Tag: Featured News

Global Love Report – July 9th, 2025
English summary by Margaret 

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In today’s dating world, dominated by visuals and fast-paced apps, people with disabilities often face greater obstacles in forming romantic connections. Responding to this gap, Tanja De Block, based in Belgium, founded InclusiefDaten, a matchmaking agency focused on creating a more inclusive and accessible experience. More than just matching clients, the agency provides tailored emotional and psychological support, especially for those navigating mental, social, or physical challenges.

At first, InclusiefDaten was a matchmaking agency for ‘people with depth.’ But they soon noticed that most of their clients were individuals with physical or mental disabilities. Seeing this overwhelming demand, Tanja decided to focus on serving both people with and without disabilities. However, she also notes that nearly all members today are people with disabilities, something that, for her, underscores the persistent stigma in conventional dating.

What sets her agency apart is its emphasis on emotional readiness, not just compatibility. She believes that true connection requires addressing underlying issues. “It makes no sense to send people on 101 dates when underlying problems stop them from meeting a match,” she says. Depending on the client’s needs, she offers counseling herself or refers them to trusted psychologists or therapists.

In her effort to change perceptions, she also promotes the humanization of people with disabilities. She collaborates with inclusion-focused groups like Dito VZW to organize social activities and has launched a podcast featuring real stories from people with chronic illnesses or neurodivergent conditions. Through these personal stories, she hopes the stories help listeners see that disabilities don’t define a person and dating someone with one isn’t as complicated as it seems.

Despite limited funding, she has chosen to keep her services highly affordable, charging just one symbolic euro to register. But she stresses the need for broader support to sustain such efforts. She points out that while singles in general are more vulnerable to loneliness due to limited time, support, and resources, these challenges are significantly more severe for those with disabilities. 

Originally published by: Nieuwsblad

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Global Love Report – July 9th, 2025
English summary by Margaret 

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To coincide with Japan’s annual Tanabata festival on July 7th, a celebration based on the folklore of distant lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi, matchmaking company IBJ Inc. surveyed the users of its Bridal Net platform, which has 1,609 active users. The study, managed by the IBJ Matching App Lab, explored the attitudes of modern singles toward long-distance relationships (LDRs), which are increasingly common in the context of modern work and lifestyle choices.

Experience with Long-Distance Relationships

Among 1,381 respondents who answered whether they had been in a long-distance relationship, 42.4% said they had such experience. Women were slightly more likely to have been in LDRs, with 47% of 372 female respondents answering yes, compared to 40.7% of the 1,009 male participants.  

Perceptions of Whether Long-Distance Relationships Can Work

When asked about the overall feasibility of long-distance relationships, responses were divided but leaned toward cautious optimism. A combined 56.8% of all participants felt that LDRs are possible. Specifically, 28.2% said they believe such relationships are possible, while 28.6% were open to them if certain conditions, such as limited distance or duration, are met. Meanwhile, 35.2% said they would prefer to avoid LDRs if possible, and only a small portion, 8.1%, said they do not believe they can work at all. 

Gender-Based Differences in Attitudes Toward LDRs

The survey revealed subtle differences between men’s and women’s perspectives. Among men, 31.3% believed long-distance relationships are possible, and 27.1% were open to them under specific conditions. However, 34.2% stated they would rather avoid them. In contrast, women tended to show greater caution. Only 19.1% expressed belief in LDRs without reservations, while 32.8% were open if the right conditions were in place. The largest portion, 38%, indicated they would avoid being in one if given the choice, suggesting a stronger preference for proximity and emotional consistency.

Reasons for Supporting Long-Distance Relationships

The most frequently cited reason for accepting long-distance relationships was the belief that “distance doesn’t matter if you love each other.” This response was common among both men and women. Additionally, female respondents commonly mentioned that LDRs provide more free time for personal activities, which was the second most cited reason among women and fifth among men.

Main Challenges in Sustaining LDRs

Participants also identified key challenges. For men, the inability to meet in person whenever desired emerged as a primary concern. For women, the financial strain, particularly travel expenses, was the top issue. One woman in her 40s shared that although the distance didn’t affect her emotionally, the cost of frequent two-hour commutes made it difficult to save for the future. 

Keys to Making LDRs Last

Across both male and female respondents, the main factors contributing to successful long-distance relationships included maintaining frequent communication, setting clear expectations for how often to meet, and discussing future plans. Because regular in-person interaction is limited, many respondents pointed to the importance of maintaining emotional stability and a shared sense of security.

Originally published by: PR TIMES

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Global Love Report – May 28th, 2025
English summary by Margaret 

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LiPro, a Japanese media platform specializing in relationship services and lifestyle rankings, has compiled this list of Japan’s top matchmaking franchises based on critical factors including member base size, pricing, service offerings, support quality, flexibility, client satisfaction, and organizational reputation. Below, we explore the most prominent players in the Japanese matchmaking industry, offering essential insights for professionals looking to understand or refer clients within Japan’s matchmaking market.

Zwei 

Zwei is one of Japan’s largest matchmaking networks, operating more than 50 branches nationwide. As an IBJ affiliate, Zwei offers an expansive partner database and a variety of matchmaking methods, including data-driven matching and personalized introductions. Its service flexibility accommodates a wide range of client needs.

• Introduction Methods: Data matching, partner search, matchmaker introductions, matchmaking parties
  
• Membership: ~102,000 members (Zwei + IBJ, July 2024)
  
• Affiliation: IBJ
  

Pricing – Introduction Plan

• Registration Fee: $797
  
• Monthly Fee: $107
  
• Marriage Fee: $0
  

Application Allowance

• Data Referral: 6/month
  
• Search: 11/month
  

Target Demographic

• Men: 20s–50s
  
• Women: 20s–40s

En Matchmaking Agency

Known for its low-cost, fully online model, En Matchmaking Agency is ideal for clients seeking affordability and flexibility. In addition to matchmaking services, it offers educational resources such as online support and matchmaking classes.

• Introduction Methods: Data matching, partner search
  
• Membership: ~187,000 members (as of July 2024)
  
• Affiliations: Connectship, JBA, TMS
  

Pricing

• Registration Fee: $112
  
• Monthly Fee: $96
  
• Marriage Fee: $0
  

Application Allowance

• Data Introductions: 6/month
  
• Search: 10/month
  

Target Demographic

• Men & Women: 20s–40s
  

O-net

With over four decades of industry experience, O-net blends traditional and modern matchmaking methods. Clients can access various optional support features and choose between plans tailored to their needs.

• Introduction Methods: Data matching, partner search, matchmaker introductions, matchmaking parties
  
• Membership: ~125,000 (O-net + IBJ, Dec 2023)
  
• Affiliation: IBJ
  

Pricing 

• Registration Fee: $830
  
• Monthly Fee: $107
  
• Marriage Fee: $0
  

Application Allowance

• Data Introductions: 6/month
  
• AI Matching: 3/month
  
• Search: 5/month
  

Target Demographic

• Men & Women: 20s–50s
  

Partner Agent

Partner Agent is widely recognized for its personalized support and strong success rates. Clients benefit from one-on-one coaching, regular activity reports, and customized matchmaking strategies.

• Introduction Methods: Matchmaker introductions, data matching, partner search, matchmaking parties
  
• Membership: ~98,000 (as of August 2024)
  
• Affiliations: Connectship, SCRUM
  

Pricing 

• Initial Fee: $737
  
• Monthly Fee: $141
  
• Marriage Fee: $507
  

Application Allowance

• Introductions: 6/month
  
• AI Matching: 2/month
  
• Search: 8/month
  

Target Demographic

• Men: 30s–40s
  
• Women: 20s–40s
  

Sunmarie

Affiliated with IBJ, Sunmarie offers hands-on guidance across every phase of the matchmaking journey, from plan creation and profile building to engagement. Clients can choose from nine different introduction methods and access up to 80 free educational courses.

• Introduction Methods: Matchmaker introductions, data matching, partner search, matchmaking parties
  
• Membership: ~91,000 (IBJ data, July 2024)
  
• Affiliation: IBJ
  

Pricing

• Registration Fee: $1,253
  
• Monthly Fee: $126
  
• Marriage Fee: $1,453
  

Application Allowance

• Manual Introductions: 2–3/month
  

Zexy Matchmaking Agency

Zexy is celebrated for both its affordability and customer satisfaction, having earned the No.1 spot in the Oricon customer satisfaction survey six years in a row. It offers robust support, including profile creation, date coordination, and communication mediation.

• Introduction Methods: Matchmaker introductions, partner search
  
• Membership: ~32,000 (March 2023)
  
• Affiliation: Connectship
  

Pricing 

• Registration Fee: $220
  
• Monthly Fee: $120
  
• Marriage Fee: $0
  

Application Allowance

• Introductions: 6/month
  
• Searches: 20/month
  

Target Demographic

• Men: 30s–40s
  
• Women: 20s–30s
  

IBJ Members

Operated by Japan’s largest matchmaking company, IBJ Members offers unmatched scale and support quality. Advanced tools like AI matching and keyword tagging help refine partner searches, while engagement support ensures a complete service experience.

• Introduction Methods: Data matching, partner search, matchmaking parties
  
• Membership: ~94,000 (as of October 2024)
  
• Affiliation: IBJ
  

Pricing – 1-Year Program

• Initial Fee: $1,700
  
• Monthly Fee: $115
  
• Marriage Fee: $1,470
  

Application Allowance

• Partner Searches: 20/month
  

Target Demographic

• Men: 30s–40s
  
• Women: 20s–30s
  

Smart Marriage

Smart Marriage offers a fully remote experience with affordable pricing. It’s well-suited to clients who prefer a DIY approach with optional support. The system supports up to 30,000 potential matches and allows users to engage on their own schedule.

• Introduction Methods: Data matching, partner search
  
• Membership: ~30,000 (as of Feb 2022)
  
• Affiliation: Connectship
  

Pricing

• Registration Fee: $45
  
• Monthly Fee: $67
  
• Marriage Fee: $0
  

Application Allowance

• Introductions: 6/month
  
• Searches: 10/month
  

Target Demographic

• Men: 20s–40s
  
• Women: 20s–30s
  

Fiore

Fiore is a full-service agency offering matchmaker introductions, AI matching, and unlimited search-based matchmaking. Backed by multiple federations, Fiore also offers activity analytics and self-development seminars aimed at helping clients make meaningful progress.

• Introduction Methods: Matchmaker introductions, data matching, partner search
  
• Membership: ~87,000 (Jan 2024)
  
• Affiliations: Connectship, SCRUM
  

Pricing

• Initial Fee: $1,100
  
• Monthly Fee: $88
  
• Marriage Fee: $740
  

Application Allowance

• Unlimited search-based matchmaking
  

Target Demographic

• Men: 20s–50s
  
• Women: 20s–40s
  

Musbell

Musbell boasts one of the industry’s largest databases thanks to its affiliation with four major federations. The agency provides unlimited matchmaking opportunities and a high success rate via matchmaker referrals, reported to be 2.4x more effective than client-initiated matches.

• Introduction Methods: Matchmaker introductions, party search, matchmaking events
  
• Membership: ~210,000 (as of Sept 2023)
  
• Affiliations: IBJ, TMS, BIU, JBU
  

Pricing

• Initial Fee: $2,200
  
• Monthly Fee: $105
  
• Marriage Fee: $2,200
  

Application Allowance

• Unlimited search-based matchmaking
  
• Referral limits vary by federation

Target Demographic

• Men & Women: 20s–60s
  

Suspension Fees (Monthly Hold Plans)

Several matchmaking agencies in Japan offer suspension systems that allow clients to temporarily pause their membership without canceling, by paying a reduced monthly fee instead of the full membership cost. Below are examples of suspension fees:

1. Zwei: $11/month
   
2. Partner Agent: $7/month
   
3. En Matchmaking Agency: $48/month
   
4. Smart Marriage: $30/month
   
5. Zexy Matchmaking Agency: $7/month
   
6. O-net: $15/month
   
7. Fiore: Free

Money-Back Guarantee Policies

To build trust and provide peace of mind, many agencies offer money-back guarantees under specific conditions, primarily if no successful match or introduction occurs within a defined period.

• En Matchmaking Agency: Full refund of the registration fee and three months of membership fees if no match is made within three months.
  
• Smart Marriage: Offers the same guarantee, a full refund if no match occurs by the end of the third month.
  
• IBJ Members: Provides a prorated refund in the case of mid-term cancellation, with the refund amount varying depending on the course and usage period.

Originally published by: LiPro

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Global Love Report – May 28th, 2025
Translated from French, using AI

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Matchmaking agencies play a crucial role in facilitating the search for compatible partners, offering a structured and professional framework for meeting people who share the same aspirations. Their success, illustrated by a 65 to 70% success rate in 2024, demonstrates their ability to meet the needs of those seeking love and stability.

In a world where social connections are increasingly made virtually, matchmaking agencies continue to thrive by offering a human and personalized approach to the search for compatible partners. Their activity, long considered traditional, is being reinvented to meet a growing demand for authentic connection and lasting relationships. With that in mind, here are five recognized franchises in France that embody this dynamic evolution of matchmaking agencies.

Unicis Franchise: The Best Path to Love

Unicis, a pioneer in matchmaking franchise networks, has been operating since 1973 with the mission of guiding chance toward meaningful encounters.

Its network includes 100 agencies in France and internationally. Since its inception, Unicis has played a crucial role in forming thousands of couples, offering proven expertise in lasting and fulfilling relationships. To join the brand, an investment of €13,000 is required. The candidate must also pay a franchise fee of €20,000.

Twoday Matchmaking Franchise: A New Way to Open Your Heart

Twoday is a modern evolution of matchmaking agencies. Gone are the outdated stereotypes, replaced by a dynamic and personalized approach.

The brand offers profile consultations with photos from the very first discovery appointment, enabling authentic encounters. It’s a secret? A local presence and real human connection. At Twoday, sincere listening and understanding clients’ needs are top priorities.

The franchise offers a tailor-made service aligned with each individual’s sensitivities. For serious and genuine matches, Twoday blends modernity with authenticity. The franchise has established its presence in several regions, notably Brittany, Hauts-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Occitanie.

Fidelio Franchise: Succeeding in the Matchmaking Sector in France

For over 30 years, Fidelio has stood out in the matchmaking sector in France. Founded in 1975, this brand offers unparalleled experience to its franchisees.

With a high level of professionalism and cultural awareness, Fidelio guarantees quality services. Each member receives personalized training and ongoing support via a dedicated hotline. The company also promotes connections between its franchisees and other regional agencies, providing excellent opportunities for exchange and collaboration.

Joining Fidelio is much more than just a business partnership, it’s a chance to thrive in a growing sector within a respected network.

Unicentre Franchise: The Benchmark for Serious Matches Since 1971

Since 1971, Unicentre has stood out in the French matchmaking agency market. With a strong reputation, it offers unparalleled service focused on serious relationships.

Its proven expertise is reflected in its attentive listening skills, allowing for a deep understanding of individual expectations and creating meaningful matches. With a minimum personal investment of €20,000, Unicentre guarantees authentic and lasting encounters, creating sincere love stories for decades.

Join the HARMONIE Franchise: True Love Within Reach

In today’s modern dating landscape, the HARMONIE franchises stand out by committing exclusively to a noble mission: uniting lonely hearts in lasting bonds. By rejecting superficial dating trends, the franchise specializes in matchmaking services, offering a safe haven for those seeking true and deep love.

Each agency offers a service dedicated to soulmate searching, with no compromises. No distractions, no superficiality, just pure expertise in the art of bringing destinies together. With a personal investment of €20,000 and a similar franchise fee, the HARMONIE franchise offers an investment opportunity for those who believe in the value of lasting human relationships.

Originally published by: L’Express Franchise

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Global Love Report – May 21st, 2025
English summary by Margaret 

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Amid the rapid pace of digital transformation, the demand for professionals in the IT sector continues to surge. Interestingly, despite the growing importance of this profession, many men in IT remain unaware of their strong potential appeal in the dating world.

This insight comes from a joint survey conducted by IBJ Co., Ltd., Japan’s largest matchmaking company, and Kikkake Agent, which supports IT engineers through its Kikkake Agent career platform. The survey, targeting single women aged 20 to 40 registered with IBJ’s matchmaking services, revealed that IT careers are increasingly seen as attractive due to their stability, promising income, and long-term prospects. Conducted in two phases, the study collected a total of 448 responses.

Key Survey Findings

The results showed that IT workers ranked second among the most desirable partner professions, receiving 268 votes, just behind civil servants with 274 votes. IT even surpassed the manufacturing sector, which received 236 votes. This indicates a shift in perception: whereas civil servants were traditionally seen as the “safe” choice, women now view the IT industry as both stable and full of future potential.

The primary appeal of IT workers lies in income stability and clear career progression. Additionally, many women desired equal partnerships after marriage, financial cooperation, living separately from parents or in-laws, and a fair division of household chores and parenting responsibilities.

Roughly 60% of respondents said they hope their partners earn an annual income of around 5 to 6 million yen (approx. USD 32,000–38,000). When it comes to work style, many women prefer partners who work in the office five days a week, though flexible work options are still seen as a bonus.

Turning Insights into Action

Based on these findings, IBJ and Kikkake Agent have launched a collaborative initiative to bridge the gap between positive public perception and the reality that many IT professionals haven’t yet maximized their appeal in dating.

To address this, they’ve organized a collaborative seminar aimed at raising awareness and providing practical strategies for IT professionals to improve their personal and professional attractiveness.

Scheduled for late May 2025 at Tokyo Culture Culture in Shibuya, the seminar targets a wide range of IT professionals, engineers, project managers, product owners, and more, whether single or married, who are looking to become more appealing partners and build stronger relationships.

Seminar Highlights

The first session will explore how personal appeal can be analyzed and enhanced using a data-driven approach.

• Yusuke Fukushige, CEO of Noahlogy and an expert in computer vision and AI, will explain how dating app algorithms work and how engineers can use this understanding to boost their visibility and attractiveness.
• Junichiro Moro, Vice President of Kikkake Creation, who conducted over 1,300 career consultations in 2024, will discuss how career advancement is closely linked to personal confidence and social value.

In the second session,

• Momo Kawakami from IBJ will present an in-depth analysis based on data from over 10,000 successfully married couples matched through IBJ. She’ll highlight what women are truly looking for in IT professionals and how these men can meet expectations without losing their identity.
• Kawakami will also stress the importance of work-life balance as a key to building lasting, meaningful marriages.

The seminar is free of charge, but attendance is limited and exclusively open to IT professionals. Non-IT participants, recruiters, or individuals with commercial intent will not be admitted.

Originally published by: PR Times

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Global Love Report – May 14th, 2025
English summary by Margaret 

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In Japan, intense societal pressure to marry is prompting many young people to settle down. However, some are choosing an alternative path to preserve their personal freedom: friendship marriages. These arrangements allow individuals to marry without romantic or sexual involvement, fulfilling social expectations while maintaining their independence.

One matchmaking agency, Colorus, has pioneered this approach and recently celebrated 317 friendship marriages. Founded a decade ago, the agency initially struggled to gain traction but has since grown in popularity, with hundreds now using its services. The process begins with an online questionnaire covering life expectations, relationship history, and sexual orientation. A Colorus counselor then conducts in-depth interviews and arranges meetings between potentially compatible matches.

Colorus’s clients come from diverse backgrounds. Many are gay men facing pressure from family or society to marry. The agency also serves numerous women who identify as asexual, individuals who do not experience sexual attraction but still wish to build a life with a partner and possibly start a family. Some even consider having children through in vitro fertilization within these partnerships.

As demand for this type of arrangement increases, Colorus estimates that about 1% of Japanese adults may be interested in its services, potentially representing hundreds of thousands of people. 

Originally published by: radiofrance

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Global Love Report – March 5th, 2025
English summary by Margaret

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At Bergweg Station in Rotterdam, Netherlands, fifty decorated tables and two bingo machines – one for men and one for women – set the stage for Ballenbingo speed dating. This creative approach to meeting potential partners was organized by Renée van den Elsen (33).

Renée had initially started with an Instagram account, sharing quotes about youth culture in the Randstad region. Her account evolved when followers requested help reconnecting with people they had met but lost touch with. With 131,000 followers, she began facilitating in-person meetings.

The event attracted many young participants, mostly between 25 and 35 years old. The Ballenbingo speed dating maintained a perfect balance with 50 men and 50 women.

During the speed dating event, women remained at their assigned table numbers while men rotated between tables based on randomly drawn bingo balls. This setup ensured that conversations began without appearance-based prejudices. Each mini-date lasted three minutes before partners switched.

As the evening progressed, participants became more comfortable. During breaks, people mingled freely, with some even buying drinks for their new acquaintances. Throughout the night, participants shared stories and exchanged contact information, indicating promising connections were being formed.

Originally published by: Rijnmond

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Global Love Report – February 12th, 2025
English summary by Margaret W

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The matchmaking industry in Belgium has undergone significant transformation in recent years. With an increasing number of singles and the complexities of modern dating, matchmaking services have evolved from traditional approaches to more innovative and personalized solutions.

Annemieke Dubois, a matchmaker with thirteen years of experience and owner of premium matchmaking agency Jade & Jules, describes the dramatic changes in the industry. Annemieke Dubois explained that when she first entered the industry, there were only about four active matchmaking agencies and a strong stigma existed. Today, they collaborate with seven agencies, and approximately fifteen agencies are active in the country.

Amid this development, matchmaker Ineke Anckaert leads Alles is Liefde, a Belgian matchmaking agency with a strong Instagram presence. The agency has a photo-free approach, where they introduce potential matches by showing a text-only profile to their clients. Sometimes, they also present their clients in short videos without showing pictures. This concept has proven successful, with videos reaching tens of thousands of viewers.

Working with a team of four matchmakers with backgrounds in social work and relationship therapy, Alles is Liefde has built a database of 3,500 singles. Potential clients can register for free through a questionnaire and will be contacted if there’s a potential match. To expand their reach, they also collaborate with other matchmaking agencies.

Their service begins with face-to-face consultations to understand client expectations. Two package options are available: a basic package with nine matches and a VIP package with unlimited matches. Clients can use the service for two years, with prices ranging from $1,150 to $3,550. Ineke focuses on serving professionals aged 30-40.

In their process, matchmakers work personally, a similar concept to the TV show Blind Getrouwd (Belgian version of Married at First Sight). They arrange first dates, often as outdoor activities to create a more natural atmosphere. Ineke explains that less virtual interaction beforehand is best, and because they don’t use photos, clients aren’t fixated on physical appearance, making interactions more authentic.

Originally published by: Nieuwsblad

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Global Love Report – February 5th, 2025
English summary by Margaret W

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In an interview with an Indonesian news portal, Zola Yoana, a Global Love Institute-certified matchmaker from Jakarta and founder of Heart-inc, shared valuable insights into her matchmaking service, evolving client demographics, and the changes in the dating world. 

Zola described being a matchmaker as both fun and tough work, particularly because it involves handling people’s emotions. She emphasized that intuition is a key component of her matchmaking process, noting that her intuitive abilities are a natural gift. In fact, she has been matching her friends since high school.

Understanding human behavior and psychology is critical when matching individuals, which is why Zola prefers to meet with her clients in person. This allows her to gain a deeper understanding of who they are, ensuring a more personalized approach to matchmaking.

Her service is highly customized, as she believes every client has different needs. For a six-month package, she charges $3,700, while a one-year package costs $6,500.

Discussing the shifting demographics of her clients, Zola explained that there has been a noticeable change over the years. From 2013 to 2017, most of her clients were in their early 40s. However, today, her youngest client is just 25 years old. Zola said that younger clients set their love lives as a priority.

While this client demographic shifting has surprised her, Zola believes that it is part of a broader trend in the international matchmaking community.

She also emphasized that true love can be found anywhere—whether online or through mutual connections—but each approach requires careful consideration.

Zola has clear criteria for clients she wants to work with, as not everyone can become her client. She prefers clients who are seeking monogamous relationships and does not accept individuals who are in the process of divorce or those looking for another partner while still in a relationship.

Additionally, in this interview, she shared her observations based on her clients, noting that singles who are fixated on their “type” and tend to judge those who don’t match their criteria often remain single. Conversely, those who are open-minded, and willing to get to know others after being matched are more likely to find their loved ones.

She pointed out that compatibility requires effort from both people. Both individuals must be willing to adapt to each other in order to build a strong connection.

A unique aspect of Zola’s approach is her “hunting screening” practice. If she has difficulty finding matches for her clients, she can even find potential clients, even if she is at the airport, meaning her clientele isn’t limited to just members but can include anyone she feels would be a good match. She added that this is what happens when you work with passion as a matchmaker.

Although changing clients’ mindsets can be difficult, Zola finds it incredibly rewarding when her clients trust her process. Her clientele is diverse, including celebrities, bankers, doctors, introverts, extroverts, political figures, and even individuals with bipolar disorder. Zola takes the time to understand her client’s mental health histories to better tailor her matchmaking approach.

However, she draws the line at clients with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), as their lack of empathy would interfere with successful matchmaking.

In terms of how people are meeting potential partners, Zola shared that dating apps are seeing a decline due to scams and other factors. On the other hand, the use of social media to find love is on the rise, offering a more authentic, though not entirely reliable. This trend, she noted, has led to a growing interest in professional matchmakers.

Originally published by: InsertLive

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Global Love Report – January 22nd, 2025
English summary by Margaret W

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Rise of Matchmaking Agencies in South Korea

South Korea’s matchmaking industry is experiencing significant growth, with nearly 1,000 agencies operating nationwide in 2024. These agencies have reported a remarkable 30% increase in business over recent years, particularly among young singles.

The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a significant catalyst for this growth, fundamentally changing how people form connections. With limited face-to-face social opportunities during that period, many turned to matchmaking agencies as a reliable way to meet potential partners. The success stories from these “COVID-era clients” have helped transform public perception of matchmaking services.

South Korean matchmaking agencies provide comprehensive services, overseeing every aspect of their clients’ first dates. The process begins with detailed profiling, where clients share information about their age, occupation, financial assets, and family background. Clients are then ranked according to specific criteria—with professionals such as doctors and lawyers typically receiving top rankings, followed by employees of major corporations.

Government-Sponsored Matchmaking Events

Following the success of matchmaking agencies, there has been an increase in government-sponsored matchmaking events in South Korea. Several challenges have prompted the government to get involved in organizing these events. Recent data reveals a stark decline in marriage rates, showing a 40% drop since 2013, while the country’s fertility rate has plummeted to a world-record low of 0.72 children per woman.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) suggests that a rate of 2.1 is needed for stable population growth.

Several key factors have contributed to these declining numbers:

1. Long working hours (the second highest globally after Mexico)
2. Poor work-life balance
3. High housing costs
4. Expensive childcare and challenges for women returning to work post-pregnancy

In response to these challenges, the South Korean government has taken an active role in organizing matchmaking events. A notable example is found in the city of Seongnam, southeast of Seoul, which has hosted seven successful matchmaking events in just one year. These events have proven extremely popular, with demand far exceeding capacity—six applicants competing for each available spot.

The government-organized events maintain a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, bringing together 100 selected singles aged 27 to 39 for social activities at local pubs. Through carefully planned ice-breakers and guided conversations, participants are encouraged to form genuine connections. This initiative has shown promising results, achieving a 43% match rate and leading to two successful marriages.

Perspective and Social Dynamics

While South Korea’s matchmaking industry is growing rapidly, it faces several key challenges. On the matchmaking agency side, many people are uncertain about these services’ effectiveness.

The cost is another consideration when seeking these services, with matchmaking agencies in South Korea charging between US$1,400 to US$7,000.

While government-sponsored matchmaking events have shown some success, they remain a topic of debate. Critics argue the government should focus on more practical issues, such as supporting working mothers and addressing living costs. Meanwhile, many young professionals are choosing to prioritize career growth before considering marriage.

Originally published by: BBC News

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