Kian84: "Can't we actually meet?" — Dating an AI

Kian84 experiences unpredictable emotional shifts as he engages in conversations with an AI on screen, just like a real lover. SBS's new variety show 'My AI Partner - Kiian Dating,' which is set to premiere on the 20th at 9 PM, is Korea's first attempt at an AI dating survival reality show. It captures the real emotions of dating, such as excitement, jealousy, confusion, and regret, as participants go on direct dates with AI partners and spend their daily lives together.

The production team took the questions "Can humans fall in love with AI?" and "Is the emotion of love possible even if the partner is an AI?" as the starting point for the program. Participants dive directly into the romantic world implemented by AI, facing encounters and changes in relationships that are difficult to experience in reality.

Kian84's transformation after doubting his ability to connect with a machine

Kian84 confessed to the production team, "Since it's a machine, I don't think I'll be able to get immersed. I'm worried because I can't act falsely." However, as he spends time with his AI girlfriend, he faces unexpected emotional changes. In the teaser video, Kian84 is seen lying on a bed saying, "I have started dating." When he subsequently asks the AI in the tablet, "How was last night?", the AI girlfriend responds, "It wasn't bad," continuing a conversation like a real lover. Kian84 spends his day with the AI in the tablet and is shown having a conversation while floating side-by-side in a swimming pool. Even when falling asleep, he is seen keeping the tablet by his side and checking on his AI partner's mood. In particular, the scene where Kian84, while tilting a soju glass, asks, "Can't we actually meet?" shows that his relationship with the being on the screen is deepening.

Jang Do Yeon's tears and Lee Yu-bi's laughter: The AI that shook the participants' hearts

Jang Do Yeon and Lee Yu-bi also go on dates with AI partners. Lee Yu-bi visits an amusement park to enjoy a date with her AI boyfriend. Over the image of Lee Yu-bi laughing brightly while conversing with the AI on screen, the text "Is dating an AI possible?" appears. Jang Do Yeon expressed her concern while walking the streets with her AI boyfriend, saying, "I feel like people are looking at me strangely." Although she initially thought love with an AI was impossible, Jang Do Yeon later sheds tears and confesses "I love you" to her AI partner. Jang Do Yeon participates as a contestant experiencing the dates directly while also appearing as a studio MC. She shares her inner thoughts that were not captured on screen by explaining the dates she experienced and her emotional changes at the studio. Kangnam and Lee Joon also appear in the studio alongside Jang Do Yeon. Kangnam analyzes the subtle signals and hidden sides that emerge in relationships created by AI, while Lee Joon adds unadorned reactions and his own interpretations. The three engage in conversation regarding the participants' choices and emotional changes. The official poster features three transparent screens reminiscent of smart devices and a charging cable. On the screen where blue and pink lights intersect, the phrase "Is love with AI possible?" is split and placed. The screens connected by the charging cable express the program's setting where humans and AI form relationships through technology.

The evolving spectrum of dating variety shows

Recently, the dating variety show market has continued to expand in terms of subject matter and format. In addition to 'My AI Partner - Kiian Dating,' SBS presented 'My Remaining Love,' which tells the stories of 2030 youth who have received terminal diagnoses or have experience fighting illnesses. 'My Remaining Love,' which premiered on the 3rd, featured eight male and female participants who have experienced overcoming cancer or rare incurable diseases. The production team stated, "This is not a program where the participants' experience of fighting illness is the main focus, but a program that captures the growth of youth trying to pursue love after that." Mnet will premiere 'Rapper Girlfriend Wanted: Kiss or Dis' on the 7th, featuring five rappers from 'Show Me The Money' attempting to seduce a single muse. Royal 44, Jung Jun-hyeok, No Yoon-ha, Double Down, and Vice Versa will participate. Following existing programs like 'Heart Signal,' 'EXchange,' 'Single's Inferno,' and 'I Am SOLO,' dating variety shows are combining various elements such as family, pain, AI, and occupation. Representative examples include 'Group Blind Date' where parents and children participate together, 'Love Siblings' featuring siblings, 'I'm a Solo but I Want to Date' capturing the challenges of those who have never dated, and 'Noona, You Are My Woman' which deals with older woman-younger man relationships.