Top 5 Korean variety shows
Happy
Together (해피투게더)
Happy Together started in 2001 and was a huge hit from the beginning with interesting segments like “Tray Noraebang” (쟁반 노래방) where the cast had to correctly sing a song from start to finish without forgetting the lyrics. Most of the songs were the complete verses of children’s songs that most of the grownup cast had forgotten and whenever they made a mistake a huge aluminum tray would come down on their heads with a big clang.
The main MCs changed over the years and the current cast settled in 2007
with the new format called “sauna talk”, as the show takes place in an actual
bathhouse. The cast is dressed in standard bathhouse garb, with main MC Yoo
Jaeseok in a funny wig as well. Guests participate in small talk while playing
games along the way. As everything happens in a small space, the atmosphere is
casual and friendly.
Broadcasts on KBS 2, Thursdays at 11:05 pm
http://www.kbs.co.kr/2tv/enter/happytogether3
http://www.kbs.co.kr/2tv/enter/happytogether3
Running Man (런닝맨)
Actually, that title should be plural. 7 members leaded by the Nation’s MC Yoo Jaeseok (yes, again!) play an upgraded version of hide-and-go-seek as they try to carry out various missions while running away from the seeker, who is either one of the regular cast or an invited guest.
Actually, that title should be plural. 7 members leaded by the Nation’s MC Yoo Jaeseok (yes, again!) play an upgraded version of hide-and-go-seek as they try to carry out various missions while running away from the seeker, who is either one of the regular cast or an invited guest.
All take place at a famous landmark, mostly after its closing hours so not
only is it interesting to watch the members and guests trying to outsmart one
another; it’s also interesting to see the many landmarks after hours. These
days the program has ventured outdoors to a larger scale and has even gone
overseas to Thailand for a special episode.
What’s most interesting and funny to watch is the interaction between the members themselves. With a combination of comedians, singers, and actors, they all are close as a group of friends. The only female member Song Jihyo, who is an actress, brings on an extremely nonchalant approach (she is often without a trace of makeup) that is quite refreshing to see.
What’s most interesting and funny to watch is the interaction between the members themselves. With a combination of comedians, singers, and actors, they all are close as a group of friends. The only female member Song Jihyo, who is an actress, brings on an extremely nonchalant approach (she is often without a trace of makeup) that is quite refreshing to see.
Broadcasts on SBS, Sundays at 5:00 pm
http://tv.sbs.co.kr/newsunday
http://tv.sbs.co.kr/newsunday
Strong Heart (강심장)
Koreans aren’t afraid to cry. We wear our emotions on our sleeve; whether you’re young or old, man or woman. We cry when extremely sad, in moments of great happiness, when emotions are just too strong to be expressed otherwise. What’s interesting is that even in the most lighthearted comedy or variety shows (and not to mention radio programs), you’ll see not only the guests but also the hosts shedding tears.
Koreans aren’t afraid to cry. We wear our emotions on our sleeve; whether you’re young or old, man or woman. We cry when extremely sad, in moments of great happiness, when emotions are just too strong to be expressed otherwise. What’s interesting is that even in the most lighthearted comedy or variety shows (and not to mention radio programs), you’ll see not only the guests but also the hosts shedding tears.
Hosted by Kang Hodong and Lee Seung Gi (who both are members of the 1 night,
2 days team), Strong Heart invites a large group of celebrities and encourages
them to “battle” one another in a series of real life anecdotes, and then
awarding the winner chosen by the studio audience with a “Strong Heart” trophy.
The anecdotes range from the funny and bizarre to the moving and heartwarming.
The talk is spiced with impromptu dancing and divertissements from the guests.
The diversity in background and age of the celebrity guests is especially
impressive.
Broadcasts on SBS, Tuesdays at 11:15 pm
http://tv.sbs.co.kr/strongheart
http://tv.sbs.co.kr/strongheart
We got Married (우리 결혼했어요)
Celebrities getting married on TV? For real? When the program started in 2008, that was what people were most interested in. It turned out that the couples were in a faux-marriage, doing “couple-like” things in front of the cameras without doing anything similar to a “real” marriage. Actually, it was more like watching a show about guidelines on “how to act like a perfectly adorable couple” but surprisingly, it was a smash success.
Celebrities getting married on TV? For real? When the program started in 2008, that was what people were most interested in. It turned out that the couples were in a faux-marriage, doing “couple-like” things in front of the cameras without doing anything similar to a “real” marriage. Actually, it was more like watching a show about guidelines on “how to act like a perfectly adorable couple” but surprisingly, it was a smash success.
Although the couples have changed over the years, the contents haven’t changed
much. With the exception of real life dating celebrity couple Hwang Jung Eum
and Kim Yong Jun who have retired from the show, the main interest seems to lie
in trying to decipher whether the make-believe couples are really interested in
each other or not. Ratings are steady thanks to the continuous casting of K-pop
idols, and you have to admit, fake or not, the couples really are adorable to
watch.
Being Korea (and because the couples aren’t real), don’t expect any “racy”
moments; no one has even really kissed.
Broadcasts on MBC, Saturdays at 5:15 pm
Infinite
Challenge (무한도전)
I have already raved about this program while posting about their photo exhibit. (Read about it here.) The show is hosted by the most popular “Nation’s MC” Yoo Jaeseok and other 6 members, with the occasional guest. The members face different challenges in a series of episodes, from the ridiculous to the truly challenging, not only from a comedic point of view but also showcasing the determination and perseverance of the members.
I have already raved about this program while posting about their photo exhibit. (Read about it here.) The show is hosted by the most popular “Nation’s MC” Yoo Jaeseok and other 6 members, with the occasional guest. The members face different challenges in a series of episodes, from the ridiculous to the truly challenging, not only from a comedic point of view but also showcasing the determination and perseverance of the members.
The members have met many challenges during the years: a sports dance
competition, an aerobics competition, learning how to bobsleigh to support the
Korean national bobsleigh team, actually farming rice for an entire year. None
of it is fake; they have legitimately participated in all the contests and have
also suffered from various injuries and accidents. Despite their busy
schedules, it is incredibly moving to see them put their all into the
challenges they face, and the program has received countless accolades and
broadcasting awards accordingly.
Broadcasts on MBC, Saturdays at 6:30 pm
http://www.imbc.com/broad/tv/ent/challenge
http://www.imbc.com/broad/tv/ent/challenge
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