Latest news with #BoysOverFlowers
Tatler Asia
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
5 K-dramas that aged well (and 5 that didn't)
Way ahead of its time, Coffee Prince tackled gender identity and same-sex attraction (with a bit of 2000s K-drama chaos, of course). Gong Yoo plays a wealthy café owner who falls for his new hire, unaware she's a woman pretending to be a man to land the job. The story navigates his confusion and heartbreak with surprising tenderness. Modern viewer bonus: Gong Yoo's emotional vulnerability, Yoon Eun-hye's charisma and a soundtrack that holds up beautifully. There's also the coffee shop aesthetic that every indie café tries to copy. A nostalgic ode to family, friendship and the analogue days of dial-up and cassette mixtapes. Set in a small Seoul neighbourhood, this slice-of-life gem focuses on the messy, mundane and heart-melting parts of growing up. The parents are as beloved as the teens, and that's no small feat. Honestly, the ensemble cast's chemistry is pure gold (always high value, no matter what decade). Plus, you'll cry over things like a dad buying a new fridge. Bleak, beautiful and brimming with empathy. IU plays a debt-ridden temp worker and Lee Sun-kyun a weary engineer—two wounded souls who slowly find solace in each other, without a hint of romance. My Mister is a masterclass in quiet storytelling and moral nuance. There's no flashy romance (which deviates from your usual K-drama formula), just a devastatingly honest portrayal of adult loneliness and resilience. 4. 'Misaeng: Incomplete Life' (2014) Speaking of K-dramas that aged well, Misaeng: Incomplete Life is the most accurate depiction of South Korean office life ever committed to screen. Im Si-wan plays a former baduk player navigating corporate hell with wide-eyed realism. It's not flashy, but it's honest—and in an era of hustle fatigue, that's what hits hardest. Plus, watching people survive toxic bosses with dignity never gets old. 5. 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' (2020) It's a fairytale for adults that tackles mental health, trauma and the healing power of chosen family. Visually stunning, emotionally layered and anchored by standout performances, it's the rare modern K-drama that feels both poetic and precise . It's Okay to Not Be Okay puts a lot of emphasis on fashion, but that gothic styling and children's book metaphors will never go out of style. See more: Dressed to dominate: 6 ways K-drama heroines used fashion to showcase their power K-dramas that didn't age so well 1. 'Boys Over Flowers' (2009) It will always be a classic, but it's definitely not one of those K-dramas that aged well. Boys Over Flowers may be an iconic entry point for many K-drama fans, but it's also a masterclass in toxic masculinity. In 2025, it's hard to watch a heroine endure so much verbal abuse and casual humiliation and still call it romance. The male lead's behaviour borders on toxic, and the show's cartoonish treatment of class issues feels jarring now. We love a good makeover montage, but Boys Over Flowers is best left in your high school diary. In short, Lee Min-ho's Jun-pyo bullies the poor female lead into loving him, as the rich-kid fantasy glosses over violence, entitlement and too many perms. This is somehow both boring and problematic. Our heroine is ditzy, desperate and consistently demeaned by a genius male lead with the emotional range of a damp sock. The romantic message? Endure humiliation long enough, and he might marry you. The modern viewer cringe? It's the K-drama equivalent of 'he pulls your pigtails because he likes you'. 3. 'Secret Garden' (2010) There's body swap hilarity, but also a chaebol CEO (Hyun Bin) who stalks, gaslights and belittles a stuntwoman (Ha Ji-won) in the name of 'love'. It tries to be quirky, but lands in murky emotional territory. Hyun Bin's sparkly tracksuit became iconic, and the chemistry between the leads was magnetic. But the show's gender politics? Less so. Watching it again, the controlling male lead trope feels less romantic and more red flag. The whole premise hinges on problematic power dynamics, and while the fantasy setup is charming, its treatment of gender roles can be eyebrow-raising in retrospect. You'll also realise that the infamous sit-up scene is more awkward than endearing today. Also read: 8 unforgettable body swap K-dramas 4. 'You're Beautiful' (2009) A nun joins a boy band disguised as her twin brother. Hijinks ensue, but the gender jokes and campy slapstick don't quite hold up under modern scrutiny. You're Beautiful is still fun in a 'watch with wine and friends' way, but it's very much a product of its time. Every time you cringe, remember, it was 2009. Once the crown jewel of early Hallyu, Full House was every K-drama fan's gateway drug: slapstick comedy, enemies-to-lovers trope and a gorgeous house filled with absurd contract-marriage tension. Han Ji-eun (Song Hye-kyo) is a plucky aspiring writer who ends up living with superstar Lee Young-jae (Rain) after being tricked out of her house. Cue forced cohabitation, endless bickering and emotional tension. While undeniably nostalgic, Full Hous e now plays like a relic of a different era. Similar to Boys Over Flowers , it's not one of those K-dramas that aged well. Emotional manipulation served as romance, and women were treated more like plot devices than protagonists. The fashion is pure time capsule (low-rise jeans and cropped shrugs), and the storyline leans on tropes that today feel a touch regressive.
Pink Villa
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Boys Over Flowers star Kim Bum joins Ahn Hyo Seop and Chae Won Bin in new rom-com Today Was Also Sold Out
Alright, drama lovers, clear your watchlist and prep your group chats, because Kim Bum joined the cast of Today Was Also Sold Out, and this series is shaping up to be an absolute scene-stealer. Kim Bum will step into the role of Seo Eric, an effortlessly cool executive director at a major French cosmetics brand. His backstory? Oh, just casually growing up in France after his mom married into elite, billionaire-level circles. Raised with luxury, power, and European vibes — Seo Eric isn't just stylish, he's complicated. And if anyone can bring that icy-on-the-outside, complex-on-the-inside energy, it's Kim Bum. But wait — it gets better. He'll be starring alongside Ahn Hyo Seop and Chae Won Bin. That's right. One screen. Three leads. One spicy rom-com. The internet isn't ready. Here's a Quick Recap of Today Was Also Sold Out Ahn Hyo Seop plays Matthew Lee, a busy guy who does three jobs at once. He farms rare ingredients and runs a natural skincare company. He seems to have it all together, but he's hiding a big secret. Chae Won Bin plays Dam Ye Jin, a top home shopping host who always sells out products. She looks perfect on camera, but she struggles with insomnia and feels a lot of pressure. She's all about glamour, but also dealing with stress. This will be the first time Ahn Hyo Seop and Chae Won Bin share the screen space as leads. Now that Kim Bum's Seo Eric is in the mix, get ready for tension, sparks, drama, and a bit of chaos. The energy feels like luxury meets reality, and fans are already hooked. The series is set to premiere in 2026, so yes — the wait is long, but the payoff looks worth it. Between the unexpected love angles, clashing personalities, and subtle emotional depth, this is already feeling like your next K-drama obsession. Kim Bum's Past Project: Kim Bum's name rings a bell? That's because he's a legend. From Boys Over Flowers to Tale of the Nine Tailed, Ghost Doctor, and Law School, Kim Bum has made his mark. He brings edge, charm, and that low-key emotional weight that makes every scene hit just a little harder. Today Was Also Sold Out is officially on our radar. Rom-coms just got a major upgrade. ALSO READ: Ahn Hyo Seop and Chae Won Bin confirmed to lead rom-com Today Was Also Sold Out; know character details and release plans
Tatler Asia
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
10 K-drama tropes that never fail to win hearts
2. The makeover equals self-worth upgrade Frumpy becomes fabulous in one montage. This trope suggests that the path to success (and sometimes love) begins with a haircut and better foundation. Unfair? Yes. Effective TV? Also yes. Watch it here: True Beauty (2020), She Was Pretty (2015), My ID is Gangnam Beauty (2018). In all these shows, beauty becomes a plot device, and personal growth sometimes takes a backseat to BB cream. See more: 7 inspiring makeovers in K-dramas 3. Enemies to lovers (with bonus slapstick) They bicker. They glare. They share an elevator ride that ends in romantic tension and spilt coffee. This is one of those slow-burn K-drama tropes that thrive on delicious friction, sarcastic banter and unresolved sexual tension disguised as disdain. Watch it here: What's Wrong With Secretary Kim? (2018), My Lovely Sam Soon (2005), Business Proposal (2022), I Am Not a Robot (2017). We love it when insults turn into I love yous. Don't miss: K-drama love language: How characters say 'I love you' without ever saying it 4. The wrist grab (because communication is overrated) Why talk when you can yank someone by the wrist like a human yo-yo? This trope usually signals a pivotal moment of drama, a declaration of 'Don't go!' or just plain emotional constipation. Watch it here: Boys Over Flowers (2009), Playful Kiss (2010), The Heirs (2013) and Temptation of Wife (2008) all demonstrated this classic move. The wrist grab has practically earned its own genre. 5. Amnesia (plot twist in a coma) Fact: Amnesia may be included on this list of K-drama tropes, but it's a universal soap opera standby. Forget your past, your lover, your identity—just not your skincare routine. This soap-operatic gem resets relationships with the emotional finesse of a wrecking ball. Watch it here: Winter Sonata (2002), Save Me (2017), Stairway to Heaven (2003), Lie to Me (2011), Queen of Tears (2024) all displayed bouts of amnesia, proving that memory loss may be inconvenient, but it makes for an easy plot. 6. Only one bed Classic setup: two leads are forced to share a room and—gasp!—there's only one bed. Cue awkward glances, back-to-back sleeping arrangements and a blanket line down the middle like a DMZ of sexual tension. Watch it here: Because This Is My First Life (2017), Fated to Love You (2014), Oh My Venus (2015) and Full House (2004) demonstrate that one bed is more than enough for simmering sexual tension. 7. Rich guy, poor girl plot He's a cold chaebol with issues. She's scrappy and adorable and lives in a tiny rooftop room. The bank accounts are unbalanced, but the chemistry is perfectly calibrated. Watch it here: Secret Garden (2010), Boys Over Flowers (2009), Business Proposal (2022), It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2020), Queen of Tears (2024), The Heirs (2013) and My Fair Lady (2009) are only some of many K-dramas where wealth, entitlement and dramatic declarations collide. 8. Second lead syndrome He's kind. He's loyal. He's not the main lead, which means he's destined to cry in the rain while holding a ring he'll never get to use. Second leads are the patron saints of K-drama heartbreak. This is perhaps one of the most beloved of all K-drama tropes. Watch it here: Start-Up (2020), Reply 1988 (2015), Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016) and Love Alarm (2019) all portray second leads who are too pure for this cruel K-drama world. See more: 7 memorable second leads that K-drama fans can't get enough of 9. Found families When friends, coworkers, neighbours or fellow inmates turn into your family, it's not just wholesome—it's therapeutic. This trope delivers laughs, tears and group meals that heal childhood wounds. Watch it here: Crash Landing on You (2019), Prison Playbook (2017), Racket Boys (2021), Hospital Playlist (2020) and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016) perfectly show circumstances when your squad is your real safety net. Also read: 11 heart-warming found families in K-dramas (THIS IS NOT PUBLISHED YET) 10. Terminal illness, beautifully lit No trope has broken more hearts (or tissue budgets). Usually involving one lead getting sick just as the relationship hits peak fluff, this trope is the ultimate emotional rug-pull. Watch it here: Uncontrollably Fond (2016), I'm Sorry, I Love You (2004), Just Between Lovers (2017), The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018). In these shows, the tears are inevitable, but at least they're cinematic.
Pink Villa
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
The Heirs star Lee Min Ho invites fans to renew their subscription to him; here's what it's all about
Lee Min Ho is once again inviting fans to be part of his official fan club—MINOZ—as the 16th membership recruitment begins for 2025. This annual membership opportunity is a highly anticipated event for fans across the globe, offering exclusive access to content, events, and special merchandise tied to the actor's activities. Enrollment is open to both domestic and international fans (excluding residents of Japan), and registration must be completed through the official website Enrollment and Membership Period The recruitment period runs from May 2, 2025, at 14:00 KST to June 20, 2025, at 23:59 KST. The membership will be valid for one year, from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026. What Membership Includes Lee Min Ho 's fans of the 16th MINOZ fan club term will receive the following: Official MINOZ 16th Membership Card One-time Special Membership Kit, with shipping scheduled to begin in August 2025 Access to Fan-Only Content on the official site, including updates and multimedia Priority access to official events, depending on availability and organizer policies. About MINOZ Lee Min Ho' s MINOZ is the official fan club, serving as a platform for fans to receive verified updates, engage with exclusive content, and stay informed about the actor's upcoming projects and public appearances. Membership is offered on a periodic basis and is managed directly by MYM Entertainment. For those who are still unfamiliar with Lee Min Ho, he is a prominent star who has made a significant impact in the Korean entertainment industry through a range of dramas. Lee Min Ho's next project, Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint: The Prophet, is scheduled for release in July 2025, marking another exciting chapter in his career. Other than Lee Min Ho's latest project, the actor is known for the Boys Over Flowers series. The 37-year-old actor went on to star in several popular series, including The Heirs, Legend of the Blue Sea, The King: Eternal Monarch, and Pachinko. He is also set to appear in the upcoming drama When the Stars Gossip (also known as Ask the Stars). Fans interested in joining are advised to complete their registration within the recruitment window.
Forbes
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Assassin In ‘The Old Woman With The Knife' May Have Lost Her Edge
Lee Hye-young turns on the vet who bandaged her arm, played by Yeon Woo-jin. It's awful to be abandoned when you are old and sick, says the veterinarian played by Yeon Woo-jin in the film The Old Woman With The Knife. He's talking about the stray dog brought to him by Hornclaw, the legendary assassin played by Lee Hye-young. Hornclaw does not usually let herself get emotionally attached, yet his words prompt her to bring the dog home. Emotional attachments are a liability for an assassin. Known as the Godmother, she works with an agency that describes itself as exterminators. They kill people they consider vermin, fulfilling client requests that often ask for the most grisly and punishing deaths. Hornclaw has been an assassin for most of her life, but now that she's in her 60s she worries about losing some of her edge. She's still killing people, she's still lethal, but health issues have made her vulnerable and some might argue less effective. Her enemies have no problem telling her how useless she is now that she's old. Those comments are likely to get them killed. Pagwa, played by Kim Kang-woo (The Tyrant) runs the pest control organization she works for and he's ready for a change—maybe less killing for noble reasons and more killing for profit—but that would mean getting rid of the principled Hornclaw. He hires a young thug, named Too-woo, played by Kim Sung-cheol, who really enjoys killing with or without justification. Too-woo shadows Hornclaw, supposedly to help her, but he has his own reasons to get rid of her. Kim Sung-cheol plays a thug assigned to shadow an assassin in 'The Old Woman With The Knife.' The vet who helped Hornclaw's stray dog is a nice guy, much too nice to become involved with assassins, but that's just what happens when he helps Hornclaw. The cool-headed assassin, who has successfully avoided emotional attachments, suddenly finds herself adopting a dog and a family she wants to protect. The female-centered action thriller, which premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, explores issues of aging, control and the cost of violence. Lee 's raw portrayal of Hornclaw makes it easy for viewers to feel her scars. Even when the character seems calm, there's an undercurrent of fear, a wariness that makes her a great assassin. Lee has a long history of memorable roles, appearing in dramas from Boys Over Flowers to Bitter Sweet and in films such as In Front Of Your Face, which was a Cannes Official Selection, and The Novelist's Film, which won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at Berlinale 2022). Kim Sung-cheol, who plays a loathsome villain in this blood-splattered film, recently appeared in Death's Game, Hellbound 2 and Sweet Home 3, while Yeon Woo-jin can be see in the dramas A Virtuous Business, Daily Dose of Sunshine and Thirty-Nine. The Old Woman With The Knife is based on the novel Pagwa by Gu Byeong-mo, author of Apartment Women, a New York Times' Editors Choice. The novel was adapted for the screen and directed by Min Kyu-dong. Distributed by Well Go USA, the film was released in South Korea on April 30 and opens in U.S. theaters on May 16,
