Since we have talked about the best of the best Korean dramas of the year, let’s now shift our focus to Korean variety shows. This year marked the debut of new variety shows and celebrated significant milestones of long-standing favorites.
You can never go wrong with a Korean variety show because it literally has everything offering an eclectic mix of entertainment, encompassing genres like reality, education, dating, cultural programs, and more. For those unaware, KOCOWA+ hosts an extensive array of these shows, with more being added every month.
“Running Man“
“Running Man” kicks off the list as everyone’s favorite South Korean variety show, loved not just locally but also internationally. Regarded as South Korea’s longest-running entertainment program, it features members and guests engaging in exhilarating challenges, missions, and races across diverse locations.
Featuring an all-star cast that includes Yoo Jae Suk, Haha, Jee Seok Jin, Kim Jong Kook, Song Ji Hyo, and Yang Se Chan, the show is known for its unique format, spontaneous nature, and hilarious interaction between the casts. What makes this show irreplaceable is the cast’s chemistry because even with just a simple concept they’ll make sure that the show is enjoyable and memorable in every episode.
“Adventure By Accident“
“Adventure By Accident,” now in its third season, captivates audiences with its unique premise and engaging content. The show revolves around unexpected adventures experienced by the cast during unplanned journeys. Hosted by Kian84, Pani Bottle, and DEX, the cast navigates unforeseen situations on various road trips, creating genuine reactions and unscripted moments. The show’s unpredictability and spontaneity keep viewers hooked, with seasons set in South America, India, and Madagascar.
“Heart Signal 4“
When it comes to dating shows, “Heart Signal” will always be on top. Now in its 4th season, this show revolves around six strangers living together in a house while navigating the complexities of modern dating. The show has an anonymous communication system where the members exchange text messages without revealing their identities, causing them to wonder who is receiving messages from whom! In each season, “Heart Signal” features diverse cast from various backgrounds making it feel natural and more relatable to everyone.
“PlaYou: Level Up“
Starring the nation’s host, Yu Jae Seok is the main character in “PlaYou: Level Up!” This interactive show allows viewers to participate in the show by completing missions alongside Yu Jae Seok in real-time. Each week, Jae Seok is given a new mission and must use the strategies and suggestions from viewers to complete it. The show’s second season places Jae Seok in the World of Villains, where viewers help him conquer missions and unleash special powers.
“HYEMILEEYECHAEPA“
“HYEMILEEYECHAEPA” features a female ensemble, showcasing rising stars from the acting, idol, and entertainment industry. This exciting show follows six stars as they embark on quests in a remote mountain village. It’s not just about survival; these ladies elevate interior decorating, infusing their artistic talents into the countryside and transforming it into their personal paradise. The name, though appearing as random letters, cleverly combines the members’ names: HYEri, MIyeon, LEE Jung, YEna, CHAEwon, and Patricia to create “HYEMILEEYECHAEPA’s House.”
“Fantasy Boys“
Every year, South Korea makes survival K-pop programs to debut new groups. In this way, groups will have their own fandom even when they make their official debut. From the survival program “My Teen Girl” which was produced Class:y, “Fantasy Boys” is hosted by TVXQ Changmin where over 5,000 trainees from all over the world are battling it out to be part of the debuting group. Mentored by renowned K-pop idols like 2PM’s Jang Woo Young, B1A4’s Jinyoung, WINNER’s Kang Seung Yoon, and (G)-IDLE Soyeon, the contestants showcase singing, dancing, rapping, and music production skills.
“How Do You Play?“
This variety show also stars the nation’s MC, Yu Jae Seok, and follows the life and activities of a celebrity guest, often a musician or actor, as they pursue a personal project or interest. The show captures the guest’s everyday life and showcases their interactions with friends and family members candidly and humorously. Throughout the show, the guest shares their personal and professional experiences, providing viewers with an exclusive glimpse into their world.
“Master In The House 2“
This is one of SBS’s most popular variety shows as it features Yang Se Hyung, Kim Dong Hyun, Eun Ji Won, NCT 127 Doyoung, Lee Da Ho, and GOT7 Bambam who are famous in their own right but are searching for more. The cast members spend two days and one night together with reputable figures of various fields or professions, known as Masters, to gain knowledge and wisdom that they can emulate in their own lives.
“The Manager“
This is one of the most popular MBC entertainment programs that observes and reveals every little detail of the stars’ lives narrated by the managers who work closely with them. This is the kind of show that offers behind-the-scenes insights far from what viewers see on screen. Professionals from diverse fields discuss the daily lives of K-Drama actors, K-Pop idols, and famous Korean personalities.
K-pop Reality Shows
Even K-pop idols have their own reality shows which are available to watch on KOCOWA+! The fifth season of Red Velvet’s “Level Up Project 5” takes Red Velvet members Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, Joy, and Yeri to Jeju Island for the “Friendship UP Project” as they strengthen their friendships with each other. Meanwhile aespa’s first ever reality series “aespa’s Synk Road” features aespa members Karina, Winter, Giselle, and Ningning to find the hidden ae-key cards and complete the Synk Road. They have to go through various missions to earn the ae-key cards as they enjoy the trip!
The season four of “EXO’s “Travel The World on a Ladder” is one of the best idol reality shows that came out this year! This thrilling reality show features the EXO members embarking on journeys to various countries, spiced up with a twist – they must rely on the “Ladder Game” to make decisions. They use the game to decide what to eat, which beds to choose, and more! Each season presents diverse locations; season four heads to Geoje & Tongyeong following earlier seasons in Japan, Taiwan, and South Gyeongsang Province.
2023 has been a great year for Korean entertainment and we’re so lucky we can watch all these shows on KOCOWA+!
