Season 1 |
Episode Guide
Giwa
Jang
Getbol
Mosi
Jukbangryeom Anchovy
Jjock
Makgeolli
Najeonchilgi
Over the past few years, there has been an increase in interest for Korean culture, inspired mostly by K-dramas and K-pop. Netflix has decided to live up to the demand and deliver top-notch Korean content to quench the relentless global thirst for K-content. In their latest endeavour, they have come up with a Korean variety show named Korea No.1.
The variety show is hosted by Korea’s beloved comedians Yu Jae-Suk, Lee Kwang-soo and Volleyball icon Kim Yeon-koung. If you are an avid fan of Korean variety shows from Running man to Sixth Sense then you are familiar with Jae-suk and Kwang -soo aka. Prince of Asia /Giraffe.
In this show, the three of them educate viewers on Korean culture as they work with numerous traditional masters to become the best apprentice. As we all know, in most cases doing things traditionally can be both physically and mentally straining. This is why humans invented machines but there is also beauty and authenticity in traditional work. Others have argued that traditionally made products are better and they are right.
The show has 8 episodes, with each episode running for about 43-45 minutes. In each, the trio takes up a new class from a traditional master and learns the know-how. At the end of every episode, the master chooses the apprentice that did well. The charm of the show is how the trio enthusiastically and humbly learn and the never-ending banter between them. We already know Jae-suk and Kwang-soo have a brotherly relationship where they tease each other endlessly. It is even more fun watching Yeon-koung tease both of them as well.
The show is quite different from other Korean variety shows we have seen so far. It is not as intense with different competitions but rather educative in a light manner. It is always fascinating to see how things were done back in the day. The other thing I appreciate about the show is they shoot it in different locations in Korea. We get to enjoy the aesthetic landscape of different cities and towns from Busan to Wonju.
The episodes might come off as a tad bit long but the three hosts manage to keep viewers entertained. Netflix did a great job in pairing the three of them, especially Jae-suk who is a great entertainer having been in the industry for more than two decades.
This is another great Korean variety show from Netflix that you can enjoy with your family and learn a few things too. If you are looking for a show to help your know more about Korean culture, whether you are a foreigner or a local, then you should definitely watch this.
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Verdict - 7.5/10
7.5/10
I say this is a ten out of ten series! The cinematography of each area is beautifully presented, as well as the wide shot scenes of the work areas and the products they are trying to Master. The trio’s back and forth banter is so amusing and it also shows their competitive side, as well as their need for the Master’s attention and approval. I loved learning about the historical and cultural importance of each of the Masters tradition/craft, and why it’s especially important to continue these traditions in today’s world. It is educational in a very interesting and engaging way and it’s not boring to hear the why, as some history series can be!!! I hope there will be a season 2!!!!!!