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Tatler Asia
4 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.
Tatler Asia
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Clean slates: How 6 Korean stars bounced back from scandal
2. Seo Yea-ji At the peak of her icy-glam allure from It's Okay to Not Be Okay , Seo Yea-ji was shaping to be an up-and-coming Korean star. Then came 2021. Allegations surfaced that she had manipulated then-boyfriend Kim Jung-hyun into acting cold toward his female co-star. Add in accusations about her résumé embellishments and abusive behaviour, and suddenly the industry turned cold at the former future screen queen. Seo Yea-ji pulled the oldest trick in the K-celeb playbook: vanish, regroup, reappear with cheekbones sharper than public memory. She returned in Eve (2022), a revenge-driven makjang drama that leaned into her femme-fatale brand. While ratings were mixed, her presence was undeniable. Her redemption? Still a work in progress, but as anyone in K-dramaland knows, even a half-likeable anti-heroine gets a second act. 3. Lee Byung-hun He's one of the biggest Korean stars, but you don't get to be Korea's A-list royalty without some tarnish on the crown. In 2014, Lee Byung-hun was embroiled in a blackmail scandal involving two younger women who threatened to leak a video of him making lewd jokes. Cue moral outrage, press conferences and awkward public apologies to his wife, actress Lee Min-jung. But here's the thing: Lee Byung Hun is an actor's actor. He weathered the scandal with a mixture of contrition and sheer onscreen dominance. A year later, he was back, starring in Inside Men (2015), Master (2016) and Hollywood blockbusters. His saving grace? A long résumé of brilliant performances, a loyal fanbase and a national tendency to forgive men with gravitas and box office receipts. Now he's back on the global stage with Squid Game , whose third season is airing in June. 4. Song Hye-kyo Yes, the K-drama queen hasn't always had a squeaky-clean reputation. Long before The Glory (2022) turned her into the unofficial face of elegant vengeance, Song Hye-kyo faced a quieter scandal: a tax evasion incident in 2014. While she claimed the unpaid taxes were due to an accountant's error, the damage was rapid, especially for an actress known for her pristine image and clean-cut rom-com leads. Rather than launch into defence mode, Song Hye-kyo paid her dues, issued a sincere public apology and took a step back. She came back smarter, picking roles that aged with her: more introspective, less bubblegum. Revenge saga The Glory didn't just reignite her allure, it rebranded her entirely and solidified her as one of the most enduring Korean stars in history. Proof that in Korea, a scandal can be a footnote if your next act is pitch-perfect. Don't miss: The rise of the antihero: 10 K-drama characters who played by their own rules 5. T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) As BigBang's chicest member and the reigning king of aloof cool, T.O.P had it all, until a 2017 marijuana scandal (still illegal in Korea) and a highly publicised overdose during his military service nearly derailed his career. The public's response was swift and cold; this was no minor misstep. After years of low-profile living, art collecting and cryptic Instagram posts, T.O.P slowly returned, rejoining BigBang for their 2022 single 'Still Life'. The moody, mature ballad served as a comeback and a quiet reintroduction. He's since stepped away from the group, refocusing on his passions in art and space (he was even slated for a lunar mission via Elon Musk's SpaceX project, although that has yet to materialise). He also played a scene-stealing rapper in the second season of Squid Game (2024). 6. G-Dragon G-Dragon is one of the biggest Korean stars in music. After a drug scandal in 2011, G-Dragon's reputation saw a dip in public favour, especially given Korea's strict drug laws. But his case was relatively minor, a one-time incident in Japan, reportedly from an offer he 'didn't know' was laced. His comeback? Immaculately styled. GD continued to dominate both music and fashion, re-cementing his icon status with a solo album, global campaigns for Chanel and museum-level fashion credibility. He's proof that, in Korea, scandal can be forgiven, especially if you're the kind of celebrity who's more cultural institution than idol.
Tatler Asia
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Moon Woo-jin: The K-drama flashback king who plays every leading man's younger self
2. Park Seo-joon in 'What's Wrong with Secretary Kim?' (2018) Before Park Seo-joon's character, Lee Young-joon, became the epitome of a narcissistic yet charming CEO, Moon Woo-jin portrayed his nine-year-old self, Lee Sung-hyeon. Through his performance, Moon Woo-jin laid the emotional groundwork for the character's complex personality, especially highlighting the traumatic events that shaped his adult demeanour. No spoilers, but Woo-jin was able to demonstrate fear, courage and maturity in a few short scenes. 3. Kim Soo-hyun in 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' (2020) In this emotionally charged drama, Moon Woo-jin took on the role of young Moon Gang-tae, the character eventually played by Kim Soo-hyun. His portrayal of a boy burdened with responsibility and emotional scars added depth to the narrative, making the adult character's struggles all the more poignant. 4. Cha Eun-woo in 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty' (2018) Moon Woo-jin plays the young Do Kyung-seok, a quietly intelligent boy neglected by his mother and emotionally scarred long before the series begins. His childhood scenes lay the groundwork for why the adult Kyung-seok distrusts appearances—and why his eventual love feels hard-won and real. 5. Kim Kyung-nam in 'The King: Eternal Monarch' (2020) In this fantasy romance, Moon Woo-jin portrayed the younger versions of both Kang Shin-jae and Kang Hyeon-min, characters played by Kim Kyung-nam. His dual performance showcased his versatility and set the stage for the intricate storyline involving parallel universes and complex identities. 6. Park Hae-joon/Park Bo-gum in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' (2023) Although Park Bo-gum was initially associated with the role of Yang Gwan-sik, it's Park Hae-joon who portrayed the middle-aged version of the character. Moon Woo-jin played the teenage Gwan-sik, capturing the character's formative years with subtlety and emotional depth. His role was small, but it was impactful, demonstrating Gwan-sik's lasting devotion and his optimism for their future. 7. Chae Jong-hyeop in 'Castaway Diva' (2023) As the young Kang Bo-geol, Moon Woo-jin delivers one of his more heroic turns—helping the female lead escape abuse and survive on a deserted island. His quiet bravery and emotional warmth become the emotional foundation for Bo-geol's adult actions, turning an otherwise quirky rom-com into a layered survival-meets-healing story. 8. Lee Seung-gi in 'Vagabond' (2019) In a drama where conspiracies span continents and every second person might be a double agent, it's Moon Woo-jin who quietly anchors the emotional stakes. He plays young Cha Dal-gun (Lee Seung-gi), a boy already hardened by tragedy and abandonment long before the adult Dal-gun becomes a stuntman-turned-avenger. Woo-jin appears in flashbacks that show the early loss, desperation, and flashes of rage that shaped Dal-gun's obsessive need to uncover the truth behind his nephew's death. He doesn't say much, but his fierce gaze and clenched jaw do all the heavy lifting. In a series packed with explosions, it's young Dal-gun's implosions that hit hardest. Also read: 10 most expensive Korean dramas to make: CLOY, Vincenzo, Vagabond and more 9. Kim Nam-gil in 'The Fiery Priest' (2019, 2024) Before he was punching gangsters and quoting the Bible with John Wick levels of rage, Kim Nam-gil's Father Kim Hae-il was just a traumatised little boy—and Moon Woo-jin plays him with raw, unsettling precision. As the young Hae-il, Woo-jin captures the boy's early brushes with violence, abandonment and unchecked anger. His eyes do most of the talking: wide with fear, then narrowed with rage. It's in these flashbacks that we understand why this ex-NIS agent-turned-priest is so volatile and fiercely protective. Without Woo-jin's simmering performance, Father Kim's spiritual angst might've just read as theatrics. But thanks to those childhood scenes, his path to redemption hits harder than a crucifix in a bar fight.
Hindustan Times
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Did Kim Soo-hyun 'two-time' Kim Sae-ron with another actor during his military service? Here's what we know
Kim Soo-hyun, who is already amid a row for allegedly dating a minor, was reportedly in a relationship with another actor during his military service. Korea Times, citing Money Today, reported that Soo-hyun dated the actor, who was a K-pop idol group member, "from around 2016 to 2019". They were labelmates at the same agency. (Also Read | Kim Soo-hyun's entire footage from South Korean show removed amid Kim Sae-ron row) Reportedly, Kim Soo-hyun and the actor parted ways in 2019 just before his discharge from the South Korean military. The report quoted a source, "The relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and the actress was an open secret in the entertainment industry. I heard that Kim often sent letters to her during his military service." Another source said, "The exact starting point of their relationship is unclear, but it is certain that they dated between 2017 and 2019, when Kim was serving in the military." His agency, Gold Medalist, has not issued any statement regarding the rumour. Soo-hyun enlisted in the military in October 2017 and was discharged in July 2019. Previously, the family of the late Kim Sae-ron claimed that Soo-hyun was in a relationship with her for six years since 2015. At that time, Gold Medalist said that they dated from "the summer of 2019 to the fall of 2020, after Kim Sae-ron had become an adult". In March, Soo-hyun said that he "didn't date her while she was a minor". Soo-hyun is facing heat from Sae-ron's family amid claims that he was in a relationship with her when she was just 15, and that his agency, Gold Medalist, forced her to repay a debt prior to her death. Sae-ron was found dead at her home in Seoul on February 16. She was 24. He is best known for shows such as It's Okay to Not Be Okay, My Love from the Star and Queen of Tears.
Korea Herald
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Scandal-plagued stars step back into spotlight
Seo Ye-ji, Yoo Ah-in, Netflix's 'The Glory' star Kim Hieora return to screens after hiatus A wave of once-disgraced South Korean celebrities are returning to the spotlight following high-profile public blowups. Actor Seo Ye-ji recently appeared on TV for the first time since stepping away from the public eye following a series of media firestorms. The allegations against her included mistreating staff, falsifying her academic credentials, engaging in school bullying and pressuring her then-boyfriend, actor Kim Jung-hyun, to cut romantic scenes and physical contact with a female co-star. She was also entangled in rumors of alleged romantic ties to actor Kim Soo-hyun and Lee Ro-be, the co-founder and co-executive producer of Kim Soo-hyun's agency, Gold Medalist. Seo, who rose to stardom through hit dramas such as 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay,' 'Save Me,' and 'Eve,' has since faced fierce backlash, prompting an extended hiatus. On March 30, she made her small screen comeback for the first time since the controversies emerged in 2021, appearing as a guest on the long-running culinary travel show 'Huh Young Man's Food Travel" -- in which she visited Wonju, a city in Gangwon Province, alongside host Huh Young-man. Seo is also slated to host the second episode of 'SNL Korea' season 7, which is known for its satire and often confronts the controversies of its celebrity guests. The episode is scheduled to stream on Coupang Play on Saturday. Meanwhile, actor Yoo Ah-in, who was released from prison in February after serving five months on drug-related charges, has also resurfaced in the entertainment scene. Yoo stars opposite Lee Byung-hun in 'The Match,' a drama film based on the real-life story of legendary baduk, or Go, players Lee Chang-ho and Cho Hoon-hyun. Production of "The Match" was completed in 2021, but its release was indefinitely shelved after Yoo was charged with drug offenses. Initially slated for distribution by Netflix, the streaming platform later opted not to release the film. It was then picked up by local studio BY4M Studio for a theatrical rollout, marking Yoo's first screen appearance since his downfall. Actor Kim Hieora, who found mainstream success through her portrayal of Lee Sa-ra, a character struggling with drug addiction, in Netflix's hit revenge drama 'The Glory,' is also making a comeback. Following her breakout role, Kim was accused of bullying other students in her middle school years -- allegations that hit especially hard given the premise of "The Glory," which centers on a woman seeking revenge against those who bullied her at school. Kim returns to the big screen later this year with an occult thriller 'The Savior." She plays Choon-seo, a single mother entangled in supernatural chaos. It marks her first film project in two years following the controversy. Actor Park Han-byul -- best known for 'Whispering Corridors' and 'Couple or Trouble' -- has returned to TV. Her career came to a halt after her husband, Yoo In-suk, was implicated in the Burning Sun scandal, which centered on a network of celebrities accused of crimes ranging from filming illicit videos without consent to sexual assault and prostitution. Yoo was reportedly a key figure in the case alongside former Big Bang member Seungri. Park returned to TV on Wednesday through the tvN entertainment show 'Father and I,' where she opened up about the toll the scandal had taken on her life. The episode showed her breaking down in tears while discussing her relationship with her father. She also addressed the public fallout directly: 'I was overwhelmed with extreme thoughts, to the point where I wondered if things would only end if I died," she said. "There was nothing I could do.'
