Participants in new SBS dating-themed reality show "Possessed Love" / Courtesy of SBS

There was no heart-fluttering moment at first sight in the new SBS reality show "Possessed Love." Instead, participants sought their respective soulmates through divination and throwing fortune-telling coins in an eerie shrine.

Unlike typical dating reality shows where participants rely on first impressions and appearances to make judgments, "Possessed Love" reveals soulmates from the outset. This is done by consulting wooden boards displaying their birthdates based on "saju," or the four pillars of destiny, which determine a person's fate or destiny based on birthdate and time.

Premiering on Tuesday to positive reviews, the show features a diverse cast of eight young fortune- tellers. Among them are a prestigious Yonsei University mathematics graduate-turned-fortune teller and tarot expert, a third-generation shaman continuing a family tradition, and a shaman specializing in performing exorcisms.

In the first episode, the participants already made predictions about their destined partners. Some of them chose each other based on these predictions and they even hinted at events that might unfold in their relationships, making viewers wonder if these things will actually happen.

"I found this dating show particularly interesting because it revolves around the theme of fate and destiny — a common trope in Korean dramas with couples reuniting in their present lives after meeting in a past life," said Korean American K-drama fan Jenny Kwon.

A scene from new SBS dating-themed reality show "Possessed Love" / Courtesy of SBS

New formats

The Korean broadcasting landscape is abuzz with a constant flow of dating shows.

In SBS's "I'm Solo," single men and women gather to date, while MBN's "Love After Divorce" brought in single divorcees and looks at the process of them seeking love again. Tving's "EXchange" reunites couples who have broken up to find new connections and JTBC's "Love Siblings" puts a lens on stories of siblings teaming up to find each other's partners. SBS's "Real Dating Lab: Poisoned Apple" adopts experimental settings with hidden cameras to put the love of real couples to the test.

Experts say dating-focused reality shows have always enjoyed popularity and have continually evolved, experimenting with different concepts and formats. Shows like "Love Siblings" and "Possessed Love" are seen as part of this ongoing evolution.

Culture critic Jung Duk-hyun says "Possessed Love" is fresh enough to intrigue young viewers.

"In the past, it was common for people to check their saju before getting married, but now for this young generation, it's more of an entertainment trend. Unlike the stereotypical shamans — old people clad in hanbok (traditional Korean clothing)— these (millennials and Gen Zers) shamans have a cool look," he said.

He also noted that the criteria they have for finding love is unconventional, unique and fun.

"We see criteria like 'I don't have any water (an element of saju)' or 'That person has too much water' according to saju readings, not like appearance, personality and career... Also whether their predictions based on their profession are correct or not stirs viewers' curiosity."

Poster for SBS reality show "Real Dating Lab: Poisoned Apple" / Courtesy of SBS

History of dating-themed reality shows

The first generation of Korean dating-themed reality shows, which started back in 2011 with SBS' smash hit show "Jjak" (couple), took a turn with Channel A's "Heart Signal" (2017), which saw four seasons up until 2023.

"The 'Heart Signal' is a dating-themed reality show but in a more dramatized form. So when viewers watched it, it felt more like a fantasy drama, immersing people in a melodrama-like experience. Then as the local OTT (over-the-top) platforms grew, people started to see bolder and more provocative dating shows such as 'Single's Inferno,'" said the critic.

Viewers are now witnessing a fresh lineup of shows such as "Love Siblings" and "Possessed Love," signaling a new era in reality shows.

"'Love Siblings' is interesting because it's not just about dating, but also about family dynamics and reality. By incorporating the family's perspective and showing the characters through the eyes of their blood relatives, the show naturally reveals not just one-sided aspects of the characters but also how they have lived their lives before now. This is a dating reality show that highlights how a person's life story is also a part of their individual charm," he said.

"Similarly, 'Possessed Love' is also on this track, seeking something new. It's a dating-themed reality show that starts with dating but then delves into new aspects of relationships based on participants' unique professions."