10 K-drama and K-pop heartthrobs to watch in Korean variety shows, from Lee Jun-ho to Byeon Woo-seok

Jin was no stranger to Korean variety shows when he signed on for Kian’s Bizarre B&B. After all, the BTS star had already spent years showing off his quick wit and competitive streak on Run BTS! and later Run Jin. But even he was no match for Kian84’s unconventional island retreat, where Jin found himself hilariously out of his depth as one of the B&B’s staff members along with comedian Ji Ye-eun.

Beyond being the floating B&B’s resident heartthrob, Jin became its de facto “boss”, insisting that staff and guests stick to the bizarre rules even when Kian himself was ready to throw in the towel. He also served up his signature brand of humour and plenty of comic moments that kept fellow cast members, guests and audiences thoroughly entertained.

After earning his K-drama heartthrob status as the romantic lead of Lovely Runner and Perfect Crown, Byeon Woo-seok swapped scripted romance for unscripted fun. In Netflix’s Jae-seok’s B&B Rules!, he signed on as staff at the three-day camp, alongside variety-show veterans, Yoo Jae-suk and Lee Kwang-soo, and Ji Ye-eun (who was also in Kian’s Bizarre B&B). The series expands on Netflix’s guesthouse-variety format, following in the footsteps of Kian’s Bizarre B&B and the trailblazing Hyori’s Bed and Breakfast.

While Jae-seok’s B&B Rules! marked his first regular variety-show role, Byeon Woo-seok had already showcased his knack for banter and a game-for-anything attitude in appearances on Salon Drip 2, Running Man and You Quiz on the Block. On the B&B, he put those strengths to good use, developing a natural rapport with Yoo Jae-suk and entertaining chemistry with Lee Kwang-soo, while his gentle, slightly awkward personality offered an endearing contrast to his polished on-screen image.

Park Seo-joon, famous for his leading-man roles in rom-com K-dramas such as She Was Pretty, Fight for My Way and What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, brought the same charisma and sharp sense of humour to the beloved Youn’s Kitchen and Jinny’s Kitchen franchise. Joining Youn Yuh-jung, Lee Seo-jin and Jung Yu-mi as a part-timer in season two, he helped run a Korean restaurant the cast opened in Spain. While his striking good looks were part of the appeal, Park Seo-joon won over his bosses—and audiences—with his practical skills.

Having worked as a server before making it as an actor, Park Seo-joon was well equipped for the demands of the restaurant. His quick thinking and kitchen know-how made him a valuable addition to the team and earned him a regular spot in the K-variety series and its spin-offs. He later took on increasingly senior roles across the franchise, from manager in Youn’s Stay to head of the kitchen in Jinny’s Kitchen.

Jin is not the only BTS member to star in a Korean variety show beyond the group’s own series. In the first season of Jinny’s Kitchen, V came aboard as the newest intern and youngest member of the team, working with Lee Seo-jin, Jung Yu-mi and Wooga Squad pals Park Seo-joon and Choi Woo-shik (who first became a member of the crew in 2021’s Youn’s Stay).

Helping the cast run a Korean snack bar in Bacalar, Mexico, V was a welcome presence, thanks to his youthful energy and cheeky streak. The Tweedledum-and-Tweedledee double act he formed with fellow intern Choi Woo-shik—his rival for a promotion and his partner in dodging chores—provided plenty of laughs and tested Lee Seo-jin’s patience.

V sat out season two while completing his mandatory military service, with Go Min-si taking over intern duties and surpassing expectations with her skills and dedication. Even with Go Min-si emerging as the clear winner of the intern wars, fans are hoping V returns should production ever green-light a third season—if only to challenge the newcomer for that much-coveted promotion.

Park Bo-gum, the leading man of hits such as Love in the Moonlight and Encounter, served as the driving force behind the healing Korean variety series The Village Barber. Having obtained a barber’s licence during his military service, he put his real-life skills to work in a rural village barbershop designed to cater mainly to senior residents.

With his friends and fellow K-drama heartthrobs Lee Sang-yi and Kwak Dong-yeon beside him—the former working as the shop’s nail technician and the latter as the cook and custodian—the barber shop offered more than just grooming services. It was a place where neighbours could have a chat and enjoy some company, with their genuine rapport with the community becoming a key part of the show’s charm.

Come November, Bo-gum and Lee Sang-yi will be back behind the barber shop counter, this time with Ko Kyung-pyo taking the place of Kwak Dong-yeon, who is stepping away to complete his military service.

See more: 7 highlights from the ‘Love in the Moonlight’ cast’s 10th anniversary reunion

Dex, who first rose to fame as a contestant on Netflix’s dating reality show Single’s Inferno, quickly became a familiar face on Korean variety television. He appeared in Zombieverse, returned to Single’s Inferno as a studio panellist and began hosting his own YouTube series, Dex’s Fridge Interview, before signing on to Fresh Off the Sea.

In Fresh Off the Sea, Dex teamed up with Yum Jung-ah, Park Jun-myun and Ahn Eun-jin on a tour of South Korea’s coastal villages, taking on seaside jobs and cooking with local seafood and seasonal produce. As the youngest (maknae) of the four, he showed a gentler side, particularly in his sibling-like banter with Ahn Eun-jin, while still living up to his “professional flirt” reputation.

Dex was absent from season two, which brought in Lim Ji-yeon and Lee Jae-wook, but returned for the Philippines-set spin-off, Fresh Off the Sea in Calape, with newest staff member Kim Hye-yoon.

With Dex and Ahn Eun-jin unavailable for season two, K-drama heartthrob Lee Jae-wook and The Glory breakout star Lim Ji-yeon stepped in to round out the cast with returning regulars Yum Jung-ah and Park Jun-myun. Set in winter, the second season brought tougher conditions, from freezing temperatures to rough days at sea, giving the cast an even bigger challenge.

Despite being season two’s maknae, Lee Jae-wook established himself as a versatile member of the team, turning his hand to everything from fishing and harvesting to cooking. His playful squabbles—and uncanny resemblance—with Lim Ji-yeon created an entertaining sibling dynamic that was a constant source of amusement for both cast members and viewers.

Yoo Yeon-seok, known for Hospital Playlist and When the Phone Rings, co-hosts SBS’s Whenever Possible with Yoo Jae-suk, the “MC of the nation”. The “Yoo-Yoo” duo visit people during their spare time and take on a series of games and challenges alongside famous celebrity guests. With a growing fanbase, the show has attracted everyone, including Jo In-sung, Joo Ji-hoon, Han Ji-min and even Hyun Bin—who made his first variety show appearance in over 20 years.

Earning the nickname “Yoo One Shot” for his ability to come in clutch during nail-biting moments, Yeon-seok’s competitive nature and determination are two of the show's biggest draws, as are his partnership with Yoo Jae-suk and his ability to rally their guests.

Kim Seon-ho made his variety show debut in season four of the long-running series 2 Days & 1 Night, as part of a cast that also included Kim Jong-min, Yeon Jung-hoon, Moon Se-yoon, Ravi and DinDin. He quickly became known as the lovable, slightly hapless variety-show rookie, often finding himself the butt of jokes and willingly playing along with the cast’s teasing—even as his profile soared following his star-making turn in Start-Up.

Fans of the rising K-drama leading man loved seeing his unguarded side shine on the show, particularly his willingness to throw himself into challenges and make a fool of himself for a laugh. From his “Paper Doll” nickname—thanks to his stiff, awkward dancing—to his many clumsy moments and constant bickering with DinDin, Kim Seon-ho became a memorable part of the cast before leaving the series in 2021.

Whether you are tuning in for the K-drama star you already love or discovering a new favourite through Korean variety shows, these programmes offer plenty of reasons to keep watching. From the unpredictable antics of Kian’s Bizarre B&B and Jae-seok’s B&B Rules! to the food, travel and outdoor adventures of Jinny’s Kitchen, The Village Barber and Fresh Off the Sea, there is no shortage of opportunities to see Lee Jun-ho, Jin, Byeon Woo-seok, Park Bo-gum, V, Lee Jae-wook and their fellow heartthrobs let their personalities take centre stage.

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