Tag: Featured News

Global Love Report – September 21, 2022
English summary by Pamela Stephanie

Park Soo-kyung, the CEO of one of the big names in South Korea’s matchmaking industry, recently talked about the changing attitudes and perception of singles who are seeking to marry. Specifically, she spoke of the differences between the Millennial and Gen Z age groups compared to older groups.

She revealed that many singles in their 20s and 30s are flocking to matchmaking companies, including her own company, Duo. One reason for this is that the “MZ generation” (millennials and Gen Z) are accustomed to receiving expert in terms of personal training and academics so it makes sense that to help them get married, they turn to the experts: matchmaking agencies.

However, the MZ generation differs from the older generations. The singles from the older generation place an importance on things like educational background and earnings when it comes to finding a spouse. The MZ generation, on the other hand, also place an importance on their potential’s spouse’s personality, their beliefs and their standards for a match’s appearance is also much higher. She explains that what they’re essentially looking for is a “unicorn”. And this “unicorn” preference makes it difficult for matchmakers to find them a satisfactory match.

Additionally, another reason why the MZ generation prefers using matchmaking agencies is that the agencies will be able to check their potential partner’s living conditions in advance. Taking account things like: the person’s assets, annual salary, appearance, and their family.

Originally published by: Korea Information Communication Newspaper

(Image source: Unsplash, Annie Spratt)

Global Love Report – September 7, 2022
English summary by Pamela Stephanie

In the age of dating apps, matchmaking agencies in Spain are actually thriving. If anything, they are actually gaining a new revenue source! Mainly from people who have experienced the horror stories of dating apps. And disappointed app users or users of online dating platforms.

The majority of people who come to the agency Lazos, for example, come from social networking sites, according to its director, Alicia Lopez. These are people who are looking for serious relationships. But unfortunately have been unable to do so on dating platforms and other social networks.

Others are turning to matchmaking agencies because they have been lied to, such as one client at SamSara. But in general, the people who become clients come to matchmaking agencies because of frustration and disappointment.

According to SamSara’s founder, María del Carme Banús, another complaint, particularly from female clients, is that people they meet on apps initially say they want something permanent but then show that they want something else.

Of course, one of the biggest differences between dating apps and matchmaking agencies is the cost. But some agencies like SamSara and Lazos are affordable to a lot of people. In fact, SamSara’s founder revealed that some clients have had to pay a lot more for his dating app fees compared to the fee he paid the agency.

Another thing that Lopez believes is the result of dating apps: a lot more younger people are signing up to agencies. Some are even as young as 22 or 23 years old.

Read the full article by Huffington Post here. (In Spanish)

(Image source: Pexels, Mentatdgt)

Global Love Report – September 7, 2022
English summary by Pamela Stephanie

Hotel New Otani’s Marriage Concierge services has been in business was launched 6 months ago. How has it been since then?

According to the person in charge of the launch, Ms. Wakasugi, the service has done quite well. In fact, they had a rapid increase in clients. Wakasugi mentioned that the rate in which they obtained clients was so rapid that it was unprecedented, according to IBJ.

Wakasugi also mentioned that 80% of inquiries come from parents. The reason for this is mainly because the Hotel is well-known. And many people have used the hotel for generations. This means that there’s an existing level of trust in their branding. So, parents in particular have a peace of mind in approaching Marriage Concierge because of Hotel New Otani’s reputation.

Marriage Concierge’s pricing is considered higher than other marriage services. Yet despite this, the most popular of their membership package is their most expensive one at 444,400 Yen (almost US$3100). This amount doesn’t include the monthly membership fee of 22,000 Yen (around US$153) and the wedding fee of 330,00 Yen (US$2290) if the couple decides to get married.

However, it makes sense that this is their most popular one because with this package the matchmakers will find a match for their client. The lower-priced packages would grant the clients access to the database and they would pick their own match there.

But the database itself isn’t small. This is because Marriage Concierge is part of IBJ’s network, which has around 80,000 members.

Originally published by President Woman.

(Image source: Unsplash, Parya Tavakoli Tehrani)

Global Love Report – August 31, 2022
English summary by Pamela Stephanie

Soeurs Cupidons, a matchmaking agency located in the Ardennes in France, recently celebrated its second anniversary. Its owner, Virginie Ait Madi, wears many hats when it comes to her agency (and away from it: she’s a mother, city councilor and works as a development manager for a temp agency, along with being a matchmaker).

The busy matchmaking agency not only arranges the blind dates for its clients, they also organize small events in a relaxed atmosphere so singles can mingle and find someone to date. If singles at the event meet someone they’re interested in, Virginie can help facilitate an introduction.

In terms of pricing, she revealed that her average is between 1,500 and 2,500 Euros. However, she does have packages that are as low as 500 Euros or even cheaper. Her reason? She believes that everyone has the right to love. And so she makes sure that her services are accessible—not just geared to higher-paying customers.

She is open for singles of all ages—from 25 years onwards—who are looking for a serious relationship and mainly focuses on those living in the Ardennes region.

Originally published by France 3.

(Image source: Pexels, Karolina Grabowska)

Global Love Report – August 31, 2022
English summary by Pamela Stephanie

J-Noble, a Korean matchmaking agency, will hold various dating events for 3040 singles—singles who are in their 30s and 40s.
The company aims to create new ways for singles to meet beyond the usual meeting/dates and dating events/parties.

The events are held at the agency’s own lounge during every Tuesday since July 2022. Each event has a different concept each week. So far, satisfaction levels from members have been high and participation rate is high as well.

The changing concepts for these 3040 singles dating events seem to be key for the positive response. With one particular event being a Premium Wine Party, for example.

Originally published by Sisa Magazine. 

(Image source: Pexels, Fotograf Jylland)

Global Love Report – August 24, 2022
English summary by Pamela Stephanie

Concord support, a Japanese LGBTQ organization, has turned to crowdfunding in order to establish a LGBTQ agency. A matchmaking agency by the LGBTQ community for the LGBTQ community. The crowdfunding will be open until August 31st.

They’re looking to open a LGBTQ agency in order to help those in the LGBTQ community to find a life partner. The money from the crowdfunding will cover the costs of opening the agency as well as creating the agency’s website.

As for the agency itself, they aim to create a safe and secure service for people seriously seeking a partner. They will provide services for registered members and will conduct background checks on anyone who registers.

They plan to charge only 10,000 yen per month (approx. US$74), excluding registration fee and marriage fee. They’re planning on arranging two blind dates per month.

The project was started by Hideaki Yasukawa, whose partner of more than 15 years passed away at the hospital. However, because Yasukawa was not considered a family member due to the law in Japan, he was unable to be at the hospital.

Yasukawa stated that although the law can’t be changed currently, they believe that they can at least change the public’s perception by having more LGBTQ couples and to spread social awareness.

Originally published by PR Times.

(Image source: Unsplash, Jun Rong Loo)

Global Love Report – August 10, 2022
English summary by Pamela Stephanie

IBJ’s Federation recently reported that it has reached a new milestone. The Japan Marriage Consulting Federation that IBJ runs has reached 80,000 members through its 3,400 affiliated agencies.

IBJ first reached 70,000 members back in April 2021 and was able to reach 80,000 within 15 months and at a faster rate. Additionally, in July the number of new registrations increased by 111% compared to July 2021.

One of the main reasons for this increase is the fact that more people are switching from casual dating services to marriage agencies. Furthermore, the number of members in their 20’s has increased by 50% in 2021, compared to the numbers in 2018. Overall, agencies are seeing an increase in the number of younger people who are seeking out spouses.

IBJ provides the agencies under its association with training programs. They’ve also provided opportunities for member agencies to share their best practices and to exchange ideas.

With this increase in membership, IBJ will be able to create more opportunities for their members to meet the right person and make it easier for them to find a match. IBJ’s Federation is also launching a campaign to further increase members to over 80,000.

Originally published by PR Times

(Image source: Unsplash, Al Elmes)

Global Love Report – July 20, 2022
English summary by Pamela Stephanie

Matchmaking agency ZWEI, managed by IBJ, has started a partnership with Tokyo Nursing Association.

This is part of ZWEI’s plan to support companies and organizations who haven’t had the chance to date or to look for a spouse due to Covid. This goes hand-in-hand with their aim to help improve the total number of marriages in Japan, which has been in decline.

With this partnership, ZWEI will be able to help nurses who have not had the chance to meet someone—let alone find a partner—during the pandemic.

Tokyo Nursing Association will enter ZWEI’s corporate membership system, which already has 700 companies and organizations. Companies within the system are not charged for being part of it. Additionally, employees or members will also receive a discounted rate when they register with ZWEI.

So, ZWEI will introduce their services to the members of the nursing association and will provide interested members with their support.

Originally published by PR Times.

Global Love Report – July 13, 2022
English summary by Pamela Stephanie

Noble Hong, a high-end matchmaking agency in South Korea announced that it is organizing a parent information session for parents with unmarried children.

The event will be held on August 24th, at 2pm. The parent information session is aimed at parents who want their single children to “marry well”. Each participant will receive a gift voucher for a consultation, as well as the book “why dating is difficult for you,” which is written by Noble Hong’s SEO, Hong Yu-Jin.

Noble Hong specializes in matchmaking, with a one-stop system that includes counseling as well as matching. Its CEO has 27 years of experience and is involved in the matching process. She also appears on TV and radio regularly to give dating and marriage counseling advice.

Originally published by Sisa Magazine.

(Image source: Pexels, Markus Winkler)

Global Love Report – July 6, 2022
English summary by Pamela Stephanie

Partner Agent, a Japanese matchmaking agency recently surveyed 100 matchmakers to find out their thoughts on dating. The survey was done as a reaction to a recent report by Japan’s Cabinet Office that revealed that 40% of single men in their 20’s and more than 20% of women of the same age group have no dating experience.

In the survey, the first question they asked was whether dating was necessary for men and women to deepen their connection before starting a relationship. It’s of no surprise that almost all agreed that it was necessary (99.0%), with most saying “strongly agree”.

The next question asked was whether they would prefer to have an in-person date. 83.5% of the matchmakers believe that it’s important to meet face-to-face so singles can build a connection.

Arguably, the most interesting result was the ideal number of dates before two people start a relationship. The most common response was 3-4 dates (57.4%). However, the next common response is that the number of dates doesn’t matter but it depends on the type of connection that the two people had during one date (25.7%). In third place: more than 5 dates (13.9%).

Originally published PR Times.