Netflix has announced its upcoming Korean variety entertainment lineup during the Netflix Variety Festival 2025, held at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun on September 2. The presentation confirmed the return of hit shows and introduced fresh concepts that will roll out between late 2025 and 2026.
Attending the event were leading creators such as PDs Hwang Seul Woo, Jang Ho Gi, Kim Ye Seul, Kim Hak Min, Kim Jae Won, Jeong Jong Yeon, Lee So Min, and Kim No Eun, along with Netflix Director Yoo Ki Hwan.
Culinary Class Wars 2
The first season of Culinary Class Wars 2 became a global hit, topping Netflix’s Global Top 10 (non-English) for three consecutive weeks. Season 2 promises to raise the stakes with a larger scale and even fiercer battles between the “Black Spoon” chefs, known for their unmatched flavors, and the “White Spoon” star chefs representing Korea’s culinary elite.
Returning to lead the season is Baek Jong Won, joined by Ahn Sung Jae. Directed by Kim Hak Min and Kim Eun Ji, the show is produced by Studio Slam.
Crime Scene Zero
Before that, September will see the release of Crime Scene Zero, a reboot of the legendary role-playing mystery game series. Starring Jang Jin, Park Ji Yoon, Jang Dong Min, Kim Ji Hoon, and An Yujin (IVE), the series places players in a crime-solving battle where they must identify the culprit hidden among them.
With upgraded tricks, elaborate settings, and special guests in each episode, the show promises suspense and clever gameplay. The show is directed by Yoon Hyun-joon and Hwang Seul-woo, and premieres September 23, 2025.
Agents of Mystery Season 2
PD Jeong Jong Yeon’s adventure-mystery series Agents of Mystery returns with bizarre and unexplainable cases that push the boundaries of science and imagination. The cast includes returning members Lee Yong Jin, John Park, Hyeri, Kim Do Hoon, Karina, and new agent Gabi.
Agents of Mystery Season 2 debuts in February 2026, produced by TEO, and promises even more upgraded missions and unpredictable challenges.
Physical: Asia
Following the worldwide success of Physical: 100, the competition expands to the Asian stage with Physical: Asia.
Physical: Asia, the next evolution of the global hit Physical: 100 will hit Netflix in October. This time, the competition moves to a continental stage, with national teams representing Asian countries in extreme physical battles.
Legendary boxing champion Manny Pacquiao leads the Philippines, and contestants from across Asia will compete in grueling challenges. Directed by Jang Ho Gi and produced by TEO, the series expands the format into its most ambitious season yet.
Na Young Seok’s New Variety Ventures
Star variety producer Na Young Seok (Na PD) also unveiled two major travel projects:
- Three Idiots in Kenya: In November, Netflix will release Three Idiots in Kenya, a comedic travelogue featuring Lee Soo Geun, Eun Ji Won, and Kyuhyun. Set against Kenya’s breathtaking natural backdrop, the show captures the trio’s witty banter, lighthearted teamwork, and Na PD’s unpredictable missions.
- Lee Seo Jin’s Dalla Dalla (Ready or Not: Texas): In 2026, Lee Seo Jin’s Dalla Dalla (Ready or Not: Texas) will follow Lee Seo Jin and Na PD’s crew as they explore Dallas, Texas. This unscripted travel variety highlights candid everyday experiences in America, infused with Na’s signature humor and spontaneity. Both programs are co-directed by Na Young Seok and Kim Ye Seul and produced by Egg is Coming.
Both shows are co-directed by Na Young Seok and Kim Ye Seul, produced by Egg is Coming.
Single’s Inferno 5
Another highlight is the highly popular Single’s Inferno, known in Korea as Solo Hell. The dating survival series will return for Season 5 in January 2026 with the largest cast in its history. Once again, singles will compete for love on the remote “Hell Island,” where only couples can escape to paradise.
Directed by Kim Jae Won, Kim Jung Hyun, and Park Soo Ji, and produced by Start Company, the new season promises a more colorful and dramatic “flirting war” than ever before.
Better Late Than Single Season 2
Netflix is also doubling down on romance-driven reality formats. Better Late Than Single Season 2 will continue to follow awkward but sincere singles as they experience first love. The first season was praised for its authenticity, and the new season is expected to go even further in capturing those raw, emotional moments. Directed by Kim No Eun and produced by Studio Modak, it will deliver more warmth and relatability.
Kian’s Bizarre B&B Season 2
Kian’s Bizarre B&B Season 2 is also slated for release in 2026. The new season will expand the unique bed-and-breakfast concept led by Kian84 and his “Kianjang Family.” The first season was set on Ulleungdo Island, but the second season will move to a new location.
It is directed by Jeong Hyo Min, Lee So Min, and Hwang Yoon Seo, and produced by Studio Modak. ARMYs are looking forward to seeing if BTS’s Jin will return as a cast member for the follow-up members.
Jae Seok’s B&B Rules!
Alongside it comes a new project titled Jae Seok’s B&B Rules! National MC Yoo Jae-seok will take on the role of a bed-and-breakfast owner for the first time in his 34-year career. The program will explore unique guest interactions in a setting where Yoo is both host and king. Premiering in 2026, this series is also directed by Jeong Hyo Min, Lee So Min, and Hwang Yoon Seo, and production is handled by Studio Modak.
Devil’s Plan 3
Finally, Netflix confirmed that its survival variety show Devil’s Plan will return for a third season in 2026. The franchise debuted with contestants from diverse social classes competing in an isolated environment for seven days. At the time, it was praised for its psychological intensity and creative gameplay, earning the nickname “The Genius Camp.”
Season 1 received strong reviews and introduced memorable players such as science YouTuber Orbit and actors Ha Seok Jin and Lee Si Won. However, Season 2, subtitled Death Room, divided opinion with more mixed reactions. Despite this, the producers have confirmed Season 3 and promised to improve the format and recapture the success of the original.
Over the past year, Netflix has invested heavily in Korean variety entertainment, launching hits like The Influencer, Zombieverse: New Blood, Single’s Inferno, and Devil’s Plan.
