The growing demand of K-content on the internet has only been further proved by successful renewal of several new web-series’ seasons on OTT platforms. More than ever, these new premieres of Korean reality shows on Netflix has pushed the audience’s interest in that direction and propelled them towards a new category of viewing experience. Korean dramas have been on the rise for quite some time and their craze is not dying anytime soon either, but there are times when one want to look elsewhere and watch something other than the usual slow burn drama show, or romance-driven fictional storylines.

This break calls for some light binge-watch sessions, that don’t necessarily require for your brain to function at it’s full speed. So, if you’re looking for the remedy so mentioned, then reality TV shows are the best way to cure your fatigue and stress. Just kick back, shut down your mind’s engines and enjoy the light-hearted easygoing titles listed below.

Korean Reality Shows on Netflix If You Don’t Feel Like Watching the Usual K-drama Options

1. Nineteen to Twenty (열아홉스물)

Crossing over from the age of nineteen to twenty is a journey in itself, which marks not only the beginning of restrictions easing up on young adults, but also heart-fluttering moments resulting in many firsts. The latest Netflix series which has somewhat been equated into being a Korean dating show also, is primarily centred around capturing these very first set of experiences met with during this transition phase in teenage lives now entering their 20s. The “School 19” scenario bars them from indulging in the matters of the heart, but as soon as they hit their 20s, their moved to the “20 House” where they’re free to forge new bonds.

2. Single’s Inferno

Like many dating shows, Single’s Inferno also leaves flirty young Korean singles stranded on an island, where their only means of escape is granted to them through a romantic escapade as couples to “Paradise”. Nineteen to Twenty‘s host Super Junior Kyuhyun also leads this show along with Hanhae, Lee Da-hee and Hong Jin-kyung.

Intermeshing the survival contest concept with the datings scenario, the show pits several challenges in the way of these contestants on the “Inferno” set, where they’re supposed to make ends meet on their own without any electronic support getting in the way. However, the one difference spotted in this show is that, many such titles bar the participants from dating each other, but Single’s Inferno‘s ultimate aim is to push for such relationships.

3. Busted

In this thriller mystery variety show, several different Korean celebs pose as sleuths who are enlisted as members of the secret operation called Project D. Led by an even mysterious man named “K”, they’re implanted with a DNA chip, lending them the strengths of famous detectives through history. Working as private investigators, they’re handed out a new case every episode, while the looming secrets of the Project D operation are also needed to be uncovered. This part scripted-unscripted series has starred several well-known names over the three seasons including EXO’s Sehun, Kim Se-jeong, Park Min-young, Lee Seung-gi, Yoo Jae-suk and others.

4. Physical 100

2022’s robust reality competition welcomed hundred participants with some of the best physiques ever seen. Competing against each other in endless gritty challenges, the contest was again based on the survival theme and dropped each one of them as the episodes went by till the show found its one last standing victor to claim the cash rewards. The first season tested their physical abilities, pushing everyone to defy their limitations and present an intense showdown of strength, strategy and athleticism.

Also read: 6 Kdramas With Best Romantic Dates That Left Us in a Pool of Emotions: Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, Tale of the Nine Tailed and More

5. Siren Survive the Island

Charging fearlessly ahead, 24 women were divided into groups of 6 as per their respective professions – police, firefighters, soldiers, athletes, bodyguards and stuntwomen. Again stranded on an island, they all had to complete gruelling missions like traversing a mudflat course or even preparing for their first base battle.

6. New World

Starring Jo Bo-ah, EXO Kai, Super Junior’s Kim Hee-chul, Park Na-rae, Lee Seung-gi and Eun Ji-won, the absurd simulation variety show puts up an image of a utopia everyone dreams to inhabit. However, perfection comes at a price, and so the inhabitants of the island are posed with many challenges that disrupt that harmony, but are needed to be completed for the survival tasks’ accomplishment. The show incorporated various visions pulled out of fairy tales to portray the imaginary world in question.

7. The Hungry and the Hairy

Taking off on their dream motorbike road adventure, best buddies Rain and Noh Hong-chul redefine the phrase fun on wheels as they embark on a trip to explore scenic locations while discovering mouth-watering foods on the way. Their adult and grounded friendship rediscovers what it is like to have fun and find their inner-child while being their chaotic unfiltered selves.

Also read: SBS Universe Ticket Lineup: Upcoming Kpop Girl Group Audition Show Unveils a Grand List of Contestants

8. Korean No 1

Boasting its image as the “most Korean show” among others, Korean No 1 follows its trio of hosts Yoo Jae-suk, Kim Yeon-koung and Lee Kwang-soo on their adventures expedition to search out the nation’s best artisans. Upon visiting them, the hosts are required to follow along the arduous artistic process that is needed to create the majestic traditional pieces of art and craft, still keeping the country’s rich heritage alive.

9. Knowing Bros or Men on a Mission

Most episodes of this show feature many renowned faces from the Korean entertainment industry guest-starring alongside the usual cast members. Making for one of the most chucklesome Korean variety shows on Netflix (now available), it situates both its cast members and guest in a school setting, compelling them dress up as students. When all gathered together in the classroom setup, they discuss various topics and engage in lighthearted games and activities, always keeping the viewers’ mood jubilant.

10. Zombieverse (upcoming)

With even the official banner of the upcoming reality competition series parodying the All of Us Are Dead K-drama poster, it’s clear enough as to what its concept is all about (only if the title hadn’t left enough hints for you already). Premiering on August 8, 2023, the new horror-themed survival reality title sets the usual zombie virus outbreak as its founding context. Following which, Seoul witnesses the rise of the undead, and remaining survivors must battle out against challenging quests to come out alive.

TV show host Ro Hong-chul, the Sweet Home actor Lee Si-young, comedian Park Na-rae, Tsuki of Billlie, ex-baseball pitcher Yoo Hee-kwan, Single’s Inferno 2‘s Kim Jin-young will be some of its contestants.

11. The Devil’s Plan (Upcoming)

Testing the contestants’ minds, the yet to release survival competition will welcome various influencers, celebrities to this show hosted by “The Devil”. The “Recruits” will be pushed to the limits to put on their thinking caps as the show’s format continues to play mind games with them. Their ultimate goal is to be crowned the brainiest player of the lot in order to win the big prize.

12. Squid Game The Challenge

Netflix’s very own K-drama Squid Game will come alive in this forthcoming reality competition. Unlike the original show, the contest will actually not be a matter of life or death, but it’ll still take a lot out of the 456 contestants in the race to get to the $4.56 million cash prize, which is the heftiest cash amount promised by any reality series in television history. Much like how we saw in the K-drama, this show too will push the participants to forge unlikely alliances, build up strategies and even make room for betrayals. It’s set to have 10 episodes and will release in November 2023.

Which of these Korean Reality TV shows on Netflix are you hooked on to these days? Let us know your favourites in the comments section below.

Also read: Nineteen to Twenty New Episodes: When Are They Releasing? What to Expect Ahead?