Name: Master Key
Genre: Comedy, Family, Mystery, Reality
Released: 2017-10-14
Rating: 8.8

K-celebs lie to your face while YOU vote on who gets superpowers. Democracy was a mistake.

Mini Series

Watch(US)

Chaotic goodTrust no oneBrain cells required

Latest Episode

95 min

Season 1 • Episode 13

Latest

Episode 13

Jan 6, 2018

Overview

Comedy Family Mystery Reality

Master Key is an interactive variety show where celebrities compete with one another and play various games in order to achieve victory each week. The players have to find those who have the two Master Keys, reasoning through an intense psychological warfare. The viewers become "Watchers" and participate in the game as well. By the number of votes, each star receives special abilities. Who will be chosen by the Watchers and become the final winner?

KR Korean

Content warning

variety show mind games

Deception as entertainmentCollective decision-makingPerformance vs. authenticity

Standout Aspects

Writing

Deceptively simple game mechanics that explode into social chaos.

Production

Sleek set design makes betrayal look surprisingly cinematic.

Best for:Binge·Friends·Rewatch

Creator

Lim Hyung-taek

First AiredOct 14, 2017

StatusEnded

Vibe

Pacefast

Intensityhigh

Tonelight

Feellight

Seasons1·Episodes13

Ask about Master Key

Opens AI chat

Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Cultural

Master Key helped pioneer Korea's 'viewer participation' variety format, blending live voting mechanics with classic social deduction games like Mafia.

Insight

The show's creator Lim Hyung-taek later refined this real-time audience manipulation in Running Man spinoffs, proving viewers love being complicit in the chaos.

Gallery