Better Late Than Single is a refreshing 2025 Korean reality dating show that premiered on Netflix on July 8, 2025.
Breaking away from the usual tropes of love-based reality TV, the show introduces nine adults—each of whom has never been in a romantic relationship, a status known in Korea as “motae solo.” These participants were selected from a competitive pool of over 4,000 applicants, making the cast both diverse and deeply relatable.
The show is thoughtfully divided into two key phases. In the first phase, the participants undergo a six-week transformation journey, which includes fitness training, style makeovers, communication coaching, and emotional development. The goal is to help them build confidence and prepare them mentally and emotionally for the world of dating.
In the second phase, the transformed singles spend nine days together at a luxurious resort on Jeju Island, where they engage in a “dating bootcamp.” Through a series of creative missions, group challenges, and one-on-one dates, the show gently nudges participants toward vulnerability, emotional connection, and perhaps, first love.
Unlike many mainstream dating shows that thrive on competition and high-stakes drama, Better Late Than Single stands out for its emphasis on sincerity, self-growth, and authentic emotion. Guiding this emotional journey are four well-known “Cupid Experts”—singer-actor Seo In-guk, actress Kang Han-na, comedian Lee Eun-ji, and indie musician Car, the Garden—who observe the participants, offering thoughtful commentary and emotional insights throughout the series.
The show spans 10 episodes, with the first batch released on July 8, and new episodes dropping weekly until July 29, 2025. It has received critical praise for its heartfelt tone, innovative structure, and a refreshingly ordinary cast that includes everyday people—such as engineers, students, and VFX artists—rather than influencers or aspiring celebrities.
Currently streaming exclusively on Netflix and rated TV-14, Better Late Than Single is a must-watch for viewers who appreciate genuine storytelling, emotional authenticity, and a fresh take on modern romance.
