Squid Game's Jo Yu-ri and Son Ye-jin to lead Netflix K-pop drama ‘Variety'
Directed by Kim Yong-hoon, best known for the hit series Mask Girl, the show is set in the high-stakes world of K-pop and is expected to blend glamour, obsession, and cutthroat ambition.
Jo Yu-ri, who rose to fame as a K-pop idol with IZ*ONE and solidified her acting credentials in Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3, will play Seung-hui — a passionate fan navigating the complexities of idol culture. Son Ye-jin takes on the role of Se-eun, a top entertainment executive struggling to rescue a failing idol group.
The series aims to explore the intricate relationships between industry executives, idols, and fans, reflecting Korea's evolving entertainment landscape. For Jo Yu-ri, this role marks a significant career milestone, allowing her to draw on her real-life experiences in the K-pop industry. Meanwhile, Son Ye-jin's return to Netflix highlights her continued dominance in both film and streaming, with additional roles in Scandals and Park Chan-wook's No Other Choice.
'Variety' is produced by CJ ENM Studios and UNU, marking another major collaboration with Netflix following successes like Squid Game, Kingdom, and Crash Landing on You. With top-tier talent both in front of and behind the camera, the series is positioned to become the next global K-drama phenomenon.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
1724652215-0%2FWinona-Ryder-(1)1724652215-0-640x480.webp&w=3840&q=100)
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
Winona Ryder reveals why she was dropped from a Marlon Brando film
Winona Ryder is reflecting on how one of her most iconic early roles nearly ended her career before it began. In a recent interview with Elle UK, the actress revealed that her decision to star in the 1988 cult classic Heathers cost her a major role opposite screen legend Marlon Brando — a consequence that industry insiders warned her about. As a teenager, Ryder was advised by her team not to take the role of Veronica Sawyers, the sharp-tongued protagonist in Heathers, a dark comedy about a murderous high school clique. 'My agent at the time literally got down on her knees begging me not to do it,' Ryder previously told Harper's Bazaar. 'She said, 'You're going to destroy any chance of a career.'' Despite the warnings, Ryder took the role — and quickly saw fallout. She was dropped from the 1990 crime comedy The Freshman, which starred Brando and Matthew Broderick. 'They thought it was making fun of teen suicide. They were deeply offended and, yeah, they revoked the offer,' she said. 'I'm like, 'I can't work with Marlon Brando?' I had to stand my ground. I wasn't gonna apologize.' Heathers was polarizing at the time but ultimately became a cult favorite and a defining moment in Ryder's career. 'I never turn off Heathers if it's on. I know it basically by heart,' she said, expressing no regrets. Producer Denise Di Novi told Variety that Ryder was 'very brave and unusual' to take on such a controversial role, describing her as 'an amazing 15-year-old' who became obsessed with the script. Though The Freshman was a missed opportunity, Ryder's gamble on Heathers proved to be a bold move that solidified her reputation as a fearless and unconventional talent.
Express Tribune
12 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Sofia Vergara shares update following second medical procedure
Sofía Vergara, best known for her role on Modern Family, has undergone her second knee surgery, nearly one year after her initial procedure in April 2024. The actress shared the news via Instagram on July 25, posting two images, one of herself smiling in a hospital gown and another showing her bandaged knee in a grey brace, captioned simply. Vergara did not disclose the medical specifics of either surgery. Her previous operation occurred in spring 2024, during which she documented her recovery journey with social media updates. Since then, Vergara and Saliman have parted ways. As of January 2025, she has signaled single status in public appearances. The actor's knee troubles also impacted her role as a judge on America's Got Talent last summer. Photos from backstage showed Vergara using assistance as she walked, while co-judge Howie Mandel gifted her a pogo-stick, style recovery device as a lighthearted gesture amid her mobility issues. Although she continues to fulfill professional obligations, including appearances on AGT and her Netflix series Griselda, Vergara is currently resting and focusing on recovery. At the time, she has not announced any change to her upcoming schedule.
Express Tribune
17 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Taylor Swift endorses Happy Gilmore 2 after Travis Kelce's hilarious cameo
Taylor Swift is raving about Happy Gilmore 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 1996 golf comedy classic, starring Adam Sandler. The film, which dropped on Netflix July 25, features a surprise appearance by Swift's boyfriend, NFL star Travis Kelce — and the pop icon is calling it a must-watch. In an Instagram Story posted, Swift shared the film's poster and wrote, 'Happy Gilmore 2 had me cackling and cheering the whole movie! An absolute must-watch, 13/10, go watch it on @netflix as soon as humanly possible 🍯.' Kelce's cameo has quickly become a fan favorite. He plays a restaurant manager who bullies his subordinate Oscar, played by Bad Bunny. One of the most talked-about scenes is a surreal fantasy sequence where Bad Bunny smothers honey on a half-naked Kelce, tied to a post, before he's left to be devoured by a bear. Kelce also appears in another chaotic scene where he chest-bumps golfers Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa through a table. The movie endorsement came just one day after Kelce hard-launched their two-year relationship with a romantic Instagram photo dump, showing moments from their offseason together — including ice skating, boating, and karaoke nights. Although director Adam Sandler said they didn't want to 'bother Taylor' with a cameo offer, he called her a global gift: 'She's done a lot for our planet, so we love her.' With her 13/10 review, Swift has once again proven her influence — and her support for Kelce's big-screen debut.
