Top 5 Korean Variety Shows by the Legendary Na PD

Top five variety shows from Na PD.
His shows mix travel food and games.
They offer a unique blend of comedy.

Na Youngseok, popularly known as Na PD, is a superstar television producer and director from South Korea. He is the creative mastermind behind a slew of popular variety shows that have achieved massive success both in Korea and internationally. His influence is so significant that he even held his own sold-out fan meeting, a rare feat for a director.

Thanks to his incredible success, he has built a portfolio of must-watch variety shows. So, what are the essential ones? Let's take a look.

1. New Journey to the West

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

This is the show that perfectly encapsulates Na PD's genius for blending chaos with heart. Loosely inspired by the classic Chinese novel, the series sends a cast of hilarious characters, including veterans like Kang Hodong and Lee Soogeun, and idols like Kyuhyun (Super Junior) and Mino (WINNER), on trips to various Asian countries.

The core of the show is its absurd missions to find dragon balls, which are really just a vehicle for Na PD to put the cast through a gauntlet of unique and parodic games. The magic isn't just in the games themselves, but in the undeniable, chaotic chemistry between the members. Their bickering, their alliances, and their sheer randomness make every episode unpredictable and utterly addictive, having successfully run for multiple seasons by cultivating a dedicated global fanbase.

2. The Game Caterers

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Perhaps Na PD's most viral project to date, The Game Caterers demonstrates his ability to adapt his formula for the digital age. Airing on the YouTube channel ‘Fullmoon’, the concept is brilliantly simple: Na PD and his team cater a day of games by visiting the offices of major entertainment companies like HYBE, SM Entertainment, and JYP, or the sets of popular dramas like Hospital Playlist.

He brings with him the same addictive games featured in his other shows, pitting idols and actors against each other in hilarious competition. The joy comes from seeing usually polished celebrities let their guards down, revealing their competitive and playful sides. It’s a masterclass in cross-promotion and fan service, making it a cornerstone of modern K-culture.

3. Three Meals a Day

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

With this show, Na PD pioneered the healing variety genre. The premise is deceptively simple which is cast members are placed in a rural home, far from city comforts, and must source, cook, and prepare all three of their daily meals themselves. Whether in a mountain village or by the sea, the show forces celebrities to engage with a slower, more deliberate pace of life.

Viewers are treated to the authentic, often clumsy, process of planting vegetables, fishing, and cooking over a traditional stove. The appeal lies in its soothing authenticity and the satisfying simplicity of creating something from scratch. It’s a peaceful escape that celebrates self-sufficiency and the beauty of the Korean countryside, spawning numerous seasons and spin-offs due to its profound popularity.

4. Youn's Kitchen

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

This show takes the cozy concept of Three Meals a Day and projects it onto an international stage. The cast, led by the esteemed actress Youn Yuhjung, is tasked with running a pop-up Korean restaurant in a foreign country, such as Bali or Spain.

The show is a beautiful blend of travel and culinary documentary, as the team navigates language barriers, local ingredients, and the pressures of serving real customers. It’s heartwarming to watch them work together to introduce Korean food to the world, creating a genuine sense of accomplishment and cultural bridge-building that is both inspiring and deeply entertaining.

5. Jinny's Kitchen

IMDb Rating: 8.8/10

A direct and successful spin-off of Youn's Kitchen, this series turns the dial on both the challenge and the star power. With a cast featuring Lee Se-jin as the stoic CEO, Park Seojoon and Jung Yumi as the chefs, Choi Wooshik, and BTS's V as endearing interns, the team manages a Korean street food restaurant in Bacalar, Mexico (with a newer season set in Ireland).

The dynamic is more fast-paced and chaotic, focusing on the high-pressure environment of a busy eatery. The show excels at showcasing the cast's chemistry under fire, from mastering the recipes to managing customer flow, all while providing a delightful glimpse of Korean culture thriving abroad.

Picking a single favorite from Na PD's incredible portfolio is a true challenge, as each show masterfully serves a different purpose. New Journey to the West offers pure, unadulterated chaos and comedy, while Three Meals a Day provides a soothing escape into simplicity. The Game Caterers delivers concentrated bursts of fun, and the Youn's Kitchen & Jinny’s Kitchen series warms the heart with its focus on culinary diplomacy. This incredible range, from laugh-out-loud games to healing slow-living, is the true mark of Na PD's genius. He doesn't just create shows; he creates distinct emotional experiences for every viewer.

So, that leads us to the big question. With such a diverse and high-quality body of work, which Na PD variety show ultimately captures your heart as the top favorite?

Watch Na PD's latest variety show here:

Source: IMDb, MyDramaList, Koreaboo, Soompi, Asianwiki