Introvert revolution: Why 'homebody' personalities are now leading Korean media
Chef Choi Kang-rok appears in the SBS variety show "Chefs' Secrets of K-food." Courtesy of SBS
Shifting TV trend reflects change in Koreans' perception of reserved personality types
Korean shows are now experiencing a quiet revolution. Introverted personalities — from reticent chefs to homebody drama leads — are replacing high-energy entertainers as the new stars of television.
The eight-episode SBS travel show "Chefs' Secrets of K-food," which premiered on April 21, features chefs Choi Kang-rok and Kim Do-yun alongside host Defconn. Both chefs gained fame on Netflix's "Culinary Class Wars" Season 2. The program differentiates itself from other shows by focusing on the quiet dynamic between the two highly introverted cooks.
Producer Son Jung-min said the chefs possess a natural charm even when they do nothing. He said he wanted to capture the contrast when they become highly vocal about food, such as their fierce debate over the proper aging of Jirisan black pork. Defconn likened the duo to an old married couple who communicate through glances. When the reticent chefs share their true feelings, it resonates with authenticity.
"I'm still rowing, just not moving very fast," Choi said on the show. "I'm perfectly fine taking it slow."
Chef Kim Do-yun appears in the SBS variety show "Chefs' Secrets of K-food." Courtesy of SBS
Veteran entertainers are also embracing their quieter traits. Comedian Jang Do-yeon stars in the tvN roommate reality show "Six Singles Under One Roof," which premiered on April 10. She draws laughs naturally by showcasing her everyday struggles. She frequently retreats to her room to read and sneaks around to avoid her roommates on her way to work.
Comedian Jang Do-yeon leaves a message for her roommates before secretly heading to work in the tvN variety show "Six Singles Under One Roof." Courtesy of tvN
Scripted series reflect the same shift. In the third season of Tving's "Yumi's Cells," which premiered on April 13, Kim Jae-won plays Sun-rok. The character is a dedicated homebody who fully recharges only at home. Her portrayal has resonated deeply with viewers, pushing the drama to the top of the platform's paid subscription charts.
Actor Kim Jae-won, who plays Sun-rok, enjoys a movie alone at home after work in a scene from the Tving original drama "Yumi's Cells" Season 3. Captured from YouTube
Pop culture critics attribute the trend to a changing society. Critic Ha Jae-geun said the public no longer views introversion as a bad thing, respecting the trait for its deep thinking and focus.
Critic Jung Duk-hyun said the public feels a greater sense of authenticity when quiet personalities reveal their hidden sides. He said highlighting these previously sidelined characters provides viewers with a genuine connection.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.