Why a second 'Infinite Challenge' has yet to emerge

Original "Infinite Challenge" members continue to thrive in entertainment scene. Courtesy of MBC

MBC’s legendary reality TV show “Infinite Challenge” celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, a rare milestone in Korean television. Though the show ended in 2018, it remains a cultural icon frequently referenced by fans and industry insiders alike. Yet despite the program’s lasting popularity, no entertainment show since has come close to matching its influence.

“Infinite Challenge” premiered on April 23, 2005, under the title “Reckless Challenge” and ended its run in 2018. At its peak, the program achieved a nationwide viewership rating of 28.9 percent, earning it the nickname “the show of the nation.” Even years after its final broadcast, the show continues to attract viewers through streaming platforms, and related merchandise remains in demand.

Comedian Yoo Jae-suk, the show’s central figure, acknowledged its lasting impact during a livestream on MBC’s “Hangout With Yoo,” saying, “Many people still miss ‘Infinite Challenge’ and rewatch old episodes.”

To mark the 20th anniversary, MBC is launching a range of events and content. These include an online poll for the best episodes, reruns on MBC Every1 and MBC M starting April 21 and a redesigned official homepage.

On May 25, a running event, Run With Coupang Play, will take place, featuring original cast members Park Myung-soo and Haha. A special performance is also planned, aimed at fans who grew up with the show.

"Infinite Challenge" marks 20th anniversary this year. Courtesy of MBC

A legacy unmatched

The fact that “Infinite Challenge” remains relevant two decades after its debut is considered highly unusual in the fast-moving world of entertainment.

A promotional official from a major broadcaster told the Hankook Ilbo, “The show’s spirit of continuous change and challenge, along with the strong personalities featured in each special episode, is what kept it beloved for so long.”

The chemistry among cast members, led by Yoo Jae-suk, and the witty captions that became memes online also contributed to the show’s popularity.

But why has no show since managed to capture the same attention?

Cultural critic Jung Duk-hyun attributes the gap to shifting formats in the variety of genres.

“Back then, TV shows were character-driven,” he said. “Each cast member was essentially a character in their own right, and this allowed for powerful star marketing.”

Jung added that the transition from scripted entertainment shows to observational reality formats has reduced the spotlight on cast members themselves.

“Today, it’s about how the producers package daily life. Success depends more on production than on the player. That makes it harder for fandoms to form around individual cast members,” he said.

He also pointed out that the creative freedom once available in shows like “Infinite Challenge” has diminished. “They used to take on pro wrestling and car racing, but many elements that might now be seen as aggressive no longer align with today’s cultural sensitivities,” he said.

The current media landscape, often described as a “flood of content,” also plays a role. While quality programming exists, the sheer volume makes it difficult for any single show to dominate public discourse. As a result, the idea of a “national program” — one that people feel socially compelled to watch, has all but vanished.

“Infinite Challenge” may be celebrating its 20th anniversary, but no successor has managed to carry its torch. For now, it will retain the status of the show of the nation.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.