Six New and Addictive Korean Reality Shows to Binge Now

Korean reality shows are just as chaotic, charming, and addictive as the music, drama, and cinema. These shows are high on entertainment, creativity, and production standards, featuring a range of formats—from survival challenges to culinary battles, romance rivalries, and quirky travel adventures. Whether you’re just surfacing from a Love Island binge or are still emotionally tangled in Queer Eye, these six Korean reality shows bring a whole new flavor to the genre.

Single’s Inferno (2021 – Present)

Relationship drama is already reality TV’s kryptonite, but Single’s Inferno takes it one step further. Singles from all walks of life are dropped onto an island stripped of all luxuries, aptly named “Inferno”. They take on challenges like obstacle courses and tug-of-war contests, designed to test both physical strength and compatibility, all for a chance to spend a night on Paradise—a second island filled with creature comforts. The show packs the heat of a survival show with the slow burn of romance, all under the watchful eyes of celebrity hosts like Hong Jin-kyung, Lee Da-hee, and Kyuhyun (of Super Junior), whose witty, often cutting commentary amps up the show’s candid confessions and steamy tension. Now four seasons in, Single’s Inferno has consistently broken into Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English Series list. And with Season 5 on the horizon (expected to release later this year), the producers promise “new excitement and romance.”

Jinny’s Kitchen (2023)

In the streets of Mexico’s Bacalar and Iceland’s Reykjavík, Korean A-listers Lee Seo-jin, Park Seo-joon, Choi Woo-shik, Jung Yu-mi, BTS’s V (in season 1), and Go Min-si (in season 2) trade red carpets for chef hats and aprons in Jinny’s Kitchen. If you have a thing for food reality shows, then the show is a must-watch. It’s a spin-off of Youn’s Kitchen, where Lee Seo-jin graduates from manager to restaurant owner, serving up steaming hot Korean street food to the locals. As the cast navigates the ups and downs of running the eatery, they prepare signature dishes like tteokbokki, kimbap, and bibimbap, all while juggling job roles in the kitchen. With each season bringing a new country and culinary challenges, Jinny’s Kitchen becomes a delectable exploration of human connection, as these beloved actors work tirelessly to satisfy their customers’ appetites. It’s also further proof that good food can bridge even the most unfamiliar of cultures.

Physical 100 (2023 – Present)

In a setup reminiscent of Squid Game (minus the fatal consequences), 100 physically fit contestants go head to head in a battle of physical and mental endurance that pushes them to the breaking point. The participants are eliminated one by one, leaving only the last one standing to claim the grand prize. This exciting series strips away all facades, laying bare the raw nature of its contestants. The series became the trailblazing Korean reality TV show to become Netflix’s Global Top 10 TV Non-English series, and its second season further solidified its global appeal, ranking in the Top 10 in an impressive 87 countries. A third season is planned for release between September and December this year.

Culinary Class Wars (2024 – present)

Inside the high-stakes kitchen of Culinary Class Wars, 100 culinary masters face off in an all-time battle for kitchen supremacy. Contestants are divided into two rival camps: the seasoned veterans, dubbed the “white spoons,” and the hungry newcomers, called the “black spoons.” It’s a gruelling showdown of taste, technique, creativity, and flair, judged by two of Korea’s most accomplished chefs: Paik Jong-won and Ahn Sung-jae. With a second season already in the works and slated for a release this year, the heat is on to see who will win the war this time.

Rented in Finland (2024 – 2025)

In Finland’s picturesque Lapland, popular Korean actors—Lee Je-hoon, Lee Dong-hwi, Kwak Dong-yeon, and Cha Eun-woo—embark on a journey of discovery, leaving their luxurious lives far behind. They trade in their creature comforts to spend two nights each in remote cottages, immersing themselves in the Finnish way of life, and seeking out the secrets to the country’s happiness. They must tap into a simpler existence, learning survival strategies like campfire cooking and natural water sourcing. In the process, they connect with locals and soak up the culture. What unfolds is a true test of survival fueled by laughter, warmth, and insights, and a beautiful show that highlights the joy of human connections in a faraway, unknown land.

Kian’s Bizarre B&B (2025)

Kian’s B&B is a one-of-a-kind stay, tucked away on Ulleungdo Island, where all things weird and wonderful come together in a quirky reality game show setup. The brainchild of Kian84, the show features special co-hosts Jin from BTS and Ji Ye-eun, as they welcome guests to their secret island getaway. Surrounded by the open sea, the show is filled with hilarious mishaps and crazy challenges. Its awkward charm and often cringe-worthy moments make it uncomfortably endearing in the best way. According to Netflix, the show “ranked sixth globally in the non-English TV series category on Netflix’s TOP 10 list, introducing the charm of Korean-style B&B reality shows to audiences worldwide.”