What happens when one man becomes the face of an entire entertainment genre?
In South Korea, that man is none other than Yoo Jae Suk, famously dubbed the “Nation’s MC.” With over two decades of non-stop laughter, emotion, and iconic moments, Yoo Jae Suk isn’t just a host—he’s a cultural icon whose shows have shaped the very landscape of Korean variety television.
From chaotic chases in foreign cities to tear-jerking interviews on neighborhood streets, this post explores the Top 10 TV Shows with Yoo Jae Suk—complete with timelines, memorable moments, and why they continue to dominate screens worldwide.
Let’s dive into the ultimate binge list featuring Korea’s most beloved entertainer.
1. Running Man (2010–Present)
📍Location: Various cities across South Korea and international episodes in Vietnam, Dubai, Hong Kong, and more.
📅 Premiere Date: July 11, 2010 – ongoing
Created by SBS, this game-variety show became a cultural phenomenon. Yoo Jae Suk leads a cast of regular members and guests through high-energy missions, often ending in a thrilling name tag-ripping chase.
🔑 Highlight: In 2014, “Running Man” held its Asian Tour Fan Meetings, proving its global impact.
🎥 Must-See Ep: Episode 178 (Macau special) – Sky-diving from the Macau Tower!
2. You Quiz on the Block (2018–Present)
📍Location: Filmed across South Korean neighborhoods, including Seoul, Busan, and Incheon.
📅 Premiere Date: August 29, 2018 – ongoing
Yoo Jae Suk and co-host Jo Se-ho casually interview people on the street, from college students to frontline workers. During COVID-19 in 2020, the format adjusted to indoor filming, maintaining connection with viewers.
🔑 Highlight: Interview with BTS aired on March 24, 2021, drawing millions of views.
💡 Why It Stands Out: Balances comedy with heartfelt storytelling.
3. Infinite Challenge (2005–2018)
📍Network: MBC
📅 Premiere Date: April 23, 2005 – March 31, 2018
The show that solidified Yoo Jae Suk’s legendary status. With rotating themes like wrestling, music videos, or international missions, “Infinite Challenge” became South Korea’s most beloved variety show.
🎤 Memorable Moment: “Infinity Song Festival” in 2015 with BIGBANG’s G-Dragon.
📍 Filming Locations: Seoul, Los Angeles, Beijing, and even the North Pole (parody missions).
4. Hangout with Yoo / How Do You Play? (2019–Present)
📅 Premiere Date: July 27, 2019 – ongoing
Launched on MBC, the show explores Yoo Jae Suk’s experiments in different roles: a drummer, a trot singer (as “Yoo San Seul”), and even as a K-pop idol in co-ed group SSAK3 (with Lee Hyori and Rain).
🎤 Big Moment: SSAK3’s debut stage on July 25, 2020, topped music charts.
🧪 Theme: Themed around the concept “What does Yoo Jae Suk do on his day off?”
5. Happy Together (2001–2020)
📍Network: KBS2
📅 Seasons: 2001–2005, 2005–2007, 2007–2020
Spanning almost two decades, this talk show had celebrities share stories in saunas and school settings. The show evolved with changing formats but always retained Yoo Jae Suk’s down-to-earth interview style.
🛁 Signature Segment: “Sauna Talk” from 2007–2010 became a pop culture favorite.
🎬 Last Episode Aired: April 2, 2020.
6. The Zone: Survival Mission (2022–2023)
📍Platform: Disney+
📅 Season 1 Start: September 8, 2022
In this high-concept survival variety show, Yoo Jae Suk teams up with Lee Kwang Soo and SNSD’s Yuri to complete missions in “virtual disaster zones.”
🏙️ Filming Places: Gyeonggi-do, Seoul, and purpose-built sets resembling dystopian cities.
🔥 Why Watch: Combines comedy with sci-fi escape room thrills.
7. Sixth Sense (2020–2022)
📅 Premiere Date: September 3, 2020 – December 30, 2022
With cast members like Jessi and Oh Na-ra, Yoo Jae Suk helps investigate real vs. fake scenarios designed to trick them. Great for those who love deduction and absurd fun.
🔍 Situational Fun: Identifying fake restaurants, fake CEOs, and surreal art setups.
🏆 Highlight Episode: Season 2, Episode 6 – Fake luxury building challenge.
8. X-Man (2003–2007)
📅 Premiere Date: November 8, 2003 – April 8, 2007
A classic from the golden age of Korean variety. Aired on SBS, “X-Man” combined dating games, wrestling, and spy mysteries.
💘 Famous For: The legendary “Of Course!” game and chemistry between stars like Kim Jong Kook and Yoon Eun Hye.
📍 Set Location: Filmed in studios across Seoul.
9. Family Outing (2008–2010)
📍Premiere: June 15, 2008 – July 11, 2010
Yoo Jae Suk led a cast visiting rural villages to help locals while playing games, cooking, and bonding like a family.
🏡 Memorable Locations: Jeolla-do rice paddies, fishing towns in Gangwon-do.
🎉 Vibe: Think weekend getaway meets comedy survival.
10. Sugar Man (2015–2019)
📅 Premiere Date: October 20, 2015 – December 10, 2019
In this JTBC show, Yoo Jae Suk helps bring back forgotten artists (the “Sugar Men”) while current idols remake their old hits for a new generation.
🎤 Touching Moment: Reappearance of 90s artists like Turbo and Jinusean.
🎶 Unique Concept: Past meets present in every episode.
🎯 Why These TV Shows with Yoo Jae Suk Stand Out
Each show not only entertains but captures a slice of South Korean pop culture. Whether you’re in it for the games, stories, or emotional moments, these shows document Yoo Jae Suk’s 20+ year journey as a humble, hilarious, and heartfelt entertainer.
