Navigating The Ever-Changing Landscape Of K-Variety And Web Variety Programs

MBC / uhmg studio / TEO

K-Dramas and K-Pop acts have always held some international sway, even before the age of 'Gangnam Style', BTS, and "Parasite". Big as these names may be, there has always been a warm sentiment geared towards Korean entertainment from long-time audiences. However, due to language barriers and general accessibility, it was always difficult to tap into the various types of content out there.

This is especially true for Korean variety programs, hosted through local broadcast networks like SBS, MBC, KBS, and the like. While K-Variety shows have always been a big factor propelling the Hallyu wave, for international fans, it would always lie on the shoulders of dedicated subbing teams, made up of fans rather than employees of a company. And despite their enthusiasm, sometimes only portions of a program would be covered or highlights featuring a fandom's favorite celebrity. For those wanting to watch these K-Variety programs in their entirety, it had the potential to become a strenuous effort and take hours of searching to discover a subtitled episode.

However, with the globalization of the Hallyu wave, even K-Variety is changing, extending past the walls of broadcast stations and reaching the homes of millions worldwide.

This has been a slow, yet steady transformation, only picking up speed with the inclusion of fast form media like TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and the like.

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Original K-Variety Formula

Even with the success of Korean-based programs such as "Squid Game", "The Glory", and such, that does not mean everyone has explored every form of K-Content available.