K-Variety Round Up: Korean Variety Show Highlights To Fight Off The Monday Blues (From The 2nd Week Of April)

Plum A&C / JTBC / MBC

It seems like the weekend just began and now Monday is once again knocking on our doorstep. The Monday blues is creeping up on us, and for some it can be so severe that no amount of sleep or caffeine is enough to fully cure it. But through K-Variety Round Up, we hope to provide the perfect serotonin boost needed to combat the start of the week.

Through this series, we focus on small happenings from various Korean variety shows that you might have missed over the past week/weekend. These clips might appear across social media feeds, but it can be difficult to watch everything, on top of working around our busy schedules.

That’s why Kpopmap is here to bring you the most entertaining 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. "Single's Inferno 2" Kim JinYoung Being TWICE Sana's Fanboy

Kim Jin Young, aka Dex, from Singles Inferno 2, commented that #Sana has a really pretty visual and her positivity was contagious, so he felt positive energy from her and even watched Twice's MVs, which gave him more strength to endure his military life.pic.twitter.com/OHRDAuxsS2

— Sana Global Union (@sanaglobalunion) April 13, 2023

If you've watched "Single's Inferno 2", you will remember the dashing Kim JinYoung. He had charisma, poise, and a physique that had the female contestants of the dating show smitten.

On MBC's "Radio Star", the rising celebrity shares the one idol that kept him going during his time in the military: TWICE's Sana. He fondly recalls how the TWICE member provided him with motivation and strength. JinYoung shows that he's a true Sana fanboy, remaining a fan until this very day.

2. 'After Like' Ballad Version

Liz singing 'After LIKE' ballad version 🎶💗

Her voice is so good 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/bow6Yv6QZe

— Kkura Unnie (@radian_wizone) April 15, 2023

IVE's 'After Like' became a chart-topping hit within hours of its release. It presents a nostalgic, retro melody that stirs up every dancing bone in your body. It gets you moving within seconds and remains an amazingly addictive song all throughout.

But the entire vibe changes completely when it's sung by one person and in a different genre. On JTBC's "Knowing Bros", IVE's LIZ slows it down and sings 'After Like' as a ballad. It might be a short performance, but it's still iconic and holds unspeakable healing properties, perfect to combat the start of the work week.

3. Roller Skating With 99 Line Idols

Although you might be heading into the office, you can be transported elsewhere with the help of your favorite idols. While watching KBS' "Battle Trip 2", you can have fun at the roller rink with 99 line idols.

The 99 line is comprised of WEi members Kim YoHan and Yoo YongHa, OH MY GIRL's Arin, WJSN's DaYoung, Weki Meki's Choi YooJung, and THE BOYZ' Ju HakNyeon. During their trip to Busan, they end up at a roller rink as part of their vacation course. The 99 line skate, fall, and laugh all around the rink, providing the perfect boost of energy to kick off the week on the right foot.

4. Yim SiWan And Choo SungHoon's Sparring Match

Sometimes, a great way to start off the week is an early gym session. But if you're finding it particularly hard to get moving and out of bed, then look towards these two for some workout motivation.

The charming Yim SiWan and athletic Choo SungHoon might seem like an unlikely pair, but they show to be close friends. At first, SungHoon doesn't feel right hitting SiWan's good-looking face, but the actor tells him not to hold back. The two exchange a flurry of blows that gets the viewers' hearts pumping. If SiWan can take hits from a trained athlete, then we can certainly get a few reps in on Monday morning.

5. Baby EunWoo's Strawberry Mukbang

Eating our favorite food can provide the perfect serotonin boost at any time of the day. But the same can be said about watching an entertaining mukbang.

During KBS' "The Return Of Superman", we are able to witness this amazing mukbang of baby EunWoo. From his intense focus to the way his face lights up after one bite has a euphoric effect on audiences everywhere. You just feel an infectious warmth spread through your body while watching him — a warmth that's necessary to start the week off right and with a smile on your face.

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