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Reality and variety shows are among the most beloved entertainment in Korea, and with Netflix’s growing unscripted lineup, it’s been awesome to see global audiences fall in love with K-Content fans and discover these unique and wildly innovative titles. In 2023, Netflix will release at least eight Korean unscripted titles, double its Korean unscripted series that debuted in 2022. Netflix’s unscripted Korean series include a line-up that ranges from the physical to the romantic and one even has zombies? Check out the sneak peek of Netflix’s Korean unscripted series below.
Nineteen to Twenty
19/20 (Nineteen to Twenty) is a reality entertainment show that tracks the fresh and youthful lives of Generation Z in their last week of being 19 just before they turn 20. During that final week, they attend “19 School” to learn practical things about adult life and prepare for adulthood. Then on January 1, they all stay at “20 House,” a space where they are independent from their parents and teachers. 19/20 garners much attention as these 19-year-olds, who are on the cusp of adulthood, create unexpectedly vivacious and nostalgic moments throughout the show. KYUHYUN, actress Kim Ji-eun, and LEE SUHYUN from AKMU participate as emcees. Producer Kim Jae-won, who is writing history in reality entertainment shows with his Single’s Inferno, orchestrates the show.
Siren: Survive the Island
Siren: Survive the Island is a combat survival entertainment show where 24 women of top combat power and strategic thinking form 6 teams divided by career groups and fight one another. Entitled “Siren,” which means both “warning sound” and “beautiful temptress,” this show involves women with extraordinary physical capabilities and skills for strategies, including police officers, firefighters, bodyguards, stuntwomen, military women, and athletes who form teams according to their jobs. One team will emerge as the winner after a mission that puts their limitations to the test. For six nights and seven days, their fight for survival on an unknown island requires aggressive mind games and tight teamwork. The extreme situations, the vast scale of the location, and unexpected twists will add to the immersive nature of the show.
Season’s Inferno 3
In Single’s Inferno, flirty singles search for love on a deserted island they can only escape as couples for romantic date nights in paradise. Global viewers enjoyed Single’s Inferno for its participants’ raw and candid emotions for each other, as they were able to focus only on their feelings in a restricted space without any knowledge of each others’ age or jobs. Single’s Inferno is confirmed for a third season, which will make a comeback with hotter and newer faces. Season 3 will provide unexpected twists and turns with new rules in new places, keeping viewers glued to their seats.
The Devil’s Plan
The Devil’s Plan is a mind game survival entertainment show that awards up to 500 million Korean won to the winner. Participants, including celebrities and influencers, and recruits of this game begin with the devil’s suggestion to take off their social masks and reveal one’s true identities. The show is directed by maestro of mystery and genre entertainment producer Jeong Jong-yeon with past works such as Great Escape, known for its vast filming set and seamless storyline through every season; The Genius which has unexpectable development and plot twists in every episode; and High School Mystery Club with its immersive storytelling and unparalleled chemistry among participants. As many fans have awaited his collaboration with Netflix, all eyes are on what Devil’s Plan has in store for them.
Zombieverse
Finding their way around a new type of zombie universe, Zombieverse, participants must complete quests to survive in Seoul, which has been turned into a zombie world. The art team from All of Us Are Dead and the zombie action choreographer from Kingdom work behind the scenes, adding to the anticipation of how realistically and thrillingly the zombie universe will be portrayed. Their endeavors to survive until the end by completing quests such as looking for food, transportation, or a safe haven; or deciding whether to save a colleague who has been infected by a zombie, will keep viewers at the edge of their seats.
If you’re like me, then you’ve noticed how much Netflix has invested in Korean dramas from across genre, length, and inspiration. With horror series like Sweet Home, to revenge-forward tales like The Glory and My Name, or webtoon-adapted romances like Business Proposal, the streaming platform has been greenlighting amazing series from South Korea left and right. Now, it’s adding even more unscripted series to its platform too. For more information like release dates for Netflix’s Korean unscripted series, make sure to follow us on social media.
