Cultural Adaptation and Innovation in Chinese Variety Shows: A Case Study of “Running Man” and “Keep Running”

Abstract

With the advancement of globalization and the deepening of cultural exchange, the South Korean entertainment industry has achieved tremendous success globally with its unique charm and creativity, especially excelling in the field of variety shows. Simultaneously, Chinese variety shows have experienced rapid growth, solidifying their position as an essential part of mass entertainment. Against this backdrop, this paper conducts an in-depth comparison and analysis of the Chinese variety show “Keep Running” and South Korea’s “Running Man.” The study primarily focuses on the imitation and localized innovation of “Keep Running,” exploring how to adapt and innovate culturally while maintaining the essence of the original program. Furthermore, the paper delves into the roles of culture and audience psychology in the success of these two shows, emphasizing the importance of continuous innovation and high-quality development. Through this comparative analysis, this paper aims to reveal the challenges and opportunities inherent in cross-cultural variety shows in the context of globalization.