Better Late Than Single: Creators Address Fans’ Top Concerns About the Cast

While Better Late Than Single has enjoyed substantial success within the realm of dating shows, viewer feedback has highlighted some concerns following its finale. The producers of this popular Netflix series have addressed these issues, shedding light on the show’s unfolding dynamics.

The show’s concept is straightforward: a group of singles travels to a resort where they engage in various challenges and dates, all in an effort to forge romantic connections. In contrast to other reality formats such as Single’s Inferno, the show’s participants have never previously dated one another, adding a unique twist to the experience.

The series has sparked considerable discussion, from the intimate two-day date shared by Park Ji-yeon and Ha Jeong-mok to the heartwarming transformation of fan favorite Noh Jae-yun as he navigated his own journey. However, a notable point of criticism arose regarding the two newcomers, Lee Seung-chan and Kim Mi-ji, who were introduced just days into the competition but seemed to lack significant representation on screen.

Creators Acknowledge Missteps with New Contestants

Lee Seung-chan in Better Late Than Single — Netflix

The creators of Better Late Than Single—Won Seung-jae, Kim Noh-eun, and Cho Wook-hyung—conceded that introducing Seung-chan and Mi-ji was a significant error. Entering the scene after the main cast, viewers felt the duo lacked development: they ultimately forfeited their choices during the finale due to weak emotional connections forged with other participants.

Following the series finale, a viewer noted on Reddit, “I wish we had more of what was going on with Kim Sang-ho and Mi-ji. Seung-chan literally disappeared.” Another user questioned why post-production had seemingly neglected Seung-chan and Mi-ji’s storyline, commenting, “They should have gotten some screen time in each episode past one second.”

In a discussion with Korea JoongAng Daily, producer Seung-jae reflected on the unexpected fallout from the newcomers’ short presence, stating, “We didn’t anticipate that a one or two-day gap would make such a difference. We didn’t fully understand the intensity of emotions that someone inexperienced in dating would feel.” He added that their shyness significantly hampered their integration into the group.

Should a second season be greenlit, it is likely that these lessons will influence future casting and production decisions.

Producers Respond to Viewer Backlash

Park Ji-yeon and Ha Jeong-mok in Better Late Than Single — Netflix

Additionally, producers defended a scene where Ji-yeon and Jeong-mok appeared to share a kiss under the covers—a moment that some viewers deemed overly risqué given Jeong-mok’s recently established connection with Yi Do. Noh-eun indicated, “We didn’t perceive anything out of the ordinary about that scene. However, I can see how its timing may have surprised some viewers.” He emphasized the importance of this moment in developing emotional context for later interactions.

The team also addressed claims that specific moments felt orchestrated, particularly during game segments like “truth or dare.”Wook-hyung clarified, “Some viewers claimed that our production team dictated the questions, but that’s not true. We shuffled the cards thoroughly and distributed them randomly. The spontaneity of the questions surprised even us.”

Above all, the creators echoed sentiments shared by fans: they urge audiences to refrain from harsh judgments of the cast. Seung-jae remarked, “Both the delightful and awkward moments are reflective of our shared human experiences. I hope viewers can reflect on those moments as memories of their own past selves and show support for our cast.”

Better Late Than Single is currently available for streaming on Netflix.

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