HOLLAND Calls Out Mnet’s First Gay Dating Show For Its 18+ Rating

Openly gay K-Pop idol HOLLAND has called out Mnet for its 18+ rating of a new dating show.

Mnet’s first queer dating show Provocative Dating Z (also known as Dizzying Blind Date Z), with hosts Lee Eun Ji and Hong Seok Cheon, recently premiered on September 6th. HOLLAND is one of six gay contestants, and he has been advertising the show, excited for the progress and queer representation on television.

Holland‘s dating program is soon..???? https://t.co/IPCAIPf6m4

— HOLLAND (@HOLLAND_vvv) August 24, 2023

Yet, Holland has now called out Mnet in social media posts across Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). He wrote his honest feelings in both English and Korean, expressing his disapproval of the 18+ rating.

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.

— HOLLAND

엠넷의 연애 프로그램 ‘아찔한소개팅Z’ 가
연령제한 18세로 변경되었습니다.

자극적인 장면 없이 순수한 동성애자 연애프로그램일 뿐인데 연령제한 영상으로 판단되는 것에 대한 의문이 듭니다.

한국에서 게이들의 사랑은 미성년자가 볼 수 없다는 것에 대한 깊은 유감을 표합니다. pic.twitter.com/hBrr4kuhRg

— HOLLAND (@HOLLAND_vvv) September 20, 2023

It deeply saddens me that in Korea, the love of gay individuals is considered unfit for minors to watch.

— HOLLAND (@HOLLAND_vvv) September 20, 2023

HOLLAND recognized that the show does not contain “provocative” or “explicit content.” So, he suspects it’s due to conservative beliefs that minors should not be exposed to LGBTQIA+ content.

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A post shared by HOLLAND (@holland_vvv)

HOLLAND is naturally passionate about LGBTQIA+ social issues, such as representation and equality. He especially has declared his hope that LGBTQIA+ kids would be encouraged through his voice.

i want to always say thank you for being with me. i hope all my past fans and the new ones i'll meet in the future are happy. can i be your friend forever? love u

— HOLLAND (@HOLLAND_vvv) September 12, 2023

For Mnet’s new gay dating show, which he features, to be restricted to only adults totally goes against his goals as he always hopes to encourage LGBTQIA+ youth who feel marginalized.