🎀 Popular Korean Variety Shows You Should Watch | Special Interests
Table of Contents
Key Expressions
- 예능 프로그램 (variety show)
- 리얼리티 방송 (reality show)
- 고정 출연진 (fixed cast members)
- 시청률 (viewership ratings)
- 자막 (subtitles)
Reading Passage & Vocabulary
한국 예능 프로그램은 유머, 게임, 여행, 일상 관찰을 결합해 시청자에게 큰 웃음과 공감을 줍니다. ‘런닝맨’, ‘나 혼자 산다’, ‘1박 2일’, ‘피지컬: 100’ 등은 스트리밍과 클립 공유를 통해 전 세계적으로 확산되었습니다.
Korean variety shows blend humor, games, travel, and slice-of-life moments. “Running Man,” “I Live Alone,” “2 Days & 1 Night,” and “Physical: 100” spread globally through streaming and short-form clips.
Grammar Tip
인기를 표현할 때 “A(이/가) B에서 인기가 많다”를 사용해요.
When expressing popularity, use the pattern “A(이/가) B에서 인기가 많다”.
예: 이 예능이 동남아시아에서 인기가 많아요. (이 쇼는 동남아시아에서 인기가 많아요.)
Example: 이 예능이 동남아시아에서 인기가 많아요. = This show is popular in Southeast Asia.
Say What?
“빵 터졌어!” = 크게 웃음을 터뜨렸을 때 쓰는 표현입니다.
“Bbang teojyeosseo!” = A common phrase used when something makes you burst out laughing.
예: 그 장면에서 모두가 빵 터졌어요.
Example: Everyone burst out laughing at that scene.
5. Teacher’s Tip
한국어 자막을 켜고 짧은 구간을 반복 시청하세요. 억양과 속어를 따라 말하면 자연스러운 회화 톤을 익힐 수 있습니다.
Turn on Korean subtitles and rewatch short segments. Mimicking the intonation and slang will help you sound more natural in conversation.
예: “런닝맨” 한 장면을 세 번 반복 시청하며 대사를 따라 말하기.
Example: Repeat a “Running Man” scene three times and speak along with the lines.
6. Practical Info
시청처: Netflix(“Busted!”, “Physical: 100”), Viki(“2 Days & 1 Night”), YouTube(공식 KBS/SBS/MBC 채널). 다국어 자막 제공 에피소드가 많아 학습에 유리합니다.
Where to watch: Netflix (“Busted!”, “Physical: 100”), Viki (“2 Days & 1 Night”), YouTube (official KBS/SBS/MBC channels). Many episodes offer multilingual subtitles, which is great for learners.
Practice Dialogue
A: 요즘 재미있는 예능 봤어요?
B: 네, ‘런닝맨’이 정말 웃겨요.
A: 해외에서도 인기가 많죠?
B: 맞아요, 동남아시아에서 특히 유명해요.
A: 자막 없이 보세요?
B: 아직은 어려워서 자막을 켜고 봐요.
A: 그래도 듣기 실력이 늘죠?
B: 네, 웃으면서 공부하니 덜 지루해요.
A: 다음엔 같이 봐요!
B: 좋아요!
A: Seen any funny variety shows lately?
B: Yeah, “Running Man” cracks me up.
A: It’s big overseas too, right?
B: Yep—especially in Southeast Asia.
A: Do you watch without subtitles?
B: Not yet. I keep them on for now.
A: Your listening still improves, right?
B: Totally. Learning while laughing helps.
A: Let’s watch together next time!
B: Deal!
Pop Quiz
1) Which show mixes travel and games?
Running Man2) What does “빵 터졌어” mean?
I burst out laughing.3) Fill in: 이 예능이 ____에서 인기가 많아요.
동남아시아Did You Know?
🌏 Global Popularity Snapshot
- Running Man — Top 5 in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia).
- I Live Alone — Strong in Japan & USA.
- 2 Days & 1 Night — Fanbase in Taiwan & Thailand.
- Busted! — Netflix traction in the Philippines, Singapore, Latin America.
- Physical: 100 — #1 on Netflix in 38 countries (2023).
Basis: 2025 H1 Netflix global charts, YouTube view counts, Viki regional viewing data.
📹 Watch a Foreign Reaction (verified playable)
If embedding is blocked in your region, use the link above to watch it directly on YouTube.
It’s Your Turn
- Pick one show and write a 5–6 sentence review in Korean.
- Collect 5 slang lines and rewrite them in polite Korean.
- Watch a 3-minute clip without subtitles; guess 3 phrases and verify.
Final Thoughts
Variety shows offer a fun shortcut into Korean culture—laugh first, learn fast. Keep watching, keep repeating, and your ears will adjust before you notice.
👋 Take a Lesson with Me!
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