While Korean dating shows like Single’s Inferno and EXchange are all about flirting and finding love, JTBC’s new reality show Love War takes a very different approach to that format by diving into the messy side of relationships, featuring couples in crises.
The show only premiered on June 23, but one of its cast members has already found himself at the centre of controversy over some unexpected remarks.
Led by Lee Hyori, Seo Jang Hoon and Kim Heechul, the hosts team up with celeb guests to play “mediators”, analysing the relationship woes of troubled couples and offering their take on how they can work through their issues.
To start things off, the panel took a personality test to uncover their dating styles. Heechul ended up labelled as the “Dictator Genghis Khan” type, a personality said to be more dominant and commanding in relationships.
Hyori asked the Super Junior member if he had ever told a girlfriend to beg or even kneel before him, presumably during an argument.
Heechul initially brushed off the question, saying: “I’ve never forced anyone to kneel.”
He could have just stopped there. But he didn’t.
“Doesn’t everyone tell their partner to get on their knees at least once while dating?” he asked.
The remark immediately left Hyori and fellow panellist, Girls’ Generation’s Yuri, completely stunned, with both women hitting back: “Who does that?”
Realising he may have dug himself a hole after seeing their reactions, Heechul quickly tried to clarify: “Even if you don’t tell them to get on their knees, don’t they just do so on their own?”
Despite his attempt to explain himself, Heechul’s comments didn’t sit well with many netizens, who criticised his remarks and expressed disappointment.
One netizen even wrote: “Looks like he’s really not suitable for dating.”
Others felt his comments were inappropriate, saying they reflected a problematic view of power dynamics and respect in relationships.
Was he simply making those comments for the cameras, or did his revelation hint at something else?