SEOUL, July 26 -- A South Korean reality dating show featuring contestants who have received terminal diagnoses or survived life-threatening illnesses has sparked an ethics debate before its premiere, with critics questioning whether it crosses the line between representation and exploitation.

SBS' Love Against Time, which premieres on August 3, has attracted as much attention for its controversial premise as its matchmaking.

According to The Korea Herald, the series brings together contestants in their 20s and 30s who have faced terminal or life-threatening illnesses. While much of the format remains under wraps, SBS has revealed that participants will exchange a self-determined amount of their limited time with one another each evenin...