South Korea is set to debut its first dating reality show featuring artificial intelligence (AI) partners in a new series titled *My AI Partner: Strange Romance*. Produced by SBS, the program is scheduled to premiere in August and will explore the complex question of whether humans can develop romantic feelings for AI-generated companions.
The show follows a group of singles as they navigate an environment crafted by AI, forming connections with AI partners designed to evoke genuine emotional responses. SBS has described the series as an investigation into the nature of human emotions and the potential for love to transcend traditional boundaries. According to the broadcaster, while the participants interact with AI entities, the feelings that emerge are distinctly human, revealing the emotional depth possible in such unconventional relationships.
At the forefront of the cast is Kim Hee-min, a 41-year-old webtoon artist and media figure better known by his pen name Kian84. Renowned for his popular works such as *Fashion King* and *Bokkah Wang*, Kian84 has also gained widespread recognition through television variety shows like *Home Alone* and *Adventure By Accident*. In 2023, he notably became the first non-celebrity recipient of the grand prize at the MBC Entertainment Awards. This new venture promises a more intimate portrayal of Kian84, capturing his candid reactions as he experiences a range of emotions—from excitement and anticipation to caution and disappointment—while engaging with an AI partner.
Supplementing the contestants’ experiences, the show incorporates a studio panel format featuring comedian Jang Do-yeon, singer Kangnam, and actor-singer Lee Joon. Jang Do-yeon serves a dual role, participating in the AI dating experiment herself while also providing commentary alongside her co-hosts.
*My AI Partner: Strange Romance* will be available for global streaming on Netflix, though SBS has not disclosed the full lineup of contestants or the exact premiere date. The series arrives amid the continued popularity and evolution of dating reality shows in South Korea’s crowded television market, where creators have introduced novel concepts to engage viewers. Recent examples include shows that involve family members in their children’s dating lives and others that physically connect participants in unique ways.
Dating reality programs have proven to be cost-effective productions that consistently draw solid viewership by offering emotional resonance. They also serve as platforms to explore broader societal themes, such as the impact of AI on personal relationships, evolving social norms, and generational attitudes toward love and dating in modern South Korea.