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Besides television series, reality shows have established themselves as an indispensable form of entertainment in modern life. Beyond providing moments of relaxation and entertainment, reality shows also realistically and vividly reflect everyday life, challenges, and experiences.
South Korea has long been considered the "cradle" of popular game shows, pioneering many captivating reality programs whose broadcasting rights have been purchased by countries around the world. Names like Running Man, Produce 101, and more recently Physical: 100... have become global phenomena, demonstrating the creativity and excellent ability of Korean producers to understand viewer psychology.
"Culinary Class Wars" Season 2
The hit reality TV show Culinary Class Wars is officially back for season 2. This is a cooking show, in a survival format, produced by a South Korean team and Netflix. After season 1 premiered on Netflix, the show became a social media sensation across Asia, transforming participating chefs into survival contestants, competing against each other in spectacular culinary battles. Season 2 promises to be just as exciting and thrilling as season 1.
The cooking battles in "Culinary Class Wars" have generated countless memes and unique characters online, creating widespread appeal.
While culinary reality TV shows aren't new, Culinary Class Wars has a dramatic quality somewhat reminiscent of Squid Game. The show pits 80 local chefs, known as "Black Spoon" contestants, against 20 renowned chefs from across South Korea. The winner has the chance to win a total of 300 million won (approximately 5.5 billion VND).
This program has revived South Korea's struggling restaurant industry during the pandemic, leading to a significant increase in reservations.
In its first season, the show garnered 4 million viewers from September 30th to October 6th. Culinary Class Wars immediately climbed to number 1 in South Korea, along with three other major markets: Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan. The survival cooking show was also the most-watched non-English Netflix show globally for two consecutive weeks since its release on September 17th.
In addition, iconic scenes from the show have attracted millions of views.
It's been a long time since we've seen a reality TV show as captivating and innovative as this one. Even as the Culinary Class Wars craze continues, Netflix is determined to launch season 2, promising an even more intense battle. Netflix Korea's Head of Content, Yoo Ki Hwan, stated, "We are thrilled to announce the production of Culinary Class Wars season 2, driven by the overwhelming response from fans in Korea and around the world."
The Devil's Plan Season 2
The hugely popular South Korean reality TV show "The Devil's Plan" is returning for season 2 on Netflix with an even more exciting format. This reality show, featuring intense intellectual battles between 14 celebrities living together under one roof, is set to return to Netflix with a brand new season. "The Devil's Plan" brings together characters from diverse backgrounds, including professional gamers, K-pop artists, YouTubers, actors, and lawyers. They will engage in intense intellectual and strategic competitions. Over seven days of living together, the participants will take on challenges, strategize, form alliances, and guard against betrayal in order to survive until the end of the show.
This exciting survival game show features 12 contestants from various fields.
In season 2, the show brings together 12 famous personalities including professional gamers, K-pop artists, YouTubers, actors, lawyers, doctors, students, etc., to compete in a game that requires intelligence, strategy, and skill.
The competition takes place over seven days, with contestants vying for the title of Best Brain.
Throughout the game, players employ clever strategies to cooperate and form alliances. Beyond winning challenges, players must also utilize their skills to maintain their winning streak. Furthermore, they are not allowed to use their phones and must focus full-time on bonding with each other.
"The Devil's Plan" on Netflix is a sensation in many countries.
Currently, there is no information about the cast list for season 2. The Devil's Plan season 2 is in production, so viewers need to be patient to find out which stars will be participating. Producer Jong-yeon urged viewers, "Please look forward to a brand new version of The Devil's Plan!"
Kian's Bizarre B&B
Netflix has just launched an exciting travel show exploring South Korea called Kian's Bizarre B&B. This program promises to offer viewers unique and memorable experiences as they follow two special guests, Jin (BTS) and Ji Ye Eun, as they discover the beauty of the "paradise" of Ulleungdo.
This is a rare reality show featuring the famous male singer from the K-pop group BTS.
A special feature of Kian's Bizarre B&B is the participation of the famous webtoon artist Kian84. In the program, he will not only be the conceptualizer and designer of the guesthouse but also directly manage and welcome the two famous guests. With his humorous and unique style, Kian84 promises to bring Jin and Ji Ye Eun unforgettable experiences in Ulleungdo.
Ulleungdo, an island located in the eastern part of the Korean Peninsula, is known as the "jewel" of South Korea. With its majestic natural landscapes, pristine beaches, and towering mountains, Ulleungdo is an ideal destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature.
The participation of Jin (BTS) and Ji Ye Eun is also one of the factors attracting audience attention. Jin is a member of the popular K-pop group BTS, with a huge fan base worldwide. Ji Ye Eun is a talented young actress known for many hit dramas. The combination of these two stars promises to create exciting and memorable moments in the show.
Kian's Bizarre B&B is not just a simple travel show, but a journey of discovery filled with surprises and excitement. Viewers will join Jin and Ji Ye Eun in experiencing fun activities in Ulleungdo, from hiking in the mountains and swimming in the sea to fishing and enjoying local specialties.
Physical: 100 Season 3
Physical: 100 season 1 created a global sensation, ranking among Netflix's top 10 hottest shows in its first week of airing. The show captivated viewers not only with its unique and engaging format but also with its fierce competition, challenging tasks, and impressive lineup of contestants with admirable physiques.
This season retains the same format as the first season: revolving around 100 physically fit players who aspire to prove their physical strength and claim the attractive prize money.
100 contestants from diverse backgrounds and professions—from soldiers and professional athletes to stuntmen, dancers, and even celebrities—all gather at the Physical: 100 arena to compete and push their limits. Their sole objective is to win the title of "Perfect Body" and a valuable prize of 300 million won (approximately 5.5 billion VND).
To achieve that goal, 100 players must overcome a series of grueling challenges, requiring not only physical strength but also unwavering willpower, teamwork, and clever tactics. The challenges are diverse, ranging from muscle strength and endurance exercises to dynamic and strategic games. All are elaborately and spectacularly staged, creating a dramatic and captivating competitive atmosphere.
From the moment the trailer was released, "Physical: 100" was instantly recognizable to viewers because it used the spirit of "Squid Game" to evoke memories of the show.
One of the unique highlights of Physical: 100 is that each contestant has a statue sculpted by the production team based on their physique. The statue is not only a symbol of physical strength but also a "statue of honor" for each contestant. After each round, the loser must personally smash their statue with a sledgehammer and leave the "arena." This moment of "destroying one's honor" has become one of the most striking and haunting images of the show, clearly demonstrating the fierce and dramatic spirit of Physical: 100.
Following the resounding success of the first two seasons, Physical: 100 Season 3 promises to bring audiences new surprises and impressive performances. This year's contestants are predicted to have more toned physiques, more refined skills, and admirable sportsmanship. Spectacular action sequences, intense battles of wits, and touching moments... all will create a dramatic and captivating Physical: 100 Season 3.
