As we’ve explored the Best Couples and Best K-dramas of the year, it’s time to move on to another exciting category: the Best Korean Entertainment Shows! This special feature is part of our 2024 Korean Dramas and Shows Wrapped!
The shows in this list aren’t just the most popular on KOCOWA+—they’ve also won our hearts for their perfect mix of entertainment and meaningful moments. They make us laugh and, at the same time, teach us life lessons. Watching these shows often feels like spending time with close family members or friends, which is why they hold such a special place in our hearts.
“Home Alone“
Let’s start strong with everyone’s favorite variety show, “Home Alone!” This show gives us the chance to get to know more about our favorite Korean stars. Hosted by Jun Hyun Moo, Park Na Rae, and others, it stands out for its unique concept of offering a glimpse into how celebrities live their daily lives.
Every episode features a different celebrity who welcomes us into their home, sharing details about their routines and hobbies. As fans, it’s such a treat to see a side of our idols that we rarely get to witness! Since its premiere in 2013, “Home Alone has invited many famous personalities, ranging from actors to idols. Some of the best episodes this year featured AOA’s Seolhyun, NCT’s Doyoung, and Ahn Jae Hyun!
“Running Man“
Of course, we can’t talk about variety shows without mentioning “Running Man!” It’s the number one Korean variety show for international fans, loved both locally and globally. As South Korea’s longest-running entertainment program, it stars the Nation’s MC Yoo Jae Seok, along with Haha, Song Ji Hyo, Kim Jong Kook, and many more beloved cast members.
What makes “Running Man” so special is how the cast genuinely feels like a family. Their close bond makes every challenge, mission, and race across diverse locations so much fun to watch. The show is also famous for inviting different guests almost every week. Watching their hilarious interactions with the cast is always a highlight, and it’s one of the reasons we look forward to every new episode!
“My Little Old Boy“
Another long-running favorite that’s still going strong is “My Little Old Boy.” Unlike typical reality programs that focus solely on celebrities, this show shifts the spotlight to their mothers. It features commentary from the moms as they watch footage of their children’s daily lives, and their reactions are often just as entertaining as the footage itself!
What makes this show so unique is how we get to see our favorite stars through their moms’ eyes. They offer insights and share moments we wouldn’t normally get to see. Hosted by Shin Dong Yup and Seo Jang Hoon, “My Little Old Boy” continues to deliver heartwarming and funny episodes. Some of the best episodes this year included SHINee’s Choi Min Ho and Kim Se Jeong!
“2 Days 1 Night“
Now in its fourth season, “2 Days 1 Night” continues to be one of the funniest variety shows out there. The concept of the cast traveling for two days and one night to explore unique places in South Korea never gets old. Watching them complete missions to earn rewards or avoid punishments is always so entertaining.
This show is perfect if you just want to relax and laugh. The current cast lineup—Kim Jong Min, Moon Se Yoon, DinDin, Lee Joon, Jo Se Ho, and Yoo Seon Ho—brings so much humor and energy to every episode. Of course, we can’t forget fan-favorite former members like Kim Seon Ho and Na In Woo, who added their own charm to the show during their time!
“The Manager“
One of the most unique concepts in Korean entertainment is definitely “The Manager!” which makes it as one of the most-watched Korean variety shows of the year. This show shines the spotlight on the managers of our favorite stars, making them the main characters as they observe and reveal all the little details of the stars’ daily lives.
What makes “The Manager” even more fun is the variety of guests they invite in each episode. Sometimes, famous personalities even get to act as a “manager for a day” to another celebrity, and watching their interactions is something you won’t see on any other show. Through “The Manager,” we also get exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses from our favorite K-dramas or the backstage of popular music shows!
“Country Life of Gen-Z“
Calling all Gen Zers—this one’s for you! “Country Life of Gen-Z” offers the perfect mix of humor and relatability, following city-born Gen-Z celebrities as they adjust to a rural lifestyle. It’s like a real-life “hipster” experiment, where they trade the fast-paced city life for the peace and simplicity of the countryside.
The cast is wonderfully diverse, featuring entertainers like Yang Se Chan, actors like Song Geun Hee, and idols like Miyeon! One of the highlights is the guest stars who join every episode, often idols like aespa’s Winter, NCT’s Jungwoo, and IVE’s Rei. The cast and guests are usually split into two teams to compete in various challenges, and the winning team gets to become the village’s ambassador. It’s fun, refreshing, and full of good vibes!
“My Sibling’s Romance“
One thing South Korea does best is dating reality show and one of the best this year is “My Sibling’s Romance!” Created by PD Lee Jin Joo, who also brought us “EXchange,” this dating show introduces a fascinating twist. Siblings gather in a shared house to help each other find love, but here’s the catch: no one knows who’s related to whom!
The show brings a refreshing and heartwarming perspective to the dating genre. It’s amazing to watch siblings bond and work together to help each other find their perfect match. Beyond the romance, the show offers touching backstories, teamwork, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments between the couples. You’ll find yourself rooting for them not just on the show but in real life too!
“The Seasons“
One of the most beloved music programs today is “The Seasons!” This show continues the 30-year legacy of late-night music talk shows on KBS but adds a fresh twist by dividing the program into four segments, each representing a season of the year. Every segment is hosted by a different star, offering a unique vibe and experience.
Past hosts have included Jay Park, Choi Jung Hoon, AKMU, Lee Hyo Ri, and Zico. The current host is none other than Lee Young Ji, who’s bringing her own flair to the stage! The best part of “The Seasons” is the incredible lineup of guest performances and collaborations, which you won’t see anywhere else. It’s no wonder this has become the top music program of the year!
How about you? What’s your favorite KOCOWA+ entertainment program of the year? You can binge-watch all of these shows on the app or website, available with multiple subtitle options!
