Have you ever heard of Running Man? Yes. The most popular Korean variety show that most probably people all around the globe know is Running Man. However, it is not the only Korean variety show that has ever existed. There are a lot more best Korean variety shows that people still do not know about, and it is such a waste if you do not get to enjoy the show. Thinking back about how Korean variety show has been popularised, it is believed that Running Man was the first show to cause a stir during the early 2000s.
Since then, many production companies in this Korean entertainment industry have been competing to create more new, original, and up-to-date content in their shows. In short, you must have seen updates or maybe come across viral clips from the shows but never know from which variety show it came. Therefore we are here to help you find those variety shows. Here are the 8 Best Korean Variety Shows to Watch in Malaysia.
What Makes a Great Variety Show?
Do you know there are ways to determine whether the show will be fun or not? If you do not, you can look at these 3 aspects; Casts, Ratings, and Nominations.
- Casts
You might not believe this, but here we are talking about Korean variety shows, and the casts indeed have a connection with the show’s quality. Go through the show’s casts, and you will know the reason.
- Ratings
Ratings are one of the most essential aspects to check out for. This is because the most high-rated show is probably the best show out of all.
- Nominations
Some get to know about a Korean variety show based on the award shows they have watched before. For instance, KBS Entertainment Awards, Baeksang Arts Awards, and more.
8 Best & Latest Korean Variety Shows 2023
1. Running Man
Director: Choi Bo-pil
Starring: Yoo Jae-suk Haha Jee Seok-jin Kim Jong-kook Song Ji-Hyo Jeon So-min Yang Se-chan Former: Lizzy Song Joong-ki Gary Lee Kwang-soo
Release date: July 11, 2010
Genre: Game show
Synopsis: Running Man, first aired in 2010, is a show that has grabbed all the attention of people across the world and is full of hysterical laughter throughout the show. The running man had a total of 6 members initially in Season 1, and there will be a guest appearance in each episode. Witness each member’s funny, happy-go-lucky, and playful side in Running Man every Sunday.
2. 2 Days & 1 Night
Director: Na Young-Seok (Might differ as there are many episodes in each season)
Starring: Joon-ho Kim, Defconn, Joon-young Jung, Kim Seon-Ho (might differ every season)
Release date: August 5, 2007
Genre: Travel
Synopsis: 2 Days & 1 Night is also known as 1 Night 2 Days (1N2D). Six cheerful guys travel all over Korea for two days. They enjoy the country’s beautiful nature and tourist attractions throughout their travel while playing fun games.
3. Knowing Brothers
Director: Jo Seung-Wook
Starring: Kang Ho-dong, Lee Soo-geun, Kim Young-chul, Seo Jang-hoon, Kim Heechul, Min Kyunghoon, Lee Sangmin, and Lee Jin-ho
Release date: December 5, 2015
Genre: Chat show
Synopsis: Knowing Brothers, also known as Knowing Bros, is a talk show where they would invite special guests like idols, actors, and actresses in every episode to chat and play fun games. If the guests can win them in the games, they are free to promote their current projects or songs.
4. The King of Mask Singer
Director: Noh Si-yong Oh Noo-ri
Starring: Kim Gu Ra, Kim Hyun Chul, Lee Yoon Seok (Regular panelists)
Release date: April 5, 2015
Genre: Music
Synopsis: The King of Mask Singer is a show where many masked singers compete in an unprejudiced singing competition. The competitors must compete exclusively with their voices for the title of King of Mask Singer without exposing their identity and using their popularity to win.
5. Star’s Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant
Director: Hwang Seong-hun (Producer)
Starring: (No regular members)
Release date: October 25, 2019
Genre: Reality, Cooking
Synopsis: A unique, knowingly cooking variety show, there are six well-known chefs from the Korean entertainment sector delving into the fascinating and diverse world of convenience stores. The best menu of each episode will have its meal course to be sold at convenience stores.
6. Weekly Idol
Director: Lee Soon-ok (Executive producer)
Starring: Lee Sang-min, Yoo Se-Yoon, Kim Shin-young (Latest hosts)
Release date: July 23, 2011
Genre: Variety show, Music
Synopsis: Weekly Idol is a variety show where they would bring a new K-POP idol group to its studio each week. All K-POP fans can learn everything there is to know more about their favorite stars through a range of games and exclusive conversation sessions.
7. The Return of Superman
Director: Kang Bong-gyu (Producer)
Starring: Four families
Release date: September 19, 2013
Genre: Reality, Kids
Synopsis: The South Korean reality variety The Return of Superman airs on KBS2. One of the two Happy Sunday segments was The Return of Superman. Get to know your favorite stars’ families and witness their cute children growing up before your eyes!
8. Hello Counselor
Director: Not stated
Starring: Shin Dong-Yeob, Jeong Chan Woo, Kim Tae Kyun, and Lee Yeong Ja (Hosts)
Release date: November 22, 2010
Genre: Talk show, Variety show
Synopsis: Hello Counselor, a special talk show to hear out, discuss, and solve the nation’s worries. On November 22, 2010, the South Korean talk show Hello Counselor made its debut. Shin Dong-yup, Lee Young-Ja, and Cultwo are the hosts. From August 29, 2016, to September 4, 2017, Choi Tae-Joon hosted the program.
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
