Lesbian dating show To Get Her contestant Riwon addresses camgirl past, admits dating men after controversy: 'It's true'
The debut of To Get Her, South Korea's first lesbian dating reality show, aimed to break new ground in queer representation. However, shortly after its premiere on April 25, the show became embroiled in controversy centered around contestant Kim Riwon.
To Get Her contestant Riwon accused of queer-baiting and faking her sexuality
Riwon, who quickly gained popularity among viewers for her charisma and visuals, faced allegations of queer-baiting and accusations of faking her sexuality. These claims intensified when images and videos from her past as a "racy streamer" surfaced online, leading to widespread criticism. In response, Riwon deleted all posts from her Instagram account, which had approximately 293,000 followers. Further, she also penned a lengthy note, explaining her past and clarifying her sexuality.
Riwon shares a heartfelt letter after the controversy
Riwon responded to the growing backlash by sharing a heartfelt, handwritten apology on her Instagram account. In the letter, she acknowledged past controversies stemming from her streaming days and addressed the criticisms directly.
In her statement, Kim admitted to having hosted personal broadcasts during three separate periods: for about two years starting in 2016, again from November 2021 to March 2022, and most recently from February to September 2024. During this time, she said she went on six dinner outings, which she emphasized were strictly for meals with no physical contact involved. To maintain transparency, she noted that she streamed on each of those days to leave a clear record.
Kim acknowledged that regardless of the context or her intentions, she should have disclosed this part of her past to the production team before joining the show. She admitted that her decision not to do so was selfish and led to disappointment for many, offering a sincere apology for the hurt caused.
'I am a woman who loves women': Riwon
Riwon addressed the speculation around her sexuality and accusations of queerbaiting, firmly clarifying her identity. 'I am a woman who loves women,' she stated, sharing that she first came to understand her orientation in middle school. Her first relationship—with another woman—lasted over two and a half years.
She went on to open up about her internal struggles, admitting there were periods when she tried to deny who she truly was. This led her to date both women and men over the years. She shared that she was in a long-term relationship with a woman until June 2024, but during a time of ongoing self-doubt, she briefly dated a man in August.
Riwon addresses her past relationship with a man
Riwon revealed that her ex-boyfriend became abusive when she tried to leave, threatening to out her, using violence, and even issuing death threats. She said she joined ToGetHer to come out on her own terms rather than be forcibly outed. Though they briefly reconnected after she was cast, they've had no contact since early this year. Riwon has now hired a lawyer and plans to take legal action.
Former streamer apologises to the LGBTQ+ community
Riwon ended her statement with a heartfelt apology to the show's cast, crew, and the LGBTQ+ community. She admitted, 'It is true — without excuse — that I previously hosted inappropriate broadcasts and saw a man before filming began.'
She said her decision to join ToGetHer came from a desire to accept herself but acknowledged, 'I selfishly decided to appear on the show… I ended up causing harm to the show and deeply hurting the cast members and production staff.'
Riwon added, 'The cast and production team knew nothing about my past. They, too, are victims.' She expressed deep regret for 'tarnishing the significance of being part of Korea's first lesbian dating show,' saying, 'All the responsibility lies solely with me.'
Fans come out in Riwon's support
Despite the backlash, many fans have come out in support of Riwon, praising her honesty and vulnerability.
One fan wrote, "Riwon is so articulate with her words and handled everything with so much grace despite thousands of men mocking, harassing, and outright discriminating against her because of her past. I want to give her the tightest hug because she really doesn't deserve all the nonsense backlash."
riwon is so articulate with her words and handled everything with so much grace despite thousands of men mocking, harassing, and outright discriminating her bc of her past, i wanna give her the tightest hug bc she really doesn't deserve all the nonsense backlash #ToGetHer pic.twitter.com/qhleEtPpkr
"After everything, I just feel sorry for her. Everyone has a past, but she chose to stand up instead of giving up. Being LGBTQ+ in Korea is tough — she's so brave. I love Riwon and will always support her. Please don't let her leave the show," a second user wrote.
After everything, I just feel sorry for her. Everyone has a past, but she chose to stand up instead of giving up. Being LGBTQ+ in Korea is tough — she's so brave. I love Riwon and will always support her. Please don't let her leave the show.#ToGetHer pic.twitter.com/4HSfSbKc1A
A third X user wrote, "Who gives a fuck if Riwon is a camgirl or not? She's a woman who loves women, and that's all I need to know, period."
who gives a fuck if riwon is a camgirl or not, shes a woman who loves women and that all i need to know period. pic.twitter.com/AeIkDhNkTF
Another user mentioned, "I STAND BY LEE RIWON. She revealed her past, her trauma, her truth, and her love. And instead of meeting her with compassion, evil men criticized and shamed her, questioned her identity, and twisted her pain into scandal. She was THREATENED and ASSAULTED. But still chose to declare her truth for everybody to know: I am a woman who loves women. I have the right to exist, to love, and to heal."
I STAND BY LEE RIWONShe revealed her past, her trauma, her truth, and her love. And instead of meeting her with compassion, evil men criticized and shamed her, questioned her identity and twisted her pain into scandal.She was THREATENED and ASSAULTED. But still chose to… pic.twitter.com/wyHUCvgtZA
To Get Her is streaming on OTT platform Wavve and available internationally via Rakuten TV.
For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
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