Here is a list of some of the best varietydols who made a huge impression in 2021. Note: this list is not a ranking and is in no particular order.
1. MONSTA X’s JooHoney
JooHoney has always had a talent for variety programs. He made a huge impression this year as the host of “Idol Radio” with fellow member HyungWon. Many non-MONBEBE who didn’t know his dimpled charms fell for him through the show this year. One of his most impressive moments this year was when he covered ‘Black Mamba’ by aespa. He sang the song in his own style, hitting all the high notes and even doing the dance moves in an entertaining way. His cover was so impressive that it had netizens talking about it and how well he suits aespa’s style for days afterward. MONSTA X’s KiHyun’s backing vocals also added to the whole experience. In fact, JooHoney and KiHyun recently covered aespa’s latest title song ‘Savage’, too. Check it out below.
2. Lee MiJoo
The former Lovelyz member has been making waves in the Korean entertainment industry. She even won the Brand Reputation “Varietydol of the Year” Award for the women’s category. Here is why she deserved to win the award. Her sense of humor and overall wit when it comes to variety show appearances make her the total girl crush. Watch some of her most comedic moments here.
3. SF9’s InSeong
SF9’s InSeong is known for his adorableness and not holding back when he is trying to be funny. Sometimes he gives off a dad-vibe with his dad jokes that make him funnier in the best way possible. One moment that made fans literally laugh out loud was when InSeong managed to create an entertaining scene on a show that he was not even on. He called into SF9’s appearance on MONSTA X I.M and KiHyun’s show “Midnight Idol”. You can read more about the hilarious moment here. You can get a feel for his vibe here.
4. Choi YeNa
Former IZ*ONE member Choi YeNa is known for her expressiveness. She is great at reactions and her cuteness is unmatched. Watching her will immediately lift your spirits and put you in a good mood. She is also a prankster. You can see a bit of that in this episode of her web variety show “Animal Detective”.
5. SHINee’s Key
SHINee’s Key has been known for his sass and his sarcasm on variety shows throughout his career. He even won the Brand Reputation “Varietydol of the Year” Award for the men’s category this year. He is famous for giving entertaining reactions and especially for being the ace of girl group dance covers. You can watch a clip of him showing each of his appealing points in the video below.
6. EXO’s Kai
EXO’s Kai is known for his adorable and radiant personality on variety shows. Just the sound of his laugh makes any show enjoyable to watch, but his reactions also play a large part. He is also known for his hilarious straightforward comments. Take a look at some of his funniest moments on the show “Knowing Brothers” here.
7. SEVENTEEN’s SeungKwan
SeungKwan (affectionately nicknamed Mr. Boo amongst many other nicknames) is known for his high level of energy and bright persona on variety shows. Get a taste of Mr. Boo’s funny persona in the video below perfectly meshed with the other members’ humor as well.
8. TXT’s BeomGyu
TXT’s BeomGyu is the king of interaction and interacting with the audience as if they are really there. He often baffles his members with his reactions which makes any show that they appear on even funnier. He has a lot of wit when it comes to timing his jokes. All of the TXT members shone brightly in this interview with Jessi on “Showterview” but you can especially check out BeomGyu’s charms too.
9. Golden Child’s Lee JangJun
JangJun is hilarious and cute at the same time. He is extremely goofy and gives his screentime his all which makes him enjoyable to watch on-screen. You can watch this entertaining video of him impersonating BTS, EXO’s Kai, and Super Junior’s HeeChul’s facial expressions.
10. WJSN’s DaYoung
WJSN’s DaYoung is one of the varietydols known for being a human vitamin. When she is on set, the entire cast’s mood goes up and their faces light up too. She is very creative when it comes to creating entertaining moments that also encompass her talent. You can watch some of her most lively moments in the video below.
Which other varietydols made a lasting impression on you this year? Which of your favorite idols would you like to see do more variety shows in 2022? Let us know in the comments.
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