Top 10 Must-Watch Korean Variety Shows for the TikTok Generation

In an era where one can live without a TV but not without a cellphone, the increase in single-person households and changing lifestyles have produced entertainment programs that cater to viewers’ tastes. Various forms of content, from entertainment reality, shows that excite viewers just by watching to dopamine-filled survival programs, are pouring out, which were not seen in traditional terrestrial entertainment programs. Among them, we introduce the top 10 OTT content that viewers most love.

Zombieverse

Zombie Universe is a web entertainment show set in a world transformed into zombies in Seoul. Despite being zombie content that divides opinions, it surpassed DP and ranked first in the Korean TOP 10 rankings. It features actors such as Lee Si Young, Park Na Rae, and Dex, with Dex is selected as the number one contributor for his scenes of finding cast members and rising again, as well as swimming in the sea as if he is in a zombie world.

Earth Arcade

It is a real travel variety show by Na Young Seok PD, who believes that any entertainment program he creates will be successful. It comprises young female members, from Lee Young Ji, MZ President, to the current trend, An Yu Jin. Although they are not main MCs or familiar with TV entertainment programs, Earth Arcade has been a big hit with its fresh and unique format, and it has even been renewed for a second season. The chemistry between the members and the chemistry with Na Young Seok PD also points to watch. Earth Arcade can be watched on the OTT platform Tving.

Siren: Survive the Island

It is a Netflix survival entertainment show where 24 women with the strongest combat capabilities and meticulous strategies compete fiercely in six different professions. Although it did not have much initial popularity due to the lack of well-known cast members, it started gaining attention with scenes that break stereotypes and prejudices about femininity, such as “Let’s fight against strong opponents, that’s cool!” How each profession solves situations adds more individuality, making it even more enjoyable.

Nineteen to Twenty

It is a Netflix reality show that captures the special moments of growth of the still inexperienced and youthful Generation Z. Through the participation of ordinary people; viewers can see the fresh and exciting daily lives of those in love, allowing them to experience vicarious excitement. In the final episode, three couples were formed. However, since the filming and broadcast dates are different, whether the participants are still together or “current couples” has become a hot topic even after the show ended.

SNL Korea

Although it was first broadcast on tvN as a live comedy program, it has now signed an exclusive streaming contract with Coupang Play. The outstanding performances of rookie actors such as Ju Hyun Young, who gained fame through the “Journalist” segment, and Kwang In, who earned the nickname “Bright Eyes” through the “MZ Office” segment of SNL, have been remarkable. In addition, each episode has funny sides of top-tier hosts such as Lee Byung Hun, Jung Woo Sung, and Shin Hye Sun.

Physical: 100

It is an extreme survival game show where the best “bodies” in physical strength compete to find the most powerful one. It brings together people known for having good physical strength, such as Skeleton national representative Yoon Sung Bin, fighter Chu Sung Hoon, and trainer Shim Euddeum. It is not just a competition for power but also a game that requires strength, stamina, balance, and perseverance, so unexpected eliminations can occur. Season 2 is currently in preparation and can be watched on Netflix.

Transit Love 2

It is a Tving reality dating show where couples who have broken up for various reasons gather in one house to reminisce about their past relationships and find new love. It attracted attention with its stimulating theme of “reunion” or “transit” and immersed viewers in the stories of couples who have broken up. In addition to being the number one in TV-OTT integrated popularity for three consecutive weeks, the final episode garnered significant interest as it was screened in theaters. Seong Hae Eun and Jeong Hyeon Gyu, who became the final couple, gained overwhelming popularity among the cast members and appeared in the 2nd Blue Dragon Series Awards.

Crime Scene Returns

After a seven-year wait, Crime Scene returns as a Tving original variety show. It announced the participation of original members Jang Jin, Park Ji Yoon, and Jang Dong Min. The show involves participants becoming suspects and detectives in murder cases to uncover the culprits. It was broadcast in 2014 for a total of three seasons. Although the ratings were somewhat low, it has maintained high popularity and a dedicated fan base over the years, and fans are eagerly anticipating its comeback. Season 2 is scheduled to be released in the first half of 2024.

Witch Hunt 2023

Witch Hunt, the show that brought the green light craze nationwide, returned in July as Witch Hunt 2023. The new chemistry is being showcased from Shin Dong Yeop, who has been with the show since season 1, to Kim Ina, Code Kunst, Ju Woo Jae, and Im Ji Joo. In particular, the “Live Streaming” segment, where they directly communicate with citizens, has been revived after eight years and provides entertainment. It allows viewers to immerse themselves by directly conversing with the MCs about worries everyone has experienced but finds difficult to confide in.

Game Of Blood

It is an extreme survival entertainment show of the brain and physical powerhouses. It achieved exceptional results within the Wavve platform with high topicality, long viewing time, and increased paid subscribers. The videos that induce dopamine, such as the fight between Ha Seung Jin and Dex, made it the first Wave original entertainment show to top the TV-OTT integrated popularity index for two consecutive weeks. It started in 15th place in the first week but gained momentum and rose in popularity in the second week.

By. Oh Hye In (press@daily.co.kr)