What happens when one of Korea’s top girl groups steps into a show that highlights the most ambitious, passionate, and globally influential Koreans?
Simple — the finale becomes unmissable.
KBS2’s hit docu-variety series Crazy Rich Koreans is now set to feature IVE, giving fans a rare chance to see the group in a raw, documentary-style format that captures their work, passion, and behind-the-scenes grind as they conquer global stages.
And trust me…
There’s a tiny secret here — IVE won’t just appear on the show… they’re actually closing the entire season.
Yes, the finale belongs to them.
Let’s dive into everything confirmed, everything happening behind the scenes, and why this collaboration is already one of the most talked-about moments of 2025.
2. Show Overview: What Makes ‘Crazy Rich Koreans’ Unique?
What are Crazy Rich Koreans?
Crazy Rich Koreans is a KBS 2TV reality-variety show that premiered on June 15, 2025.
The program profiles accomplished Koreans living worldwide, showing how each has established themselves in business, fashion, entertainment, and technology.
Crazy Rich Koreans focuses on individuals who are taking the Hallyu (Korean Wave) beyond borders — sharing an inspirational, glamorous, and, at times, staggering global portrait of Korean excellence.
Introducing the Hosts
- Jeon Hyun-moo hosts this show along with the more versatile and charismatic crew:
- Jeon Hyun-moo, a brilliant, witty Korean Variety TV veteran
- Park Se-ri, the legendary professional golfer and national icon
- Ji Ye-eun, the “charming” vibrant new face with newfound relatability
- Kwak Tube, the YouTuber and travel enthusiast with a wonderful personality
Their chemistry, and I suppose curiosity too, really brings out the best in every guest they welcome.
KBS Confirms: “IVE Will Appear on Crazy Rich Koreans”
On July 11, a KBS official confirmed to Dispatch:
“IVE has confirmed their appearance on ‘Crazy Rich Koreans.’ The broadcast date is still being finalized.”
This announcement immediately sparked excitement — not only because IVE rarely appears in docu-variety programs, but because this specific show isn’t just any entertainment series.
Crazy Rich Koreans is a hybrid documentary + reality + variety program that follows Koreans who are dominating the world through ambition, grit, creativity, and relentless passion.
Instead of showing just fame or success, the cameras show:
- their preparation
- their failures
- their daily routine
- their mindset
- and how much “crazy” dedication it takes to break global boundaries
Previous episodes featured:
- Chang Han-na, world-class conductor
- Kim Sang-sik, Vietnamese national football team coach
- Hwa Sa, during her North American tour
- Betty Park, Harlem-based restaurant CEO with 20 billion won annual sales
Adding IVE to this lineup already tells you something:
The show is capturing a new chapter of Korean global power — K-pop icons who are rewriting festival history.
IVE Flies to Berlin for Lollapalooza — And Makes K-pop History
IVE left for Berlin on July 10 and are scheduled to headline Lollapalooza Berlin on July 13–14 with a full 55-minute solo stage.
Not just that:
✔ First K-pop girl group to perform at Lollapalooza
✔ First K-pop girl group to return as headliners two years in a row
✔ Performing at Lollapalooza Paris on July 21 alongside Justin Timberlake
This isn’t just an overseas performance.
This is K-pop rewriting the global festival playbook.
And yes — Crazy Rich Koreans will show IVE preparing, traveling, and performing on this enormous world stage.
Expect:
- backstage footage
- rehearsal moments
- their mental preparation
- how they handle global pressure
- candid clips of the members as real humans, not idols on stage
Star Appearances in Season 1: Who Stole the Spotlight?
One of the most exciting parts of Crazy Rich Koreans is its impressive guest lineup. Throughout Season 1, the show featured a diverse range of Koreans making waves in different parts of the world — from business moguls and cultural icons to global celebrities.
Here’s a look at the standout names who appeared this season:
- Jang Han-na – A name synonymous with elegance and influence
- Kim Sang-sik – Known for his achievements and strong presence
- Betty Park – A powerful female entrepreneur with a global reach
- Simon Kim – A Korean-American restaurateur turning heads in New York
- Hwasa – The iconic K-pop star whose presence lit up the screen
- Dennis Hong – World-renowned robotics engineer pushing tech boundaries
- Peter Park – A success story representing Korean pride abroad
- IVE – Global K-pop group featured in the final two episodes with their electrifying Lollapalooza performance
From tech innovation to pop culture, each guest brought a unique story that made the show more dynamic and inspiring.
4. IVE’s Appearance: A Grand Finale Worth Waiting For
The global K-pop phenomenon will appear in the series’ final two episodes, airing on August 10th and August 17th, which surely is a big finale for this show’s Season 1. You can expect exclusive access backstage, personal stories, and most importantly, an epic performance for Lollapalooza, which will conclude the season finale.
The hype has already been felt, as K-pop fans have been simply counting down the days to IVE’s appearance. The IVE phenomenon should undoubtedly boost viewership and give Crazy Rich Koreans a huge send-off.
Whether you are a long-time DIVE or simply enjoy watching K-pop idols shine, you won’t want to miss this finale.
Inside “Crazy Rich Koreans”: A Show With a New Reality-TV Philosophy
Before we talk about IVE’s finale episode, it’s important to understand the tone and direction of the show, because this explains why their appearance is such a big deal.
What makes this show different?
✔ No scripted scenes
✔ Real workplaces, real challenges, real emotions
✔ Documentary-style shooting
✔ Focus on dedication, not wealth
✔ New locations & global stories every week
✔ AI-assisted visuals linking past & present
Producer Lee Chang-soo — the mastermind behind “Boss in the Mirror” and “The Seasons” — says the inspiration came from the raw ambition seen in Min Hee-jin’s famous press conference.
He wanted to show that success comes from a kind of ‘Krazy’ dedication that only Koreans possess.
That’s the theme of the show:
- Not rich in money
- But rich in passion
- Rich in ambition
- Rich in obsession
- Rich in grit
And that’s exactly why IVE fits the core message of Season 1.
MC Line-Up & Format
The hosts are:
- Jun Hyun-moo
- Park Se-ri (legendary golfer)
- Ji Ye-eun
- Kwak Tube (travel YouTuber)
Their chemistry is fresh — each brings humor, insights, and emotional reactions to the intense stories shown on screen.
This is not a studio-based reaction show.
This is a global tracking show — and the MCs add personality, humor, and reflection to every episode.
5. Ratings and Viewer Response: A Rocky Start with Signs of Hope
Initial Struggles and Backlash
Despite its bold concept and impressive guest list, Crazy Rich Koreans didn’t have the easiest start when it came to ratings.
- The premiere episode recorded a modest 2.9% viewership (according to Nielsen Korea).
- By the second episode, ratings dropped to 2.1%, and
- The third episode slipped even further to just 1.9%.
Part of the reason behind this lukewarm reception? The show took over the time slot of the long-running comedy program “Gag Concert.”
This didn’t sit well with loyal viewers of the former show — in fact, it led to some frustration and even a viewer petition demanding the return of Gag Concert to its original 9:20 PM slot.
So while Crazy Rich Koreans promised glitz and glamour, it initially struggled to win over a consistent audience.
Recent Rebound: Climbing Back with K-pop Power
Just when it seemed like Crazy Rich Koreans might fade quietly, the show made an impressive comeback.
The 8th episode, which aired on August 3rd, marked a major turning point — pulling in a 3.5% viewership rating, the highest of the season so far. This rebound gave the show a much-needed boost and reignited interest just in time for the finale.
With IVE appearing in the final two episodes, expectations are even higher. Fans and industry watchers alike believe that IVE’s massive fanbase and star presence could drive ratings even higher — potentially closing out Season 1 on a strong, memorable note.
6. Season 2 Possibilities: What’s Next for Crazy Rich Koreans?
With the final episode nearing, and viewership starting to climb back up, plenty are already asking the tagline question — will there be a Season 2?
Apparently, KBS has already been internally discussing a second season. There have been no official announcements made yet, you can feel the momentum and chatter backstage that lead us to believe KBS is taking very seriously bringing this show back.
There was also speculation that Season 2 could widen the scope, including new themes, new success stories, or even Koreans in areas that were not mentioned in Season 1. The guidance of audience reaction and ratings performance will likely encourage, or discourage, any specific plans for Season 2.
For fans of the show, that have built an emotional connection to the combination of luxury, inspiration, and Korean excellence, likely have exciting possibilities ahead.
Season Finale: IVE Takes Over Episode 10
On August 7, multiple fan communities confirmed:
✔ Crazy Rich Koreans will end Season 1 with Episode 10
✔ IVE is the final feature
✔ The finale will highlight their Lollapalooza performance
✔ Season 2 discussions have already begun
Ending with IVE is symbolic — the show began with a conductor, a coach, and a businesswoman…
And ends with K-pop’s newest international powerhouse.
This finale won’t be a normal appearance.
This will be a global-scale documentary of IVE’s rise, including:
and unseen footage fans never get through usual broadcasts
- festival preparations
- the pressure of headline stages
- backstage chaos
- team dynamics
- personal reflections
- unfiltered moments
Ending Section: Fan Comments & Reactions
To give your article a human ending, here are real fan-style comments (based on the discussions you shared), rewritten naturally for publication:
“Season 1 ending with IVE feels perfect — Lollapalooza performance plus behind-the-scenes? I need to watch it live.”
“This show has been so refreshing. Ending with IVE is honestly the smartest choice.”
“I can’t wait to see their Berlin performance through KBS’s cameras. The choreography and outfits looked insane.”
“Season 2 definitely needs to happen. And maybe IVE should open it too!”
“Crazy Rich Koreans really showed the ‘crazy’ passion behind global success. I’m excited to see how IVE fits into this theme.”
“I love that they’re highlighting hard work, not just fame. IVE ending the season is iconic.”
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Conclusion
As Crazy Rich Koreans wraps up its first season, the show isn’t just ending — it’s peaking. From global innovators to cultural icons, the series has shown what Korean excellence truly looks like when ambition meets opportunity.
And now, with IVE closing the season at Lollapalooza, the finale feels less like an episode and more like a statement — that Korea’s influence isn’t slowing down… it’s exploding worldwide.
Season 1 may be ending, but the story definitely isn’t.
With buzz, internal discussions, and rising ratings, Season 2 feels less like a “maybe” and more like a “when.”
Because if Season 1 taught us anything, it’s this:
Korean success isn’t just rich — it’s crazy rich, crazy passionate, and crazy inspiring.
So keep your eyes open.
If Season 1 was just the beginning…
Season 2 is where the real global takeover might start.
