Latest news with #K-fix
India Today
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
It's Okay to Not be Okay to Doctor Slump: Evolution of mental health portrayal
"Crazy" might be a term that we throw around casually now. A decade or two back, however, there was a stigma attached to it. Discussions about mental health were sparse, and every mental illness was blanketed as "madness". And we are not just talking about the Indian the early 2000s, K-dramas, like their Indian counterparts, often avoided discussions of mental illness. When it did appear, it was to heighten tragedy or justify the villainy of a character. The portrayal of mental health shifted by the mid-2010s, with writers portraying psychological struggles within characters without the today's K-fix, let's look at how the portrayal of mental health has evolved over the years in K-drama. From 'Kill Me, Heal Me' to 'Love Next Door', there has been a tectonic shift (a good one, obviously) with makers delving into the nuances of the human psyche rather than generalising mental health issues. Kill Me, Heal Me - the beginning of the shiftThe 2015 drama 'Kill Me, Heal Me' began the much-needed shift in how K-dramas portrayed the issue of mental health. Cha Do-hyun, a wealthy man battling Dissociative Identity Disorder, carries the weight of childhood trauma in the form of seven distinct personalities. His journey toward healing, with psychiatrist Oh Ri-jin by his side, is heart-wrenching, chaotic, and unforgettable. This drama was one of the first to show that mental illness isn't a weakness but a human struggle worth Fairy Kim Bok-joo' and the concept of 'slump' Who could forget Kim Bok-joo's charm in this coming-of-age story gave us more than just campus romance? It highlighted emotional 'slumps' aka burnouts, body image issues, and the invisible pressure of chasing Joon-hyung's battle with anxiety and panic attacks added another layer of emotional truth. Through the quiet moments and strong friendships, 'Weightlifting Fairy' reminded us that true strength means loving yourself — even when the world tries to make you feel small.'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' - bold yet trueYes, Kim Soo-hyun and Seo Ye-ji are both good-looking and the chemistry was crackling, but the messaging was deeper than what met the eye. Moon Gang-tae (Soo-hyun) feels the exhaustion of being a constant caregiver. Ko Moon-young (Ye-ji) deals with antisocial personality traits. Sang-tae lives with autism. Together, their stories explore trauma, recovery, and how healing begins when you stop pretending to be okay.'Beyond Evil' - beyond typical dramaThis one isn't your typical tearjerker. It's dark, gripping, and dives deep into the effects of unresolved trauma and guilt. Lee Dong-sik isn't just trying to solve a mystery; he's unravelling his own mental show focused on mental health, trauma, guilt, and unresolved grief, highlighting how these issues leave a lasting effect. It draws the fine line between sanity and obsession, showing how emotional scars, if ignored, can twist even the best intentions. Creepy? Yes. Honest? Next Door' and 'Doctor Slump' - burnout gets too real2024 gave us two gems that quietly, but powerfully, spoke about burnout and depression. 'Love Next Door' follows Seok-ryu, who leaves behind a high-pressure job post-cancer surgery to find peace and purpose. It's gentle, soothing, and hits close to home for came 'Doctor Slump', where two former med school stars reunite at their rock bottom. This one packs a heavier emotional punch while tackling anxiety, shame, and the fear of not being 'enough.' Together, they rediscover the beauty of rest, reflection, and human connection. This also brings out another important aspect - how therapy and support systems are key to the healing journey.'Daily Dose of Sunshine'- literally what the title promisesFinally, a show with a psychiatric nurse as the lead! Jung Da-eun walks us through her life in a psychiatric ward, and it's anything but easy. The show takes on everything - from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia - with heart, honesty, and zero than anything, it shows how one needs to care for themselves while caring for others. And yes, Da-eun's growth will make you laugh, cry, and want to hug every nurse you've ever K-dramas are done with outdated stereotypes and tropes. Instead, we're getting a nuanced, empathetic portrayal of mental health. These K-dramas are not just entertaining us — they're starting global conversations and making people feel seen. Whether it's childhood trauma, social anxiety, or burnout from trying to be perfect, these shows say it loud and clear - it's okay to not be by Pratyusha RoyTrending Reel
India Today
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Lost In Starlight: South Korea's bet to turn global spotlight on their animation
'Love Story 2050', but make it Korean animation with an intriguing perhaps the simplest way to describe Netflix's upcoming animated feature 'Lost in Starlight'. While the Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja-starrer gave us star-crossed lovers across generations (and lifetimes), this Korean tale sets its romance across planets. Yes, planets. But comparisons aside—because let's be honest, some of you are already thinking, 'Why even compare them, ya?'—there's a lot riding on 'Lost in Starlight'.advertisementOn this week's K-fix, let's dive into why this film might be a game-changer for the South Korean entertainment industry,and why it's generating so much hype. A First for Netflix KoreaWhile South Korea has quietly built a solid repertoire of animated films over the years, they've often been overshadowed by Japan's anime industry. While Japan's anime has been taking over the globe, South Korea is also taking steps. The fact that they are partnering with Netflix would mean that the film will see a bigger Korean animated films haven't had a wide international release. But with a direct debut on Netflix, this one will drop across multiple countries simultaneously. The result? Greater visibility, accessibility, and possibly, the dawn of a new wave in Korean animation.A Stellar Team—On and Off ScreenadvertisementThe animated film will be directed by Han Ji-won, not to be confused with actor Ha Ji-won, who has had experience as a director and animator of several K-animations. He had earlier helmed animated films like The Sea on the Day When the Magic Returns (a short film where he was also the animator), The Summer, and Amanza, and was the animator for Opera, which was nominated for Oscars 2021 in the Best Animated Short Film there's the voice cast. Kim Tae-ri, celebrated for her roles in 'Mr Sunshine' and 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One', lends her voice to the lead character Nan-young. Opposite her is Hong Kyung, best known for 'Weak Hero Class 1'. Their chemistry, last seen in 'Revenant', is already being talked that's not all! The film will be produced by Climax Studio—renowned for acclaimed series like 'Hellbound' and 'D.P.'The Teaser That Took Us to the StarsIt wasn't just the cast or concept that won hearts—the teaser itself has been a major hype generator. A chance meeting where they run into each other, literally, a growing friendship, shared laughter, and beautiful stolen gazes that turn to something more- the scenes actually make your hearts flutter. And just when it all feels too perfect to be real—they're pulled apart. By 225 million kilometres, to be the teaser of 'Lost In Starlight' here: Visually, it's a treat. Landmarks like Sewoon Plaza and the submersible bridge are reimagined for the year 2050, blending familiarity with futuristic what truly caught fans off guard? The background track. A soulful melody that many believe has been sung by BTS' V—though there's been no official confirmation, of course. But, his 'awaaz hi pehchan hai'.And if that wasn't enough, the teaser also has a glowing endorsement from none other than Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho, who calls the film a 'visual masterpiece' that 'takes you around the universe.'The film is set to stream on Netflix on May 30. It's a love story written in the stars, but is your heart ready for it?
