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Korea Herald
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Retro Korea: Must-watch series that capture nation in transition
Travel back in time with a curated lineup of dramas that bring Korea's rapid urban transformation to life on screen. These binge-worthy series, set against the backdrops of the 1960s through 1990s, offer a mix of genres — from political thrillers to heartfelt coming-of-age tales. This weekend, delve into the series that authentically capture the struggles and dreams of everyday Koreans during decades of seismic change. 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' on Netflix, Tving Set during the Asian financial crisis and the years following the IMF bailout of Korea in the late 1990s, "Twenty-Five Twenty-One" follows the journey of Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri) and Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk) as they navigate love and ambitions. Anchored by poignant performances and an emotionally stirring script, the series resonated deeply with viewers during the pandemic, offering solace and hope amid uncertainty. The show's compelling mystery — who does Hee-do eventually marry? — kept fans engaged week after week, while its beautiful mise-en-scenes and nostalgic production design made it a standout. 'Boyhood' on Coupang Play One of Coupang Play's breakout hits, "Boyhood" chronicles the rise of Jang Byung-tae (Im Si-wan), who relocates to South Chungcheong Province and is unexpectedly mistaken for a fearsome fighter. Set in the late 1980s, this nostalgic coming-of-age dramedy weaves together a number of period details, from its nostalgic countryside setting to its retro-inspired soundtrack sung by contemporary Korean singer-songwriters. "Boyhood" struck a chord with audiences, marking a whopping 2,914 percent spike in viewership by its finale. With its sharp comedic beats, the series delivers a charming underdog tale packed with laughs and cultural authenticity. 'Uncle Samsik' on Disney+ Taking a darker, more politically charged turn compared to previous works, "Uncle Samsik" plunges into the volatile 1960s, a period marked by ideological upheaval and national reconstruction. Featuring "Parasite" star Song Kang-ho in his highly anticipated K-drama debut, the series centers on the enigmatic political fixer Uncle Samsik (Song), a man with unrelenting ambition. One of Disney+'s most ambitious Korean originals to date, "Uncle Samsik" meticulously recreates post-war Seoul. With its high production value and powerhouse performances, the political saga will make your weekend fly by. yoonseo.3348@
Tatler Asia
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Why K-dramas always look like dream holidays
Love in translation Above 'Doctor Stranger' (2014) took us around Budapest, Hungary. (Photo: IMDB) But it's not just for show. When characters leave Korea, something shifts. Emotional stakes rise. Time slows. Suddenly, every cobblestone street becomes a confessional. Abroad, our protagonists find themselves, sometimes literally. Whether it's Hyun Bin soul-searching in Switzerland or Kim Tae-ri riding a bike through 1990s Paris in Twenty-Five Twenty-One , international scenes often serve as narrative inflection points apart from pegs for dream holidays. K-dramas often use overseas settings as a narrative escape hatch, allowing characters to break free from the rigid structures of Korean society. In a foreign country, they can reinvent themselves, unburdened by family expectations, workplace hierarchies or nosy neighbours. It's a clean emotional slate, one that's as liberating for the characters as it is enchanting for viewers. Korea's cultural soft power Above 'Queen of Tears' (2024) made people's dream holidays revolve around Germany. (Photo: Netflix) There's also the not-so-secret diplomatic agenda. The Korean Wave—Hallyu—is no longer confined to music charts and Netflix queues. International shoots act as cinematic emissaries, exporting Korean stories through global landscapes. In some cases, it's a win-win: countries like the Philippines, Spain and Thailand benefit from the tourism bump, while K-dramas expand their cachet as sophisticated global entertainment. Filming abroad acts as a quiet flex. It's an assertion that Korean pop culture belongs on the global stage. It's not just K-dramas anymore; it's K-culture going cosmopolitan. See more: Korean drama travel inspiration: 14 popular filming sites to visit Fantasy, but relatable Above 'Memories of the Alhambra' (2018) was technically in some kind of simulated reality, but when it wasn't, it was set in Spain. (Photo: IMDB) There's also the matter of emotional resonance. In a K-drama, Paris isn't just Paris—it's a symbol of first love, loneliness or a kind of aspirational sadness best expressed under grey skies and oversized scarves. These places become emotional proxies, transforming architecture into feeling. Memories of the Alhambra , set largely in Spain, used its setting not just as a backdrop but as a metaphysical extension of its video-game-inspired plot. In The King: Eternal Monarch , the characters literally cross dimensions, which is fitting, considering the show filmed everywhere from Busan to Brandenburg. And for fans watching in São Paulo or Stockholm, these foreign settings make Korean content feel closer to home. The jet-set future Above 'Encounter' (2018) included Havana, Cuba, as one of its filming locations (Photo: IMDB) Of course, not every drama needs a plane ticket. But as K-content continues to dominate global screens, the trend is unlikely to slow. Overseas filming has become an emotional tool, a branding strategy and, occasionally, a plot device that justifies a random flashback in Vienna. So the next time a character is brooding on a bridge in Budapest or sharing a gelato in Florence, remember: it's not just about where they are. It's about who they're becoming, one passport stamp at a time. And if they influence your dream holidays, then that's a bonus. In the world of K-dramas, love doesn't just transcend class, time and logic—it transcends borders.
SBS Australia
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
These mothers will have you glued to the screen
L-R: Arab Blues, Volver, The Handmaiden, Black Bear. Credit: SBS On Demand. Mothers come in all shapes and sizes. Mothers make us laugh, they make us cry, and with SBS's 'Mother is Mothering' collection , they'll also keep your eye glued to the screen with one hand in the popcorn bowl. And no, we don't just mean biological mothers – though there are definitely some wonderful ones in this collection. We mean capital-M Mothers: women that, for better or for worse, take on the world and try to make it their own. So, if you're looking to get gagged, gooped or maybe just queen out, here are the most iconic films that will leave you saying "Motherrrrrr!". This sumptuous Park Chan-wook film is set in Japanese-occupied Korea and based on Welsh writer Sarah Waters' iconic lesbian novel Fingersmith . As well as a deeply moving depiction of queer love, this film is also a pacey – sometimes gory – psychological thriller with enough twists and turns to leave you gasping. The TLDR is that Sook-hee (Kim Tae-ri), a Korean thief, gets into cahoots with a con-man (Ha Jung-woo), who gets her a gig as Japanese heiress Hideko's (Kim Min-hee) maid. His cunning plan? Get Hideko to fall in love with him, steal all her money and then consign her to an asylum, with the promise of Sook-hee getting a cut of the riches. And getting Hideko to fall in love shouldn't be too much of an ask, because she's functionally imprisoned in the house of her awful uncle, The Count (Ha Jung-woo) and forced to perform for his frequent guests. But an unexpected tenderness, and attraction, grows between Sook-hee and Hideko as they get to know one another. There's more to Hideko than meets the eye though, and the potential for betrayal lurks around every corner. Even when you don't know who is in the right and who is in the wrong, at every moment of the film, you can't help cheering for both women, whether they're together or apart. Biggest 'Yes Queen' moment: We won't spoil this twist-filled film for you, but let's just say there are multiple 'Yes Queen' moments throughout the course of this film. The Handmaiden is streaming now at SBS On Demand. A comedy drama about a Tunisian psychoanalyst who returns to Tunis after living in Paris for many years, Arab Blues explores the flood gates that open when someone is willing to really listen to you talk. From the moment Selma (Golshifteh Farahani) arrives back in Tunis to set up her own psychoanalysis office, she's met with detractors, from her aunt and uncle who reluctantly allow her to practice on their roof, to the bureaucratic system which stalls her. But there is a clear warmth throughout the film, from Selma's relationships with her clients to her bond with rebellious cousin Olfa (Aisha Ben Miled). Occasionally, the conditions of Selma's clients are played for laughs in a way that borders on dismissive. But in general, Arab Blues aptly showcases the potentially life-altering power of therapy, treating its characters with empathy and with humor. Woven throughout the film is reference to Tunisia's post-revolution political situation, seen in Selma's relationship with police officer Naim (Majd Mastoura), the trauma of the clients she takes on, and most disarmingly, a scene late in the film where she visits her aging grandfather. Farahani is excellent as Selma, a woman trying to forge a path to her future within the country of her past. Biggest 'Yes Queen' moment: When, despite the derision, Selma opens her office door and sees floods of people wanting to speak to her. In close second is an emotionally vulnerable moment late in the film when we finally see the gravity and weight of what she's trying to accomplish crack Selma's calm exterior. Arab Blues is streaming now at SBS On Demand. This critically acclaimed Spanish comedy-drama saw Penelope Cruz become the first Spanish woman nominated for an Oscar, for her role as Raimunda, a woman who will go to any length to protect her daughter Paula (Yohana Cobo) from harm. This film tackles heavy subjects, most prominently death, abuse and sexual violence, but also takes great care while exploring the complexities of the relationships between women. And perhaps unexpectedly, Volver is also a ghost story: Raimunda's mother, Irene (Carmen Maura), has apparently returned from the dead. Biggest 'Yes Queen' moment: Quite simply, Penelope Cruz. Need we say more? Volver is streaming now at SBS On Demand. A taut, gripping, psychological drama which never goes quite where you expect it to, Black Bear sees Aubrey Plaza in a standout performance as Allison, a proclaimed director who goes to a retreat run by friends-of-friends, couple Gabe (Christopher Abbott) and Blair (Sarah Gadon), who is pregnant. What follows is a sucker punch of a film, as the drama intensifies to an almost melodramatic level until an unexpected switch changes the tone completely. Highlights include the world's most uncomfortable, tense dinner party: beginning calmly, before erupting into an interpersonal clash with emotions boiling dangerously close to the surface. While this film may not end where you expect it – and might leave you needing a strong cup of tea and a lie down afterwards, if not a trawl through the internet reading peoples' analysis – it is held together by a nuanced, powerful performance by Aubrey Plaza as you've never seen her. Biggest 'Yes Queen' moment: In the latter part of the film, we meet a gay makeup artist and a costume designer who can't stop gossiping. They are icons. Black Bear is streaming now at SBS On Demand. Explore the MOTHER IS MOTHERING COLLECTION at SBS On Demand. Share this with family and friends SBS's award winning companion podcast. Join host Yumi Stynes for Seen, a new SBS podcast about cultural creatives who have risen to excellence despite a role-model vacuum.
Muscat Daily
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Baeksang Awards 2025: Celebrating best of Korean drama and film
Glamour, gratitude and groundbreaking performances mark Korea's most prestigious night in entertainment Seoul, South Korea – The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards returned with splendour to COEX Hall D in Seoul, honouring excellence across Korean television and cinema. The star-studded evening was hosted by Shin Dong-yup, Bae Suzy, and Park Bo-gum, and featured appearances by top celebrities including Hyun Bin, Byun Woo Seok, Jung Hae In, Song Hye Kyo, and IU. Joo Ji-hoon Secures Best Actor for Netflix Drama; Kim Tae-ri Named Best Actress for 'Jeong Nyeon' Veteran actor Joo Ji-hoon clinched the Best Actor award for his compelling performance in The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call , a Netflix original. He faced strong competition from Park Bo-gum ( When Life Gives You Tangerines ), Byun Woo-seok ( Lovely Runner ), Lee Dong-hwi ( Good or Bad Dong Jae ), and Han Suk-kyu ( Delusion ). In his acceptance speech, Joo said: 'Acting cannot be accomplished alone. Everyone here is my partner, and I will return with even more interesting works.' His tribute to the ensemble cast and crew received heartfelt applause. Marking her second win at the Baeksangs, Kim Tae-ri was awarded Best Actress for her role in Jeong Nyeon , having previously won for Twenty-Five Twenty-One . She edged out formidable contenders, including IU for her acclaimed role in My Mister . In her emotional speech, Kim shared: 'I feel ashamed to receive such a significant award, but I strive to improve. I try to see my shortcomings as a form of romance.' 'My Dearest' Takes Grand Prize, While 'Tangerines' Dominates Drama Categories The historical romance My Dearest was awarded the prestigious Grand Prize (Daesang), while When Life Gives You Tangerines won both Best Drama and Best Screenplay, confirming its status as a critical and popular favourite. Choi Dae-hoon took home Best Supporting Actor, and Yeom Hye-ran was named Best Supporting Actress for their respective roles in Tangerines . Yeom paid tribute to her co-stars IU and young actress Kim Tae-yeon, stating: 'I want to thank everyone who has supported me on this journey. I love you all.' Red Carpet Elegance Complements Celebratory Atmosphere The evening was not only a showcase of talent but also of fashion. Kim Tae-ri turned heads in a sophisticated two-piece outfit, while IU's elegant white dress exuded grace and poise. The red carpet shimmered with style and personality, adding to the celebratory ambience of the night. A Night to Remember for Korean Entertainment As the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards drew to a close, it served as a powerful reminder of the dedication, creativity and unity within the Korean entertainment industry. With actors like Joo Ji-hoon and Kim Tae-ri promising more to come, the global appeal of K-drama and Korean cinema continues to grow stronger.
Hype Malaysia
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
'Lost In Starlight': 4 Fun Facts About Netflix's First Korean Original Animated Film
You've probably seen countless animated films and series on Netflix, with some made specifically for the platform. But have you ever noticed that the streaming giant has never produced an original Korean-language animated film before? Well, that's all about to change with the recent announcement of 'Lost in Starlight'. The film marks Netflix's first Korean-language original animated feature, starring actress Kim Tae-ri (김태리) and actor Hong Kyung (홍경). It tells the story of an astronaut dreaming of Mars and a musician with a broken dream who find each other among the stars, brought together by hope and love. Here are some fun facts about the project: 1. It's Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung's first voice-acting roles Both actress Kim Tae-ri and actor Hong Kyung are acclaimed performers who previously co-starred in the 2023 series 'Revenant'. While both have built impressive careers across various projects that brought them stardom, 'Lost in Starlight' marks their first-ever voice acting roles. They voice the star-crossed lovers, Nan-young and Jay, respectively. 2. It's directed by Han Ji-won (하지원) If you're not familiar with Han Ji-won, she's a pioneering creator in the world of Korean animated cinema. Her most notable works include 'Clearer Than You Think', 'The Sea on the Day of the Return of Magic', and 'The Summer', all of which have earned her widespread recognition, including praise from fellow directors such as Yeon Sang-ho (Train to Busan). 3. It has earned praise from Oscar-winning director Bong Joon Ho (봉준호) Bong Joon-ho, best known for 'Parasite', the film that earned him and South Korea their first Oscars at the 2019 Academy Awards, had the opportunity to preview the upcoming animated film before its official release. According to Netflix, the filmmaker praised 'Lost in Starlight' as 'a visual masterpiece that takes you around the universe', highlighting Han Ji-won's intricate and fantastical visual storytelling. 4. It will premiere on 30th May Netflix Asia released the official poster and teaser earlier this week, unveiling the film's artwork along with its official release date. Lost in Starlight is set to premiere on the streaming platform on 30th May 2025 (Friday). So, if you're eager to see Kim Tae-ri and Hong Kyung in their first animated project, be sure to mark your calendars and catch the film on Netflix. Check out the teaser below: Sources: Netflix, Cartoon Brew, Allkpop
