Real mountains, real whinging: Netflix’s ‘Take a Hike!’ sends reluctant stars up Korea’s peaks

A new Netflix reality series titled “Take a Hike!” challenges traditional Korean variety show formats by spotlighting four reluctant novice hikers struggling to appreciate the appeal of mountain trekking. The show’s Korean title, which translates to “Why on earth would you hike?” encapsulates the central premise of viewers witnessing candid, unfiltered reactions rather than scripted enthusiasm.

The program follows singer Car, the garden; actor Lee Chae-min; DAY6 drummer Dowoon; and K-pop artist Tarzzan, as they ascend some of South Korea’s most demanding peaks under harsh winter conditions. These participants, mostly newcomers to variety television and hiking alike, provide authentic expressions of fatigue and frustration, deviating from the conventional emotional arcs typical of the genre.

Produced by Nah Yung-suk, known for hit series such as “Earth Arcade” and “New Journey to the West,” the show aims to resonate with contemporary audiences seeking more grounded and relatable entertainment. Nah and co-head producer Park Hyun-yong conceived the concept after their own reluctant hiking experiences, recognizing the comedic potential in the honest complaints and bonding that occur during arduous climbs.

Unlike past shows which often depict hikers shedding tears of joy upon reaching summits or marveling at scenic sunrises, “Take a Hike!” embraces a more cynical tone. According to the producers, the cast frequently expresses exhaustion to the point of avoiding scenic views entirely, reflecting a fresh form of humor that aligns with a modern, perhaps more skeptical generation.

Each cast member brings a distinct dynamic to the group. Car, the garden, the eldest, is described as a self-focused leader with no traditional leadership qualities. Lee Chae-min, a rising actor, and Dowoon, who has limited variety experience, were selected for their potential to reveal unpolished and genuine personas. Tarzzan, initially perceived as playful and mischievous based on his public image with Allday Project, demonstrated a serious and dedicated side as the club’s hiking president.

The production team deliberately avoided casting seasoned variety show veterans to ensure that participants’ responses would be spontaneous rather than rehearsed. This choice underscores the show’s commitment to authenticity and distinguishes it within the crowded landscape of Korean reality programming.

Despite the eventual camaraderie and shared hardship that often characterizes mountain-based variety shows, the cast members reportedly entered the project with reluctance and uncertainty. They initially believed the series would focus on travel and games rather than physically demanding hikes. Some expressed concerns about how quitting might affect their reputations, underscoring the personal challenges involved.

“Take a Hike!” reflects an evolving trend in Korean entertainment where traditional variety formats are reimagined to suit changing viewer sensibilities. By prioritizing genuine, sometimes unflattering reactions over manufactured sentimentality, the show caters to an audience that values transparency and relatability in celebrity behavior.

Looking forward, the producers hope the series will cultivate a new generation of variety stars capable of sustaining Korea’s entertainment scene over the next decade. The fresh faces featured in “Take a Hike!” may pave the way for programming that balances humor with honest depictions of human endurance and frustration.

The impact of this approach on the cast members’ broader careers remains to be seen. While it may diversify their public images and offer fans a new perspective, the physical demands and candid portrayal of vulnerability could also influence their future engagements and fan relationships in unpredictable ways.

Unconfirmed details include the show’s full episode range, viewer reception metrics, and whether the format will be adapted or expanded into other contexts or regions. However, the initial reception suggests a positive appetite for reality content that breaks away from scripted emotional beats.

This shift towards unvarnished reality in entertainment underscores a broader transformation in the variety show genre, where the traditional emphasis on polished performances gives way to raw human experiences. For the music and television industries, such developments may signal new avenues for artists to connect with audiences beyond their primary disciplines, potentially affecting touring cycles and fan engagement strategies.

Overall, “Take a Hike!” exemplifies how Korean reality shows continue to innovate by blending physical challenge with candid personal storytelling, reflecting both the nation’s rugged natural landscape and the evolving tastes of its viewership.