Lee Kwang-soo’s must-watch variety shows, from classic favourites to new hits

Close friends and cast members Lee Kwang-soo, Kim Woo-bin and Doh Kyungsoo return for the third season of the Korean reality series GBRB (Green Bean Red Bean). This time around, the trio make their way to a ranch in Jeju Island to try their hand in livestock farming.

Starting their day before sunrise, the trio scoop manure, feed cattle and wrangle horses, quickly discovering that life on a ranch is far more demanding than they imagined. As expected, the physically challenging tasks and unpredictable animals lead to plenty of hilarious mishaps, with Lee Kwang-soo often in the middle of the action—and chaos. Whether he’s nervously approaching horses or struggling to keep up with the daily workload, his reactions provide some of the K-variety show’s biggest laughs.

Beyond the laughs, GBRB: Farm Operation - Go Go Farm showcases the strong friendship and natural chemistry between Lee Kwang-soo, Kim Woo-bin and Doh Kyungsoo. Their playful banter, teamwork and genuine bond make even routine ranch duties enjoyable to watch.

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For many fans, Running Man is synonymous with Lee Kwang-soo. The actor joined the long-running SBS variety show when it premiered in 2010 and remained a cast member for 11 years before stepping down in 2021. During his time on the programme, Lee Kwang-soo evolved from a relatively unknown actor into one of Korea’s most beloved variety stars, earning the nickname “Prince of Asia” thanks to his immense popularity across the region.

Known for his bad luck, endless betrayals and willingness to sacrifice his dignity for a laugh, Lee Kwang-soo quickly became one of the show's most memorable cast members. From being outsmarted during missions to devising ever more creative escapes from punishment, his antics were consistently the highlight of any episode.

Yet Lee Kwang-soo’s appeal extended beyond comedy. Over the years, viewers have watched him develop close friendships with fellow cast members Yoo Jae-seok, Kim Jong-kook, Haha, Song Ji-hyo, Ji Suk-jin, Gary, Yang Se-chan and Jeon So-min. His chemistry with the cast became a cornerstone of the show, helping transform Running Man from a beloved Korean variety show into a global phenomenon. Even years after his departure, many fans still consider Lee Kwang-soo one of the defining faces of the series.

For another offbeat chapter of their Korean reality show GBRB, Lee Kwang-soo, Kim Woo-bin and Doh Kyungsoo travel all the way to Mexico for an “insight expedition” designed to help grow their fictional company, KKPP Food. The friends plan the entire trip on their own, without the help of the production crew—a sure recipe for mayhem and mischief.

From Lee Kwang-soo’s frivolous spending despite their very tight budget to Doh Kyungsoo's never-ending quest to find the perfect taco and Kim Woo-bin’s nightly expense auditing, the gags provide plenty of hilarity at every turn. When their search for cheap accommodation leads them to a less-than-desirable Airbnb and a sudden bout of stomach flu hits the trio, their humour and brotherly bond keep the journey afloat.

The series highlights their natural chemistry, once again showcasing their off-screen friendship. Viewers tune in for their endless bickering, infectious humour and the misadventures that unfold when three close friends are left to navigate an unfamiliar country on their own.

GBRB: Reap What You Sow is the first instalment of the farming-themed Korean variety series starring real-life best friends Lee Kwang-soo, Kim Woo-bin, Doh Kyungsoo and Kim Ki-bang. Set in the countryside, the show follows four city slickers as they take on the realities of agricultural life, exchanging urban comforts for hands-on labour as they attempt to cultivate crops and manage daily farm tasks.

Completely out of their element, they prioritise form over function, matching outfits and sun hats over actual farming tools. Lee Kwang-soo, in particular, is in top variety-show form, insisting on taking on the role of CEO while always being the first to complain whenever a difficult task arises. Blessed by the comedy gods, he seems to attract the worst luck among the four, frequently getting attacked by bugs and birds to the amusement of both his companions and viewers.

The series’ real draw, though, is the easy camaraderie between the four friends. Bickering over chores, teasing one another during meals, celebrating small victories in the field—their genuine off-screen friendship shines through in every moment. As the foundation for the GBRB franchise, Reap What You Sow successfully transforms the mundane realities of farming into a warm, funny and surprisingly comforting K-variety watch.

In Netflix’s mystery-comedy K-variety series Busted!, Lee Kwang-soo trades slapstick antics for detective work as part of a star-studded ensemble tasked with solving fictional crime mysteries. Alongside Yoo Jae-seok, Kim Jong-min, Park Min-young, Ahn Jae-wook, Kim Se-jeong, Oh Se-hun and later Lee Seung-gi, Lee Kwang-soo navigates a world of elaborate conspiracies, hidden clues and eccentric suspects. Blending scripted storytelling with improvised humour, the series challenges its cast to rely on deduction, teamwork and quick thinking.

He may be part of the team, but Lee Kwang-soo often finds himself both the suspect and the punchline. His knack for turning even the simplest lead into a series of hilarious missteps fuels many of the show’s funniest moments, while his chemistry with fellow cast members—including veteran entertainer Kim Jong-min, actress Park Min-young and EXO’s Sehun—adds to the appeal of the show.

Whether fumbling through investigations or confidently arriving at the wrong conclusions, Lee Kwang-soo remains a reliable scene-stealer, proving that even in a detective caper, his instincts for variety entertainment are unmatched.

Lee Kwang-soo and frequent K-variety collaborator Yoo Jae-seok are joined by Kim Yeon-koung on Netflix’s Korea No 1, a show where traditional Korean crafts and occupations meet modern-day elaborate challenges. The series follows the cast as they attempt to master different skills, competing to determine who truly deserves the title of “number one”.

True to form, Lee Kwang-soo struggles with most of the tasks, complaining and attempting to find shortcuts wherever possible, much to the amusement of audiences. Despite his bumbling efforts and lack of technical skill, he shows genuine interest in the traditional crafts and occupations featured in the show, along with an endearing desire to learn.

While this alone provides plenty to work with, his unexpected chemistry with Kim Yeon-koung—who is more than ready to trade barbs with Lee Kwang-soo—elevates several moments into standout highlights, with their playful “bickering siblings” dynamic giving the series an extra spark.

In Disney+ The Zone: Survival Mission, Lee Kwang-soo stars alongside Yoo Jae-seok in yet another Korean variety series. Rounding out the cast is Girls' Generation’s Kwon Yuri, who reveals a natural flair for comedy. The trio are placed in increasingly absurd simulated disaster scenarios and challenged to survive for hours without giving up. From zombie outbreaks to AI-controlled worlds and post-apocalyptic landscapes, each episode presents a new test of endurance, teamwork and mental fortitude.

Lee Kwang-soo spends much of the series questioning why he agreed to participate in the first place. Whether fleeing in terror from supernatural threats, desperately trying to negotiate his way out of challenges or looking for loopholes to avoid discomfort, he consistently delivers some of the show’s funniest moments. His expressive reactions and impeccable comedic timing make him the perfect foil to both Yoo Jae-seok’s determination and Kwon Yuri’s competitive streak.

Despite the show’s high-concept premise, much of its appeal lies in the chemistry between the three cast members, with Kwon Yuri holding her own alongside two of Korea’s most seasoned variety stars. Their constant bickering, playful betrayals and reluctant teamwork transform even the most stressful situations into comic mayhem.

A special extension of the popular Korean healing variety show House on Wheels, the programme sees the mobile home temporarily rented out to the cast of The Pirates 2: The Last Royal Treasure, which includes Han Hyo-joo, Kang Ha-neul, Kwon Sang-woo, Chae Soo-bin, Oh Se-hun and Lee Kwang-soo.

Unlike many of his other variety appearances, which often place him at the centre of elaborate missions or physical challenges, House on Wheels: For Rent allows viewers to see a more relaxed and laid-back side of Lee Kwang-soo—or so it seems. While it should be a welcome change of pace for the seasoned variety star, he finds the adjustment jarring. After more than a decade on Running Man, Kwang-soo is constantly on the lookout for secret missions, hidden cameras and surprise penalties that simply do not exist.

Even in a healing variety show, Lee Kwang-soo’s natural wit and knack for generating laughter remain firmly intact. Whether teasing his castmates over meals or sharing stories from the set, he contributes to the warm and easygoing atmosphere that makes the series such a comforting watch. His inability to fully switch off only adds to the charm, making even a slow countryside afternoon feel like unmissable television.

Lee Kwang-soo guest stars in the first six episodes of Unexpected Business 2 to help Cha Tae-hyun and Jo In-sung run a rural grocery store. The Korean reality show follows the two A-list stars and a rotating line-up of celebrity guests as they take over the day-to-day operations of the store, serving customers, stocking shelves and preparing food while adapting to life in an unfamiliar community.

In the second season, Lee Kwang-soo, Kim Woo-bin and Im Joo-hwan drop in to help out their friend Jo In-sung. Although Kwang-soo initially approaches the job with his usual nervous energy, he quickly settles into his role and becomes one of the store’s most dependable employees. He’s seen assisting customers, managing inventory and helping out in the kitchen, demonstrating a surprising level of competence that contrasts with the bumbling persona viewers often associate with him in variety shows. His willingness to step up whenever needed also earns praise from both his co-stars and customers.

Even in a healing variety series, Lee Kwang-soo remains effortlessly funny. One moment he is squabbling with his castmates; the next, he is charming customers with his thoughtfulness and sincerity. This contrast highlights not only his gift for variety entertainment but also his genuine warmth.

Across more than a decade of Korean variety television, Lee Kwang-soo has carved out a space that is entirely his own—part agent of chaos, part unlikely everyman, part genuinely gifted entertainer. He is equally at home in survival missions and healing retreats, detective capers and farming escapades. Few variety stars have remained this watchable for this long, and fewer still have made it look this effortless.

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