Korean Variety Shows You Should Add To Your Watchlist

Korean Variety Shows You Should Add To Your Watchlist

Korea excels not only in Korean movies and K-Dramas but also in producing captivating variety shows featuring your favorite celebrities. Shows like New Journey to the West featured your beloved stars' unscripted, playful, and goofy sides. 

But what other K-Variety are there for your liking?


Check out The Daebak Company's top Korean variety shows you should add to your watchlist. If you're ready to laugh and smile, get into our recommendations, and you'll be binge-watching in no time!

But what other K-Variety are there for your liking?


Check out The Daebak Company's top Korean variety shows you should add to your watchlist. If you're ready to laugh and smile, get into our recommendations, and you'll be binge-watching in no time!

Shows Featuring Idols

#1 Knowing Bros/Men On Mission

Photo from Allkpop

Join a hilarious group of comedians as they turn into high school students, hosting a unique Korean variety show in Knowing Bros. Every week, celebrities - from K-pop idols to actors - step into their "school," becoming students for a day.


The catch is that these stars engage in games and share personal stories. It's a fun-filled ride with laughter at every turn, making for an engaging and entertaining watch! 

This show stands out with its unique Ask Us Anything segment. Here, guests ask interesting questions from their personal stories, often leading to unexpected revelations. 


These will be guessed by the comedic crew, featuring the likes of Kang Ho-dong, Lee Soo-geun, Kim Young-chul, Seo Jang-hoon, Lee Sang-min, Shindong, and Kim Heechul. Each episode ensures a good laugh by teasing and challenging their guests.

#2 I live Alone

Photo from Otakukart

Are you living alone? Well, so are some of your favorite stars! I Live Alone shows the real, everyday lives of the stars behind closed doors.


The show has many famous Korean stars, including actors, comedians, musicians, and athletes. These stars often change, so there's always someone new to watch. Viewers see these celebrities in their everyday lives, doing regular things, making them seem more real and relatable.

Some celebrities featured in the Korean variety show are Mamamoo's Hwasa, Twice's Jihyoo, Shinee's Key, and singer and actor Seo In-Guk. This show captivates its viewers by providing a glimpse into the lives of unattached celebrities, highlighting the relatable and genuine aspects of their lifestyles, which are presented without too much filtering.

Cooking Shows

#3 Jinny’s Kitchen

Photo from Amazon.com

Like cooking shows? You'll love Jinny's Kitchen! It's a spin-off from 'Youn's Kitchen,' but it's all about Korean street food this time. 

The show is set in the beautiful Bacalar, Mexico, led by Lee Seo Jin, who used to direct Youn's Kitchen. He's joined by Jung Yu Mi, Itaewon Class lead actor Park Seo Joon, Choi Woo Shik, and even BTS V! It is exciting to see how they work together and what delicious food they'll make. 

You can witness the amusing dynamic between the new boss, Lee Seo Jin, as he unveils both his serious and playful sides and the employees who, inspired by Lee Seo Jin's surprising attitude shift, set their sights on becoming the bosses of their own 'second Jinny's Kitchen. 

#4 Youn’s Kitchen

Photo from My Music Taste

Youn's Kitchen is a show with two parts. In both parts, the cast goes to a foreign place and sets up a restaurant for a little while.


In the first part, they mainly cooked with bulgogi and made three types of dishes with it: Bulgogi Rice, Bulgogi Noodles, and Bulgogi Burger. In the second part, they focused on bibimbap and made three types: bulgogi bibimbap, spicy pork bibimbap, and vegetable bibimbap.

They change their menu from time to time based on what people want and what ingredients they can find. Various show episodes have featured famous guest diners, often adding an element of surprise and excitement for both the cast and viewers. 

Youn's Kitchen gained immense popularity and spawned multiple seasons and spin-off series. The show's success lies in its combination of travel, cooking, and the charming personalities of the casts. It brought together cooking, travel, and cultural exploration, making it a delightful and heartwarming experience for viewers. 

#5 Three Meals A Day

Photo from Plex

Three Meals a Day is not your average cooking show. Picture this: famous faces leaving the hustle and bustle of city life behind, embracing the calm of the South Korean countryside. They don their aprons, getting their hands dirty in the true spirit of rural life.


On this Korean Variety Show, our stars are on a mission. They have to prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner using only what they can find around them in the charming countryside. 


Some of the episodes include:


Three Meals a Day: Jeongseon Village, casting Ok Taecyeon, Lee Seo Jin, and Kim Kwang Kyu.

Three Meals a Day: Fishing Village, with Lee Seo Jin, Cha Seung Won, Yoo Hae Jin, Son Ho Jun, Eric Mun, and Yoon Kyun Sang

Three Meals a Day: Gochang Village, casting Cha Seung Won, Yoo Hae Jin, Son Ho Jun, and Nam Joo Hyuk

Three Meals a Day: Mountain Village, which featured Yum Jung Ah, Yoon Se Ah, and Park So Dam

Three Meals a Day in Iceland, with Eun Ji Won and Lee Soo Geun

Whether they're in a peaceful village or a quaint fishing town, it's not just about the food. It's also about connecting with the people who call these places home.

Survival / Competition

#6 Boys Planet

Photo from Soompi

Boys Planet is a K-pop survival program where 95 young talents compete to become K-pop stars. The ultimate goal? To form a top-notch boy group. This is basically the male counterpart of Girls Planet 999, which gave birth to KEP1ER.

But it's not just a Korean show. Young hopefuls from countries like Japan and China are also joining. They're divided into two teams, all competing for their shot at stardom in the music industry.
 

They have to go through different challenges, and as the show goes on, they need to get lots of votes from people watching to stay at the top. They have to leave the competition if they don't get enough votes.

But they aren't alone – they have skilled trainers to guide them. These include Lee Seok Hoon (vocals), Solji from EXID (vocals), Choi Youngjoon (dance), Lip J (dance), and pH-1 (rap). As the competition gets more intense, we'll find out who will be in the final group.

#7 Physical: 100

Photo from Forbes

Physical 100 featured 100 extraordinary people–athletes, fitness influencers, and special forces–who are fit and strong. They compete against each other in different challenges that test their strength, balance, speed, endurance, and thinking, just like a big sports tournament.


After each challenge, some people are sent home, which keeps happening until only one person is left. That person wins a big prize of ₩300 million, or about $240,000.

Each person also has a statue of their body on the show. They must break their figure with a big hammer if they get kicked out.

It is packed with challenges that will make your jaw drop and your heart race. Each episode is a rollercoaster of suspense, cheers, and nail-biting moments.

#8 Running Man

Running Man
Photo from Viki

Running Man isn't just a television show – it's a wild, fun ride that's super popular in South Korea. It casts various famous people challenged to accomplish games and tasks that test their physical abilities, wit, and teamwork.

The ultimate goal is to win the race and avoid punishment. These punishments can range from mild embarrassments like wearing silly costumes to more severe ones like being dunked in cold water or getting a pie in the face. The fear of these punishments adds an exciting twist to the game, motivating the participants to do their best to win.

#9 Siren: Survive the Island

Siren: Survive the Island
Photo from Pinkvilla

Twenty-four women are divided into six teams based on their profession and compete against each other for survival on a remote island. The show involves physical challenges, strategic planning, and a test of endurance and mental strength. It's a thrilling watch, with each episode packed with tasks and tension. 

The participants are highly skilled women excelling in fields traditionally dominated by men. It includes professions such as police officers, firefighters, bodyguards, soldiers, athletes, and stunt performers.

Show Featuring Kids

#10 The Return Of Superman

The Return Of Superman
Photo from Viki

The Return of Superman is a television program produced by KBS2 and features celebrity fathers who are left to take care of their children for 48 hours without the help of their wives. The show's premise is to give viewers a glimpse into the lives of these fathers and their children as they go about their daily routines and engage in various activities and challenges. 

TROS is known for its heartwarming and humorous moments as the fathers bond with their kids and navigate the ups and downs of parenthood. It often highlights the unique and touching father-child relationships that develop as the fathers spend quality time with their children.


Each episode typically follows several celebrity fathers and their children, showcasing their interactions, adventures, and personal growth.



Korean variety shows are loved globally for their mix of fun, laughs, and a glimpse into Korean culture. They're great for K-drama fans or anyone new to Korean TV. These shows offer many different experiences, from touching scenes to hilarious moments.


So, why don't you switch up your usual TV viewing and try these exciting Korean shows recommended to you by The Daebak Company? Get ready for more fun on your watchlist!

What is the most-watched variety show in Korea?

Running Man is the most viewed variety show in Korea. It's loved for its entertaining challenges and games featuring celebrities. The show combines humor, competition, and teamwork, making it a favorite for viewers worldwide.

Why are Korean Series are popular?

Korean series have gained popularity due to their high production quality. They impress with great filming, beautiful sets, and stylish outfits. These features, along with exciting stories and strong characters, appeal to audiences everywhere.

What is the most famous TV Channel in Korea?

The biggest TV channels in South Korea are KBS, MBC, and SBS. They are famous nationwide and show a variety of programs.


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