‘ToGetHer’ Contestant Riwon Issues Apology Following Past Controversy
Riwon, a contestant on Korea’s pioneering lesbian dating reality show ToGetHer, has publicly apologized following the resurgence of past controversies that surfaced during the airing of the show. On the 29th, Riwon posted a heartfelt apology on her social media account, addressing viewers, fellow contestants, and the production team.
“To the fellow cast members, the production crew, those who supported me, and everyone who watched our show—I extend my sincere and deepest apologies for causing concern and discomfort,” she wrote. She revealed that from 2016 for approximately two years, again from November 2021 to March 2022, and most recently from February to September 2024, she was privately involved in content broadcasting, amounting to nearly three years. Additionally, she admitted to meeting with acquaintances on six separate meal dates, emphasizing that these meetings were conducted without physical contact and solely consisted of proper social interactions.
Riwon admitted that she failed to disclose this history to the production staff prior to appearing on the show, expressing regret: “Despite my personal circumstances, I should have honestly informed the team in advance. I am truly sorry for the disappointment and pain this caused to so many.”
She further shared details about her identity and romantic history: “I am a woman who loves women. I became aware of my sexual orientation in middle school, and my first meaningful relationship lasted over two years. Although at various times I attempted to deny my identity, including engaging in relationships with both women and men, I ultimately recognized and wanted to affirm who I truly am.”
Riwon described a difficult and abusive relationship with a man she met briefly in 2024. “He initially helped manage my content but later became aggressive, threatening to out me to acquaintances and family, hacking, blackmailing, and even physically harming me.” In light of this, she decided to come out on her own terms by participating in ToGetHer.
She noted that she retained legal counsel and is preparing to file a lawsuit regarding the matter. In conclusion, she admitted that appearing on the show while holding back parts of her past was the result of selfish desires and a longing to reclaim her true identity. “I sincerely apologize once again for any harm caused to the production and my fellow cast members,” she wrote.
ToGetHer is Korea’s first lesbian dating reality show, developed by the team behind the critically acclaimed male dating series His Man. The show has garnered significant attention for its groundbreaking representation of LGBTQ+ relationships on mainstream media.
