June 25, 2021 (2021-06-25) – April 19, 2024 (2024-04-19)
Exchange (Korean: 환승연애; RR: Hwanseungyeonae; stylized as EXchange) also known as its Korean title literal meaning Transit Love, is an original South Korean dating reality show that airs every Friday on TVING, an OTT service in Korea. The series comprises three seasons. The first season aired in 2021, followed by the second season in 2022, and the third season in 2023.
Overview
The reality show is about ex-couples that broken up because of various reasons gather in to reunite with an ex-lover or find a new person. The show featured ten single men and women, who are brought together to live for weeks at a time, go on dates and get to know each other without knowing who each other's X[a] is. The participants of this show is not strangers, but rather an ex-lover. Four pairs of ex-couples live under one roof, some of whom are hoping to reunite with their former flames and some who are ready to find romance with the other participants.
The main focus of the production team was the chat room system where the participant can choose a person they like and give them a message for each round. In addition, text messages saying "X chose you" and "No" started with a point that X's existence should be differentiated.[1]
Production
Development
For the season 1, Producer Park Sang-hyuk, who directed Strong Heart and Roommate on SBS and Island Musketeers, Seoul Mate, and Snail Hotel on Olive and tvN, is the head producer of Na Young-seok's division, and has produced everything from Grandpas Over Flowers to Youth Over Flowers, Three Meals a Day, Youn's Kitchen, etc.
Producer Lee Jin-ju, who was with Summer Vacation, took charge of directing for season 1 and season 2.[2]
For the season 3, Producer Kim In-ha took charge of the directing process because Producer Lee Jin-ju moved to JTBC.[3]
Complete Production Credit
All production credits was adapted from TVINGOfficial website unless otherwise stated.
Season 1
Park Sang-hyuk (producer)
Lee Jin-ju (producing director)
Choi Mi-rae
Lee Hee-seon
Kim Seul-gi
Lee Seung-hwan
Shin Hae-won
Park Hyung-won
Choi Yu-jin
Lee Gwan-ui
Jung Ji-won
Jeon Yeong-sin
Yeom Mi-ran (writer)
Woo Ji-hoon (writer)
Jung Ji-yeon (writer)
Season 2
Lee Jin-ju (producing director)
Jin Bo-mi
Yeom Mi-ran (writer)
Woo Ji-hoon (writer)
Jung Ji-yeon (writer)
Kim Hye-mi (writer)
Kim Dan-bi (writer)
Season 3
Kim In-ha (producing director)
Lee In-sun (writer)
Kang Dong-seok (writer)
Kang Gwi-young (writer)
Popularity
On December 15, 2021 TVING announced that it analyzed the total number of video on demand (VOD) users (UV) data for TVing users from December 2020 to December 2021 and selected a total of 15 contents (nine programs and six movies) by genre and preference. TVing's original "Exchange" topped weekly viewership for 10 consecutive weeks recorded to be the highest contribution to TVing's paid subscription, and was selected as 2021 entertainment show.[4]
Although TVING did not reveal the exact number of views of "Exchange," it is undeniable that it is drawing high attention. It has become a hot topic in 43 videos including the full version of the show in a month since the first episode was released on June 26, surpassing 10.52 million,4867 views. On top of that, the cast's Instagram and other social media are also booming. Not only is the number of YouTube subscribers increasing, but the number of Instagram followers has doubled, raising interest in individual cast members.[1]
The biggest contributor to increasing the accessibility of TVING is definitely ‘'Exchange’'. It was promoted as a domestic original content that could captivate Korean viewers in the OTT market. Exchange captivated people in their 20s and 30s who are more active in watching TV, and it became an opportunity to promote TVING to the public and a representative program. As a result, TVING's paid subscribers and MAU (number of monthly users) rose sharply. In August, when EXchange was airing, MAU reached an all-time high of 3.87 million, and TVING usage rates soared in the third quarter. It was a result of the success that followed the syndrome of excessive immersion and proof of viewing on social media by people in their 20s and 30s.[5]
Former: women's short track national team member Current: short track starter referee & Senior specialized exercise healthcare (graduated from Korea University)
Joined from Episode 6
Seo Min-hyung
1996
Former short-track player Surgeon at Chung-Ang University Hospital
Man X Pick Date (The male participants pick the date partner for their own X)
Lee Hye-won (Jo Hwi-hyun)
→
Seo Dong-jin
Song Da-hye (Seo Dong-jin)
→
Choi Chang-jin
Lee Seo-kyung (Lee Ju-won)
→
Seo Dong-jin
Lee Yu-jung (Choi Chang-jin)
→
Lee Ju-won
Kong Sang-jeong (Seo Min-hyung)
→
Jo Hwi-hyun
Lee Jong-eun (Kim Gwang-tae)
→
Choi Chang-jin
Jeju Round 4
Woman X Pick Date (The female participants pick the date partner for their own X)
Jo Hwi-hyun (Lee Hye-won)
→
Song Da-hye
Seo Dong-jin (Song Da-hye)
→
Lee Jong-eun
Lee Ju-won (Lee Seo-kyung)
→
Lee Jong-eun
Choi Chang-jin (Lee Yu-jung)
→
Song Da-hye
Seo Min-hyung (Kong Sang-jeong)
→
Lee Jong-eun
Kim Gwang-tae (Lee Jong-eun)
→
Lee Yu-jung
Jeju Round 6
Two-way Pick Date
Jo Hwi-hyun
↔
Lee Seo-kyung
Seo Dong-jin
↔
Lee Hye-won
Song Da-hye
→
Choi Chang-jin
Lee Ju-won
→
Song Da-hye
Choi Chang-jin
→
Lee Seo-kyung
Lee Yu-jung
→
Lee Ju-won
Seo Min-hyung
→
Lee Yu-jung
Kong Sang-jeong
→
Lee Ju-won
Kim Gwang-tae
→
Lee Seo-kyung
Lee Jong-eun
→
Lee Ju-won
Jeju Round 7
X Date
Jo Hwi-hyun
↔
Lee Hye-won
Seo Dong-jin
↔
Song Da-hye
Lee Ju-won
↔
Lee Seo-kyung
Choi Chang-jin
↔
Lee Yu-jung
Seo Min-hyung
↔
Kong Sang-jeong
Kim Gwang-tae
↔
Lee Jong-eun
Jeju Round ?
Two-way Pick Date
Seo Dong-jin
↔
Lee Hye-won
Lee Ju-won
↔
Lee Yu-jung
Choi Chang-jin
↔
Song Da-hye
Kim Gwang-tae
↔
Lee Seo-kyung
Jo Hwi-hyun
→
Seo Min-hyng
→
Kong Sang-jeong
→
Lee Jong-eun
→
Confession Result
Participants
Label
Seo Min-hyung
↔
Kong Sang-jeong
Ex
Seo Dong-jin
↔
Lee Hye-won
New
Choi Chang-jin
↔
Lee Yu-jung
Ex
Jo Hwi-hyun
→
Lee Hye-won
Ex
Song Da-hye
→
Choi Chang-jin
New
Lee Ju-won
→
Lee Yu-jung
New
Lee Seo-kyung
→
Lee Ju-won
Ex
Kim Gwang-tae
→
Lee Seo-kyung
New
Lee Jong-eun
→
Lee Ju-won
New
Aftermath
As of August 2024, Season 1's Ko Min-young and Lee Ju-hwi,[7] Season 2's Sung Hae-eun & Jung Hyun-gyu and Lee Na-yeon & Nam Hee-do,[8][9] Season 3's Seo Min-hyung & Kong Sang-jeong and Choi Chang-jin & Lee Yu-jung remained dating.[10][11]
As of July 2024, two exes from Season 3— Song Da-hye & Seo Dong-jin and Lee Seo-kyung & Lee Ju-won— who did not pick each other on the show decided to date outside the show.[12][13][14]
Episode list
Promotional Poster for Exchange Season 1 (left), Season 2 (middle) and Season 3 (right) respectively
Season
Episodes
Originally aired
First aired
Last aired
1
15
June 25, 2021 (2021-06-25)
October 1, 2021 (2021-10-01)
2
20
July 15, 2022 (2022-07-15)
October 28, 2022 (2022-10-28)
3
19
December 29, 2023 (2023-12-29)
April 19, 2024 (2024-04-19)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Guest
Running Time
Original air date
Ref.
Season 1
1
1
"Can I live in the same house with my ex-lover?" Transliteration: "He-eojin Yeon-in-gwa Han Jib-e Sal Su Isseubnikka?" (Korean: 헤어진 연인과 한 집에 살 수 있습니까?)
"Can you release a new song about your ex-lover" Transliteration: "Jeon Yeon-in-eui Sae-ro-un Sijak-eul Eumwonhaejul Su Isseubnikka" (Korean: 전 연인의 새로운 시작을 음원해줄 수 있습니까)
The arrival of X Introduction letter. The letters contain an introduction for all eight participants in the dating show, written by their respective ex-lovers. All the ex-lovers have written good and appealing things about their exes in these letters, leaving everyone quite emotional. Almost all participants tear up while reading these letters, especially Song Da-hye. She has been struggling with her feelings for her ex-boyfriend from the very beginning of the show. In Seo Dong-jin’s letter, his ex-girlfriend expresses a hint of regret for their break-up. Song Da-hye receives an extremely long and heartfelt introduction letter from her ex-boyfriend. Meanwhile, Cho Hwi-hyun receives a funny and witty introduction letter from his ex-girlfriend, Lee Hye-won. Throughout episode 2, Lee Hye Won seems quite interested in Kim Kwang-tae, which makes her ex, Cho Hwi-hyun, a bit upset as it has only been a day since they entered the dating show. The participants also sent each other messages anonymously. However, the show reveals to them whether the message is sent by their ex-lover or not, leaving a few members heartbroken. Song Da-hye broke down again after learning that her ex had not sent her any message. The next morning, everyone goes to work and returns at different times to the dating show house. After returning from work, Seo Dong-jin takes Lee Yu-jung with him to buy donuts for everyone. Song Da-hye is the third one to return to the house after work. The second episode of Transit Love (Exchange) season 3 ends with Song Da-hye struggling with her emotions and shedding tears alone.
38
3
"Such a Long Farewell" Transliteration: "I-to-rok O-raen I-byeol" (Korean: 이토록 오랜 이별)
The four men in the show select a picture of a place quite memorable to them. The women in the house choose one of those pictures to determine with whom they will be going on a date the next day. Lee Hye-won picks Seo Dong-jin’s picture, and Lee Yu-jung chooses Cho Hwi-hyun’s picture. Meanwhile, Song Da-hye picks Lee Ju-won’s picture, and finally, Lee Seo-kyung chooses Kim Kwang-tae’s picture. Thus, on the very next day, these pairs will go on a date to the place the four men selected by choosing the picture. The women then get the opportunity to anonymously chat with the ex-lovers of their dates in the Ex-chat room of the reality show. They all try to get as much information about their dates as possible. At the end of episode 3 of Transit Love (Exchange) season 3, the show reveals that Seo Dong-jin and Song Da-hye are ex-lovers. The two sit together for a face-to-face, intense conversation. Both of them broke down during their conversation. They talk about what went wrong in their relationship and how they feel for each other now. The conversation also disclosed another significant information that the two were in a relationship for a total of thirteen years.
39
4
"A Piece of Memory" Transliteration: "Chu-eok-eui Han Jogak" (Korean: 추억의 한 조각)
Episode 4 begins where episode 3 ended. In episode 4, all eight participants prepare for their very first date after coming to the dating reality show. The show made pairs anonymously in the third episode. The selection of the pairs happened based on the pictures of places chosen by the male participants. The newly made pairs are Song Da-hye and Lee Ju-won, Lee Seo-kyung and Kim Kwang-tae. The other two couples are Lee Hye Won and Seo Dong-jin, and Lee Yu Jung and Cho Hwi-hyun. Lee Ju-won taking Song Da Hye on their first date. They go to an old record store. Throughout their entire date, they are seen laughing together and just having fun. However, there are a few moments when the location of the date makes Lee Ju-won think about his ex-girlfriend. Kim Kwang-tae takes Lee Seo-kyung on a date to a library area. Kim Kwang-tae successfully makes Lee Seo-kyung quite comfortable, and the two spend some good time together on their date although Lee Seo-kyung was a bit sick that day. Seo Dong-jin takes Lee Hye-won on a date to the sea. The fourth episode only does not show Cho Hwi-hyun and Lee Yu-jung’s date. Lee Hye-won and Seo Dong-jin begin their date with a bit of nervousness, but the two soon become comfortable with each other. They are also quite considerate of each other’s feelings. They enjoy the splendid sea beach and eat some amazing seafood. Their date also goes well. At the end of the episode, it is revealed that Lee Hye-won has correctly guessed that Song Da-hye is Seo Dong-jin’s ex-girlfriend. While returning home, in the car, she discloses to Seo Dong Jin that Song Da Hye went for a morning run with Kim Kwang Tae. The news seems to upset Seo Dong Jin. The episode ends with Seo Dong Jin casually asking Song Da Hye whether she had fun on her date or not, and Song Da Hye responds with a “yes.”
^ abcdefghiBamBam became a fixed panelist therefore no guest invited
^ abBamBam absent due to schedule therefore Gray was invited as Guest
Notes about the soundtrack
^"Love Remnants" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but peaked at number 77 on the Download Chart.[113]
^"Let the Star Shine Us Again" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart but peaked at number 93 on the Download Chart[114] and peaked at number 163 on the BGM Chart.[115]
References
^ abMoon Jiyeon (August 28, 2021). "이진주 PD "엑스들 미련, 예상 못했죠"..드라마 넘는 '환승연애' 매력" [Producer Lee Jin-joo said, "X's regret, I didn't expect it." The charm of "Exchange" that goes beyond drama]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 29, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
^Jin, Hyang-hee (February 21, 2024). 현실 K-남매의 팩폭 연애전쟁, '연애남매' [Real-life K-siblings' pack-related love war, 'Love Siblings']. Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 29, 2024. Retrieved May 2, 2024.
^Kang Aeran (December 15, 2021). "티빙 올해의 예능에 '환승연애'…" [TVING This Year Entertainment Show "Exchange"]. Yonhap News Agency (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 8, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
^Park Su-in (December 15, 2021). "티빙 효자 콘텐츠 '환승연애-술도녀' 입소문 타고 흥행까지" [TVING's filial content "EXchange-Drunk Girl" went through word of mouth to make it popular]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 8, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
^Yoo, Byeong-cheol (October 27, 2022). "'환승연애2' 뱀뱀, '예능 치트키'로 급부상…"'웃수저'라는 별명 기분 좋아요"" [‘Transit Love 2’ BamBam, emerges as a ‘entertainment cheat key’… “It feels good to be nicknamed ‘Sweet Spoon’”] (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 29, 2024. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
^Lee, Jeong-hyeok (August 6, 2024). "'환승연애1' 이주휘♥고민영, 결혼 임박? 수천만원대 웨딩링 사진 올려" ['EXchange 1' Lee Ju-hwi♥Ko Min-young, marriage imminent? Post a photo of a wedding ring worth tens of millions of won]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Retrieved September 2, 2024.
^Yeon, Hwi-seon (August 14, 2024). "성해은♥정현규 결별설? 일본여행 목격담, '환승연애' 커플들 이상無" [Sung Hae-eun♥Jung Hyun-gyu breakup rumors? Eyewitness accounts of their travel to Japan, nothing more than 'transit love' couples]. OSEN [ko] (in Korean). Retrieved September 2, 2024.
^Choi, In-seon (August 26, 2024). "'남희두♥' 이나연 2억원대 슈퍼카 공개..."영앤리치로 유명"" ['Nam Hee-doo♥' Lee Na-yeon reveals supercar worth 200 million won... "Famous for Young & Rich"]. Newsis (in Korean). Retrieved September 2, 2024.
^Ryu, Ye-ji (July 23, 2024). "공상정♥서민형, 도로교통법 위반...지적하자 "뭐 어쩌라고" 불쾌감 드러내" [Kong Sang-jeong♥Seo Min-hyung, violation of road traffic laws... When pointed out, he expressed his displeasure by saying, "What should I do?"]. Ten Asia (in Korean). Retrieved September 2, 2024.
^Lee, Su-hyeon (July 19, 2024). "'환승연애3' 이유정♥최창진, 현커들의 더블데이트 '훈훈'" ['EXchange 3' Lee Yu-jung♥Choi Chang-jin, the double date of the current couple is 'heartwarming']. Topstar News.
^Park, Se-yeon (July 2, 2021). "우즈, '환승연애' OST 참여 '해가 될까'" [Woodz, "Exchange" OST Participation "Sun or Suck"]. MK News (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
^Jeon, Ye-ji (September 2, 2021). "하성운, 3일 '환승연애' OST 'Thank you' 발매" [Ha Sunwoon released the "Exchange" OST "Thank you" on the 3rd]. Star in News (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
^Young, Hana (July 29, 2022). "빅톤 강승식, '환승연애2' OST 참여부터 깜짝 게스트 출연까지" [Victon Kang Seungsik, "Exchange 2" OST Participation and Surprise Guest Appearance]. ChosunBiz (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
^Park, Su-in (September 2, 2022). "'환승연애2' 해은 규민 비타민 장면 삽입된 OST 발매, 휘인 가창" ["Exchange 2" The OST on Haeun and Gyu Min's vitamin scene is released, Whee In singing]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 27, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
^ abcdChoi, Yun-jeong (September 23, 2022). "'환승연애2' OST 발매…'갈등'·'다시, 설렘'" ["Exchange 2" OST release..."Conflict","Again, heart flutters"]. Newsis (in Korean). Seoul. Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
^Young, Hana, ed. (September 30, 2022). "아이비아이 출신 이해인, '환승연애2' OST 참여…감성 자극 'Rewind'" [Ex I.B.I member Lee Hae-in participate on "Exchange 2" OST...Emotional stimulation, "Rewind"]. ChosunBiz (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
^ abcdefgKim, Won-hee (January 9, 2024). "폴 블랑코X헤이즈→장하오, '환승연애 3'OST 호화 라인업" [Paul Blanco x Heize → Zhang Hao, "Exchange 3" OST Luxurious Lineup]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024 – via Naver News.
^Cho, Su-hyeon (January 19, 2024). "제로베이스원(ZEROBASEONE) 장하오, '환승연애3' 통해 데뷔 후 첫 OST 선보인다" [Zerobaseone Zhang Hao First OST Appearance After Debut with "Exchange 3"]. Star Daily News (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 19, 2024. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
^Cho, Su-hyeon (January 26, 2024). "'환승연애3' 연인들의 현실 공감+눈물샘 자극 OST, 최유리 '뻐끔' 오늘(26일) 발매" ["Exchange 3" Sympathy + Tears Stimulation OST, Choi Yu-ri’s '뻐끔' Released Today (26th)]. Star Daily News. Archived from the original on August 29, 2024. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
^Seon, Mi-kyung (March 1, 2024). 임슬옹X이성경, '환승연애3' 과몰입 부른다 [Lim Seulong x Lee Sungkyung, 'Exchange 3' Calls for over-immersion]. Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 25, 2024. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
^Moon Ji-yeon (July 6, 2022). "제1회 청룡시리즈어워즈 후보 공개..'오징어 게임'·'SNL코리아' 최다노미" [The 1st Blue Dragon Series Awards nominees revealed.. Most Nominees for 'Squid Game' and 'SNL Korea'] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved July 6, 2022 – via Naver.
^Lee, Ha-na (July 19, 2024). 제로베이스원 장하오 OST 인기상 "좋은 모습 많이 보여드릴 것"[청룡시리즈어워즈] [Zerobaseone Zhang Hao OST Popularity Award "I will show you many good things" [Blue Dragon Series Awards]]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2024-07-22. Retrieved 2024-07-19.
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