South Korean variety shows have a lot to say -- and not just through their hosts or celebrity guests. If you’ve ever watched "Running Man" or "King of Mask Singer," you’ve probably noticed the other star of the show: the captions and onscreen text in almost every scene.

Bold, colorful and often hilariously over-the-top, these captions don’t just repeat what’s being said. They react, joke, clarify and even feel on behalf of the audience.

For Western viewers used to the minimalist style of shows like the US version of "The Masked Singer," this text-heavy approach can feel like sensory overload.

Some might wonder: “Do I really need a giant caption screaming, ‘It was BTS' Jungkook?!’ when I already saw it happen?” But for Korean audiences, captions are as essential as the cast itself -- sometimes more so. They don’t just decorate the show; they help drive the narrative, amplify the emotion, and ensure you never miss a critical scene.

Text as an extra narrator

“Korean captions are like an extra narrator, adding layers of humor or emotion to make sure no one misses the point,” explained a seasoned South Korean producer with seven years of experience in a range of reality and variety programming.

For example, after the dramatic unmasking of a singer in "King of Mask Singer," captions might heighten the effect with phrases like “A completely unexpected twist.”

This communal approach contrasts with the Western tendency to let audiences interpret things on their own. In "The Masked Singer," the US version of the Korean show, the focus is on spontaneity and spectacle, with the raw musical performance, panelists and live audience reactions doing the heavy lifting.

“American shows let viewers draw their own conclusions,” said Lee Seong-min, a professor of media and content production at Korea National Open University who specializes in global TV formats. “In Korea, there’s a desire to create a shared, synchronized experience where the show and viewers are emotionally aligned.”

Catharsis through exaggeration

Beyond bridging emotions, captions serve another crucial role in Korean entertainment: they offer an escape.

“South Korea is known for its high-pressure work culture and societal expectations, which often discourage open displays of emotion. Variety shows, with their exaggerated text and playful humor, provide viewers with a release,” explained professor Lee.

“It’s like enjoying an exaggerated, unfiltered world where emotions are heightened,” said Kim Min-Ji, a 29-year-old office worker in Seoul. “The captions amplify these moments, almost giving you ‘permission’ to laugh loudly, feel deeply, and just let go, which you really can’t do in real life.”

This is particularly evident in variety staples like "Running Man," where captions frequently enhance comedic mishaps. If someone falls during a game, the text might scream, “A legendary fail!” paired with a slow-motion replay. The result? Viewers are drawn into a hyper-reality that feels cathartic compared to their often restrained daily lives.

In contrast, the American "Masked Singer" offers a lighter form of escapism. The emphasis is on the tension of celebrities guessing and the thrill of big reveals, rather than an emotional or humorous narrative shaped by text. “American audiences likely prefer entertainment that feels organic and unscripted,” said professor Lee. “Korean shows lean heavily into editorial decisions to craft an emotional journey.”

The practical evolution of captions

The use of captions in Korean variety shows wasn’t an overnight invention. Producers initially borrowed heavily from Japanese variety shows, which also employ text, but adapted it to fit Korean sensibilities. Over time, captions evolved from simple subtitles into an essential storytelling tool.

“Captions aren’t just decorative,” explained the producer. “They clarify, highlight and even create humor or emotional resonance that might not come through naturally on screen.”

For instance, in chaotic unscripted moments where multiple people are talking over each other, captions provide clarity and emphasize the funniest or most meaningful parts.

This editing style is labor-intensive, often requiring days of work. Producers carefully craft captions to reflect the tone of the scene, whether it’s comedic, heartfelt or dramatic. “It’s like writing an additional script after the show is filmed,” the producer said.

Mostly embraced by global audiences

The text-heavy style, while beloved domestically, has sparked mixed reactions internationally.

For seasoned fans of Korean pop culture, the captions feel like part of the charm.

“I love how expressive Korean variety shows are,” said Sarah Nguyen, a Vietnamese American fan. “The captions make everything feel bigger, funnier and more alive.”

But for Western viewers unfamiliar with the style, the experience can be overwhelming. Jane Roberts, an American fan of "The Masked Singer," said, “When I tried watching the Korean version, I felt like I was being told how to feel every second. It was distracting.”

Despite this divide, the global rise of Korean culture has paved the way for greater acceptance of Korean entertainment aesthetics. Many K-pop idols produce YouTube content that mimics the hyper-edited, caption-heavy style of Korean TV, introducing international fans to this unique form of storytelling.

“It’s a cultural strength, but the reliance on captions also brings up a creative dilemma: are we enriching the viewing experience, or dictating it too much? Perhaps the next breakthrough in Korean variety shows will come not from louder captions but from learning when to hold back,” said professor Lee.