'We Won't Be the First' Season 2: Comfort or Controversy?
"We Won't Be the First" is a South Korean reality TV show that returns in 2025 for its second season after a four-year hiatus. The JTBC variety program, whose Korean title roughly translates to "We Won’t Be the First to Divorce," follows the everyday lives of married comedian couples. The show is built on the unique premise that none of Korea’s comedian couples have gotten divorced — and it dives into why that might be.
Season 2 reunites past cast members like Choi Yang-rak & Paeng Hyun-sook and Park Joon-hyung & Kim Ji-hye, while introducing fresh faces such as Son Min-soo and Im Ra-ra. The program blends humor with everyday drama as it explores the dynamics of marriage through these entertainers' personal lives. Behind the laughs lies a more serious exploration of what makes relationships last—especially under the public eye.
The Positives: Humor Meets Empathy
Audiences initially fell in love with the show because of its raw, relatable stories. From disagreements over finances to emotional struggles like infertility, the show touches on themes familiar to many. But rather than dramatize them, it frames these issues with a comedic lens — thanks to its cast of natural-born performers.
One episode in Season 1, for example, explored a couple dealing with infertility and the psychological toll it took on them. The vulnerability and honesty struck a chord with viewers — many of whom shared similar experiences. The show also emphasized communication and reconciliation between couples, providing models for healthy conflict resolution.
The Drawbacks: Over-sharing and Over-editing
However, all this exposure comes at a price. Reality TV thrives on drama, and even the most authentic moments are susceptible to being manipulated for entertainment. Critics argue that in the quest for viral moments, the show sometimes exaggerates marital strife or focuses disproportionately on certain couples’ problems.
In Season 1, one particular couple's argument appeared so amplified that viewers speculated whether it was heavily edited or even scripted. Such tactics raise questions about authenticity — and whether the show is starting to value sensationalism over sincerity.
The Tension: Public Support Meets Ongoing Concerns
Viewers remain divided. Some applaud the show for shedding light on the realities of marriage, especially within high-pressure professions like comedy. Others worry that the exposure puts undue stress on the couples, potentially worsening conflicts off-screen.
Sensitive topics like infertility or financial strain, once shared on air, run the risk of being trivialized for laughs. Others fear that the show sets unrealistic expectations about marriage — painting arguments as always lighthearted or easily solvable, which isn't true for many.
Online forums reflect this dichotomy. While some fans express excitement over the new cast members and are hopeful for authentic storytelling, others remain cautious. There’s concern that Season 2, launching without Season 1 host Park Mi-sun due to health reasons, might lean heavier on drama to fill the void.
Conclusion: Walking a Fine Line
“We Won’t Be the First” walks a tightrope between being heartwarming and being intrusive. Its best moments provide healing, humor, and real talk about marital struggles. Its worst might retraumatize or overexpose its cast.
Future success depends on how carefully the producers tread this path. The show must preserve its empathetic tone without crossing into exploitation. If handled responsibly, it can continue offering value — not just as entertainment, but as a social commentary on love, communication, and resilience.
