Latest news with #K-Drama
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Lee Juyeon Drops the Ultimate Truth Bomb on Love and Life - "I'm Done With Men!"
When K-Drama Meets Real Life - Lee Juyeon 's No-Filter Confession Shakes Korean Showbiz Think K-dramas are dramatic? Wait till you hear K-life! On a recent spicy night on the talk show "Shoes Off, Dolsing Four Men," Lee Juyeon, a K-drama queen and former idol, dropped a bombshell. Forget subtle hints-she just announced to the world she's "done meeting men" and isn't giving love another chance anytime soon. This wasn't a tearful post-breakup meltdown-it was a mic-drop moment that instantly broke the Korean internet. And this wasn't just about some random heartbreak. It all came on the heels of relentless rumors tying her to none other than GD (yes, that G-Dragon-the living K-pop legend). After months of dating rumors, paparazzi chases, and netizen speculation, Lee Juyeon just laid it out: "Dating? Been there, done that. I'd rather focus on myself." K-netizens, and let's face it, us too-could not look away. Worn Out by Love, Ready for Self-Love - 'I Need to Reboot My Soul!' Onstage with other stars, Lee Juyeon confessed that the rollercoaster of relationships-especially with the GD saga turning her world into a 24/7 reality show-left her more exhausted than after a binge-watch session of a full drama series. She admitted love became a burden and, honestly, who here hasn't felt that after endless "talking stages" and emoji games on WhatsApp? Lee Juyeon declared, "I just want to care about myself now. I've played the love game, and frankly, I'm tired of the drama." She revealed some TMI too-yes, like the kind we laugh about with friends but secretly relate to: even physical chemistry was a dealbreaker, as she once broke up with a boyfriend just because their kiss was off. If you've ever ghosted someone for bad texting, you'll get it! She also threw shade on the pressure to get married, saying, "My family's ideas about marriage have changed, and even people who've divorced say you should try it at least once, but honestly? The pressure is real." In a culture obsessed with #CoupleGoals and where everyone from aunties to Insta influencers has an opinion on when you should settle, that level of honesty is so refreshing.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Wall to Wall review: Netflix delivers a Squid Game-flavoured darkly comedic satire
Do you also hate your noisy neighbours? Kang Ha Neul's new psychological thriller on Netflix, Wall to Wall, spotlights the brutal reality of a world consumed by ambition, greed, and the race to get ahead, whatever it takes. In a bustling metropolis where owning an apartment, a hollow 84 square meters, is sold as a badge of success, what you really get is a ticking time bomb. In South Korea's development model, these cookie-cutter complexes are less homes and more pressure cookers for modern madness. If you've ever dreamed of owning a shoebox in the heart of a packed city, congratulations, you're exactly who this film is talking to. It's less a movie, more a public service warning presented in the skin of a psychological thriller. Netflix's Wall to Wall, or more accurately, 84 Square Meters, if you prefer a triggering Korean title, tells the story of a guy named Woo Sung, played by Kang Ha Neul. Working as an assistant manager in some corporate maze, he invests all his savings to buy a tiny concrete apartment in the heart of Seoul. He thinks he has found success, a stable job, a fiancée, and his mother's proud smile. Three years in, and he's a wreck as he is drowning in debt, juggling jobs, ghosted by his bank, falling for a crypto scam. Then comes the constant, maddening noise. He can't tell if it's from upstairs or downstairs, it just doesn't stop. It keeps him up at night and wears him down. He tries everything to fix it. Turns out, he's becoming the fall guy for a bitter journalist (Seo Hyun Woo) upstairs, hellbent on revenge against prosecutor Eun Hwa (Yeom Hye Ran), who once stopped his story by bribing the system. The very same story about paper-thin walls in high-rise hell. What follows is a blood-filled game of revenge, ruining the seemingly perfect life of a man who once dreamed of a peaceful Seoul life. Also read: S Line review: K-Drama that's freaking viewers out with its dark take on shame and surveillance Netflix's rising favourite Kang Ha Neul portrays the quintessential modern man in Wall to Wall. Having built a reputation for staying true to his character, he does it again, holding up a mirror to that part of us which still dares to think that owning a small, overpriced, box-sized space will somehow bring peace. It's a cruel joke, one only a society obsessed with property ownership could truly laugh at. For director Kim Tae Joon, who exposed digital paranoia and surveillance in Unlocked (2023), using a cat-and-mouse premise, this latest story feels like a natural next step. It's one of the stronger post-Squid Game narratives about how the system quietly chews you up and spits you out. Kim knows how to frame torment: scattered things, piling dishes, Woo Sung refusing to turn on the electricity just to save the bill and thus 80 per cent of the movie is shot in the darkness. He even reuses the same bathwater for days. Seo Hyun Woo, as the unhinged freelance journalist Jin Ho, brings just the right stubborn, revenge-driven vibe, making Woo Sung his target, chasing that final 'ledger reveal' to his dying breath. And then there's Yeom Hye Ran (When Life Gives You Tangerines), who has mastered on-screen villainy by now. Her character here will make you hate her, and that's how you know how good the acting is. Also read: Wall to wall ending explained: Who's the real noise maker in Kang Ha Neul's Netflix psychological thriller? But, while the concept is brilliant, the only negative part of Wall to Wall is the second half, which loses its momentum and confuses its audience with no real motive behind some of the action scenes. In the first half, you feel Woo Sung's frustration bleeding into you. The noise, the stomping, the false accusations, the question that gnaws: what's so wrong with chasing a metro life? But while we understand that these days directors lean towards realistic endings, deviating from the happy one, the second half of the movie has less impact. There are plenty of twists and action scenes which feel out of place. For some, especially those who don't usually prefer slow burns, it might still be an engaging watch, offering an intense ride through the struggle to escape the claustrophobia of cramped apartment living. But like any other, I would have wanted a satisfying ending for Woo Sung, too. So, in conclusion, Wall to Wall isn't just a thriller. it's a darkly comedic satire. Wall to Wall, through its noisy premise, shows Woo Sung not losing his sleep but losing his grip on reality, his relationships, and ultimately his own self, to the point he wants to take his own life. The ending scene particularly surprised me, as I was left anxious by the last laugh, which felt personal and fully directed towards the viewers. Because in the end, the only thing scarier than the ghosts under your bed are the ones living on the other side of your thin wall, and the bank statement that reminds you exactly how much you paid for the privilege, you can't even enjoy.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Blue Dragon Series Awards 2025 full winners list: IU, TXT's Yeonjun, Kian84, Hyeri, and more win big at the 4th edition
The 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards took place on July 18 at Paradise City Hotel in Jung-gu, Incheon. Jun Hyun Moo and YoonA returned as hosts for the fourth year in a row. This year's Daesang, the grand prize, went straight to Netflix's original series When Life Gives You Tangerines, with IU clinching a big win in the actor category. The star-studded night saw appearances by A-listers including Park Bo Gum, Cha Tae Hyun, Lee Joon Young, Hyeri, Park Eun Bin, and more. The competition was fierce this year, with South Korea's OTT culture finally striking a chord, most major releases now skip local broadcasters and head straight to global platforms. Also read: S Line review: K-Drama that's freaking viewers out with its dark take on shame and surveillance IU, aka Lee Ji Eun won Best Actor for When Life Gives You Tangerines, alongside Yeom Hye Ran, who bagged Best Supporting Actor, the night's two most prestigious honours. While accepting the award, the Korean soloist said, 'This will likely remain the proudest work of my life,' she said. 'It made me feel more alive and expressive than ever.' IU added, 'To all the Aesoons who lived their lives vividly in a world that told us to stay blurry, and to every Geummyeong who planted their dreams with boldness, I dedicate my respect and gratitude.' Meanwhile, Yeom, who played Gwang Rye in the show, said, 'I've never received this much support and praise in my life. It's overwhelming,' she shared. 'I thank the writer and director for giving me a once-in-a-lifetime project.' Also read: Lee Min Ho says he's considering marriage at 40 after personal loss: 'Having a child feels like the most valuable thing Park Bo Gum, who had a limited yet one of the most impactful roles in the series, accepted the award for the K-drama winning Best Show. While on stage, he said, 'I sincerely thank the crew who worked hard through all four seasons. It was an honour to portray Gwan Sik. This was made possible thanks to the child actors and senior actor Park Hae Joon.' Another Netflix original, The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, also scored big, taking home Best Drama. Ju Ji-hoon was named Best Actor for his role, while Choo Young-woo won Best New Actor for playing Dr. Yang. Accepting the award, Ju Ji-hoon said, 'Bringing a comic book to life is no easy feat,' he said. 'Thanks to everyone who helped make it realistic, especially my comrade, Director Lee Do Yoon.' So Ji Sub's Karma also clinched a win, though the actor himself was snubbed, with Lee Kwang Soo walking away with Best Supporting Actor. While accepting the award, he recalled a hilarious run-in with D.O., adding, 'D.O. told me he dreamt I died from an infection after getting a hair transplant. He cursed me out but said it was a lucky dream. Thanks, D.O.!'
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Lee Min Ho says he's considering marriage at 40 after personal loss: ‘Having a child feels like the most valuable thing
Lee Min Ho might just be ready to say 'I do' as he approaches 40. For years, the K-drama star has reigned as the heartthrob who kept his personal life under wraps. But after the recent loss of his beloved pet, Min Ho opened up about his feelings during the press conference for his upcoming movie Omniscient Reader. He spoke about wanting to get married, though he still sees it as a distant, vague concept. That said, at this point in life, he finds himself thinking about what really matters. In that same breath, he even said he's open to fatherhood, calling it one of the most valuable things. But for him, marriage has to start with falling in love, who it's with doesn't matter. Also read: S Line review: K-Drama that's freaking viewers out with its dark take on shame and surveillance The actor recently shared with fans that he is reeling from the loss of his beloved dog, 'I spent a few days crying for it. I realised how much I relied on him. I have never felt like that before.' During his Seoul conference, Lee said he is at an age where he's thinking, 'I should do it, (marriage)' and admitted, 'As I go through life, I find myself thinking more about what's important.' He said that when he really stops to think about it, building a family and having a kid feels like the most valuable thing to him, according to Chosun Biz. The Heirs star added, 'But it doesn't go as intended. It feels like a miracle needs to happen for that. Marriage still feels vague, but if a moment comes where I instinctively think, 'this is a miracle,' I think I could get married.' Also read: Lee Min Ho admits he 'could fall any moment,' says problems arise from personal desires, pins all hope on Omniscient Reader Lee has previously dated and was in publicly confirmed relationships with his K-drama co-stars, including Park Min Young (What's Wrong with Secretary Kim) and Bae Suzy (While You Were Sleeping). When asked whether he has a high standard which makes it harder to actually take a relationship to the wedding phase, the actor said, 'Personally, my standards for interacting with people and potential partners seem to differ.' Lee explained that he's lived a life where he never really learned how to cherish the little things, moments of quiet joy or simple happiness, probably because he's always been in the spotlight. But that's something he now looks for in a partner. 'I think about sharing life with someone who knows what that kind of happiness feels like, and I wonder what we'd be chasing together, someone who has qualities completely absent from me.' Further, the actor was questioned whether he would consider marrying a celebrity and Lee said, 'Of course, if I love someone, that doesn't matter.' During the same press briefing, Lee Min Ho also spoke about the burden of being a Hallyu star and the pressure that comes with it. Despite having a hard time cracking the OTT space with his recent K-dramas, Lee has continued to be labeled the top Hallyu star for 12 years straight, one of the most popular actors globally. The actor said he never chased stardom and doesn't take anything for granted, knowing well that he 'could fall anytime.' 'It all takes one simple misstep to end everything,' he said. Meanwhile, Omniscient Reader hits screens on July 23. The movie also stars BLACKPINK's Jisoo and Business Proposal lead Ahn Hyo Seop.
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Lee Min Ho admits he ‘could fall any moment,' says problems arise from personal desires, pins all hope on Omniscient Reader
Lee Min Ho is making a big movie comeback, 10 years after Gangnam 1970, and is hoping his next, Omniscient Reader, lands well on screen. The actor, known for his K-drama stints, showed up at the press conference for the upcoming film alongside co-stars like Ahn Hyo Seop, BLACKPINK's Jisoo, and others, and spoke about the pressure and weight that comes with being a Hallyu star. Directed by Kim Byung Woo, the movie is a fantasy action flick adapted from a massively popular novel of the same name, where the fictional world of the book turns real the day its decade-long run ends. Lately, Lee, once the face of K-drama, has faced flat responses from audiences for his recent shows, with many fans criticizing his choice of scripts. But with the release of Omniscient Reader around the corner, the actor got real and said, 'I feel very burdened. It seems that movies receive much clearer evaluations than others.' Also read: S Line review: K-Drama that's freaking viewers out with its dark take on shame and surveillance Speaking of why Lee stayed away from the movie scene for 10 long years, despite being one of the most recognisable faces on screen, the actor said, 'I felt like I could take on deeper roles once I turned 30. In my 20s, I didn't want to rush into movies. Films are judged more clearly and harshly than other projects, and I wanted to be ready,' he shared in an interview in Seoul (Via Chosun Biz). Omniscient Reader: The Prophet is made on a massive budget of around 30 billion won. The movie is helmed by acclaimed Korean director Kim Byung Woo (The Terror Live, PMC: The Bunker) and backed by the same production house behind hit titles like the Along with the Gods franchise. Also read: Lee Min-ho, the smouldering and problematic Prince Charming: How Pachinko promises to change South Korean star's image Though Lee has been crowned the top Hallyu star for 12 years straight, he says he never really chased the label. In the film, he plays Yoo Jung Hyuk, the main character of the story, a man with extraordinary skills and resilience, someone who can survive even the toughest scenarios and start over after death. Talking about how closely he relates to the role, Lee said, 'I just think similarly to Yoo Jung Hyuk. I quietly do what I can in the given circumstances. It's a value system that's very similar to Yoo Jung Hyuk's. I never thought that I had to become 'Hallyu star Lee Min Ho' since my debut.' In his decades-long career, Lee Min Ho, who became a household name right from the start with his iconic role as Gu Jun Pyo in Boys Over Flowers, back when OTT wasn't even a thing, has stayed away from controversies and accidents. He's always kept things transparent for his fans. But in his recent interview, he spoke about the sensitivity of the current industry situation saying he never takes things for granted, 'I could fall at any moment,' as he goes about his life. 'It's not that I live in fear, but I do believe one misstep can change everything. Most problems come from personal emotions or desires. When I feel like that, I remind myself to focus on what really matters.' He added that instead of thinking about his own needs, he tries to think about his family or the projects he's part of that's what helps him stay grounded. 'Still,' he said, 'you never know when something can go wrong. And if I'm constantly too cautious, I won't be able to live as myself. I could lose balance too, but I try my best to keep things in check and live a healthy life.' In the film, Ahn Hyo Seop plays Kim Dok Ja, the only person who had been reading the novel. Together, they team up to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. Omniscient Reader: The Prophet hits theatre on July 26.
