Variety shows are known for offering diverse sets of entertainment, such as comedy sketches and musical performances. Korean Variety Shows have been a significant part of the Korean entertainment industry for a long time. These variety shows feature famous celebrities and K-pop idols, allowing them to showcase their abilities beyond their usual on-screen personas. Whether testing their physical strength or showcasing their comedic skills, these shows provide a platform for the audience to get to know their favorite celebrities better. They also showcase the Korean culture and lifestyle to international audiences. These shows frequently incorporate elements of Korean heritage, such as traditional games and customs, exploring popular tourist destinations. This immersive experience captivates both domestic and international audiences. Here is the list of the Top 10 Korean Variety Shows that have taken the Entertainment World by Storm.
1. Running Man
Running Man is one of the most successful South Korean Variety Shows. The show has been running since July 11, 2010. The concept is mainly focused on games. The original members of Running Man are Yu Jae-suk, Ji Suk-jin, Kim Jong-kook, Ha-ha, Lee Kwang-su, Song Joong-ki, and Gary. The chemistry between the cast members is unbeatable. Their hilarious banter, jokes, and pranks will make your stomach ache from laughing. The show has been fansubbed into various languages, such as English, Persian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, etc, and therefore gained popularity worldwide. Running Man has become the longest-running entertainment program in South Korea.
2. Knowing Bros
Knowing Bros is a South Korean television entertainment program. The show features male comedians playing as high-school classmates, and guest arrives posing as transfer students. The two groups engage in interviews and games, and other activities. The guests, and the cast interact with each other in an informal manner and casual setting, which encourages the guests and cast to interact in a comfortable and teasing way. The show is praised for discussing topics that other variety shows usually ignore.
3. 2 Days & 1 Night
2 Days & 1 Night is a South Korean reality-variety show. The show takes its cast members around the country for two days and one night to explore beautiful towns, villages, offshore islands, and sights. The cast members then engage in a series of entertaining games. The central concept is to recommend places of interest to viewers to visit in South Korea. The show has had four seasons and 736 episodes in total. If you are looking for a travel show and know the local culture, then this show is for you.
4. I Live Alone
Airing since March 22, 2013, I Live Alone is a South Korean entertainment program. The program shows footage from selected member's everyday lives, both in and outside their homes. These members are celebrities who are single. The program became popular due to its relatability with a single lifestyle. Jun Hyun Moo, Park Na Rae, Han Hye Jin, and Lee Si Eon take on the role of hosts as they observe the lives of celebrities from various professional backgrounds, such as actors and actresses, top models, athletes, comedians, and more.
5. Sixth Sense
Another Television program with "The Nation's MC" Yoo Jae-suk, Sixth Sense, aired for the first time on September 3, 2020. The show has been a massive success since then. The concept is such that all the members, and guests, must identify the false one among others only by the given clues, using their six senses. The current cast members are Yoo Jae-Suk, Oh Na-Ra, Jessi, Mijoo, and Lee Sang-Yeob. The cast member's enthusiasm makes the show very interesting and entertaining.
6. The Return Of Superman
The Return of Superman is a Korean reality-variety show. The show's concept is that the celebrity dads are left to take care of their kids for 48 hours while their wives are off to relax. During the 48 hours, the dad and the kids are left to explore new activities. Fans see their favorite celebrities doing mundane things and their lives inside their homes. The concept and the kids have won over audience's hearts.
7. Great Escape
This South Korean comedy reality show was such a hit that it has already been renewed for four seasons. In the Great Escape, players must navigate large-scale themed escape rooms to win a cash prize. The cast members consist of celebrities such as Kang Ho-dong, Kim Jong-Min, Shindong, Yoo Byung-Jae, Kim Dong-Hyun, and P.O. with frequent appearances by other celebrity guests. The show combines the thrill of escaping with comedy. You will have so much fun seeing your favorite celebrities scream and laugh to their heart's content.
8. BTS Bon Voyage
If you are a fan of the famous K-pop boy band BTS, you must already know what this show is about. Bon Voyage is a reality-variety show featuring BTS. The show features the group members traveling around the world while also doing games and activities. It shows them in everyday situations that every traveler encounters and offers an insight into members' lives. The show already has four seasons. And is bliss for the BTS' Armys.
9. Single's Inferno
Single's Inferno is a South Korean reality Dating show. The show puts twelve single people who are trying to find their true love on an island. The participants must use their unique personalities to snatch the people they're attracted to. The show has been ranked among Netflix's Global Top 10 list due to its popularity among the young generation. The show has two seasons with 18 episodes in total.
10. We Got Married
We Got Married is a South Korean reality-variety show. The show aired from 2008 to 2017, with four seasons and 373 episodes in total. In the show, single celebrities are paired together, and they need to pretend as if they were married and complete various challenges together. The show was a commercial success and gained much popularity, as it showed different sides of Korean celebrities and idols.
