Controversy Surrounds "ToGetHer" Contestants Riwon and Hangyeol
Background of the Show
"ToGetHer," Wavve’s groundbreaking lesbian dating show, premiered on April 25, 2025, as Korea’s first reality program focused on queer women. Featuring contestants like Riwon, Hangyeol, Seoyeon, Heeyoung, Jinah, Mirang, and Dagyo, the show gained attention for its progressive concept. However, just two episodes in, controversies involving contestants’ personal lives, particularly Riwon and Hangyeol, led to significant backlash and a pause in airing.
[](https://kbizoom.com/together-riwon-hangyul-scandal/)[](https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/k-pop/news-its-useless-watch-anymore-together-fans-outraged-episodes-3-4-delayed-amid-ongoing-controversies-involving-riwon-hangyul)Riwon’s Past Sparks Initial Controversy
Riwon, a popular influencer and fan favorite, faced scrutiny when netizens uncovered her past as an adult broadcast jockey (BJ), involving adult-themed streams and “meal dates” with viewers. On April 29, 2025, Riwon issued a handwritten apology on Instagram, admitting to her BJ activities from 2016 to 2024 and clarifying that meal dates involved no physical contact. She also addressed her sexuality, confirming she is a lesbian and had previously dated a man due to self-denial, influenced by an abusive ex who threatened to out her. The production team acknowledged oversight in background checks but urged fans to refrain from hate.
[](https://www.koreaboo.com/news/damning-evidence-exposes-popular-lesbian-dating-show-constants-racy-streamer-past/)[](https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/k-pop/news-we-ll-boycott-show-cut-scenes-internet-defends-riwon-together-contestant-addresses-sexuality-streaming-career-allegations)[](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/shows-dramas/20250430/to-get-her-cast-member-riwon-apologizes-over-past-adult-broadcast-work)Hangyeol’s Accusations Escalate Tensions
On May 1, 2025, Hangyeol, the show’s youngest contestant at 19, posted on social media accusing Riwon of making an “inappropriate proposal.” Hangyeol claimed Riwon invited her on an overseas trip, initially perceived as casual, but later described it as involving a “meal date,” implying a sponsored date linked to Riwon’s past profession. Hangyeol suggested Riwon made similar offers to others and criticized her for using her sexual orientation to promote her career. These claims intensified public criticism of Riwon.
[](https://www.koreaboo.com/news/lesbian-dating-show-participant-damning-accusation-co-contestant/)[](https://www.mk.co.kr/en/hot-issues/11306407)[](https://www.mk.co.kr/en/entertain/11306323)Riwon’s Response and Denials
Riwon swiftly denied Hangyeol’s allegations, calling them false and clarifying that the overseas trip was a lighthearted discussion about shared food interests during filming, not a serious proposal. She shared screenshots of their conversations to refute claims and accused some cast members, including Hangyeol, of gossiping about her past. Riwon expressed distress, mentioning dark thoughts and announcing her withdrawal from Korean media after the show’s conclusion to avoid further harm. She also apologized for any discomfort caused to viewers and the LGBTQ+ community.
[](https://kbizoom.com/together-riwon-hangyul-scandal/)[](https://www.kpopmap.com/navigating-controversy-liwons-response-to-your-love-allegations/)[](https://hallyuplus.net/threads/korean-lesbian-dating-show-to-get-her-drama-updates.87796/)Connection to Choi Si Hun
The controversy took another turn when Riwon’s screenshots referenced a “Billboard executive,” speculated by netizens to be Choi Si Hun, Ailee’s husband and an influencer. Some claimed Riwon offered to introduce Hangyeol to him for industry connections, but Riwon denied any direct association, stating she worked with a separate agency and would avoid actions harming Choi or his company.
[](https://www.koreaboo.com/news/ailee-husband-gets-dragged-lesbian-dating-show-contestant-controversy/)[](https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/to-get-her-why-is-ailees-husband-choi-si-hun-being-linked-with-riwon-hangyul-controversy-1385698)
Placeholder image representing the "ToGetHer" controversy. No specific image or GIF was provided.
Public and Fan Reactions
Public opinion remains divided. Some Korean netizens criticized Riwon’s past and questioned her sexuality, while international sapphic fans rallied in her defense, attributing the backlash to homophobia and misogyny. Fans on X expressed frustration with Hangyeol’s accusations, calling them immature and harmful, and urged the production not to cut Riwon’s scenes, threatening a boycott. Others criticized the show for failing to protect its cast from harassment.
[](https://www.pride.com/gay-tv/why-korean-lesbian-dating-show-together-has-been-paused-the-controversy-explained)[](https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/k-pop/news-we-ll-boycott-show-cut-scenes-internet-defends-riwon-together-contestant-addresses-sexuality-streaming-career-allegations)Impact on the Show
Due to the escalating controversies, “ToGetHer” postponed its third and fourth episodes, originally set for May 2, 2025. The production team announced a review and potential re-editing to respect the cast’s experiences and public feedback. The delay sparked fan outrage, with some calling for the show’s cancellation, arguing it failed to uphold its mission of queer representation. The show is expected to resume airing, but its future remains uncertain.
[](https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/k-pop/news-its-useless-watch-anymore-together-fans-outraged-episodes-3-4-delayed-amid-ongoing-controversies-involving-riwon-hangyul)[](https://www.pride.com/gay-tv/why-korean-lesbian-dating-show-together-has-been-paused-the-controversy-explained)Conclusion
The “ToGetHer” controversy highlights the challenges of queer representation in Korean media, compounded by societal scrutiny and personal accusations. As Riwon and Hangyeol navigate the fallout, the show’s handling of the situation will likely influence future LGBTQ+ programming. Fans continue to advocate for Riwon’s well-being and the show’s original vision of celebrating queer love.
Sources: Koreaboo, KBIZoom, Sportskeeda, Pride.com, The Korea Times, allkpop, Pinkvilla, X posts