Netflix Confirms New Series 'Variety' Starring Son Ye Jin and Jo Yu Ri

K-drama fans, rejoice! Netflix has officially confirmed an exciting new original series titled Variety, starring legendary actress Son Ye Jin and K-pop idol-turned-actress Jo Yu Ri. This surprise pairing has sparked buzz across the Korean entertainment scene as fans eagerly await to see how the two stars’ on-screen chemistry unfolds.

Variety revolves around two women who meet by chance and develop an unbreakable bond despite their age gap and drastically different life experiences.

Son Ye Jin plays Yoon Hae-jung, a successful but emotionally guarded former talk show host who has stepped away from the spotlight after facing personal loss. Once known for her quick wit and sharp interviews, Hae-jung now lives a quiet life in the countryside—until her world is turned upside down by the arrival of a curious and ambitious young woman.

Jo Yu Ri takes on the role of Jung Mi-na, a bright and quirky rookie PD (production director) who unexpectedly stumbles into Hae-jung’s life. Mi-na is tasked with reviving an old variety show format that Hae-jung once led—but the twist? She needs Hae-jung’s help to make it happen.

As the two women clash, collaborate, and eventually come to understand one another, the series navigates themes of grief, generational differences, friendship, and the redemptive power of laughter.

This project marks Son Ye Jin’s return to the small screen after her motherhood journey. Best known globally for her roles in Crash Landing on You, Something in the Rain, and Thirty-Nine, fans are thrilled to see her back in a leading role, especially in a story that offers both humor and heart.

Industry insiders have praised her decision to take on a role that is “playfully self-aware yet deeply grounded,” fitting for her graceful yet relatable screen presence.

For Jo Yu Ri, Variety is another step in her growing career as a serious actress. After her impressive performance in Squid Game: The Challenge (2024) and her recent web drama appearances, Yu Ri is being recognized not only for her vocal talents but also her evolving acting skills.

Her chemistry with Son Ye Jin is already generating interest, with many anticipating a mentor-protégé dynamic filled with comedic gold and emotional growth.

The series is being written by Kang Ji-eun, known for emotionally intelligent dramas like Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo and My Liberation Notes, while PD Lee Jae-gyu of All of Us Are Dead and Beating Again will direct.

With Netflix backing the production, fans can expect cinematic visuals, high-quality storytelling, and international distribution—ensuring Variety reaches a global audience.

While the official release date hasn’t been announced, Variety is expected to premiere in early 2026 as part of Netflix’s expanding K-content slate. Filming is set to begin in fall 2025, with an expected run of 12 episodes, each around 60 minutes long.

Social media has exploded with reactions to the casting news. Many are calling this “the unexpected pairing we didn’t know we needed,” and fan art, theories, and teaser edits are already going viral on TikTok and Twitter (X).

• Fresh Pairing: First-time collaboration between a veteran and rising star.
  
  

• Emotion + Humor: Perfect balance of laughter, personal growth, and heartfelt storytelling.
  
  

• Female-Led Story: Focuses on the inner lives of two dynamic women.
  
  

• High-Quality Production: Netflix’s commitment to cinematic quality ensures global appeal.
  
  

Stay tuned to Celedrama Korea for more exclusive updates on Variety, including trailers, interviews, and behind-the-scenes photos.