Top 10 Korean Variety Shows Loved by Global Audiences

🌟 Top 10 Korean Variety Shows

With the rise of K-pop and K-dramas, Korean variety shows have become another cultural export enjoyed by fans around the world via platforms like YouTube, Netflix, TVING, and Viki.

Running Man

📺 Network: SBS

🔥 Why it’s popular: 

Combines action, comedy, and mystery in a game-show format.

Huge fandoms in Southeast Asia, China, and South America.

Beloved for cast chemistry, including Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, Kim Jong-kook, and Song Ji-hyo.

Infinite Challenge (Muhan Dojeon)

📺 Network: MBC

💬 Known internationally as "the blueprint of Korean variety shows"

Experimental formats, iconic cast (Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, etc.)

Still rewatched by overseas fans via clips and DVDs.

Hangout with Yoo (How Do You Play?)

📺 Network: MBC
🌍 Global fans love Yoo Jae-suk’s many alter egos.

Projects like SSAK3 and MSG Wannabe blend music and variety.

Popular on YouTube with English subs.

Street Woman Fighter

📺 Network: Mnet
🩰 Dance competition between female dance crews

Global fans admire the girl-power and intense performances.

Viral on YouTube with millions of international views.

The Return of Superman

📺 Network: KBS
👨‍👧 Heartwarming show about celebrity dads taking care of their kids.

Universally loved for adorable children and family themes.

Kids like Naeun, Hao, and Teo have global fanbases.

Single’s Inferno

📺 Platform: Netflix
🔥 Korea’s first dating reality show to go global

Seasons 1–3 hit Netflix’s global Top 10.

Cast members gained hundreds of thousands of new international followers.

Busted!

📺 Platform: Netflix
🕵️ Mystery + comedy variety show aimed at global audiences.

Cast includes Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Kwang-soo, and Sejeong.

Full English subtitles available, making it highly accessible.

EXchange (Transit Love)

📺 Platform: TVING (Viki in some countries)
💔 Unique format where ex-couples reunite and live together.

Emotional depth surprises many international viewers.

Popular among fans of authentic, emotionally rich dating shows.

Apartment 404

📺 Platform: Amazon Prime Video
🔍 Mystery + reality entertainment with a retro twist.

Features global stars like Yoo Jae-suk and BLACKPINK’s Jennie.

Released globally through Amazon Prime, increasing its international reach.

Youn’s Kitchen / Youn’s Stay / Jinny’s Kitchen

📺 Network: tvN / Netflix
🍱 Korean stars run a restaurant overseas or in traditional settings.

Stars include Youn Yuh-jung, Park Seo-joon, Jung Yu-mi, Lee Seo-jin.

Offers a gentle look at Korean food and hospitality that appeals globally.

🗺️ Regional Highlights

Southeast Asia / China

Running Man, Infinite Challenge

Humor & team chemistry

North America / Europe

Single’s Inferno, EXchange (Transit Love)

Emotional unscripted dating formats

Worldwide

Youn’s Kitchen, Street Woman

Fighter Korean culture & lifestyle appeal

Netflix Viewers

Busted!, Single’s Inferno

Global-friendly subtitles & format