Some of the best and funniest variety programs come from South Korea. So what are the best Korean variety shows and reality shows of all time? These shows offer something for everyone, even if you do not understand Korean. Many of these Korean variety shows are on streaming platforms such as Netflix, which offers subtitles and dubbing for global audiences. There is a lot of variety in Korean variety shows, such as talk shows, game shows, reality programs, and talk shows, with many having famous Korean celebrities.
Netflix in particular is looking to invest heavily into Korean content which not only includes Korean dramas, series, and films but also Korean variety shows. These shows do a great job of blending reality programming with games/competitions. They are fun to watch as both the hosts and the celebrities look like they are having a great time. We narrowed the list down to the top 10 Korean variety shows of all time, and if you don’t see your favorite on the list, please let us know in the comments below.
Running Man
Running Man is number 1 on our list of the best Korean variety shows of all time. Since 2010, Running Man has been entertaining viewers in South Korea. The show also stars Yoo Jae-suk alongside Haha, Song Jihyo, Kim Jong-kook, Jee Seokjing, Jeon Somin, and Yang Sechan. The cast and celebrity guests on the show are given missions to execute through a series of games.
The trademark game is the Name Tag Ripping game, where the players rip the name tags of their opponents to win. Many K-pop groups, Korean actors, and actresses come on the show multiple times. It started in South Korea but has expanded to other countries. The cast has traveled to Hong Kong, the Phillippines, and Switzerland. Moreover, similar to Infinite Challenge, they brought in global stars such as Ryan Reynolds, Tom Cruise, and Stephen Curry.
Cast:
- Yoo Jae-suk
- Haha
- Ji Suk-jin
- Kim Jong-kook
- Song Ji-hyo
- Jeon So-min
- Yang Se-chan
Infinite Challenge
The most popular and one of the best Korean variety shows of all time has to go to Infinite Challenge. The show ended in 2018 but has been the gold standard for Korean variety shows. The weekly show started in 2006 and made Yoo Jae Seok a superstar in variety shows in Korea.
It was one of Korea’s longest-running TV programs and had the highest viewership ratings. The show set the standard of what a Korean variety/reality show should be. It used colorful graphics splattered on the screen, heavy use of slow-mo/replays, crazy game show challenges, and purely unscripted. The show was so influential in Korea that almost every Korean singer, actor, and comedian tried to get on the show. In addition, the show had on global celebrities such as actor Jack Black and NBA star Stephen Curry.
Cast:
- Yoo Jae-suk
- Park Myeong-su
- Jeong Jun-ha
- Haha
- Yang Se-hyung
- Jo Se-ho
Knowing Brothers (Men on a Mission)
Knowing Brothers also known as Men on a Mission is a Korean variety show that started in 2015. The show takes place in a Korean classroom where the cast plays various games with celebrity guests. However, many fun and interesting moments come from discussing their lives and showcasing their talents. Most guests tend to be Kpop Idols and groups, as most guests need to be young to fit in with the classroom setting.
Cast:
- Kang Ho Dong
- Lee Soo Guen
- Kim Hee Chul
- Seo Jang Hoon
- Lee Sang Min
- Min Kyung Hyun
- Kim Yong Chul
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 trips around South Korea for 2 days and 1 night, usually with a Korean celebrity. During the trip, they must play games, complete missions, and earn rewards to avoid punishments. The show can showcase a lot of Korean culture and many of the beautiful locations across South Korea. The format is consistent throughout all the seasons but is always able to bring something new, thanks to the cast’s chemistry. For those that love to travel and want to know more about Korean culture and food, watch 1 Night 2 days.
Cast:
- Kim Jongmin
- Yeon Junghoon
- Moon Seyoon
- Kim Seoho
- DinDin
- Ravi
New Journey to the West
New Journey to the West started as a webcast, but by the second season, it was a TV program. The cast has to go across Asia doing missions to get seven dragon balls. If the cast can get all the dragon balls, the producers will grant each cast member a wish. The cast and production staff interactions separate the show from the others. Each season is split into different themes where the cast needs to dress up in strange costumes for the show.
Cast:
- Kang Hodong
- Lee Soo Geun
- Eun Ji Won
- Ahn Jae Hyun
- Mino
- Cho Kyuhyun
- PO
Maser in the House ( All the Butlers)
The show is very simple; the cast learns from a master. It is very smart, and the cast and the audience learn something new with each episode. You can learn a lot about Korean culture from a variety of masters. The cast is comprised of four men who spend 2 days and 1 night with masters from a range of professions. Past masters included Olympic champions, award-winning actors, and Buddhist monks. The end of the show has a challenge where the men compete to see who has been able to learn their new skill the best from the Master.
Cast:
- Lee Seung-gi
- Yang Se-hyung
- Kim Dong-hyun
- Yoo Su-bin
The Return of Superman
This is a great show for parents. The premise of The Return of Superman is a dad has to take care of their kids for two days. This means these dads do not get help from their moms, which causes hilarious scenarios. Many of the dads are famous Korean celebrities; however, the kids steal the show. The series is filmed with no intervention and through hidden cameras. Every fun and adorable moment captured through these hidden cameras is shown. The mother leaves the father a list of tasks to complete while they vacation. Those that love watching cute children will love this show.
I Live Alone (Home Alone)
I Live Alone is very similar to The Return of Superman in that it follows the everyday life of Korean celebrities. However, the show focuses on Korean celebrities that live alone. Currently, the show follows the daily life of 7 Korean celebrities and is shot in a documentary style. The show does a great job of giving viewers a sneak peek into the personal lives of Korean celebrities that live alone. You can also learn about Korean culture, like how blood types in Korea are considered necessary when dating. By watching I Live Alone, we learn that they are much like us, making the show relatable.
Cast:
- Kian84
- Park Narae
- Henry Lau
- Sung Hoon
- Hwasa
- Jun Hyunmoon
- Key
How Do You Play? (Hangout with Yoo)
Fans of MC Yoo Jae-seok will love Hangout with Yoo! It follows Yoo Jae-seok as he takes on different missions and adventures on his days off. The producers of Infinite Challenge produced the show, and they can take full advantage of Yoo Jae-seok’s comedic talent. He does everything from becoming a K-pop star to running a Japanese ramen restaurant. Every episode is different, as Yoo Jae-seok has to do different missions.
Great Escape
Escape rooms have become very popular in South Korea. Great Escape combines escape rooms and puzzles to create fun storylines and plot twists. The cast comprises 6 Korean celebrities who must complete tasks ranging from escaping a zombie apocalypse to getting out of a haunted mansion. Therefore, each challenge has a different theme, and the cast learns about the context of the background story from clues during the missions.
Cast:
- Kang Ho-dong
- Kim Jong-min
- Shindong
- Yoo Byung-jae
- Kim Dong-hyun
- P.O.
