Men on a Mission

Men on a Mission, also known as Knowing Bros, Ask Us Anything, or A Hyung I Know, is a South Korean television variety show that began airing on the JTBC network in December 2015. The unique and unconventional setting of this entertainment program has captured the heart of viewers, not only within South Korea but also internationally. Its popularity can be credited to its atypical approach to Korean variety broadcasting and its extraordinary cast of characters, all of whom are experienced entertainers known for their wit. In Men on a Mission, the permanent cast members appear as high school students, each episode revolving around their interactions with “transfer student” or guest celebrities. The role-playing aspect is taken seriously, and all participants converse informally, going against the hierarchy system observed in the Korean language, creating a light, informal, and sometimes cheeky atmosphere that adds to the show's comedic charm. The colorfully decorated classroom-style setting contributes to the playful school environment that makes the program distinctive. The fixed cast includes popular South Korean entertainers like Kang Ho-dong, Lee Soo-geun, Seo Jang-hoon, Kim Young-chul, Lee Sang-min, Kim Hee-chul, Min Kyung-hoon, and Lee Sang Min. Each of these members brings a unique character, comedic style, and distinct personality to the show, making every episode uniquely interesting and genuinely amusing. A wonderful blend of comedy, competition, and conversation, Men on a Mission is structured around various segments or 'lessons', each tailored to reveal different traits or talents of the visiting transfer students. These sections may involve games, quizzes, physical challenges, and impromptu skits, among other fun activities. One of the renowned segments is the 'Guess About Me', where guests ask personalized quiz questions about themselves and the cast members compete to answer. This segment not only triggers laughter but also provides an opportunity for stars to share snippets about their personal lives or unknown facts. The show has had the privilege to host a variety of guests, ranging from Korean actors, singers, and even athletes, each bringing in their unique charm, thereby contributing to a dynamism in each episode. These include top Hallyu stars, K-pop bands, and other notable public figures who open up in a relaxed atmosphere, displaying their off-stage personalities. Additionally, Men on a Mission has been celebrated for its clever integration of music. With several cast members hailing from the music industry, including former and current singers, the show often includes cleverly integrated musical challenges. Whether it’s spontaneous karaoke sessions, dancing competitions, or heartfelt musical performances, its ingenuity in incorporating music gives it a unique edge over other variety shows. One striking aspect of Men on a Mission is its unpredictable nature. Since the sequence of segments is mostly randomized and driven almost entirely by conversations, the fate of each episode is unpredictable, resulting in unexpected laughter and genuine reactions. Even though it possesses a well-structured format and recurring themes, each episode feels fresh and engaging due to the spontaneous interactions within the cast and the guests. The international recognition and popularity that Men on a Mission has received highlight the universal appeal of its humor and format. It perfectly encapsulates the fun, rivalry, and camaraderie commonly found in school experiences and transforms it into compelling entertainment. Moreover, it also provides a refreshing window into Korean pop culture, making it a must-watch for those interested in Korean television or fans of Asian entertainment in general. To sum up, Men on a Mission is more than just a show; it's an experience - a delightful journey into a surreal high school where laughter is the only homework and where celebrities let their guards down to become students for a day. With its unique concept, hilarious roll call, and interesting guest lineups, it has successfully carved a niche for itself in the landscape of Korean variety shows. Men on a Mission continues to offer its unique brand of spontaneous comedy, promising a fun-filled ride for all its viewers. The show is an hour-long burst of entertainment that keeps the audience hooked, entertained, and coming back for more.

Men on a Mission is a series categorized as a canceled/ended. Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 40 episodes, the show debuted on 2017. The series has earned a mostly positive reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 8.2.