Latest news with #JuJi-hoon
Tatler Asia
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
The most iconic roles of Baeksang Awards 2025 best actor Ju Ji-hoon and best actress Kim Tae-ri
Crown Prince Lee Shin in 'Princess Hours' (2006) Above 'Princess Hours' promotional photo (Photo: courtesy of Viu) Ju Ji-hoon's ascent to stardom began with the iconic role of Crown Prince Lee Shin in the 2006 drama Princess Hours , one of the shows that helped introduce global viewers to K-dramas for the first time. Princess Hours is set in a fictionalised modern-day Korea with a reigning monarchy. He portrayed the initially cold and aloof crown prince unexpectedly thrust into an arranged marriage with a commoner. This role catapulted Ju Ji-hoon to popularity and his portrayal of a prince gradually warming to love captured the hearts of a massive audience, establishing an early image of regal charm. Princess Hours was more than just a hit; it was a cultural phenomenon that introduced a major new talent to the K-drama landscape. Read also: 'Coffee Prince', 'Boys Over Flowers' and more: The best K-dramas of all time Crown Prince Lee Chang in 'Kingdom' (2019-2020) Above Ju Ji-hoon as Crown Prince Lee Chang in 'Kingdom' (Photo: courtesy of Netflix) A significant milestone in Ju Ji-hoon's international career was his leading role as Crown Prince Lee Chang in Netflix's first original Korean production, the historical zombie thriller Kingdom . The series, which spanned two acclaimed seasons, saw him once again in a royal role, but this time navigating a mysterious plague, a terrifying zombie outbreak and treacherous political conspiracies. Kingdom's global success on the streaming platform brought Ju Ji-hoon to a wider international audience, showcasing his ability to lead a high-stakes, genre-bending narrative that masterfully blended horror, action and historical drama. His portrayal of the determined and evolving prince fighting for his people was central to the show's critical and popular acclaim. This role was pivotal, demonstrating his maturation into a lead capable of anchoring large-scale, internationally recognised productions and significantly contributing to the burgeoning global K-drama wave, particularly as it was associated with Netflix's early and successful ventures into Korean original content. Kingdom is written by Kim Eun-hee, a South Korean playwright and screenwriter who is also behind other blockbusters like Signal, Jirisan and Revenant . Yoon Hee-jae in 'Hyena' (2020) Above Official trailer of 'Hyena' (Video: courtesy of Netflix) Ju Ji-hoon delivers a compelling performance as Yoon Hee-jae in the 2020 legal drama Hyena. Portraying an elite lawyer from a prestigious background, he is the youngest equity partner at the powerful law firm Song & Kim. His confidence and methodical nature are challenged when he encounters Jung Geum-ja (Kim Hye-soo), a cunning rival who disrupts his structured world. Ju Ji-hoon's portrayal captures Hee-jae's transformation from a proud, calculated attorney to someone grappling with unexpected challenges, blending sharp wit with emotional depth. Ju Ji-hoon co-starred with Kim Hye-soo, who appeared in several Korean dramas like Under the Queen's Umbrella , Juvenile Justice and Unmasked . Woo Chae-woon in 'Blood Free' ( 2024) Above Official trailer of 'Blood Free' (Video: courtesy of Disney+) Ju Ji-hoon portrays the role of a former elite naval officer haunted by a devastating terrorist attack that left the South Korean president disabled and claimed the lives of his comrades. Driven by a relentless pursuit of justice, Woo Chae-woon infiltrates BF Group—a biotech company revolutionising the food industry with lab-grown meat—by becoming the personal bodyguard to its CEO, Yoon Ja-yu (Han Hyo-joo). As he delves deeper, he uncovers a web of secrets linking the company to the past tragedy. His performance masterfully balances intense action sequences with a portrayal of a man grappling with inner turmoil, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor. Ju Ji-hoon starred alongside Han Hyo-joo, who is popular for her roles in the globally acclaimed series, Moving , and in Happiness where she co-starred with another Korean superstar, Park Hyung-sik. Read also: From 'Buried Hearts' to 'Doctor Slump': Must-see Park Hyung-sik Korean dramas across genres Seok Ji-won in 'Love Your Enemy' (2024) Above Official trailer of 'Love Your Enemy' (Video: courtesy of Disney+) In the 2024 romantic comedy Love Your Enemy , Ju Ji-hoon stars as Seok Ji-won, the charismatic executive director of Seokban Construction and newly appointed chairman of Dokmok High School. Returning to his hometown after 18 years, Seok Ji-won reunites with his childhood rival, Yoon Ji-won (Jung Yu-mi), reigniting a long-standing feud rooted in their families' animosity. Ju Ji-hoon's portrayal captures the complexity of a man torn between past grievances and present responsibilities, blending his character's authoritative presence with moments of vulnerability and humour. His performance adds depth to the enemies-to-lovers narrative, showcasing his versatility in romantic comedy roles. Jung Won-young in 'Light Shop' (2024) Above Ju Ji-hoon as Jung Won-young in 'Light Shop' (Photo: courtesy of Disney+) In this mystery-horror series, Ju Ji-hoon portrays the enigmatic proprietor of a perpetually illuminated lighting store nestled in a shadowy alley. This unique shop draws in a diverse array of visitors—some alive, others not—each grappling with unresolved traumas. Jung Won-young serves as a silent guide, aiding these individuals in confronting their pasts and seeking closure. Ju Ji-hoon's restrained yet compelling performance imbues the character with a profound sense of mystery and empathy, anchoring the series' exploration of life, death, and redemption. His portrayal has been lauded for its depth and subtlety, contributing significantly to the show's acclaim. Yoon Jeong-nyeon in 'Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born' (2024) Above Official trailer of 'Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born' (Video: courtesy of Disney+) Kim Tae-ri's recent Baeksang Best Actress award was for her portrayal of Yoon Jeong-nyeon in the tvN drama Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born . The series follows the journey of a young woman in the Fifties, gifted with a natural talent for singing, who dreams of joining a yeoseong gukgeuk (traditional all-female Korean musical theatre troupe). Her performance as a genius in traditional Korean opera resonated deeply, particularly given her dedication, which included three years of voice training for the show. Beyond the individual brilliance of her acting, the role and the drama itself had a significant cultural impact, bringing a renewed attention to the female Korean opera genre. Go Ae-shin in 'Mr Sunshine' (2018) Above Kim Tae-ri as Go Ae-sin in 'Mr Sunshine' (Photo: courtesy of Netflix) Kim Tae-ri made an impactful television debut in the epic historical drama Mr Sunshine , where she co-starred alongside Squid Game 's Lee Byung-hun. She portrayed Go Ae-shin, a strong-willed Joseon noblewoman who secretly operates as a sniper for Korea's righteous army during a tumultuous period of foreign encroachment. The drama was a massive hit, lauded for its stunning cinematography, compelling narrative and powerful performances. Kim Tae-ri's portrayal of the fiercely independent and patriotic Ae-shin earned her critical acclaim and the APAN Star Award for Best New Actress. This role was iconic for seamlessly transitioning her film success to the small screen and for creating one of the most memorable strong female leads in recent K-drama history, often choosing characters that resonate with themes of resistance and resilience. Read also: 10 Most Expensive Korean Dramas To Make: CLOY, Vincenzo, Vagabond, And More Na Hee-do in 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' (2022) Above Na Hee-do in the 2022 series, 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' (Photo: TvN) Kim Tae-ri further solidified her status as a leading actress with her role as a passionate and determined teenage fencer pursuing her dreams against the backdrop of the late Nineties IMF crisis, whose journey of ambition, friendship and love resonated deeply with a global audience. Her vibrant and heartfelt portrayal earned her widespread praise and her first Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actress in a television show. The character of Na Hee-do became an inspiring figure for many, and Kim Tae-ri's ability to convey youthful exuberance and mature emotional depth was a key factor in the drama's immense popularity and critical success. Kim Tae-ri co-starred with Korean heartthrob Nam Joo-hyuk who became popular for his roles in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo and Start Up . Read also: 5 things about the Korean actor, Kim Seon-ho, revealed Gu San-young in 'Revenant' (2023) Above Official trailer of 'Revenant' (Video: courtesy of Disney+) Demonstrating her remarkable versatility, Kim Tae-ri ventured into the occult thriller genre with Revenant , playing Gu San-young, a young woman who becomes possessed by an evil spirit after receiving a mysterious relic from her deceased father. The role required her to navigate complex emotional states and portray the chilling duality of her character. Her performance was a tour de force, earning her the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the SBS Drama Awards, one of the highest acting honours in Korean television. Revenant streams on Disney+. Captain Jang in 'Space Sweepers' (2021) Above Official trailer of 'Space Sweepers' (Video: courtesy of Netflix) Starring alongside Korean drama royalty Song Joong-ki, Kim Tae-ri commands the screen as Captain Jang, the formidable leader of the spaceship Victory. A former elite engineer for UTS, she turned rogue after uncovering the corporation's dark secrets, forming her own pirate crew. Captain Jang is a sharp, justice-driven strategist who remains unwavering in her convictions, even as the rest of the crew evolves. Kim Tae-ri's portrayal brings depth and resilience to the character, anchoring the film's emotional core amidst its high-octane sci-fi action. Read also: Have You Tried These Top 10 Food and Snacks from K-Dramas? Nan-young in 'Lost in Starlight' (2025) Above Official trailer of 'Lost in Starlight' (Video: courtesy of Netflix) In Netflix's first Korean original animated film, Lost in Starlight , Kim Tae-ri lends her voice to Nan-young, an aspiring astronaut in 2050 Seoul who dreams of reaching Mars. After failing the final test for the Mars Expedition Project, Nan-young's life takes a turn when she meets Jay, a musician who has set aside his own dreams. Their chance encounter blossoms into a heartfelt romance, challenged by Nan-young's second opportunity to journey to Mars, forcing the couple to navigate a love separated by millions of kilometres. Kim Tae-ri's voice acting debut brings depth and emotion to Nan-young, capturing the character's determination and vulnerability. Her performance, alongside co-star Hong Kyung, adds a poignant layer to this sci-fi romance, set against a visually stunning backdrop of futuristic Seoul and the vastness of space. Lost in Starlight premieres globally on Netflix on May 30, 2025. NOW READ Ahn Hyo-Seop on being perfectly imperfect, his sources of joy, and his most challenging roles Song Joong-ki Shows to Watch: Reborn Rich, Vincenzo, Descendants of the Sun and More 5 Breathtaking Places in Popular K-Dramas That Became Instant Tourist Spots Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
Forbes
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘When Life Gives You Tangerines' Wins A Few Baeksang Arts Awards
'When Life Gives You Tangerines' was nominated for eight awards and won four, including Best Drama. The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards were held on May 5 at the COEX D Hall in Seoul. Awards were presented for films and dramas that aired or were released between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. To qualify at least one third of a program had to have aired by March 31. Given its popularity among viewers it's no surprise that the drama When Life Gives You Tangerines won a few awards, even though it was up against some tough competition with Lovely Runner, The Tale of Lady Ok, Doubt, and The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call. When Life Gives You Tangerines had the most nominations of any drama, garnering eight in all, followed by Doubt at six and Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born, Lovely Runner and Trauma Code at five. Altogether, When Life Gives You Tangerines won four awards, including the Best Drama Award which was accepted by the drama's production staff. The first award given to the drama was the Best Screenplay Award, which went to the drama's writer Im Sang-choon. The award was accepted by director Kim Won Suk, who already has four Baeksang Awards to his name, but he did not win an award for this drama. When accepting the award for Best Drama, he said that he made the drama in a time of hate, hoping that he could help people get along. Ju Ji-hoon won a Best Actor Award for his role in 'Trauma Code: Heroes On Call.' Singer-actress IU was nominated for Best Actress for her role in the drama, but instead it went to Kim Tae-ri, who starred in Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born. The difficult role required Kim to learn pansori, the traditional Korean form of storytelling. It's her third time winning a Baeksang award and second for Best Actress. She previously won for Twenty-Five Twenty-One. Park Bo-gum was also nominated for his role in When Life Gives You Tangerines, but lost to Ju Ji-hoon who played a reckless and talented doctor in the medical action series Trauma Code: Heroes On Call. The Best Supporting Actor award did go to Choi Dae-hoon for his role in When Life Gives You Tangerines. He won over Kim Jun-han, Roh Jae-won, Yoon Kyung-ho and Hyeon Bong-sik. The award moved him to tears during his acceptance speech. A Best Supporting Actress award went to Yeom Hye-ran for her memorable role in When Life Gives You Tangerines. She won over Kim Guk-hee, Kim Jae-wa, Ok Kyung-hwa and Jung Eun-chae. Yeom also presented the award with the help of Ahn Jae-hong. In her acceptance speech, Yeom referenced the character of Ae-sun, played by IU in the drama, saying 'Ae-sun, your mom got an award.' Song Yeon-hwa won the Best Director Award for his drama 'Doubt.' Song Yeon-hwa won the Best Director Award for the drama Doubt, winning against some stiff competition from Lee Do-yeon for The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call , Jung Ji-in for Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born, Kim Won-seok for When Life Gives You Tangerines and Kim Hee-won for Light Shop, Choo Young-Woo won a Best New Actor award for his role in The Tale of Lady Ok, defeating Kim Jung-Jin, Song Gun-Hee, Cha Woo-Min and Heo Nam-Jun. Chae Won-bin won Best New Actress for her role in Doubt, beating out Kim Tae-yeon, Roh Jeong-eui, Jo Yoon-soo and Ha Young. A best technical (art) direction award went to Jang Yeong-gyu for the music in Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born. Byeon Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon won Prizm Popularity Awards for their work in the drama Lovely Runner. The Grand Prize for broadcast was presented by JoongAng Group vice-chairman Hong Jong-do and Ryu Seung-ryong of the Disney+ drama Moving. It was given to the Netflix show Culinary Class Wars. Actors Byun Yo-han and Go A-seong presented the Best Film Award to Harbin, which stars Hyun Bin. Producer Kim Won-guk accepted the award for the CJ ENM film, which won over competition from Love In The Big City, Revolver, House of the Seasons and Uprising. Meanwhile ,the Best Director (film) Award went to Oh Seung-wook for the film Revolver. The Best Actress Award was given to Jeon Do-yeon for her role in the film Revolver. Her competition was Kim Geun-soo, Song Hye-kyo, Cho Yeo-jeong and Kim Go-eun who presented the award. Cho Jung-seok won Best Actor for his role in the film Pilot, winning against nominees Yoon Joo-sang, Lee Byung-hun, Lee Hee-joon and Hyun Bin. The Best Supporting Actor (film) award went to Yoo Jae-myung for Land of Happiness. He won over Jung Hae-in, Jo Woo-jin, Koo Kyo-hwan, and Park Jeong-min. When accepting his award Yoo mentioned fond memories of the late actor Lee Sun-kyun. The Best Supporting Actress (film) award went to Claudia Kim for her role in Hur Jin-ho's film A Normal Family. The Best New Actress award went to Roh Yeon-soo for Hear Me: Our Summer, while the Best New Actor award went to Jung Sung-il for Uprising. The Best Screenplay Award (film) was given to Park Chan-wook and Shin Chul for the historical saga Uprising. Park, who also directed the film, accepted the award. The Grand Prize in Film went to Harbin cinematographer Hong Kyung-po. The Land of the Morning Calm won the Gucci Impact Award. The award is given for a film that sheds light on an important message. The film focused on people living in a rural seaside community Launched in 1965, the awards are decided by a 60-member panel of industry experts and academics. This year the Baeksang Arts Awards took place on Children's Day in South Korea, so the ceremony included performances by young actors and photos of celebrities as children. The award ceremony was hosted by Shin Dong-yup, Suzy Bae, and Park Bo-gum.
Korea Herald
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Webtoon-based series to binge-watch this weekend
In South Korea, there's an unspoken formula that virtually ensures a TV show's success — webtoon adaptation. Webtoon-based series are seen as a surefire way to captivate audiences, with their out-of-the-box concepts, quirky characters and built-in fan base from the original webtoon. These adaptations often lead to series that resonate deeply with viewers and quickly capture global attention. Here are some celebrated webtoon adaptations that have made viewers cry and laugh, offering a weekend binge-worthy experience. 'Light Shop' on Disney+ Adapted from a work by Kang Full, one of Korea's most celebrated cartoonists, the gripping fantasy-horror series "Light Shop" delves into the mysteries behind a light shop that attracts a peculiar group of people. This eight-part series brims with moments that are both perplexing and terrifying, leading up to a shocking ending that will leave viewers teary-eyed. Starring the Hallyu sensation Ju Ji-hoon, known for his roles in Netflix's "Kingdom" and "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call," alongside Park Bo-young and Seol-hyun, the series promises to take its audience on an emotional rollercoaster of horrifying and heartwarming moments. 'Misaeng: Incomplete Life' on Netflix A poignant exploration of young Koreans navigating the realities of the corporate world, "Misaeng: Incomplete Life" offers an evocative narrative of their complex transitions into adulthood. Adapted from veteran cartoonist Yoon Tae-ho's webtoon of the same name, the series follows Geu-rae, played by Im Si-wan, who abandons his dreams of becoming a professional Go player to join the corporate grind. This critically acclaimed TV series, which bagged three Baeksang Arts Awards — including best TV director, best actor, and best new actor — has been praised for its authentic portrayal of office life. The "Misaeng" soundtrack also features unforgettable songs, such as Yi Sung-yol's "Fly" and Bol4's reimagining of "Milestone," enriching the heart-rending viewing experience. 'Divorce Attorney Shin' on Tving, Netflix Starring Cho Seung-woo as pianist-turned-lawyer Sung-han, "Divorce Attorney Shin" explores the human stories within the complex world of divorce. Adapted from a popular Kakao Webtoon, the drama veers away from the typical legal thriller and instead leans into a deeply emotional narrative. Rather than focusing on sensationalising divorce, the series unfolds with a quiet yet powerful emotional resonance, examining the human condition with compassion and understanding. The series strikes a delicate balance, offering warmth and introspection that will leave you reflecting long after the credits roll.
South China Morning Post
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call star Ju Ji-hoon on the action-packed Netflix series
South Korean actor Ju Ji-hoon values open communication on set, believing that honest, rank-free discussions enhance the quality of every project he takes on. Frank but never rude, he thrives in an environment where ideas flow freely. Advertisement Ju recently sat down for an interview about Netflix's The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call , in which he stars as Baek Kang-hyuk, a genius battlefield surgeon who takes charge of a failing trauma team to bring it back to life. The action-packed series is as much about fighting injustice as it is about saving lives. 'I never saw this as just a medical drama,' Ju said. 'It's about injustice – something that exists in every profession, whether it's doctors, firefighters or police officers. We see these issues on the news all the time, and in this drama, our team gets to do something about them. That's what makes it satisfying.' Ju Ji-hoon in a still from The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call. Photo: Netflix Baek Kang-hyuk is far from an ordinary doctor. He does not just perform life-saving surgeries – he rides motorcycles, pilots helicopters and even drifts ambulances.
Korea Herald
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
'The Trauma Code' tops Netflix's chart for non-English shows
Netflix's original medical drama "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" has dethroned "Squid Game: Season 2" to become the most-watched non-English TV show on the platform last week. Starring Ju Ji-hoon, the series topped Netflix's Top 10 Non-English Shows list released Wednesday for the week of Jan. 27–Feb. 2, amassing 19 million viewing hours. After leading the chart for five consecutive weeks since its Dec. 26 premiere, the highly anticipated second season of "Squid Game" slipped to No. 2 with 5.2 million viewing hours. Korean content continued to dominate, with four titles making the Top 10. "Squid Game: Season 1" and "Single's Inferno: Season 4" ranked fifth and sixth, respectively. Among all content available on Netflix, "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" was the third most-watched title, following the American action film "Back in Action" (18.4 million hours) and the American drama "The Night Agent: Season 2" (15.2 million hours). Based on a popular Korean webtoon, "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" follows the story of Baek Kang-hyuk, a battle-hardened surgeon with experience in global conflict zones as he navigates high-stakes medical emergencies. (Yonhap)
