Cover The best Korean reality TV shows to watch (Photo: Netflix Media Centre)
The best Korean reality TV shows to watch (Photo: Netflix Media Centre)
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Looking for your next binge-worthy show? Below, we share some of the best reality series that are sure to keep you glued to your screen from start to finish
With the release of Single’s Inferno, Physical: 100 and Culinary Class Wars, Korean reality TV shows have undoubtedly surged in popularity over the past years, captivating us with their unique blend of humour, drama and more. While Korean variety shows have been around for over a decade, the rise of streaming services finally allows us to watch them conveniently.
Korean variety shows are unlike those we see in the Western world, especially when it comes to style, presentation and drama. While both Korean and Western reality shows aim to entertain, their approaches reflect distinct cultural values and viewer expectations.
Read more: From Seoul to Cannes: How Korean movies conquered the world’s most prestigious film festivals
Above The cast of ‘Culinary Class Wars’
The cast of ‘Culinary Class Wars’
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For example, while Western reality shows offer a more polished presentation that leads us to believe that everything is unscripted, Korean series typically have commentators providing insight and humour throughout the episodes. The latter also generally prioritises humour and lightheartedness, incorporating games that encourage camaraderie. Conversely, most Western reality shows lean towards drama and conflict as primary entertainment drivers, which can sometimes overshadow the fun aspects of the competition.
From survivalist series to strategic showdowns, the world of Korean variety shows is vast with something suitable for everyone. So, if you’re looking to start a new Korean reality series, we share some of the best reality shows to add to your must-watch list.
1. The Influencer
This 2023 Netflix series sees some of Korea’s top influencers from various platforms coming together to compete in an intense and cutthroat competition to determine the most influential individual. The seven-part series sees the contestants strategically flaunting their skills to prove their worth.
2. Siren: Survive the Island
Above Siren: Survive the Island
Siren: Survive the Island
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Set on a remote island, this survival show follows 24 strong female contestants as they compete against one another. Within the group of contestants, we see police officers, firefighters, athletes and more.
3. The Devil’s Plan
Above The Devil’s Plan
The Devil’s Plan
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Watch as contestants face off in various collaborative and competitive strategic games in hopes of winning the ultimate prize. Airing in 2023, the 12-episode reality show quickly became a global hit due to its unique and multilayered battles.
4. The Gentlemen’s League (Mungchyeoya Chanda)
The Gentlemen’s League follows an amateur soccer club on a journey to win the national championships. The catch? The club comprises former pro players and star athletes who specialised in different sports including mixed martial artist Kim Dong-hyun, taekwondo Olympian Lee Dae-hoon and speed skater Mo Tae-bum.
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5. Jinny’s Kitchen
The second spin-off of the 2017 South Korean reality show Youn’s Kitchen, the 2023 series sees the opening of Jinny’s Kitchen by South Korean actor Lee Seo-jin in a small town in Mexico. Here, he and his team introduce Korean street food to customers. Working alongside Lee is The Crucible’s Jung Yu-mi, Kill Me, Heal Me’s Park Seo-joon, Parasite’s Choi Woo-shik and BTS’s Kim Tae-hyung (V).
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Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
