Latest news with #KangHa-neul
Daily Mirror
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Netflix adds 'creepy' psychological thriller that 'captivates' fans
Netflix has added a new psychological thriller to its roster and it is already being dubbed a 'dark and suspenseful' watch Devotees of psychological thrillers are being encouraged to watch a binge-worthy film as it drops on Netflix. Wall to Wall made its debut on the streaming service on July 18 and features a familiar face. Squid Game sensation Kang Ha-neul is widely recognised for his portrayal of Player 388 in the gripping Korean thriller series. The South Korean performer featured in Squid Game throughout its second and third instalments, though he's equally celebrated for his appearances in numerous other productions including When the Camellia Blooms. Netflix's gripping new NHS documentary release date and where to watch Virgin River could cross paths with another small-town drama as star drops bombshell Now he steps into the fresh character of No Woo-sung, a property owner based in Seoul. The film follows Woo-sung as he invests his entire fortune into his ideal home. Yet circumstances quickly deteriorate as viewers are plunged into a "nightmare". The cast also includes Yeom Hye-ran, Seo Hyun-woo, Jeon Jin-oh and Kim Hyun-jeong, reports Wales Online. Netflix's official description states: "A man who poured his life savings into a new apartment discovers its walls are full of disturbing noises, hostile neighbours and unsettling secrets." Launching on July 18, the original Korean title translates to 84 Square Meter, referencing the most typical apartment size across South Korea. Within the preview clip, Woo-sung brims with optimism, though his joy proves fleeting. Pledging to deliver a "dark and suspenseful" experience, Netflix hints: "His happiness is short-lived as strange noises begin echoing through the apartment complex each night, plunging him into distress." And the reviews are already pouring in. One viewer was enthralled, sharing: "Wall to Wall completely captivated me. I loved how the film embraced silence, space, and subtle emotion. It's a quiet yet powerful story that explores loneliness, human connection, and the meaning of comfort within confined spaces." Another was equally impressed, remarking: "This movie was enjoyable from the beginning to the end, I don't think there were ANY boring parts. It definitely had thriller/creepy vibes (reminded me of Strangers From Hell 2019). "The main character always kept you on your toes about every decision he made." A third chimed in with high praise: "Love this intense! The concept and how the story flows... kudos to all of the actors who played on this film... a very top notch acting, especially the main casts. . the man with the tattoo.. i adore him... he's good at acting... a rollercoaster of emotions."
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix's new psychological thriller movie is a twist-filled pressure cooker with an ending you won't see coming
How much you'll get out of Netflix's new Korean thriller 'Wall to Wall' depends on your tolerance for slow-burning tension in the most mundane of settings. The movie follows an office worker who finally buys his dream apartment, only to discover that the real nightmare isn't outside but within the building itself. Strange, persistent noises from neighbors above and below begin to chip away at his sanity. If the idea of neighborly torment and creeping psychological dread in close quarters sounds like your kind of thriller, 'Wall to Wall' might just hook you in. It's actually refreshing to watch a thriller that doesn't rely on the supernatural. Instead, it leans into the claustrophobia of urban living. Thin walls, cramped spaces, and suffocating silence all become weapons in a slow-burning psychological war. The movie's real strength lies in turning all-too-familiar frustrations, like noisy neighbors, financial strain, and apartment life stress, into a gripping exploration of mental unraveling and social isolation. Now that 'Wall to Wall' is streaming on Netflix, here's everything to know about this slow-burn thriller and why it stands out in the increasingly crowded world of psychological suspense. 'Wall to Wall' follows Woo-sung (Kang Ha-neul), a diligent office worker who finally achieves his dream of buying a modest apartment in a bustling South Korean city. To afford it, he drains his savings, takes on loans, and even sells his family's garlic farm. But the joy of homeownership quickly fades as Woo-sung becomes tormented by mysterious, incessant noises from his neighbors above and below. Desperate to find peace, Woo-sung allies with his upstairs neighbor Jin-ho (Seo Hyun-woo), while the building's apartment representative, Eun-hwa (Yeom Hye-ran), tries to keep the fragile community calm. As the noise worsens, the relationships between neighbors unravel, revealing hidden fears and suspicions. You wouldn't be wrong in assuming that 'Wall to Wall' is all about the experience of living with disrespectful neighbors, based on the premise alone. Even though the central idea is about a man being tormented by loud noises every night, this thriller aims to shed light on real-world issues in South Korea, particularly around housing and mental health. At its core is the claustrophobia of cramped apartment living, a reality for much of the country's population, where 84-square-meter units are the norm and housing costs continue to soar. Hence why the movie is actually called '84 Square Meters' in its native country. Woo-sung is desperate enough to use all of his savings, and even sell his mother's farm to get an apartment. 'Wall to Wall' zeroes in on the mental toll of inter-floor noise, a surprisingly common source of tension in Korean apartment blocks. As Woo-sung's dream of homeownership begins to fall apart, the story also shows the crushing financial pressures tied to property ownership and the illusion of upward mobility. Of course, this type of psychological warfare wouldn't be nearly as effective without Ha-neul's incredible performance. Known for playing Kang Dae-ho in 'Squid Game,' I already expected him to bring a commanding presence to this thriller, and he absolutely delivers. In every scene, you can see his frustration building without the need for much dialogue. Director Kim Tae-joon also knows exactly how to portray that kind of psychological torment. Most of the movie is set in darkness, since Woo-sung refuses to turn on the lights to save on electricity. The same goes for water as dishes pile up, empty bottles clutter the floor, and he even reuses the same bathwater for days. He's constantly sweating and sleeping on the hard floor, with all of it tied to his financial struggles. The first half of 'Wall to Wall' is especially effective at building tension. I found myself genuinely frustrated on Woo-sung's behalf once the noise started and neighbors began randomly blaming him. It's a tense, well-executed setup, and one that kept me watching, if only to figure out what was really going on inside that apartment complex. Unfortunately, the second half of the movie has less impact. There are plenty of twists thrown in to keep things engaging, and they're definitely compelling, but this claustrophobic thriller strays a bit too far from what makes it … well, claustrophobic. Director Tae-joon shifts into action territory, and while those scenes add intensity, they feel somewhat out of place. It's understandable why the movie leans into action in the third act (since many viewers may prefer that over the slow-burn unraveling of Woo-sung's mental state), but I actually found that quieter tension far more effective. I would've preferred the movie to stay focused on Woo-sung's spiraling paranoia and the way the noises became increasingly unbearable. That said, the ending is undeniably wild, and I'm sure many viewers will be surprised by how things unfold. I just wish it had a more satisfying conclusion and stuck to one genre. As it stands, it falls into the same trap as many modern thrillers: doing too much with a concept that was already strong on its own. You can stream 'Wall to Wall' on Netflix now, and it's well worth checking out if you're after something that has plenty of tension and a uniquely grounded sense of unease. It's not a perfect psychological thriller, but it adds a fresh layer by focusing on a fear that feels incredibly real, including what happens when your home no longer feels safe. The performances, especially from Ha-neul, carry much of the emotional weight, and the movie's cinematography does a great job making the apartment space feel both intimate and threatening. While the final act may not stick the landing for everyone, the journey there is gripping enough to make it a compelling watch. For those who appreciate slow-building psychological tension with a socially conscious edge, 'Wall to Wall' might just burrow under your skin in all the right ways. Stream "Wall to Wall" on Netflix.
Tom's Guide
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
It's not 'Squid Game,' but this Netflix thriller movie with a familiar face might hit the same nerve — watch the new trailer now
I think a lot of Netflix viewers are probably missing 'Squid Game' right now. After the third and final season (which happened to be its boldest and most emotional chapter yet), there's a definite void. While I'm glad one of Netflix's biggest shows ended with a bang and didn't overstay its welcome, I can't help but feel a little sad that it's over. But there might be something to fill that gap. Netflix is constantly pumping out original content, but there's one upcoming release that's quickly become my most anticipated movie of the summer. After catching a first look last month, I was hooked, and now there's a brand-new trailer. The movie is 'Wall to Wall,' a psychological thriller starring one of 'Squid Game''s most beloved actors, and it's hitting the streaming service on July 18. Kang Ha-neul, who played Dae-hoe in 'Squid Game' seasons 2 and 3, now takes center stage in a new original movie from Netflix. He portrays a man who 'finally saves up enough to buy an apartment, only to have it turn into a nightmare with financial ruin and mysterious noises from neighboring floors.' In the movie, Kang's character Woo-sung is stuck in a cramped apartment, surrounded by strangers he calls neighbors, hearing strange noises through thin walls, and trapped in the same dull routine every day. He's alone, but close enough to others to feel constantly on edge. It's the kind of setting where paranoia creeps in without you even realizing it. 'Wall to Wall' doesn't share much with 'Squid Game' in story or style, but it could still satisfy fans because Kang, who quickly became a standout in the series, takes the lead. His performance was one of the most memorable, and with his talent front and center here, it's easy to see why this might fill that void (for me, anyway). Considering 'Squid Game' season 3 quite literally took my soul, I'm hoping 'Wall to Wall' will at least deliver a solid thriller fix. Kang might not be as recognizable as Lee Jung-jae, but he still deserves just as much attention for his talent. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. After the success of the acclaimed drama 'When the Camellia Blooms' and the hit series 'Tastefully Yours,' Kang has earned a solid reputation for bringing plenty of charm and emotional weight to every role. With that track record, I'm confident he'll bring something great to this upcoming thriller. Plus, anyone who has seen 'Squid Game' will know that his character starts off as a boastful former Marine with a tough exterior. But as the games progress, his vulnerabilities and inner conflicts surface, and he showed some serious acting chops while exploring this side of his character. The premise also has me seriously intrigued. The movie's original Korean title translates to '84 Square Meters,' which is the standard size of many apartments in South Korea. It reflects how tight, competitive, and stressful the country's housing situation really is. There's barely any privacy, and peace of mind is even harder to come by. This makes for a tense and claustrophobic backdrop, where the characters are trapped not just by physical walls, but by the pressures and anxieties of their environment. A setup like this is perfect for a thriller that explores how isolation and close quarters can slowly wear down a person's sanity. Directed by Kim Tae-joon, known for his acclaimed thriller 'Unlocked' (which, funnily enough, also stars another 'Squid Game' alum Yim Si-wan), 'Wall to Wall' marks his return to the genre. The movie also stars Yeom Hye-ran as Eun-hwa, the apartment's resident representative, and Seo Hyun-woo as Jin-ho, an upstairs neighbor. Where will I be on July 18? Streaming 'Wall to Wall' on Netflix, of course. In the meantime though, check out what's new on Netflix this month.
Korea Herald
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
How Korean shows like 'Tastefully Yours' reflect shifting content landscape
Traditional formula for measuring a content's success has long changed, says content creators Today, a show's failure to achieve high ratings on TV does not mean failure. Increasingly, content is experiencing a divide between streaming success and traditional broadcast viewership. As of Wednesday, "Tastefully Yours," a romantic comedy headlined by Korean stars Go Min-si and Kang Ha-neul, has soared to No. 2 on Netflix's global Top 10 non-English TV series. The series also clinched the fourth spot on the streamer's Korea rankings for the top 10 most-watched series. Despite its streaming momentum, the series is struggling to gain traction on linear television. "Tastefully Yours" posted a 3.4 percent viewership rating on TV, trailing behind dramas such as "Heavenly Ever After" and "The Haunted Palace," which pull in a solid 8 to 10 percent in ratings on average. "Tastefully Yours" is one of many Korean shows to post significantly different viewership numbers on television and streaming platforms. A notable example is KBS' variety show "Beat Coin," which initially saw viewership ratings hover around the 1 percent mark during conventional airing. But when a retooled version was released on streaming platform Wavve, the show exploded in popularity, dominating KBS' non-drama category for 28 consecutive weeks between May 8 and Nov. 13, 2023. The rebooted show also ranked No. 1 on Netflix Korea's Top 10 series chart two days after its release. The disconnect between success on linear TV and streaming platforms is largely attributed to demographic distribution among the two media. Viewers of traditional broadcasts are older, while those middle-aged and younger are rapidly shifting to digital platforms. The gap between success in TV and streaming platforms becomes even more pronounced when the content resonates with global youth audiences, as is often the case with Netflix. "Success on Netflix is now generally seen as being more important than high TV ratings," said an industry official from a local drama production studio, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'With success in the streaming space becoming more and more important, from the development stage, we are focusing on creating globally accessible storytelling by incorporating elements such as easily translatable dialogue and editing styles optimized for binge-watching.' With content enjoying longer lifespans thanks to streaming and viral short-form clips, he said producers are now prioritizing long-term potential rather than overnight success, shifting away from focusing solely on a show's performance during its initial television run. 'Even if a series underperforms on broadcast, it can find new life elsewhere. The traditional formula for measuring a content's success has long changed,' he said. Yet, concerns are mounting that the dominance of major streaming platforms, particularly Netflix, could skew creative direction and lead to monopolistic practices in the content industry. The streamer recently raised its subscription fees in Korea, with the ad-supported tier jumping from 5,500 won ($4) to 7,000 won and the basic plan increasing from 9,500 won to 12,000 won.
Korea Herald
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
'Yadang' becomes most-viewed 2025 film in S. Korea
"Yadang: The Snitch" has become the most-watched theatrical release of the year in South Korea, surpassing Bong Joon-ho's Hollywood film "Mickey 17," the Korean movie's distributor said Tuesday. Starring Kang Ha-neul, Yoo Hae-jin and Park Hae-joon, the crime thriller had reached 3,015,000 admissions as of Tuesday morning, edging past "Mickey 17," which drew 3,013,000, according to Plus M Entertainment. Directed by Hwang Byeong-guk, "Yadang" centers on the intertwined ambitions of a cunning criminal informant, a driven prosecutor who recruits him and a detective who risks everything to take down a major drug trafficking ring. Since its release, the flick has stayed atop the domestic box office every day, except for May 5, when Warner Bros.' "A Minecraft Movie" briefly claimed the top spot. During the extended six-day holiday period ending May 6, "Yadang" amassed 831,000 admissions to become the most-watched Korean film released this year, surpassing "Hitman 2," which drew 2.54 million. On Monday, it also became the first R-rated Korean film in six years to surpass 3 million admissions nationwide. (Yonhap)
