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Time of India
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Has Park Bo Gum's mother in ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines' gave up everything and found peace at a temple? Find out more about veteran actress Oh Min Ae's struggles
' When Life Gives You Tangerines ' has been a superhit show ever since its release on online streaming platforms. In a recent interview, veteran actress Oh Min Ae , who is also known for playing actor Park Bo Gum 's mother, talked about her experience on the show and how excited she was. Not only that, but she also shared more details about her life beyond the camera, most of which shocked the netizens. Veteran actress Oh Min Ae makes her variety show debut; gets candid about life Actress Oh Min Ae recently made her first-ever appearance on a variety show titled 'Radio Star'. Operation Sindoor Armed forces maintaining strong vigil after Pak ceasefire breach: MEA Pakistan violates ceasefire: Loud explosions, sirens haunt J&K- what we know so far Behind the scenes of ceasefire: Calls from Pakistan, Washington The actress got candid about her life leading up to the hit show and how she went through a lot of hardships to get where she is now. In a shocking revelation, Min Ae shared that she had to sell off almost everything that she had owned. During a major event in her life, the actress talked about leaving behind all worldly possessions and finding peace in a temple, as shared by Kbizoom. Due to a lack of a consistent career, Min Ae ended up facing a lot of trouble financially, which ended up resulting in her taking that major step. The veteran actress also talked about how she had no experience or background in film or theatre and that she had made her entrance in the Korean entertainment industry at 27. First child at 42 Oh, Min Ae shared that as she was dealing with the curveballs that life kept throwing her way, she ended up having her first child! The actress was 42 when she had her first baby, making this an overall difficult process for her; however, it still added a little bit of happiness to her tough life. Oh, Min Ae's entry into the world of theatre and film Min Ae shared that it took her a very long time to get situated in the industry, commenting that 'It took me 10 years to find steady footing on the stage.' The actress also shared that while she was originally planning to go on a trip to India and backpack across the country, she ended up doing backstage work instead. This backstage work at theatres is what helped her realise her potential and helped her grow her interest in theatre and film. The hardships that the actress had to face The actress also recalled her childhood days and even shared that she had to drop out of school and postpone her education due to family issues. The actress then emphasised the importance of not giving up, as she later on went and obtained her Korean GED. Not only that, but she also finished her higher education through Korea National Open University and graduate school. While talking about her life, the actress quoted, 'An actor must keep learning until they die.'
Korea Herald
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Why Korean variety shows are so text-heavy -- and why it works
The relentless captions in Korean variety shows, though overwhelming for the uninitiated, add space for exaggerated fun, drama and emotional release beyond what's happening with the cast South Korean variety shows have a lot to say -- and not just through their hosts or celebrity guests. If you've ever watched "Running Man" or "King of Mask Singer," you've probably noticed the other star of the show: the captions and onscreen text in almost every scene. Bold, colorful and often hilariously over-the-top, these captions don't just repeat what's being said. They react, joke, clarify and even feel on behalf of the audience. For Western viewers used to the minimalist style of shows like the US version of "The Masked Singer," this text-heavy approach can feel like sensory overload. Some might wonder: 'Do I really need a giant caption screaming, 'It was BTS' Jungkook?!' when I already saw it happen?' But for Korean audiences, captions are as essential as the cast itself -- sometimes more so. They don't just decorate the show; they help drive the narrative, amplify the emotion, and ensure you never miss a critical scene. Text as an extra narrator 'Korean captions are like an extra narrator, adding layers of humor or emotion to make sure no one misses the point,' explained a seasoned South Korean producer with seven years of experience in a range of reality and variety programming. For example, after the dramatic unmasking of a singer in "King of Mask Singer," captions might heighten the effect with phrases like 'A completely unexpected twist.' This communal approach contrasts with the Western tendency to let audiences interpret things on their own. In "The Masked Singer," the US version of the Korean show, the focus is on spontaneity and spectacle, with the raw musical performance, panelists and live audience reactions doing the heavy lifting. 'American shows let viewers draw their own conclusions,' said Lee Seong-min, a professor of media and content production at Korea National Open University who specializes in global TV formats. 'In Korea, there's a desire to create a shared, synchronized experience where the show and viewers are emotionally aligned.' Catharsis through exaggeration Beyond bridging emotions, captions serve another crucial role in Korean entertainment: they offer an escape. 'South Korea is known for its high-pressure work culture and societal expectations, which often discourage open displays of emotion. Variety shows, with their exaggerated text and playful humor, provide viewers with a release,' explained professor Lee. 'It's like enjoying an exaggerated, unfiltered world where emotions are heightened,' said Kim Min-Ji, a 29-year-old office worker in Seoul. 'The captions amplify these moments, almost giving you 'permission' to laugh loudly, feel deeply, and just let go, which you really can't do in real life.' This is particularly evident in variety staples like "Running Man," where captions frequently enhance comedic mishaps. If someone falls during a game, the text might scream, 'A legendary fail!' paired with a slow-motion replay. The result? Viewers are drawn into a hyper-reality that feels cathartic compared to their often restrained daily lives. In contrast, the American "Masked Singer" offers a lighter form of escapism. The emphasis is on the tension of celebrities guessing and the thrill of big reveals, rather than an emotional or humorous narrative shaped by text. 'American audiences likely prefer entertainment that feels organic and unscripted,' said professor Lee. 'Korean shows lean heavily into editorial decisions to craft an emotional journey.' The practical evolution of captions The use of captions in Korean variety shows wasn't an overnight invention. Producers initially borrowed heavily from Japanese variety shows, which also employ text, but adapted it to fit Korean sensibilities. Over time, captions evolved from simple subtitles into an essential storytelling tool. 'Captions aren't just decorative,' explained the producer. 'They clarify, highlight and even create humor or emotional resonance that might not come through naturally on screen.' For instance, in chaotic unscripted moments where multiple people are talking over each other, captions provide clarity and emphasize the funniest or most meaningful parts. This editing style is labor-intensive, often requiring days of work. Producers carefully craft captions to reflect the tone of the scene, whether it's comedic, heartfelt or dramatic. 'It's like writing an additional script after the show is filmed,' the producer said. Mostly embraced by global audiences The text-heavy style, while beloved domestically, has sparked mixed reactions internationally. For seasoned fans of Korean pop culture, the captions feel like part of the charm. 'I love how expressive Korean variety shows are,' said Sarah Nguyen, a Vietnamese American fan. 'The captions make everything feel bigger, funnier and more alive.' But for Western viewers unfamiliar with the style, the experience can be overwhelming. Jane Roberts, an American fan of "The Masked Singer," said, 'When I tried watching the Korean version, I felt like I was being told how to feel every second. It was distracting.' Despite this divide, the global rise of Korean culture has paved the way for greater acceptance of Korean entertainment aesthetics. Many K-pop idols produce YouTube content that mimics the hyper-edited, caption-heavy style of Korean TV, introducing international fans to this unique form of storytelling. 'It's a cultural strength, but the reliance on captions also brings up a creative dilemma: are we enriching the viewing experience, or dictating it too much? Perhaps the next breakthrough in Korean variety shows will come not from louder captions but from learning when to hold back,' said professor Lee.
