereotypes. Post-production care is equally crucial, including ongoing mental health support as episodes air and public reactions unfold.
The “ToGetHer” situation demonstrates that producers must be prepared to make difficult decisions about content while prioritizing contestant welfare over ratings or dramatic narratives. Ultimately, while creating groundbreaking representation is valuable, it cannot come at the expense of the very community the show aims to represent.
