5 Korean Variety Shows That Are Guaranteed to Make You Laugh And Cry

1. Running Man

Running Man is the classic Korean variety show we all know and love - involving complex and interesting games, famous guest appearances, and of course, betrayals between members. Every week, you’ll find yourself looking forward to MC Yoo Jae Suk’s witty comments, Song Ji Hyo’s magic touch, and Jeon So Min’s weekly crushes. We know you’ll not only fall in love with the hilarious, yet heartwarming moments in the show, but also the strong relationships between the Running Man members. Let us know what your favorite Running Man episode is! 

2. 2 Days, 1 Night

While having to win games to eat lunch or dinner, the 2 Days, 1 Night members are also tasked with sharing and recommending Korean culture with their viewers. Each episode has a specific theme/topic, and it can be related to a seasonal food, a must-see tourist destination, or just an interesting place in Korea. Be warned --  once you start watching, you’ll fall in love with Kim Seonho’s caring nature, DinDin’s glimmering teeth, Junghoon’s unbeatable passion, and so much more. Don’t worry, though! You are not alone because we also can’t get enough of the 2 Days, 1 Night members!

3. The Return of Superman

Contrary to the other two variety shows, The Return of Superman is not game-heavy. Instead, The Return of Superman is a family-oriented show, where celebrity dads are left to take care of their children while their wives take a well-deserved break. Each week, you’ll see different clips of different families and their unique lifestyles. The Return of Superman cast will definitely have you ride a rollercoaster of emotions because you can go from laughing at William’s hilarious antics to crying over Seungjae’s big heart. From this show, you’ll gain a lot of insight into the lives of Korean families and also see that celebrity fathers are just like our own fathers -- sometimes clueless, but definitely lovable!

4. Master in The House

In this reality show, viewers are introduced to reputable figures of various fields, also known as the “Master”. Each week, you’ll follow the cast members and their journey to gain insight and wisdom from the Master. The members spend two days and one night with the Master in order to learn about the lives of the Master. Although this show may not seem as fun as other game-related reality shows, Master in the House is just as funny and entertaining -- the relationships between all the members, the perfect comedic timings, and interesting lives of the Masters will make you an avid fan of this show!

5. Boss in The Mirror

If you have the time, make sure to also check out Boss in The Mirror! Though less popular than other variety shows, you don’t want to miss out on this! Boss in The Mirror showcases the workplace of Korean bosses in order for the bosses to work towards a better and more positive work environment for their employees. The show features a variety of bosses, ranging from the CEO of Esteem Entertainment (which is SM Entertainment’s modeling agency), Mamamoo’s Solar, former coach of Changwon LG Sakers, and so many more! You’ll learn so much about the different workplaces in Korea, while also being entertained by the amusing and extraordinary personalities of each boss.