Season 1 |
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Episode Guide
A Red Night in Amsterdam’s Red Light District
A Mixed-Gender Spa Adventure
The World of S&M
A Wild Night Out with a Berlin Club Queen
The Electric Husband with Strong Vibes
One Bed, Three Partners
Risque Business, the popular Korean talk show on Netflix, has just released its third instalment. Hosted by Korean comedian Shin Dong Yup and popular singer Sung Si Kyung, the series boldly talks about diverse sex cultures around the world. Previous seasons explored the sex culture and adult entertainment industries in Taiwan and Japan. Now, this season aims to highlight how what is taboo in the East can be widely accepted in the West, showing the liberalism of European views on sex.
The hosts, Shin and Sung, are passionate about normalizing conversations about sex, saying that there’s no shame in discussing sexual preferences openly. The duo talks about a range of topics, from interviewing believers in polyamory to registered sex workers, sex educators, sex toy makers, and even gabbing with random clubgoers. All in all, Risque Business is a refreshing and informative take on a subject that is often considered taboo.
Episode 1 takes viewers to Amsterdam, where the hosts explore the concept of a sex theater, a unique institution that has been operating for almost fifty years. The theater features performances such as open sex between a male and female, a lesbian sex show, and strip teases. The episode also explores the mental space of the performers and retains interviews with audience members sharing their experiences watching the shows.
In another episode, the show takes a peek at the brothel culture of Amsterdam, informing that the Netherlands is the first country to legalize prostitution. Contrasting this with the illegal status of prostitution in Korea, Shin and Sung interview sex workers in Amsterdam. They discover that the industry is tightly regulated by the government, with workers required to obtain a license to work in government-sponsored brothels.
Each worker has specific shifts, and the government oversees everything from payment structures to safety measures so they can ensure a controlled and regulated environment. We will also be briefed on the symbolism of red and blue lights in prostitution areas. In one touching interview, a sex worker recites how her words helped a depressed client repair his relationship, so much so that he returned with his wife to thank her.
The show also challenges stereotypes, with some workers pointing out the hypocrisy of society’s acceptance of using their bodies to earn money but not accepting their choice to use their vaginas in a legal and regulated manner. Despite the legalization of prostitution, some workers are frustrated because they aren’t accepted by society.
As you go on, you’ll explore the naturist culture in Germany, where nudity is a way of life. In a society where covering up is the norm for cultural and religious reasons, the concept of being naked in front of anyone other than your significant other may seem unimaginable. However, in Germany, naturism has been practiced for over a century, with the Free Body Culture Club (FKK Club) being a prominent part of German culture since 1903.
The first naturist park was established in Halensee, Berlin, in 1903, and there are currently 136 FKK clubs with over 30,000 active members. Participants in FKK clubs are often seen doing yoga, swimming, jogging, badminton, and tennis. This lifestyle is adopted by approximately 10 million people in Germany, about one-eighth of the population, who believe that being nude is naturally normal, can heal the body, and boost immunity.
In Germany, in addition to FKK clubs, there are also unisex free-body saunas where nudity is the norm. People in Germany have a different perspective on nudity compared to those in the Asian subcontinent, which is that nudity is not automatically associated with sex. For them, being naked in front of friends, relatives, or even strangers is acceptable as long as there are no bad intentions.
There was a time when women were not allowed to be topless in swimming pools in Germany. In response, women took to the streets to protest, chanting suitable slogans, which led to a change in the law. The series also talks about BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadomasochism), tracing its journey from being classified as a mental disorder by the WHO to becoming popular worldwide.
Berlin, along with Amsterdam and Tokyo, is cited as one of the three major cities where BDSM is celebrated. It also contrasts with the perception of BDSM in Korea, where it is often viewed as sadistic. At the same time, in Germany, it is very accepting, much so that there are BDSM studios in Germany that offer various themed rooms, including rooms for dominance and submission, latex rooms with a variety of toys, and more.
The workers interviewed on the show note that BDSM became famous after the release of “Fifty Shades of Grey,” which helped break down taboos surrounding the practice. In Germany, BDSM is legal, as the WHO no longer classifies it as a mental illness. Workers liken the diversity of preferences in BDSM to different tastes in pizza, with some liking it with sauce, others with extra cheese, and so on.
The series also talks about Berlin’s club culture, where entry requires following rules like no racism, sexism, or homophobia. Clubgoers often dress according to themes, like lingerie or nudity, and see their bodies as art. They dance passionately, not for others but to express themselves. Washrooms are unisex, which, in many instances, leads to more intimate encounters.
People wait patiently, valuing the culture of Berlin clubs. This openness is attributed to early education about sexuality, unlike in some Asian countries. Berliners often prefer open relationships, where partners agree to have sex outside the relationship from the start, possibly contributing to lower divorce rates in Europe.
This show is a real gem, thanks to its fantastic hosts, who strike a perfect balance between humor and sincerity. Their chemistry is so natural, and you’ll often find Sung in a bit of a pickle, thanks to Shin’s questions, but it all adds to the comic relief.
The banter between them is just delightful and provides a great laugh. The topic is quite niche, which also works to its advantage, especially if you’re curious about the unknown. If you love exploring new things, this talk show is definitely for you.
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Verdict - 7/10
7/10