If you’re looking to laugh out loud, Korean variety shows are where it’s at. Over the years, South Korea has mastered the art of unscripted entertainment, offering a rich blend of comedy, absurd challenges, clever editing, and unforgettable cast chemistry. These shows go far beyond just funny moments — they’re cultural phenomena with millions of loyal viewers both in Korea and internationally.
Whether you’re new to K-entertainment or already a K-variety addict, here’s your guide to the 10 most-watched Korean variety shows that are downright hilarious. Get ready to dive into the wacky world of Korean humor and addictive entertainment.
1. Running Man
It’s impossible to talk about Korean variety shows without mentioning Running Man. Since its debut in 2010, it has become a global hit with a massive fanbase in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and even Latin America. The show’s premise revolves around missions, races, and ridiculous games often played across iconic Korean landmarks or random outdoor settings.
What makes Running Man so entertaining is the cast’s incredible chemistry. Yoo Jae-suk, often referred to as the Nation’s MC, leads the team with his sharp wit. The blend of competitive spirit, betrayal, slapstick comedy, and unexpected twists keeps viewers hooked every week. Even after more than a decade on air, Running Man continues to rack up high ratings and deliver genuine laughs.
2. Knowing Bros (Ask Us Anything)
Knowing Bros is a school-themed variety show where celebrity guests become “transfer students” and the fixed cast play cheeky classmates. The show breaks conventional Korean broadcast formalities by encouraging casual, sometimes even borderline inappropriate banter — something you rarely see on Korean television.
Heechul of Super Junior, Seo Jang-hoon, Kang Ho-dong, and other regulars bring sarcastic humor, exaggerated role-playing, and lots of playful roasting. The best moments often come when K-pop idols or actors match the cast’s energy, resulting in unscripted hilarity. Thanks to viral clips on YouTube and frequent English subtitles, Knowing Bros has found an enthusiastic international audience.
3. 2 Days & 1 Night (1박 2일)
Imagine your favorite celebrities stranded in the countryside, forced to play absurd games just to win food or avoid sleeping outdoors. That’s the concept behind 2 Days & 1 Night, one of Korea’s longest-running and most beloved travel-variety programs.
The show combines Korea’s breathtaking natural scenery with physical comedy, personality clashes, and heartwarming bromance. Whether it’s eating raw onions or jumping into freezing lakes, the cast members give their all for laughs. Over the years, 1N2D has gone through several season changes and cast overhauls, but its humorous core has remained intact, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves unpredictable, outdoor chaos.
4. New Journey to the West
Created by the genius behind Running Man, Na Young-seok, New Journey to the West is a masterclass in experimental humor. The show follows a group of familiar faces like Kang Ho-dong, Lee Soo-geun, Eun Ji-won, and WINNER’s Song Mino as they travel to different Asian cities dressed as fantasy characters.
The concept is absurd — loosely inspired by the Chinese novel “Journey to the West” — but what unfolds is pure comedic gold. From language barriers to insane food missions and hilarious punishments, the show thrives on creative editing, deadpan delivery, and unpredictable moments. With each season more bizarre than the last, fans never know what to expect — and that’s exactly why they keep tuning in.
5. Weekly Idol
K-pop fans, this one’s for you. Weekly Idol offers a refreshing break from the polished stages and scripted interviews, giving fans a hilarious behind-the-scenes look at their favorite idols. From random dance challenges to exaggerated aegyo battles, it’s all about making idols step out of their comfort zones.
What started as a low-budget show in a white room turned into a viral sensation thanks to its quirky format and laugh-out-loud moments. The hosts, including veterans like Doni and Coni, have a knack for drawing out the most chaotic and fun sides of K-pop groups. It’s silly, unscripted, and totally addictive.
6. The Sixth Sense
If you love mind games and comedy mixed with a dose of mystery, The Sixth Sense is the show for you. Hosted by Yoo Jae-suk alongside a dynamic female cast including Jessi and Oh Na-ra, the show invites guests to figure out which among three unusual setups is completely fake.
What starts off as a guessing game quickly turns into a battlefield of teasing, yelling, and hilarious mistrust. The editing adds another layer of comedy, enhancing awkward pauses, overreactions, and sudden plot twists. It’s not just about solving the mystery — it’s about watching how hilariously wrong everyone can be in the process.
7. Amazing Saturday
Amazing Saturday combines food, music, and comedy in a way no other show does. The show’s cast — featuring Boom, SHINee’s Key, Girl’s Day’s Hyeri, and Park Na-rae — tries to decipher difficult Korean lyrics to win delicious regional foods from all over Korea.
The guessing game often spirals into chaos, with cast members mishearing lyrics and wildly arguing over syllables. Add in the tempting food and a competitive spirit, and you get an experience that’s equal parts funny and mouthwatering. Amazing Saturday also regularly invites K-pop guests, leading to some of the funniest and most random moments on TV.
8. Hangout with Yoo (How Do You Play?)
Yoo Jae-suk strikes again — this time with Hangout with Yoo, a variety show that constantly reinvents itself. It began with Yoo exploring his hobbies, but has since turned into a revolving door of creative concepts like “Refund Sisters,” “MSG Wannabe,” and “Winter Songs Project.”
The genius of the show lies in its unpredictability. One week, you’re watching a fake idol group, the next you’re witnessing Jae-suk learn how to DJ or go on bizarre missions with no clear purpose. It’s a show that breaks all variety norms and still keeps audiences entertained. Jae-suk’s dedication to every role, no matter how absurd, is both impressive and hilariously entertaining.
9. Master in the House (All the Butlers)
Ever wonder what it’s like to live a day in the life of a master? Master in the House brings together a cast of younger entertainers like Lee Seung-gi, Yang Se-hyung, and Doyoung to spend 48 hours with notable figures, ranging from athletes to monks.
While the show has an inspirational angle, it’s also filled with awkward first meetings, hilarious misunderstandings, and playful pranks. Watching the cast try to keep up with the intense schedules or strange habits of their mentors is both educational and laugh-inducing. It’s the perfect blend of life lessons and situational comedy.
10. SNL Korea
Finally, for those who enjoy sketch comedy, SNL Korea delivers unfiltered satire, parodies, and adult humor — Korean style. Unlike other shows, SNL Korea isn’t afraid to push the boundaries. Its live format brings spontaneity, and celebrity hosts are often game for just about anything.
From over-the-top skits to viral parodies of popular dramas and K-pop songs, the show pokes fun at Korean society, politics, and media culture. While it’s toned down compared to its American counterpart, it still retains an edge that makes it stand out in the Korean variety scene. Some segments, like the “Legendary Skits” featuring comedians like Shin Dong-yup and Ahn Young-mi, have become internet gold.
Bottom line
Whether you’re in need of a good laugh, a break from daily stress, or just want to explore more of Korean entertainment culture, these 10 most-watched Korean variety shows are the perfect place to start. They’re hilarious, heartwarming, and endlessly binge-worthy.
From the chaotic games of Running Man to the witty banter of Knowing Bros and the food-fueled chaos of Amazing Saturday, there’s something here for every kind of viewer. Once you dive into the world of Korean variety, there’s no turning back.
