“New Guilty Pleasure” or the Next 'Single’s Inferno'? The Ultimate K-Dating Show Is Here

SBS’s dating reality show 'Possessed Love 2' has made a dramatic entrance, drawing an enthusiastic response right from its premiere.

The first episode, which aired on the 25th, recorded a peak viewership rating of 2.3% (Nielsen Korea, metropolitan area), securing the top spot among terrestrial channels in its time slot.

Bringing together MZ-generation fortune tellers in search of love, the first episode instantly captivated viewers with upgraded visuals and supernatural abilities. With five shamans, two fortune tellers, and an astrologer joining the cast, the heightened presence of spiritual experts—combined with a new astrology-based approach—had audiences hooked from the start.

The lineup included a five-month rookie shaman, a fortune teller who can determine a person’s elemental sign just by looking at their face, and more, each boasting unique abilities and striking visuals. As they made their grand entrance, cast member Gabee remarked, “This feels like breaking a curse,” while MC Yoo In-na shuddered, saying, “I just got goosebumps,” heightening anticipation.

Before officially meeting, the eight contestants gathered at the 'Shinmyeong-dang' to predict their destined partners based solely on birth date and time. Some whistled, others shook bells or waved fans—using mystical tools exclusive to 'Possessed Love'—while one shaman even argued with their guiding spirit, declaring, “This time, I’m doing things my way!” MC Gabee, intrigued, commented, “This is going to be wild.”

Once all eight participants met in person, tension immediately filled the air. Shamans Chae Yoo-kyung, Jang Ho-am, and Lee Kang-won instantly sensed a mysterious energy from one another, recognizing fellow shamans on the spot. Meanwhile, shaman Lee Kang-won correctly guessed shaman Lee Ra-yoon’s MBTI type and even identified their ancestral hometown, adding an unexpected layer of excitement. Seated among the shamans, second-year fortune teller Ha Byung-yeol couldn’t hide his feelings, exclaiming, “Wow, I can literally feel my energy draining,” causing laughter among the MCs.

During the public first-impression selection, shaman Jung Hyun-woo paired with astrologer Kim Yoon-jung, while shamans Lee Kang-won and Lee Ra-yoon exchanged name tags, signaling mutual interest. Shaman Jang Ho-am and fortune teller Hong Yoo-ra also formed a connection, with Hong emerging as the most sought-after contestant. She earned a special privilege at Shinmyeong-dang—the ability to check the birth sign of one contestant—further spiking curiosity.

Following the heart-fluttering first impressions, subtle power struggles began to surface. Shamans Jang Ho-am and Lee Kang-won tested each other’s instincts, while fortune teller Hong Yoo-ra seemed to keep a close eye on the dynamic between Jang Ho-am and Chae Yoo-kyung, building an air of suspense.

As the episode neared its end, the first official selections took place. Shaman Jung Hyun-woo chose Kim Yoon-jung, shaman Lee Ra-yoon picked Lee Kang-won, and fortune teller Hong Yoo-ra also selected Lee Kang-won as her destined match, setting up an intriguing love triangle. Adding to the drama, it was revealed that shaman Lee Kang-won’s spiritual identity was a White Monkey, intensifying the tension. The preview also teased the arrival of two hidden contestants, further fueling excitement for the next episode.

Viewers are completely hooked on 'Possessed Love 2,' describing it as pure dopamine. Fans took to social media and online forums immediately after the broadcast, expressing their excitement. Many shared how their dopamine levels skyrocketed, while some mentioned watching the show with their grandparents, who were just as captivated. Others commented on how time flew by without them realizing they had finished the episode, calling it their new guilty pleasure. Some noted that while Season 1 had a milder tone, Season 2 is bringing the heat and will only get spicier. Viewers were also impressed by the unique concept, wondering who came up with such an idea.

With fate and instinct colliding in an unpredictable love experiment, 'Possessed Love 2' promises an intense tug-of-war between unavoidable destiny and raw attraction. The show airs every Tuesday at 10:20 PM KST on SBS.