Up for a K-show marathon? If you love challenges and seeing a new side of your favourite K-celebrities, this one’s for you. From the iconic Running Man to a heartwarming reality series starring Park Bo Gum, Single’s Inferno’s Dex, and more, we’ve selected the top 7 Korean variety shows filled with thrilling and unique challenges that will let you unwind after a long day.
Smile from ear to ear with these top-tier K-variety show picks. (Photo from: @sbs_runningman_sbs)
Korean variety shows with fun challenges
1. Running Man
When you’ve been hanging out in the K-world for a while now, you might be familiar with Running Man, one of the long-running variety shows in Korea. It’s been around since 2010 and has a mix of regular cast members and guest stars. In each episode, they must compete in a series of games and missions to win the race. The cast for 2024 includes Yoo Jae Suk, Ji Seok Jin, Kim Jong Kook, Ha Ha, Song Ji Hyo, and Yang Se Chan.
Watch it if: you’re ready to IJBOL — which means “I just burst out laughing” in K-pop lingo. The regular cast members share a tight bond and would always tease each other like siblings.
Stream Running Man on Viu.
2. Agents of Mystery
Netflix assembled a unique crew of stars from different backgrounds in Agents of Mystery. One thing they do have in common is their love for solving mysteries. The programme features an “investigative team” comprising Lee Hye Ri, Lee Yong Jin, John Park, Kim Do Hoon, Lee Eun Ji, and aespa’s Karina. The concept of the show is that they have to solve special cases and discover sites where strange things have happened.
Watch it if: you want to experience exhilarating escape rooms vicariously. You’ll enjoy watching the team work together while the clock is ticking.
Stream Agents of Mystery on Netflix.
3. Fresh off the Sea
Do you enjoy tuning into K-dramas showcasing the beauty of South Korea’s countryside? We bet you’ll enjoy Fresh off the Sea starring Yum Jung Ah, Dex, Ahn Eun Jin, and Park Joon Myun. The crew will explore South Korea’s coastal regions and showcase local delicacies unique to the area.
Watch it if: you’re a fan of travel shows as well as Zombieverse cast member Dex. We can’t wait to see his fun personality shine in this series!
Stream Fresh off the Sea on Viu from today, 19 July.
4. My Name Is Gabriel
In My Name Is Gabriel, each of the cast members steps into the shoes of a complete stranger for 72 hours. Stars such as Ji Chang Wook, Park Bo Gum, Yeom Hye Ran, and Dex immerse themselves in a new life where no one knows their true identities.
Watch it if: you like watching social experiments and heartwarming scenarios of K-celebs interacting with real-life, ordinary people.
Stream My Name Is Gabriel on Disney+.
5. Earth Arcade's Vroom Vroom
As the song goes, “Girls just wanna have fun!”, you’ll see popular stars Lee Eun Ji, Mimi, Lee Young Ji, and IVE’s Ahn Yu Jin having the time of their lives in Earth's Arcade Vroom Vroom. They embark on a freeing four-day, three-night road trip. However, they have to do everything on their own — from planning their itinerary to managing their budget, filming their adventures, and cooking their meals.
Watch it if: you enjoy watching shows with solid female friendships. You’ll enjoy watching the queens of this series showcase their genuine and fun personalities.
Stream Earth Arcade's Vroom Vroom on Viu and YouTube.
6. The Zone: Survival Mission Season 3
Girls’ Generation’s Kwon Yuri and Yoo Jae Suk return alongside Dex and former UFC fighter Kim Donghyun in the third season of this comedic show. They will find themselves fighting to survive in a series of progressively hilarious challenges.
Stream The Zone: Survival Mission Season 3 on Disney+ soon.
7. The Devil’s Plan Season 2
The Devil’s Plan Season 1 on Netflix became popular for its impressive concept and thrilling challenges. It’s a high-stakes reality competition wherein contestants, including celebrities and everyday people, try to outsmart each other in various strategy games for a KRW500 million prize.
Stay tuned for more details about Season 2!
(Cover photo from: @sbs_runningman_sbs, @bogummy)
Up for a heavier watchlist? Binge-watch these Korean makjang dramas.
Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].
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