Latest news with #JiChang-wook
Tatler Asia
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Fists and flying kicks: 10 K-drama martial arts shows to stream now
2. 'The K2' (2016) A former mercenary turned bodyguard, Kim Je-ha (Ji Chang-wook) becomes embroiled in the dark underbelly of Korean politics when he's hired to protect the illegitimate daughter of a presidential candidate. Ji Chang-wook delivers heart-stopping action sequences, blending Krav Maga-style close combat with cinematic flair. You'll want to replay the staircase fight scene. It's a masterclass in choreographed chaos. 3. 'Fight for My Way' (2017) Go Dong-man (Park Seo-joon) was once a promising taekwondo champ, but now he sells pest control. It's not the usual premise for a martial arts K-drama, but wait for it. Dong-man's desire to prove himself simmers beneath his laid-back exterior. When he returns to the MMA ring, he's forced to confront his past and fight for a future that's entirely his. Park Seo-joon plays Dong-man with a perfect mix of charm and bruised pride, making this coming-of-age martial arts K-drama both grounded and empowering. See more: From Bit to Big Time: The K-drama roles that launched Korea's biggest stars 4. 'Arthdal Chronicles' (2019) Set in a fictional prehistoric land, Arthdal Chronicles follows Eun-seom (Song Joong-ki), a half-human warrior destined to challenge a corrupt empire. While not strictly a martial arts drama, the hand-to-hand combat scenes and military training sequences are intense, with Song Joong-ki showcasing agility and sword skills in elaborate battle choreography that leans into the epic. Who knew tribal warfare could be so fascinating? 5. 'My Name' (2021) After witnessing her father's murder, Ji-woo (Han So-hee) infiltrates a crime syndicate—and later, the police force—to seek vengeance. Han So-hee undergoes a complete physical transformation here, channelling rage and training into relentless fight sequences. From basement brawls to bathroom beatdowns, the choreography here, unlike other martial arts K-drama shows on this list, is savage, realistic and fuelled by grief. 6. 'Six Flying Dragons' (2015) This martial arts K-drama is where political intrigue meets blade-heavy combat brilliance. It's a riveting prequel to Tree with Deep Roots , which features Lee Bang-won (Yoo Ah-in), a real-life historical figure and future king, whose rise is marked by rebellion and, yes, lethal swordsmanship. From philosophical duels to full-scale battle choreography, this series redefines what martial arts looks like in a period drama. It's equal parts poetic, precise and unflinchingly brutal. 7. 'The King's Face' (2014) Prince Gwanghae (Seo In-guk) is a royal born with an unlucky face and remarkable instincts. The drama blends face-reading mysticism with palace scheming and, interestingly enough, intense martial training. Here, sword fighting isn't just for defence; it's an art form. Expect showdowns in moonlit courtyards and emotionally charged duels between crown contenders. 8. 'Kingdom' (2019–2020) Not your typical historical drama, Kingdom has Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) slicing his way through an undead outbreak with the elegance of a seasoned swordsman. Between dodging political enemies and flesh-eating ghouls, Lee Chang proves that sword fighting is a survival tool as well as a royal birthright. The series is visually lush and choreographically sharp, with every swing having high stakes. Don't miss: 'Kingdom: Ashin of the North': 9 details you shouldn't miss 9. 'The Slave Hunters' / 'Chuno' (2010) Looking for gritty manhunts with acrobatic sword-and-fist showdowns? Lee Dae-gil (Jang Hyuk) is a slave hunter with a tragic past and lightning-fast reflexes. Chuno is famous for its dynamic fight scenes: hand-to-hand combat, knife fights and high-stakes sword duels that use real martial arts techniques, enhanced by dusty chase sequences and muscular performances. Think martial arts, but with emotional baggage and wild ponytails. 10. 'Iljimae' (2008) Lee Joon-gi dazzles as Iljimae , a masked vigilante who leaps across rooftops and slices through injustice with balletic grace. Inspired by classic martial arts tales, the drama, which feels like Robin Hood learns wuxia, leans heavily on sword techniques, stealth training and hand-to-hand combat that would make any martial arts hero proud. Bonus: Lee Joon-gi performed many of his stunts.
Gulf News
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
5 K-Dramas that took dream leads and ruined them with ice-cold chemistry: K2 to Forecasting Love and Weather
K-Dramas are usually on point with the leads and the chemistry. Not often, does it miss the mark even if the storytelling does. But then there are some that build up the hype: You see actors, who have had stunning chemistry with every other actor before, and you are sure it can't go wrong. But sigh, when it does, you're left with rather dull, lifeless and soulless chemistry between two otherwise very charismatic leads. 1) Forecasting Love And Weather *Grumbles* This one still singes. How do you go wrong with Song Kang and Park Min-young, who have had practically sizzling chemistry with everyone other lead character in their shows? Set in a weather forecasting agency, the story sees their characters fall in love early on, only to spiral into a storm of work stress and emotional baggage. Even the reunion and love confession lacked warmth. What should've been heart-fluttering felt like… a drizzle. 2) Love Next Door It was almost there. We felt the tension rising slightly between Jung Hae-in and Jung Som-in, till…we didn't. Jung Hae-in's character quickly devolved into a man-child who threw tantrums over So-min's career decisions—including a major one where she considered going abroad. The romance drowned in ego and immaturity. 3) Memories of the Alhambra If you thought Forecasting was a dull disappointment, you should see what happens to the pairing between Hyun Bin and Park Shin-ye in this fantastical drama. We're talking about two actors who practically reshaped the K-entertainment industry, instead we got a very awkward romance between the two of them, or barely anything at all. Not to mention that the story itself went off the rails by the last episode. 4) The K2 Ji Chang-wook, another lead actor who could have chemistry with a stone, if he wants. And there's the stunning Yoona, in this action-packed thriller, where Ji Chang-wook is just busy flexing muscles, beating up people as he suffers from bullet wounds. Yoona plays a traumatised woman, trapped by her devious stepmother, who ironically seemed to have had more chemistry with Chang-wook. That's right, we said it. You know what you had to do, K2 writers. 5) Doctor Stranger So much chaos, so little chemistry. Between political conspiracies, North Korean escape plots, and absurd medical drama, Lee Jong-suk and Jin Se-yeon's love story never found its pulse. The emotional beats felt forced, the reunion lacked spark, and honestly? Jong-suk had much more chemistry with the second lead. But in true K-Drama fashion, the second lead never stood a chance.
South China Morning Post
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
K-drama casting news about Jun Ji-hyun, Ji Chang-wook, Lee Do-hyun and more
The stars align for a major fantasy series, and lawyers tackle violence against women, in the latest small-screen casting announcements out of South Korea. 1. Human X Gumiho Stars Jun Ji-hyun and Ji Chang-wook have received offers to lead the coming fantasy drama Human X Gumiho. Advertisement Beyond the hint from the title that this will be a fantasy drama involving gumiho – mythological 'nine-tailed foxes' who take on human form, usually as a beautiful woman, to seduce a man – no concrete plot details have been revealed so far. Ji Chang-wook in a still from Welcome to Samdal-ri. Known for timeless works such as My Sassy Girl and My Love from the Star, Jun was most recently seen in Jirisan and will next be seen opposite Gang Dong-won in the big-budget Disney+ series Tempest. Ji has been very busy of late, appearing in three series in 2024 – Welcome to Samdal-ri Queen Woo and Gangnam B-Side – as well as the film Revolver. He will also appear in the Disney K-drama The Manipulated and next year's highly anticipated Netflix period drama Scandals alongside Son Ye-jin. The series is being penned by Doom at Your Service scribe Im Meari, a former assistant to legendary K-drama writer Kim Eun-sook (Descendants of the Sun). 2. Efficient Dating of Singles
Korea Herald
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Jun Ji-hyun returns to film after 10 years with Yeon Sang-ho's new movie
Ji Chang-wook joins star-studded cast of 'Gunche' Actress Jun Ji-hyun is making her long-awaited return to the big screen after a decade, starring in Yeon Sang-ho's latest film, 'Gunche,' which recently began filming. The movie, titled after a Korean word for 'colony,' is expected to premiere next year, according to its distributor ShowBox, Friday. This is Jun's first collaboration with Yeon and her first film appearance since the 2015 blockbuster "Assassination," directed by Choi Dong-hoon. 'Gunche' revolves around a mysterious virus outbreak that leads to a building being sealed off, with infected individuals evolving in unpredictable ways. Ji Chang-wook is also joining the star-studded cast. Actors Koo Kyo-hwan, Shin Hyun-bin and Kim Shin-rok are reuniting with director Yeon, while Go Soo is set to make a special appearance. Details about their roles have yet to be revealed. Yeon is known for crafting unique, imaginative narratives, having built a strong following through works such as the global hit 'Train to Busan,' its sequel 'Peninsula,' the Netflix series 'Hellbound,' and 'Parasyte: The Grey.'
