Over the past couple of years, Korean variety shows, especially reality series in 2023, have entertained viewers immensely. These shows have also included various genres, including dating shows, competition series, and more. The cast members or contestants have earned a massive fanbase on social media. Some of them have even gone on to participate in different reality shows, further increasing their popularity.
Korean variety shows have amassed a global audience, with viewers tuning in to the series in large numbers. With viewers being invested in dating shows, they have rooted for their favorite contestants in competitions and even criticized a few for their actions. 2023 saw a mixture of variety shows, some of which debuted on television, while the others ran seasons of the series. Shows like Single’s Inferno (Season 3), Physical: 100, Zombieverse, and more have gone on to become significantly popular.
On that note, check out some of the best Korean variety shows in 2023.
Single’s Inferno
South Korean dating show Single’s Inferno premiered season 3 on December 12, 2023, on Netflix. The series features many eligible singles, both men and women, embarking on a journey to find love and a potential partner. They gather in an isolated island called Inferno with minimum essentials. Throughout the course of the series, they form connections and win challenges to spend time with their chosen partner in Paradise. The first two seasons as well as season 3 is currently available to stream on Netflix.
Physical: 100
Physical: 100 is an intense competition show. It features 100 contestants in top physical shape participating in gruesome challenges to claim the cash prize of KRW 300 million and the title of being the most physically fit out of the lot. The competition ran for one season and featured wrestlers, Olympic athletes, YouTubers, bodybuilders, former soldiers, and more. The series was greenlit for the second season, but the timeline for its premiere has still not been revealed. Season 1 premiered on January 24, 2023, and is available to stream on Netflix.
Zombieverse
Zombieverse is a post-apocalyptic survival reality show which premiered on August 8, 2023. It features 10 contestants who are brought together with the pretext of participating in a dating show. However, chaos ensues after they discover that they have to survive a zombie outbreak in Seoul to make it to the end. It is each individual for themselves, where they participate in challenging quests and test their survival skills. The series is available to stream on Netflix.
Nineteen to Twenty
Nineteen to Twenty is a teenage Korean dating show featuring a set of 19-year-old girls and boys entering a high school. They spend the last few days of their teenage years together, forming connections and engaging in interesting activities before they celebrate turning 20. The show became popular with many couples making it to the end and celebrating their entry into their twenties. The series is available to stream on Netflix.
The Devil’s Plan
The Devil’s Plan is a popular mind game survival show that premiered on September 26, 2023. The series features 12 contestants from all walks of life, including popular celebrities, participating in games of wit, strategy, and wisdom to become the ultimate winner. The cast form alliances and display their skillsets to keep moving forward until one of them wins the title and the cash prize of KRW 250 million. The show is available to stream on Netflix.
Jinny’s Kitchen
Jinny’s Kitchen is set in Bacalar, a small town in Mexico. The series features popular celebrities hosting a restaurant and introducing Korean street food to the townspeople. Actor Lee Seo-Jin acts as the boss, Jung Yoo-Mi as the new executive, Park Seo-Joon as the new head of kitchen, and Choi Woo-Shik and BTS member V as interns. They work as a team and make food from scratch to feed the people. The series premiered on February 24, 2023, and is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
2023 was the year of some great South Korean variety shows that had the perfect blend of suspense, mystery, fun, romance, and entertainment. Many of these shows are already on the run for another season, while some can be binge-watched any time of the day.
