Entertainment

Super Rich in Korea: Details on Season 2, plus our Review of the Reality Show

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6m ago

May 15, 2024 / 3909 Views

Evan Walker

Dive headfirst into the extravagant and bewildering world of Netflix’s latest offering, Super Rich in Korea. Promising an inside scoop into Seoul’s most opulent pockets, this new series dishes out glitz and glamour with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. It’s time to strap in for a rollercoaster ride through luxury, laughter, and the occasional ludicrousness. If you have yet to catch the series, read on for our thoughts on it, and whether a Super Rich in Korea season 2 is on the cards.

PrestigeOnline Rating: 3.5/5
Genre: Reality TV, unscripted drama
Cast: Aren Yoo, Noor Naim, David Yong, Anna Kim, Teodoro Marani, BamBam, Mimi, and Cho Sae-Ho (Jo Se-Ho).
Director: Yuh Woon-Hyuk
Run Time: 7 episodes, 30 minutes each
When and where to watch it: On Netflix from May 7

As audiences all over the world binge-watch this glitzy depiction of Seoul’s wealthiest elites, one can’t help but get caught up in the bling and drama. But is this show more than just its glossy veneer? Will the reality TV show be back for season 2? Our Super Rich in Korea review has everything you need to know.

Review: Super Rich in Korea

Super Rich in Korea tantalises the audience with a glittering display of wealth, where the affluent characters flit from one luxury experience to another. From extravagant fashion shows in Seoul’s trendiest districts to ostentatious parties that would make Gatsby jealous, the series makes no attempt to tone down its flamboyance.

However, beneath the sparkle, the show often struggles with depth.

Super rich in korea review — *Super Rich in Korea* follows the extravagant lives of Seoul’s richest. (Image: Netflix)

The show parades a kaleidoscope of characters, each a caricature of wealth. From Aren Yoo, the fashionista who’s never spotted in the same dress twice, to David Yong, the Singaporean mogul who dangles his wealth like a set of shiny car keys while flaunting his living room’s cash-counting machine. Their lives unfold across grand locales from Seoul to Paris, with each episode dripping more luxury than a diamond-studded watch.

But don’t be fooled. Super Rich in Korea is ultimately a superficial look at wealth and riches. The series seems to sprint through its 30-minute episodes, leaving a trail of unfinished plot lines and hurried vignettes that promise more than they deliver.

Take David, the supposed king of bling, who unashamedly flaunts his wealth. His adventures, ranging from jet-setting in a private plane to house-hunting for penthouses with private elevators, might make for good TV, but they lack substance.

From constantly commenting on his looks to mentioning his custom Rolls Royce, Yong is the archetype of reality TV madness. His interactions with Teodoro Marani, an Italian heir, provide a sprinkle of humour but add little depth. While David might identify as “Singapore’s top 1%”, Teo emerges as a crowd favourite for his well-rounded personality — he cooks, he knows fashion, he owns businesses, and he’s arguably the most attractive cast member.

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The women, led by Aren, flutter across the screen, their narratives as thin as the fabrics of their never-repeated outfits. Meanwhile, Noor, the self-made iNFLuencer from Iraq, offers a rare glimpse of grit in this glittering world, her story tinged with a realism that’s quickly brushed under the Persian carPet.

Her grounded upbringing only gets a few precious minutes of airtime, though, before the show quickly returns to more glamorous moments. In another scene, Noor and Anna Kim go for beauty treatments, where the former convinces her to invest in a 20 million won salon membership because girl, how can you not?

Hosted by a trio including comedian Cho Sae-Ho, pop sensation BamBam, and singer Mimi, the show often leans into the absurd. Their commentary aims to be the spoonful of sugar to help the opulence go down, but often it’s more saccharine than insightful. The attempt at humour sometimes hits, sometimes misses, and sometimes leaves you wondering if there’s a joke you’re just not privileged enough to understand.

Moreover, the narrative structure, while slick, can sometimes feel rePetitive. Each episode tends to follow a similar pattern: Introduce a lavish setting, stir in a sprinkle of coNFLict, and resolve it in time for the next party. This predictability does not take away from the visual feast the show offers but does lead one to wonder about the potential for a more compelling storyline.

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In the end, Super Rich in Korea feels like a missed opportunity and a concept that has been done to death by Netflix. While it’s still incredibly entertaining for all who love watching the rich, it’s a voyeuristic peek into a world of untouchable wealth, served with a side of lukewarm satire that neither educates nor entertains. It’s a show that’s rich in visuals but lacking in everything that makes a reality show relatable or meaningful. Although you might catch yourself immersed in the drama, don’t expect to come away with anything more profound than a fleeting envy of the super-rich and their diamond-encrusted lifestyles.

Best episodes and moments from Super Rich in Korea

We have our suggestions if you’re looking to skip only to the fun bits. Episodes 1 and 2 take audiences into the homes of the cast members, which is interesting to watch as it allows you to understand their lives beyond the cameras. From Aren’s designer dressing room to David’s Signiel apartment, the montages form important pieces of the narrative.

Apart from the introductions, we also loved episode 4 which saw David and Teo going on a double date with their prospective partners. Watching David navigate a romantic interaction has been the highlight of the series. His unabashed confidence, cringey one-liners, and flamboyant dressing might be the only fun bits that save this otherwise rePetitive reality TV drama.

The cultural foray into Pakistan in episode 2 stands out, not for its connection to the overarching theme, but because it momentarily elevates the show from its self-created superficiality. Here, the series briefly touches on themes of heritage and home, offering a rare, authentic look at Anna’s personal life beyond the glitter.

Is Super Rich in Korea coming back for season 2?

While the show has been trending on Netflix ever since it was released on May 7, there’s no official confirmation on whether Super Rich in Korea will return for season 2. However, looking at the success of the series, it is likely that the streaming giant green-signals a follow-up season. We will have to wait and watch.

Watch Super Rich in Korea here

(Main and featured images: Netflix)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Netflix show about super-rich Koreans?

The new Netflix show Super Rich in Korea looks at five of Korea’s wealthiest socialites, ranging from expats to locals. The unscripted drama is hosted by comedian Cho Sae-Ho, pop sensation BamBam, and singer Mimi, who look at the opulent lives of Aren Yoo Hee-ra, Anna Kim, Teodoro Marani, David Yong, and Noor Naim.

Has Super Rich in Korea been renewed for season 2?

Netflix has not officially announced a season 2 for Super Rich in Korea, but based on the popularity of the reality TV show since it premiered on May 7, this could be a possibility.