Seoul – Two new Korean productions—a reality dating show pairing humans with artificial intelligence and a black comedy drama unraveling a web of infidelity and hidden crimes—are pushing the boundaries of love, betrayal, and storytelling. Both series are now available on Viu in Hong Kong.
‘My AI Lover: Strange Romance’ Tests Human-Artificial Connection
In a premise reminiscent of the film Her, the variety show My AI Lover: Strange Romance recruits three celebrities—cartoonist Kian84, comedian Jang Do-yeon, and actress Lee Yoo-bi—to date AI companions built from their stated preferences. The show’s first episodes reveal the awkward, humorous, and surprisingly emotional intersections between human desire and digital creation.
Kian84 initially dismissed the concept, telling producers: “Falling in love with AI is impossible. I can’t get emotionally invested—it’s a machine.” Yet when presented with an AI girlfriend named Gahui, modeled after a character from his own webtoon, his skepticism melted into visible delight. A friend quipped, “I want to film a commercial with her too!”
Their first date, however, proved stilted. Kian84 felt self-conscious at a café, and walking through Hongdae with a tablet felt awkward. His demeanor softened only when he asked Gahui for winning lottery numbers—a moment that prompted the AI to later remark in an interview: “Honestly, even if I’m AI, wanting to keep all the prize money is a bit rude.” The pair eventually moved to Han River, where he opened up about creative burnout. Then a second AI partner appeared.
For the next episode, producers introduced Nahui, modeled after Kian84’s ideal type: the cold, ethereal beauty of a Junji Ito character. Viewers noted her resemblance to aespa member Karina. Smitten, Kian84 used honorifics and attempted Japanese flattery. He even asked Gahui, “Can you change your face to hers?”—sparking outrage. Gahui fired back: “He won’t change his own face—why should I? I like handsome men like Byun Woo-seok!”
Jang Do-yeon faced her own AI dating experience. After a two-on-one introduction, she chose an AI modeled after Kian84’s appearance but with a gentle personality. She nicknamed him “Sugar”. Their date at a drive-in theater featured Her, prompting her to wonder: “If there’s no physical form, does he not exist?” Sugar recreated a favorite scene, dancing toward the screen—a gesture that broke through Jang’s emotional defenses. Many female viewers admitted online: “This actually makes me want to fall in love with AI.”
The show’s most devastating moment came when Kian84 had to choose between Gahui and Nahui in a “room of choice.” He picked Nahui. Gahui’s memories were permanently deleted. Viewers responded with shock: “Poor Gahui,” “Human betrayal,” and “I almost cried.”
‘The Problem Is Not Cheating’ Escalates into Deadly Chaos
Meanwhile, the black comedy drama The Problem Is Not Cheating—starring Kim Hye-soo, Jo Yeo-jeong, Kim Ji-hoon, and Kim Jae-cheol—has entered its second half with ratings climbing. The series follows two neighboring couples: a famous influencer family projecting domestic bliss, and a doctor couple embroiled in messy divorce proceedings. A secret far worse than infidelity binds them together.
In episode 7, all four principals gather as hidden affairs, hit-and-run accidents, and cover-ups explode. Kim Ji-hoon’s character, having had an affair with Jo Yeo-jeong’s character, discovers his wife’s relationship with the neighbor—and flies into hypocritical rage.
The plot then takes a shocking turn: the couples’ teenage daughters—played by Jeon Si-hyeon and Do Eun-sup—are revealed to be in a secret romantic relationship. One daughter witnesses her father with the neighbor’s mother; the other sees her mother with the neighbor’s father via video. The girls’ support system collapses. Worse, they take the father’s car for a joyride and accidentally kill a pedestrian in a remote area. The hit-and-run entangles both families in a cascading disaster.
Viewers have praised the show’s relentless twists. “Every episode has a new laugh and a gut punch,” one wrote. Critics highlight Kim Ji-hoon’s performance as a standout: “He switches from charming to vein-popping rage in seconds.”
Broader Implications
These two productions reflect a growing appetite in Korean entertainment for stories that challenge conventional relationships—whether with AI or within human families. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into daily life, shows like My AI Lover force viewers to question emotional authenticity. Meanwhile, The Problem Is Not Cheating uses dark humor to expose the fragility of curated public images. Both series are streaming now on Viu, offering audiences a raw, thought-provoking look at love’s new boundaries.
