
Hey UoH friends, do you sometimes enjoy watching variety shows? We think the charm of variety shows lies in their ability to provide lighthearted fun and a break from daily stress. Here are 5 Korean variety shows worth watching—simple, fun, and easy to get into, perfect for any mood.
Kian84 (real name: Kim Hee-min) is a South Korean webtoon artist and TV personality, loved for his unique charm that blends seriousness and quirkiness. Born in 1984, he chose “84” as part of his pen name. This variety show features a guesthouse called “Kianjang” that he designed, built in the middle of the sea near Ulleungdo Island, where he lives and spends time. The design of the guesthouse reflects Kian84’s distinctive style and has drawn attention.
“Iron Girls 1” is a variety show where the cast takes on the challenge of a triathlon. The ultimate triathlon includes a 1.5 km swim, 40 km of cycling, and a 10 km run. “Iron Girls 2” follows the cast as they pursue becoming boxing champions. Season 2 premiered on July 11, 2025.
This Netflix original dating show aired from July 8 to July 29, 2025. It follows lifelong singles who live together for nine days, going on dates and navigating their first experiences with love. Because all participants are true lifelong singles, their sincere yet awkward attempts at romance have won the show a lot of love. Some viewers feel that, thanks to their reactions, slip-ups, and behavior, the show feels more like a comedic social experiment than a typical dating series.
This is quite an unconventional variety show. Twelve young men and women with differing views on politics, gender, class, and social ethics come together for nine days to elect a leader and distribute prize money in a political survival social experiment. First aired in January 2024, the show still attracts a considerable audience. Due to its intense content and sensitive topics—including ideological scrutiny and heated debates—it has sparked controversy and raised concerns about conflicts among viewers on online communities. Watching the show, viewers often find themselves naturally reflecting on their own political beliefs. The show won the Grand Prize at the 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards.
I’m SOLO is a reality show designed for unmarried couples who promise to get married. Although it’s clearly a dating program, it often features wild and chaotic human dramas, leading to the humorous comment that it’s “a human experiment by a male producer disguised as a dating show.” With 27 seasons aired so far, it has become a steady hit in South Korea’s dating show scene.
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