It’s no secret that Korean pop (K-pop) idols are masters of variety. One day, they’re serving charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent onstage, and the next, they’re cracking jokes on live television that leave their fans in stitches. No wonder these superstars’ names are written across every variety show and talk show in South Korea.
Thanks to their unmatched humor and endearing personalities, numerous K-pop groups and solo artists have pivoted from being special guests on variety shows to hosting their own online gimmicks.
Photo: SEVENTEEN, TWICE/YouTube
These idol-led variety shows and talk shows may be unpredictable and over-the-top for the most part, but fans live for the chaos every time. More than that, fans get to see more personal and sentimental sides of the groups they stan.
Here are some widely loved K-pop shows on YouTube that make for an unforgettable binge-watching session. You’re more than welcome to squeeze in an episode or two if you have extra time on your hands.
Going Seventeen
CARATs can recognize the iconic theme song of Going Seventeen anywhere. One episode of SEVENTEEN’s variety show is all you need to start laughing like there’s no tomorrow, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You never know what you’ll get in this delightfully unhinged series, but you can always count on the 13-member boy group to deliver an extravaganza of wit, competitive energy, and tears—the happiest kind, of course.
From summer staycations to Power Rangers-themed challenges, and even playing hide and seek in mouse costumes (we’re not joking), Going Seventeen is a gem in the K-pop community that CARATs are eternally grateful for.
RUN BTS!
K-pop superstars BTS are conquering the world in style, and they’re taking their ARMYs with them. On RUN BTS, the group goes on jam-packed side quests and plays games that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
This variety show may have gone through numerous seasons and changes over time, but one thing remains certain: BTS won’t back down from a challenge. In fact, the members will rise to the occasion with pride. If you need a change of pace and prefer more laid-back vibes, you can also check out Suga’s talk show, Suchwita.
Time to TWICE
If you still have a bad case of post-concert depression (PCD) from TWICE’s This Is For world tour in Bulacan, then it might be time to revisit the girls’ variety show, Time to TWICE. Before you know it, the members’ warm and bubbly personalities will feel like bonding with the barkada you never had.
ZIP Daesung
Daesung of BIGBANG is taking over our YouTube watch lists with a talk show that features the icons who helped turn K-pop into a massive global phenomenon. In ZIP Daesung, our energetic host catches up with his long-time idol friends, interviews rookie groups, and sits down with renowned Korean actors for their current and upcoming projects.
A few memorable guests on ZIP Daesung include Rosé and Lisa of BLACKPINK, K-pop matriarch CL, and Daesung’s fellow BIGBANG members, G-Dragon and Taeyang.
Sana’s Fridge Interview
If you’re in the mood for heartwarming interactions between your favorite idols, Sana’s Fridge Interview is right up your alley. The people’s princess, Sana of TWICE, is hosting a talk show that makes her friends and fans feel right at home. Every episode is filled with silly banter and thoughtful conversations on the guests’ journeys in the K-pop scene.
Lee Young-ji’s Nothing Prepared
It’s been nine months since the last episode of Nothing Prepared dropped on YouTube, but this talk show’s hilarious moments and inside jokes will live on for years to come. Singer, songwriter, and variety queen Lee Young-ji will turn your frown upside down in this “anything goes” program, where guests can unwind from their hectic schedules.
It only takes good food and a few drinks for Lee Young-ji’s friends (including Gen Z pop star Tyla) to let loose on her star-studded show. They may exchange a few out-of-pocket comments from time to time, but that’s the show’s essence—highlighting authenticity and getting candid without any prior preparations.
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What are your favorite K-pop variety shows and talk shows? Share your picks with us in the comments below!
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