Sixty-five cast and crew members arrived last Thursday, Sept. 1, for the filming, which will air beginning Sept. 22 on SBS, one of Korea’s top three nationwide TV channels.
“Getting out of the studio and going on a trip to Saipan seems to have enabled more frank talks from the celebrity couples,” said Angela Youn of the MVA’s office in Korea and coordinator of the location shoot. “Saipan — with its beautiful white coral sand beaches and uncontaminated nature ― is the best place to confirm the couples’ love.”
Eighteen celebrities participated and went on dates with specific themes, including golf, spa, and picnic. The shows will air on Thursdays at 11:15 p.m. on SBS.
“Darling” has an 8.5 percent viewership rating and is especially popular among women ages 30 to 50. The estimated ad exposure value of the shoot is $6.9 million. Korea is in one of the CNMI’s primary tourism markets. The filming was supported by the MVA, Asiana Airlines, Laolao Bay Golf Resort, PIC Saipan, and Hana Tour.
