Korean dating show about young cancer survivors captivates Chinese viewers

A Korean dating show following young people who have survived cancer and rare diseases as they seek new love has become a sensation in China.

The South China Morning Post recently reported that "My Remaining Romance," a reality dating program airing on SBS, has exploded in popularity on Chinese social media.

The show brings together eight men and women who have battled blood cancer, stomach cancer, brain tumors and osteosarcoma, all living under one roof as they search for new connections. Unlike conventional dating programs where contestants pitch themselves through their careers or credentials, participants here introduce themselves through "illness diaries" — personal accounts of their time fighting disease.

One contestant, Kim Jong-eun, opened up about being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and having to abandon his dream of becoming a firefighter. He underwent a bone marrow transplant but developed graft-versus-host disease as a complication. "My lung function has deteriorated significantly, and my fingers and joints are stiffening," he said.

Kim Seon-ho revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 4 blood cancer while serving in the military and that his girlfriend left him during that time. "I made a promise with the people in the ward that we would get better and go out for a beer together," he said. "I was the only one who made it."

Another contestant, Kim Min-young, was diagnosed with terminal osteosarcoma at 14 and underwent major surgery on her leg. She said she still cannot bend it fully. "People do not think of walking as something special," she said. "When I see people walking, I want to tell them, 'You have incredible legs.'"

Kim Na-young lost hearing in her left ear to an acoustic neuroma, a type of brain tumor. She said the program led her to think deeply about life and death. "In the past, I was not able to do what I truly wanted," she said. "Now I will cherish this precious time — loving, working, enjoying, and living as my heart leads me."

Lee Eun-sol, the producer behind "My Remaining Romance," said the show was conceived not to dwell on suffering but to focus on recovery and the return to everyday life — specifically, how young people rebuild their lives and find love after illness. "I hope viewers feel the preciousness of an ordinary day, knowing that for someone, that very day was something they could only dream of, and find comfort in that," she said.

The South China Morning Post said many Chinese viewers praised the show and said it prompted them to reassess their attitudes toward life and love. "I was deeply moved watching this program," one viewer said, "because I could see young people who had endured great pain and hardship opening their hearts and bravely embracing new love."

Another viewer said the show powerfully captures the universal desire for love even among those living with serious illness. "Being diagnosed with cancer does not mean you are unworthy of love," the viewer said. "Love transcends physical illness — it is a connection between two souls."