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!
Table of Contents
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:
| Rank | Variety Show Name | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Running Man | Global popularity & long-standing cast chemistry |
| 2 | I Live Alone | Relatable lifestyle content & star guest appearances |
| 3 | You Quiz on the Block | Deep-dive interviews with Hallyu icons |
| 4 | Amazing Saturday | High-energy music games & I.O.I reunion hype |
| 5 | The Manager | Behind-the-scenes idol life & RIIZE surprise cameo |
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?
FAQs
Who is the #1 variety show in Korea for May 2026?
Running Man secured the top spot this month, maintaining its legendary status through high global engagement and consistent viewership.
How are variety show brand rankings calculated?
The rankings use big data to measure four main indices: consumer participation, media coverage, communication, and community awareness over a 30-day period.
