Latest news with #Kdramas
Malay Mail
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
K-drama fever hits Pavilion KL as thousands flock to see ‘Law and the City' stars Lee Jong-suk and Moon Ga-young at series finale fan screening
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 — The connection between Malaysians and K-dramas can be traced back many years, and now in 2025, that relationship has only grown stronger, most recently demonstrated by the legal drama Law and the City. The series, set in Seoul's Seocho Judicial Town, portrays the joys and struggles of five young lawyers as they navigate the demanding legal world, personal challenges, and evolving friendships. Last night marked a momentous evening at the entrance of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, where the Law and the City KL Star Tour — a red carpet event — took place, followed by an exclusive fan screening of the series finale at DADI Cinema. Over a thousand fans turned up for the Law and the City red carpet event yesterday, held in conjunction with the series finale screening. — Photo by Yusof Mat Is However, the real highlight for fans came with the arrival of the show's two lead actors — Lee Jong-suk (who plays Ahn Joo-hyung) and Moon Ga-young (who plays Kang Hee-ji) — prompting cheers and screams of excitement from the crowd. Fans gathered as early as 7am and waited until the 7.50pm start time, even braving blistering rain in anticipation of the stars gracing the red carpet stage. More than a thousand people were present, ranging from teenagers accompanied by their parents to a 77-year-old who flew in from Boston just to catch a glimpse of the actors. Among the crowd were long-time supporters of Moon, such as Najihah, 26, a devoted fan since the 2015 web drama EXO Next Door. Actress Moon Ga-young arrived elegantly, with many lucky fans getting signed autographs and photos with the actress. — Photo by Yusof Mat Isa 'I like her personality — she's very humble, and at the same time, she's really good at acting. 'One word to describe her? I would say 'gorgeous',' she said. When describing Law and the City, Najihah initially expected a romance-focused drama but found that it's actually centered on the law, with each episode exploring different phases of legal cases. You couldn't miss the strong presence of Lee fans in the crowd either — including Rafifah, 26, and Blinkbling, 25 — both of whom praised his screen presence and consistent performances. 'I started liking him since the 2012 drama School 2013, so it's been 12 years. 'I admire his acting and good looks,' said Rafifah. Rafifah loves the series for its portrayal of five lawyers balancing friendship and work, while Blinkbling enjoys it for its insight into a lawyer's life. 'The series is very nice because you can see and know about how the life of a lawyer is,' added Blinkbling. Fans showing excitement, holding up posters of Law and the City, awaiting the arrival of the two superstars from Law and the City. — Photo by Yusof Mat Isa Lee's charming looks certainly caught the eye of many Malaysians at the event, a sentiment echoed by 22-year-olds Rachel, Jnan, and Jying, who described him as 'handsome' and 'perfect.' Not far from the stage was Qil, 27, who appreciated Lee's versatility as an actor regardless of the role he takes on. 'He's also one of the artists who doesn't get involved in any bad or sensitive issues, and we just love what he does,' she added. Since its premiere in July, Law and the City has consistently drawn strong viewership, achieving impressive ratings across the region. The drama currently ranks among the Top 10 international titles on Astro and remains one of the top-performing programs on tvN Asia, reinforcing its popularity with Malaysian audiences. Curious to see what the hype is about? You will be happy to know that all 12 episodes are now available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. Last night was indeed a true testament to Malaysians' love for their Korean dramas — and it's safe to say Malaysia's love affair with K-dramas is far from over.
South China Morning Post
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
More Japanese women say ‘I do' to South Korean men, swept along by ‘hallyu' wave
An increasing number of Japanese women are marrying South Korean men, as the influence of K-dramas, rising economic parity and the spread of both online and offline matchmaking services reshape cross-border romance across the Sea of Japan. South Korean government data recorded 1,176 such unions last year – a 40 per cent rise from 2023 – while just 147 marriages were registered between South Korean women and Japanese men. These marriages stand out amid a long-term decline in South Korean nuptials. While total marriages have dropped by nearly 30 per cent over the past decade, international unions have steadily grown over the last three years, accounting for around 10 per cent of all weddings in 2024. For many couples, the starting point is cultural curiosity. Japan's hallyu (Korean wave) fascination has been growing since the early 2000s, when K-dramas such as Stairway to Heaven and Jewel in the Palace aired to widespread acclaim. More recently, a younger generation immersed in K-pop, Korean fashion and online language exchanges has embraced deeper personal connections. A scene from 'Premarital Love', a reality show pairing Japanese women with South Korean men. Photo: MBC That cultural exchange has also played out on television. Premarital Love, a Korea–Japan dating show that premiered in September last year on Korea's MBN and Japan's Abeema TV, pairs Japanese women with South Korean men on unscripted dates. The show quickly drew attention for its cross-cultural chemistry and strong viewer engagement, with early episodes generating buzz on South Korean forums for the couples' natural rapport and relatability.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How I Unlearned Everything I Was Taught About Love
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The only romantic relationship I've ever had lasted exactly one week. It was my sophomore year of high school, and at the homecoming dance, I had my first-ever slow dance and my first kiss with a senior in my Spanish class. The kiss felt like nothing—just a closed-mouth brush of skin—but I rode on the high of being desired for the whole night and into the next day, when he asked me out over text. I felt suffocated. He was always texting, always wanting to hold hands, and I couldn't match the intensity. I didn't like him so much as the idea of him—and he deserved better than that. When I finally admitted how I felt to a friend, who promptly told him, we called it off—and I felt mostly relieved. Since then, dating has never felt like a priority for me. I've always felt removed from the world of couplings and romantic relationships. It's not like romance repulses me—I mainline romantic TV shows and K-dramas, and root for my favorite celebrity couples as much as the next fangirl—but I've never understood why anyone would feel that they need to date or have a partner. I watch those scenes where the heroine is like, 'I just have to be with this person,' and my brain instantly goes, or… you could just not. Sometimes, when I'm giving a friend advice as they spiral over a bad relationship, I wonder if some part of my brain is on an 'off' setting. Like maybe once I meet The One, a switch will flip and I'll morph into someone who'd willingly apply to Love Is Blind and rearrange their whole life around someone else's texting habits. (Respect to y'all. But that is not my path.) Looking back on my most boy-crazy days, even then, I think what I longed for wasn't a boyfriend—it was a kind of unconditional love I hadn't yet learned to show myself. A decade later, I've built a life full of it. I have deep friendships, fulfilling work, a strong relationship with my family, and hobbies that energize me. I live a life full of love, just not including the red-heart, Hallmark variety. And that's not a deficit—it's a choice. It took a lot of introspection to take pride in that, since it goes against everything I've seen and heard since I was born. From the moment we arrive on this earth, people are taught that a romantic partner is all you need—the ultimate goal of life. Everything around us—from tax codes to Disney movies—tells us that finding 'the one' is not just desirable, but necessary. I'm lucky that my mom never pressured me to settle down; she only ever cared that I was fulfilled. But even without the grandkid nudges, society makes singleness feel like a waiting room for real life. Girls are taught that happily-ever-after is synonymous with married with children. That if a boy is mean, it must mean he likes you. That being chosen is the greatest validation of all. I don't need to chase after romantic love to seek fulfillment. I'm already surrounded by love. I give it freely. I receive it daily. The first time someone questioned whether I was asexual, I rejected it. I was 21, living in Brooklyn with a roommate who was always swiping and dating. One day, after telling me about her latest romantic conquest, she asked why I didn't date or hook up. When I said I just didn't really care to, she asked if I might be asexual. I was immediately defensive. I ranted to friends later: How dare she say that? But what I really meant was, What if she's right—and I'm broken? Years later, I finally picked up Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex by Angela Chen. It had been sitting on my bookshelf, taunting me, for three years. When I finally read it, everything clicked. I fell down the rabbit hole—not just of asexuality, but of aromanticism, the experience of feeling little or no romantic attraction. That's when I started to understand that I fall on the aromantic spectrum. I currently identify as demisexual and grayromantic, which means I only experience romantic attraction in rare, specific circumstances—far less frequently than someone who is alloromantic. I also came across a word that explained so much of my unease: amatonormativity. Coined by philosopher Elizabeth Brake, it's the assumption that everyone wants a romantic, monogamous partnership, and that any life without it is incomplete. Seriously, try to name ten shows or movies that don't include romance whatsoever. Even daily interactions reinforce it. Try buying a car or booking a plumber without being asked, 'Does your husband know about this?' Ask someone not to comment on your love life and it's treated like asking them not to breathe. Why is 'wife and mother' still framed as the natural endpoint of womanhood? There's a reason for that. Romantic coupling, especially heterosexual marriage, is financially incentivized. Couples get to share the cost of living. Recent declining fertility rates in both the U.S. and worldwide have spurred governments to offer perks for procreation, but even before that, financial and social advantages for married couples have always been embedded into American life, from tax breaks to easier loans. While couples get to share all the household costs that can be exorbitantly expensive for solo living, solo renters pay what's known as the 'singles tax'—an average of $14,000 more per year just for living alone in cities like New York. Even airlines are charging solo travelers more. And that's before you factor in the social messaging that being alone is inherently sad. That anyone without a partner must be searching for one. It's funny that I was first confronted with my difference in 2016, when we were just on the precipice of a rise in conservatism that demonizes anyone who doesn't fit into the hetero lifestyle, depending on who they are or who they love or what type of love they feel. View Deal In the years since, I've had to reckon with every way I am marginalized: as woman, as Black, as fat, as queer. In a way it has been liberating: I've always felt that something was wrong with me because I don't fit into what society wants me to be. I am bigger than what the bigots can imagine, and I don't have to follow their script. For the past year, I've been building my life outside of 'should'—and it has made me feel like Wonder Woman. Not all the time; if you've read my work carefully, you'll know that I still spiral plenty. But I'm no longer waiting for a mythical someone to make my life whole. Sure, since I fall on the 'little' side of 'little to no romantic attraction,' it could happen one day, but I don't need to chase after romantic love to seek fulfillment. I'm already surrounded by love. I give it freely. I receive it daily. There's a radical power in choosing your people. It's the one source of power I don't overthink (mostly because I am entirely too crowd-anxious to start a cult). In showing up for your chosen family, day after day, without the promise of a wedding or shared lease. In building a community rooted in communication, not convention. I love that I put the energy into showing my mom the appreciation she deserves, and that I work to sustain friendships even when the people I love most live hundreds of miles from me. I'm excited for the future—the queerplatonic partnerships I'll build, the friendships I'll deepen. To break out of my quiet-gay comfort zone and meet new people who think the same way, to form deep relationships that thrive on shutting out norms and shoulds. And I love that every time I say no to a system that insists I should want more, I'm saying yes to myself. After all, who else can I be?
India Today
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Hina Khan becomes the honorary ambassador of Korea Tourism in India
Actor Hina Khan has been officially appointed as the Honorary Ambassador of Korea Tourism in India. The announcement was made through Hina Khan's official Instagram account, where she is seen posing with Andrew JH Kim, Acting Executive VP, International Tourism Division, KTO."Honoured to be appointed as the Honorary Ambassador of Korea Tourism! Excited to promote the beauty, culture, and warmth of Korea. My experience in the past few days of visiting this beautiful country cannot be summoned in one word. From ancient palaces to vibrant streets, Korea's magic is waiting to be explored. Can't wait to show everyone the amazing sights, delicious food, and incredible culture Korea has to offer. Thank you Mr. Andrew JH Kim and @kto_india for this honour (sic)," she wrote in the caption. Hina Khan becomes the honorary ambassador of Korea TourisminIndia(Photo Credit: Instagram/Hina Khan) advertisementRecently, she also shared a series of photographs from her recent trip to South Korea. With picturesque backdrops and heartfelt captions, Hina expressed her admiration for Korean culture and the pride she feels in representing Korea on an international her trip, Hina Khan and her boyfriend Rocky Jaiswal enjoyed a complete Korean experience, visiting places that are popular among K-drama and K-pop fans. They started their journey at the famous BTS bus stop in Gangneung, a favourite spot for the BTS ARMY. From there, they explored beautiful and unique locations like the scenic Daegwallyeong Samyang Ranch, the creative Haslla Art World, and the peaceful Jumunjin Beach. Hina Khan with partner Rocky Jaiswal in Korea (Photo Credit: Instagram/Hina Khan) advertisementHina Khan and her partner, Rocky Jaiswal's trip felt just like a real-life K-drama, with visits to cute cafes, quiet streets, and romantic bridges that looked straight out of popular Kdramas. Every place they visited reflected beauty of Korean culture, giving fans a dreamy the new face of Korea Tourism in India, Hina will now help promote South Korea's rich culture, traditions, and tourist spots to Indian travellers, encouraging more people to explore and enjoy all that Korea has to Watch
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Weak Hero Class 2 leaves manhwa fans disappointed as they accuse Netflix of 'butchering' the K-drama: 'Made it look bland, cheap'
After a wait of two and a half years, the second chapter in the Weak Hero series, titled Weak Hero Class 2, debuted on Netflix on April 25, 2025, with much fanfare. The action thriller is based on the manhwa of the same name, created by Seopass and Kim Jin Seok. Weak Hero Class 1 premiered on 19 November 2022, on Wavve, South Korea's homegrown streaming platform, but Netflix bought the rights for the second season after the unprecedented success of the first part. Fans of the manhwa and series who quickly binge-watched Weak Hero Class 2 have taken to social media to share their disappointment, calling out Netflix for a lackluster adaptation that failed to meet expectations, skipped key details from the comic, and didn't live up to the seamless execution of the first part. Weak Hero Class 2 plot details Weak Hero Class 2 picks up after the heartbreaking finale of the first part, which left Ahn Su Ho (Choi Hyun Wook) in a vegetative state while Yeon Si Eun (Park Ji Hoon) was forced to transfer schools. Carrying the burden of his guilt as he held himself accountable for Su Ho's state, Si Eun has sworn to practice solitude in his new school, Eunjang High. However, it doesn't take him long to realise that his uniform may have changed, but his circumstances have not, as he once again finds himself entangled in the dark and gritty world of bullies— only this time, they're more dangerous than ever. Just like in the first part, despite his cold and distant demeanor, he gets lucky with friends (let's forget Oh Beom Seok) and finds himself united with Park Hu Min (Ryeo Un), Seo Jun Tae (Choi Min Yeong), and Lee Go Hyeon Tak (Lee Min Jae). Together, they fight against the Union, led by Na Baek Jin (Bae Na Ra) of Yeoil High, his second in command Geum Seong Je (Lee Jun Young) of Ganghak High, the third in command Do Seong Mok of Yeonsung High, and Baek Dong Ha. The Union is supported by the gangster CEO Choi (Jo Jung Suk) of the Cheon Gang. The series weaves a compelling narrative, showcasing the dehumanising bullying culture in South Korean schools, while also portraying heartwarming friendships that make the likes of Seo Jun Tae believe in the power of Newton's third law. To every good action, there's a good action. Why are fans dissatisfied with Weak Hero Class 2? Fans, especially those who have read the manhwa, are not feeling Weak Hero Class 2, with many pointing out that the second part, consisting of eight episodes, is too fast-paced and doesn't focus on the development of characters. Several K-drama fanatics also accused Netflix of toning down on the fight sequences that made Weak Hero Class 1 the phenomenon it is today. Some also called out the "weak writing," which allegedly lacked impact. Taking to X, one user wrote, "Netflix absolutely butchered Weak Hero 2!!! What was one of my favorite Kdramas of all time? Looks like shit now." Netflix absolutely butchered Weak Hero 2!!!What was one of my favourite Kdramas of all time. Looks like shit now "Weak hero class 2!!! The live action didn't do justice; they've just ruined my favorite webtoon… it's just a completely different story!!! Too many important characters are missing, and it's very rushed... I'm all excited for nothing.," one user added. Weak hero class 2!!!The live action didn't do justice, they're just ruined my favorite webtoon.. it's just completely different story!!! Too much important character missing and very rushing.. i'm all excited for nothing 😭 Meanwhile, fans on Reddit echoed similar sentiments, with one user writing, "I've only watched the first four episodes till now, and if I'm not lying, it's mostly a mess and nowhere close to either the manhwa or Class 1; they rushed it way too much. Character development is pretty bleak, ngl. Fight scenes are good, especially Grey and Wolf's fight; they nailed that one down. As for Donald, it's pretty weird to explain, as they changed his character way too much, and I'm currently unsure if that's a change for the better or worse. My thoughts might change a bit after finishing it, but yeah, for now, that's it." Another user wrote, "Literally 220+ chapters in just 8, 30-minute episodes; it's nothing close to manhwa or season 1." "Cool fight sequences, but the overall pacing was way too rushed for me. I felt like they were just going through the motions, and they really didn't show Gray doing much observing of his opponents or working his way up the ranks and making a name for himself — it feels like he lost most fights. and everything was just sort of mashed together. Donald Na felt very underwhelming — not the actor's fault, but they nuked his backstory. Everyone's acting is great, and the friend group (Gray/Ben/Alex/Eugene) has fantastic chemistry, but I couldn't actually buy into any emotional scenes because there was no build-up to them. The banter is delightful, though. My favorite adapted character is probably Wolf; I loved him in the webtoon as well, and he really feels just as unhinged in the drama," added another Redditor. Check out more comments in the Reddit thread below: All eight episodes of Weak Hero Class 2 are now streaming on Netflix. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
