Those needing a break from all the tantalizingK-dramasout there today will find pleasure in watching Korean reality and variety shows. The genreof television is a major hit in Korea and has fans around the world quickly understanding why. Not only do reality and variety shows include fun themes, but also well-known Korean celebrities, actors, and K-Pop idols.
Korean reality and variety shows will have anyone double-over laughing at their absurd yet binge-worthy displays of comedy. Some show themes include actors and celebrities going head to head to create a new dish to be sold inconvenience stores, and there are others, like a show that takes idols and actorsto remote parts of the world or country, leaving them to survive on their own.
Updated on July 7th, 2022 by Jom Elauria:Korea has churned outa lot of excellent shows this year, such as the Netflix K-dramasAll of Us Are Deadand The Silent Sea. Besides that, there are also a handful of Korean reality and variety shows that have hit everyone's TV screens in 2022, likeGirls Planet 999 and Queendom 2. Fans of Korean actors andidols should check out reality and variety series as their favorite personalities often guest star on these kinds of shows. As Korean entertainment continues to rise in popularity, the list of best Korean variety and reality shows just gets bigger and bigger.
Great Escape (2018)
In some ways, the Korean reality showGreat Escapeislike the American showThe Floor is Lava,as players need also need to navigate escape rooms to win a cash prize. But inGreat Escape, contestants need to be smart and strategic as they'll need to make their way through mazes without being caught by the guards.
The comedy reality show also combines the thrill of escaping with comedy, since the celebrities who join the show are usually comedians. Viewers will have so much fun watching the contestants scream their way out of a haunted mansion or run for their lives in a zombie apocalypse.
Single's Inferno (2021)
Available to stream on Netflix
Single's Inferno is amust-watch reality dating showon Netflix that puts nine single people on an island, all of whom are trying to find their true love. The island the singles are on has limited amenities, with no air conditioning and plumbing in sight.
The show also encourages contestants to look for their match without sharing how old they are or what their profession is. This makes for very entertaining scenes as the participants must use their unique personalities to snag the people they're attracted to.
BTS: Bon Voyage (2016)
BTS is Korea's most popular boy group. Aside from their catchy songs and attractive members, BTS has also been able to capture the hearts of their fans thanks to their reality showBTS: Bon Voyage.
The reality show follows the boys as they travel around the world. It also brings the band closer to their fans, as the show gives a sneak peek into the exciting world of BTS. To add,BTS: Bon Voyagealso shows the BTS boys doing normal activities, such as playing games and hanging out together.
We Got Married (2008)
Available to watch on Viki
Fans of K-dramas and Korean idols should check out the reality showWe Got Married. In the show, celebrities are paired together and need to pretend as if they were married.We Got Marriedwas a hit in Korea as it showed a different side of Korean celebrities and idols.
It also often featured on-screen couples from different K-dramas. While the show is fun for those familiar with the participants, viewers should remember that the couples the show features are in a fake marriage and shouldn't get too invested.
2 Days 1 Night (2007)
Available to watch on Viki
2 Days 1 Nightis a Korean variety show that features a group of fun individuals who go around Korea to discover what their country has to offer. Throughout the run of the series, the cast lineup has constantly changed. Its current lineup includeshousehold nameslikeKim Jong-Min, Moon Se-Yoon,Na In-Woo,Yeon Jung-Hoon,and DinDin.
The show was well-received in Korea by viewers for its charming cast and informative content. What's more, its funtravel and food-centric format is also one of the main reasons why the show is still on the air today.
MasterIn The House (2017)
Available to watch on Viki
Mastersin the Houseis an ongoing variety/reality show that'sa major hit amongst Korean and worldwide audiences. The show's main hosts are five well-known actors, entertainers, comedians, an idol, and a retired martial artist. Lee Seung-Gi is known for his work in K-dramas inVagabondandReturn. K-Pop idol turned actor, Cha Eun-Woo, is also a main cast member.
The five men spend two days and one night with reputable figures from various professions. These guests are known as "masters." The main cast hopes to learn about the master's life, career, and profession which can lead to many comical encounters and moments. Fans will take joy in the cast being put to the test in theepisode where their master is a famed Korean lieutenant.
Boss In The Mirror (2019)
Available to watch on YouTube
Boss in the Mirrorhas gained more notoriety amongst fans for its inclusion of a certain guest host and his muscle crew. The variety show was created to allow bosses of different fields to examine their work environment. The show has two main hosts and is accompanied by guest MCs or bosses.
The show's guests range from well-known chefs and retired athletes to a gym owner notorious for his staff members and helping celebrities achieve their dream bodies. A fun tactic of the show is that each boss is given a red button to press whenever they deem a boss's antics to be too extreme.
Knowing Bros (Ask Us Anything) (2015)
Available to watch on Viki.
Knowing BrosorMen on a Mission(titledAsk Us Anythingon Viki) is awell-lovedreality/television talk showthat debuted in 2015. The show is popular amongst K-Pop fans, asidols often appear as guest stars. The show has a fun and quirky setup, as the show's main cast members dress like high school students in a classroom setting.
The guest stars act as transfer students for the episode and take part in various games and activities that elicit laughs. The show gained notoriety amongst its audience for its use of "banmal,"a manner of speech that gets rid of formalities, no matter the age group or seniorityof the guest and cast.
Star's Top Recipe At Fun-Staurant (2019)
Available to watch on YouTube
Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Stauranthas gained notoriety as a talk show, reality, and a cooking show, all in one.The show's concept revolves around guest celebrities battling to see whose recipe reigns supreme. Every new segment has a certain theme that guests have to create a dish around. Their dishes are then judged by celebrity chefs to be sold on the online market.
The show has its set cast members and top chefs who are hard to beat and add comedic relief. Fans enjoy the show's documentary style, as they follow the process of the guest star's and main cast's journey of creating their new dish.
Law Of The Jungle (2011)
Available to watch on Viki
The documentary-reality showLaw of the Junglehas been a long-time favorite. The show was created thanks tocomedian Kim Byung-Man. In it, he and a group of celebrities, including actors and K-Pop idols, venture to remote parts of the world.
In their new destination,the cast must learn to survive and are given tasks like hunting, creating shelter, and making meals. It's a true test of surviving in the wild. The show was rebooted in 2020 to only include remote areas within Korea to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.
Busted! (2018)
Available tostream on Netflix
Busted!was the firstreality/variety show from Netflixto include an all-Asian cast in 2018. Unlike other shows,Busted!combines comedy with thrill and mystery, as its cast tries to solve a game revolving around a mystery. The premise of the show involves seven celebrity guests who were implanted with a DNA chip from famous detectives in history.
The seven celebrities are part of an operation called Project D run by a mysterious figure named "K." The first season was all about solving cases and trying to unearththe secret behind the organization. The second season upped the ante with a serial killer.
My Little Old Boy (2016)
Available to watch on Viki
My Little Old Boyis a real treat and blends comedy with the concept of being judged by your mother. Hosted by entertainersShin Dong-Yup andSeo Jang-Hoon, the show's main cast are a group of mothers - and not just any mothers, but the mothers of famous Korean celebrities. In every episode, the mothers and hosts examine the daily lives of celebrities.
The hosts and cast often make remarks that elicit laughs, as the mothers get frustrated at their children. The show isnotoriousfor one special cast member, singer, and entertainer, Kim Jong-Kook. The show comically portrays his mother's frustration over his obsession with working out and not having a dating life.
Home Alone (2013)
Available to watch on Viki
Home AloneorI Live Aloneis a long-running reality/talk show that debuted in 2013. No, the show has nothing to do with the acclaimed Christmas movie. Instead, its concept came about due to the 5 million single people living in South Korea. The show is praised for its unscripted dialogue, interactions, and documentary style.
Home Alonefocuses on the single lives of their guest celebrities. Audiencesget to see see the nitty-gritty of their lives at home, from the moment they wake up to the moment the day ends. This leads to many comical bed-heads and questionable eating habits.
Weekly Idol (2011)
Available to watch on Viki
Weekly Idolis inarguably the most well-known variety show amongst K-Pop fans, as its main guestartists are K-Pop groups. Many groups on the show are promoting upcoming albums or newlyreleased songs. The show is popular, as it's not only an interview but a fun game show.
The hosts put the idols through various fun activities, like Random Dance Play, 99 Seconds Challenge or they even must fit thechoreographyfrom one song into another. Audiences have a good laugh as the idolsmusttry and succeed at their given tasks. The show also includes the idolsperforming their latest hit.
The Return Of Superman (2013)
Available to watch on Viki
The Return of Supermanis the most-watched reality show because of its adorable main cast. The concept of the show won overaudiences'hearts, as celebrity dads are tasked with taking care of their children for 24 hours. This means that hard-working moms get some needed alone time.
Fans get to see their daily lives inside their homes, as well as adventures that the dads embark upon withtheir children. During the show's time on air, there have been recurring children that are favorites. Manyaudiencemembers have actually seen these children grow up and even leave the show.
NEXT:New Netflix K-Dramas We're Excited For In 2022
FAQs
What is the No 1 variety show in Korea? ›
Weekly Idol is inarguably the most well-known variety show amongst K-Pop fans, as its main guest artists are K-Pop groups. Many groups on the show are promoting upcoming albums or newly released songs. The show is popular, as it's not only an interview but a fun game show.
What is the biggest variety show in Korea? ›One Night Two Days. One Night Two Days is the longest-running Korean variety show of all time. It first aired in 2007 and is still going to this day. The cast members take different trips around South Korea for 2 days and 1 night, usually with a Korean celebrity.
Where can I watch Korean variety show? ›- OnDemandKorea.
- KissTVShow.
- KShow123.
- TrollDrama.
- DramaCool.
- KShowOnline.
- KissAssian.
NCT Johnny's Communication Center
Honestly, NCT has so many fun shows featuring members from NCT 127, NCT Dream, NCT U, and WayV, it's hard to keep track. But, Johnny's Communication Center stars NCT 127 and NCT U member Johnny on his various vlog-style adventures — both solo and with NCT members.
New World is an unscripted series that tells the story of unexpected events that take place in a utopia full of survival missions, competitions, and twists through a new type of simulation. Six entertainers are invited to a mysterious place that feels like a movie or fairytale.
What should I watch after single inferno? ›- Love is Blind: Japan. ...
- The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On. ...
- REA(L)OVE. ...
- Ainori Love Wagon: Asian Journey. ...
- Terrace House. ...
- Are You the One? ...
- Too Hot to Handle. ...
- Twentysomethings: Austin.
"We Became A Family" (also known as "How A Family Is Made") is the latest variety show that has K-Pop fans curious. It is a collaboration between MBC and Discovery Channel Korea. It will air sometime during the rest of 2021.
Where can I watch Korean Variety 2020? ›Viki and Kocowa are two decent OTT video streaming platforms that allow you to legally watch Korean dramas, K-Pop music & Kdrama news, events as well as Korean Variety Shows in English and other languages.
Which KDrama should I watch? ›...
Best KDrama to Watch This 2022
- Squid Game. Squid Game | Official Trailer | Netflix. ...
- Cliffhanger. ...
- Penthouse. ...
- Start-Up. ...
- Fight For My Way. ...
- Mine. ...
- Taxi Driver. ...
- Law School.
cabaret | entertainment |
---|---|
extravaganza | floor show |
performance | show |
spectacular | revue |
stage show | vaudeville show |
Where can I watch Korean dramas with English subtitles? ›
- ViKi.
- DramaCool.
- KissAsian.
- DramaNice.
- Fdrama.
- MyAsiaTV.
- KShow.
- DramaFeverOnline.
Year | Title | Note(s) |
---|---|---|
2019 | Itzy It'z Tourbook | Premiered on December 13, 2019 |
2020 | 100 Hours of Romantic Travel "Paris et Itzy" | Premiered on January 21, 2020 |
Bu:Quest of Itzy | Premiered on July 7, 2020 | |
Itzy in Korea | Premiered on November 26, 2020 |
I've aleady finished some funny shows like "Going SEVENTEEN", "Real GOT7" and "Run BTS". These are shows where idols play various games for prices, do stuff like style each other, etc. I really found RUN BTS as super hilarious, those guys are just really funny.
Who started Idol variety show? ›Idols | |
---|---|
Created by | Simon Fuller |
Original work | Pop Idol |
Owner | Fremantle 19 Entertainment |
Years | 2001–present |
The show mixes both scripted and unscripted lines. The first season consists of 10 episodes; two episodes a week were released from May 4 to June 1, 2018. On May 30, 2018, Netflix published a press release announcing the program had been renewed for a second season. All ten episodes were released on November 8, 2019.
What should I watch after single inferno? ›- Love is Blind: Japan. ...
- The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On. ...
- REA(L)OVE. ...
- Ainori Love Wagon: Asian Journey. ...
- Terrace House. ...
- Are You the One? ...
- Too Hot to Handle. ...
- Twentysomethings: Austin.
- So Min and Se Chan's First Day (Episode 346) ...
- The Se Chan Suprise (Episode 349) ...
- Find the Scene Stealer Couple- Running University MT (Episode 364) ...
- The Tiger Moth Penalty Tour (Episode 370-371) ...
- Christmas Miracle- Christmas Nightmare (Episode 382)
"We Became A Family" (also known as "How A Family Is Made") is the latest variety show that has K-Pop fans curious. It is a collaboration between MBC and Discovery Channel Korea. It will air sometime during the rest of 2021.