With the golden holiday stretching from the Day of the Foundation (Gaecheonjeol) to Hangul Day, October is set to host a variety of new entertainment shows aimed at home viewers. Catchy pilot shows for Chuseok are grabbing attention, while genres like makeup, band, hip-hop, physical competitions, and sales promise to deliver some serious dopamine thrills.
▲ Coupang Play's 'Just Makeup' (October 3rd, 8 PM)
Singer Lee Hyori spreads the allure of K-beauty with her striking presence.
Coupang Play's 'Just Makeup' is an enormous makeup survival competition featuring K-beauty artists who represent Korea on a global scale and compete passionately with their unique styles.
With K-beauty gaining worldwide attention, the show promises high expectations as the legendary beauty icon Lee Hyori serves as the MC. Additionally, four makeup masters leading the K-beauty trend—including Jung Saem-mool, Seo Ok, Lee Sa-bae, and Lee Jin-soo—evaluate the contestants' makeup skills while delivering a thrilling insight into the evolution and philosophy of K-beauty.
▲ SBS's 'My Too Daring Manager - Secretaries' (October 3rd, 9:50 PM)
Actors Lee Seo-jin and Kim Kwang-kyu transform into 'professional caretakers.'
SBS's 'My Too Daring Manager - Secretaries' (hereafter referred to as Secretaries) breaks away from the conventional talk show format and presents a close-up care show where stars are genuinely taken care of in real time. Veteran entertainers Lee Seo-jin and Kim Kwang-kyu become daily managers, revealing genuine emotions and unique challenges of the stars.
The first guest will be the rising entertainment star comedian Lee Soo-ji. Lee Soo-ji, who has been active in various roles from an influencer in construction tools to a Chaedeokdong parent and rapper Ham Bug-i, will showcase her distinctive energy through 'Secretaries.'
▲ MBC's 'National Top 1' (Part 1 October 3rd, 8 PM, Part 2 October 6th, 6 PM)
Comedians Park Na-rae and Moon Se-yoon join broadcaster and former announcer Kim Dae-ho to discover the 'number one' local specialties.
A special Chuseok feature, MBC's 'National Top 1' adopts a unique format resembling a 'local specialty champions league' where regions across the country compete for honor with the same specialty.
The first battle will feature Korea's representative Hanwoo beef. As various Hanwoo from across the nation compete on stage, a panel of 100 evaluators and experts will taste the dishes and decide on one singular 'National Top 1' through onsite voting. The program goes beyond typical cooking competitions, shedding light on the lives and stories of the farmers who raise the Hanwoo, delivering both laughter and emotional depth.
▲ MBC's '2025 Chuseok Special Idol Star Athletic Championships' (October 6-8)
The curtain rises for a grand sports festival that will captivate K-pop fans worldwide.
The MBC entertainment program '2025 Chuseok Special Idol Star Athletic Championships' (hereafter referred to as ISAC) will celebrate its 15th anniversary this year, featuring a record 61 teams with 374 idols participating.
This year, ISAC will showcase fierce competition in five events: athletics, wrestling, penalty shootouts, dance sports, and pistol shooting, blending the passion and competitive spirit of Korea's top idol stars.
The new charm and unpredictable outcomes presented by K-pop idols will heat up the living rooms during the Chuseok holidays.
▲ MBN's 'Don Makase' (October 6, 7, 5:40 PM)
Comedian-turned-broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon and chef Lee Won-il stimulate the eyes and taste buds with an extravagant pork omakase course meal.
Scheduled for Chuseok, MBN's 'Don Makase' features two chefs showcasing a full course meal made from pork while hearing life stories from the guests in this cooking talk show.
Lee Won-il displays a variety of pork dishes with his remarkable cooking skills, while Hong Seok-cheon leads heartfelt conversations while showcasing his unique charm.
The guests are set to include actor Sim Hyung-taek and singer Kwon Eun-bi, generating interest.
▲ tvN's 'Kim Chang-ok Show 4' (October 7, 10:10 PM)
Photo: tvN
Master communicator Kim Chang-ok has warmed up.
tvN's 'Kim Chang-ok Show 4' is a conflict-resolution lecture show presented by the legendary class of the Korean lecture scene, Kim Chang-ok, for those navigating communication crises in a world of overload, high efficiency, and endless competition. This season, Emperor Seong and Oh Na-ra will join as empathy fairy-tale figures.
'Kim Chang-ok Show 4' will kick off its new season in Tokyo, Japan. This season offers a global perspective on human relationships, showcasing stories from overseas.
▲ KBS2's 'Dogs Are Amazing' (October 9, 8:30 PM)
Comedian Lee Kyung-kyu and singer Young-tak take on the MC role together for KBS2's 'Dogs Are Amazing' (hereafter referred to as Dog Amazing).
'Dog Amazing' returns with a military academy concept in the age of pet owners reaching 15 million. With the increased scale, various trainers will compete fiercely, showcasing their own training methods.
Lee Kyung-kyu will take on the role of the military academy's head based on his experience on 'Dog Amazing'. Young-tak, a well-rounded player excelling in trot entertainment, acting, and producing, will join as the head of the education department.
Young-tak expresses his aspirations to alleviate the tension between the pet owners and their worried pets with his unique cheerful and bright energy while also maintaining the role of a lively atmosphere maker, which has reportedly garnered high praise from Lee Kyung-kyu.
▲ SBS's 'Hot Spots at Your Fingertips! Neighborhood Good Houses Special Edition' (October 12, 4:40 PM)
SBS's entertainment program 'Hot Spots at Your Fingertips! Neighborhood Good Houses' returns with a special edition of unprecedented scale and fun.
The 'Special Edition of Hot Spots at Your Fingertips! Neighborhood Good Houses' (hereafter referred to as Neighborhood Good Houses Special Edition) presents a large-scale project responsible for the space and flavors of Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do.
Leading and joining the show will be 'space expert' Yoo Jeong-soo, SBS’s eldest daughter and top model entertainer Lee Hyun-yi, popular figure Kim Ho-young, and emerging entertainer Harii Moo, known for their candid speech.
Returning as a special edition, 'Neighborhood Good Houses' promises a national-level project in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do. Especially after receiving praise for its distinctive desserts reflecting regional flavors in the previous season, this time, six world-class chefs will gather for a true showdown over the signature dessert of the good houses in Jinju.
▲ tvN's 'Wheel House Across the Ocean: Hokkaido Edition' (October 12, 7:40 PM)
The 'Wheel House' sets sail for the islands.
tvN's 'Wheel House Across the Ocean: Hokkaido Edition' (hereafter referred to as Wheel House) centers on the concept of traveling with a home, showcasing the story of 'Wheel House' that has spent four seasons across various regions in Korea now embarking on an adventure overseas.
Returning as a global edition after three years since its Season 4 airing in 2022, 'Wheel House' will see returning hosts Seong Dong-il and Kim Hee-won, with new host Jang Nara joining in anticipation.
▲ JTBC's 'Singer Again 4 - Unknown Singer Contest' (October 14, 10:30 PM)
JTBC’s flagship audition program ‘Singer Again’ returns for its fourth season.
'Singer Again 4 - Unknown Singer Contest' is an audition program that provides 'one more' opportunity to those desperate for a stage. It aids undistinguished singers, forgotten artists, and hidden talents to stand before the public again.
Having opened new horizons for auditions by producing prominent talents like Lee Seung-yoon from Season 1, Kim Ki-tae from Season 2, and Hong Yi-sak from Season 3, 'Singer Again' is generating buzz with this season's record-breaking number of applicants.
The judging panel lineup is also noteworthy. Lim Jae-bum, Yoon Jong-shin, Baek Ji-young, and Code Kunst, who have been part of the previous seasons, will return along with Kim In-ah, Kyuhyun, and Lee Hae-ri, who will collaborate once more. Additionally, Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon joins the lineup, completing an extraordinary 'Singer Avengers' team. Lee Seung-gi will again take the MC role for the fourth consecutive season.
▲ SBS's 'Star Talk: Report on Everything' (October 16, 9 PM)
SBS embarks on a new attempt with the talk show 'Star Talk: Report on Everything', breaking the conventional formulas of talk shows.
'Report on Everything' is a unique format that begins with 'aliens landing on Earth to submit a report to their planet.' Based on this worldview, the show captures dialogues with the most important people on Earth and insights from trending topics of interest.
The unique hosts, Jang Do-yeon, Lee Yong-jin, Lee Eun-ji, and Nucksal will delve into the true inner workings of humanity through an alien's unfamiliar perspective.
▲ Mnet's 'Unpretty Rapstar: Hip Pop Princess' (October 16, 9:50 PM)
The female rapper audition program 'Unpretty Rapstar' returns after nine years.
First introduced in 2015, 'Unpretty Rapstar' is Korea’s first female rapper survival program, which has attracted attention by producing numerous female rappers such as Jeon So-yeon, Cheetah, and Heize. Following 'Unpretty Rapstar 3' in 2016, this new season, titled 'Unpretty Rapstar: Hip Pop Princess', has been reborn.
Furthermore, Soyeon, who left a strong impression as a participant in 'Unpretty Rapstar' nine years ago, has now secured the position of solo MC and main producer for the 'Hip Pop Princess' project, a collaborative effort between Korea and Japan.
This season is designed as a Korean-Japanese joint project aiming for cultural exchanges spanning music, fashion, and lifestyle between K-pop and J-pop.
▲ tvN's 'Happy Travel Abroad: Beans Sprouts for Laughter' (October 17, 8:40 PM)
Actors Lee Kwang-soo, Kim Woo-bin, and Do Kyung-soo tease their rough and tumble exploration journey in Mexico.
tvN's 'Happy Travel Abroad: Beans Sprouts for Laughter' depicts the story of KKPP Food employees who, having succeeded in their mission, embark on an overseas trip to Mexico with the aim to gain insights for the company's development. This serves as the second spin-off program from 'Beans Sprouts for Laughter.'
KKPP Food's CEO Lee Kwang-soo and department head Do Kyung-soo join Kim Woo-bin, who is part of the internal audit team, creating delightful chemistry together. The three will establish their own travel itinerary, including the country, accommodation, and activities, working to keep within budget under the pressures from head office to fund their travels, adding more fun to the viewing experience.
▲ Mnet's 'Steel Heart Club' (October 21, 10 PM)
Mnet's global band-making survival show 'Steel Heart Club' is now preparing to launch.
'Steel Heart Club' is a global band survival show where individual participants from various positions, including guitarists, drummers, bassists, vocalists, and keyboardists, come together to form the 'ultimate headliner band'. Anticipation builds around the participants' journeys as they take the stage, armed with their star quality and musical authenticity.
The lineup of four directors who will accompany the participants on their growth is also eye-catching. Jung Yong-hwa of CNBLUE, Lee Jang-won of Peppertones, Sunwoo Jung-a, and Ha Sung-woon join, with actress Moon Ga-young taking on the role of 'band curator' as the MC, completing a dazzling lineup.
▲ MBC Every1's 'Great Guide 2.5 - The Many-Misguided Guide' (October 28, 8:30 PM)
Former announcer Kim Dae-ho will journey to Baekdu Mountain with actors Choi Daniel and Jeon So-min.
MBC Every1's entertainment show 'Great Guide 2.5 - The Many-Misguided Guide' is part of the popular travel reality series 'Great Guide', and before embarking on a long journey to 'Great Guide 3', it offers viewers a delightful travel experience that anyone can follow.
All members from 'Great Guide 2' are back, and former travel mates Kim Dae-ho and Choi Daniel will take on the roles of guides, raising expectations for their chemistry.
The first travel destination is Baekdu Mountain, a special place where the Korean spirit can be felt. As the three free-spirited individuals head off, another travel mate is expected to join, adding more intrigue to the show.
▲ Channel S's 'Laughter from Solutions' (October 29, 8:50 PM)
Group god member Park Jun-hyung and actor Jang Hyuk transform into solution-givers for citizens.
Channel S's 'Laughter from Solutions' invites funny friends Park Jun-hyung and Jang Hyuk to receive calls (requests) from regular citizens, personally tackling their problems in this reality entertainment program.
Citizens throw all sorts of challenges at them, from "Help me catch a cockroach" to "Please teach me English for my overseas trip." Park Jun-hyung and Jang Hyuk dash around solving various citizen requests, showcasing the chemistry built over their 30-year friendship.
▲ tvN's 'Sixth Sense: City Tour 2' (October 30, 8:40 PM)
'MZ-chasing uncle' Ji Seok-jin joins the new season of 'Sixth Sense: City Tour.'
tvN's 'Sixth Sense: City Tour 2' embarks on a journey to uncover hidden 'fake' spots within trendy places that have exploded on SNS, seeking out the most hidden fake amidst authentic locations. This variety show spin-off of 'Sixth Sense' continues its unpredictable narrative, led by returning members Yoo Jae-suk, Ko Kyung-pyo, and Mimi, now adding Ji Seok-jin, who promises to bring charm to the 'breadth' of laughter.
This new season captures the vibrant city vibes during this cozy autumn air, promising a different ambiance compared to last season's city landscapes.
▲ Channel A's 'Masked Chef' (October 31, 9:40 PM)
A new style of cooking competition begins.
Channel A’s entertainment program 'Masked Chef' features challengers whose identities are concealed behind masks, competing solely based on taste in this innovative cooking battle. Participants—from self-proclaimed cooking masters to hidden talents—take the stage in the kitchen ring to showcase their own signature recipes.
Leading the masked cooking competitions is host Seo Jang-hoon, who provides practical advice and motivation with a cool head, akin to a master in the ring. Chefs Kang Leo, Jung Ji-sun, and Kim Do-yoon will serve as judges, representing Western, Chinese, and Korean flavors respectively, while also trying to uncover the identities of the masked challengers, coolly evaluating their dishes.
▲ Netflix's 'Physical: Asia' (Scheduled to Release in October)
Netflix's entertainment program 'Physical: Asia' aims to find the strongest physical nation in Asia.
In the reality competition 'Physical: Asia', six athletes from Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Turkey, Indonesia, Australia, and the Philippines form teams to compete on behalf of their countries.
Following the success of 'Physical: 100' introduced in 2023, the program has successfully expanded its format to the American and Italian versions. Anticipation is high for 'Physical: Asia', marking the first international competitive event in the 'Physical' series.
The six athletes selected to represent the eight Asian countries will engage in physical challenges that represent their nations' pride. With the 'Physical' series known for its unimaginable scale and venues, expectations are mounting for a grand world detailed within the cultural frameworks of Korea and Asia.
▲ SBS Plus's 'Real Dating Lab: Poison Apple' (Scheduled to Release in October)
SBS Plus's entertainment program 'Real Dating Lab: Poison Apple', which debuted last year, has completed its reorganization.
'Real Dating Lab: Poison Apple 2' generated considerable buzz last year, capturing high ratings and captivating discussions. The second season returns more powerfully, expanding the main corner 'Poison Apple Challenge' across the entire program, greatly enhancing viewer immersion.
In line with the challenging theme of tracking down a partner's suspicious true self, this new season features a potent team of Apple agents orchestrating detailed strategies that maximize the real triangular storyline between the client and the main character, along with Apple girl. Studio MCs Jeon Hyun-moo, Yang Se-chan, Lee Eun-ji, Yoon Tae-jin, and Heo Young-ji have all joined the cast.
▲ ENA's 'Super Seller: Incentive Game' (Scheduled to Release in October)
The infinite competition among sellers has commenced.
ENA's entertainment program 'Super Seller: Incentive Game' is a real survival program where participants regardless of age, gender, profession, or experience, gather to compete solely based on their sales skills; the competition showcases these sellers' thrilling battles where sales equate to skill.
MC Han Hye-jin, recognized for her charismatic hosting and sharp insights through numerous survival programs, will lead the show.
'Super Seller' aims to enhance viewer immersion by showcasing the sellers' struggles through live sales broadcasts.