Kazakh student in Korea seeks romance: 'He asked me to a hotel after drinks'

A Kazakhstani international student who came to Korea dreaming of the pure romance seen in K-dramas shared her realistic dating struggles, prompting entertainer Seo Jang-hoon to advise caution regarding the use of dating apps.

In the global special of the KBS Joy variety show 'Ask Us Anything Fortune Teller' aired on the 20th, a 27-year-old graduate student from Kazakhstan appeared to express the difficulty of finding an ideal partner in real life.

The guest revealed that she has enjoyed Korean dramas since childhood and has learned the language to the point where she can watch them without subtitles. "Watching the serious and beautiful love of the protagonists in dramas, I thought I could find such love if I went to Korea," she said. "It has been about two and a half years since I came to Korea."

However, she confessed that reality has differed from her expectations. "Among the men approaching me, there were many who only wanted casual encounters," she said, expressing her concern: "I don't know how to distinguish between a good person and someone who isn't."

The guest explained that she turned to dating apps because she had few opportunities to meet people. In response, Seo said, "That is the biggest problem. By trying to meet people through apps, the possibility of encountering those who only want casual encounters increases."

When the guest explained that "in Kazakhstan, there are many cases of people meeting and marrying through dating apps," Seo clarified, "I am not criticizing the apps themselves." He added, "While there are cases of meeting good people, there is also a risk of meeting people with unverified identities. I am saying to be careful because there are many cases where people actually suffer harm."

The guest then revealed her experiences with men she met through dating apps. Some suggested living together immediately after a first meal or said they were "looking for a fun partner," and one fitness trainer surprised the cast by suggesting they go on a trip with his parents on their very first date.

She also mentioned having similar experiences with paid blind date programs. She could not hide her disappointment, confessing, "A man I was in contact with eventually said, 'Let's drink and go to a hotel.'"

The guest stated that she has met a total of six men through dating apps during her approximately two years and six months in Korea.

To this, Seo advised, "There are other ways to meet people, such as introductions from reliable acquaintances. As you continue to learn Korean and live here, you will develop an eye for people. Rather than giving your whole heart from the start, take enough time to observe the person while building a relationship."

During the consultation, the guest picked 'Boys Over Flowers' as her favorite K-drama. Upon hearing this, Seo laughed and said, "Men like those in dramas almost don't exist in reality," making the studio erupt in laughter.

Lee Soo Geun also recommended dating based on trust, saying, "Taking enough time to truly get to know the other person is more important than anything else." The two MCs agreed that finding ideal love requires careful meetings and a sufficient verification process.