SBS dating reality Match to Marry (With Parents) has been thrust into unexpected controversy. Viewers are outraged after allegations surfaced that one contestant previously lost an "adulterous relationship" civil suit.
The firestorm began with an interview aired on JTBC's Scandal Supervisor on the 20th. A woman in her 40s, identified as A, claimed, "I was shocked to learn that the woman who had an affair with my husband is currently appearing on a dating show," describing her anguish. She said that in 2022, alongside divorce proceedings, she filed a lawsuit against the alleged mistress and won 30 million won in damages from her ex-husband and the other woman, B—but has yet to receive payment. "It's devastating to see the person who destroyed my family go on TV for blind dates like nothing happened. I couldn't sleep for days," A shared.
By contrast, the named woman, B, denied everything, saying, "This is unrelated to the facts. I've never even received a court ruling." She added, "We are considering legal action over baseless claims."
Soon after the broadcast, it became known that the person in question is a contestant on 'Match to Marry (With Parents),' and the controversy intensified. Given that the show's premise has "ordinary people dreaming of marriage find partners while living together with their parents," viewers say they feel profoundly betrayed.
The production team rushed out a statement: "During casting, we required a pledge that there was no history of crimes, affairs, school violence, or other socially problematic behavior. A penalty clause is stipulated if any falsehood is confirmed." They continued, "We are currently verifying the facts with the individual. Regardless of the verification timeline, we will minimize this contestant's screen time in the remaining episodes." They also apologized: "We are sorry for causing discomfort to other cast members and viewers," adding that further measures are under review.
Meanwhile, 'Match to Marry (With Parents)' is a dating reality show where 10 single men and women and their 10 mothers live together for six days and five nights to find marriage partners. The program drew attention early on for its family-participation concept. However, this controversy is likely to deal a major blow to the show's credibility.