Feel-Good Korean Shows That Will Liven Up Your Boring Day
The unique plots and amazing acting in Korean dramas and movies never fail to entertain us. But let’s face it; sometimes watching them can be stressful especially if the characters are going through a rough patch.
You can watch comedy-themed series and films to avoid these instances but there are days where you just want to watch programs that have stand-alone episodes for a breath of fresh air.
We feel you! So, here are some Korean variety shows you can watch to relax your mind~
Amazing Saturday
Image credit: Viu
This show combines two components: music and food. So, if you’re a foodie that loves to listen to songs, then add Amazing Saturday on your watch-list now!
In each episode, the casts and a featured guest will have to solve music-related problems. As a prize, they will get to taste famous and delicious dishes from all over the world.
The current casts include the rapper and TV presenter Boom who serves as the program’s host, mukbang Youtuber Haetnim, comedians Shin Dong-Yup, Moon Se Yoon and Park Na Rae, retired MMA fighter Kim Dong Hyun, rapper Nucksal as well as idols Key from SHINee, Block B’s P.O and Taeyon from Girls’ Generation.
Aside from learning new things about music, the funny stories between the celebrities make the show really interesting.
You can watch Amazing Saturday on Viu.
Korean Cold Noodle Rhapsody
Image credit: Netflix
A sequel to the show Korean Pork Belly Rhapsody, this program is a two-part food documentary still hosted by celebrity chef Baek Jong Won. If the previous series centred on sangyeopsal, this time around the main topic is about cold noodles, also known as naengmyeon.
It is a famous dish in South Korea during summer time, but there is actually a rich history behind it – which was slowly unveiled in the show as Mr. Baek travels around the city of Seoul, Jinju and Busan.
He visited the islands of Baengnyeongdo and Jeju too, which allowed the viewers to see the variations of naengmyeon depending on the region.
Korean Cold Noodle Rhapsody also invited food critics, historians, restaurant owners and even regular food lovers to share their insights about the dish.
You can watch Korean Cold Noodle Rhapsody on Netflix.
I Can See Your Voice 9
Image credit: Viu
I Can See Your Voice is a long-time running music game show that has even been adapted by different countries like Belgium, Cambodia, Philippines, France, China and more!
The premise of the program combines the concept of singing and guessing game, where the participant will be presented with a group of “mystery singers”. The catch is that they are only lip syncing, which means their voices cannot be heard and the participant will then have to guess if they can really sing or not.
Celebrity panellists are also invited to give assistance to the participant, by giving them clues at every round.
For season 9, the show is back and hosted by Super Junior’s Lee Tuk, Yoo See Yoon and Kim Jong Kook.
You can watch I Can See Your Voice 9 on Viu starting January 30th.
Men On A Mission
Image credit: JTBC
Also known as Knowing Brothers, Men On A Mission is a variety program that started airing at JTBC in 2015.
It is famous for its classroom setting where the main hosts wear school uniform, and invite guests – mostly K-Pop idols, who act as visiting students from another school. In special episodes however, they explore different formats and sometimes shoot outdoors.
One episode is divided into two segments. The first part includes a talk show section where the hosts interview the guests, while the second part involves different activities from games, talent show and even improvised acting!
Comedians Kang Ho Dong, Lee Su Geun and Kim Young Chul, former professional basketball player Seo Jang Hoon, Super Junior’s Kim Hee Chul, as well as singers Min Kyung Hoon and Lee Sangmin are the main casts of the show.
You can watch Men On A Mission on Netflix.
Spring Camp
Image credit: TVING
Camping is an outdoor activity that is not for everyone, because it would require you to go out of your comfort zone and experience the life without the help of convenient tools and equipment.
But, watching Spring Camp can change your mind! Sure, you’ll see the casts’ struggles at first, but as the show progresses to more episodes, you can watch them slowly becoming more and more comfortable with their surroundings.
The show features the same cast of the popular variety program New Journey To The West, which includes comedians Kang Ho Dong and Lee Seu Geun, SECH KIES’ Eun Ji Won, Block B’s PO, WINNER’s Song Min Ho, Super Junior’s Cho Kyu Hyun and actor Ahn Jae Hyeon.
Their quirky and funny personalities, combined with their struggles as campers – from setting up the tent to cooking without regular kitchen materials, will make your stomach hurt from laughing!
You can watch Spring Camp on Viu.
Busted
Image credit: Netflix
The main theme of Busted is mystery, so if you enjoy shows like Sherlock, this one’s for you! It is Netflix’s first ever original program Korean ensemble, which is why it became highly anticipated before its release.
During the first season, the casts, which play as “detectives”, were given a new case every episode. As they solve each crime, they also slowly uncover the mystery behind an operation called Project D led by a man named “K”.
Busted was then renewed for Season 2, where they have to find out who is responsible for K’s death.
The third and final season will start airing this month, featuring Yoo Jae Sook, Kim Jong Min, Lee Kwang Soo, Park Min Young, Oh Se Hun, Kim Se Jeong and Lee Seung Gi.
You can watch Busted on Netflix starting January 22nd.
The Hungry and The Hairy
Image credit: Netflix
What’s the best thing about travelling besides getting to visit new places? Eating delicious food of course! The show The Hungry and The Hairy centres on these two factors, but instead of using a car or flying on a plane, the hosts ride a motorcycle.
It is hosted by two best friends Rain and Rong Ho Chul, who takes an off from their busy schedules as celebrities to go out on the road together. As the buddies travel, they share good food and create new memories together.
From interacting with locals to trying different activities like rock climbing, camping and even visiting an amusement park – this program will inspire you to hit up your friends and schedule a trip!
You can watch The Hungry and The Hairy on Netflix.
You don’t have to worry about having a boring day if you’re accompanied with these fun shows. Happy watching!
