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Korean variety shows have a special kind of magic. One minute you are laughing at a cast member's reaction to losing a name-tag battle, the next minute you are wiping away tears as a celebrity dad watches his kid take a first wobbly step. They are part game show, part docu-reality, part group hangout, and once you find a favorite cast, they start to feel like extended family. If you are looking for your next binge or just want to know which titles every K-variety fan rates, here are five shows to start with.
1. Running Man
Running Man is the classic Korean variety show we all know and love, packed with complex and entertaining games, famous guest appearances, and of course, the inevitable betrayals between members. Every week, you will find yourself looking forward to MC Yoo Jae-suk's witty one-liners, Kim Jong-kook's competitive streak, and the running gags that the cast has built up over more than a decade on air. The show is hilarious, but it is also surprisingly heartwarming, and a lot of that comes from the bonds between the members. Let us know what your favorite Running Man episode is.
2. 2 Days & 1 Night
While racing to win games so they can earn 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, and it can be tied to a seasonal food, a must-see tourist destination, or simply an interesting corner of Korea you would not otherwise hear about. Be warned, once you start watching, you will fall in love with the caring streak of the hyungs, DinDin's signature smile, and the unbeatable passion that runs through every mission. You are not alone if you can't get enough of the 2 Days & 1 Night crew.
3. The Return of Superman
Unlike the other two variety shows on this list, The Return of Superman is not game-heavy. Instead, it 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 will see different clips of different families and their unique routines. The Return of Superman will have you ride a rollercoaster of emotions, because you can go from laughing at the kids' hilarious antics to crying over their tiny acts of kindness in the span of a single segment. You will also get a real glimpse into the lives of Korean families and see that celebrity fathers are just like our own dads, sometimes clueless, but always lovable.
4. Master in the House
In this reality show, viewers are introduced to reputable figures from a range of fields, also known as the Master. Each week, you will follow the cast on their journey to gain insight and wisdom from that week's guest. The members spend two days and one night with the Master in order to learn about their daily lives and the choices that shaped them. Although the format may not sound as flashy as a game-heavy variety, Master in the House is just as funny and entertaining. The chemistry between the members, the comedic timing, and the genuinely interesting Masters will turn you into an avid fan in just a few episodes.
5. Boss in the Mirror
If you have the time, make sure to check out Boss in the Mirror, too. Though less talked about overseas than the other shows on this list, you do not want to miss this one. Boss in the Mirror puts a spotlight on the workplaces of Korean bosses so they can work toward a better and more positive environment for their employees. The show has featured a wide range of bosses, from the CEO of Esteem Entertainment, which is SM Entertainment's modeling agency, to MAMAMOO's Solar and a former coach of the Changwon LG Sakers, and many more. You will learn a lot about the different workplaces in Korea, while being thoroughly entertained by the personalities of each boss.
Ready to dive deeper into Korean pop culture?
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