These Days, Variety Shows Are All About "Golf"

Public Broadcasters and General Programming Channels Rush to Air Golf, Featuring Celebrities and Pro Players, Offering Laughter and Diverse Information

Recently, golf entertainment programs have become a trend. The terrestrial broadcaster SBS has gained attention by airing "Pyeonmeokgo Gongchiri." Photo by SBS

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "Oh, this isn't a golf specialty channel..."

There is a rush of golf variety programs. Recently, golf-related variety shows can be easily found even on public broadcast channels that are not golf specialty channels. This is because they are 'killer content' that draws high ratings. Due to the impact of COVID-19, outdoor sports like golf have been gaining attention. The golf population is rapidly increasing, and the golf-related industry is also booming. It has become such a hot topic that a new term, 'Gollini (Golf + Children),' has even emerged.

Broadcast stations are not missing this opportunity and are presenting various golf programs. Until now, golf variety programs could only be seen on golf specialty channels. However, after general programming channels, public broadcasters have also joined in. First, TV Chosun's 'Golf King' features 'Peanut' Kim Mi-hyun, Kim Guk-jin, Lee Dong-guk, Yang Se-young, Jang Min-ho, and Lee Sang-woo. It portrays the 'swagger chemistry' of five men standing on the field. It is described as a "variety show anyone can enjoy even without knowing golf."

It provides not only laughter but also various golf information. The profits from competition results are collected as donations. It has been a 'big hit,' recording ratings above 5%. JTBC's 'Ceremony Club' started with golf legend Park Se-ri creating a golf club with Kim Jong-kook and Yang Se-chan. People active in various fields join as club members, playing rounds together and donating in this 'par(t)anmanjang' golf talk show.

MBN's 'GrandPar' is a golf journey capturing the lives and friendships of Korea's representative actors and 'national fathers' such as Lee Soon-jae, Park Geun-hyung, Baek Il-seob, and Lim Ha-ryong. The broadcast time is also Saturday at 8:55 PM. Do Kyung-wan and Lee Yi-kyung appear as caddies, adding fun. SBS introduced 'Pyeonmeokgo Gongchiri (072),' an extraordinary golf variety show about finding a true 'ally' on the field. The hosts are Lee Kyung-kyu, 'National Hitter' Lee Seung-yeop, Lee Seung-gi, and 'Beauty Golfer' Yoo Hyun-joo.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.