Kim Ri-won, a participant in the Wave original entertainment show 'Love Alarm', publicly apologized on April 29, 2025, for causing distress to the cast, production team, and viewers. In her statement posted on social media, she expressed her sincere regrets, saying, "I deeply apologize for causing concern and discomfort to everyone involved, including the cast, crew, and all the viewers who have supported me." This acknowledgment came in light of the controversies surrounding her past as a broadcast jockey (BJ).
Ri-won revealed that she had worked as a BJ for a total of about three years, spanning several periods: approximately two years from 2016, four months from November 2021 to March 2022, and seven months from February 2024 to September 2024. She explained that during her broadcasting activities, she had about six dinner dates, all of which she claimed were platonic gatherings. "All meetings were conducted as healthy dinner gatherings without any physical intimacy," she clarified, emphasizing her intent to maintain professionalism.
However, she expressed regret for not disclosing her past to the production team before participating in 'Love Alarm'. "Despite my personal circumstances, I failed to inform the production team about my past, and I sincerely apologize for disappointing many people because of my greed," she stated.
In her candid account, Ri-won identified herself as a woman who loves women. She shared that she became aware of her sexual orientation during middle school and had her first serious relationship with a woman that lasted two years and six months. "I had long-term relationships with women until June 2024, and in August, I briefly dated a man, motivated by my desire to deny my identity," she explained.
Ri-won also disclosed the challenges she faced with her ex-boyfriend, who allegedly threatened her with exposure of her sexual orientation to friends and family, along with physical and emotional abuse when she expressed a desire to end the relationship. "He initially helped me by organizing my broadcast videos, but when I wanted to break up, he threatened me with violence and exposure. I wanted to come out on my own terms rather than be outed by someone else, which is why I applied for this program," she confessed.
Despite her past, Ri-won emphasized that she now has a different job and has moved on from her previous broadcasting activities. "I believe I have cleared up all traces of my past broadcasts, and I want to acknowledge my identity as a lesbian," she stated. She concluded her statement by taking full responsibility for her actions, saying, "I acknowledge that all of this stems from my selfishness and inappropriate past. Everyone involved, including the LGBTQ+ community and viewers, are victims. I take full responsibility for the hurt I have caused to everyone."
'Love Alarm', which is Korea's first lesbian dating reality show, premiered on April 25, 2025, and has since garnered significant attention. The show, produced by the same team behind the popular male dating reality series 'Others' Love', aims to depict the romantic lives of women. The first two episodes were released on Wave, and new episodes air every Friday at 11 AM.
During the first episode, Ri-won described her dating preferences, stating that she is drawn to women who are small, cute, and have a fairy-like presence. She mentioned, "I like to see the smiling face of the person I love, and if a rival emerges, it might add to the fun of dating." Her comments about her dating style have resonated with viewers, and interest in her personal life has surged.
Following the broadcast, discussions about Ri-won's past BJ activities surfaced prominently on lesbian dating apps and online communities. The controversy led her to delete all posts on her Instagram account, which has around 293,000 followers. Despite the backlash, the show's popularity has risen, with viewers increasingly curious about Ri-won's dating style and her past.
As the first lesbian dating reality show in Korea, 'Love Alarm' is not just a platform for romance but also a space for exploring LGBTQ+ identities and experiences. The revelations about Ri-won have sparked conversations about representation, acceptance, and the complexities of coming out in a society where such identities are still often stigmatized.
In light of the ongoing discussions surrounding her past and the implications for her current role on 'Love Alarm', it is clear that Kim Ri-won's journey is one of both personal growth and public scrutiny. As the show continues to air, it will be interesting to see how her story unfolds and how it resonates with the audience, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.
As viewers tune in every Friday, the hope is that 'Love Alarm' will not only entertain but also foster understanding and acceptance for diverse sexual orientations, paving the way for more inclusive representations in media.
