'Real Love Lab: Poison Apple' Season 2 to Return in October, Captivating Gen Z with Unique Love Experiments
SBS Plus's hit romance reality show, 'Real Love Lab: Poison Apple' (also known as 'Doksa-gwa'), is set to premiere its second season in October, promising an even more engaging experience for viewers.
Season 1, which aired from May to July last year, earned the title of 'King of Real Romance Reality' and established a dominant presence in ratings and buzz. The show's impact extended beyond television, spawning countless short-form content pieces on YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, many surpassing one million views and demonstrating a powerful 'after-effect' of its popularity. With such a strong reception, Season 2 is poised to capture audiences with the show's uniquely irreplaceable appeal.
'Poison Apple' delves into the dating psychology of the MZ generation, sparking endless conversations about modern romance. The show employs a bold hidden camera format where the partner of a client is observed in real-time reacting to the advances of an 'Apple Girl' (a woman hired to test the relationship's loyalty). This raw, unfiltered look into relationships prompts viewers to ponder dilemmas like 'Is this cheating? Or not?' and 'Would I tolerate this if I were the client?' These discussions spill over into heated debates online long after the episodes air. One particular clip, 'Is it okay to keep contacting someone even if they have a girlfriend?', garnered over 4.08 million views, highlighting the show's viral potential.
The 'Apple Squad,' described as a textbook for flirting, has consistently delivered shocking and buzzworthy moments, even surprising seasoned host Jeon Hyun-moo. Their audacious moves, from subtly suggesting spending more time together to complimenting partners by saying, 'Are you wearing perfume? Your natural scent is lovely,' have been widely shared and resonated with viewers, fueling the show's long-term success.
The 'Apple Girls' from Season 1 became instant sensations, acting as a 'launchpad for stardom' and captivating viewers with their charm and acting prowess. Audiences became deeply invested in the meticulous strategies and performances of the 'Apple Squad,' leading to intense speculation online about the identities of these women. Figures like the 'Karina look-alike Apple Girl,' the 'Miss Korea contestant Apple Girl,' and the 'Global Apple Girl' consistently captured attention and even charted on the 'FunDex Chart,' proving their immense popularity. Viewers eagerly anticipate the new cast of 'Apple Squad' members for Season 2.
Amidst a saturated market of romance reality shows, 'Poison Apple' has solidified its position as an unmissable program by dissecting the essence of relationships with both humor and empathy. The psychological interplay of love and suspicion, along with the fine line of flirting, is presented in a witty and engaging manner, enhanced by the hosts' lively commentary. All eyes are on 'Poison Apple' as it prepares to shake up the romance reality genre once again with its second season.
The show's innovative use of hidden cameras allows for unfiltered glimpses into relationship dynamics, creating genuine suspense and viewer engagement. The 'Apple Girl' concept effectively tests the boundaries of loyalty and commitment in modern relationships. Its success lies in its ability to spark relatable conversations and debates about love and trust.