IF YOU’RE loving K-dramas because of the *feels* and its real life deals, you may also want to check another genre of Korean TV entertainment: Variety shows! We assure you that it will cap your stressful day with bountiful hahas with *some* tears.
What makes Korean variety shows fun to watch is that they take the word “variety” seriously –you literally never know what to expect from them! Most guests were Korean personalities – your oppas and unnies maybe – and we love to watch them in their most carefree and natural state. We’ll get to take a peak of how’s life off-cam, even if there’s still a cam, you got it? Anyway, in here they play the craziest games, do unfathomable challenges, or just “spill the tea” together with their fellow guests. Uhm, dull moments? Not found.
To guide you for your next binge-watching sesh, below are five K-variety shows you can watch on Netflix and Viu that will be your favorites in no time:
Running Man
Running with more than 500 episodes, Running Man is already celebrating a decade of laughter this year! The variety show is a crowd favorite for its super fun missions, and is popular not just in South Korea but also around the world. Follow Yoo Jae Suk, Haha, Ji Suk Jin, Kim Jong Kook, Song Ji Hyo, Lee Kwang Soo, Yang Se Chan, and Jun So Min as they compete with each other and their celebrity guests in extremely amusing challenges.
Knowing Brothers
Also known as Men On A Mission and Ask Us Anything, Knowing Brothers continues to soar with high viewership ratings throughout the years! The show is set in a classroom, complete with the hosts (Kang Ho Dong, Seo Jang Hoon, Kim Heechul, Kim Young Chul, Lee Soo Geun, Min Kyung Hoon, and Lee Sang Min) and guests donning uniforms. They quiz each other, respond with witty banters, and showcase their *unseen* talents on the show.
The Return of Superman
We swear, The Return Of Superman is a no-fail stress buster! Who wouldn’t go soft when it comes to the cutest toddlers and their appas? Definitely not us. We get so gigil whenever we watch the kids who are left with their celeb dads, and we bet you will, too. There are cameras set up around their house, and cameramen (or as the bbs call them—ahjussis) hide in playhouses and tents. Our favorite episodes? The ones with the Song triplets and Hammington brothers!
I Live Alone
I Live Alone gives you a look into the normal lives of celebs! Witness them in their truest selves as they cook their meals, do the laundry, and vacuum the floor — all on their own! Fun fact: MAMAMOO’s Hwasa, who used to be a guest is now a mainstay in the show, thanks to her undeniable variety show skills (and mukbangs that made gopchang, or intestines, popular in SoKor).
Law of the Jungle
When Korean stars live in the wild, it’s sure to be one wild ride! This SBS show reveals yet another side of our favorite K-pop idols and actors, as they find ways to live in the jungle — from building their own home to looking for food to eat. Did you know that some of the cast members even filmed in the Philippines before? No? Then The Law Of The Jungle is one survival show you should add to your list.(with reports from Cosmo/PN)
