Encyclopedia of Useless Facts on Unbelievable Human Beings

Synopsis

Encyclopedia of Useless Facts on Unbelievable Human Beings (original title: 알아두면 쓸데없는 신비한 인간 잡학사전) is a 2022 Korean nonfiction series hosted by novelist Kim Young-ha that celebrates curiosity, oddities, and the small, surprising details of human life. Each episode collects eccentric anecdotes, little-known historical tidbits, and quirky scientific findings about people — framed as entertaining “useless” facts that nevertheless illuminate human nature. Through Kim Young-ha’s calm, literate narration and a mix of interviews, archival material, and playful visuals, the show spotlights characters, customs, and behaviors that feel both foreign and intimately familiar. Rather than heavy analysis, the series favors storytelling and wonder, inviting viewers to smile, reflect, and share. With a tone that balances wit and warmth, the program is suited for viewers who enjoy short-form cultural curiosities, light documentaries, and anthology-style episodes that can be watched in any order without spoilers.

Cast

• 

  Kim Young-ha

  Self

• 

  RM

  Self

• 

  Jang Hang-jun

  Self

• 

  Kim Sang-wook

  Self

• Lee Ho

  Self

• Shim Chae-gyeong

  Self

Reviews

Comprehensive English-language critical coverage for Encyclopedia of Useless Facts on Unbelievable Human Beings is limited. As of the last available information, major Western aggregator sites have sparse or no critic listings for the series, and authoritative aggregated critic scores (Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic) are not widely reported for this title. IMDb may host user ratings and comments, but those are user-generated and vary by region and viewer taste. Given the modest international profile, most commentary comes from viewers and Korean-language outlets rather than a broad roster of international critics.

Among those who have commented, praise commonly centers on Kim Young-ha himself: reviewers and viewers note his measured, literary narration and the program’s knack for turning tiny historical or behavioral details into engaging short segments. Production values — including archival footage, on-screen graphics, and light animation — are often described as serviceable and charming, reinforcing the show’s breezy, curiosity-driven approach. Fans appreciate the series as a shareable conversation starter and a late-night curiosity fix: short episodes and self-contained segments make it easy to dip in and out.

Criticisms tend to focus on the show’s depth and pacing. Some viewers find certain episodes too lightweight, wishing for more contextual analysis or follow-up, while others consider some segments uneven in interest or relevance. The framing as “useless facts” itself can feel like a double-edged sword: it sets expectations for novelty and amusement but also invites critique when an item feels trivial rather than revealing. Overall, reception skews mild-to-positive among niche audiences who enjoy cultural oddities; those seeking rigorous documentary inquiry or comprehensive reporting may find it less satisfying. If you want verifiable, up-to-date critic quotes or aggregator scores, I can look them up on request and provide sourced citations.