May 2026 Variety Show Rankings: Running Man and I Live Alone Dominate the Brand Charts!

Hey K-variety fans! If you’ve been wondering which shows are currently ruling the airwaves in South Korea, the wait is over. On May 28, 2026, the Korean Business Research Institute released the May Variety Show Brand Reputation Rankings. This month is a nostalgic one, as veteran favorites are proving that while new shows come and go, the classics are truly “forever.” Let’s see if your favorite made the cut!

The Top Performers of May 2026

The rankings are based on an analysis of consumer participation, media coverage, and communication. Here is a look at the top five variety shows that captured the nation’s heart this month:

Why the Top Spots Shifted

Running Man secured the #1 spot yet again. Its ability to reinvent itself through new game formats while maintaining the core “banter” between members like Yoo Jae-suk and Kim Jong-kook remains unmatched. Meanwhile, I Live Alone took the silver medal, driven by the massive curiosity surrounding the daily routines of rising stars like Byeon Woo-seok.

Shows like Amazing Saturday also saw a significant boost in brand index scores. This was largely due to the viral buzz surrounding their recent 10th-anniversary specials, which brought legendary groups back to the small screen.

For a broader look at the evolution of the genre, check out the Variety show Wikipedia page.

Whether you’re in it for the belly laughs or the heartfelt interviews, May 2026 has been a golden month for variety content. Who are you rooting for in the June rankings?

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