South Korea’s Favorite Eccentric Host Has a New Airbnb-Style Reality Hit with Netflix
Netflix’s latest reality gem from South Korea, ‘The Uncanny Kian Hostel’, is redefining the travel entertainment genre — not through luxury, but via raw authenticity and emotional storytelling. At the heart of it is Kian84, the beloved webtoon artist-turned-variety star, who opens a quirky and deeply personal guesthouse on the scenic Ulleungdo island.
In episodes 4 to 6, released on June 15, viewers witness Kian84 juggling rainstorms, child guests, and even a trip to the ER, all while passionately running his offbeat inn. What began as a strange experiment is becoming one of the most touching social experiences in South Korean reality TV this year.
The concept of the show — a shared Airbnb-style variety driven by interaction, spontaneity, and minimal comfort — is as baffling as it is brilliant. Kian84’s hands-on approach ranges from scrubbing restrooms in the rain, installing a slip-and-slide waterpark for kids, to cooking cuisine meant to evoke emotional connection. One particularly viral segment features him encouraging guests to eat curry with their bare hands, claiming it builds a sensory “bond.”
What the program lacks in polish, it makes up for with soul. The host goes as far as making personalized engraved metal lunch trays using a power drill. Tearful conversations reveal his regrets over not spending enough time with his late father, and heartwarming gestures — like hand-drawn portraits for family guests — hit viewers right in the feels.
Despite injuring his leg while using a slippery waterslide, Kian84 returned to hosting duties with homemade kimchi rice balls and thoughtful care for his guests’ comfort during an onboard tutoring session. It’s clear there’s a method to the madness: creating unforgettable, perfectly imperfect memories.
Fans and critics alike are applauding the evolving narrative of Kian84, now seen as more than a quirky comedian — but a man learning, healing, and helping others do the same. The show is set to conclude with its final three episodes on June 22, as anticipation continues to grow toward what surprises he’ll bring next.
During a press conference, Kian reflected on the show’s premise, explaining, “I wanted it to be tough, but with a sense of romantic discomfort. Stories began when things stabilized, and now… maybe we’re all just a little tired. That’s where the charm lies.”
‘The Uncanny Kian Hostel’ is available exclusively on Netflix and stands as a testament to how reality television, when infused with authenticity, can touch hearts worldwide.
