TikTok Launches First Korean Original Variety Show: The Soccer Talk Show ‘Tiki Taka Show’!

On the morning of the 21st, the production presentation for TikTok’s ‘Tiki Tiki Taka Taka Talk Talk Show’ (hereafter ‘Tiki Taka Show’) was held at The Link Hotel Seoul in Guro-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by Yoon Chul (TikTok Korea News & Sports Head), PD Kim Dong-wook, Ahn Jung-hwan, DinDin, and Lee Eun-ji.

‘Tiki Taka Show’ is a battle-style talk variety show that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you are a soccer expert or a complete beginner. Most notably, it is the first original variety content produced by TikTok in Korea!

Head of News & Sports Yoon Chul revealed, “TikTok plans to invest over 50 million USD (approximately 75.1 billion KRW) into the Korean content industry. We researched what is trending in Korea and launched this first project based on those findings.” He added, “While TikTok is primarily a short-form platform, we have consistently seen the power of long-form. We have confirmed that long-form content can spread globally when reinterpreted into short-form, which is why we decided to produce long-form content. Based on this, we are open to discussing further programs that can be developed globally.”

PD Kim Dong-wook explained, “The program was planned specifically for the North and Central American World Cup season, featuring talk battles centered around soccer.” He admitted to feeling some pressure, saying, “I believe other long-form content will only emerge on TikTok if ‘Tiki Taka Show’ is a hit. Since it is content that can be skipped with a single swipe, we have brought in topics and a cast that provide a ‘dopamine rush’ and keep viewers intrigued.”

Regarding the cast, PD Kim Dong-wook shared, “I felt that Ahn Jung-hwan, a legend of Korean soccer and a top-tier MC, was an irreplaceable host for this program. I earnestly asked him to join. DinDin is well-known for his passion and deep knowledge of soccer, and I felt his bold speaking style would fit the show perfectly. Lee Eun-ji is a current variety star with an unrivaled sense of humor. We wanted her on board so that those who are not familiar with soccer could still enjoy the show comfortably.”

Ahn Jung-hwan shared his thoughts, “I received the offer from TikTok, but to be honest, I felt a lot of pressure. Since it is a talk show about soccer, I was worried. Frankly, interest in Korean soccer has dipped quite a bit. As a soccer professional, I joined with the hope that TikTok could help revitalize that interest and make soccer popular again.” He added, “I am working hard in the hope that this becomes a fun program, not just for soccer fans.”

DinDin expressed his excitement, “I was looking forward to it when I first heard TikTok was launching this program. I trusted TikTok. I decided to appear with a heart of reflection on things I have done in the past, wanting to learn about and cheer for soccer.” He encouraged viewers by saying, “It is a program that can be enjoyed comfortably even if you do not know soccer.”

Lee Eun-ji added, “I expected the chemistry between the three MCs to be great, which is why I joined. I was worried because I do not know much about soccer, but you can enjoy it cheerfully even without that knowledge. Also, the guest lineup is absolutely amazing, which I found very attractive.”

Finally, PD Kim Dong-wook asked for support, “As this is the first long-form content produced by TikTok, we ask for your interest and viewership. The World Cup atmosphere seems a bit quiet right now, but we hope this program sparks interest in the World Cup and encourages everyone to cheer for our national players.”

‘Tiki Taka Show’ will premiere on May 25th at 8 PM via TikTok. It will stream every Monday and Thursday at 8 PM on the TikTok Korea account, consisting of 12 episodes in total.