Let’s be real: Dating in 2025 feels less like The Notebook and more like a high-stakes episode of Black Mirror.
Between the “Ghostlighting” (when they disappear but stay in your IG viewers) and the endless “Situationships,” our collective emotional battery is at 1%.
But while we’ve been out here crying over read receipts in Brooklyn, Gen Z in Seoul has been gatekeeping a solution that is officially going global.
Enter: Contract Dating. Before you roll your eyes and say, “That’s so unromantic,” hear me out. It might actually be the most “self-care” move you make this year.
What Exactly Is a “Love Contract”?
Forget everything you know about messy breakups and “what are we?” talks. In the hyper-competitive dating scenes of Seoul and NYC, young people are ditching the “vibes only” approach for literal, written agreements.
No, it’s not a 50-page legal document drafted by a lawyer (usually). It’s a shared Notion page or an AI-generated “Vibe Syllabus” that outlines the terms of the relationship before the second date even happens.
We’re talking about:
- The “Ex” Clause: Are we allowed to follow exes on TikTok?
- The “Cuffing” Budget: Who pays for the $18 matcha lattes?
- The “Label” Timeline: When exactly are we changing that Hinge status to “Monogamous”?
“I was tired of getting three months into a ‘thing’ only to find out he didn’t believe in labels,” says Min-Ji, a 24-year-old designer in Seoul. “Now, we sign a digital ‘Mutual Intent’ doc. It sounds cold, but it’s actually the most honest I’ve ever felt in a relationship.”
The Seoul Connection: Efficiency Is Sexy
In South Korea, where the pressure to be the “Perfect Couple” is at an all-time high, Contract Dating (or Gyeyak Yeonae) started as a way to navigate intense social expectations.
With “Appearance-Approval Parties” becoming the norm, Gen Z decided if they were going to invest time, they wanted a guaranteed Return on Emotion (ROE).
In Seoul, these contracts often include “Social Media Standards”—like how many times a month you need to post a “Soft Launch” photo of your partner.
Why NYC Is Obsessed
The trend hopped the pond to New York faster than a viral Crumbl Cookie review. Why? Because NYC dating is essentially a second full-time job.
In a city where everyone is “poly-curious,” “career-focused,” or “just seeing what’s out there,” the Love Contract acts as a filter. If someone is willing to sit down and agree to a “No-Ghosting” clause, they’re already 10 steps ahead of the guy who only texts you “u up?” at 2 AM.
Is It Romantic or Just… Business?
The critics (mostly Boomers and Millennials who still believe in “meeting at a bar”) say this kills the magic. But for Gen Z, transparency is the new “spark.”
There is a certain kind of intimacy in saying: “Hey, I have abandonment issues, so if you’re going to be busy at work, just send me a 5-second voice note so I don’t spiral.” Putting that in a “contract” isn’t business—it’s future-proofing your heart.
How to Draft Your Own “Vibe Syllabus” (3 Non-Negotiables)
If you’re ready to try this (and honestly, after your last breakup, why wouldn’t you?), here’s what the “Global Vibe” experts suggest including:
- The Communication Cadence: Are we “Good Morning” texters or “See you at 7 PM” people?
- The Digital Boundaries: Can we post each other on Close Friends? What’s the policy on liking “thirst traps” on the ‘gram?
- The Exit Strategy: If it’s over, we agree to a 10-minute phone call. No ghosting allowed. It’s literally in the contract.
The Verdict
Whether you’re in a high-rise in Manhattan or a cafe in Gangnam, the message is clear: The era of “guessing” is over. Contract Dating isn’t about being “unromantic.”
It’s about protecting your peace in a world that’s designed to drain it. In 2026, the biggest flex isn’t a bouquet of roses—it’s a partner who isn’t afraid to sign on the dotted line.
What do you think? Is a Love Contract the ultimate green flag, or is it giving “HR Department”? Sound off in the comments!
