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‘I can't imagine myself doing anything else'

‘I can't imagine myself doing anything else'

India Today2 days ago
In 2021, Aria was Gauthami, a dorky teenager on a year-long break from studies. Then she decided to audition online to be a K-Pop idol. 'When I first introduced my dream to my family over dinner, everybody laughed and felt it was one of my crazy obsessions,' she says. Today, she's a member of the girl group X:IN and only the second such idol from India. After two years in Seoul, she's leaner, speaks English with an accent, has blonde hair and, for some, looks fairer. For her, though, that's just the process of growing up. Says Aria, 'Being an idol comes with a lot of downsides, but I love what I'm doing. I cannot imagine myself doing anything else.'
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Our Movie K-drama ending explained: Did Da Eum die in the finale, and why did Je Ha quit filmmaking for a year?
Our Movie K-drama ending explained: Did Da Eum die in the finale, and why did Je Ha quit filmmaking for a year?

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Our Movie K-drama ending explained: Did Da Eum die in the finale, and why did Je Ha quit filmmaking for a year?

Our Movie K-drama ending explained: Namkoong Min and Jeon Yeo Been's Our Movie, which premiered on June 14, 2025, wrapped up after 12 emotionally charged episodes on July 19, 2025. The K-drama quickly gained attention for its deeply human storytelling and raw emotional beats. Our movie explores the relationship between a withdrawn film director and an actress facing the end of her life. Now that the finale has aired, fans are dissecting the show's bittersweet ending and what it really meant for the characters left behind. What was Our Movie about? The story follows Lee Je Ha (Namkoong Min), an emotionally stunted film director who finds a new rhythm to life after crossing paths with Da Eum (Jeon Yeo Been), a terminally ill woman who auditions for one of his projects. Their professional bond slowly turns into a romance of a lifetime. As the two navigate love, illness, and the looming end of Da Eum's life, the show weaves themes of mortality, artistry, and memory into something tender and piercing. Our Movie Ending explained: A love remembered, not lost Our Movie Episode 12 opens with Da Eum and Je Ha slipping into a small theatre to catch the remake of Love in White. Only two other people are in the audience, and it's clear the film isn't exactly a hit. Still, instead of being disappointed, the two laugh it off, and it becomes one of those bittersweet memories only they'll truly understand. As the episode unfolds, Da Eum and Je Ha continue to lean into the little joys of their time together. She tells him she's happy, despite everything. Inspired by her outlook, they talk about changing the ending, not just of the film they're making, but maybe of their own story, too. The final scenes blur the lines between the film within the show and their real lives. Gyu Won, the character Da Wum portrays, is in Hyun Sang's arms. She delivers a hopeful last line, one that touches everyone, especially AD Hong and Seung Won, who tear up reading it. Director Je Ha tells Jung Woo not to cry in the scene, believing Hyun Sang's love would give him the strength to keep going. It's gentle and poignant, not about finality but about remembrance. Outside the film, characters come to their own resolutions. Seo Yeong confesses to Da Eum that she broke up with Jung Woo, admitting her fear of being alone made her hurt others. Da Eum reassures her that she's capable of finding peace even in solitude. At the crew dinner, playful teasing masks tender connections. AD Hong looks after Jun-byoung without even realising it, while Cheol-min and Ms. Jo grow closer. In a moving moment, Kim Hyun Chul shares with Da Eum that his cancer has returned. But she's taught him how to live meaningfully. They make a simple pact—to live each day as best they can. Dr. Lee finally visits the set on the final day of filming. Da Eum is happy to see him, but there's a sadness about the project coming to an end. As she and Je Ha reflect on the film's final scene, they're also talking about their own lives. Je Ha believes that as long as Hyun Sang loves Gyu Won, she'll always live on in memory. It's a subtle way of expressing what he feels for Da Eum. Did Da Eum die in Our Movie? While we do not see Da Eum's death in the movie, a time jump makes it clear for fans. After Da Eum passes away, Je Ha steps away from his work and daily life. He doesn't return to directing or writing. For a year, he lives with the weight of that loss, holding on to the person who changed him. One day, he finds a video Da Eum recorded before she died. She tells him to eat well, write good scripts, and make great movies. She says that if he ever misses her, he should think of her as much as he wants. She reminds him of their love and the way it existed fully in the time they had. When she says, 'Grieve as much as you want—until it reaches me,' Je Ha finally lets himself break. He cries as he watches her speak, and when she says 'I love you,' he says it back. 'Everyone dies. It's not just me…'This line breaks your heart so gently. It's a reminder that it's never truly goodbye, just simply, see you later. Because love doesn't end and neither do the souls we carry with us.#OurMovie #OurMovieEp12 Later, Je Ha returns to directing. He isn't who he was before, but he is present. He remembers Da Eum not through flashbacks or imagination, but in the small details of his day, in the way he sees people, and in the way he chooses to tell stories. Her memory stays with him, not as a burden, but as part of who he is now. Our Movie ends with loss, but not with emptiness. It doesn't offer dramatic closure. It shows what it looks like to keep living while carrying someone with you. How fans are reacting to Our Movie ending Fans dissected the emotional ending on the K-drama subreddit, r/Kdrama, with one fan writing, 'Do I even have words to write a review? No, absolutely not,' one user shared. 'Our movie is a testament that we should cherish every moment... everyone is going to die.' Namgoong Min's performance was another standout point for fans. 'Oh, this drama just made me love Nam Goong Min,' one viewer wrote, praising how natural and deeply human his portrayal of Je Ha felt. Another user said they were completely wrecked by the finale: 'I felt like I was living the lives of Da Eum and Je Ha simultaneously. Tears kept falling the entire episode... I love how beautifully this story has been written and am all tears at how intricately it has been portrayed. So far, the best watch of 2025.' Check out more reactions in the Reddit thread below: Will there be an Our Movie season 2? It's highly unlikely. Our Movie wrapped up its story with a clear conclusion. Da Eum's story has ended, and Je Ha's path forward feels heartbreaking but certain. While fans might crave more, especially after connecting so deeply with the characters, the show doesn't leave much room for a continuation. And maybe that's the point. Some stories are meant to end, and the pain of their ending is part of what makes them so memorable. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.

Good Boy: Watch episode 16 online today; check the release date & streaming platforms for these countries
Good Boy: Watch episode 16 online today; check the release date & streaming platforms for these countries

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Good Boy: Watch episode 16 online today; check the release date & streaming platforms for these countries

Good Boy Episodes 16 online: Fans of the popular Korean drama Good Boy can stream Episode 16 online, July 20, 2025, at approximately 10:40 PM KST (7:10 PM IST), as per the official release schedule. Park Bo-gum returns to the screen with Good Boy, a gripping follow-up to his acclaimed performance as Yang Gwan-sik in When Life Gives You Tangerines. Combining emotional intensity with high-stakes thrills and unexpected twists, the drama has quickly gained buzz. Here's everything you need to know—from the plot and cast to the release schedule and episode guide. Good Boy: Release date and time for Episodes 16 Episode 16 airs on Saturday, July 20, 2025, at 10:40 PM KST on jTBC in South Korea. It will also be available for international viewers via simultaneous streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Viki at 4 PM (GMT) / 12 AM (ET) offering English subtitles to make the series accessible to a global audience. Where to Watch Good Boy Episodes 16 Online? Episode 16 is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Viki, the main legal platforms offering high-quality video and English subtitles. In South Korea, it airs on jTBC . For viewers in the U.S., Canada, India, Indonesia, and the UK, the series will be also available on Disney+, Netflix, Viki, Amazon Prime Video, TVING and Coupang Play. Good Boy: Plot highlights of Episodes 16 In the previous episode, it begins with Leo confronting Joo-yeong but getting fatally shot by his men. As Yeon-ha rushes to his side, he learns her real name and dies in her arms. It's revealed Joo-yeong manipulated Leo into killing Han-na's father - but when Leo hesitated, Joo-yeong did it himself. The murder was caught on camera, now in Han-na's possession. Meanwhile, Jong-hyeon fights Mr. Baek in an elevator, shedding his fear and gaining the upper hand. Dong-ju, Man-sik, and Jae-hong fight off henchmen at the construction site. In the penthouse, Han-na storms in with a gun. Yeon-ha casually walks in with a grenade, helping them escape before an explosion. Another blast later injures Yeon-ha, who is taken to the hospital. Joo-yeong escapes, and Han-na suspects an insider tip-off. Later, the team learns the mole is rookie officer Lee Jong-hun. But Ju-yeong silences him - and is later seen in the Commissioner's office, hinting at more corruption. Dong-ju chases Joo-yeong to the parking lot but is knocked down by Jong-gu. Just as he tries to fight back, his health fails him - he starts hallucinating, signaling serious trouble ahead. Good Boy episodes 16: Spoilers Here are the spoilers for Episodes 16 of the Korean series Good Boy based on the YouTube preview: In the next episode, tensions reach a boiling point as Jungu launches a brutal attack on Dong-ju. Jon Haien leaps in to shield him, and though Dong-ju is barely standing, he grips Haien's sleeve, silently pleading with him not to reveal the truth to Han-na—especially about the fading vision that's slowly robbing him of his world. At the hospital, the commissioner lies unconscious. A furious Man-sik confesses he can't just stand by and watch everything unravel. But the commissioner, weary and defeated, admits he no longer has the strength to make a difference—trapped between lost authority and helplessness. Elsewhere, Dong-ju pulls Manik aside and confides his lingering doubt: he no longer believes Jon Haien was ever the mole. That quiet revelation sparks a secret search within the team for the real traitor in their midst. Meanwhile, Jang conceals his rage behind a cool exterior. Beneath it simmers a growing hunger for revenge against Dong-ju, and he's preparing to strike. Han-na finally uncovers the truth about Dong-ju's health. The revelation devastates her, leading to a heated, emotional confrontation. But as their argument cools, anger gives way to vulnerability—and the pair begin to repair what was broken. As the dust starts to settle, Jang makes his move. All hell breaks loose, and the team must act quickly to stop him before everything comes crashing down. Good Boy: Cast and Characters Park Bo-gum takes the lead as Yoon Dong-ju, joined by a stellar ensemble cast that includes Kim So-hyun, Oh Jung-se, Lee Sang-yi, Heo Sung-tae, and Tae Won-seok. FAQs 1. When will Episodes 16 of Good Boy be released? Good Boy Episodes 16 will be released on July 20, 2025, at 7:10 PM IST and will air in South Korea on jTBC at 10:40 PM KST. 2. Where can I watch Episodes 16 of Good Boy online? Good Boy Episodes 16 will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Viki, both platforms offering English subtitles. 3. Does Good Boy have English subtitles? Yes, Good Boy is fully subtitled in English on Amazon Prime Video, including Episodes 16. 4. Is Good Boy available on Netflix? Yes, Good Boy is available on Netflix in certain countries. The drama officially streams on Amazon Prime Video and Viki.

‘The Mozhi Prize Anthology 1': Short stories with wide appeal are grounded in Tamil cultural milieu
‘The Mozhi Prize Anthology 1': Short stories with wide appeal are grounded in Tamil cultural milieu

Scroll.in

time2 hours ago

  • Scroll.in

‘The Mozhi Prize Anthology 1': Short stories with wide appeal are grounded in Tamil cultural milieu

The Mozhi Prize Anthology 1 begins with a short introductory note on Mozhi, an initiative that aspires to bring to the table literature from various Indian languages for critical analysis and appreciation of cultural nuances and aesthetics. Founded by translators Priyamvada Ramkumar and Suchitra Ramachandran, in its inaugural edition in the year 2022, the Mozhi Prize focused on Tamil-English translators. From a total of 91 submissions received for the prize, a shortlist of nine entries was finalised by a panel of judges – Tamil writer A Muttulingam, Tamil-English translator N Kalyan Raman, and Kannada-English translator Deepa Bhasthi. This shortlist (along with the three prize-winning entries, three special mention stories and three others) makes up The Mozhi Prize anthology 1: A House without Cats and Other Stories, published by South Side Books, an imprint of Hyderabad Book Trust. The stories and themes The titular story, written by Chandra, translated by Padmaja Anant (and also the winner of the 2022 Mozhi Prize), showcases a family's journey from testing times to brighter days. Here is a father who thinks that his children's education alone can restore the family's lost glory, a mother, a playmate and storyteller to her children, whose timely act and foresight secure the family's future, and there's a cat with her kittens who are almost like a part of the family. Jeyamohan's 'Filfilee', translated by Amruth Varshan, the first runner-up, takes us back in time to King Herod's regime when thousands of innocents were massacred. Set in a town called Ein Sheva, a stopover en route to Turkey from the East, dotted with taverns selling acrid yayin drink, has stories within a story. 'And what is poetry but history…', claims Thomas, a bard as he, a lady tavern-keeper, an ugly man with a swollen leg and an easterner nomad witness history unfold before their eyes. What happens when the cause of a serious affliction is prescribed as a source of alleviating it? 'Cotton Fever' by Senthil Jagannathan, translated by Anjana Sekhar, the second runner-up, is marked by astringent irony. The special mention entries and other stories in the collection are as engrossing as the prize winners. A crazy carpenter (kirukkan asari), known to ruin every piece of wood he touches, carves the most exquisite sculpture for a child on a sandalwood plank in 'Ammaiyappam' by Jeyamohan (translated by V Iswarya). Untold stories quietly tucked away in things in a trunk box tumble out gently in Vannadasan's 'A Brief Strain of Music', translated by Mayuravarshini M. The melancholy and nostalgia in this story reminded me of Ambai's 'In a Forest, a Deer' (translated by Lakshmi Holmstrom). The question 'Can man turn into an animal with rigorous meditation?' is answered by blending the real with surreal and magical with rational in Jeyamohan's story 'Beast', translated by Megana Kumar. There couldn't have been a better beginning to the collection than Jeyamohan's story 'Maadan's Deliverance', translated by Sherwin Rodriguez. The man's obsession with religion and caste supremacy, his dogmatic adherence to rituals, can even trounce gods themselves – a playful mockery and satire of current times. Both Senthil Jagannathan's 'Clarinet', translated by Darun Subramanian, and 'Resurrection' by Su Venugopal, translated by Vignesh Hariharan, are heartrending stories of relationships that aren't defined by blood. A melange of translation styles One of the standout aspects of this collection is how it offers readers a variety of translation styles. Each translator fashions the conduit between Tamil and English differently. Sherwin Rodriguez uses the pronoun 'it' to refer to the deity Sudalai Maadasamy in the story 'Maadan's Deliverance', probably to emphasise that he is the god of the lower castes. Though the Tamil title means 'Maadan's Salvation', the translator's choice of English title befits the irony in the climax. Anjana Sekhar resorts to using 'ter' and 'ma' respectively for 'to' and 'my' in the story 'Cotton Fever', making us wonder what aspects in the original led to this choice. ('We have got ter think about our boy's college admission; Ma hands won't harm ma own children'). While Mayuravarshini highlights Tamil words like 'ratchasan', 'komban' in italics, she leaves an entire line in Tamil describing the appearance of a deceased person in the story 'A Brief Strain of Music' as it is, without using italics, and Darun Subramanian carefully shares the meaning of many popular Tamil songs that feature in the story 'Clarinet'. This assortment of styles is a source of both delight and intrigue to readers. Sample these lines from 'Clarinet': 'With the clarinet supported on the right thumb, the remaining fingers danced on top of it like a flock of sparrows pecking at grain, while the little fingers bobbed up and down like their tails. The music sounded rich.' Meanwhile, in 'Ammaiyappam', the opening of a wooden trunk box with a waxy surface and handles embellished with floral craftwork is compared to handling a harmonium (in A Brief Strain of Music) and idlis slowly peeled off the warm cloth covering are compared to fluffy white chicks, newly hatched from their shells by a child. From a farmer's joy upon seeing a mature crop, a man's unconditional love for his cow, an idli with the dent left by the mother to check if it's cooked just right, a tape recorder or a shirt as caches of memories, the themes here though universal are grounded in Tamil cultural milieu. These stories are pen portraits of Tamil 'lived' experiences. Even when a reader can appreciate the meaning of Tamil songs like 'Veedu varai uravu', 'Nee illa deivam illai,' thanks to translation, their cultural significance goes beyond explanations in footnotes / glossaries. It is here that readers aware of the Tamil way of life/fluent in the language play a vital role. Discussing these stories with fellow readers who don't know Tamil paves the way for a deeper appreciation of the stories. After all, reading is an activity that is as solitary as it is social. And in this respect, the Mozhi Prize Anthology 1 is a wholesome collection, which is in tune with Mozhi's vision to 'talk about Indian literature in all its various manifestations.'

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