Mnet’s First Gay Reality Dating Show Sparks Criticism with 18+ Age Rating

Mnet’s first gay dating show “Provocative Dating Z” recently premiered but has caused a controversy over its changed rating

Mnet recently launched its first gay dating show, “Provocative Dating Z,” on September 6th. This program is a revival of the iconic original version that made waves in the 2000s, however, it comes with an age restriction of 18+.

One of “Provocative Dating Z” cast members, the openly gay idol HOLLAND, has taken to social media to express his disappointment with the show’s age rating. He believes it’s unjustified, given the show’s pure focus on same-sex dating without any provocative scenes that are inappropriate for underaged viewers.

HOLLAND wrote on his X and Instagram, “The Mnet dating program ‘Provocative Dating Z,’ in which I appeared, has been changed to an age restriction of 18+. I have doubts about it being classified as age-restricted content when it’s a pure same-sex dating program without any provocative scenes. It deeply saddens me that in Korea, the love of gay individuals is considered unfit for minors to watch,” expressing his frustration.

While the original version of “Provocative Dating” ran for five seasons from 2006 to 2012 with a 15+ age rating, the decision to classify the revived gay dating show as 18+ content has raised questions about whether progress has been made in Korea’s attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community.