Get ready, variety show fans! The Korean Business Research Institute has unveiled the hottest variety programs for November, based on big data analysis.
This month’s top spot goes to the beloved "Home Alone" ("I Live Alone"), followed closely by "Three Meals a Day" with a reputation index of 5,066,488. Charming its way into third place is "My Little Old Boy," enjoying a remarkable 24.37 percent surge in popularity since last month.
"Running Man" continues its impressive run, sprinting to fourth place with a 22.52 percent increase, while "2 Days & 1 Night Season 4" rounds out the top five, its brand reputation index steadily climbing.
Top 20 November Variety Show Brand Reputation Rankings
- "Home Alone" ("I Live Alone")
- "Three Meals a Day"
- "My Little Old Boy"
- "Running Man"
- "2 Days & 1 Night Season 4"
- "Radio Star"
- "Knowing Bros" ("Ask Us Anything")
- "Win or Nothing" ("A Clean Sweep")
- "I Am Solo"
"National Singing Contest"
- "Same Bed, Different Dreams"
- "Gayo Stage"
- "The King of Mask Singer"
- "How Do You Play?"
- "Immortal Songs"
- "Stingy"
- "Shooting Stars" ("Kick a Goal")
- "Boss in the Mirror"
- "Lovers of Joseon"
- "Dolsing Fourmen"
Title: Inside the World of Variety Shows – An Interview with Dr. Lee Jun-ho, Cultural Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special segment, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of entertainment! Today, we’re thrilled to have Dr. Lee Jun-ho, a renowned cultural expert specializing in Korean entertainment, join us. Thanks for being here, Dr. Lee.
Dr. Lee Jun-ho: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss the vibrant world of variety shows, especially with the exciting developments we have for November.
Editor: Absolutely! The Korean Business Research Institute has recently unveiled the hottest variety programs for this month. What are some of the standout shows that have caught your attention?
Dr. Lee Jun-ho: There are several great programs that fans should be excited about. For instance, “Running Man” continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of humor and challenges. Another show generating a lot of buzz is “The Sixth Sense,” which combines elements of variety, reality, and mystery, allowing viewers to engage with its clever storytelling.
Editor: It’s interesting how these shows mix different genres. Why do you think variety shows have become so impactful in Korean culture and globally?
Dr. Lee Jun-ho: Variety shows have a unique ability to connect with the audience. They blend humor, emotion, and social commentary, which resonates with viewers. This format also allows celebrities to showcase their personalities off-script, giving fans a more authentic experience. The globalization of K-pop and K-drama has naturally extended to variety shows, expanding their reach beyond Korea.
Editor: That’s a great point! With the rise of streaming platforms, how have you seen the consumption of these variety shows change?
Dr. Lee Jun-ho: Streaming platforms have made it easier for international audiences to access Korean variety shows, which was previously a challenge. Subtitles and dubbing have allowed these programs to be appreciated by diverse audiences. Moreover, platforms often curate their content to highlight the most popular shows, so fans can easily find what’s trending.
Editor: Speaking of trends, what innovations or themes do you see emerging in the variety show landscape today?
Dr. Lee Jun-ho: Recently, there has been a shift towards more interactive formats, where audiences can participate through social media. Shows like “Idol Room” also focus heavily on engaging with fan communities. Furthermore, themes of mental health and personal growth have become more prominent, reflecting societal changes and the growing importance of these topics.
Editor: Those trends are certainly fascinating and reflect a broader societal shift. How do you see the future of Korean variety shows evolving?
Dr. Lee Jun-ho: I believe the future lies in continued innovation. As competition increases, we may see more cross-cultural collaborations, combining elements from various entertainment styles. The potential for international versions of popular shows could further expand the variety landscape. Additionally, as technology advances, we might see enhanced virtual experiences in these shows.
Editor: Exciting times ahead for variety shows, indeed! As a parting thought, what would you say to someone who’s new to Korean variety shows?
Dr. Lee Jun-ho: I’d encourage them to start with a well-loved show like “Running Man” or “Knowing Bros.” These shows are great entry points because they represent the genre’s humor, creativity, and charm. Once they dive in, I’m confident they’ll be hooked!
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Lee, for sharing your insights! We appreciate your time and expertise, and we can’t wait to see what November brings for fans of variety shows.
Dr. Lee Jun-ho: Thank you! It was my pleasure, and let’s keep the conversation going as the world of entertainment continues to evolve!
Editor: Absolutely! Until next time, everyone. Keep watching and enjoying those shows!