Netflix is set to release at least eight Korean unscripted titles this year, and is offering a glimpse into its expanding unscripted lineup. The lineup features a diverse range of themes, including dating, physical challenges, mental games, and zombies, ensuring that members can enjoy a new unscripted show either every month or every other month.
To kick off the lineup, Netflix is bringing back the popular dating reality show Single’s Inferno for its third season, with revamped rules and a new location to add more excitement to the romantic roulettes.
2023 Korean Unscripted Shows
Physical: 100
Physical: 100 is a popular extreme survival entertainment program that tests the strength and physical abilities of 100 men and women of all ages and genders. The program takes place on a massive filming site designed specifically for the competition. Contestants, who are proud of their physiques, compete to determine who has the “perfect physique.” In its first week of release, Physical: 100 was listed as one of the top 10 most-watched non-English TV shows globally on Netflix and came in 7th on the “Netflix Global Top 10 TV (Non-English)” list.
- Directed by: Jang Ho Gi
- Written by: Kang Sukkyeong, Jo Keun Ae
- Produced by: MBC
- Release Date: January 24, 2023
Siren: Survive the Island
Siren: Survive the Island is a thrilling combat survival entertainment program featuring 24 women with exceptional combat abilities and strategic thinking skills. Divided into 6 teams based on their careers, including police officers, firefighters, bodyguards, stuntwomen, military women, and athletes, these women will engage in a fierce competition to determine the ultimate victor.
Dubbed “Siren,” meaning both “warning sound” and “beautiful temptress,” the show puts the women’s physical and strategic abilities to the test as they embark on a survival mission on an unknown island. Over the course of 6 nights and 7 days, they will face aggressive mind games and must work closely together to outwit their opponents. With extreme situations, a vast filming location, and unexpected twists, Siren: Survive the Island promises to be an immersive and captivating viewing experience.
- Directed by: Lee Eun-kyung
- Written by: Chae Jin-ah
- Chief Producer: Ko Min-goo
- Produced by: Studio Modak
- Release: Q2
19/20(Nineteen to Twenty)
19/20 is a reality entertainment program that follows the youthful lives of Generation Z during their final week as 19-year-olds, just before they turn 20. During this week, they attend “19 School” to learn essential life skills and prepare for adulthood. Then, on January 1st, they move into the “20 House,” where they are free from the supervision of their parents and teachers.
This show is highly anticipated, as it captures the vivacious and nostalgic moments of these young adults on the brink of adulthood. KYUHYUN, actress Kim Ji-eun, and LEE SUHYUN from AKMU serve as hosts, and the show is produced by Kim Jae-won, who has made a name for himself in reality entertainment with his hit show Single’s Inferno.
- Directed by: Kim Jae-won, Kim Jung-hyun, Park Suji
- Written by: Chi Hyun-sook
- Produced by: Sizak Company
- Release: Q3
Zombieverse
In the new reality show, Zombieverse, participants navigate their way through a zombie-filled world in Seoul and must complete various tasks in order to survive. The art team from All of Us Are Dead and the zombie action choreographer from Kingdom are working behind the scenes to create a believable and thrilling zombie universe.
As they complete quests such as searching for food, transportation, or a safe place to stay, and making decisions about whether to save a fellow participant who has become infected by a zombie, viewers will be on the edge of their seats. The show promises to be an intense and thrilling experience as the participants strive to survive until the end.
- Directed by: Park Jin-kyung, Moon Sang-donn
- Written by: Yu Jin-young
- Produced by: Kakao Entertainment
- Release: Q3
The Devil’s Plan
In Devil’s Plan, a mind game survival entertainment show, participants including celebrities, influencers, and recruits compete for a grand prize of up to 500 million Korean won. The devil tasks them with removing their social masks and revealing their true selves.
The show is directed by Jeong Jong-yeon, a master of mystery and genre entertainment. With past works such as Great Escape, known for its expansive filming location and seamless story arcs throughout each season, The Genius with its unexpected plot twists in every episode, and High School Mystery Club with its engaging storytelling and unparalleled participant chemistry, Jeong is a well-respected producer in the industry. With fans eagerly awaiting his collaboration with Netflix, the anticipation for what Devil’s Plan has in store is high.
- Directed by: Jeong Jong-yeon
- Written by: Heo Jung-hee, Jung Da-hee
- Produced by: TEO
- Release: Q3
Singles Inferno S3
“Singles Inferno” is a dating reality show where eligible singles flock to a remote island in search of love. The unique twist of the show is that participants are only allowed to leave the island as couples, during romantic dates in a tropical paradise. In its previous seasons, the show was widely appreciated for its raw and candid display of emotions between the participants, who were unable to judge each other based on their age or profession, as this information was kept confidential. With its popularity on the rise, “Singles Inferno” is back for a third season, with an all-new cast, fresh faces, and exciting twists and turns. Get ready for a wild ride as the show will be hosted in new locations with updated rules, guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
- Directed by: Kim Jae-won, Kim Jung-hyun
- Written by: Chi Hyun-sook
- Produced by: Sizak Company
- Release Date: Q4