Knowing Bros

Knowing Bros (Korean: 아는 형님; RR: Aneun Hyeongnim), also known as Men on a Mission or Ask Us Anything,[3][4] is a South Korean television entertainment program distributed by JTBC.

For a list of episodes, see List of Knowing Bros episodes.
Knowing Bros
Knowing Bros Poster
Also known asAsk Us Anything
Men on a Mission
Brother That I Know
GenreReality television
Talk show
Written by
  • Jeong Yun-hui
  • Yoo Ji-hui
  • Hwang Seon-yeong
  • Choi Ji-yeong
  • Lee Ji-yeong
  • Jeon Min-hee
  • Kim Yeo-won[1]
Directed by
  • Kim Soo-ah
  • Jeong Seung-il
  • Yun Yeo-jun
  • Mun Min-jeong
  • Go Hye-jin
  • Heo Seo-mun[1]
Creative directorJo Seung-wook[1]
Starring
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes257 (as of November 21, 2020) (list of episodes)
Production
Running time120 minutes
Production companySM C&C[2]
DistributorJTBC
Release
Original networkJTBC
Original releaseDecember 5, 2015 (2015-12-05) –
present
External links
Website
Korean name
Hangul
Hanja
아는 兄님
Revised RomanizationAneun Hyeongnim
McCune–ReischauerAnŭn Hyŏngnim

Format
See also: List of Knowing Bros special series

Brother School

The current format (from episode 17) explores the high school concept where the cast members act like students in a classroom while guests come as newly transferred students. Most of the segments for this format portray activities that every student would do with their classmates. Subsequently, the program sometimes diversifies at the end with a segment outside of the school concept. This format has received praise from the viewers and led to a significant increase in ratings and popularity of the program.

A notable aspect of the show is the usage of the banmal (Hangul: 반말; "informal language") manner of speech used by everyone regardless of their age or seniority, thus disregarding the Korean language's strict seniority rules with spoken language and the sunbae–hoobae hierarchy in the Korean entertainment industry. The informal speech and casual setting also encourages the guests and cast to interact with each other as schoolmates often do, leading them to be comfortable enough to tease one another.

There are at least two permanent segments, which have defined the Brother School format:

  • Entrance Application – a segment where a cast member (typically Lee Soo-Geun) reads the application forms the guests filled beforehand and other cast members comment on them. A highlight of this segment is the guests' preference for which cast members they would like or would not like to sit next to. The guests typically show their strengths and/or weaknesses through this segment.
  • Guess About Me – a segment where the guests have prepared several questions related to themselves. Some of the questions are vague or extremely private and concern something the guests have never revealed to the public. In another format, idol groups with more than 5 members that are visiting for the first time will have their names covered, and as Heechul reveals a fact about the member, the group members would try to confuse the cast.

Segments

The episodes may also feature any of the following segments, usually within, in between, or following the above permanent segments:

  • Second Period – a segment that usually comes after the permanent segments and varies between guests. In most cases, the guests have made suggestions on the activities for this segment. Examples include counseling sessions, art class, and physical education class.
  • Let's Play – a short segment where the guests challenge the cast members to a game which the former is confident in winning, usually by unorthodox means such as on-the-spot rules. The segment usually ends with a challenge where the guest needs to defeat every cast member consecutively.
  • Three No's (No Concept, No Basis, No Script) – a segment that revolves around an ad-libbed skit where the cast members and guests are not given any dialogue or definite storyline. They can only rely on the overall theme of the particular week's skit and their own comedic timing.
  • Music Class (Songstagram) – a segment where the guests have created a list of songs with a specific theme of their preference. The segment focuses on the cast members' effort in guessing all of them in the correct order. There are often hints such as release date, characteristics, or "Jonghyun's game" as it was introduced in ep. 29 by the late Jonghyun (Shinee), wherein the beginning syllable/note of a verse is given with its rhythm to help the members guess the song name.
  • Lee Sang-min Time – formally introduced in ep. 56 and formerly called Choose Your Type, is a short segment wherein the guests (usually the females) are briefed by Lee Sang-min to choose any of the cast members (plus any accompanying male guest) as their ideal partner. The specifications are that all members are "equal" in terms of legal, socioeconomic, & civil statuses; and that the choice is based only on their physical appearances and personalities.
  • Dancestagram – formally introduced in ep. 57 by Chanmi (AOA). In Psy's episode it became a segment where the PD plays the beginning syllable/note of a song and they have to guess the title, lyrics, and dance move.
  • 99 Seconds Teamwork Competition – a segment that is often used when a large group of people are guests on the program, such as idol groups. The segment varies each episode in terms of missions, but the members and guests must complete them within 99 seconds. If a team manages to complete them in time, the other team is given a chance to produce a better time record.
  • Classical Culture Class - a segment all about pop culture references to forgotten decades.
  • Imagination Time - a segment which starts with a warm-up, like drawing something from shapes, and guessing lip-synced words. The highlight of "Imagination Time" (Hangul: 상상력 시간) is Guess the Drama Line. The members and guests have to guess what the next line of the scene from a drama shown to them is.
  • Knowing Lunch - a segment that comes in between the Entrance Application segment and the Guess About Me segment. The members and guests answer questions (either in an individual battle or as a team) given by the production team and if they are guessed correctly they can eat one of the numerous side dishes selected, other than white rice and light soy sauce that was already provided beforehand.
    • A variation of this is that each member must ask a question of their choice, but only the specified number of people can guess correctly.
    • There is also one question where a specially requested item is covered under a cloche. The way to gain the food item varies in each episode.
  • XXX Scholarship Quiz - a second half segment in Brother School, where Shindong (Super Junior) enters the classroom and hosts the quiz. The members and guests form pairs and play the games to enjoy the food. Typically this consists of two segments:
    • Consonants Charades: When two consonants are given, whichever pair hits the buzzer first gets to answer. To answer, one of the pair has to express the word without saying what the word is, and the other has to guess the word.
    • Mix Music Quiz: Shindong sings the lyrics to song "B" in the melody of song "A". One of the pair has to answer song "A" and its singer, and the other of the pair has to answer song "B" and its singer.
  • Job Consultation Room - an official corner of the show after the Brother School segment for the episode has ended. Jang Sung-kyu, Shindong and Jeong Se-woon would let guests (different from in Brother School), as Variety Job Lookers, to prove their variety skills to the three.
  • After School Activities - the cast members each learn something unique that is not done during the "lesson" in Brother School. This segment is shown on both TV and YouTube, after the end of a Knowing Bros episode.
    • Dong Dong Shin Ki: Kang Ho-dong, together with Shindong (Super Junior), visits various idols and learn idol songs choreographs. Several other guests will then watch the final dancing videos and comment on them. This activity lasted from July 11 to October 24, 2020.
    • Universe Hipsters: Universe Cowards (Kim Hee-chul, Min Kyung-hoon) visit rappers and learn hip hop and rapping from them. This activity began from October 31, 2020 to January 2, 2021.
    • Lots of Advice: Seo Jang-hoon and Lee Soo-geun, a duo in Brother School that is well-known for their chemistry, get advices on various games, alongside Shindong (Super Junior). This activity began from January 16, 2021.

Special
  • Special segment: Knowing Bros Award, An annual year-closing episode, Knowing Bros Awards, started on December 29, 2018. In the episode, the hosts review the corners and the appearances from the guests that were featured in the latest year. The second Knowing Bros Awards were held in the episode aired on December 28, 2019.
  • Special Episodes: These episodes do not follow the Brother School format.
Episode(s) Name Guest(s)
23 Never-ending audition – Knowing Girls I.O.I
34 Brothers Club VS Sisters Club Lovelyz
44 Girl Group Laboratory DIA
51 Duet Project – Universe Cowards Momo (Twice)
59 Ultimate High School Matchup Cosmic Girls
71 Promise Fulfillment for achieving 5% ratings -
107, 108 Question Solving Picnic Oh My Girl
114, 115 Knowing Bros Music Video Battle Song Eun-yi, Yoo Se-yoon, Hong Jin-young
187, 188 Brother School First Field Trip ITZY
253 1st Brother School Girl Group Battle Lovelyz (Jisoo, Mijoo), GFriend (Eunha, Umji), April (Yoon Chae-kyung, Lee Na-eun),
Cosmic Girls (Soobin, Dayoung), Momoland (JooE, Nancy),
Weki Meki (Choi Yoo-jung, Kim Do-yeon), (G)I-DLE (Miyeon, Yuqi)

Previous
Name Episode(s) Notes
Ask Us Anything 1 - 13
107 - 108		 In this concept, viewers were able to submit questions, which the cast members would try to answer through any means necessary. The concept briefly returned on episodes 107 & 108 to commemorate the 2nd anniversary of the show.
Mental Victory Battle 14 - 16 It was a Talk/Game Show. It seemed to have emerged under the judgment that stable format was needed by calling two entertainers candidates who need mental victory and to play a logical confrontation and to select a winner. In one of the segments, they would begin with the "esteem up and down", PD show picture and guest should thumbs up or down then they explain their reason. After listening, host press the button for the person who has a better psych.

Presenters

Cast

The program's original cast consisted of Kang Ho-dong, Lee Soo-geun, Seo Jang-hoon, Kim Young-chul, Kim Hee-chul, Hwang Chi-yeul and Kim Se-hwang.[5][6] Min Kyung-hoon was added to the cast formation on the second episode aired on December 12, 2015. Hwang Chi-yeul and Kim Se-hwang left the program after the seventh episode, which aired on January 16, 2016. Lee Sang-min joined the cast on March 5, 2016.

Current cast
Name Nickname(s) Duration Notes
Kang Ho-dong
강호동		 Brother School Captain (아형고 통)
Oldest Brother (옛날 형님, 큰형님)
Bat (박쥐)
Fat Bat (뚱박)
Harley Dong (할리동)
Tom (톰)
Face Genius (얼굴천재)
Crockery (장독대)
Vocal Genius (음악천재, 음천)
Pig (돼지)
Okja (옥자)
 Ep. 1 – present The oldest and strongest member of the cast, who is known for his outdated comedic sense.[7][8] He is a highly decorated former Ssireum athlete, who managed to receive many awards throughout his professional career. The cast members often tease him for his friendly rivalry as the Nation's MC with Yoo Jae-suk, and the fact that he has the highest appearance fee out of the members due to his seniority in the industry.[9][10][11] He is often called out for his poor treatment of guests when he was the MC of Star King. He is also the 'center' of the class because he often sits misaligned to the table, giving the illusion of him being the center from the point of view of the guests and teachers standing at the front. He is also teased for not fixing his Southeastern dialect although Heechul had to fix his Gangwon-do dialect. After he defeated Seo Jang-hoon in the battle of looks in episodes 107-108, he acquired the nickname “Face Genius” (얼굴천재) from Oh My Girl member, Seunghee[12]

His main theme song is "Love Theme from the Godfather" by Nino Rota from the film The Godfather; and occasionally a variation of "The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)", usually by Japanese group Kuricorder Quartet.

Lee Soo-geun
이수근		 Dwarf Village Chief (소인마을 이장)
Smurf (스머프)
Ace (에이스)
God of Improvisation (콩트의 신)
Kang Ho-dong's right-hand man (강호동의 오른팔)
True Embodiment of Knowing Bros (사실상 아는 형님의 전신)
Recreation Manager (오락 부장)
 Ep. 1 – present He is known as the right-hand man of Kang Ho-dong and the class clown of the program. He is responsible for reading the Entrance Application of new students. The cast members often tease his previous gambling scandal that caused him to resign from all TV activities for a couple of years.[13][14] He has also been teased for being cold and distant towards people who had been in other shows with him, a stark contrast to Hodong. he is considered the funniest member due to his blunt and straightfoward jokes, and is known for his farting in class.

His main theme song is "All In Theme (Orchestra Version)" from the 2003 South Korean drama All In; and occasionally "Public Enemy" (공공의 적) by Jo Yeong-wook from the 2002 South Korean film of the same name, "You Be Illin'" by hip hop group Run-DMC, and "La La Song" by Hoyt Curtin from the animated television series The Smurfs.

Kim Young-chul
김영철		 The one whose seat is always taken away (맨날 자리 뺏기는 애)
Noisy Brother (시끄러운 형)
D.a.n.g Boss (당갑, DANG甲)
Least-Funny Icon (노잼의 아이콘)
The unfunny one (재미없는 애, 안 웃기는 애)
Talent Breaker (개인기 브레이커)
Comrade Kim Yong-chol (김영철 동무)
Invisible Man (투명인간)
Wallflower (병풍)
Comedian, Not Canadian
 Ep. 1 – present On this show, Kim is in charge of being the awkward and unfunny person in everybody's high school class (despite him being very entertaining in real life). He is also known for his promise to leave the program once it passed the 5% viewership rating.[15][16] He is the most fluent English speaker, touted as the most fluent English-speaking Korean comedian. His English jokes are considered unfunny however, only because nobody else can fully understand him. Also, he is known as the ugly one, and most of the guests usually pick him as a seat mate they never want to have (Except for twice's Tzuyu, who sat next to him too much)

"Gone Not Around Any Longer" (있다 없으니까) by South Korean duo SISTAR19 is occasionally his theme song, in addition to his own songs "Ring Ring" (따르릉) & "Andenayon" (안되나용); his North Korean theme songs include "Greetings" (반갑습니다) by North Korean singer Ri Kyong-suk (리경숙), & "Whistle" (휘파람) by North Korean singer Jon Hye-yong (전혜영).

Seo Jang-hoon
서장훈		 207 centimeter Giant (207CM 거인)
Giant/Titan (거인)
Symbol of Break-ups (이별의 상징/아이콘, 헤어짐의 아이콘)
Epitome of Legal Separation (법적 이별계의 독보저 존재)
Seo Ph.D, Break-up Expert (이별 전문 서박사, 이별 서장훈 선생)
Honorary Ambassador on Divorce (이혼 홍보대사)
Ssamja's Father (쌈자 아비)
Landlord (건물주)
Worth $600 million (6천억)
Fact Bomber (팩트 폭격기)
Big Bat (장박)
Class President Seo (반장님, 서 반장)
Dream Breaker (드림 브레이커)
Ex-son-in-law (훈 서방)
Chatterbox (수다쟁이)
Genius (천재)
Seogolas (서골라스)
Gold spoon class (금수저)
Settlement Expert (합의 전문가)
Pillar (기동)
Utility Pole (전봇대)
Acting Genius (연기천재)
Leonardo SeoCaprio (리오나르도 서카프리오)
 Ep. 1 – present A former center of the Korean Basketball League, he is the tallest member of the cast. Often teased about his height (207 cm, roughly 6 feet 9 inches), wealth (to the point of him being a landlord), high-profile divorce and bad physical health. He is also known for having close guesses in "Guess About Me", only to be robbed at the last minute. However, when he does get it right, he sometimes walks from the corner to the high-boom camera in the other corner of the room, often performing some sort of celebratory action. he's often teased about his high class lifestyle and the fact he owns many buildings.

His main theme song is "The Last Match" (마지막 승부) by South Korean singer Kim Min-gyo, the theme song of the 1994 South Korean drama of the same name; and occasionally "Scars" (상처만) by South Korean singer BOIS from the 2010 South Korean drama Secret Garden, and "Rainism" by South Korean singer Rain.

Kim Hee-chul
김희철		 Psycho (돌I, 돌+아이; the actual spelling being an insult as well as a swear word)
Psycho Brother (돌I 형)
Universe Big Star (우주대스타)
TV Maniac (TV 덕후)
Mr. Kim Stop-It (김 그만 하라고 씨)
Kim Hee-mi (김희미)
King of Seriousness (정색왕)
Human Jukebox (인간 주크박스)
Music Master (가요박사)
Music Search Engine (음악 검색기)
Impersonation Machine (모창 머신)
Kangwon-do Representative (강원도 대표)
Knowing Bros/Brother School's Anti-Smoking Honorary Ambassador (아는형님/아형고의 금연 홍보대사)
Ace of Jokes (드립 에이스)
Zoruzima Master (조르지마 전도사)
 Ep. 1 – present The craziest member of the cast, who is known for his blunt and straightforward comments, which he tries to damp down when long-time acquaintances are guests of the program.[17][18] He is teased for entering the classroom while rubbing his hands and having "magnets" in his leg due to a car accident in 2006. He is also known as the anti-smoking ambassador, who used to smoke during his youth but quit to let others know the harmful effects of smoking, and was the first of the group to do so (He and Kang Ho Dong have quit smoking and Kim Young-Chul is a non-smoker). He becomes a transfer student (guest) when he is promoting with Super Junior.

His main theme songs are "Sorry, Sorry" and "Mr. Simple", both by his group Super Junior.

Min Kyung-hoon
민경훈		 Ssamja (쌈자)
Min Ssamja (민쌈자)
Ssamgu (쌈구)
Youngest Brother (막내)
4D Brother (4차원 동생)
Pervert (음란, 음란마귀)
Trash (쓰레기, 쓰레기통)
Jerry (제리)
Slug (민달팽이)
Kang Ho-dong Sniper (강호동 저격수)
Homebody (집순이)
Limbo King (림경훈)
Bad Acting Boss (발연기甲)
 Ep. 2 – present The youngest member of the cast. He is sometimes referred to as Janghoon's son and is known for his mature comments and risqué thoughts. His rebellious attitude toward Kang Ho-dong, the oldest member of the show, has garnered much public interest.[19] He is the vocalist of rock band Buzz and is often teased for his head voice and exaggerated use of vibrato. Known to be both the worst dancer among the brothers for his lack of bodily rhythm and the least knowledgeable when it comes to names in the entertainment business. It is an ongoing joke that a celebrity is only really famous if Kyung-hoon knows who he/she is. Many celebrities, specifically idols, therefore ask him if he knows who they are. He is also the most agile of the members because he has trained in martial arts since elementary school. Another running gag in the show is when Kyung-hoon sees an actress or idol he loves, his facial hairs begin to show, or his ears turn red, as well as a dimple. Another running gag is his use of poop jokes, which he uses when he runs out of answers to a question.

His main theme songs are from his group Buzz, usually "Thorn" (가시), "Coward" (겁쟁이), & "Reds Go Together"; and occasionally "Careless Whisper" by George Michael, and "Sweet Dream" (나비잠) by both Kyung-hoon and Hee-chul.

Lee Sang-min
이상민		 The sad one (안쓰러운 애)
God of Music (음악의 신)
Debtor (채무자, 빚쟁이)
Good Wife, Wise Mother (현모양처)
Kang Ho-dong's left-hand man (강호동의 왼팔)
Roo'ra's Honorary Ambassador (룰라 홍보대사)
Bachelor (총각)
 Ep. 15 – present (regular)
Ep. 14 (guest)		 He is often teased for his divorced status and infamously huge financial debt.[13][14] Due to this, he frequently gives honest advice towards young idol singers. He was a successful songwriter and record producer, specializing mostly in hip-hop and dance music, and he did have a muscular body because he managed to lose 22 kg.[20] His nickname was given by Lee Soo-geun, which is an abbreviation of "his current situation is miserable", a reference to him being in debt (Korean: 현재 모양이 처량하다; RR: hyeonjae moyang'i cheoryanghada).[21] In 2018, after he finally paid off his most of his debts, he was able to apply for a low-limit credit card for the first time in 13 years, and bought Iced Americano for the other members, as his credit rating went from Grade 10 (the worst) to Grade 6.[22] He usually asks rich idols for money to pay off his debt.

His main theme song is the ending song of the South Korean documentary program Screening Humanity; and occasionally "1997 Spring" from the 2001 Japanese film Calmi Cuori Appassionati, as well as "Cries and Whispers" from the 2003 South Korean film Oldboy.

Former cast
Name Nickname(s) Duration Notes
Hwang Chi-yeul Kang Ho-dong's rising right-hand man (강호동의 신흥 오른팔) Ep. 1 – 6 (regular)
Ep. 32, 80 (guest)		 He is a solo Singer and TV host. Originally Ho-dong's favorite and right man who never got scolded by Ho-dong, he leaves to study abroad in China, but returns for a cameo in episode 6, appearing as the 8th member. He appears again as a guest in episodes 32 and 80, passing the mantle of right-hand man to Soo-geun
Kim Se-hwang Folding screen (병풍) Ep. 1 – 7 He is the lead guitarist of rock band N.EX.T. The show's production team referred to him as "one of the three biggest guitarists in Asia" during one episode.[23] It was his debut performance in an entertainment show.[24]

Special Cast
Name No. of episodes Episodes Occupation
Shindong (Super Junior) 75 62, 100, 114-115, 118, 132, 134, 137, 139, 159-160, 200, 203-228, 230-267 Singer
Jang Sung-kyu 66 11, 23, 33, 42, 44, 46, 53, 57, 59, 61, 66, 73, 74
76, 77, 81, 82, 85, 90, 94–96, 98, 100, 106, 110-112, 114, 128, 130, 136, 138, 141-142, 144-145, 147, 149, 152-153, 155-156, 160, 162-163, 165, 167, 169-171, 173, 180, 193, 198, 208-219, 261		 Television personality and host[lower-alpha 1]
Jeong Se-woon 11 208-210, 212-219 Singer

Timeline

List of episodes
Main article: List of Knowing Bros episodes
Series overview
Year Episodes Originally aired
First aired Last aired
2015 4 December 5, 2015 (December 5, 2015) December 26, 2015 (December 26, 2015)
2016 52 January 2, 2016 (January 2, 2016) December 24, 2016 (December 24, 2016)
2017 52 January 7, 2017 (January 7, 2017) December 30, 2017 (December 30, 2017)
2018 52 January 6, 2018 (January 6, 2018) December 29, 2018 (December 29, 2018)
2019 51 January 5, 2019 (January 5, 2019) December 28, 2019 (December 28, 2019)
2020 50 January 4, 2020 (January 4, 2020) December 26, 2020 (December 26, 2020)
2021 TBA January 2, 2021 (January 2, 2021) TBA

Ratings
  • Note that the show airs on a cable channel (pay TV), which plays part in its slower uptake and relatively small audience share when compared to programs broadcast (FTA) on public networks such as KBS, SBS, MBC or EBS.
  • NR rating means "not reported". The rating is low.
  • TNmS have stopped publishing their rating report from June 2018.
  • In the ratings below, the highest rating for the show will be in red, and the lowest rating for the show will be in blue each year.
List of ratings in 2015 (episode 1–4)
Ep. # Broadcast date Average audience share
AGB Nielsen[25] TNmS Ratings[26]
Nationwide Seoul Capital Area Nationwide
1 December 51.809% NR1.7%
2 December 121.140%1.0%
3 December 191.548%1.2%
4 December 261.405%1.1%
List of ratings in 2016 (episode 5–56)
Ep. # Broadcast date Average audience share
AGB Nielsen[25] TNmS Ratings[26]
Nationwide Seoul Capital Area Nationwide
5 January 21.169% NR0.7%
6 January 91.149%0.9%
7 January 161.359%1.2%
8 January 231.915%1.6%
9 January 301.344%1.2%
10 February 61.708%1.2%
11 February 131.855%1.4%
12 February 201.601%1.6%
13 February 271.717%1.7%
14 March 51.432%1.2%
15 March 121.477%1.1%
16 March 191.542%1.4%
17 March 261.679%1.6%
18 April 21.518%1.3%
19 April 91.474%1.3%
20 April 161.155%1.6%
21 April 231.327%1.8%
22 April 301.632%1.7%
23 May 72.209%2.579%1.9%
24 May 141.899%2.172%2.4%
25 May 211.917% NR2.0%
26 May 281.927%2.0%
27 June 42.656%2.788%2.3%
28 June 111.952% NR2.1%
29 June 182.152%2.3%
30 June 252.909%3.366%2.6%
31 July 23.064%3.425%2.5%
32 July 93.090%3.353%2.6%
33 July 163.728%4.605%3.2%
34 July 232.368%2.725%2.2%
35 July 303.399%3.807%3.1%
36 August 62.830%2.989%3.5%
37 August 133.099%3.226%3.5%
38 August 202.991%3.599%2.8%
39 August 272.434%NR3.0%
40 September 32.890%3.265%3.5%
41 September 102.971%3.315%3.4%
42 September 172.375%NR2.8%
43 September 242.597%2.758%3.1%
44 October 12.249%2.201%2.7%
45 October 83.879%4.085%4.3%
46 October 152.967%2.956%3.7%
47 October 223.107%3.243%3.6%
48 October 293.509%3.298%3.5%
49 November 53.338%3.864%4.5%
50 November 123.624% NR4.3%
51 November 192.178%2.6%
52 November 262.960%4.2%
53 December 33.453%3.598%4.3%
54 December 103.242%3.311%3.7%
55 December 173.779%4.004%4.0%
56 December 242.870%NR3.6%
List of ratings in 2017 (episode 57–108)
Ep. # Broadcast date Average audience share
AGB Nielsen[25] TNmS Ratings[26]
Nationwide Seoul Capital Area Nationwide
57 January 74.153%4.341%3.9%
58 January 144.800%4.931%6.1%
59 January 213.034%2.824%4.0%
60 January 283.349%3.151%3.5%
61 February 43.877%4.114%3.8%
62 February 114.246%4.095%4.4%
63 February 184.172%3.805%4.2%
64 February 253.921%4.359%4.1%
65 March 44.195%3.956%4.7%
66 March 115.333%5.289%5.6%
67 March 184.102%3.585%5.7%
68 March 254.435%4.322%5.8%
69 April 15.609%5.597%6.1%
70 April 84.328%3.981%5.2%
71 April 154.453%3.495%5.7%
72 April 225.915%5.557%6.1%
73 April 295.280%5.442%5.6%
74 May 65.307%5.247%6.1%
75 May 136.990%7.659%7.6%
76 May 204.832%4.564%5.4%
77 May 274.901%5.331%5.0%
78 June 34.303%4.051%5.9%
79 June 105.188%5.238%5.1%
80 June 174.150%3.774%4.9%
81 June 245.449%5.456%5.6%
82 July 14.618%5.065%5.4%
83 July 84.605%4.511%5.7%
84 July 154.414%4.851%5.6%
85 July 224.466%4.399%6.0%
86 July 295.218%4.879%5.5%
87 August 54.693%4.285%5.8%
88 August 126.071%5.832%6.7%
89 August 194.905%4.567%5.2%
90 August 265.065%4.949%5.9%
91 September 25.282%5.438%5.9%
92 September 94.654%4.831%5.4%
93 September 164.040%4.089%4.3%
94 September 234.414%4.041%5.2%
95 September 305.088%4.924%5.2%
96 October 74.824%4.600%4.7%
97 October 144.456%4.608%4.8%
98 October 215.688%5.370%6.6%
99 October 285.573%6.009%6.4%
100 November 45.383%5.438%6.4%
101 November 116.106%5.935%7.7%
102 November 186.498%6.359%6.7%
103 November 255.259%5.392%7.1%
104 December 25.933%6.244%6.8%
105 December 96.059%6.059%5.7%
106 December 165.689%5.351%6.7%
107 December 235.379%5.289%4.7%
108 December 304.082%4.251%4.3%
List of ratings in 2018 (episode 109–160)
Ep. # Broadcast date Average audience share
AGB Nielsen[25] TNmS Ratings[26]
Nationwide Seoul Capital Area Nationwide
109 January 66.278%6.490%6.1%
110 January 135.572%5.333%6.1%
111 January 205.510%5.922%5.4%
112 January 275.822%5.832%6.8%
113 February 34.909%5.159%5.5%
114 February 103.670%3.819%3.6%
115 February 172.851%2.570%3.5%
116 February 242.711%2.911%2.5%
117 March 34.630%4.748%6.2%
118 March 105.658%6.078%5.8%
119 March 174.246%4.266%4.7%
120 March 245.566%5.942%6.3%
121 March 315.354%5.648%6.4%
122 April 75.306%5.330%5.6%
123 April 146.105%6.794%7.2%
124 April 216.224%6.653%6.5%
125 April 284.619%4.939%5.8%
126 May 54.981%5.090%5.9%
127 May 125.434%5.866%6.1%
128 May 195.449%6.117%5.9%
129 May 266.158%6.747%6.0%
130 June 25.204%4.712%NR
131 June 95.648%5.858%
132 June 164.571%5.217%
133 June 235.961%6.170%
134 June 305.710%5.097%
135 July 75.145%5.649%
136 July 144.496%4.758%
137 July 214.237%4.107%
138 July 284.670%4.545%
139 August 44.602%4.415%
140 August 115.135%5.373%
141 August 184.527%4.719%
142 August 254.995%5.163%
143 September 12.092%1.892%
144 September 84.179%4.150%
145 September 153.620%3.559%
146 September 225.786%5.212%
147 September 294.703%4.352%
148 October 65.510%5.594%
149 October 135.499%5.896%
150 October 206.376%6.860%
151 October 275.934%6.444%
152 November 35.928%6.315%
153 November 105.614%6.420%
154 November 176.473%6.920%
155 November 245.974%5.968%
156 December 14.381%4.124%
157 December 85.207%4.966%
158 December 154.952%5.326%
159 December 225.086%5.295%
160 December 294.202%4.047%
List of ratings in 2019 (episode 161–211)
Ep. # Broadcast date Average audience share
AGB Nielsen[25]
Nationwide Seoul Capital Area
161 January 56.679%6.908%
162 January 126.441%6.196%
163 January 196.257%6.498%
164 January 266.767%7.009%
165 February 26.127%5.991%
166 February 99.585%10.551%
167 February 166.047%6.322%
168 February 236.541%6.776%
169 March 25.399%5.745%
170 March 95.096%5.258%
171 March 165.688%6.049%
172 March 235.756%6.395%
173 March 304.903%5.179%
174 April 64.151%4.302%
175 April 135.056%5.222%
176 April 203.924%4.163%
177 April 274.428%4.883%
178 May 44.405%4.108%
179 May 115.846%6.624%
180 May 184.676%4.735%
181 May 255.224%5.520%
182 June 15.532%6.051%
183 June 85.972%6.445%
184 June 155.279%5.308%
185 June 226.675%6.608%
186 June 297.231%7.599%
187 July 65.804%5.750%
188 July 134.308%4.742%
189 July 205.735%5.791%
190 July 275.696%6.064%
191 August 34.580%4.888%
192 August 103.726%3.727%
193 August 174.332%4.390%
194 August 245.072%5.525%
195 August 313.973%3.962%
196 September 74.413%5.084%
197 September 215.517%5.611%
198 September 284.942%4.775%
199 October 54.770%4.579%
200 October 125.115%5.034%
201 October 195.399%5.750%
202 October 264.824%5.149%
203 November 26.349%6.835%
204 November 94.135%4.099%
205 November 165.729%5.601%
206 November 233.533%3.383%
207 November 306.929%6.962%
208 December 74.994%5.318%
209 December 144.556%4.277%
210 December 214.992%5.146%
211 December 284.068%3.856%
List of ratings in 2020 (episode 212-261)
Ep. # Broadcast date Average audience share
AGB Nielsen[25]
Nationwide Seoul Capital Area
212 January 45.866%5.695%
213 January 114.536%4.558%
214 January 184.251%3.732%
215 February 13.266%2.984%
216 February 83.721%3.705%
217 February 153.910%3.314%
218 February 225.015%4.873%
219 February 296.817%6.793%
220 March 76.252%6.120%
221 March 145.555%5.670%
222 March 216.167%6.324%
223 March 285.905%5.555%
224 April 45.982%6.152%
225 April 118.371%7.753%
226 April 186.064%5.766%
227 April 255.008%4.919%
228 May 27.925%7.355%
229 May 915.523%14.005%
230 May 1615.267%14.392%
231 May 2314.711%13.309%
232 May 306.082%6.175%
233 June 66.509%6.928%
234 June 136.415%6.403%
235 June 205.019%4.917%
236 June 274.992%4.927%
237 July 45.225%5.499%
238 July 113.934%3.915%
239 July 186.453%6.184%
240 July 255.287%5.335%
241 August 16.537%6.419%
242 August 85.521%5.234%
243 August 154.800%4.637%
244 August 227.200%7.402%
245 August 294.042%4.065%
246 September 55.197%5.362%
247 September 124.656%4.173%
248 September 196.218%6.473%
249 September 265.597%5.745%
250 October 105.534%5.164%
251 October 174.769%5.154%
252 October 243.119%3.315%
253 October 313.696%3.571%
254 November 75.244%5.424%
255 November 144.974%5.304%
256 November 214.506%4.544%
257 November 284.519%4.611%
258 December 54.718%5.178%
259 December 124.624%4.543%
260 December 194.173%4.054%
261 December 264.219%4.422%
List of ratings in 2021 (episode 262-present)
Ep. # Broadcast date Average audience share
AGB Nielsen[25]
Nationwide Seoul Capital Area
262 January 27.175%7.442%
263 January 95.668%5.862%
264 January 164.199%4.294%
265 January 234.058%4.335%
266 January 304.481%5.125%
267 February 64.513%4.642%
268 February 20%%

Other works

Discography
Year Title Peak chart pos. Sales Album details
KOR
Gaon
[27]		 KOR Hot
[28]
2016 "Sweet Dream"
(Kim Hee-chul, Min Kyung-hoon)		 1 *
2018 "Falling Blossoms"
(Kim Hee-chul, Min Kyung-hoon)		 15 14 N/A
"Andenayon"
(Kim Young-chul, feat. Wheesung)		 85 74
"I Kicked My Luck Off"
(Kang Ho-dong, Prod. Hong Jin-young)		 100 88
2020 "Hanryang"
(Kim Hee-chul, Min Kyung-hoon, feat. BIBI, Prod. DinDin)		 190 72
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.
"*" denotes the chart did not exist at that time.
Gaon Chart no longer releases download sales figures from January 2018 onwards.

Other appearances
Years Title Network Member(s) Notes Ref
2016 Fantastic Duo SBS TV All Season 1, special appearances via video in episode 16 [30]
2017 My Little Old Boy All (except Kang Ho-dong) Cameo in episode 50 [31]
2020 Two Yoo Project Sugar Man JTBC All Season 3, special appearances via video in episode 6 [32]

YouTube

They started their YouTube channel called "아는형님 Knowingbros" on October 10, 2020.[33]

Controversy

Disciplinary action

In December 2016, the program received a disciplinary action from South Korea's Broadcast Censorship Committee for using improper remarks which include objectifying female guests in multiple occasions. The committee highlighted the use of improper language between cast members, the use of homophobic remarks and specifically Min Kyung-hoon's act of giving a handcrafted bra to a female guest (Jeon So-min) in one of the episodes. Besides a warning given by the committee, it is reported that the program has also received numerous complaints from viewers regarding the matter.[34]

Awards and nominations
Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee(s) of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee(s)/work(s) Result Ref.
Asian Television Awards 2019 Best Comedy Program Knowing Bros Won [35]
Baeksang Arts Awards 2017 Best Entertainment Program Nominated [36]
2018 Best Variety Performer – Male Seo Jang-hoon Won [37]
Lee Sang-min Nominated [38]
2020 Kim Hee-chul Nominated [39]
Brand Customer Loyalty Awards 2020 Program – Talk Variety Knowing Bros Won [40]
Gaon Chart Music Awards 2017 Song of the Year (November) "Sweet Dream" Nominated [41]
2019 Song of the Year (February) "Falling Blossoms" Nominated [42]
JTBC Awards[lower-alpha 2] 2016 Best Entertainer Kang Ho-dong Nominated [43]
Lee Soo-geun Nominated
Kim Hee-chul Won
Best Couple Award Kim Hee-chul & Min Kyung-hoon Won
Kang Ho-dong & Lee Soo-geun Nominated
Best Producer Award Choi Chang-soo Won
Top 3 Program Knowing Bros 2nd
Korea First Brand Awards 2017 Korea's Brand of the Year Won [44]
Melon Music Awards 2017 Best Rock Song "Sweet Dream" Won [45]
2018 "Falling Blossoms" Won [46]
Best Trot Song "Andenayon" Nominated [47]
"I Kicked My Luck Off" Nominated

Notes
  1. Although being named as a guest, he often wishes to become a regular member. He is often cast as a teacher with an extravagant style.
  2. Determined through viewers votes

References
  1. 프로그램 정보 [Program Information]. JTBC (in Korean). Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  2. "smentertainment DRAMA/TV SHOW/MUSICAL". smentertainment. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
  3. ""Men on a Mission" on JTBC Worldwide". JTBC Worldwide. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  4. "Ask Us Anything : Jang Seo-hee, Hong Seok-cheon". OnDemandKorea. Retrieved 2018-01-14.
  5. Kim, In-young (December 3, 2015). '아는 형님' 공식 포스터 공개, 벌써부터 풍기는 빅재미 냄새 ['Knowing Bros' official poster is released, already has a big funny smell]. IlganSports (in Korean). Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  6. Jo, In-woo (December 4, 2015). "강호동과 서장훈이 싸우면 누가 이길까, JTBC 시시콜콜 '아는형님'" [If Kang Ho-dong and Seo Jang-hoon fight, who will win?]. Newsis (in Korean). Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  7. Choi, Bo-ran; Lee, Seung-mi (June 20, 2016). [출장토크①] 강호동 "옛날 사람? 받아들이니 마음 편해" [[Travel Talk] Kang Ho-dong "An old man?]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  8. Pyo, Jae-min (December 5, 2015). '아는 형님' 강호동, 옛날 개그 지적에 울컥 "미래 진행" ['Knowing Bros' Kang Ho-dong, an old gag at the point of "Future Progress"]. The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  9. Park, Pan-seok (May 7, 2016). "'아는형님' 강호동 "김세정, 유재석 보인다..꼴보기 싫다"". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on August 15, 2017. Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  10. [영상] '아는형님' 민경훈, 강호동에 귓속말 "난 유재석이 좋아" [[Video] 'Knowing Bros' Min Kyung-hoon, Kang Ho-dong whisper "I like Yu Jae-seok"]. JTBC (in Korean). May 14, 2016. Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  11. Kim, Kyeong-ju (May 14, 2016). "'아는형님' 강호동, 유재석과 멀어졌다? "가끔 통화" 진땀". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on August 15, 2017. Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  12. [MBN스타 손진아 기자] ‘아는형님’ 강호동이 각종 분야의 천재로 언급되는 멤버들 사이에서 이름이 빠지자 당황했다.. Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). December 30, 2017. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  13. Ahn, In-yong (June 24, 2016). 이혼 얘기, 도박 얘기, 그만 하시죠 [Talk about divorce, talk about gambling, stop.]. The Hankyoreh (in Korean). Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  14. Ahn, In-yong (June 28, 2016). '셀프 디스' 개그는 그런 게 아니다 [That's not self-discipline]. HuffPost (in Korean). Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  15. '아는형님' 김영철, 하차 공약 번복.."5%되면 모든 프로 하차" [Kim Young-chul promised to leave ... "if the show reaches 5%"]. Naver (in Korean). July 16, 2016. Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  16. '아는형님' 3.7% 초고 시청률 경신... 김영철 하차 어찌되나. Insight Korea (in Korean). July 17, 2016. Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  17. '아는형님' 써니, 김희철 '조카' 발언에 "발음 조심해라" 경고 ['Knowing Bros' Sunny, Kim Hee-cheol 'Nephew' remark "Be careful of pronunciation" warning]. Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). May 22, 2016. Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  18. Lee, Jong-won (July 24, 2016). '아는형님' 김희철, 멈추지 않는 '담배 조크'…'러블리즈'의 맞담배 욕구? [Kim Hee-chul, 'Do not stop smoking' joke ... 'Lovelies' desire for a cigarette?]. Hankook Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  19. "[TV톡톡] 안재현·민경훈·김희철, 강호동 잡는 3대장" [[TV Talk] Ahn Jae Hyun · Min Kyung Hoon · Kim Hee Cheol, 3 giants of Kang Ho-dong]. Korea JoongAng Daily (in Korean). June 4, 2016. Archived from the original on August 11, 2017. Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  20. Ep. 35
  21. Lee, Eun-bi (July 11, 2016). 이수근이 밝힌 이상민이 '현모양처'인 이유 [Lee Soo-geun revealed Lee Sang-min to be a'welfare man']. YTN (in Korean). Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  22. Ep. 139
  23. "[TV톡톡] '아는 형님'이 병풍 김세황 옹을 살리는 법". The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). December 13, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2018.
  24. "'아는형님' 황치열 하차NO·김세황 하차 '후임없다'[공식입장]". The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). January 5, 2016. Retrieved December 29, 2018.
  25. "Top 10 list for TV programs [select the date from drop-down menu]". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2017-05-13. Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  26. "TNMS Ratings on Naver". Naver (in Korean). Retrieved September 18, 2017.
  27. "Gaon Digital Chart". Gaon.
  28. "Kpop Hot 100". Billboard Korea (in Korean). Retrieved 7 March 2018.
  29. Cumulative sales for "Sweet Dream":
  30. "[Fantastic Duo] 쌈자신을 응원하기 위해 '아는 형님'이 떴다!" ['Knowing Bros' are out in support!]. YouTube (in Korean). July 30, 2016.
  31. "'미우새', 오늘 30분 지연 방송..'아는형님' 멤버 출연". OSEN (in Korean). August 20, 2017.
  32. Seo Yoo-na (January 10, 2020). "'슈가맨3' '화려한 싱글' 양혜승 소환 완료‥"결혼한지 5년 차" 반전 근황 공개". Herald Pop (in Korean). Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  33. "Independence!! Knowing Bros YouTube channel OPEN!! Planning to release a lot of videos!". Youtube. Retrieved October 10, 2020.
  34. Jo, Ye-bin (December 26, 2016). ""너 게이야?" JTBC '아는형님' 중징계 결정". mediatoday.co.kr. Retrieved February 6, 2016.
  35. "JTBC, 대상·'미스티' 김남주 최우수 포함 ATA 첫 4관왕 영예". Naver. Retrieved January 14, 2019.
  36. "53rd Paeksang Arts Awards". isplus.live.joins (in Korean). April 7, 2017. Archived from the original on April 8, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2017.
  37. "[SBS Star] 'The 54th Baeksang Arts Awards' Complete List of Winners". SBS News. May 4, 2018.
  38. "제54회 백상예술대상, TV·영화 각 부문별 수상 후보자 공개". JTBC (in Korean). April 6, 2018. Archived from the original on April 9, 2018. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  39. "'백상예술대상' 2020년 최종 후보 공개…예측 불가 각축전". Naver (in Korean). Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  40. "2020 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards". Brand Customer Loyalty Engagement Index (in Korean). Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  41. "6th GAONCHART MUSIC AWARDS". kpopawards (in Korean). February 22, 2017. Archived from the original on August 30, 2018. Retrieved January 22, 2017.
  42. "Kpopawards.co.kr" 올해의 가수 (음원) 후보자 [Artist of the Year (Song) nominees]. 8th Gaon Chart Music Awards 2018 (in Korean). KMCIA. Archived from the original on January 23, 2019. Retrieved January 23, 2019.
  44. "JTBC, 사상 최초로 '미디어어워드' 대상 수상". JTBC (in Korean). December 28, 2016. Retrieved March 16, 2017.
  45. "'2017 멜론뮤직어워드'방탄소년단ㆍ엑소,대상에 5관왕..아이유,'팔레트'로'올해의 앨범'상" (in Korean). AJU News. December 3, 2017. Retrieved November 15, 2018.
  47. "Here's the full list of 2018 Melon Music Awards nominees". SBS Pop Asia. November 14, 2018. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
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