tvN 'You Quiz on the Block' continued its status as Korea's leading talk variety show by ranking first in the talk entertainment institutional sector for the seventh consecutive year at the 2026 Brand of the Year awards.
On the broadcast on the 2nd, tvN 'You Quiz on the Block' (directed by Kim Ji-young, Heo Kang-seok; writer Lee Un-ju; hereafter "You Quiz") episode 358 recorded ratings of up to 5.3% nationwide by households and up to 5.5% in the Seoul metropolitan area, making it number one in its time slot including cable and general programming. tvN's target demographic of men and women 20-49 also recorded the top rating among all channels in the same time slot, including terrestrial broadcasters, cementing its position as the strongest Wednesday variety show. (Nielsen Korea, paid platforms)
The episode was presented as the "nobody asked for it but" special. Guests ranged from Seoul National University returnee Yu Min-jun, who developed an app that shows shade during heat waves, to No Brain (Lee Sung-woo, Hwang Hyun-seong), a first-generation punk rock band celebrating its 30th debut anniversary this year, and actor Ha Jiwon, who at 49 continues nonstop challenges from university life to music show appearances and an MLB ceremonial first pitch, sharing a variety of stories.
Also appearing was Im Chae-moo, the "tall uncle" of the children's theme park Doolyland, who revealed a special journey of protecting children's dreams for 37 years despite investing 25 billion won, carrying 19 billion won in debt and facing the risk of bankruptcy, delivering a deep emotional impact.
By delivering the honest stories of the "jaginin" living in their respective places each episode and providing laughter and emotion, "You Quiz" was selected as the number one program in the talk entertainment institutional sector at the 2026 Brand of the Year awards, based on steady viewer love.
The Brand of the Year awards, hosted by the Korea Consumer Forum, are the nation's largest brand awards, selecting the brands and people that represent the year through a national consumer vote each year. "You Quiz" proved its unchanging popularity by reaching the top of the program talk entertainment institutional sector for seven consecutive years through this year.
The production team of "You Quiz" said, "We are honored to be selected as Korea's representative talk program for seven consecutive years. The reason we could receive such a great award is thanks to the many jaginin who tell their stories in front of the camera every episode, Yu Jae-seok jaginin who listens and guides those stories so they can shine even more, and the viewers who always love the program," and added, "We will continue to strive to deliver pleasant fun and deep resonance."
First broadcast in August 2018, "You Quiz" has solidified itself as Korea's representative talk variety show by meeting jaginin of various occupations, ages and charms with Yu Jae-seok and having honest conversations.
In particular, it has featured a wide range of guests regardless of nationality or field, from unsung heroes who protect our daily lives to global leaders such as Jensen Huang and Bill Gates, and world-renowned figures including Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya Coleman, Scarlett Johansson, Billie Eilish, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, director Christopher Nolan and Matt Damon, encompassing broad conversations. Through the story of a new jaginin each episode, it offers both empathy and entertainment, which is why it has long run as a representative talk IP.
[Photo] Provided by tvN
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