Variety shows are entertainment programs that integrate a variety of elements, including but not limited to variety shows, games, talent shows, talk shows, reality shows, etc., and take stars and guests as the main performance objects.
The main purpose of variety shows is to provide audiences with a relaxed and pleasant entertainment experience, and it is also an important part of the entertainment industry, which can widely attract audience groups and create huge economic benefits.
In South Korea and some Asian countries, variety shows have become a cultural and social phenomenon and attract much attention.
1. The history of the Korean variety show industry
1. The origin of Korean variety shows
The origins of Korean variety shows can be traced back to the 80s of the 20th century, when Korean television began to try to develop a variety of novel entertainment programs to meet the audience's demand for diverse programs. But over time, the format and content of many TV shows became monotonous and repetitive, and viewers needed some new options.
In 1997, the first variety show "Love Letter" produced by KBS premiered, which showed love stories through the exchange of love letters between stars, and was loved by the audience and became one of the pioneers of Korean variety shows.
In the early 2000s, variety shows such as "Infinite Challenge" produced by MBC and "Running Man" produced by SBS began to become popular, which tried to combine elements such as games, talent shows, and reality shows to maintain entertainment while also highlighting interaction and cooperation between participants.
Over time, Korean variety shows have gradually formed their own unique characteristics and styles, such as concepts such as "tidbits myth", "beauty in charge", "crossing" and other concepts, which make Korean variety shows more affinity and entertainment, attracting more and more audiences.
In short, the origin of Korean variety shows can be said to have begun with the development of the television industry in the 80s of the 20th century, and after years of exploration and attempts, Korean variety shows have formed a unique style and characteristics, and have become an important part of Korean entertainment culture.
2. The stage of development of variety shows
The development of Korean variety shows can be divided into the following stages:
Phase I: Exploration (1980s-1996)
Early Korean TV programs were mostly based on news, entertainment and culture, and less involved variety show content. It was not until the late 1980s that television stations such as KBS and MBC began to try to produce entertainment programs such as "Popular Concert" and "The Birth of a Singer", but the audience response of these programs was not significant.
Phase II: Rise (1997-2003)
In 1997, the variety show "Love Letters" produced by KBS premiered, which featured love letters as the theme and invited celebrities to express their feelings by writing love letters. This show quickly became popular at that time, becoming the pioneer of Korean variety shows, and also opened the rise of Korean variety shows.
Phase III: Peak (2004-2011)
In the early 2000s, variety shows such as "Infinite Challenge" produced by MBC and "Running Man" produced by SBS began to become popular, and these shows tried to combine elements such as games, talent shows, and reality shows to attract a large audience. During this period, many well-known variety shows came out one after another, such as "I Live Alone" and "1 Park 2 Days", etc., and the ratings and influence of Korean variety shows reached their peak.
Phase 4: Diversity and Change (2012–present)
With the passage of time, audience demand and market environment have changed, and Korean variety shows have gradually developed from the previous single model to diversification, and have begun to try to use emerging technologies and digital platforms to innovate and change. At the same time, Korean variety shows are also facing increasingly fierce competition and challenges, and need to constantly innovate and upgrade to maintain their market position and influence.
In short, the development process of Korean variety shows has gone through different stages such as exploration, rise, peak and diversification and change, each stage has its own unique characteristics and significance.
3. Introduction of representative programs of Korean variety shows
The representative programs of Korean variety shows are very rich, and here are some of the more well-known and popular shows:
（1）《Running Man》
Running Man is an outdoor competitive reality show produced by SBS Television, which began airing in 2010. This show is characterized by a fixed lineup of star guests, completing various game tasks and challenges in an outdoor environment, with a high degree of entertainment and interactivity.
(2) "Infinite Challenge"
"Infinite Challenge" is an all-round variety show produced by MBC Television, which began broadcasting in 2005. The show focuses on a fixed lineup of hosts, showcasing the talents and personalities of the hosts through various forms of challenges and tasks, while also introducing a large number of actors and entertainers as guests.
(3) 《My own life》
"I Live Alone" is a reality show produced by tvN Television, which began airing in 2013. The main content of this show focuses on the daily life and emotional state of single stars, as well as the various challenges and reflections they face in the process of being alone, and is loved by the audience.
(4) "New Journey to the West"
"New Journey to the West" is a travel reality show produced by tvN Television, which began broadcasting in 2015. The program features a blend of tourism, food, culture and other elements, and invites celebrity guests and local residents to explore the charm and culture of different countries and regions.
Second, the success factors of the Korean variety show industry
1. Innovative program conception and production methods
Korean variety shows have always had strong strength and creativity in innovation, and their main conception and production methods include the following aspects:
(1) Based on social networks and digital platforms
With the popularity of social networks and digital platforms, Korean variety shows have also begun to try to use these emerging technologies to innovate and transform. For example, the show "I Live Alone" is based on the social media accounts of celebrities' individuals, which increases the interactivity and participation of the program through interaction and feedback with the audience.
(2) Introduce novel themes and elements
In order to attract the audience and enhance the fun of the show, Korean variety shows often introduce some novel themes and elements. For example, the show "Infinite Challenge" has successfully expanded its audience by introducing different special guests and concepts, and has continuously upgraded and innovated to maintain its competitiveness.
(3) Use high-tech equipment and special effects production
In order to improve the visual effects and production level of the show, Korean variety shows began to widely use high-tech equipment and special effects technology. For example, the show "Running Man" often uses drones, VR equipment and special effects synthesis to increase the visual impact and sense of technology of the show.
(4) Break the traditional mode and form
In order to break the mode and form of traditional variety shows, Korean variety shows are also constantly trying and exploring. For example, the show "My Miss" increases the novelty and interest of the show by breaking the boundaries between stars and studios, allowing stars to transform into "housekeeping queens" and complete various housework and cooking tasks at home.
In short, Korean variety shows have always adhered to the spirit of openness, innovation and creativity in terms of innovation, and constantly try novel ideas and production methods to meet the needs and expectations of the audience.
2. Good star resources
As one of the centers of global pop culture, South Korea has a wealth of star resources. Here are a few characteristics of a good star resource in Korea:
(1) Unique training system
The Korean entertainment industry has a unique star training system, the so-called "trainee system". This training system can help young people become excellent talents in the industry through selection, training and assessment. Therefore, in the Korean entertainment industry, there are many stars with professional level and potential.
(2) All-round entertainment forms
Korean stars are not only actors and singers, but also have multiple identities such as hosts, models, idols, dancers, etc., which can meet the diverse needs of the market and audience.
(3) Strong international influence
Korean stars also enjoy a high reputation and influence worldwide. For example, there are many Korean singers who are able to attract a large number of fans on global tours, and the broadcast of TV dramas and movies is also loved by overseas audiences. All these provide broader development space and opportunities for South Korea's star resources.
(4) Excellent team management and marketing strategy
The Korean entertainment industry also attaches great importance to the team management and marketing strategy of celebrities, such as enhancing the popularity and attention of celebrities through various forms of publicity, TV programs, social media, etc., and also improving the company's brand value and influence.
To sum up, South Korea has a wealth of star resources, among which the training system, diversified entertainment forms, international influence, and excellent team management and marketing strategies are the reasons for its success.
3. Unique and deeply rooted themes and content
Korean variety shows are loved by audiences for their diverse, innovative features, and some of the unique and deeply rooted themes and content include:
(1) Idol development programs
Idol development shows are a very popular genre in Korean variety shows. Through this type of show, the audience can witness the process of young people from an ordinary trainee to a real singer or actor, coupled with a variety of stage performances and personal charm displays, this kind of show is undoubtedly loved by fans.
(2) Reality TV shows
Reality TV shows are also a very popular genre in Korean variety shows. For example, the show "Running Man", through reasoning, games and competition, allows guests to show different personalities and talents in the game, and also increases the audience's sense of participation and interaction.
(3) True feelings programs
There is also a category of Korean variety shows called "life experience" or "true feelings", which allow the audience to feel the warmth of life and the diversity of human nature through true stories and emotional expressions, such as "Dad is Back" and "I Live Alone" and other programs.
(4) Food adventure programs
Finally, there is also a category of Korean variety shows called "food adventure", which allows viewers to taste food while in-depth understanding of local culture and history by exploring the food culture and flavors of different regions and cultures, such as "Three Diners" and "Three Meals a Day".
To sum up, the unique themes and content in Korean variety shows cover various genres and fields, such as idol development, reality shows, true feelings, and food adventures, which can not only provide entertainment, but also increase the audience's understanding and awareness of life and culture.
4. Reasonable business operation model and platform selection
Korean variety shows are an important part of the Korean entertainment industry and an important part of the Korean media industry. In order to achieve the success of commercialization and fan economy model, the business operation model and platform selection of Korean variety shows are also very important. The following are reasonable business operation models and platform choices in Korean variety shows:
(1) Diversified business operation model
Korean variety shows usually adopt a variety of commercial operation models to achieve profitability, such as advertising sponsorship, product promotion, online sales, ticket sales, etc. Among them, advertising sponsorship is one of the main sources of income. At the same time, some well-known variety shows will also publish related books, albums or other peripheral products to increase the popularity and influence of the show in the market.
(2) Platform selection suitable for different types of programs
Different types of variety shows require different platforms to achieve the best operational results. For example, platforms suitable for popular talent shows, idol development programs, and interactive reality shows include TV stations and online video platforms such as Mnet, KBS, SBS, MBC, JTBC, etc. Platforms suitable for competitive gaming include online game live streaming platforms such as Naver, KakaoTV and Twitch, which can increase audience interaction and engagement through game competitions and other means.
(3) New media market development
With the rapid development of the new media market, many Korean variety shows have begun to focus on online platforms, such as YouTube and TikTok, to attract a wider user base and achieve commercial operation by publishing highlights or original content on these platforms. At the same time, some Korean celebrities will also open their own social media accounts to increase fan interaction through live broadcasts and sharing personal lives.
To sum up, the business operation model and platform selection of Korean variety shows are very important, and scientific and reasonable choices need to be made according to different types of programs, audiences and market environments in order to achieve the best commercial benefits and social influence.
Third, the current situation and future development trend of the Korean variety show industry
1. Analysis of the current situation of the Korean variety show industry
The Korean variety show industry is an important part of the Korean media industry, with great market potential and influence. The following is an analysis of the current situation of the Korean variety show industry:
(1) The scale of the variety show market continues to expand
With the continuous development and diversification of variety shows, the scale of the Korean variety show market continues to expand. According to statistics, as of 2021, the size of the Korean variety show market has reached about 700 billion won, including advertising, TV station revenue, online platform revenue and other aspects.
(2) Many variety shows are becoming professional
Korean variety shows have shown an increasingly professional trend in the process of development. For example, competition-based variety shows such as "Produce 101" and "Running Man" are paying more and more attention to the professionalism and production level of the program to improve the entertainment experience of the audience. At the same time, in the idol cultivation program, major brokerage companies will also add their own training models and concepts, making the program more and more professional.
(3) The content of variety shows is constantly innovating
Korean variety shows are also constantly innovating in content, paying more attention to human nature, life, culture and other aspects. For example, programs such as "Dad is Back" and "I Live Alone" are very typical life experience variety shows. In addition, some programs that introduce Korean traditional culture and tourist attractions have been widely welcomed both at home and abroad.
(4) Variety shows are closely integrated with the fan economy
With the popularity of social media and the development of live broadcast platforms, Korean variety shows are paying more and more attention to the combination with the fan economy. Many variety shows increase fans' participation and loyalty to the program through live broadcasting, social media interaction, etc., and achieve commercial operation.
In general, the Korean variety show industry has shown a steady development trend in recent years, with an expanding market scale and continuous content innovation, and at the same time has achieved close integration with the fan economy, injecting new impetus into the development of the Korean media industry.
2. The development trend of the Korean variety show industry in the future
In the future, the development of the Korean variety show industry has the following trends:
(1) Digitalization and intelligence
In the future, the Korean variety show industry will be more digital and intelligent. With the advent of the 5G era, the appearance of online platforms will be more diversified, and variety shows can also use digital technologies such as virtual reality technology to build more realistic scenes to immerse the audience. At the same time, intelligent content production and recommendation algorithms will also become an important direction.
(2) Diversified content and form
In the future, the content and form of Korean variety shows will be more diversified. Korean variety shows will pursue deeper and more professional content presentation, while exploring innovative forms with global impact, such as cross-media cooperation, global interaction, and the combination of online and offline theater.
(3) Green environmental protection and social responsibility
In the future, the Korean variety show industry will pay more attention to green environmental protection and social responsibility. For example, the production of variety shows around the theme of sustainability, reducing waste and the amount of materials needed to set up scenes will all become important development directions.
(4) Cross-cultural exchange and internationalization
In the future, the Korean variety show industry will pay more attention to cross-cultural exchanges and internationalization. Korean variety shows will continue to explore cooperation with global partners to further promote Hallyu culture to the world through the diversification of talents, the wide application of languages, and the integration of content.
3. Challenges and countermeasures faced by the Korean variety show industry
The Korean variety show industry faces the following challenges:
(1) The market competition is fierce
The Korean variety show market is becoming more and more competitive, facing not only competition from similar variety shows, but also from other types of entertainment programs (such as TV dramas, movies, etc.).
(2) Copyright protection issues
With the popularity of the Internet and the development of live broadcast platforms, the copyright protection of Korean variety shows has become an important challenge. How to prevent piracy and maintain the copyright of program content will become an important task.
(3) Talent issues
A good variety show needs the support of excellent production teams, hosts, screenwriters and other talents. However, the lack and loss of talent has also become one of the challenges facing the current Korean variety show industry.
To address these challenges, the Korean variety show industry needs to take the following measures:
(1) Innovate the program format and improve the production level and professionalism
By innovating program formats, improving production level and professionalism, we will enhance the competitiveness of Korean variety shows and attract more audiences.
(2) Strengthen awareness of copyright protection and improve relevant legal systems
Raise the awareness of copyright protection among employees in the Korean variety show industry, strengthen supervision and law enforcement, and establish a sound relevant legal system to protect the copyright of programs.
(3) Pay attention to talent training and retention
Increase investment in talent training and retention, broaden talent source channels, improve the treatment and welfare of talents, and attract more outstanding producers, hosts and screenwriters to join the Korean variety show industry.
IV. Conclusion
The Korean variety show industry has become one of the important components of the Korean cultural industry, with a huge market size.
After years of development, the Korean variety show industry has formed diversified program types and forms, such as game programs, reality TV shows and parent-child programs. With the spread of Hallyu around the world, the international influence and audience of the Korean variety show industry are also expanding, attracting the favor of global audiences. The Korean variety show industry is also transforming to digital and intelligent, such as the use of VR, AR and other technologies for production and the introduction of smart hardware.
The Korean variety show industry is of great significance to the dissemination and promotion of Korean culture, and while improving the soft power of Korean culture, it has also made important contributions to the prosperity and development of Korean cultural industry.
V. References
- "The Rise of Korean Variety Shows and Analysis of the Current Situation of the Cultural Industry" (Yang Shuqi and Liu Wei, 2019)
- "On the Contribution of Korean Variety Shows to the Cultural Industry" (Wen Ruxiang, 2020)
- "A Brief Analysis of the Prosperity of Korean Variety Shows and the Quest for International Discourse" (Lu Huatao, 2021)
- "Research Status and Future Prospect of Korean Variety Shows" (He Ling, 2019)
- "Exploring the Enlightenment of Korean Variety Shows on Chinese Cultural Communication from the Perspective of Cultural Soft Power" (Li Zhongjian and Zhang Qing, 2019)