What is Better Late Than Single about? Netflix’s new Korean dating show format and concept explained 

On July 8, 2025, Netflix premiered Better Late Than Single, a fresh South Korean unscripted series that dives into the lives of adults who’ve never been romantically involved. The show's concept centers around individuals who’ve gone their entire lives without dating.

Dubbed Motaesolrojiman Yeonaeneun Hago Sipeo in Korean, its format follows a six-week transformation phase for contestants. After that, they live together for nine days and take on chemistry-driven tasks to find their ideal match.

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What is the format of Better Late Than Single?

The format of Better Late Than Single unfolds in two main stages. First comes a six-week preparation phase where participants undergo a full-on personal reset. It includes tailored styling, physical training, curated meal plans, conversation coaching, and mindset reshaping. The aim is to help cast members build self-assurance before stepping into unfamiliar emotional territory.

The showrunners put applicants through an intensive screening. Out of more than 4,000 hopefuls, only those who could prove their always-single status (via background checks and chats with friends and family) are selected.

Once the makeover period wraps, the group moves into a shared space for nine days. Here, they live under one roof, go on matchups, and tackle interactive missions crafted to stir natural chemistry.

The contestants include No Jae-yun, Ha Jeong-mok, Kang Hyun-ku, Kim Ji-su, Kim Seung-li, Lee Seung-chan, Kim Yo-myung, Kim Sang-ho, Park Ji-yeon, Lee Min-hong, and Yi Do.

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Who are the Cupid Experts in Better Late Than Single?

Netflix’s Better Late Than Single introduces a hands-on mentor system featuring four public figures guiding the cast through their first steps into dating. Referred to as “Cupid Experts,” they include singer-actor Seo In-guk, Kang Han-na, Comedienne Lee Eun-ji, and Car, the garden.

Each mentor is paired with specific participants, making room for one-on-one guidance and real emotional investment. Unlike typical reality dating panels that provide commentary from a distance, the mentors in this series take on active coaching roles.

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What are the creative matchmaking methods in Better Late Than Single?

Each Better Late Than Single episode introduces a different method of selecting dates. In the premiere, participants choose their ideal matches based on first impressions. Following that, the contestant who received the most pickup votes is granted a unique advantage. It is the opportunity to read one of the other cast members’ personal diaries.

A central element in the show is the Singles Diary, a curated set of 10 journals placed on a separate shelf. Each book contains 100 detailed questions answered by the cast, offering deeper insight into their personalities and dating mindsets. This allows for strategic decisions as contestants choose which book to read to learn more about potential partners.

The show also uses mobile phones to keep participants informed of upcoming challenges and schedules. Notifications from the mentors provide updates on tasks, date details, or emotional check-ins. Alongside digital messages, handwritten letters are occasionally sent to their door-side mailboxes.

For instance, in episode 3, the date selection process involved a claw machine challenge. Female contestants were asked to retrieve plush toys, each symbolizing a male participant. The activity determined the next round of dates based on which toy was picked. Viewers can expect more of these creative matchmaking activities as the show continues.

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Better Late Than Single has 10 episodes and will stream every Tuesday on Netflix until July 29, 2025.