‘ToGetHer’ cast member Kim Ri Won issues public apology over past broadcast activity and sexual identity allegations

On April 29, 'ToGetHer' cast member Kim Ri Won released a lengthy statement via social media, directly addressing recent allegations that she previously worked as a provocative broadcast jockey (commonly referred to as a 'BJ' in Korea). The reality star confirmed aspects of her past activity and issued a formal apology to viewers, fellow castmates, and the production team.

"I want to share the truth myself before causing any further harm, and offer my sincerest apologies," Ri Won wrote in her post.

She admitted to having run personal content broadcasts for approximately three years in total: from 2016 to 2018, from November 2021 to March 2022, and most recently from February to September 2024. She also acknowledged participating in six meal dates during her broadcast period, which she emphasized were strictly platonic and involved no physical contact. "I always ensured there was a live broadcast on the day of the meeting to keep a record," she added.

Ri Won expressed regret for not disclosing her past to the show's producers ahead of time, calling it a selfish decision. "Regardless of my personal circumstances, I truly apologize for appearing on the show without informing the production team of my past, which has caused disappointment and pain to many," she said.

'ToGetHer,' Korea’s first lesbian reality dating show, gained attention for its groundbreaking premise. However, as Ri Won’s previous online activities resurfaced, scrutiny over her sexual identity also emerged. Addressing these concerns, Ri Won stated, “I am a woman who loves women. I became aware of my sexual orientation in middle school and had my first serious relationship—a 2.5-year one—with another woman.”

She further shared that she had, at times, dated both women and men due to internal struggles with self-acceptance. Speaking about her most recent relationship with a man, she revealed disturbing details, including threats of outing her sexual orientation, physical violence, and digital abuse. “He threatened to expose my identity to friends and family if I tried to leave. In that terrifying situation, I applied for the program because I wanted to come out on my own terms, not be outed by someone else.”

Ri Won noted that although they briefly reconnected after filming began, they have had no contact since the start of 2025. She has since hired a lawyer and is preparing to take legal action against the individual.

“I acknowledge without excuse that my past includes inappropriate broadcasts and a brief relationship with a man before the show. I believed everything had been settled and wanted to appear on the program as someone who had finally accepted her identity as a lesbian,” she wrote. “In doing so, I ended up hurting the show, its cast, and production staff. I deeply regret and apologize for the harm I’ve caused.”

She also expressed sorrow that her personal actions might perpetuate harmful stereotypes about the LGBTQ+ community. “It breaks my heart that my actions could reinforce misconceptions about sexual minorities. Everyone involved in 'ToGetHer,' as well as the viewers and community, are victims. The responsibility lies solely with me.”