Author: Paula

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LATEST STORIES VARIETY

EXO Online: A list of their web variety show appearances

EXO Xiumin and Baekyun guest on Kyuhyun’s Things That Make Me Groove. Photo: 채널 십오야/YouTube

EXO as a group is on hiatus at the moment, as most of the members are currently completing their military service as required in South Korea. Their last comeback was Don’t Fight the Feeling, which was released in June. But that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of content from this multi-talented group. While several of the members have their own YouTube channels and regularly upload new content, some opt to go on Korean variety shows and even other celebrities’ web variety shows.

So if you’re missing EXO a little extra lately, here are some must-watch online variety programs that the members have either starred or guested in:

Xiumin’s The King of Tennis Tomorrow

Xiumin is known by EXO-Ls to be quite the sportsman, and for his first solo web variety show, he takes on a new athletic challenge: learning how to play tennis! In the program, the star admits that he became interested in tennis through the anime Prince of Tennis and shows off his passion to learn.

Xiumin and his friend, former professional handball player Hwang Tae Gun, pick up tennis basics over 16 episodes from former Korean professional tennis player Jeon Mi Ra. Watch and learn tennis with Xiumin starting with the first episode below:

The Devil Wears Jung Nam 2

Kai has always had an impeccable taste in fashion and can rock anything from crop tops to three-piece suits. His superior sense of style makes him a perfect match for the second season of The Devil Wears Jung Nam! In the show, actor and model Bae Jung Nam recruits Kai to join him as a fashion consultant. Together, they work as personal shoppers that help style regular people.

The pair displayed great chemistry as boss and employee throughout 10-plus episodes. Fingers crossed that Kai gets a call back for season 3!

Start binge-watching with episode 0 below:

KAIst

Kai also recently started his own YouTube web show, KAIst!

In KAIst, which combines the idol’s stage name “KAI” with “st” meaning style, the idol star promises various types of content for EXO-Ls to enjoy. The show is hosted on EXO’s official YouTube channel.

Watch episode 00 of the show to find out how Kai began his new adventure as a YouTuber, and how he ended up picking KAIst as the name of his web program:

EXO on Workman

During EXO’s Obsession promotions, the whole group made a guest appearance in television personality Jang Sung Kyu’s YouTube variety show Workman. The program follows Jang Sung Kyu as he tries different jobs. During EXO’s time in the show, the TV personality took on the role of EXO’s manager for the day and followed the group as they went about their schedules.

Watch the fun episode below:

Baekhyun on MMTG

Genius idol Baekhyun brought his witty and funny self on the set of production director (PD)/host Jae Jae’s web program MMTG. Baekhyun talked about his career as a member of EXO and as a soloist, and how he marked his “thirty sexy” with his latest solo song “Bambi.”

Watch Baekhyun’s interview on MMTG:

Xiumin and Baekhyun on Things That Make Me Groove

In one of his first schedules after his military discharge, Xiumin, along with Baekhyun, paid a visit to Super Junior Kyuhyun’s home for Things That Make Me Groove. The idols have a fun night playing several games and sharing stories over food and alcohol.

Watch Baekhyun be his usual playful self and Xiumin get adorably awkward below:

Xiumin and Suho on Lee Su Geun’s Channel

Xiumin and Suho showed off their football skills when they went on gagman Lee Su Geun’s YouTube channel! The idols teamed up with their managers and choreographer and challenged the comedian’s team (which included a former national team player) to a game of futsal.

Xiumin and Suho impressed everyone with their quick reflexes and teamwork throughout the two-episode show. Watch the exciting match to find out which team won below:

Baekhyun, Kai, and Sehun on Lee Su Geun’s Channel

EXO’s hyungs weren’t the only ones to make an appearance on Lee Su Geun’s channel. Baekhyun, Kai, and Sehun’s competitiveness were revealed in their guest appearance on the channel! Watch them try to one-up each other in the videos below:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

We hope to see more of EXO on web variety shows in the future!

Featured image: EXO Xiumin and Baekyun guest on Kyuhyun’s Things That Make Me Groove. Photo: 채널 십오야/YouTube

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES SUPER JUNIOR

Super Junior’s Kyuhyun and VIXX’s Leo to Star in “Frankenstein” Musical

K-pop idols Kyuhyun (Super Junior) and Leo (VIXX) to star in musical Frankenstein. Photo: ncc_musical/Instagram

E.L.Fs and Starlights are in for a treat this November, as Super Junior’s Kyuhyun and VIXX’s Leo have been cast in the fourth run of the musical “Frankenstein.” Kyuhyun will be playing the role of Victor Frankenstein, while Leo will be taking on the roles of Henri Dupre and the Monster.

The musical is an original Korean production that first premiered in 2014 and was adapted from the 1818 novel by Mary Shelley. The story follows the tale of Victor Frankenstein, a genius scientist who created a monstrous creature that eventually turned against him. Victor meets and befriends Henri Dupre (an original character). Henri, fascinated by his friend’s research, asks Victor to use his body for science. Victor proceeds to create and bring to life a new being using various body parts and his friend’s head.

Kyuhyun has made a name for himself as a reliable musical actor; he first showed off his acting chops and excellent singing skills in The Three Musketeers in 2010. Since then, Kyuhyun has taken on lead roles in other productions such as Werther, Mozart!, The Man Who Laughs, and Phantom. E.L.Fs can definitely expect SJ’s main vocal to put out another outstanding performance in his new role as Victor Frankenstein.

Leo has also shown expressive performances in his previous roles for Mata Hari, Elisabeth, and Marie Antoinette. Starlights are already excited to see Leo take on the dual role of Henri Dupre and the Monster, especially as this production marks the idol’s first musical after completing his mandatory military service. Leo served as a public service worker and was discharged last September 9, 2021.

Frankenstein will be performed at the Blue Square Shinhan Card Hall in Seoul from November 24, 2021 to February 20, 2022.

Featured photo: Poster for the musical “Frankenstein,” where Super Junior’s Kyuhyun and VIXX’s Leo are set to appear. Photo: ncc_musical/Instagram
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FEATURES K-POP ARTISTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES VARIETY

Kpop Idols on YouTube: 11 Boy Groups You Should Subscribe To

We’re always on the lookout for fresh content from our idols—anything from music show performances to variety show appearances. But in the last few years, we have seen idols open their own YouTube channels, giving us a new opportunity to see our idols living their lives away from the stage.

Some idols open their own channels to post song covers, and several grab the chance to better showcase other aspects of their personalities. But above all, K-pop idols use the platform to better connect with fans.

Take a look at the personal YouTube channels of these male K-pop idols and click that subscribe button so you can catch up with their daily lives!

EXO

Baekhyun

Baekhyun’s KyungTube contains vlogs, behind the scenes footage of album recordings and music video shoots, ASMR and mukbang videos, and more. Before he left for his military enlistment, he pre-filmed lots of content to be released regularly, and it looks like he’s keeping his promise!

For the EXO fan club’s anniversary, Baekhyun uploaded a video of him preparing a rainbow cake to greet EXO-Ls a happy birthday:

Chen

If you’re missing Chen’s soothing vocals, make sure to check out his YouTube channel. Aside from his solo songs and OSTs, he also covers songs from other artists.

Chen hasn’t uploaded any videos recently, but you can still get your fill of his amazing covers such as his rendition of Breath by Park Hyo Shin:

Chanyeol

Chanyeol’s Studio NNG documents the idol’s life as he goes to recording sessions with his bandmates and collaborators, tries out baking, and builds a bar in his studio. There’s also behind-the-scenes footage from music video filming, and backstage videos from music show performances.

Like Baekhyun, Chanyeol also pre-filmed content to be released monthly throughout his military enlistment. Make sure to subscribe and click the notification bell so you don’t miss an update!

Lay

EXO’s only Chinese member, Lay, also has his own channel! Subscribe to Lay Zhang so you watch his amazing dance performances, cinematic music videos, and more!

iKON

Chanwoo

iKon’s Chanwoo posts a variety of content on his Chanwoo Sari channel for iKONICS to enjoy! From food reviews to gaming to car interviews, there’s a lot of stuff for fans to indulge in.

Chanwoo also gives fans a sneak peek of the new YG building. Check out his YG New Building Tour video below:

BIGBANG

Daesung

Bigbang’s Daesung tried to make his YouTube channel D’splay as anonymous as possible, but there’s no hiding from VIPs! In his channel, Daesung uploads drum covers of K-pop and western songs. He has also recently started uploading vlogs of his daily life and activities.

Watch his drum cover of Take My Breath by The Weeknd:

VIXX

N

Want to wind down and relax after a long day? Head over to VIXX N’s channel, Today’s Record, to watch soothing videos that give Starlights a glimpse of the idol-actor’s daily life.

Watch N as he drives around Korea for his drama Mine:

Ken

On the other hand, main vocal Ken’s YouTube channel, ! Ken Do !t, is rife with bright and cheerful energy! In his channel, the idol and musical actor posts song covers, mukbang videos, backstage footage from his musicals, and more.

Ken is still serving in the military, but his pre-filmed content is uploaded regularly on the channel. Watch his hilarious—and on point!—cover of Into the Unknown from Frozen 2:

Hyuk

VIXX’s maknae Hyuk only recently launched his YouTube channel H:Life. The idol posts vlogs about his daily life and work. In his first few videos, though, he never showed his face—but a lot of Starlights easily figured out his secret. On the 100-day anniversary of his channel, Hyuk finally revealed himself! Fingers crossed for English subtitles to be added soon for international fans!

Day6

Jae

Day6’s Jae also runs his own YouTube channel. Initially, the channel was called Jaesix, and he posted videos of him interviewing and playing games with fellow idols, as well as his a-day-in-the-life vlogs. More recently, renamed the channel to eaJ. The latest posts are now the singer-songwriter’s self-written tracks.

GOT7

Jay B

GOT7’s Jay B launched his channel in February 2021 as a way to communicate with his fans. His initial uploads were the songs from his mixtapes. But just last August, Jay B uploaded his first vlog—so make sure to hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss future updates!

Fans everywhere are delighted to see their idols show off their unique talents and fun personalities on YouTube! Who’s your favorite male idol YouTuber?

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FEATURES LATEST STORIES VARIETY

Watch, Like, and Subscribe: Super Junior’s Personal YouTube Channels

Super Junior Global. Photo: SUPER JUNIOR/YouTube

Name it, Super Junior has done it: they’re accomplished singers, amazing dancers, star movie and drama actors, and incredible musical actors. They are also excellent MCs and variety show aces. Now the men of Super Junior have added one more talent to the long list of things they do extremely well: content creators.

Nine out of 10 current SJ members now have their own YouTube channels, and their content range from song covers, life vlogs, gaming streams, live chat with fans, and more. E.L.Fs are definitely well-fed despite the lack of live concert opportunities due to the pandemic.

Make sure to hit the subscribe button on their individual channels so you never miss any SJ content!

Leeteuk 

Super Junior’s leader and oldest hyung Leeteuk is the undisputed king of talk among all the members. He relives his radio MC days (he was a former host of Super Junior’s Kiss the Radio, a.k.a. Sukira) on his regular live streams, which he named Kiss the YouTube. He also shows off his cooking chops—complete with easy-to-follow tips—on the channel!

Heechul

The “Universe Big Star” Kim Heechul’s colorful personality is at full blast in HEEtube. In his channel, fans can see gamer Heechul, adorable pet parent Heechul, celebrity friend Heechul, singer Heechul, and more!

https://youtu.be/m1Nmj7USRG8

Shindong

Super Junior’s resident techie, Shindong, gives fans in-depth reviews of games and gadgets in his Shindongdengdong channel. He also uploads clips of Super Junior’s concert rehearsals, as well as behind-the-scenes footage of his directing projects.

Sungmin

Sungmin might not be participating in Super Junior’s group activities for now, but he is still a member of SJ! His LIUstudio channel is like a diary, featuring videos of his daily life as a singer, musical actor, and husband. He also uploads mukbang vlogs and song covers.

Eunhyuk

The latest Super Junior member to join the YouTube bandwagon is main dancer and rapper Eunhyuk. His channel, 1LDAN EUNHYUKEE, contains vlogs of his life away from the spotlight—from driving around Seoul to hanging out alone at an Airbnb. His vlogs have a chill and relaxed vibe, a complete contrast to his bubbly character on variety shows. As a newbie YouTuber, Eunhyuk is still adorably awkward. But E.L.Fs everywhere can’t wait to see him show off his many charms!

Donghae 

Donghae’s YouTube channel name might be basic—Super Junior Donghae LEE—but his content perfectly shows off his quirky and lovable personality. He loves going live on the channel just to chat with fans—isn’t he the sweetest? More recently, Donghae has been uploading more videos containing behind-the-scenes clips from his solo activities, as well as from Super Junior’s concerts and shows. He also shows off his “SJ’s genius composer” side through his jamming sessions in the recording studio.

Siwon 

“No challenge, no change!” Siwon Choi definitely succeeded in taking on the YouTube challenge! In his channel, fans can watch videos of Super Junior’s visual and center hang out with his bandmates and other celebrity friends, and provide updates on his “No challenge, no change” project. Siwon is also known to be very religious, and he has recently taken to uploading Bible reading videos on his channel.

Ryeowook 

Super Junior’s eternal maknae Ryeowook is an adorable bean in his channel, Ryeowook’s Agit (Ryeowook’s Hangout). In his channel, the idol shares videos of him going about his daily life—recording sessions, music video shoots, online fan sign events, and more. He also uploads song covers, and like Donghae, Ryeowook also regularly goes live on the channel to chat with fans.

https://youtu.be/FpfYoDOIS5Y

Kyuhyun 

Kyuhyun’s KYU TV is like a bag of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans—it has a little bit of everything! A well-known idol gamer, SJ’s maknae holds live streaming sessions of him playing his beloved Starcraft, as well as other games. He is also a budding cook, so his stream highlights often feature cooking segments as well. Of course, he’s not about to let E.L.Fs forget his amazing vocals, so Kyuhyun also uploads cover songs and holds live mini-concerts in his room at the Super Junior dorm!

Almost all of Super Junior are now on YouTube! Have you subscribed to all of them yet? Also, maybe E.L.Fs can convince main vocal and selfie king Yesung to start his own channel?

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FEATURES LATEST STORIES VARIETY

Call of Duty: Five K-pop Idols Due for Enlistment in 2021

Best friends Mino and P.O. in New Journey to The West. Photo: tvN Asia/YouTube

Enlistment. The dreaded E-word for K-pop fans everywhere. Every year, fans go through the painful process of sending their idols off to serve in the military. South Korean law requires all able-bodied Korean men aged 18 to 28 (or 30, according to the revised military enlistment law that will allow entertainers to apply for deferment, if they are recognized by the government to have elevated South Korea’s image globally) to undergo mandatory military service. 

Most 1993-born idols—who are or will turn 28 this year—have already enlisted, but there are still quite a few who have yet to enter military service. Here are some idols born in 1993 that are due to enlist this year: 

Block B’s P.O. (born 2 February 1993) 

P.O debuted with Block B as one of the group’s rappers in 2011, and in the group’s first sub-unit, Bastarz, in 2015. He is also an actor, making his acting debut in the 2017 SBS drama Temperature of Love. He has since landed roles in other dramas such as Encounter, Hotel Del Luna, and more. 

P.O is also a variety show regular. He has been a fixed cast member of New Journey to the West (NJTTW) with his best friend, Song Mino, Great Escape, and Amazing Saturday since 2018. He is also on Kang’s Kitchen, a NJTTW spin-off program. 

Winner’s Mino (born 30 March 1993)

The rapper and producer has been active as a member of Winner since 2014. Following his runner-up finish on Show Me the Money season 4, Mino has since released numerous singles. He also debuted as a soloist in 2018 with his first studio album, XX. Mino has been a fixed cast member of New Journey to the West since 2017, which his best friend since high school P.O. joined in 2018. He also has his own web variety series on YouTube, Mino’s Pilot. Later this year, he will be appearing as a producer on Show Me the Money season 10. 

Mino made his official debut as a painter at the Special Exhibition for Emerging Artists (SEEA) 2019 art exhibit at the Seongnam Art Center’s 808 Gallery. His works were also displayed at London’s Saatchi Gallery in 2020 as part of the Korean Eye 2020: Creativity Daydream exhibit. 

VIXX’s Ravi (born 15 February 1993)

VIXX’s Ravi has had an active career both as the group’s main rapper and as a solo artist. The group known as the “Concept Kings” may be on hiatus due to military enlistment, but Ravi has made sure that he and his group stay firmly on top of Starlights’ radar. He has released several solo EPs and mixtapes since 2016; in 2020, he released his first full-length album. He has also been busy collaborating with various artists as a featured rapper, songwriter, and producer. Ravi is currently a regular cast member of the popular travel-variety show 2 Days 1 Night and has guested in other TV and web variety shows.

Ravi has also been busy as the CEO of his own hip-hop label, GROOVL1N, which he set up in 2019. This year, he set up The L1VE, an agency that supports artists across different genres. 

B1A4’s Gongchan (born 14 August 1993) 

Singer and actor Gongchan has been active as the maknae of B1A4 since 2011. He debuted as an actor in the web drama Delicious Love in 2015. His most recent dramas include Lonely Enough to Love and the web series Mokkoji Kitchen. 

Gongchan has also been active in the variety show circuit, appearing as a guest on shows such as Celebrity Bromance and Knowing Brothers. He also hosted the music variety show Global Request Show: A Song for You season 4 with former Super Junior Kangin and f(x)’s Amber in 2015.

DAY6’s Young K (born 19 December 1993) 

Young K is a member of the pop-rock band DAY6 as the group’s bassist, rapper and vocalist. He is also part of the group’s first sub-unit, Even of Day, with fellow members Dowoon and Wonpil. The sub-unit debuted in 2020. 

Young K is enlisting as a Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) soldier on 12 October. Before his enlistment, he will be releasing his first solo EP Eternal in September.  

Of these ’93-liners, who will you miss the most?

Featured image: Best friends Mino and P.O. in New Journey to The West. Photo: tvN Asia/YouTube
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FEATURES LATEST STORIES SUPER JUNIOR

Variety Kings: Super Junior

Super Junior's online variety show, SJ Global. Photo: SUPER JUNIOR/YouTube

The men of Super Junior have been in Korean entertainment for the last 15 years and have had numerous variety show appearances under their belts. Their crazy-happy personalities make them variety favorites—much to the delight of E.L.Fs everywhere.

You’re guaranteed to be rolling on the floor laughing by watching shows with any (or all!) of the Super Junior members in the cast. So, bring out the tteokbokki, ramyeon, and soju, and have your very own viewing party with these programs and web series: 

Super Junior Returns (2017 – present) 

Starring: All Super Junior members 

The plot: Super Junior Returns is an ongoing web series featuring all active Super Junior members. The first season documented their 8th album and comeback preparations. In season two, the members went on to show the best food around Japan. Season three featured the members’ individual schedules, as well as their 9th album preparations. The current season’s concept is all about fulfilling requests from E.L.Fs. 

Where to watch: VLive 

Knowing Brothers (2015 – present)

Starring: Heechul

The plot: Heechul is part of the fixed cast on Knowing Brothers, one of the most popular shows in South Korea today. Every week, “transfer students” come out on the program and are interviewed by the cast members. The guests also participate in activities such as games and skits. 

Where to watch: Netflix

My Little Old Boy (2016 – present) 

Starring: Heechul 

Plot: My Little Old Boy features celebrities’ mothers, as they observe and comment on the daily lives of their unmarried adult sons. Heechul and his mother, Kim Sun-ja, are in the show as part of the fixed cast. 

Where to watch: Viu (as Mom’s Diary)

Analog Trip (2019 – 2020)

Starring: Leeteuk, Shindong, Eunhyuk, Donghae and TVXQ’s Yunho and Changmin 

The plot: Super Junior and TVXQ go on a trip to Yogyakarta, Indonesia, with time travel as their concept. They all go back to 2002, and in order to “return” to the present time, they had to complete several tasks and challenges.

Where to watch: YouTube

New Journey to the West (2017 – present) 

Starring: Kyuhyun

The plot: The show is inspired by the Chinese novel Journey to the West. Along with Kyuhyun, the program also stars Kang Hodong, Lee Sugeun, singer Eun Jiwon, actor Ahn Jaehyun, Winner’s Mino, and Block B’s P.O. For each season, the cast members dress up as different characters, go on a trip, and complete various missions to receive dragon balls that will grant their wishes. 

Where to watch: Viu, TvN D ENT channel on YouTube

Things that Make Me Groove (2020 – 2021) 

Starring: Kyuhyun

The plot: In Things that Make Me Groove, Kyuhyun sets out to find food that best complements alcohol. The program, a spin-off from New Journey to the West, shows the idol at home, as he invites different friends for a night of games and storytelling over food and alcohol. 

Where to watch: Channel Fullmoon on YouTube

SJ Global  (2021)

Starring: All Super Junior members 

The plot: Leeteuk, Yesung, Shindong, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Siwon, Ryeowook, and Kyuhyun are the new employees at SJ Global, a small to medium-sized company that has been supporting Super Junior. This variety mini-series has the members take on office tasks to earn badges for the privilege to get off work early. They also go on a cooking challenge, attend a special class on sales pitching, and more. 

Where to watch: Super Junior’s YouTube channel

Super Junior is everywhere in the Korean entertainment industry indeed! What’s your favorite variety show in the list? What other programs do you love to watch?

 

Feature image: Super Junior’s online variety show, SJ Global. Photo: Super Junior/YouTube
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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

5 K-dramas (and a movie!) Starring Super Junior

Choi Siwon in She Was Pretty. Photo: MBCdrama/YouTube

OG K-pop idol group Super Junior has been a consistent music chart-topper in the last 15 years. They’ve also changed the K-pop scene in many other ways: they’re the first group to have more than 5 or 6 members—they had 13 (15 including Super Junior-M members Henry and Zhou Mi) members at their peak—and they introduced the concept of sub-units. 

Their talents are not limited to music, however. The men of Super Junior have since branched out to star in variety shows, musicals, movies, and K-dramas. Check out these K-dramas (and a movie!) that feature Super Junior members in main or supporting roles. 

1. Quiz of God Season 4 (2014)

Starring: Donghae 

The plot: Quiz of God is a medical and forensic drama franchise that tackles unusual cases and suspicious deaths. Donghae stars in the fourth season of the series as one of the people in the team of investigators. 

Where to watch: See info on the OCN Channel website

2. She Was Pretty (2015) 

Starring: Siwon

The plot: Childhood sweethearts—a pretty girl from a rich family and an unattractive boy—meet again as adults after a reversal of fortunes and appearances. The pretty girl lost her good looks after experiencing hardships, while the boy grew up handsome and successful. 

Siwon gave viewers major second lead syndrome in this drama with his cheeky and lovable character Kim Shin Hyuk. 

Where to watch: Netflix

3. Voice Season 1 (2017) 

Starring: Yesung

The plot: The crime thriller drama Voice follows the lives of emergency call center and dispatch team members. The team, led by a policewoman with a talent for voice profiling, solves cases together. Yesung was cast in the first season as one of the members of the emergency call center’s Golden Time Team. 

Where to watch: Netflix, Rakuten Viki 

4. Revolutionary Love (2017) 

Starring: Siwon 

The plot: In this society drama, Siwon stars as an unemployed third-generation chaebol who hides his identity to live life as a regular person. In the drama, his character meets people from all walks of life and helps him see the struggles of the working class. 

Where to watch: Netflix 

5. My Fellow Citizens! (2019) 

Starring: Siwon 

The plot: The drama follows the story of a talented con man (Siwon) who is married to a police detective. He hides his identity from his wife as he continues to live life as a swindler. But after a series of unfortunate incidents, he suddenly finds himself in the running for a seat at South Korea’s National Assembly. 

Where to watch: Netflix, Viu 

Bonus: Movie featuring SuJu

Attack on the Pin-Up Boys (2007) 

Starring: All Super Junior members except Kyuhyun, with cameos by Super Junior-M’s Henry, SHINee’s Key, and EXO’s Suho 

The plot: Mysterious attacks on high school flower boys prompt amateur high school detectives to investigate who may be behind these incidents and speculate who the next victim will be. The movie stars all of the Super Junior members except Kyuhyun, who was then recovering from his car accident. The story is campy and hilarious—and all the members played their exaggerated high school characters in their signature Super Junior style. 

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

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BTS FEATURES LATEST STORIES VARIETY

10 Must-Watch K-pop Idol Variety Shows Online

BTS/VLIVE

Content is king, and idols know it! 

Nowadays, K-pop idols don’t just guest at variety shows, they also star on their own! Having their own programs lets idols share more about themselves to fans, as well as give the fans an inside look at their daily lives. 

Here are some of your favorite idols’ online variety shows you can binge on: 

Run BTS (2015 – present) 
Starring: All BTS members 

What it’s about: The world’s biggest K-pop boy group has their own weekly variety show where they take on missions and play games to win prizes or avoid punishments. In the program, the boys unleash their fun, goofy, and cheeky selves on camera, much to the delight of all ARMYs around the world. With almost 150 episodes as of August 2021, there is more than enough BTS content for fans to watch! 

Where to watch: VLive, Weverse 

24/365 with Blackpink (2020 – present) 
Starring: All Blackpink members 

What it’s about: 24/365 lets Blinks into the lives of Blackpink. The show features the members as they chill in their dorm, shoot their music videos, play games, attend group and individual schedules, learn new skills, and more. The program is currently in its first season and has 16 uploaded episodes. 

Where to watch: Blackpink’s YouTube channel  

NCT Life (2016 – present) 
Starring: All NCT members 

What it’s about: It’s hard to keep up with a massive 23-member group, but NCT Life will help you get to know all the members better! Throughout its 10-season run, the show follows the lives of all members as they travel to different cities and countries. Several seasons also featured the NCT members acting as tour guides for their fellow members.  

Where to watch: NCT’s VLive channel 

Red Velvet Level Up! Project (2017 – 2020) 
Starring: All Red Velvet members (seasons 1 – 3), Irene and Seulgi (season 4)

What it’s about: The girls of Red Velvet take Reveluvs on a trip around the world with them in Level Up! Project. The show currently has four seasons; however, only the most recent one featuring Irene and Seulgi can be viewed outside of South Korea. 

Where to watch: SM C&C YouTube channel

SuperM M-Topia (2021)
Starring: All SuperM members 

What it’s about: SM Entertainment’s supergroup, SuperM, is made up of EXO’s Baekhyun and Kai, Shinee’s Taemin, and NCT’s Taeyong, Ten, Lucas, and Mark. In 2020, they starred in their own variety show, M-Topia, where they go on a special vacation to relax and bond. During the trip, they also try different missions and avoid booby traps in the games to build their teamwork.

Where to watch: SM C&C YouTube channel

EXO Ladder (2018 – 2019)
Starring: EXO-CBX (Season 1), All EXO members except Lay (Season 2)

What it’s about: Officially titled “Travel the world on EXO’s ladder,” the show features the members as they go on a trip, and what they will do on their journey is determined by the ladder game (used to help choose something at random). In the first season, the EXO-CBX sub-unit (Chen, Baekhyun, Xiumin) went to Japan; in the second season, all members (except Lay) took a trip to Taiwan. 

Where to watch: SM C&C YouTube channel

EXO Arcade (Season 1 2018 – 2019; Season 2 2021) 
Starring: All EXO members except Lay (Season 1); Xiumin, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun (Season 2) 

What it’s about: On this show, EXO-Ls get to watch their favorite boys compete against one another in various games—from shouting in silence to the Mafia game. Winners get prizes such as snack foods, while losers receive a penalty from the winners. 

Where to watch: VLive, SM C&C YouTube channel

Time to Twice (2020 – present) 
Starring: All Twice members

What it’s about: Twice members bring on the laughs and their competitive streaks with Time to Twice! Each short season (around 5-6 episodes long) takes on a different concept, such as a noraebang (karaoke) battle, healing camping trip, high school, crime scene—and even chocolate factory! 

Where to watch: Twice’s YouTube channel

Twice TV (2015 – present)
Starring: All Twice members 

What it’s about: Twice TV follows the Twice members as they go about their daily lives—album recording, music video shooting, and more. There’s more than 200 episodes to watch, so you won’t run out of vids to binge! 

Where to watch: Twice’s YouTube channel

Going Seventeen (2017 – present) 
Starring: All Seventeen members 

What it’s about: Going Seventeen is an ongoing web series featuring the 13-member boy group Seventeen. The show began in 2017 as a vlog-style program featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the group’s activities. In 2019, it transitioned into a variety/game show series, which saw the boys take on different challenges such as bungee jumping, going to escape rooms, completing an inflatable obstacle course race, and more. 

Where to watch: Seventeen’s YouTube channel, VLive

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Smashing stereotypes: Female idols in Korean variety shows  

Male idols do not have a monopoly on variety shows. Female idols are just as goofy and witty on many K-entertainment programs too! 

Ready to see a different side to your favorite female idols? Watch these four variety shows that feature female idols (fixed cast):

1. Amazing Saturday (Do Re Mi Market): Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon 

Each episode features three representative foods from a market in South Korea. The fixed cast and the guests need to play games such as writing down the correct lyrics to various songs to win and be able to enjoy the food. Second generation K-pop group Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon joined the program as a permanent cast member in 2020. 

Amazing Saturday also has a spin-off show titled Idol Dictation Contest. The show includes the following female idols in the cast: Lovelyz’s Mijoo and former IZ*ONE’s Yena.  

Where to watch: Amazing Saturday channel on YouTube 

2. I Live Alone: Mamamoo’s Hwasa 

I Live Alone features Korean celebrities who live on their own. The program gives audiences a peek into the daily lives of actors, idols, models, and more. The hosts watch footage of themselves, as well as of invited guests. Third gen K-pop group Mamamoo’s Hwasa joined as a fixed host after previously guesting in the show.  

Where to watch: Viu

3. Sixth Sense: Jessi and Lovelyz’s Mijoo

In Sixth Sense, celebrities visit various places or people considered as “hot topics” in South Korea. However, one of these places or people are completely made up by the production staff. The celebrities must then use their wits and deduction skills to figure out which of the choices is fake. 

The show stars veteran comedian and television personality Yoo Jae-suk, actress Oh Nara, actress Jeon Somin, rapper Jessi, also third gen K-pop group Lovelyz’s Mijoo, and actor Lee Sangyeob. 

Where to watch: Viu

4. Busted: Kim Sejeong

Busted was a whodunit variety show where the cast members were brought together to form a detective team. In every episode, the team got involved in a murder mystery that they needed to solve.

The show starred Yoo Jaesuk, actor Ahn Jaewook, singer-comedian Kim Jongmin, actor Lee Kwangsoo, actress Park Minyoung, EXO’s Sehun, former I.O.I and Gugudan’s (both third generation K-pop groups) Kim Sejeong, and actor-singer Lee Seunggi. Busted also featured idols and other celebrities as guests. The program ran for three seasons. 

Where to watch: Netflix

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Beyond the Stage: Male K-pop Idols in Korean Variety Shows  

Super Junior’s Kyuhyun. Photo: Raichanxd/Creative Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

K-Pop idols are not just insanely talented in singing and dancing; they also have sharp wits and perfect comedic timing, which make them perfect for variety shows! 

In need of a good laugh? Here are five Korean variety shows you can watch that feature male idols as fixed cast members: 

1. Knowing Brothers (Ask Us Anything): Super Junior’s Heechul 

Knowing Brothers is one of the most popular variety shows in South Korea today. This hilarious show is set in a classroom, and the fixed cast—TV show host and former ssireum (Korean wrestling) athlete Kang Hodong, comedians Lee Sugeun and Kim Youngchul, former basketball player Seo Janghoon, and singers Lee Sangmin, Kim Heechul, and Min Kyunghoon—are the students. Every week, “transfer students” guest on the show and are interviewed by the cast. The guests also participate in activities such as games and skits. 

Where to watch: Netflix 

2. New Journey to the West: Super Junior’s Kyuhyun, Block B’s P.O., and Winner’s Mino 

Travel-reality show New Journey to the West is inspired by the Chinese novel Journey to the West, and stars Kang Hodong, Lee Sugeun, singer Eun Jiwon, actor Ahn Jaehyun, and Kyuhyun, Mino, and P.O. For each season, the cast members dress up as different characters, go on a trip, and complete various missions to receive dragon balls that will grant their wishes.

Where to watch: Viu, TvN D ENT channel on YouTube

3. 2 Days and 1 Night: VIXX’s Ravi 

2 Days and 1 Night is one of South Korea’s longest-running travel reality-variety shows. In the program, the cast members go on an overnight trip around the country and play creative games to earn rewards (ex. food and indoor sleeping accommodation) and avoid punishment (ex. going into the water in winter). The show is currently on its fourth season, and stars singer-comedian Kim Jongmin, actor Yoon Junghoon, comedian Moon Seyoon, actor Kim Seonho, rapper Dindin, and VIXX’s Ravi. 

Where to watch: KBS World channel on YouTube 

4. Weekly Idol: Super Junior’s Eunhyuk and Hwang Kwanghee 

K-pop idols get to showcase their unique talents, play games, and share interesting facts about themselves in Weekly Idol. The show is popular for its classic “Random Play Dance” and “2x Speed Dance” segments. The current season is hosted by Super Junior’s Eunhyuk and ZE:A’s Kwanghee—two idols who have also made a name for themselves as excellent TV show MCs. 

Where to watch: Viki, All the K-Pop channel on YouTube

5. Amazing Saturday (Do Re Mi Market): SHINee’s Key and Block B’s P.O. 

Each episode features a market from South Korea and its representative food. In the show, the fixed cast and the guests need to write down the correct lyrics to various songs to win and be able to enjoy the food. 

Amazing Saturday also has a spin-off show titled Idol Dictation Contest. The show includes the following male idols in the cast: Eunhyuk, Ravi, EXO’s Kai, Golden Child’s Lee Jangjun, and Seventeen’s Seungkwan. 

Where to watch: Amazing Saturday channel on YouTube 

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