logo
Discover splendor tucked in summer's heat with these series

Discover splendor tucked in summer's heat with these series

Korea Herald3 days ago
There's a certain romance to the height of summer — and these standout dramas capture it with precision. Try out these well-made series that reveal the beauty hidden within the season's sweltering heat.
'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha' on Netflix, Tving
Set against the sun-drenched shores of Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province, "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" delivers a soothing slice-of-life romance.
Shin Min-a stars as a Seoul dentist who, after losing her job, returns to her late mother's seaside hometown — where she meets a charming jack-of-all-trades played by Kim Seon-ho. Their chemistry anchors the healing drama, which trades adrenaline-fueled plot twists for heartfelt storytelling and literary dialogue.
Lush visuals of the sparkling sea and gentle emotional arcs make this series a feel-good escape, a love letter to community, connection and the small joys of everyday life.
'Our Beloved Summer' on Netflix, Wavve
Bittersweet and emotionally resonant, "Our Beloved Summer" unites stars Choi Woo-shik and Kim Da-mi in a modern-day romance tinged with summertime sweetness.
The story follows Yeon-su (Kim) and Choi Ung (Choi), former high school classmates who once starred in a documentary as polar opposites — the top and bottom of their class — and eventually fell in love. Years after their painful breakup, the long-forgotten documentary goes viral, prompting an unexpected reunion between the two under the camera's gaze.
Through a back-and-forth blend of past and present, the series captures the ache of first love and the complexity of adult relationships. Framed by Korea's lush summer scenery, it's a reflective and beautifully shot tale of growth, longing and emotional reconciliation.
'The White Lotus' on Coupang Play
Mike White's Emmy-winning "The White Lotus" has cemented itself as one of HBO's crown jewels, a biting social satire wrapped in a luxurious murder mystery.
Each season follows the lives of wealthy guests and beleaguered staff at the titular high-end resort chain, with stunning backdrops running from Hawaii's picturesque coastlines to Sicily's Mediterranean vistas and Thailand's lush, tropical forests.
From the sharp writing, breathtaking mise-en-scenes to the fashion — breezy caftans, lavish sunglasses, fashionable swimsuits and perfectly curated vacation looks — "The White Lotus" is a darkly funny exploration of class, privilege and human folly.
The now-signature format, which teases a murder in the first episode before slowly unraveling the mystery, keeps viewers hooked from start to explosive finish. Try out all three seasons currently available on Coupang Play.
yoonseo.3348@heraldcorp.com
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The best 'KPop Demon Hunters'-style merch that's not from Netflix
The best 'KPop Demon Hunters'-style merch that's not from Netflix

Korea Herald

time6 hours ago

  • Korea Herald

The best 'KPop Demon Hunters'-style merch that's not from Netflix

When 'KPop Demon Hunters' dropped on Netflix in June, the title alone made many viewers cringe. But the animated film turned out to be a welcome, pleasant surprise. The animation was slick, the characters were fresh and adorable and the cultural references hit all the right notes. Fans around the world took notice. Naturally, merchandise soon followed. Netflix rolled out the usual lineup, including hoodies, graphic tees and bucket hats. As of Monday, there are 126 different items under its 'KPop Demon Hunters' category. Some fans love the official merch. Others felt the designs played it a little too safe. A few have even pointed out it looked rushed, speculating that the streaming giant had not expected the show's success and did not have time to prepare in advance. Then merch from the National Museum of Korea started grabbing attention. Many of the museum's products draw on the same traditional art forms that inspired the animated film, especially standout characters like the tiger Derpy and magpie Susie, or the stage backdrop based on "Irworobongdo," a traditional folding screen depicting the sun, moon and five mountain peaks. Below are some of the best pieces to consider. Pin that went viral One of the most talked-about pieces is a metal badge featuring a white tiger with a magpie perched on its head, inspired by 'jakhodo,' a traditional folk art style known for depictions of tigers and magpies. The design resonates with fans of Derpy and Susie. Demand has been so high that the badge is now on backorder, with a limit of three per customer and an estimated shipping date pushed to November. Derpy-esque AirPods case Another standout is an AirPods case decorated with a face reminiscent of Derpy, illustrated in minhwa, a Korean folk painting style. Combining functionality with charm, the case has become a bestseller. It's compact, cute, practical and easy to spot in any bag thanks to the attached red tassel, which is a rendition of the small decorative tassels found in traditional artwork of tigers. Summer-specific items In "KPop Demon Hunters," girl group Huntrix performs on a stage designed to resemble "Irworobongdo," presenting a digital version of the traditional Korean folding screen depicting the sun, moon and five mountain peaks, based on a 19th-century painting. This sophisticated artwork has been reimagined as folding fans and sun umbrellas ― perfect essentials for this scorching summer. If you were thinking of getting them this summer anyway, why not get one with a cool design? Got a gat brooch? Adding a touch of tradition to any outfit, or even a bag, this glittering brooch is shaped like a gat, the iconic horsehair hat once worn by noblemen in the Joseon era (1392-1910). It also pays homage to the Netflix movie's fictional boy band, Saja Boys, who wear stylized versions of the hat onstage. The museum's take stays true to the original, down to the gatkeun, the decorative hat string that once signified social status through its materials and craftsmanship. While faithful to tradition, the brooch also adds a playful, sparkly twist. Cup with clever twist Rounding out the lineup is a ceramic cup and coaster set inspired by the gat. When flipped upside down on its coaster, the cup resembles a miniature version of the hat. It's a witty, giftable piece that blends form and function ― both stylish and practical.

Lee Chang-dong returns with Netflix's 'Possible Love'
Lee Chang-dong returns with Netflix's 'Possible Love'

Korea Herald

time6 hours ago

  • Korea Herald

Lee Chang-dong returns with Netflix's 'Possible Love'

Cannes-winning auteur's latest film reunites Jeon Do-yeon, Sul Kyung-gu Acclaimed director Lee Chang-dong returns to marquee filmmaking with Netflix's "Possible Love," the streamer announced Tuesday. The project marks Lee's first feature since his acclaimed psychological thriller "Burning" (2018). The Netflix film reunites Lee with powerhouse actors from past critically celebrated works. Jeon Do-yeon, who won for best actress at the Cannes Film Festival for Lee's "Secret Sunshine" (2007), will star alongside Sul Kyung-gu, the leading actor from Lee's loved earlier films "Peppermint Candy" (1999) and "Oasis" (2002). Jeon and Sul previously appeared together in three other films: "I Wish I Had a Wife" (2001), "Birthday" (2019) and Netflix's "Kill Boksoon" (2023). Zo In-sung ("The King" "Escape from Mogadishu") and Cho Yeo-jeong ("Parasite") will portray another key couple in the film. "Possible Love" follows two married couples whose contrasting lifestyles intersect in unexpected ways. As their worlds collide, cracks emerge in their seemingly stable routines. Lee co-wrote the screenplay with Oh Jung-mi, who collaborated with him on "Burning." The film is being produced by Pinehouse Film ― also behind "Burning" ― in association with Anonymous Content and NowFilm Co. An international art house favorite known for deeply reflective narratives, Lee has directed six features over three decades and remains a fixture at major film festivals. "Oasis" claimed Venice's special director's prize in 2002. "Poetry" (2010) won Cannes' best screenplay award, while "Burning" competed for the Palme d'Or and clinched the international critics' prize in 2018. Lee began his career as a high school teacher before transitioning to become a novelist then screenwriter and eventually filmmaker with 1997's breakthrough "Green Fish." The director also served as South Korea's minister of culture and tourism from 2003 to 2004. Last year, Penguin Random House published Lee's first collection of short stories translated into English, "Snowy Day & Other Stories." "Possible Love" marks Lee's first collaboration with Netflix. The film has just begun principal photography and no release date has been scheduled yet, Netflix said. The director's most recent work was the 2022 short film "Heartbeat," commissioned by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about depression.

Actor Cha in-pyo proves it's never too late to become a writer
Actor Cha in-pyo proves it's never too late to become a writer

Korea Herald

time9 hours ago

  • Korea Herald

Actor Cha in-pyo proves it's never too late to become a writer

Cha In-pyo, long beloved as an actor, is proving that it's never too late to chase new dreams. At 57, he has been named the winner of the Newcomer Award at the 14th Hwang Sun-won Literary Awards, honoring his transition from screen to page and his growing voice as a novelist. 'It is already more than I deserve that people read my novels, and now receiving an award fills me with a sense of apology and responsibility toward the many who walk the path of literature,' Cha wrote on Instagram after the announcement Monday. The Hwang Sun-won Literary Award was established to honor the literary legacy of Hwang (1915-2000), one of Korea's beloved modern writers and author of the classic short story "Sonagi" (Rain Shower). 'I do not see this award as praise for 'writing well,' but as encouragement to 'write well from now on.' I published my first novel at 42, and now, at 58 (by Korean age), I receive a Newcomer Award. Life feels like a long novel whose ending you can only know after reading until the very last page," Cha said. His award-winning novel, "Mermaid Hunt" (2022), dives into human ambition and desire through the story of a quest to obtain mermaid oil said to grant a thousand years of life. Drawing on Korean geography, folklore and oral tradition, Cha creates a unique Korean-style fantasy that examines human nature at its rawest. Cha made his literary debut with "Goodbye Hill" (2009), later revised and reissued as "Once We Look at the Same Star." The novel addresses the historical trauma of victims of the Japanese military's sexual slavery, euphemistically known as comfort women. The book drew renewed attention last year when Cha was invited to speak at the inaugural Korean Literature Festival hosted by Oxford University's Asian and Middle Eastern Studies department. It has been selected as required reading for Korean Studies courses. Cha's wife, actress Shin Ae-ra, celebrated the win online, posting a photo with him and wrote, 'He disappeared every day with his backpack to write, only to come home hungry by 5 p.m. Now he's won this award. He won a Best New Actor award just before turning 30, and now a Newcomer Writer Award just before 60. Dreams must never be given up on because you never know when they will come true.' Other winners at the 14th Hwang Soon-won Literary Awards include novelist Joo Sue-ja ("Searching for the Original Manuscript of the Novel"), who received the Writer's Award, and poet Kim Koo-seul, who won the Poet's Award for "Island of Shadows." This year's awards ceremony will take place Sept. 12 at the Hwang Sun-won Literary Village in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store