20-07-2025
Hit webtoon 'S Line' turned into drama series, exploring world with visible sexual connections, make its way to Malaysia's Tonton channel
'S Line', a Korean series that is currently creating a phenomenon and is being talked about across Asia and breaking new ground in South-East Asia, can now be watched exclusively on Tonton starting 11 July 2025.
Imagine if your past could be known – not through stories or rumours, but through a red thread that seemed to float above your head. Sounds strange ... Crazy... Scary... But this is the shocking truth in the latest Korean drama, 'S Line', which is now airing exclusively and first, simultaneously with Korea, in Malaysia.
A crimson thread appears above the heads of those who have had a sexual relationship. When one of the connected individuals dies, the thread vanishes.
This is the eerie premise behind 'S Line,' a webtoon by author Kkomabi, who also penned the original story behind the Netflix original series 'A Killer Paradox' (2024). In this world, the most private of secrets — who has slept with whom — are laid bare. Meanwhile, speaking at a press conference in Yongsan, Seoul, director Ahn Joo-young addressed creative liberties taken with the adaptation.
Ahn credited music as a central element of the show's atmosphere. 'The music director tailored the score to suit the fantasy-infused thriller tone and added variations to each episode's soundtrack to complete it,' she said.
'I hope viewers stay engaged until the end, focusing on how far the characters can change within the drama,' she added. 'It might be even more enjoyable if you imagine what it would be like if S Lines were visible in real life.'
Hyun-heup, played by Arin, a high school student, has seen the threads since birth. Others gain the ability through special glasses. Most people, however, remain unaware of the threads. Kkomabi said that the series version expands the universe of the original story with new episodes and characters. 'It was fascinating to experience the drama's unique charm,' they added.
The series opens with Hyun-heup's narration: 'There are things in life that don't need to be seen — no, things that mustn't be seen. I have seen these lines since I was born.' Believing that her ability caused a tragedy in her family, Hyun-heup isolates herself.
One day, she witnesses a murder in her neighborhood. Suspecting a connection to the mysterious lines, she leaves the house. She then encounters glasses that allow the wearer to see the threads, just like she does. The story grows increasingly complex as she becomes involved with Detective Han Ji-wook, played by Lee Soo-hyuk, who is investigating the murder, and a mysterious teacher Lee Gyu-jin, played by Lee Da-hee, who has no threads at all.
Recently, Lee was also Malaysia and had a special meet-and-greet session with Malaysian fans in Kuala Lumpur. The event drew thousands of fans at the famous shopping mall in centre of the city.
Lee, during the meet and greet session, himself, said that the series promises to be a groundbreaking event by itself.
The series also had its world premiere at the Grand Lumiere Theater during the 8th Cannes International Series Festival in May, where it was invited to compete in the long-form series category.
'S Line' also took home the Best Music award in its category — the first time a Korean production has earned that distinction at Canneseries. The score was directed by composer Lee Jun-oh, known for his work on films 'The Terror, Live' (2013) and 'Little Forest' (2018) and the Tving period drama series 'Queen Woo' (2024).
Arin, a member of girl group Oh My Girl and an actress who has built her filmography through series like 'Girl's World' (2020) and 'Alchemy of Souls' (2022), takes on a dramatically different role in 'S Line.'
'When I first met Arin, I saw a determination in her to throw herself into the character, even into fire if necessary,' said director Ahn. 'I felt like we could do anything together.'
Director Ahn, known for her 2018 indie feature 'A Boy and Sungreen,' which portrayed youth in a non-stereotypical way, makes her fantasy-thriller debut with 'S Line.'
'It feels surreal to win an award with a music director I've worked with since my short film days,' she said at the press event. 'Each episode has a slightly different concept, so we tailored the tone with variations in instrumentation.'
'I love the original, but I couldn't include every episode,' Ahn said. 'At its core, 'S Line' is about people. I tried to show how individuals change through the existence of the line.'
Meanwhile, Arin said she is just grateful to be involved in such a prestigious and amazing venture.
'I thought, if not this work, when would I get to attempt something like this?' said Arin. 'I really tried to show a different side of myself. I'm so glad the feedback has been wonderful.'
For more insight of the incredible drama, fans now can catch the show in Tonton. The series consists of six episodes, with the first two was shown on Tonton July 11 and then another two on July 18 and the exciting conclusion this Friday (July 25).
Info media for the series were from the Official Media Kit, Korea JoongAng Daily and The Korea Herald/Asia News Network
