On July 26, at the Netflix Unscripted Festival held at Conrad Seoul, Yeuido, Netflix announced the release of six new Korean original shows set to premiere later this year. The streaming platform aims to deliver a diverse and vibrant lineup of content each month.
Yoo Ki-hwan, Content Manager of Netflix Korea said, “Two years ago, we were only releasing four Korean shows a year, but now we can produce ten shows annually. The most uniquely Korean things are loved worldwide. We will showcase a variety of genres, from music to comedy to thrillers.”
The Influencer (Premiering Aug. 6)
Following the success of K-survival unscripted shows like ‘Physical: 100,’ ‘Siren: Survive the Island,’ ‘Zombieverse,’ and ‘The Devil’s Plan,’ Netflix introduces ‘The Influencer,’ a new competition to find the ultimate influencer. Seventy-seven South Korea’s top influencers, whose market value is directly tied to their social media presence, will compete in this social survival show. These influencers, with a combined following of 120 million across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and AfreecaTV, include notable figures such as Jang Keun-suk, RISABAE, Pani Bottle, Jin Yong-jin, Shim Eu-ddeum, and DaeDo.
A-list to Playlist (Premiering Aug. 30)
‘A-list to Playlist’ marks the singing debut of actor Cho Jung-seok, who has long dreamed of becoming a singer-songwriter. Cho, known for his passion for music, is joined by his friends Jung Sang-hoon and Moon Sang-hoon. The show also features support from legendary Korean musicians, including the hip-hop duo Dynamic Duo and Gummy, Cho’s wife and a legendary vocalist who has been his long-time inspiration.
Culinary Class Wars (Premiering in September)
‘Culinary Class Wars’ is Netflix Korea’s first culinary competition show, where 100 chefs demonstrate their skills. The competition features a battle between ‘white spoon’ star chefs and ‘black spoon’ hidden masters, each vying to become the best in Korea. The show is hosted by renowned restaurateur Paik Jong-won and Chef Anh Sung-jae of MOSU Seoul, Korea’s only three Michelin-starred restaurant.
Comedy Revenge (Premiering in October)
This fall, ‘Comedy Revenge’ brings a fierce competition of humor. The show, a follow-up to ‘Comedy Royale,’ features contestants competing purely based on comedic skill, regardless of age or background. Comedy legend Lee Kyung-kyu, who led his team to victory in Comedy Royale, returns to guide Korea’s 22 most beloved comedians in this new battle.
Zombieverse: New Blood (Premiering in Q4)
‘Zombieverse’ returns as ‘Zombieverse: New Blood,’ expanding its zombie apocalypse simulation beyond Seoul. The unscripted survival show, which reached the Top 10 in 13 countries, will feature enhanced characters and intense challenges.
Rugged Rugby: Conquer or Die (Premiering in December)
Producer Chang Si-won teams up with Netflix for ‘Rugged Rugby: Conquer or Die,’ a sports survival reality show that showcases the fierce competition among rugby athletes. The show captures the intensity and passion of the athletes, providing an entertaining and emotional experience for viewers.
