Netflix has struck a chord in the crowded dating reality market with 'Better Late Than Single', the first Korean dating show to feature people who have never been in a romantic relationship.

The series, which quickly climbed into Netflix's global Top 10 non-English TV chart, drew participants from a pool of more than 4,000 applicants.

Producing director Kim Noh-eun said the turnout exceeded expectations.
"We didn't expect such numbers. Not everyone applied because they couldn't date. Some had simply chosen not to, while others wanted to challenge themselves by experiencing love for the first time," she said.

To ensure authenticity, producers conducted rigorous checks, interviewing families and friends, verifying dating histories, and even requiring affidavits.

Producing director Won Seung-jae explained the reasoning.
"Talking to them, we understood why they hadn't dated yet. It all made sense," he said.

Director Cho Wook-hyung recalled his first impression of contestant Jae-yoon.
"He seemed enclosed in his own world but also eager to break out of it. That's why he was perfect for the show," Cho said.

Unexpected moments during filming also shaped the final cut. A roller-skating scene, originally designed to show couples holding hands, ended differently.

"I thought we were in real trouble," Cho admitted with a laugh, as participants skated apart.

He later added, "Yet in the final cut, that awkwardness underscored the participants' authentic inexperience."

At one point, Jae-yoon was spotted hiding in the bushes.
"It was funny but also heartbreaking for him. Still, it captured the vulnerability we wanted viewers to understand," Cho said.

The directors emphasized the importance of stepping back.
"When producers intervene too much, participants wait for instructions and lose their natural reactions. Observing quietly was the most important lesson," Cho said.

Despite only one couple forming, the team called the show a success.
"Jae-yoon had a spark to change. Yeom-yeong and Seung-ri also showed courage. I hope viewers found courage through them as well," Cho said.

After filming, the team provided psychological counseling and encouraged participants to limit social media use.

"They felt overwhelmed being exposed to a new environment. We arranged for psychological counseling and even advised them to refrain from using social media for a period to avoid indiscriminate messages," Kim said.

Looking ahead, producers see international potential. "The idea of 'never-dated' singles is intriguing in the West," Cho said. Kim added, "Regardless of age, the excitement of a first romance is universal. That emotional common ground is what global audiences can connect with."

The show's decision not to edit out intimate moments divided viewers, but producers defended their choice.

"For the participants, these were once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Cutting them would have implied we were passing judgment. We wanted to show genuine, unfiltered moments of love," Cho said.

Kim underlined what set the series apart. "In an era flooded with dating shows, we were the first to highlight the special experience of a first romance. It was clumsy but heartfelt, and that sincerity resonated with viewers. Watching someone's first love unfold can be more powerful than any scripted drama," she said.

With speculation about a second season rising, Kim offered a hopeful response.
"If given the chance, we'd be grateful to produce a second season," she said.

Won echoed the sentiment.
"We know the positive reactions came from sincerity, and that will remain our focus if we return," he said.

Cho ended on a lighthearted note.
"If we do Season 2, we'll definitely leave out the punching machine," he joked, drawing laughter from reporters.