A Chinese dating game show will air a special episode in Korea to mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea, according to the Korea Tourism Organization, which facilitated the filming of the show in Korea.

The show titled “Fei Cheng Wu Rao” in Chinese (“If You are the One” in English) has had China’s highest TV ratings for five consecutive years. About 400 million viewers watch the weekly show, the KTO said.

The show features men and women choosing their dates through games that reveal information about the candidates.

The show has filmed several special episodes in the U.S., France, U.K., Australia and Canada.

The Korea special will have its opening scenes filmed at major tourist destinations in Korea and feature single men and women living in Korea as contestants. The finalists will participate in a studio shooting in Nanjing, China, in October.

According to the KTO, applications are open to Koreans and expatriates living in Korea who speak fluent Chinese. Those who wish to participate in the show can apply at the Chinese expat online community site at www.icnkr.com. About 500 people have applied so far, a KTO official said.

The show’s emcee Meng Fei will select the final candidates through an audition in September in Korea.

Meanwhile, the KTO expects Korea to emerge as a romantic destination as a result of the special TV episode.

“Furthermore, we plan to develop travel packages aiming at romantic holidays and weddings in the future,” said Han Hwa-joon, director of KTO’s China team.
By Lee Woo-young  (wylee@heraldcorp.com)