Latest news with #KakaoEntertainment
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Netflix Greenlights Korean Thriller ‘The Rat' and Rom-Com ‘Lovestuck'
Netflix is producing two new Korean original series – a thriller titled 'The Rat' (working title) and a romantic comedy called 'Lovestuck.' 'The Rat' has confirmed the casting of Ryu Jun-yeol and Sul Kyung-gu in what will be their first collaboration together. Based on the Kakao Entertainment webtoon 'Field Mouse' by Ludovico, the series draws inspiration from an old Korean folktale where a rat transforms into a human by consuming clipped fingernails. More from Variety Netflix Gets Serious About Kids Gaming With 'Peppa Pig,' 'Sesame Street' and Big Plans for Original IP Netflix Picks Up 'Sesame Street' Worldwide Streaming Rights After Max Deal Ends 'A Different World' Sequel Series Pilot at Netflix Adds Six Series Regulars Ryu Jun-yeol ('Revelations,' 'The 8 Show') will play Moon-jae, a sociophobic novelist living a reclusive life. His character's world is turned upside down when he discovers his fingerprint no longer unlocks his phone and his only friend goes missing. Stripped of his identity and finances, Moon-jae learns that a mysterious entity known as 'the Rat' has stolen everything from him, setting him on a quest to reclaim his life. Sul Kyung-gu ('The Whirlwind,' 'Kill Boksoon') takes on the role of No-ja, a loan shark who operates a private detective agency. Having once pursued Moon-jae for an unpaid debt, No-ja is surprised when the novelist reappears after three years seeking help to track down 'the Rat.' Though initially focused on recovering his money, No-ja soon finds himself caught up in the hunt. The thriller will be directed by Kim Hong-sun, known for genre shows like 'Dear Hongrang,' 'Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area,' 'The Guest,' 'L.U.C.A.: The Beginning,' and 'Voice.' Lee Jae-gon, who penned 'Special Affairs Team TEN' and 'A Model Family,' will write the script. The series is produced by Kakao Entertainment, CJES Studio, and In a separate announcement, Netflix revealed that production has begun on 'Lovestuck,' a romantic comedy that brings together director Kim Jang-han ('Do You Like Brahms?,' 'My Demon') and writer Mo Ji-hye ('You Raise Me Up') after a four-year hiatus. The series stars Jung Hae-in ('Something in the Rain,' 'One Spring Night,' 'Mom's Friend's Son') and Ha-young ('The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call'). Ha-young portrays Go Eun-sae, an ambitious prosecutor known for being quick, clean, and clever who loses her memory while tracking a crime syndicate. Jung Hae-in plays Jang Tae-ha, a former youth boxing champion turned gang member seeking redemption as a small-town boxing coach. On his final mission, he crosses paths with Eun-sae, his long-lost first love who no longer remembers him. To protect her, he creates a lie that could change both their lives. 'Lovestuck' is produced by Studio S and distributed by Netflix. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Netflix Greenlights Korean Thriller ‘The Rat' and Rom-Com ‘Lovestuck'
Netflix is producing two new Korean original series – a thriller titled 'The Rat' (working title) and a romantic comedy called 'Lovestuck.' 'The Rat' has confirmed the casting of Ryu Jun-yeol and Sul Kyung-gu in what will be their first collaboration together. Based on the Kakao Entertainment webtoon 'Field Mouse' by Ludovico, the series draws inspiration from an old Korean folktale where a rat transforms into a human by consuming clipped fingernails. More from Variety Netflix Gets Serious About Kids Gaming With 'Peppa Pig,' 'Sesame Street' and Big Plans for Original IP Netflix Picks Up 'Sesame Street' Worldwide Streaming Rights After Max Deal Ends 'A Different World' Sequel Series Pilot at Netflix Adds Six Series Regulars Ryu Jun-yeol ('Revelations,' 'The 8 Show') will play Moon-jae, a sociophobic novelist living a reclusive life. His character's world is turned upside down when he discovers his fingerprint no longer unlocks his phone and his only friend goes missing. Stripped of his identity and finances, Moon-jae learns that a mysterious entity known as 'the Rat' has stolen everything from him, setting him on a quest to reclaim his life. Sul Kyung-gu ('The Whirlwind,' 'Kill Boksoon') takes on the role of No-ja, a loan shark who operates a private detective agency. Having once pursued Moon-jae for an unpaid debt, No-ja is surprised when the novelist reappears after three years seeking help to track down 'the Rat.' Though initially focused on recovering his money, No-ja soon finds himself caught up in the hunt. The thriller will be directed by Kim Hong-sun, known for genre shows like 'Dear Hongrang,' 'Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area,' 'The Guest,' 'L.U.C.A.: The Beginning,' and 'Voice.' Lee Jae-gon, who penned 'Special Affairs Team TEN' and 'A Model Family,' will write the script. The series is produced by Kakao Entertainment, CJES Studio, and In a separate announcement, Netflix revealed that production has begun on 'Lovestuck,' a romantic comedy that brings together director Kim Jang-han ('Do You Like Brahms?,' 'My Demon') and writer Mo Ji-hye ('You Raise Me Up') after a four-year hiatus. The series stars Jung Hae-in ('Something in the Rain,' 'One Spring Night,' 'Mom's Friend's Son') and Ha-young ('The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call'). Ha-young portrays Go Eun-sae, an ambitious prosecutor known for being quick, clean, and clever who loses her memory while tracking a crime syndicate. Jung Hae-in plays Jang Tae-ha, a former youth boxing champion turned gang member seeking redemption as a small-town boxing coach. On his final mission, he crosses paths with Eun-sae, his long-lost first love who no longer remembers him. To protect her, he creates a lie that could change both their lives. 'Lovestuck' is produced by Studio S and distributed by Netflix. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Korea Herald
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Netflix greenlights thriller 'The Rat' starring Ryu Jun-yeol and Sul Kyung-gu
Series to be based on Kakao Entertainment webtoon 'Field Mouse' Netflix anniunced Tuesday the production of "The Rat," a psychological thriller headlined by veteran Korean actors Ryu Jun-yeol and Sul Kyung-gu. The upcoming series is adapted from "Field Mouse," a popular Kakao Entertainment webtoon inspired by a Korean folktale in which a rat transforms into a human by consuming human fingernails. Netflix's "The Rat" centers on a reclusive novelist who joins forces with a loan shark-turned-private investigator to track down a mysterious figure known only as 'the Rat,' who has stolen his identity and financial assets. The project reunites Netflix with director Kim Hong-sun, known for "Dear Hongrang" and "Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area." The script is penned by Lee Jae-gon, recognized for his work on the crime procedural "Special Affairs Team Ten." Ryu Jun-yeol, star of Netflix originals "The 8 Show" and "Revelations," stars as Moon-jae, a reclusive novelist driven to desperation by "the Rat." Sul Kyung-gu takes on the role of a loan shark who runs a private detective agency and teams up with Moon-jae in a manhunt for "the Rat." The release date for the series has yet to be disclosed.
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
How A Tale Of Resilience ‘Itaewon Class' Became A Japanese Musical
Itaewon Class is more than a popular webtoon, garnering over 430 million cumulative views on Kakao Webtoon. It's a source of ongoing inspiration. The engaging storyline has inspired a variety of adaptations, including the 2020 Korean TV series, starring Park Seo-joon and Kim Da-mi, and a 2022 Japanese TV series titled Roppongi Class, which topped Netflix Japan's most watched list for weeks. A Taiwanese series is being developed and the first-ever musical adaptation of Itaewon Class is currently in rehearsal. The stage adaptation of the original webtoon will be performed at Brillia Hall in Tokyo from June 9 through 30, with a national tour following through July 21. Produced by the Japanese entertainment company Toho Co., Ltd., the musical is a collaboration between Korean, Japanese, and U.S. creators, including composer and lyricist Helen Park. The award-winning South Korean-born composer is best known for the score of the Broadway musical KPOP and she's the first Asian female composer/lyricist for a Broadway play to be nominated for a Tony Award. Park is also a fan of the original Itaewon Class webtoon by Kwang Jin. 'I loved how compelling the webtoon is in its rawness and humanity,' said Park. 'What struck me most was how grounded and flawed the characters were—and how deeply relatable their struggles felt.' The webtoon was serialized from 2016 to 2020 on Kakao Webtoon, a platform operated by Kakao Entertainment. "It features Park Sae-ro-yi as the protagonist ― a character who steadfastly adheres to his own beliefs and principles ― while unfolding the stories of various young people navigating life in contemporary society," said Jake Hwang, chief manager of Story IP Business at Kakao Entertainment. Sae-ro-yi (Nozomu Kotaki) is an ex-convict who opens a pub in Seoul's Itaewon neighborhood and tries to live in a way that would make his late father proud. As a high school student he transferred to a new school because his father (Masahiro Asano) transferred to that location for work. There he saw his classmate Jang Geun-won (Kentaro Akizawa) bullying others. Everyone looked the other way, but Sae-ro-yi hit him. Because Geun-won is the son of Jang Dae-hee (Kenta Satoi), the chairman of the restaurant chain where Sae-ro-yi's father works, Sae-ro-yi drops out of school and his father quits his job. "The story of Itaewon Class is one of resilience, ambition, and the pursuit of justice—all set against the vibrant, ever-changing backdrop of Itaewon, Seoul,' said Park. 'Musically, I wanted to reflect that energy by blending contemporary musical theater with k-pop, rock, and the lush, emotionally rich style of Korean drama that defined the TV adaptation.' When his father later dies, Sae-ro-yi learns about Geum-won's involvement. He assaults Geum-won and ends up in prison, crushing his hopes for the future and his budding romance with classmate Soo-ah (Minami Umezawa/Yurina Kawaguchi). Years after his release Sae-ro-yi opens a restaurant in Itaewon. He doesn't know a lot about business but he instinctively knows who to trust. As an ex-con Sae-ro-yi knows what it's like to be looked down on. He assembles a crew of workers, who might find it hard to fit in anywhere else, and together they excel in the convivial setting of the pub DanBam. He teams up with the smart sociopath Yi-seo, played by Sora Kazuki/Sara). He also hires Hyeon-yi (Kate Doi), Seung-won (Kodai Yoshida), and Geun-soo (Tasuke Niihara), Geun-won's younger brother who has feelings for Yi-seo. 'I was also inspired by the characters' emotional journeys,' said Park. "Each of them has a distinct voice, and I tried to capture that individuality and depth in the score.' For Hwang the ongoing adaptations of Itaewon Class stem from its vivid, lifelike characters and its close reflection of real-world narratives. 'The story deeply resonates with readers, offering comfort and encouragement to many young people living through today's challenging times,' said Hwang. For Park the story is timely, but the message is timeless. 'I believe it's the timelessness of the themes—perseverance, integrity, love, and revenge—set within a culturally specific context,' said Park. "It's a classic hero's journey, but one deeply rooted in contemporary Korean society, which gives it both universality and a fresh perspective. That balance is what makes the story resonate so strongly across different mediums and cultures, including the Japanese audience we're honored to present this musical to.' The musical's script was written by Riko Sakaguchi, best known for her work on the productions The Tale of the Princess Kaguya and Mary and The Witch's Flower. The production will be directed by Koyama Yuna, who won the Yomiuri Theater Award for Outstanding Director. The musical's choreography is by Kyle Hanagami, who has worked with k-pop group Blackpink. Lee Hee-joon is the lyricist and composer, known for his work on the musical Darwin Young's Origins of Evil. The webtoon Itaewon Class is available in English on Tapas and the live-action Korean adaptation is available on Netflix.
Korea Herald
22-04-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Kakao at crossroads: AI pivot fuels calls to shed noncore units
Entertainment and mobility units under scrutiny, while financial arms face limited impact South Korean IT giant Kakao is once again at the center of deal speculation, as rumors of subsidiary sales continue to swirl despite the company's repeated denials. Just days after Kakao dismissed reports that it planned to offload its entertainment arm, Kakao Entertainment, new chatter emerged Thursday suggesting its taxi-hailing platform, Kakao Mobility Corp., may also be up for sale. Kakao Mobility quickly pushed back. A company executive reportedly told employees Kakao has 'no plans to sell its management rights' in the unit, stating, "While discussions have taken place among shareholders and investors over the replacement of financial backers, no decisions have been finalized." The speculation coincides with a sweeping overhaul at Kakao, led by CEO Chung Shin-a, who has pledged to consolidate resources around artificial intelligence, positioning AI as the company's next growth engine. Since the revamp began, talk of offloading noncore subsidiaries has intensified, with many viewing major divestments as inevitable. The biggest jolt came earlier this month, when local reports said Kakao Entertainment — a heavyweight subsidiary estimated to be worth 10 trillion won ($7 billion) — could be up for sale. Kakao denied, responding that 'all strategic options remain on the table." But the vague wording, coupled with the unit's continued net losses, only fueled expectations that a deal may be imminent. Kakao Mobility is also reportedly in talks to replace its financial investors. Seoul-based private equity firm VIG Partners is said to be negotiating to acquire a combined stake exceeding 40 percent, and some market watchers believe VIG may eventually seek part of Kakao's 57 percent holding for potential ownership takeover. Despite its public denials of any formal restructuring, Kakao's actions tell a different story. Over the past two years, Kakao has trimmed its subsidiary count by more than 30. The company has also confirmed plans to sell Kakao VX, a golf-tech unit under Kakao Games, by year-end, while its labor union also claims the company is preparing to offload Kakao Healthcare soon. The overhaul is also a response to years of criticism over Kakao's unchecked expansion. What began in 2010 as a messenger app has morphed into a sprawling and loosely governed tech empire, with key units like Kakao Games, Kakao Bank and Kakao Pay listed independently from the parent — prompting backlash over governance and accountability. 'Kakao is at a pivotal moment,' said Wi Jong-hyun, a professor of business management at Chung-Ang University. 'It needs to define what to keep and what to let go, focusing its energy on areas that align with its core identity, KakaoTalk, and its growth prospects.' While Kakao Entertainment holds promise in content, Wi said its inability to pursue a market listing — an important consideration for corporate strategy — dealt a decisive blow. The entertainment arm has attempted an initial public offering since 2019, supported by aggressive acquisitions. While these deals fueled rapid expansion, they also came with significant financial and reputational costs. Its purchase of K-pop giant SM Entertainment sparked a major governance scandal, with key executives, including Kakao founder Kim Beom-su, facing legal scrutiny for alleged stock manipulation during the takeover. "With the market debut now gone up in smoke, the best option for Kakao is to sell the entertainment subsidiary, quickly distancing itself from the crisis, securing meaningful capital, and streamlining its portfolio," noted Wi. Sales of the mobility unit are also crucial for Kakao's next chapter, he added. 'Kakao Mobility has come to symbolize the company's reputation as a power-tripping conglomerate encroaching on small businesses, which is why Kakao has been trying to offload the unit for years.' Wi, a longtime critic of Kakao's sprawling business model, said Kakao Games should be next on the chopping block, citing its limited contribution to growth and weak connection with the company's core identity as a messenger. Regarding Kakao Pay — once rumored as a divestment target — Wi views it as a strategic asset. "The payments data it generates will be highly valuable, especially in light of Kakao's AI ambitions," he said. An industry official, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said the impact on Kakao Pay and fellow financial affiliate Kakao Bank is likely to be limited. 'Kakao Pay is a core business, tightly integrated with KakaoTalk and offering strong synergy potential,' the official said. 'Kakao Bank, meanwhile, operates with considerable autonomy from Kakao, its largest shareholder, as it is regulated under the Internet-Only Bank Act.' Despite the strategic value that subsidiary sales could bring, Kakao faces significant challenges, including strong resistance from its labor union, particularly as it considers sales to private equity firms. The union has consistently protested these sales, arguing that such moves would harm employee interests and undermine corporate value.
