What to Expect From South Korea’s First Gay Dating Reality Series, ‘His Man’
South Korea has a reputation for being one of the most conservative countries in the world. Because of this, South Korea still frowns upon discussing LGBTQ+ rights. In this country, LGBTQ+ rights still have a long way to go since they are is still relatively hostile toward the LGBTQ+ community. This is why it is incredible to see this country produce the gay dating reality series, His Man.
A show like His Man is a major moment in a country like South Korea. His Man brings together a group of eight hot, sexy, free, and single gay men in a shared house. They live, interact, and become vulnerable with one another in this home while they search for their “real love.”
His Man is the first LGBTQ reality dating show in South Korea. In fact, this was the first time I had heard of an Asian gay dating show. This is why it is unbelievable to watch it take place for the first time in a conservative country like South Korea. Now, here’s what to expect from His Man that will surely make you hooked to the show.
What to expect from South Korea’s first gay dating reality series, His Man
Diverse Men
First off, His Man is not your normal Western dating reality program where contestants are being eliminated. This is why we have the opportunity to get to know them better. Everyone who enters the competition seems to be a fairly regular person looking for a life partner. Although they all appear handsome, as the show progresses, what makes them likable is their personalities.
These men have a variety of personalities, types of men, and views on various relationship-related topics. How the eight men differ from one another and how their personalities gradually come into focus as the show unfolds is one of the things that will keep you hooked on it. You will fall in love with each and every one of them, and in each episode, you will undoubtedly pair up each man with a different man.
If these eight have anything in common, it’s that they’re all sensible people. There is a shyness about them all when they all enter the house. Over the course of the first episode, they are wary as they get to know one another. Also, the show has not attempted to sexualize the participants or otherwise portray them in a bad light. Instead, you will witness these participants as courteous and sweet.
Their vulnerabilities
The contestants’ vulnerabilities lend this show a more realistic quality. One of the participants was being unselfish, while another was hiding his feelings toward someone. More of this when you watch the show that makes you relate when you like someone. These are the moments of the show where you will see the contestants beyond their gender, rather you will connect to them as human beings. They depict the disappointments, misunderstandings, regrets, and heartbreaks that we as viewers also go through.
In addition, they are all queer that have different challenges. This covers their coming-out stories, their time in high school, their previous relationships, and their relationships with their parents. This is a positive representation of queers in the media. We got to witness a gay man’s actual hardships and way of living.
This is an inspiration for queers in South Korea because there aren’t many LGBT representations in the media. Additionally, it can enlighten cis-gender heterosexuals about the support that the South Korean LGBTQ+ community needs.
Heart-fluttering and nail-biting phone booths
Furthermore, after their dates are ended at the end of the episode, each man is compelled to make a 30-second phone call to another man in the house. They call those they feel a connection to or want to spend more time with to see if something can develop.
I must admit that when these calls were being made, it always make my heart flutter and makes me thrilled. Adult men expressing their feelings to complete strangers is definitely adorable. At the same time, it is nerve-wracking since you are anticipating who they will call. It is also heartbreaking, confusing, and baffling at times. It is something that keeps me interested in the show.
Wholesome and tender moments
The dates of the men are equally as romantic as the heart-stopping phone booths. Every date you see will undoubtedly make you smile and laugh. Their flirtatious exchanges and subtle confessions are so endearing that you will certainly become addicted to them. You will see how pure and sincere love slowly grows between two people.
Along with a romantic and intimate relationship, you will surely see how friendship grows among the eight. Despite having different personalities and perspectives, they still develop an enthralling bond. They resemble different puzzle pieces that still fit together.
Overall, the show was really good; in fact, you can see that it has enough budget to have high-quality production. It is evident that the production team truly invest in the show. In the meanwhile, I want to applaud the eight men who took part in the program. They showed bravery by appearing on the show alone and being exposed. They participated and were just themselves in spite of knowing that they may face prejudice and hostility after.
In essence, the country’s acceptance of the production of His Man is a major victory for the LGBTQ+ community. Particularly in light of the very positive portrayal of these people. I would like to see a more positive representation of the LGBTQ+ community in South Korea and around the world.
I really believed that South Korea may be a ray of hope for the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to acceptance. And now that it is happening right in front of us, it is fascinating to see it develop, and I hope to see more of these in the future.
