"Running Man" is one of the most famous Korean variety shows in China. Courtesy of SBS

Korean reality shows have long fascinated global audiences with their inventive content.

The latest to capture the hearts of Chinese viewers is "My Sibling's Romance," which premiered in early March. The innovative dating program introduces a fresh twist to the reality dating show genre by featuring brother-sister pairs navigating the quest for love while observing their sibling's romantic endeavors.

Two months in, the fervor continues unabated on the Chinese internet, where Korean variety shows have garnered a dedicated fan base. Once again, Korean variety show producers have left Chinese fans in awe with their ability to breathe new life into familiar themes. And it is precisely the constant innovation and creativity that captivate Chinese fans.

The enduring popularity of Korean variety shows in China has also prompted a deeper inquiry into the cultural exchange between the two countries and the profound impact it holds on fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.

Jane Wan, a strategic manager at a marketing company in Shanghai, has been a fan of Korean reality shows since she was in middle school starting with the popular game show "X-Man," which aired from 2003 to 2007.

These variety shows “each have their own different charm,” she said.

Take Wan's favorite dating shows for example.

“'My Sibling's Romance' portrays heartwarming sibling bonds, while 'EXchange' delves into the intricacies of past relationships and new romances and 'Love Catcher' examines the dynamics of love and financial choices,” she said.

Over the years, she has watched a wide range of classic and new shows, including "Running Man," "Strong Heart," "Ya Shim Man Man," "Super Junior's Super TV," "Home Alone," "Saturday Night Live Korea" and "Let's Eat Dinner Together," among many others.

She is also a big fan of Na Young-seok, one of the most famous Korean television producers in China. His work, including "2 Days & 1 Night," "New Journey to the West," "Three Meals a Day" and "Youn's Kitchen," among others, all enjoy immense popularity among Chinese fans.

Korean television producer Na Young-seok gained immense popularity in China for the variety programs he was behind. Courtesy of CJ ENM

Jamie Chu, a 30-year-old working at a marketing firm in Beijing who also enjoys producer Na's travel and slow living shows such as "Three Meals a Day," praised the emotional depth Korean variety shows bring.

“These variety shows allow me to observe different people's genuine reactions in various situations, offering a fascinating opportunity to observe the beauty of humanity,” she said. “They also amplify life's precious moments, leaving me feeling healed, moved or simply joyful, nostalgic and sometimes even enamored along with the guests.”

Chu has been watching Korean variety shows for nearly two decades since the Korea variety show "Love Letter" was introduced to China about two decades ago, through which she started her long love for K-pop and Korean culture.

Among popular stars of Korean variety shows, she highlighted how singer-turned-entertainer Kim Jong-kook diligently maintains his fitness routine to uphold his image for variety shows.

“Each entertainer is very committed to creating a variety show personality much like molding a movie character. I find this level of dedication very captivating," Chu said.

The innovative game formats and filming techniques in Korean variety shows and how Korean producers “are able to turn every aspect of life into entertainment shows” attracted her and other fans alike.

"My all-time favorite Korean variety show used to be 'We Got Married.' I must have watched my favorite couple's episodes about 10 times and every winter, I find myself rewatching them,”she said.

As an NCT Dream fan, she also watches "7llin in the Dream" and "7llin in Our Youth," reality show starring the members of NCT Dream as a channel for getting a glimpse of her favorite idols' personalities outside of their stage performances, which provide her with a lot of companionship and comfort.

“For example, when I'm at work, taking a five-minute break to watch a compilation of clips while in the restroom stall can instantly recharge my energy and give me the motivation to face life head-on.”

Thanks to her interest in Korean variety shows, Chu is also taking Korean lessons.

Dating show “My Sibling's Romance" has captivated Chinese audiences with its fresh format. Courtesy of JTBC and Wavve

Many Chinese fans are captivated by the laid-back atmosphere and vibrant sense of humor prevalent in Korean variety shows. For them, Korean reality programs epitomize captivating themes, abundant laughter and unparalleled production values, both in terms of music and visuals.

Shi Xiangyu, a 28-year-old originally from Beijing, said her interest in Korean variety shows started around 2013 with "Running Man," which was one of the most famous Korean reality shows in China, boosted by the Chinese remake version.

“'Running Man' and 'Infinite Challenge' have undoubtedly brought me a lot of joy as my introduction to Korean variety shows,” she said.

“Along with the laughter, as these programs began to delve into the real-life experiences and personal journeys of their regular cast members, they have traversed different stages of life, simultaneously bridging the distance and becoming a habitual companion in my life.”

“Witnessing the camaraderie among the cast members, their mutual care (for one another), has also brought me much encouragement and emotion.”

She even made friends with fellow enthusiasts when "Running Man" held fan meetings in Shanghai and Beijing. “It felt like we all shared the same appreciation for the show and were moved by the same moments. It was a simple, pure joy,” she recalled.

She added that she used to spend nearly 10 hours watching Korean variety shows each week during her college years without missing a single episode of "Running Man," but now with work, she still unwinds by watching popular Korean variety shows occasionally during dinner or on free nights when she doesn't need to work late.

Korean variety shows also sparked her keen interest in Korean culinary culture and traveling to Korea, Shi said.

The popularity of these shows has led to numerous Chinese adaptations, including “We Got Married,” with its Chinese version "We Are In Love"; cooking variety program "Please Take Care of My Refrigerator," also known as "Chef & My Fridge"; and "Dad! Where Are We Going?" — the Korean reality show where celebrity fathers and their children go on trips together, which cater to local tastes while maintaining the original charm of their Korean counterparts.

Luna Sun is an economy reporter with the South China Morning Post. She is currently based in Seoul, reporting for both The Korea Times and the South China Morning Post via an exchange program.