"This will bring back memories of your first love." — Seo In-guk
Netflix is launching a unique new dating reality show where contestants with zero dating experience take their first step toward love. From nervous glances to heartfelt emotions, it's a raw, honest journey into first love.
Singers Seo In-guk, Car, the Garden, entertainer Lee Eun-ji, and actress Kang Han-na will serve as "Some Makers" (Love Mentors). Instead of just watching from the sidelines, they'll deeply engage with participants, offering personal insight and guidance.
Kang Han-na shared, "This show felt truly authentic because it's centered around people who have never dated. I didn't expect to root so hard for the person I was mentoring. I genuinely hoped they'd find love."
At the press conference held on July 3 at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall, the cast and producers of "I'm a Total Beginner, But I Want to Date" (directed by Cho Wook-hyung, Kim No-eun, and Won Seung-jae) came together to introduce the show.
🎯 A Makeover Romance Reality with a Twist
The show features a six-week journey where love rookies learn how to fall in love—and express it. Out of approximately 4,000 applicants, a handful were selected to appear on the show.
What sets it apart from typical dating shows? The active role of the Some Makers. They meet regularly with the participants, analyze their personalities, and give targeted advice on everything from communication styles to emotional expression.
Lee Eun-ji said, "Watching someone grow through your advice is so rewarding. Honestly, it felt like a parent-teacher conference at times. I saw them like younger siblings. There's honesty, but also a bit of sass!"
Car, the Garden added, "I've never been great at giving love advice, but I also started dating pretty late, so I related to them. One guy works in defense and, believe it or not, he's got a strong appetite. That's a first for a romance show!"
💫 Not Just a Makeover—But Real Growth
The show goes beyond styling. Participants receive tips on how to speak, behave, and handle awkward or emotional moments.
Seo In-guk explained, "There's a big difference in how you walk when you're wearing sweats versus a suit. We even brought in stylists to boost their confidence."
PD Cho revealed, "We even had 1-night, 2-day overnight dates. We thought, 'Can someone who's never dated handle that?' But it led to some unexpectedly fun scenes."
With each new experience, participants open up. Some make their first-ever love confession, while others hit emotional walls and shed tears. The producers were there to capture every delicate moment.
💔 Awkward, Unpredictable, and Totally Real
First love is awkward. You hesitate, afraid of saying the wrong thing. You take a step forward—too late. That raw, unfiltered emotion is what "I'm a Total Beginner, But I Want to Date" delivers.
Even the Some Makers got emotionally involved. Car, the Garden recalled, "It reminded me of my own clumsy first romance. I remember telling small lies just to impress someone."
Lee Eun-ji added, "I remembered the times I got mad, whined, and begged someone not to leave. When I saw the contestants light up over the smallest bit of attention, I thought, 'This is what first love looks like.'"
Kang Han-na laughed, "Some even talked about getting married later on. That kind of innocent sincerity brought back memories of my younger self."
PD Won Seung-jae wrapped it up by saying, "We're not just offering a 'fling'—we're showing every step of falling in love for the first time. Watch these beginners take their very first leap."
📺 "I'm a Total Beginner, But I Want to Date" premieres on July 8 with Episodes 1–3, followed by Episodes 4–6 on the 15th, 7–8 on the 22nd, and the final two on the 29th.
