EXO’s Suho Teams Up with a SAT Genius in the Epic Return of Legendary K-Variety

The hit tvN variety show 'The Brainiacs' is making a comeback after a five-year hiatus, this time with a math-themed reboot. Titled ''The Brainiacs Reboot: Math Edition'', the show is set to premiere on June 23, generating buzz among fans and newcomers alike.

First aired in 2015, ''The Brainiacs'' quickly stood out from other Korean variety shows with its unique problem-solving format and brainy cast. Unlike typical reality shows focused on situational humor, it earned a cult following by challenging viewers’ logic and reasoning skills in an entertaining way.

This reboot revolves around the concept of restoring “math confidence.” Leading the pack is original cast member Jun Hyun-moo, who returns to team up with celebrity math instructor Jung Seung-je. Known for his previous role as a “math dropout,” Jun is now set to evolve into a “growth character,” aiming to boost his math skills with guidance from the expert — a dynamic that already has viewers intrigued.

The newly revealed cast lineup adds even more excitement. Broadcaster Bae Sung-jae joins as the show’s "Brain Caster," while singer John Park, who scored a perfect math score on the U.S. SAT, brings his academic chops. Also joining the show are multi-talented idol Suho and prodigy Kim Kyu-min, who entered Korea’s top science high school early and took first place in the Korean Math Olympiad. These so-called “problematic students” (a pun in Korean meaning both ‘students with problems’ and ‘students solving problems’) promise to shake things up.

A teaser video released on May 27 features Jung Seung-je himself presenting an original math problem, cleverly disguised as a question about the show’s airing schedule. “If you think mathematically, it’s easy,” he teased, sparking curiosity among viewers. In another clip, Jung browses the cast lineup and repeatedly says, “I’m really excited,” drawing laughs.

Originally aired from 2015 to 2020, ''The Brainiacs'' carved out a unique niche in Korea’s entertainment scene. At a time when slapstick humor and dramatic reality formats were the norm, the show challenged audiences to engage their minds through logic puzzles and lateral thinking.

Fans didn’t just passively watch — they actively solved problems alongside the cast, heightening immersion and enjoyment. The mix of intellectual satisfaction and emotional storytelling gave the show a loyal fanbase and a reputation as Korea’s leading “brainy variety show.”

Another key to its success was the chemistry among the cast. From arts majors to STEM geniuses, from math-averse personalities to competitive prodigies — each brought something different to the table. Watching them help each other, stumble, or shine in unexpected ways added heart and humor to the cerebral fun.

In particular, Jun Hyun-moo’s portrayal of a relatable “math struggler” endeared him to viewers. His moments of breakthrough — solving a tough problem or simply trying his best — resonated with audiences, making his journey both hilarious and heartfelt.

With its new cast, upgraded format, and the ever-relatable fear of math, ''The Brainiacs Reboot: Math Edition'' is poised to be one of this summer’s most anticipated and entertaining intellectual challenges.

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