I'll help you with your research on reality-based entertainment among Gen Z viewers, focusing on shows like 'Hyori's Homestay' and 'Back to Field'. To better understand your specific research needs, I'd like to clarify a few points:

1. Are you interested in analyzing specific aspects of authenticity in these shows (such as unscripted moments, natural settings, or genuine interactions), or would you prefer a broader analysis of how reality shows create emotional connections?

2. Would you like me to include comparisons between Eastern (Korean) reality shows like 'Hyori's Homestay' and Western reality programming in terms of their appeal to Gen Z audiences?

3. Are there specific Gen Z viewing behaviors or preferences (such as platform choices, viewing patterns, or social media engagement) you'd like me to focus on in relation to these reality shows?

Of course. Here is a comprehensive, step-by-step research plan to produce a thorough report on the popularity of reality-based entertainment among Gen Z.

The Rising Popularity of Reality-Based Entertainment Among Gen Z Viewers: Authenticity and Emotional Connection in "Slow Reality" Shows

Introduction: The Gen Z Authenticity Paradox

Generation Z (born between 1995 and 2009) has emerged as a powerful consumer demographic with distinct media consumption preferences that differ significantly from previous generations. As the first true digital natives who grew up with smartphones and social media, Gen Z has developed a complex relationship with authenticity in media contentNational Institutes of Health (.gov). This generation's viewing preferences reflect their core values: authenticity, genuine emotional connections, and relatable experiences that offer respite from the highly curated nature of social media platformsresearchgate.net.

The rising popularity of reality-based entertainment among Gen Z viewers, particularly "slow reality" shows like "Hyori's Homestay" and "Back to Field," can be understood through examining how these programs construct authenticity and foster emotional connections in ways that resonate with Gen Z's values and psychological needs.

The Appeal of "Slow Reality" Shows to Gen Z

The Rise of "Slow Reality" as a Genre

"Hyori's Homestay" and "Back to Field" represent a subgenre of reality television often referred to as "slow reality" (慢综艺) in Asian entertainment markets. Unlike high-drama reality formats focused on competition or conflict, these shows emphasize everyday activities, natural environments, and unscripted interactions今日头条. "Hyori's Homestay," a Korean reality show featuring celebrity Lee Hyori and her husband operating a guesthouse on Jeju Island with singer IU as staff, gained significant popularity with ratings above 8.0 on Douban搜狐网. Similarly, the Chinese show "Back to Field" (向往的生活), inspired by the Korean show "Three Meals a Day," features celebrities living self-sufficient lives in rural settings and has maintained impressive ratings across multiple seasons搜狐网.

These "return-to-simplicity" narratives have struck a chord with Gen Z viewers who are increasingly seeking authentic experiences and meaningful connections in an era dominated by digital interactions and carefully curated online personas.

Constructing Authenticity in Slow Reality TV

1. Unscripted Moments and Genuine Emotions

Research on reality television has identified the monologue as a critical "truth-sign" that provides viewers with a sense of direct access to authentic emotionsresearchgate.net. In shows like "Hyori's Homestay," the confessional-style interviews and spontaneous reactions capture genuine emotions that resonate with Gen Z's desire for authenticity. These unscripted moments create what media scholars call "emotional authenticity," where viewers perceive the displayed emotions as genuine rather than performedresearchgate.net.

2. Celebrity Vulnerability and Relatability

A key element in constructing authenticity is the portrayal of celebrities in everyday, sometimes unglamorous situations. In "Hyori's Homestay," viewers witness Lee Hyori and her husband engaging in mundane household tasks, experiencing challenges, and revealing their personalities outside the polished entertainment industry context115tv.com. This vulnerability humanizes celebrities and creates a sense of relatability that Gen Z viewers find compelling, as it contrasts sharply with the carefully curated images typically presented on social media platforms.

3. Natural Settings and Slow Pacing

The physical settings of these shows—often rural, natural environments—serve as visual metaphors for authenticity. "Hyori's Homestay" takes place on Jeju Island, while "Back to Field" is set in rural Chinese villages. The slow pacing of these shows, which allows viewers to experience the rhythm of daily life without dramatic editing or artificial tension, creates what media scholars call "temporal authenticity"researchgate.net. This unhurried approach aligns with the "slow living" movement that has gained traction among Gen Z as a counterpoint to the fast-paced digital world they inhabit.

Creating Emotional Connection with Gen Z Viewers

1. Parasocial Relationships Through Intimate Access

These reality shows foster parasocial relationships—one-sided emotional connections viewers develop with media personalities—by providing intimate access to celebrities' lives. Research indicates that emotional connections strongly influence viewers' inclinations to continue watching programs and enhance their overall viewing experienceresearchgate.net. For Gen Z viewers who value authentic relationships, these parasocial connections satisfy a psychological need for genuine human interaction.

2. Community Building Through Shared Experiences

"Hyori's Homestay" and "Back to Field" create a sense of community by featuring interactions between hosts and guests from different backgrounds. In "Hyori's Homestay," ordinary people selected through an application process stay at the guesthouse, creating relatable scenarios where viewers can imagine themselves participatingbjjyhjc.com. This aspect of community building resonates with Gen Z's desire for belonging and authentic connection in an increasingly fragmented social landscape.

3. Emotional Resonance Through Simplicity

The focus on simple pleasures—shared meals, conversations, and connection with nature—creates emotional resonance with Gen Z viewers seeking meaning beyond material consumption. These shows present an alternative vision of fulfillment that aligns with Gen Z's increasing interest in experiences over possessions and their concern for sustainability and mindful living.

The Authenticity Paradox in Reality Television

An interesting paradox emerges in the consumption of reality television: viewers are aware of production techniques yet still seek authentic experiences through these mediated formats. Research suggests that viewers negotiate this paradox by acknowledging the constructed nature of reality TV while simultaneously engaging with the genuine emotions and connections displayedresearchgate.net.

For Gen Z viewers, who have grown up with an unprecedented awareness of media construction, this paradox is particularly relevant. They approach reality shows with media literacy that allows them to appreciate authentic moments within a produced format. This sophisticated understanding enables them to extract value from shows like "Hyori's Homestay" and "Back to Field" while maintaining awareness of their constructed nature.

Conclusion: Authenticity as the New Currency

The rising popularity of "slow reality" shows among Gen Z viewers reflects broader cultural shifts toward valuing authenticity, emotional connection, and meaningful experiences. Shows like "Hyori's Homestay" and "Back to Field" succeed by constructing authenticity through unscripted moments, celebrity vulnerability, and natural settings, while fostering emotional connections through parasocial relationships, community building, and emotional resonance.

For content creators and media companies seeking to engage Gen Z audiences, understanding these mechanisms of authenticity construction and emotional connection is crucial. As digital natives with sophisticated media literacy, Gen Z viewers are drawn to content that acknowledges the complexity of modern life while offering genuine human connection and emotional authenticity.

The success of these shows suggests that in an era of digital saturation, authenticity has become the new currency in media consumption—particularly for a generation that has grown up navigating between digital and physical realities, constantly evaluating what is genuine in an increasingly mediated world.