Mnet’s ‘Couple Palace’ portrays realities of Korean marriage market
Mnet’s latest reality dating show, “Couple Palace,” is poised to provide viewers with insights into Korea’s marriage institution. Regarded as one of the channel’s most ambitious projects, the show follows 50 single men and women, each on a journey to find their ideal life partner.
In Korea, the pursuit of successful marriage is far from simple, extending beyond mere affection. Considerations such as values, economic status, lifestyle, and physical appearance are meticulously evaluated, contributing to what is often referred to as the “marriage market.”
In response to these challenges, Mnet’s “Couple Palace” has enlisted 100 individuals, each with a strong desire to get married, aiming to explore the dynamics of the marriage-seeking group.
The collaboration between chief producer Lee Sun-young, recognized for the success of Mnet’s “I Can See Your Voice,” and producer Jung Min-seok, known for the dating variety show “Love Catcher” (2018), has resulted in the creation of the new show.
Kim Jong-kook, You Se-yoon and former Lovelyz member Mijoo emcee the show, while professional couple managers in the matchmaking industry, namely Jeong Su-mi, Seong Ji-in and Miranda, add their expertise to the show.
These figures gathered for an online press conference to explain program details and share their experiences, Tuesday, the day of premiere.
“It is a mega-couple matching survival that could serve as a condensed version of the 2024 marriage market,” producer Lee explained, emphasizing how the journey to find a partner in a relationship and marriage parallels a survival challenge.
“I heard statements from those genuinely eager to marry, such as ‘I don’t know where to meet a potential partner; there are no opportunities.’ We initiated the program starting from questions like ‘What if people who genuinely want to get married gather? Will numerous couples be formed?’”
The ultimate goal of “Couple Palace” is to successfully match as many couples as possible, ultimately leading to potential marriages. Jung disclosed an ambitious plan he has in mind to actively facilitate real-life marriages through the show.
“I actually wanted to handle the marriage registration paperwork at the end, but I couldn’t bring myself to do that. I hear rumors the participants, among them real couples, are still seeing each other in good spirits,” Jung said.
The show showcases a diverse and unconventional cast from the general public, and the producers express confidence in their selection. The participants include a tax accountant, music video director, former idol, businessman, writer, announcer, model, and lawyer. Despite their varied backgrounds, they all share a common goal: the desire to get married.
Among the emcees, Mijoo, 29, is currently within a similar age range as the 100 participants seeking marriage and she shared her learning experience throughout the show.
“I am gaining valuable information by participating in the making of ‘Couple Palace,’” she said. “In particular, I am learning what I should avoid for a successful marriage. Consequently, my future dating life is something to look forward to. It’s a program where I can reflect on myself.”
The three couple managers in charge of professionally evaluating the participants’ marriage conditions also revealed their stories.
“Many participants in dating programs often struggle with their actions and are unsure about what to do,” Miranda said. “However, in ‘Couple Palace,’ the three of us pinpoint those difficult aspects, so we are anticipating many couples to be born thanks to us.”
MC You emphasized the distinctive role of these couple managers that differentiates the show from other dating programs.
“While other dating programs rely on viewers’ comments to point out problematic participants, our managers directly talk to them in the show, making it extra refreshing.”
“Couple Palace” airs on Tuesdays at 10 p.m.