Netizens Believe “Single’s Inferno” Highlights Stark Contrast In Attitudes Towards Affection In Korean And Western Reality Shows
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After the success of Netflix’s Squid Game, fans have become obsessed with Korean shows. The most recent show gaining attention worldwide is Single’s Inferno.
The series follows a group of single Koreans looking for love and is similar to the idea of Love Island, which is popular in Western countries.
Although the trailer and teasers of the show hinted that it would be Korea’s answer to those kinds of shows, netizens quickly noticed the stark contrasts between them, which many believe stem from the different cultures.
Your browser does not support video.| Netflix Asia/ YouTube
During the series, although the contestants were on “Hell,” where they had basic amenities, they were all trying to couple up and go to “Paradise,” where they could get to know each other better and have some time alone.
It was no different in the final episodes, where the contestants could have their final dates before choosing whether they wanted to leave the island with someone! In particular, couple Oh Jin Taek and Kang So Yeon gained attention after their romantic date.
When the couple arrived back at “Paradise” for the third time, they seemed much more comfortable with each other. In particular, after feeling a connection, Jin Taek wanted to take the next step with So Yeon. Fans were shocked to see that he asked whether he could sleep in the same bed as her.
After So Yeon seemed nonchalant about it, explaining that it was up to him, Jin Taek kept asking to make sure that she was okay with it.
Fans quickly noticed how polite he was towards So Yeon and, despite sleeping in the same bed together, it was all innocent. They even woke up early just to chat with each other and enjoy the company.
It wasn’t the only time where the duo showcased just how different cultures are in Korea compared to the West. During that same episode, the two seemed very shy when they actually had some physical contact. The first time was when Jin Taek asked So Yeon for a kiss… on the cheek!
It all seemed so pure, and So Yeon had the cutest reaction to it when it happened.
There was only one moment that seemed more “sexual” than the rest, and it was when So Yeon was giving Jin Taek a massage. Although nothing else happened, the closeness of the two felt extremely intimate.
In particular, some of the words Jin Taek said made it seem like the massage was more meaningful to him than to Westerners. It gave the aura of “sex” but without it happening.
However, although it seemed quite affectionate with even the celebrity panel seemed quite embarrassed and unable to watch what was happening. Yet, viewers of the show, and especially those from Western countries, seemed initially confused by the reactions.
In particular, they shared their opinions on the fact that there was a distinct lack of skin-ship during the show, and even this seemed mild compared to those seen on Western shows.
Many pointed to shows like the UK’s Love Island and Too Hot to Handle. In these shows, PDA (public displays of affection) and being forward to people you are attracted to is the norm. Kissing was even part of the challenges set for the contestants.
Your browser does not support video.Netizens pointed out the differences compared to Western shows | Love Island/ YouTube
Many shared their appreciation for the culture of Korea and the respectful attitude the contestants had towards each other. They believed that rather than focusing on the idea of sex and physical intimacy, it was more about gradually falling in love with someone for who they are as a person.
Others pointed out that it was the norm on television shows as Korean broadcast stations have been known to have quite strict rules on actions that might not fit traditional Korean society. Alongside this kind of intimacy, it has also been seen with topics like logos and tattoos.
Once again, netizens have noticed the stark contrasts between Western and Asian cultures. Yet, it shows that affection doesn’t always have to be physical and that viewers love a slow-burning romance based on mutual respect and admiration.
You can read more about the show below.
“Single’s Inferno” Has Finally Finished, And Here’s All The Tea From The Finale
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