With Korean reality television shows joining K-pop and Korean cinema as global sensations, CJ Newsroom explores CJ ENM’s hit projects.
The Korean Reality TV Show Phenomenon Sweeping the Globe
Korean reality TV shows are fast evolving into the next big Korean content trend, in a phenomenon that is attracting audiences worldwide and receiving global media coverage.
The BBC recently reported on this surge in demand for Korean reality TV shows – including the launch of CJ ENM’s “Jinny’s Kitchen” on Amazon Prime Video, highlighting it as an extension of fans’ increasing interest in Korean culture and lifestyle. Variety also explored the popularity of Korean unscripted entertainment, noting that streaming companies are jostling to host more Korean reality formats in the international marketplace.
The Global Appeal of Korean Shows
In recent years, Korean reality TV formats catching on abroad have been on the rise. This has seen localized versions of Korean shows – such as “I Can See Your Voice” and “EXchange” – growing enthusiastic, home-grown fanbases. Beyond format exporting, other Korean shows – such as “Jinny’s Kitchen” and “Boys Planet” – have been gaining direct followings in non-Korean markets, without the need for localization. On streaming platforms, unscripted Korean TV shows are surging to the top of the rankings in foreign-language content, with global platforms increasing their number of Korean reality offerings in response to their rising popularity.
“There is a definite trend where non-scripted K-content is expanding,” said Diane Min, CJ ENM’s head of format sales on an interview with the Hollywood Reporters. “K-content has been in the spotlight for years, and its formats are recognized for uniqueness. Creators challenge themselves to make something that is really fresh and distinctive. We’ve been able to experience this firsthand with the success of our popular titles, such as “I Can See Your Voice.””
Jinny’s Kitchen
Recently, Amazon Prime bought its first Korean reality show, CJ ENM’s “Jinny’s Kitchen,” making it accessible to audiences all over the world.
“Jinny’s Kitchen,” which shows a group of Korean celebrities cooking Korean street foods in a restaurant in Bacalar, Mexico, was created by acclaimed Korean reality show producer Nah Yung-suk. According to streaming data tracking service Flixpatrol, “Jinny’s Kitchen” has, since release, been the highest ranked show in 10 countries, including the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam.
With a cast including BTS’s V and Choi Woo-shik from “Parasite,” “Jinny’s Kitchen” is an example of a key aspect of Korean reality TV: celebrities.
Boys Planet
A K-Pop boy band-making reality show “Boys Planet” focuses on creating celebrities more than featuring them. The show – which sees aspiring male musicians compete to form a new boy band – achieved a global appeal by welcoming contestants from all over the world rather than exclusively from Korea. On Spotify, songs like ‘Over Me’ have accumulated more than 5 million streams.
I Can See Your Voice
“I Can See Your Voice,” a CJ ENM original in which talented singers must be identified in a group without ever actually singing, has been sold in 27 countries. This includes the U.S., where a more game-show oriented version of the format is hosted by Korean-American actor and comedian Ken Jeong. The first episode of the U.S. version aired on the FOX Channel attracted 4.6 million viewers, claiming the number one spot among other U.S. shows airing at the same time slot over the past three years.
EXchange
CJ ENM has also sold the format for its popular dating show “EXchange” in eight countries, including the U.S., Japan and Spain. The show features ex-couples living in the same house for several weeks, exploring their stories while looking for new love and moving on from their past relationships.
Korean reality shows have succeeded by staying true to their roots: unique concepts and formats designed to unite families of viewers across generations, as well as the canny deployment of celebrity appearances.
By simultaneously speaking to themes audiences everywhere can relate to and capitalizing on an ever-growing curiosity and enthusiasm for Korean culture, Korean reality television shows look set to continue to expand and grow.
