The era in which knowledge was chiefly acquired in classrooms and libraries has come to an end. Today, wisdom is gleaned from the vibrant thoroughfares of life, discovered in the unfamiliar corners of distant cities, and sparked in the illuminating exchange of questions asked and stories shared. A new breed of infotainment (portmanteau of the words “information” and “entertainment”) programs artfully illustrates this profound shift in our approach to learning.

Architect Yoo Hyunjoon once recounted how a ceiling fresco in Rome’s Church of St. Ignatius irrevocably altered the course of his life. The painting created such a profound optical illusion that Yoo felt he had glimpsed a space of almost unimaginable depth. Had this story been recounted within the sterile confines of a classroom, its impact would have been diminished. In the tvN show Alsseulbyeoljap: Mediterranean (Encyclopedia of Useless Facts Around the Earth), members embark on a cruise departing from Rome, unfurling a magnificent feast of astute conversation against the backdrop of the Mediterranean, and it was from a Roman alleyway restaurant that Yoo shares this very epiphany. He had revisited the church that very day, once again stood transfixed before the fresco that had so deeply shaken him in his youth. He brought this fresh experience to the dinner table, and the resulting resonance was profound.

Though travel serves as the catalyst, the true depth of this show lies in the multifaceted insights born from shared exploration, showcasing an immediacy and an integrative approach to knowledge simply unattainable in a traditional classroom.

The alchemy that makes Alsseulbyeoljap’s approach so compelling is its reliance on conversation that flows with unforced ease. Within these dialogues, the role of the question is paramount. Though different in format, another program masterfully employs the question as a crucial conduit for intellectual exploration: Sohn Suk-hee’s Questions. Hosted by Sohn Sukhee, renowned for his incisive, often disarming, questions, this program leans towards a one-on-one talk show format. Beyond the inherent enjoyment drawn from candid discourse, it possesses a profound capacity to illuminate the very essence of an individual’s world-view.

The episode featuring Chef Sung Anh, for instance, offers a compelling narrative, tracing his journey from his immigrant life in the United States and military service, through culinary school, to the triumphant moment he received three Michelin stars — a journey punctuated by his stardom on the cooking show Culinary Class Wars. Woven into this remarkable ascent is Chef Anh’s thoughtful philosophy on fine dining, a delicate balance between popular appeal and rarefied sophistication.

Meanwhile, the YouTube reality show Jeongwaja: Changing Majors vividly demonstrates that no knowledge is as immediate or as resonant as that acquired through direct experience. This program traverses universities nationwide, with its host known as the jeongwaja “transferring” into a different major for each episode. Following in the footsteps of the first jeongwaja, Lee Changsub of the idol group BTOB, Kai of EXO has taken up the mantle for the second iteration. The inimitable charisma and comedic timing of Lee Changsub and Kai, as they navigate new academic environments and attend classes, certainly provide uproarious moments of hilarity and engagement. Through surprisingly astute questions and hands-on participation in practical activities, this show imparts substantive information, reportedly becoming a valued resource for those contemplating their future educational paths.

Though categorized under the broad umbrella of “knowledge-based entertainment shows,” Alsseulbyeoljap, Sohn Suk-hee’s Questions, and Jeongwaja each possess distinct methodological nuances. If Alsseulbyeoljap showcases a path to integrative thinking through the interweaving of travel and expert dialogue, Sohn Suk-hee’s Questions unearths profound insights through closer discussions with individuals. Jeongwaja, on the other hand, immerses viewers directly in the learning process, employing the dynamic vernacular of reality television. Despite these varied approaches, their collective inclusion as knowledge-based entertainment shows stems from a palpable shift in the very attitude towards the joy of knowledge. Instead of didactically presenting definitive answers, these programs pose intriguing questions, foster a collective journey towards solutions through dialogue, and, crucially, allow us to savor the inherent pleasure of the process. Today’s knowledge-based entertainment programs subtly, yet persuasively, illuminates this transformative shift in attitude.

• Jung Dukhyun is a pop culture critic who sheds light on the value of popular culture through his writing, broadcasting appearances and lectures.

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Unmet: A Neurosurgeon’s Diary

Miyabi (Hana Sugisaki) was a promising brain surgeon until injuries sustained in a car accident left her unable to remember what happened the day before. But new possibilities are revealed by a meeting with medical prodigy Doctor Sanpei (Ryuya Wakaba). As she works to save her patients’ lives, she regains her lost memories in a desperate battle with her reality.

Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked

This documentary details how the Broadway musical Wicked was adapted into a film, sharing fascinating moments from the shooting of the film, as well as snippets of backstage conversations between lead actresses Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.

The Art of Negotiation

Renowned negotiator Yoon Joono (Lee Jehoon) is named head of the M&A team at Sanin Group, which is buckling under a multi-billion-dollar debt. Yoon sets his sharp mind and famed negotiating skills to a daunting M&A project in an attempt to save the company.

Men on a Mission

In this school-themed talk show, a panel of regulars (“current students”) is joined each week by celebrity guests (“transfer students”) who hold mock class meetings, sharing everyday stories and filling the lessons with games and quizzes.

ASL Season 19 Finals Highlights

StarCraft fans, take heart: the highlight reel from the final match of AfreecaTV StarCraft League (ASL) Season 19 is finally here. Two pro gamers go head-to-head for the final showdown in a thrilling battle where victory may depend upon minute differences in control style.

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