What Exactly IS ‘Badly in Love’?
Okay, so imagine a dating show, but instead of the usual influencers or office workers, the cast is made up of self-described “delinquents” or ‘yankii’ (a Japanese subculture associated with rebellion). The show brings together 11 men and women who have lived on the fringes of society—we’re talking former biker gang leaders, ex-Yakuza members, and people with full-body tattoos—and puts them in a house together for 14 days to see if they can find true love. The English title is ‘Badly in Love,’ and it’s available worldwide on Netflix. It’s produced by the Japanese actress Megumi, who was a self-professed ‘yankii’ herself and wanted to create a show that featured people being their true, unapologetic selves.
Why is Everyone So Obsessed (and Divided)?
The show is completely different from your typical Korean dating shows like ‘Heart Signal’ or even ‘Single’s Inferno.’ The drama starts from the literal first two minutes, when two male contestants get into a physical fight and have to be separated by security! They are brutally honest, curse freely, and aren’t afraid of confrontation. One of the female contestants, known for her full-torso tattoos, has become a hot topic online.
This raw, unfiltered approach has made it a massive hit. It shot to #1 on Netflix in Japan and has gained surprising popularity in Korea and other Asian countries. However, it’s also facing a lot of criticism. People are worried that the show glorifies crime and violence by portraying these individuals in a romantic light. The central question everyone is asking is: Can you really date someone with a past like that? And should a TV show be promoting it?
A Look at Japan’s ‘Yankii’ Culture
To really get it, you have to understand a little about ‘yankii’ culture in Japan. It’s a subculture that is often associated with rebellious youth, customized school uniforms, and sometimes connections to biker gangs (bosozoku). The show’s creator said they wanted to tap into the ‘yankii’ way of communicating—being direct and clashing head-on with your true feelings—because it feels so different from modern society where many people hide what they really think.
While the contestants have these tough exteriors, the show also dives deep into their past traumas and surprisingly vulnerable sides. They confront their pasts and try to form genuine connections, which is the part that has many viewers hooked. It’s not just about fights; it’s also about redemption and trying to find acceptance.
So, Would You Watch It?
Despite the controversy, the show is so popular that a second season has already been confirmed just two weeks after its premiere! It’s definitely a culture shock, especially when you compare it to the polished K-dramas and variety shows we’re used to. It’s raw, it’s messy, and it’s honestly fascinating.
It makes you think about whether people deserve a second chance at love, no matter their past. What do you guys think? Is this kind of show too much, or is it a refreshingly honest take on reality TV? Let me know!
