Better Late Than Single: Netflix's Heartwarming Korean Dating Show That's Changing the Reality TV Game
3-Line Summary:
- Better Late Than Single is Netflix's newest Korean reality show featuring adults who have never dated, getting makeovers and dating coaching from celebrity mentors.
- Unlike typical dating shows, this series focuses on genuine emotional growth and first-time romance rather than manufactured drama and competition.
- The show has already ranked #1 in South Korea and entered the global Netflix Top 10, proving that authentic storytelling resonates with international audiences.
Are you tired of the same old dating reality shows filled with drama and superficial connections? Netflix's latest Korean offering, "Better Late Than Single" (모태솔로지만 연애는 하고 싶어), is here to restore your faith in reality TV romance. This refreshing series follows "eternal singles" - adults who have never been in a relationship - as they embark on their very first romantic journey, and it's already capturing hearts worldwide.
What Makes Better Late Than Single Special?
A Fresh Take on Reality Dating
Better Late Than Single features participants known as "motae-solos" in Korean - adults who have never been in a relationship. These dating rookies, hilariously awkward yet incredibly lovable as they navigate their first real steps in love, receive expert coaching in this groundbreaking makeover-style dating reality show.
Unlike the polished influencers typically cast in reality shows, Better Late Than Single chose nine everyday people out of 4,000 applicants, who are all determined to start their romantic lives with style. This authentic casting choice immediately sets the show apart from its competitors.
The Celebrity "Cupid" Mentors
What truly distinguishes this show is its innovative mentor system. Seo In-guk, Kang Hanna, Lee Eun-ji, and Car, the garden join the show as "cupid experts," offering practical tips to help singles navigate their perfect first dates. These aren't just passive observers - they actively coach participants through:
- Style transformations (fashion and grooming)
- Confidence building techniques
- Communication skills and conversation tips
- Dating etiquette and social cues
The Format That Works
Before filming, nine "eternal singles" were given six-week makeovers, during which the show's hosts/Cupids advised them on how to gain more confidence while dating. After receiving coaching in the area of their choice—from beauty to fitness to speech to therapy—the cast spent nine days together at a resort on Jeju Island, for a dating bootcamp where they can look for love among each other.
Meet the Adorable Cast
Male Participants
Noh Jae-yun (27) - A VFX artist and 3D designer for TV, film, and video games. Though others describe him as handsome and caring, Jae-yun is extremely timid. In the show, a colleague says the anime fan is "hard to approach because he seems to be in his own world."
Kim Seung-ri (27) - A global marketer who spent 12 years in Brazil and speaks four languages. His dating inexperience stems from cultural barriers and past trauma from being bullied abroad.
Kim Sang-ho (27) - A defense industry researcher who lost 20kg before the show. Coming from an all-male environment (boys' school, engineering, military), he had few opportunities to meet women.
Ha Jeong-mok (26) - A chemical engineering student and former Air Force Academy cadet whose twin brother's new relationship motivated him to try dating.
Kang Hyun-gyu (26) - A medical student who focused solely on studies until now, working part-time as a bartender.
Lee Seung-chan (31) - A surgeon who graduated from Korea University and trained at Samsung Medical Center's surgery department. Unlike the rest of the singles, Seung-chan is not technically an eternal single, since the "game changer" previously had a 100-day relationship.
Female Participants
Kang Ji-su (26) - A ballet instructor from an all-girls school and women's university background who has never even had a crush.
Kim Yeo-myeong (26) - A business student preparing for a career in finance, motivated to join after seeing her single friends start dating.
Lee Min-hong (28) - A former fashion marketing professional who has been on 30+ blind dates but never found the right connection due to her efficiency-focused, direct personality.
Lee Do (27) - The youngest instructor at Etus academy, teaching social studies. She famously turned down an offer to appear on "Transit Love" because she had no ex-boyfriend to bring to the show.
Park Ji-yeon (26) - A music producer from an all-girls educational background who initially had no interest in dating due to family issues.
Kim Mi-ji (27) - A Japanese teacher who prepared for her Better Late Than Single interview by binge-watching dating shows in search of flirting tips.
Why International Fans Are Obsessed
Authentic Emotional Moments
The show felt very genuine since it was targeted at lifelong singles. What starts as a charming comedy of errors soon evolves into something deeper. The romantic growth of these lovable late bloomers already has viewers wondering: could their journeys end in a heart-fluttering happily ever after?
Refreshing Absence of Manufactured Drama
Unlike typical reality dating shows that thrive on conflict and competition, Better Late Than Single focuses on genuine connection and personal growth. The participants' awkward but endearing attempts at romance feel authentic rather than scripted.
Cultural Insight and Universal Appeal
The show's premise taps into a timely social reality; a recent survey found that over 21% of unmarried young people in South Korea have never dated, with many citing economic concerns as a key factor. This addresses a global phenomenon that many international viewers can relate to.
Global Success and Reception
Netflix's reality dating shows are known for offering tons of sun, skin, and drama, but its new series Better Late Than Single offers a refreshing reset this summer. The show has already achieved remarkable success:
- Ranked #1 in South Korea, surpassing major hits like "Squid Game 3"
- Entered Netflix Global Top 10 for non-English series
- Available in multiple countries including the US, UK, Japan, and across Europe
- Consistently trending on social media platforms worldwide
Release Schedule and How to Watch
Episodes 1-3: July 8, 2025 Episodes 4-6: July 15, 2025
Episodes 7-8: July 22, 2025 Episodes 9-10: July 29, 2025
Better Late Than Single is available to stream on Netflix with Korean audio and subtitles in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, and Chinese.
What Sets It Apart from Single's Inferno
While Single's Inferno focuses on conventionally attractive singles creating sparks, Better Late Than Single sets itself apart by focusing on those who've never had a chance to love at all. While Single's Inferno is about sparks flying among conventionally attractive singles, this new series is about learning how to light that first spark.
Think Love Island meets Queer Eye, with a dose of real-life emotional tinges. In a genre often dominated by superficial romance and over-the-top competition, Better Late Than Single feels like a breath of fresh air.
