K-Reality TV Couple Under Fire for 'Fake' On-Screen Conflict, Drawing Host Lee Hyo-ri into Controversy

Shim Gyu-deok (심규덕) and Lee Ah-young (이아영), a couple who met on MBN's dating reality show Dolsingglz (돌싱글즈) and are set to remarry, have sparked controversy following their appearance on JTBC's relationship observation program Love War. The couple was seen engaging in heated arguments and constant conflict on the show. However, just one day before the episode aired, they launched a YouTube channel and stated, “Actually, we have a great relationship.” This led to accusations of deliberately fabricating drama for publicity, deceiving both the show and its viewers, and placing host Lee Hyo-ri (이효리) in an awkward position.

In the October 21 episode of JTBC's Love War, Shim Gyu-deok and Lee Ah-young appeared as a couple preparing for remarriage. During the show, Shim Gyu-deok repeatedly criticized Lee Ah-young's spending habits, including purchasing a luxury hair accessory for 400,000 won and spending 2 million won on body management. However, he admitted to spending 4 to 5 million won monthly on his own fitness, drawing criticism for his double standards.

Furthermore, it was revealed that Shim Gyu-deok continued to use a bed he shared with his ex-wife and even requested a counterfeit wedding ring. He also made demeaning comments to Lee Ah-young, such as, “I paid for it, so just say thank you and wear it,” and “What if the child looks like your head?” His domineering and disrespectful attitude shocked those present on set.

Even host Seo Jang-hoon (서장훈) couldn't help but confront Shim Gyu-deok on the spot, asking, “How much money do you even make to be so arrogant?” and “How can you say such terrible things so casually?” This highlighted the extremely tense relationship between the couple on the show.

However, the real controversy wasn't the content of the episode itself, but the couple's actions the day before it aired.