The Rise of Actor-Centric Reality Shows: A New Trend in Korean Entertainment

<<Ryu Ye-ji's Insight>>
Ryu Ye-ji from TenAsia delves into the future of the entertainment industry and its impact.

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The presence of comedians in the spotlight has noticeably decreased, with actors taking their place. This shift is evident in tvN's recent programming, which focuses on actor-centric observational reality shows, prioritizing comfort over provocative humor.

A prime example is the ongoing show 'Bogum Magical,' featuring actors like Park Bo-gum, Kwak Dong-yeon, and Lee Sang-yi running a hair salon. The show emphasizes a relaxed and natural atmosphere rather than exaggerated reactions or strong humor.

Similarly, 'After School Teacher Taeri' centers around actress Kim Tae-ri, with Choi Hyun-wook, Kangnam, and Code Kunst also appearing. The mere fact of Kim Tae-ri's participation garnered significant attention even before the show aired.

The upcoming 'Gugidong Friends' follows the same trend. Apart from Jang Do-yeon, the cast includes actors like Lee Da-hee, Jang Keun-suk, Choi Daniel, Ahn Jae-hyun, and Kyung Soo-jin. The show is an observational reality featuring same-age cast members living together.

All three programs share common traits: actor-centric casting, a focus on daily life and relationships, and a calm atmosphere. They prioritize showcasing the charm and chemistry of the cast over generating big laughs. In essence, they are 'actor observation content.'

This trend aligns with current content consumption habits. As OTT viewership increases, there's a preference for content that can be watched comfortably without being overly stimulating. The presence of popular actors alone can generate buzz, and actors are generally less prone to controversies compared to comedians.

When actors who rarely appear on variety shows reveal new sides of themselves, it naturally draws viewer interest, making it a safe choice for producers.

However, as this 'safe variety' becomes repetitive, the tension and spontaneity of variety shows are gradually diminishing. Relying on daily observations, calm conversations, and natural chemistry may reduce the unique quick-wittedness and unexpected fun of variety shows. Ultimately, the focus shifts from creating humor to which actors are featured.

Actor-led observational reality shows are undoubtedly a stable choice that matches current viewing trends. However, if this approach becomes mainstream, tvN's distinct variety show identity, once its strength, may fade. It remains uncertain whether tvN's variety programs, reliant on casting power, will continue to captivate audiences.

Ryu Ye-ji, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr