Some idols are complete introverts who are amazingly charismatic on stage, yet are internally shy when the cameras turn off. To bring them out of their shell, sometimes a mood maker is needed for their electrifyingly good vibes and refreshing personality. This type of person is important to any group to keep everyone's spirits positive and up in any situation.

So how do you say "mood maker" in Korean? Let's find out below!

분위기 메이커

bun-wi-gi mae-keo

mood maker

In essence, it takes the Korean word for 'mood'/'atmosphere' and combines it with the Konglish pronunciation of 'maker'. When used together, they form "mood maker". You can use it to describe the happy vitamin of your group who brings all the smiles and laughter. You can also see how to say it down below with TXT's BeomGyu on "JaeFriends".

K-Dramas and K-Pop acts have always held some international sway, even before the age of 'Gangnam Style', BTS, and "Parasite". Big as these names may be, there has always been a warm sentiment geared towards Korean entertainment from long-time audiences. However, due to language barriers and general accessibility, it was always difficult to tap into the various types of content out there.

This is especially true for Korean variety programs, hosted through local broadcast networks like SBS, MBC, KBS, and the like. While K-Variety shows have always been a big factor propelling the Hallyu wave, for international fans, it would always lie on the shoulders of dedicated subbing teams, made up of fans rather than employees of a company. And despite their enthusiasm, sometimes only portions of a program would be covered or highlights featuring a fandom's favorite celebrity. For those wanting to watch these K-Variety programs in their entirety, it had the potential to become a strenuous effort and take hours of searching to discover a subtitled episode.

However, with the globalization of the Hallyu wave, even K-Variety is changing, extending past the walls of broadcast stations and reaching the homes of millions worldwide.

This has been a slow, yet steady transformation, only picking up speed with the inclusion of fast form media like TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and the like.

 

Original K-Variety Formula

Even with the success of Korean-based programs such as "Squid Game", "The Glory", and such, that does not mean everyone has explored every form of K-Content available. If this is you, you might be asking, "What is K-Variety"?

K-Variety is a catch-all term that describes a certain sub-class of Korean entertainment. It includes everything from dating programs, game shows, music talk shows, and much more. Overall, what makes a variety program so special is its unscripted nature that everyone in the family can enjoy. Previously, the K-Variety experience came solely in the form of broadcasting station produced programs like "X-Man", "Star Golden Bell", and "Love Letter". These shows boomed in popularity in the early 2000's, becoming the backbone of the modern K-Variety programs we see today.

Some of the earliest iterations of variety programs were essentially game shows. They put their guests in various situations and had them complete a number of different missions. The cast would participate in a series of games in both individual and team settings, providing hilariously comedic reactions and sometimes heart-fluttering chemistry that had thousands at home fully invested week after week.

Although it might be difficult now to find a recording of these iconic shows, there are various clips floating across the Internet. In particular, SBS has uploaded various videos of "X-Man" onto YouTube so that both longtime and newer fans can appreciate some of its most iconic moments. These shows left a mark on the Korean entertainment world that are still fondly remembered and celebrated today.

 

Change In K-Variety Production

The K-Variety space was originally defined by a multitude of different games and quizzes, conducted in the confines of a well-lit and controlled studio setting. However, CJ ENM remarks that "Infinite Challenge" initiated an enormous change in the approach of these programs, how they are filmed, and the different territories they can explore.

The MBC program took viewers outside of the recording studio and into real life settings, tackling a new landscape of "visual delights, including emotional moments, wilderness adventures, and mukbang." And during its widely successful run, it proved that under the right situations and with the right cast, these unscripted moments could become a gold mine of content that audiences were bound to love.

Long gone are the days where K-Variety programs simply focused on quizzes and games. Now, it features a larger umbrella of programs ranging from semi-serious talk shows to hilarious antics of say "Running Man" and "Two Days One Night". While keeping the core foundations of "Infinite Challenge" and the programs that came before, they adapted to the times, reaching international acclaim. And despite the lack of true resources to watch these shows on a weekly basis, fans continued to scour the internet for the most accurately subtitled episodes.

 

Astounding Global Success And The Arrival Of Netflix

Despite accessibility issues, long time fans have always found a way to watch their favorite K-Variety shows, even if they must resort to 3 minutes or under clips. However, following the explosion of the Hallyu wave, Korean entertainment was able to exert a firm grasp on audiences on an international level. And it so happens that the viewers of these shows included some big names. Producers, directors, and other staff from outside of Korea realized the success of K-Variety, creating different versions of highly popular variety shows. Because of this, we now see Fox's "The Masked Singer", the American version of "The King Of Masked Singer" and "Keep Running", the Chinese version of "Running Man".

And it wouldn't be too long until Netflix entered the mix. The streaming giant has upped its game in unscripted variety K-Content, from the widely popular dating show series "Single's Inferno" to the thought provoking "The Devil's Plan".

These programs, and many more, managed to enter the Top 10 TV shows of the platform for numerous weeks. With the success of these programs, Netflix was setting a new standard of Korean variety, providing worldwide access. In this way, Netflix showcased the evolution of K-Variety culture, making the days of scouring the web for episodes and subtitles a thing of the past. Now, variety programs have arrived at the tip of our finger tips, in various genres and new forms of entertainment.

 

Korean Variety For The Masses

The success of Netflix seemed to ignite a flame under Korean productions houses, as they worked tirelessly to get new types of K-Variety to the masses. They would turn their eyes to the unexplored side of YouTube and unearth a brand new form of storytelling and variety content. Although backed by a smaller staff, celebrities became the host of YouTube series, receiving international acclaim.

From "Wassup Man" to "Showterview", these programs were some of the first to truly explore the YouTube space with their first uploads dating back to 2018 and and 2020 respectively.

With their slow and steady rise into the limelight, even more shows started to appear, popping up as recommended videos for K-Entertainment enthusiasts worldwide. Now, there's a wide selection of shows to choose from, including "JaeFriends", "Salon Drip", and "Pinggyego".

With these program's constant improvement and the rapid growth of the scene, even longstanding broadcasting companies have started to make a stake within the YouTube variety space. Programs like "EunChae's Star Diary" and "Dex's Fridge Interview" are led by notable Korean celebrities, ranging from TV personalities to loveable idols who previously only graced music show stages. And it doesn't seem like the production of new YouTube variety programs will stop any time soon.

 

So what does this mean for the current landscape of K-Variety?

With accessibility no longer being an issue and content made for a global audience, it seems the Hallyu wave is far from over. Now, stars are provided with even more opportunities to meet with their fans and show a more authentic version of themselves through these web programs. Being a celebrity was often riddled with the pressure of being this perfect individual, however, with the help of these variety shows, perception is sure to change, not only among both Korean netizens and a global fanbase. Another thing to note is that the numbers don't lie.

With some episodes reaching upwards to a million or more views, the future of web variety is bright, with countless more opportunities and ventures to be explored.

Are you a fan of K-Variety? What do you think about the major increase in web variety over the years?

With all the amazing webtoons-based dramas that have been released in the past couple of years, we have only become more excited about upcoming K-Dramas linked with webtoons.

The webtoon "The Mermaid I Loved" is a special case because the story was first written as a script for a drama production. The drama production is on its way and the webtoon was pre-released. The drama's production company, Group Eight, thought that in releasing it first as a webtoon they could showcase some of the various deep sea adventures of the story and also help garner attention for the drama.

The romance fantasy adventure webtoon “The Mermaid I Loved” ("내가 사랑한 물고기," literal translation, “The Fish I Loved”), written by Cosmic Bom Bom and Bubal (우주봄봄 and 부발), tells the story of a man whose intermittent transformations into a mermaid become increasingly uncontrollable as he experiences the emotion of love and spends time with a woman who he finds himself more and more attracted to. The season 1 of the webtoon ended on March 13th with 31 episodes.

Given the webtoon’s popularity, Group Eight is looking forward the positive effect the webtoon will have on the upcoming drama’s viewership. They have built a solid portfolio with dramas based on webtoons like "Taxi Driver", "My ID is Gangnam Beauty" and "A Good Day To Be A Dog". Among their awaited projects is the reboot of the popular drama "Princess Hours" (2006).

Currently, there are no actors cast for “The Mermaid I Loved”. Fans of the webtoon are waiting for the announcement of the cast. We can already think of actors and actresses who would be perfect for the roles!

We at Kpopmap have thought up a cast of actors who would suit this drama amazingly.

 

1. Sim Kai (심카이), a mermaid and 3rd generation chaebol

Sim Kai is the lead male character. He discovered he was a mermaid 12 years ago and he pretends to be a human.

When he shares physical touch with a woman, his fish scales begin to appear and he transforms back into his mermaid form. Because of this, he avoids all contact with women and has been single his whole life.

But due to his handsome looks, he has a lot of girls chasing after him, so he hired YaNa to pretend to be his girlfriend. However, he can’t help himself from having physical contact with YaNa even if it means he won’t be able breathe.

Kai is the son of the jewelry brand Inoroo, or 3rd generation chaebol, but he is not interested in the family business and instead prefers performing as a mermaid at the aquarium.

The actor must possess features suitable for long hair and a muscular physique to be able to portray a mermaid. He should exude charm and look dazzling in a suit, while also being capable of conveying a mix of cynicism, cuteness, and panic in his expressions. Comfort with underwater filming is also mandatory.

Moon SangMin, WEi's Kim YoHan, Baek SungChul, Kim MyungSoo (INFINITE's L), and Chae JongHyeop could be a good match.

Not only would they look stunning with long hair and looks amazing in suits, but their facial features would perfectly match the character's. Beyond their physical attributes, all five actors possess the talent and ability to convey Kai through the right facial expressions. The genre of fantasy romance suits them impeccably. Each actor would bring their unique colors and charms to the character, making him stand out on screen. Additionally, we can anticipate excellent chemistry with the lead actress.

Vote for your pick in the poll below!

 

2. Jung YaNa (정야나), an easy-going part-time student

Jung YaNa (24 years old) is the lead female character. She is a student who works a part-time job and has an easy-going personality.

She accidentally kisses Kai when she meets him for the first time, and shocked to see him suddenly fall very sick, she calls the ambulance. She ends up more shocked when she sees him put his face into a dirty bucket of water used for cleaning.

The actress should possess a mix of cuteness and strength, capable of expressing a wide range of emotions, and especially comedy. The character experiences rapid and extreme changes in emotions, so the actress should be able to show these transitions convincingly. Additionally, she should look just like a regular student, but be able to become a stunning lady with expensive clothes.

Kang MinAh, WJSN's Bona (Kim JiYeon), Chae SooBin, Girl's Day's HyeRi, and Seor InA could be a good match.

All five actresses have demonstrated their talented acting and are well-suited for a character like YaNa. Each of them possesses the ability to portray the youthful, cute, and fiery vibes of the female lead character. Comedy and expressive acting would not be an issue for any of them, so it would be a smooth portrayal of the character without overdoing it and making viewers laugh. No need to mention that they would all bring great chemistry with the lead actor! Being a romance, it is crucial.

Vote for your pick in the poll below!

 

The webtoon is not available in English officially yet, but you can read it in Korean here.

Let us know who you want to see cast!

Note: The aim of the vote is for Kpopmap readers to share their opinion about their preference for the cast. It is not affecting the cast of the production team.