da Wandering_Queen, luglio 23, 2020
34

Hey, my beautiful friends, how are you feeling today? I hope you are all doing well! Today, I wanted to share with you one of my MANY obsessions, and by the title, you already know. Ah, Korean variety shows, if you aren't familiar with them, they are on the same spectrum as reality, game, and talk shows. The biggest difference, you tend to have those things be separate, while Korean variety shows tend to have a combination of two or all three for their show.

Now, there are many Korean variety shows, however, I've chosen the ones that are currently airing/continuing another season and are my favourites. My picks are also unscripted shows that only follow a theme, the only thing you have to look out for is the evil editing. (x__X) In addition, I included my favourite episodes and cast members to help anyone who may be a newbie or wants a good episode to fill their time while waiting for their dramas. The following shows are my top five current favourites (boy that is a mouthful):

(disclaimer: most idol related variety shows, i.e. I-LandWeekly Idol, or Run BTS, will not be included as I consider them as focus specific variety.)




This is pretty much a no brainer variety show to watch and keep up with. Most people who watch or have watched Korean variety are sure to know Running Man. The show has been airing for 10 years, now. Running Man was my first introduction to Korean variety shows, it is still amongst my favourites. I spend every Sundays watching the craziness unfold.

Favourite Episode(s): 354, 370-371, 382, 385, 387, 401, 432, 446-447, 473
Favourite Member(s):
 Jeon So Min, Lee Kwang Soo, Yoo Jae Seok
A show where you can watch well-known Korean stars and how they go about their days off at home. Natural funny and filled with oddity, you really get a look into the lives of each member and guests. Each Rainbow Club members is individually funny but put them in a room together, and it is complete chaos.

Favourite Episode(s): 225-226, 282-283, 319, 337, 340-341, 350-351
Favourite Member(s): 
Park Na RaeHwasaHan Hye Jin
If you are a romantic or a person who like dating shows with drama, then this shit is for you. Similar to Terrance House, you have eight strangers, four guys and four girls, who must live with each other but here it is only for a month. While living under the same roof, they attempt dates with each other to find a romantic partner. Each season features different people with different occupations, all of whom are discussed by 'expert' celebrity members. This show really can have you going crazy in anticipation.

Favourite Season(s): Season 2 & 3, 3 is my current favourite.
Favourite Member(s): Kim Eana, One, Han Hye Jin, Yoon Shi Yoon
Featuring single male celebrities and their mothers who watch how their sons are living their single life and pray each episode they find a daughter-in-law. You would think the mothers would go easy on roasting their own sons, but nope! These mothers can't control their anger or disappointments when their silly sons do silly things. Among the cast, there is also a single daughter and her mother, so it isn't an all-boys club.

Favourite Episode(s): 100, 113, 118, 128, 174, 182, 186, 188
Favourite Member(s): 
Lee Sang MinHong Jin YoungKim Jong KookKim Hee Chul
A dragon ball wishes spin-off of New Journey to the West, this show has the cast setting up a diner and cooking delicious new recipes every season. Each member has an endless task to deal with and is constantly busy, but through it all, there are tons of laughs and fun. If you are a big foodie, this show is a perfect mix of food and variety show.

Favourite Season(s):
All three seasons! The seasons are short 4-6 episodes each.

And we have reached the end so soon! I hope this will inspire some of you to try Korean variety shows whether they are on my list or not. Korean variety shows are a real great in-between for when you are bored, waiting for a drama, or are burnt out from dramas entirely. You can also likely see some of your favourite Korean actors/actresses starring in some varieties and fall deeper in love with them. Let me know what you think of my current favourites and share your own down below. I would love to check them out!


Edited by: Yuanwei (1st editor) & Azyjtevol (2nd editor)