What is a Korean Variety Show?
If I could travel back in time to re-watch one of my favorite Korean variety shows during its original airing, that would be the best time of my life!
Korean variety shows are a cornerstone of the nation’s entertainment industry. Their increasing popularity in recent years can be attributed mainly to the growing interest in Korean culture among Western viewers, largely due to the rise of K-pop. True to their name, these shows blend reality television with comedic formats, talk shows, and engaging game segments, creating an entertaining experience that captures the essence of Korean entertainment.
Korean variety shows are the best way to dip into the world of Korean entertainment. Their significance in the industry is deeply rooted in history, tracing back to the 1960s. The emergence of these programs was greatly influenced by Western broadcasting styles, particularly those from America.
The first variety show, “The Good Sunday,” aired in 1969, introducing audiences to a new form of entertainment.
Originally, these shows consisted of simple formats showcasing various performances. However, by the 1980s, the genre had evolved to include game shows, and the 1990s brought about the introduction of reality TV.
Fast forward to today, and Korean variety shows have transformed into a global phenomenon, a trend massively propelled by the rise of K-pop.
Having witnessed the growth of Korean variety shows, I feel fortunate to have experienced a cultural evolution firsthand. They have become a staple of humor, creativity, and engaging content, captivating audiences worldwide.
My Top 3 Favorites
1. Family Outing
2. Running Man
3. Infinite Challenge
The first variety show I ever watched was Family Outing, and it instantly became a favorite of mine. This show holds a special significance in my journey through Korean entertainment. It not only introduced me to the world of variety shows, laughter, and camaraderie but also set a standard for how I see entertainers interact on camera in a so-called “reality” setting.
Also, take a look at my list of favorite K-dramas that I have enjoyed over the years.
My First Experience
Family Outing is one of my all-time favorite classic variety shows. It offers a blend of humor and reality, featuring some of Korea’s most famous actors, singers, and entertainers. I remember the challenge of watching this series online, as it was only available through YouTube. Since the show was older, the video quality wasn’t the best, and I often waited for English subtitles.
I was drawn to the show by Daesung from Big Bang, one of the cast members. However, I continued watching, and I became more familiar with the entire cast, including Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Hyori, Lee Chun-hee, Yoon Jong-shin, Kim Jong-kook, Kim Sooro, and Park Yejin. My genuine interest in the show eventually grew, encouraging me to explore other entertainers from this time period.
The premise of the show revolved around a group of “family members“, who are, in fact, the cast, venturing into the countryside to take care of elderly residents’ homes while they are away. For anyone new to variety shows, Family Outing is an excellent start, particularly if you enjoy wholesome, comedic reality TV. I’m not sure if all the episodes can still be found on YouTube, but it is worth a try.
Aside from Family Outing, another variety show, Infinite Challenge stands out as one of the pioneering Korean variety shows, having run for 13 years. Featuring recurring game competitions, engaging challenges, and a reality-style hosting format, it laid a solid foundation for future variety shows. While I’m familiar with Infinite Challenge and have enjoyed a few episodes, my experience with it hasn’t quite matched that of Family Outing. If you appreciate slapstick humor and over-the-top challenges, this variety show is definitely right up your alley.
If you are someone who enjoys international television and want to explore Korean entertainment, I recommend getting into variety shows from the early 2000s to have a much better appreciation for how far the Korean industry has come.
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