Soompi & Viki Staff Talk: What Is Your Favorite Korean Variety Show?
Soompi & Viki Staff Talk is back again! This time, some of our staff members took time to share our favorite variety shows.
Check out our picks below:
Somni: “Heart Signal”
I was honestly not very interested in reality dating shows until “Heart Signal” was released. It was by chance that I watched short clips of “Heart Signal 2” and was immediately drawn to watch the entire series across all three seasons. The currently airing “Heart Signal 4” is just as fun to watch! I love the “Heart Signal” series because I get to see how other people carry out their dates. Cast members showcase their charms through their behaviors, conversations, and reactions, and the behavioral analyses by the panelists help me understand where such actions come from. In this regard, “Heart Signal” is like an entertaining relationship guidebook to me.
Watch “Heart Signal” below:
“Heart Signal 2” here:
And “Heart Signal 4”:
Winnie: “Boys Planet”
The variety show I was most invested in is “Boys Planet,” an idol survival program featuring 98 male trainees fighting to become the top nine individuals who debut in a project boy group (now ZEROBASEONE). Viewers were called Star Creators, and we voted for our favorite trainees to determine the final debut lineup. It was a stressful but pleasant journey to watch the trainees grow and improve over several months. Although the Korean and global trainees are very different in various ways, it was great to see the chemistry of people from different cultures. If you haven’t watched “Boys Planet” yet, it’s not too late to binge-watch it!
Watch “Boys Planet” below:
Sala: “Running Man”
When people think of Korean variety shows, there is no doubt that “Running Man” is the show that comes to mind. From its reliable MC Yoo Jae Suk and its star-studded cast consisting of HaHa, Ji Suk Jin, Kim Jong Kook, Song Ji Hyo, Jun So Min, and Yang Se Chan to the top-notch chemistry, hilarious missions, and diverse guests, there is no doubt that “Running Man” has been ingrained as a favorite in many fans’ hearts. “Running Man” is my personal favorite because I love watching the dynamics between the cast members, and I know I can always rely on the show to cheer me up with a great bout of laughter when I need it the most.
Watch “Running Man” below:
Souha: “Radio Star”
I am an avid viewer of “Radio Star,” eagerly tuning in to watch the unfiltered aspects of celebrities every week. The hosts steer the conversations with such charisma and wit, making each episode entertaining as the guests unravel various untold stories. After watching this show for several years and hearing the stories of many stars, I have discovered a profound appreciation for the power of vulnerability and the strength in embracing one’s true self.
Watch “Radio Star” below:
Seyeon: “CAMP ZEROBASEONE”
While waiting impatiently for ZEROBASEONE’s debut following “Boys Planet,” I managed to make it through the long wait while watching “CAMP ZEROBASEONE,” the group’s first reality show. The program gave a first look at the group’s chemistry and the members’ personalities as the nine members embarked on short trips together. I especially loved the mission inside the haunted school—too hilarious!
Watch “CAMP ZEROBASEONE” below:
Ginny: “Queendom Puzzle”
My favorite variety show is “Queendom Puzzle,” a spin-off of the Mnet girl group competition program “Queendom.” In this show, girl group members compete to become part of a project group. I love seeing how the individual members can showcase different charms through solo stages or with newly formed groups, and the program also offers plenty of drama and surprises. If you’re a fan of idol competition shows like me, “Queendom Puzzle” is a must-watch!
Watch “Queendom Puzzle” below:
Natalie: “Peak Time”
At first glance, “Peak Time” may appear similar to other K-pop audition programs, but what makes it different is that the contestants are not trainees but all idols who have already debuted. Each contestant has a different (and sometimes heartbreaking) story of how they debuted but struggled to find success. It’s inspiring to see how they don’t give up on their dreams and put their all into finding their way to the top. The amazing performances and stories are definitely worth a watch!
Watch “Peak Time” below:
JJin: “Young Actors’ Retreat”
I couldn’t believe it when a variety show like “Young Actors’ Retreat” actually happened! The casts of “Love in the Moonlight,” “Itaewon Class,” and “The Sound of Magic” spend three days together bonding and playing games. I was so amazed to see some of my favorite actors such as Park Seo Joon, Kim Yoo Jung, Park Bo Gum, Ji Chang Wook, and Ahn Bo Hyun hanging out all together. It is so much fun watching them get to know each other and make memories together. My favorite part is when the cast operates food trucks and cooks together for the visitors. Seeing the fans’ reactions to meeting the stars really makes me want to be there and be served by my favorite actors!
Watch “Young Actors’ Retreat” below:
Heejo: “Fantasy Boys”
Compared to other audition programs, the contestants of “Fantasy Boys” were overall a bit younger and less experienced, but I think that is the aspect that had me hooked. There was so much room for growth, so there was immense improvement that could be seen with every episode. Strong personalities also caused some conflicts, but I ended up cheering them all on as they strived toward the common goal of debuting. It was also fun to see different sides of the star mentors Changmin, Wooyoung, Jung Jinyoung, Kang Seung Yoon, and Jeon Soyeon!
Watch “Fantasy Boys” below:
Yeon: “Kingdom: Legendary War”
I originally started watching “Kingdom: Legendary War” because one of my favorite groups was competing on the show, but I ended up getting a lot more immersed than expected. On this program (which is the male version of Mnet’s “Queendom”), six established boy groups showcase their performance chops to compete for the final crown. The performances are jaw-dropping, and the interactions between the idols are both heartwarming and hilarious. I especially enjoyed the third round where they teamed up for unit performances! Although I started out as a fan of one group, I loved them all by the end of the show.
Watch “Kingdom: Legendary War” below:
What is your favorite variety show? Let us know in the comments below!
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