{
  "id": 1853604,
  "title": "Seoul's matchmaking program returns as 1st couple prepares to wed",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/seouls-matchmaking-program-returns-as-1st-couple-prepares-to-wed-1853604",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-19T03:12:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/people-events/20260819/seouls-matchmaking-program-returns-as-1st-couple-prepares-to-wed"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In September, Seoul's government will resume its popular matchmaking program, \"Seoulting,\" with additional activities centered around the city's landmarks. This initiative, launched in November 2024, aims to address Korea's low birthrate by providing a safe, city-supported opportunity for busy professionals to meet potential partners. So far, the program has held five events, including themed gatherings around the Han River and art. Despite strong demand, the program has only 500 spots available, with a high competition rate of over 36 applicants for every available spot. The program has already matched 126 pairs of individuals. Post-event surveys indicate a remarkable 92 percent of participants expressed a desire for the program to continue regularly, highlighting its high level of satisfaction among attendees.",
  "summary": "The Seoul Metropolitan Government will bring back its popular matchmatching program in September with expanded activities built around the city’s landmarks, as its first couple who met through one of its past events prepares to marry this winter. First launched in November 2024 with an event at Sebitseom on the Han River, the program — known as “Seoulting” — was introduced as part of the city’s…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Seoul's matchmaking program returns as 1st couple prepares to wed",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/seouls-matchmaking-program-returns-as-1st-couple-prepares-to-wed",
        "published": "2026-08-19T03:02:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}