You've seen Korean dating shows but you've never seen something like this. Let us introduce "Couple Palace" to you.

Following the extraordinary and unprecedented global success of Korean dating shows like "Single's Inferno" and "Transit Love", Mnet has taken on the ambitious project of a Korean reality show that matches couples for marriage!

Calling itself the biggest matchmaking show of all time, "Couple Palace" invites 100 singles to find their perfect marriage partner on the show.

Gone are the days of meeting your soulmate naturally and fatefully. Now, if you want to find your ideal type life partner quickly and efficiently, "Couple Palace" is the destination.

What does someone look for in their future spouse?

Looks? Financial status? Family? Personality?

All their preferences are taken into account in "Couple Palace" to help them find the perfect husband or wife.

However, the stakes are high, and finding the one may be harder than you'd think.

After all, "Couple Palace" is as much a survival show as any, and competition is stiff.

Many fans are describing the show as a "too real" reality show that mature audiences can empathize with.

International fans are also pointing out that the reality of marriage is exposed in this show, as opposed to the dreamland we see in K-Dramas.

As the families of the contestants also get involved, since it is a matter of marriage, things can get quite messy, and the course of true love doesn't always run smooth.

Fans are mentioning that there's a lot to learn from "Couple Palace", especially about human psychology and interpersonal relationships.

It also raises questions about whether marriage is an emotional or a rational decision.

Besides, of course, there's all the drama and tea-spilling we love about dating shows.

You'll be picking favorites in no time!

"Couple Palace" is hosted by Couple Managers/MCs Kim JongKook, Yoo SeYoon, and Lee MiJoo.

As expected, fans are loving the reactions of the star-studded panel.

So, if you want to see a fresh new Korean reality show that's one step above your usual dating shows, check out "Couple Palace".

If you are a Kpopmap reader, you might have noticed a weekly series by the name of "Girl Crush" where we feature a female K-Pop idol who is total girl crush material.

A 'girl crush' is defined as a woman or girl who is the object of one's admiration. In other words, one of the female K-Pop idols that fans wish was their best friend or girlfriend. This can be based on their style, personality, overall vibe, etc.

Here are the female K-Pop idols that we have featured in our series so far. They each have their own charm and different auras, but will make you crush on them for sure! If you want to know more about what makes them so charming, make sure to read their individual articles.

Note: This is not a ranking. This list is in order of the series. After the first article, the order was determined by a poll within each article. The series is still ongoing so keep an eye out for updates on this list.

 

1. BLACKPINK's Lisa

Charming points you should read about: global citizen, stage presence, modeling potential

Read more about her here:

 

2. MAMAMOO's HwaSa

Charming points you should read about: down-to-earth personality, mukbang queen, natural beauty

Read more about her here:

 

3. TWICE's JiHyo

Charming points you should read about: radiant beauty, athletic figure, all-round performer

Read more about her here:

 

4. ITZY's RyuJin

Charming points you should read about: iconic dancer, captivating facial expressions, sentimental side

Read more about her here:

 

5. Red Velvet's SeulGi

Charming points you should read about: dancing queen, fashion brand ambassador, undefeated aesthetic

Read more about her here:

 

6. Jeon SoMi

Charming points you should read about: trendsetter, Barbie doll visuals, family-oriented

Read more about her here:

 

7. STAYC's SuMin

Charming points you should read about: vocal range, tiny cutie, girlfriend material pictures

Read more about her here:

 

8. LOONA's Yves

Charming points you should read about: visual duality, slim figure, unmatched dance lines

Read more about her here:

 

9. ChungHa

Charming points you should read about: charismatic performance, artist duality, cutest dog lover

Read more about her here:

 

10. Lovelyz's MiJoo

Charming points you should read about: variety show presence, body line, angelic vocals

Read more about her here:

 

11. (G)I-DLE's SoYeon

Charming points you should read about: all-round artist, genius songwriter and producer, duality queen

Read more about her here:

 

12. HyunA

Charming points you should read about: free spirit, bold fashion choices, artistic perspective, down-to-earth

Read more about her here:

 

13. Jessi

Charming points you should read about: sassy attitude, variety show queen, alluring aura

Read more about her here:

 

14. EVERGLOW's Mia

Charming points you should read about: all-rounder performer, sassy but cute, emotive ace

Read more about her here:

 

15. EXID's Hani

Charming points you should read about: iconic sexy female K-Pop idol, plot-twist-like charm, beauty and brains

Read more about her here:

 

16. IVE's YuJin

Charming points you should read about: charismatic leader, broad musical range, language learning queen

Read more about her here:

 

17. CL

Charming points you should read about: style icon, influential aura, next-level artistry

Read more about her here:

 

18. IU

Charming points you should read about: unmatched vocalist, wide acting spectrum, fairytale beauty

Read more about her here:

 

19. LeeHi

Charming points you should read about: honey melodic vocals, total cutie, empathy queen

Read more about her here:

 

20. ITZY's YeJi

Charming points you should read about: pretty dance lines, duality princess, relatable queen

Read more about her here:

 

21. MAMAMOO's MoonByul

Charming points you should read about: androgynous fashion, girlfriend material pictures, easy-going personality

 

22. TWICE's JeongYeon

Charming points you should read about: beautiful inside and out, family-oriented, animal lover

 

23. Lee ChaeYeon

Charming points you should read about: feather-like dancer, K-Drama OST potential, loving sister

 

24. LOONA's Chuu

Charming points you should read about: bubbly aura, angelic vocals, relatable real side

 

25. OH MY GIRL's Mimi

Charming points you should read about: multitalented, mukbang queen, fashionista

 

26. aespa's Karina

Charming points you should read about: AI-like beauty, 4th generation all-rounder, friend-like idol

 

27. Girls' Generation's SeoHyun

Charming points you should read about: plot-twist-like charm, model persona, Tinkerbell-like

 

28. Suzy

Charming points you should read about: nation's first love, CF queen, versatile actress and singer

 

29. Weki Meki's Choi YooJung

Charming points you should read about: unmissable groove, best girl energy, naturally charming

 

30. GWSN's Miya

Charming points you should read about: androgynous fashion, charisma personified, high-key adorable

 

31. WJSN's Bona

Charming points you should read about: authentic idol actress, positive attitude, a stylist in her past life

 

32. DREAMCATCHER's GaHyeon

Charming points you should read about: reality better than fiction, cool but cute, charismatic aura

 

33. Kim YooJung

Charming points you should read about: nation's little sister, historical drama fairy, refreshing beauty

 

34. Apink's Jeong EunJi

Charming points you should read about: beautiful vocal quality, mood booster, entire existence is the biggest vibe

 

35. MAMAMOO's WheeIn

Charming points you should read about: a musical gift, style icon, aegyo queen

 

36. Kim GoEun

Charming points you should read about: queen of sentiment, whatever it takes to portray the role, inspirational attitude

 

37. Park EunBin

Charming points you should read about: top-tier duality, musically talented, youthful aura

 

38. Kim HyeYoon

Charming points you should read about: versatility queen, cheerful personality, plot-twist fashion preference

 

39. Kim TaeRi

Charming points you should read about: attention to detail in acting, wholesome, down-to-earth

 

40. fromis_9's Lee ChaeYoung

Charming points you should read about: energizer bunny, moodmaker, strong and fit

 

41. PURPLE KISS' Yuki

Charming points you should read about: impactful rap ability, angelic beauty, cutest laugh

 

42. Kim SoHyun

Charming points you should read about: goddess visuals, bubbly persona, mature personality

 

43. Kim SeJeong

Charming points you should read about: golden voice, industry all-rounder, generous attitude

 

44. cignature's JeeWon

Charming points you should read about: beautiful smile, 'the human pink', sunshine angel

 

45. Mun KaYoung

Charming points you should read about: free-spirited, global citizen, high-fashion modeling

 

46. Billlie's Moon SuA

Charming points you should read about: it factor, bloodline talent, whisker dimples

 

47. Kep1er's DaYeon

Charming points you should read about: dancing queen, top-level professionalism, authentically herself

 

48. SECRET NUMBER's Dita

Charming points you should read about: honey-dripping voice, artistic creativity, walking vitamin

 

49. Jung SoMin

Charming points you should read about: acting duality, traditional dancer, family-oriented

 

50. Brave Girls' YuJeong

Charming points you should read about: the essence of melodic, appreciative displays for fans, powerhouse smile

 

51. Shin SaeKyeong

Charming points you should read about: ever-dynamic actress, ethereal visuals, professional baker in past life

 

52. Jo YuRi

Charming points you should read about: dalgona-sweet melodies, triple threat, sentimental personality

 

 

53. IVE's Rei

Charming points you should read about: all-rounder rookie, industry trendsetter, stunning visuals

 

54. MAMAMOO's Solar

Charming points you should read about: vocal powerhouse, an inspiring musical actress, as dazzling as her name

 

55. Cherry Bullet's May

Charming points you should read about: doll-like visuals, praiseworthy dance, extreme athleticism

 

56. Choi YeNa

Charming points you should read about: undeniably solid vocals, dancing queen, happy virus

 

57. Lee SeYoung

Charming points you should read about: captivating character portrayals, source of inspiration, animal lover

 

58. WJSN's YeonJung

Charming points you should read about: lasting vocal impression, pitch-perfect, endearing charm

 

59. BLACKPINK's JiSoo

Charming points you should read about: airy vocals, lovable aura, beagle beauty

 

60. TWICE's NaYeon

Charming points you should read about: delightful vocal tone, graceful dance lines, downright gorgeous

 

61. Billlie's Tsuki

Charming points you should read about: destined industry legend, facial expression queen, an idol of positivity

 

62. LE SSERAFIM's Sakura

Charming points you should read about: incredible work ethic, stellar mindset, concept chameleon

 

63. TRI.BE's SongSun

Charming points you should read about: perseverant spirit, aromatic vocals, adorable leader

 

64. DREAMCATCHER's DaMi

Charming points you should read about: the personification of charisma, diligent attitude, invented the term 'girl crush'

 

65. Han SoHee

Charming points you should read about: wide acting spectrum, added another level to the beauty standard, down-to-earth queen

 

66. VIVIZ's SinB

Charming points you should read about: pure vocals, conceptually flexible dance technique, sassy side with a touch of silly

 

67. woo!ah!'s NaNa

Charming points you should read about: hexagonal idol, affinity for leadership, 'the idol that nobody is allowed to dislike'

 

68. fromis_9's Lee SaeRom

Charming points you should read about: anchor-like captain, a standout on stage, fashionista

 

69. Rocket Punch's YeonHee

Charming points you should read about: lovable stage presence, persistent leader, mood booster persona

 

70. Lapillus' Chanty

Charming points you should read about: multilingual queen, beauty and brains, belongs in the limelight

 

71. Go YounJung

Charming points you should read about: breakout actress successful from the start, fine artist, regal visuals

 

72. Seor InA

Charming points you should read about: actress not afraid of a challenge, trained to be a K-Pop idol before, goes the extra mile for fans

 

73. PURPLE KISS' ChaeIn

Charming points you should read about: all-rounder, stellar improvisation skills, the best beagle

 

74. Weeekly's Lee SooJin

Charming points you should read about: level-headed, constantly working behind the scenes, actress-like aura

 

75. LOONA's HyunJin

Charming points you should read about: always has the time of her life on stage, the source of many smiles, 4D personality

 

76. Kang MiNa

Charming points you should read about: holistically talented figure, natural aegyo, fairy-like ears and visuals

 

77. Girl's Day's Lee HyeRi

Charming points you should read about: career duality, energizing personality traits, charitable/generous heart

 

78. Lee YoungJi

Charming points you should read about: MZ generation it girl, husky honey-like vocals, authentic personality

 

79. Girls' Generation's TaeYeon

Charming points you should read about: 'representative female K-Pop idol', vocal queen, fearless leader

 

80. LE SSERAFIM's Kim ChaeWon

Charming points you should read about: Honey-like vocals, charismatic stage presence, heartwarming personality

Read more about her here:

 

81. (G)I-DLE's Minnie

Charming points you should read about: 'Queencard' like no other, incredible vocals, flawless visuals

Read more about her here:

 

82. Red Velvet's Wendy

Charming points you should read about: Amazing at covers and originals, OST goddess, loveable queen

Read more about her here:

 

83. aespa's Winter

Charming points you should read about: Insane vocal range, incredible musicality, overall sweetheart

Read more about her here:

 

84. ITZY's ChaeRyeong

Charming points you should read about: Dancing queen, natural born comedian, jaw-dropping visuals

Read more about her here:

 

85. fromis_9's Song HaYoung

Charming points you should read about: Walking serotonin boost, skilled dancer and vocalist, revitalizing energy

Read more about her here:

 

86. Kep1er's XiaoTing

Charming points you should read about: Dancing prowess, amazing survival show history, jaw-dropping visuals

Read more about her here:

 

87. Cherry Bullet's JiWon

Charming points you should read about: Master of concepts, enchanting dance skills, all-rounder

Read more about her here:

 

88. Kim JiEun

Charming points you should read about: Amazing actress, wonderful MC, hilarious variety sense

Read more about her here:

 

89. Red Velvet's Joy

Charming points you should read about: Awe-inspiring vocals, noteworthy actress, radiating light

Read more about her here:

 

90. Han HyoJoo

Charming points you should read about: Storied career, timeless visuals, heartwarming personality

Read more about her here:

 

91. DREAMCATCHER's SiYeon

Charming points you should read about: Rock-inspired, powerful voice, source of joy

Read more about her here:

Which other Korean idols or actresses do you have a girl crush on? Let us know in the comments. 

 

Despite the fun and excitement the weekend brings, the start of the week can often times prove difficult. Many become affected by the Monday blues, a phenomenon that not even a full night's rest can ever hope to combat. While this can deter an otherwise amazing week, through K-Variety Round Up, we hope to provide the perfect serotonin boost to tackle all the obstacles that lay ahead.

Through this series, we focus on various scenes from Korean variety shows that you may have missed over the past week/weekend. These clips might appear across social media feeds, but it can be difficult to watch absolutely everything, while tending to our busy schedules.

That’s why Kpopmap is here to bring you the most entertaining and joy-inducing clips to a screen near you! Now, take a look down below for a little energy boost on the first day of the week.

 

1. INFINITE's Challenging 'The Chaser' Performance

look how Infinite piggy-backed the Knowing Bros cast and still did The Chaser choreo and sang live!!!

I’m so proud of them???

pic.twitter.com/DhmQlm9JGo

— woohyun’s ❄️ 13egin (@droptopcherry) August 12, 2023

After what seems like forever, iconic idol group INFINITE has finally made a full group comeback. To promote their new music, they are appearing across every music program, as well as every variety show available. They recently made an appearance on JTBC's "Knowing Bros" and during one segment, they can be seen dancing to one of their most recognizable tracks, 'The Chaser'.

However, this performance comes with a little twist — the members were tasked with carrying the "Knowing Bros" castmates on their backs. Despite the difficulty, they were able to finish 'The Chaser' with flying colors, all while making us laugh in the process.

 

2. Kim JaeJoong And MAMAMOO MoonByul's Love For Fans

oh jaejoong definitely didn't know the demographics of moonbyul and mamamoo's fanbase lmao bless him. it's so sweet of her to make it gender neutral tho 🥺 pic.twitter.com/e6zkeDHInO

— ᗪ.🌻 (@itsmoonbyule) August 10, 2023

This week on Kim JaeJoong's YouTube talk show, "JaeFriends", we see MAMAMOO's MoonByul as one of the guests. Although it's their first time officially meeting one another, their chemistry is absolutely incredible. They talk about a variety of different topics, including their fans.

With their sweet cheesiness, they profess their love for their fans, stating their long term relationship with Boss Babies (JaeJoong's personal fandom name) and MooMoo (MAMAMOO's fandom name) respectively. Even if you're not a dedicated fan, you cannot help but smile at the two idols' admiration towards their cherished supporters.

 

3. Thrilling Rollercoaster Ride On KBS' "Battle Trip"

Even with summer slowly coming to a close, there's still some time to revel in iconic summer activities. This includes trips to the beach, a weekend getaway to a tropical destination, or a trip to the amusement park. However, if you're afraid of rollercoasters, the cast of KBS' "Battle Trip" have you covered. From outright fear to thrilling excitement, they go through every emotion possible. So even if you're not riding it yourself, you will feel a complete adrenaline rush while watching the "Battle Trip" castmates.

 

4. Entertaining Game Of 'Protect The Queen'

In Korean variety, we see many programs visit the countryside and wade in the clear waters of a cool, refreshing river. However, the cast of "Play With Yoo" do more than just relax and play a game of 'Protect The Queen' on floating platforms. Starting from the first round, the six are extremely playful, splashing water in each other's faces before getting serious in the game. While there's an air of competition, you cannot help but smile from ear to ear while watching the castmates hilarious antics.

 

5. Story Time With THE BOYZ' SunWoo And HyunJae

There's something about idols with children that bring out an overwhelming warmth from inside our hearts. On the most recent episode of KBS' "Child Cloud", we see THE BOYZ' SunWoo and HyunJae make an appearance. One of the activities they do with the adorable AYoon is read a story book.

AYoon is absolutely endearing with her incredible sense and knowledge about dinosaurs. She creates a new scenario for the children's book, causing SunWoo and HyunJae to look at her with heartwarming affection. Seeing her interact with THE BOYZ members will become the perfect serotonin boost to combat any obstacle this week might bring.

Which of these Korean variety moments is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!