A Variety of Ladies in K-Pop

Variety shows are some of the most popular places for idols to show off their personalities. Each show has unique and entertaining premises geared towards showing off talents and having fun, whether it is a panel of professional comedians bringing on idols to do skits like we see in Knowing Bros or play games like in Idol Room or Weekly Idol. In any case, these shows are an important tool used by idols to connect with their fans. 

One thing that these variety shows have had in common for years is that they are male-dominated. Most hosts and long-standing emcees have been male comedians or male idols. However, this is not the case for every show. Recently, more women have joined the ranks of permanent cast members, hosts, and emcees. Here is a list of six shows featuring female Korean stars.

1. Running Man

One of the most recognized variety shows on the list, Running Man started in 2010 and has been a source of entertainment for fans both in Korea and internationally for over a decade. During the fifth episode of the show, they had actress Song Jihyo as a guest, and by the sixth episode she became a permanent member of the cast. Her humor and wit allowed her to fit in perfectly with the other members. She is the only official female cast member, but she is often joined by female idols and actresses as guest stars.

2. After School Club

Less of a variety show and more of a talk show, After School Club is a program that gives fans a chance to ask questions, make requests, and interact with their favorite idols. The show is hosted using a mix of English and Korean for international fans to enjoy. With three hosts, there have been many changes to the line up, including short stints by Eric Nam, Seungmin of Stray Kids, and Jae of DAY6, but the one host that has been with ASC the longest is Park Jimin. Park Jimin, or Jamie Park, joined the official cast of ASC after the cancellation of the show’s spin off, After Show, of which she was the emcee. She has remained a constant presence on ASC since joining and her personable, but professional, personality has meshed well with every guest or new host that joins the show. 

3. Busted!

Busted! is a mixture of variety, comedy, and mystery with a cast of celebrities and idols pretending to be detectives to solve a mystery. Now on its third season, the whodunit series has had some of the biggest names in the Korean entertainment industry combing for clues and participating in themed challenges. Two different ladies have played along as cast members, actress Park Minyoung and gugudan-member-turned-actress Kim Sejeong. This show allows both women to show off their intelligence and problem solving skills, in many ways showing up their co-stars, which include entertainer Yoo Jaesuk and EXO’s Sehun. 

4. Amazing Saturday

Also known as DoReMi Market, Amazing Saturday has the cast and guests finishing lyrical quizzes for the chance to taste some of the best traditional food from around Korea. The musical show has had a few women in their permanent ranks, including former regular member Hyeri of Girl's Day and current regular members Park Narae and soloist Taeyeon. Taeyeon joined as an official cast member in 2020, while Park Narae has been with the show since it started in 2018. 

5. I Live Alone

The title of this show is self-explanatory, as it is an unscripted peek into the lives of Korean entertainers who live on their own. Clips are presented for the hosts and audience of the cast and guests in their everyday home life. Park Narae is also a member of this cast and has been since episode 174. MAMAMOO's Hwasa is also a member who joined during episode 247 as an official host. Both women bring humor and flair to their commentary and allow fans to see their true personalities at home and with the other cast. 

6. Showterview with Jessi

The newest show on the list isn't actually a television show at all! Idol rapper Jessi hosts her own variety talk show on SBS’s YouTube channel, where she invites celebrities to come chat and play games with her during the 30-minute run time. The show is the youngest on the list, having started in June of 2020. It is a chaotic, informal spectacle that seems to be as much fun to film as it is to watch. It has given Jessi a chance to show off her personality, and she gives her guests a chance to do so as well. The show is already a huge success, garnering millions of views with each episode and no end in sight.