Latest news with #LeeSun-bin
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Lee Sun-bin's 'Noise' Ranked Second at Box Office, Surpassing Hollywood Titans
Lee Sun-bin's 'Noise' Korean Cinema's Strength Shines Among Hollywood Blockbusters Great news is coming from the Korean film industry. Lee Sun-bin's horror thriller 'Noise' is steadily maintaining its position in the upper ranks of the box office, standing shoulder to shoulder with major Hollywood blockbusters like 'Superman', 'Jurassic World: New Beginning', and 'F1 The Movie'. According to the Korean Film Council's integrated box office system, 'Noise' has been consistently ranking in the 2nd-3rd position in daily box office charts, showing stable box office performance. Particularly during its second weekend, the film attracted over 326,000 viewers, recording more than double the numbers from its opening weekend. This phenomenon, known as 'reverse run' in the film industry, is a positive sign where initially modest box office performance gradually rises through word-of-mouth. The Power of Relatable Real-Life Subject Matter The biggest reason 'Noise' has captured audiences' hearts is its realistic subject matter of inter-floor noise that everyone can relate to. In Korean society where apartment living has become commonplace, inter-floor noise is no longer someone else's problem. Viewers who watched the film are responding enthusiastically to the realistic setting. The setting of an old rental apartment facing reconstruction is particularly effective as it's an environment many people have experienced or witnessed, providing vivid immersion. The mysterious events unfolding in such everyday spaces are drawing reactions. Immersive Experience Created by Sound Design and Direction Another strength of 'Noise' is its excellent sound design and directorial skills. True to its title, this film focuses on 'noise' as its main element, concentrating on auditory horror rather than visual scares to provide a differentiated experience. Director Kim Su-jin emphasized the importance of theatrical viewing, stating that "horror films are a genre where effects are maximized when watched in theaters," and indeed many audiences are experiencing the immersion and tension that can only be felt in cinemas. Lee Sun-bin's Solo Performance and Solid Storytelling Lee Sun-bin's first horror film challenge has also become a major talking point. Appearing in most scenes as the solo lead carrying the entire film, she delicately expressed the anxious and restless emotions of a sister who lost her sibling. Audiences are praising her acting skills, saying "Lee Sun-bin's acting is absolutely incredible. She maintained the emotional line and carried it through to the end." Rather than screaming or exploding emotionally like typical horror protagonists, she created 'Noise's unique character through someone who loses their sense of reality due to noise, earning praise for the film's distinctive color. Success Story Showing Mid-Budget Film Potential Despite being a mid-budget film with approximately ₹37 crore (5 billion won) in production costs, 'Noise' is gaining attention for earning audience approval without massive production budgets or star casting. This is being evaluated as a case that presents new possibilities for the Korean film industry. Particularly centered around audiences in their teens and twenties, voluntary word-of-mouth has spread through social media and online communities, drawing positive reactions like "It may not be a blockbuster, but the direction and immersion are incredible. The money was well spent."
Korea Herald
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Korean horror films tap everyday anxieties for spine-chilling thrills
Summer's crop of domestic frights trades supernatural scares for all-too-familiar urban nightmares Summer in South Korea traditionally means one thing: audiences flocking to darkened theaters for a good scare. It's a peculiar cultural ritual where horror films offer an icy jolt to counter the sweltering heat — a shiver down the spine in place of a cool breeze. But this year's slate of Korean horror marks a departure from the genre's usual paranormal suspects. Gone are the vengeful spirits and timeworn curses that once haunted screens. Instead, filmmakers are leaning into the anxieties of modern city life, spinning terror from the everyday frustrations that haunt urban dwellers. These films suggest that in a country as densely populated and tightly packed as South Korea, the real horrors might not be otherworldly — they might just be the people around you. Leading the charge is "Noise," opening June 25. Already a buzzed-about title on last year's international festival circuit, including Sitges and Fantasia, the film zeroes in on one of Korea's most maddening urban grievances: the relentless, brain-rattling thuds from upstairs neighbors. Director Kim Soo-jin transforms this all-too-familiar nuisance into a mounting sense of claustrophobic dread, turning domestic discomfort into a full-blown horror show. In a country where more than two-thirds of the population lives in apartment complexes, inter-floor noise complaints are no laughing matter — they've sparked violent altercations, stabbings and arson attacks, some fatal. The film roots its horror in this simmering tension, following the perspective of a hearing-impaired woman (played by Lee Sun-bin) who's searching for her missing sister. Her investigation leads her into a labyrinthine high-rise where every creak, shuffle and muffled knock feels like a threat, and even silence becomes suspicious. Backing the film's psychological horror is a razor-sharp soundscape designed by the veteran audio engineer behind "The Wailing" (2016) and "Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum" (2018). From the stickiness of tape being peeled to the hair-raising scratch of nails on wallpaper, each sound is fine-tuned to shred nerves. Netflix joins the fray on July 18 with "Wall to Wall," another thriller that draws on noise-fueled paranoia. It's one of seven original Korean films the streaming juggernaut is rolling out this year — and the lone horror entry — part of its broader push into the Korean film industry at a time when local theaters are reeling from record-low attendance. Kang Ha-neul, a leading man known for his range across romance and thrillers, plays an everyman who bets everything — savings, pension, even family property — to secure a modest apartment in Seoul. But his dream home quickly devolves into a psychological minefield as neighbors turn hostile and cryptic sounds pierce the thin walls. Apart from the scares, the film promises a timely commentary on South Korea's ruthless housing market and the emotional toll of securing — and keeping — a piece of it. (Fittingly, the Korean title "84 Square Meters" refers to the standard size of a middle-class unit here.) Rounding out the lineup is "Ghost Train," which premiered at last year's Busan International Film Festival. The anthology turns Korea's ubiquitous subway system — the daily artery for millions of commuters — into a haunted maze of uncanny encounters. Despite the title, the horror here is grounded in the all-too-familiar: drunken passengers, flickering platform lights and vending machines that seem just a little too creepy. Joo Hyun-young, best known for her comedic skits on "SNL Korea," makes her feature film debut as a clout-chasing YouTuber hunting for viral horror content at a notoriously cursed station. The film opens in local theaters on July 9.
Tatler Asia
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
From trainees to screen queens: K-drama actresses who trained as K-pop idols
2. Gong Seung-yeon Gong Seung-yeon was an SM Entertainment trainee for seven years and came close to debuting in f(x). Ultimately, she pursued acting—a decision that's paid off, with roles in The First Responders and Bulgasal . Her extensive years under SM's system gave her a polish and professionalism often evident in her nuanced portrayals. 3. Lee Sun-bin Now known for roles in Work Later, Drink Now and Team Bulldog , Lee Sun-bin got her start in the girl group JQT. While the group eventually disbanded, her transition to acting was swift. Her time as an idol helped her build camera awareness and resilience in the public eye, both of which serve her well in leading roles. 4. Jung Eun-ji Unlike some on this list, Jung Eun-ji debuted with Apink in 2011 and moved into acting the following year. Her breakout in Reply 1997 cemented her reputation as one of the few K-drama actresses who can switch between singing and acting without losing credibility in either. She is also one of the rare idol-actresses praised equally for her emotional range and live vocal ability. 5. Kim Se-jeong Another successful crossover, Kim Se-jeong debuted in I.O.I and gugudan before becoming a familiar face in dramas like Business Proposal . Her background as one of the more vocally talented K-pop idols gave her a head start in an industry where stage presence and timing are everything. She's also proven adept at variety shows and live hosting, underscoring her versatility as a performer. 6. Kwon Na-ra Kwon Na-ra debuted with Hello Venus in 2012. As the group's visual, she was no stranger to the camera, and that ease helped her land acting roles post-idol life. She studied acting while promoting as an idol, which likely contributed to her steady ascent in dramatic roles such as Itaewon Class . 7. Bae Suzy Bae Suzy is perhaps the most well-known example. She debuted with miss A in 2010 and became one of the earliest idol-actress crossovers to be taken seriously in both fields. Despite early critiques of her acting, she has consistently improved with each role and is now considered a dependable lead for high-budget dramas. 8. Yoona Girls' Generation's Yoona started acting not long after her debut in 2007. While her early roles were met with scepticism, her persistence paid off. She has since taken on darker, more layered characters, showing how an idol-trained performer can evolve into a credible screen talent. 9. IU IU may be best known for her solo music career, but her work in My Mister and Hotel Del Luna showed depth beyond the stage. Though she never debuted in a girl group, her early years training to be part of one provided a foundation for performing under pressure. Her ability to handle complex roles while maintaining a music career is rare even among top-tier K-drama actresses. 10. Krystal Jung Krystal debuted with f(x) and began acting in 2010. Unlike many of her peers, she built both careers simultaneously, often balancing idol duties with drama shoots. Her reserved style and understated delivery have become her signature in more mature, stylised productions. 11. Park Ji-yeon One of the youngest members of T-ara, Park Ji-yeon also pursued acting early. Though her drama credits are more sporadic, her dual career path mirrors that of many K-pop idols who explore acting as a long-term option. She often gravitates toward action or fantasy roles, which suit her idol-era persona. 12. Park Shin-hye Long before her rise as one of the most bankable K-drama actresses, Park Shin-hye trained in singing and dancing alongside acting. Her early management considered debuting her as a K-pop idol, and she recorded multiple OSTs throughout her career. Although she never joined a girl group, her background in music and performance gave her an edge in idol-themed dramas like Heartstrings and You're Beautiful , where she convincingly played one. 13. Jisoo Before rising to global fame with BLACKPINK, Jisoo trained under YG Entertainment for five years—an intensive period that included acting, vocal and performance training. Her debut lead role in Snowdrop showcased a polished screen presence that, while met with mixed reviews, proved she could hold her own as one of the newer K-drama actresses emerging from the idol world. In 2025, she returned to the small screen with Newtopia , a zombie romantic comedy where she played Kang Young-joo, a young woman navigating love and survival amid a Seoul overrun by the undead.
South China Morning Post
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Netflix K-drama The Potato Lab review: vacuous romcom ends on an unconvincing note
This article contains spoilers. Advertisement 2/5 stars Lead cast: Lee Sun-bin, Kang Tae-oh Latest Nielsen rating: 1.79 per cent The great thing about potatoes is how versatile they are. Fry them, boil them, steam them, mash them – no matter how you slice or cook them, you'll probably wind up with a tasty dish. Advertisement The same, alas, cannot be said for The Potato Lab, a rigidly formulaic Korean drama series that does not dare stray from the tried and true recipe of the workplace romantic comedy.
South China Morning Post
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Netflix K-drama The Potato Lab midseason recap: Lee Sun-bin, Kang Tae-oh in generic romcom
This article contains mild spoilers. Advertisement Lead cast: Lee Sun-bin, Kang Tae-oh Latest Nielsen rating: 2 per cent Sometimes, all you need is a handsome man, holding progressively larger teddy bears, to come knocking on the door of your idyllic cabin in the woods. In rural romantic comedy The Potato Lab, that man in question is So Baek-ho (Kang Tae-oh, Extraordinary Attorney Woo ). Advertisement Baek-ho presents himself – teddy in hand – on the doorstep of potato researcher Kim Mi-kyung (Lee Sun-bin, Boyhood) precisely because his actions have threatened Mi-kyung's tenure in her cosy cabin.
