Netflix Korea has unveiled its comprehensive strategy for maintaining dominance in the reality television market, emphasizing relentless innovation with new formats while announcing an extensive lineup of upcoming unscripted projects. During a press conference held in Jongno-gu, Seoul, the streaming giant confirmed several highly anticipated sequels and introduced fresh variety programs from Korea's most prominent creators.
The streaming service announced the return of several established franchises with confirmed release dates. "Crime Scene Zero," originally a Tving property, will launch its fifth season on Netflix in September. Following that, "Physical: 100" will return with its third season titled "Physical: Asia" in October, while the much-awaited "Culinary Class Wars Season 2" is scheduled for a December release.
Looking further ahead to 2026, Netflix has confirmed additional sequels including the fifth season of "Singles Inferno," the second season of "Better Late Than Single," along with new projects "Kians Bizarre BB" and "Agents of Mystery." This extensive lineup demonstrates Netflix Korea's commitment to expanding its unscripted content portfolio across multiple genres.
Yoo Ki-hwan, Netflix Korea's director of content, highlighted the unique approach Korean production teams take toward reality television during the press conference. "I often have the chance to talk with colleagues from Netflix's international unscripted show teams. And whenever we do, what surprises them the most is, 'How do you manage to release brand-new formats every year without stopping?'" Yoo explained. He noted that while many overseas markets typically remake proven formats that have already achieved success, Korean creators prefer developing original content rather than adapting existing shows.
"That's because in many overseas markets, especially for unscripted and reality shows, it's common practice to remake proven formats that have already been successful. But in Korea, people don't seem to find much joy in remaking someone else's work," Yoo added. Despite the challenges this approach presents, he emphasized that Korean production teams continually innovate, enabling Netflix Korea to deliver fresh, original programming to audiences.
The announcement also featured exciting new variety projects from Korea's most celebrated creators. Veteran producer Na Young-seok, known for hit shows "1 Day 2 Nights" and "New Journey to the West," will debut his first Netflix series in November. The show, titled "Three Idiots in Kenya," will feature popular entertainers Lee Soo-geun, Eun Ji-won, and Super Junior's Kyuhyun as they explore the African wilderness.
Na Young-seok will also serve as both host and director for Netflix's upcoming unscripted travel series "Ready or Not: Texas," collaborating with longtime partner Lee Seo-jin. This project, set to premiere in 2026, will showcase the duo's friendship and marks their return to television following the success of their 2023 YouTube series "Lee Seo-jin's New York New York" on Na's Channel 15ya. Additionally, top comedian Yoo Jae-suk is scheduled to headline his own Netflix series in 2026, where he will operate a bed and breakfast while welcoming various celebrity guests.
Much of the industry's attention has focused on the return of "Culinary Class Wars," particularly regarding the participation of celebrity chef Paik Jong-won as a judge. Speculation had mounted about whether the food entrepreneur would reprise his role amid ongoing controversies, including allegations of workplace abuse and food safety violations. Yoo Ki-hwan directly addressed these concerns, confirming that Paik will indeed appear in the second season.
"I think about how the choices of one person can affect so many others," Yoo stated regarding the decision to retain Paik. "Once it's released, I believe viewers will be the ones to make their judgment." This confirmation puts to rest months of speculation about the show's judging panel and suggests Netflix's confidence in the program's continued success despite the surrounding controversies.
Netflix Korea has also been dealing with intellectual property challenges, particularly plagiarism accusations regarding "Culinary Class Wars." Yoo confirmed that a strikingly similar format has surfaced in China, prompting Netflix to take formal action. The company has officially protested to Tencent, requesting the suspension of the copycat program's distribution, demonstrating Netflix's commitment to protecting its original content formats.
Despite the global success of Korean unscripted content, Yoo emphasized that Netflix Korea's primary focus remains on domestic audiences. "While there is often an emphasis on the global market, we always stress that we want people to look at Korea first. We see the global market as more of a bonus," he explained. "The best outcome is for it to succeed here at home." This strategy reflects Netflix Korea's understanding that authentic domestic appeal often translates to international success, rather than creating content specifically designed for global markets.
