MBC has confirmed the premiere of its new reality variety show ‘Manito Club,’ set to debut on February 1 at 6:10 p.m. KST, bringing together a high profile lineup of celebrities for an undercover gift-giving mission built on secrecy, strategy, and heartfelt moments.
The program’s first confirmed cast includes Jennie, Dex, Choo Sung-hoon, Noh Hong-chul, and Lee Soo-ji, marking a diverse mix of musicians, entertainers, and athletes. ‘Manito Club’ centers on surprise gifting, where participants must deliver presents without revealing their identities, turning everyday kindness into a strategic and emotional challenge.
A Modern Take on the Classic ‘Manito’ Game
The show reimagines the nostalgic Korean game Manito, traditionally played to secretly care for a designated person. In ‘Manito Club,’ the concept is expanded into a competitive reality format. At the start of the program, the five cast members initially living their ordinary daily lives receive mysterious invitations at unexpected moments. These invitations lead them into the “Manito Club,” where the first phase unfolds as an individual competition. Each participant must secretly prepare and deliver a gift for someone else while carefully hiding their identity.
This phase introduces a psychological battle of observation and deception, as cast members attempt to uncover who is assigned to whom, balancing suspicion with discretion. The process emphasizes emotional connection as much as gameplay, with participants experiencing genuine excitement and warmth through anonymous acts of kindness.
From Individual Missions to a Team Operation
Following the individual Manito round, the show transitions into a second phase titled ‘Secret Manito.’ In this stage, the cast forms a single team, shifting the focus from personal missions to a collective goal.
Together, they launch an undercover gift operation designed to surprise and uplift a broader group of people. The scale increases, but the core idea remains the same: delivering joy without seeking recognition. The transformation from individual gestures to a coordinated group effort is expected to bring both humor and emotional resonance.
A Variety Show Focused on Warmth and Playfulness
MBC describes ‘Manito Club’ as a “real variety show” that blends playful mind games with sincerity. Rather than relying on exaggerated competition, the program highlights small acts of generosity and the emotional ripple effects they create. With its star studded cast and accessible concept, ‘Manito Club’ aims to offer viewers lighthearted entertainment paired with moments of quiet reflection.
‘Manito Club’ premieres February 1 at 6:10 p.m. KST on MBC.