In a statement released on the 21st, the production team said it began an emergency re-edit as soon as the issue surfaced and has “decided to delete the contestant’s appearances in every upcoming episode so viewers can watch without discomfort.”
The firestorm ignited on the 20th when a woman identified as A appeared on JTBC’s news program "Crime Chief", alleging that another woman, identified as B, who is currently on a romance reality show, had an affair with A’s then-husband in the past. A previously won a 2022 civil suit related to the affair, with a court ordering her ex and B to pay roughly 30 million won in damages. A says she has yet to receive the money. B, in a response to the show, denied any connection to the case and said she had never received a court ruling, adding she would pursue legal action over baseless claims.
After the broadcast, viewers connected B to a female cast member on "Match to Marry", intensifying the backlash.
Producers said they asked the contestant to clarify the facts but “have not received specific answers.” They added, “Regardless of what is ultimately verified, we sincerely apologize for the discomfort caused to viewers by a controversy tied to one of our cast members.”
Addressing casting and vetting, the team noted it conducts written questionnaires and in-depth, face-to-face interviews to screen for disqualifying issues in a contestant’s past or present. Consent forms also include a clause stating contestants have not been involved in crimes, drug use, extramarital affairs, or school bullying, with penalties for false statements. “Within the bounds of the law, we made every effort to verify that each contestant’s background was fit for broadcast,” producers said.
“Despite those efforts, we are deeply dismayed by the controversy stemming from a cast member’s past,” they continued. “Most importantly, we offer a heartfelt apology to viewers who were hurt and to the other participants who approached filming with sincerity.”
They pledged to tighten verification procedures to prevent a repeat. “To everyone who supports 'Match to Marry', we’re sorry for the concern. We’ll strive to make content with greater authenticity and accountability.”
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
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