Latest news with #LightShop
Korea Herald
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
'Way Back Love' to explore human life with kind-hearted grim reaper
'Extreme Job' star Gong Myoung and 'Light Shop' star Kim Min-ha join hands for a fantasy romance drama Tving's upcoming original series, "Way Back Love," delves into love and the human experience through the story of a compassionate grim reaper guiding souls to their final moments, the cast shared Tuesday. The six-episode fantasy romance follows Hee-wan (Kim Min-ha) and her first love, Ram-woo (Gong Myoung), who mysteriously reappears — not as the boy she once knew, but as a supernatural being tasked with leading the deceased to the afterlife. Last year, "Way Back Love" was invited to the Busan International Film Festival's On Screen section, which spotlights highly anticipated series set for streaming release. Gong Myoung, known for his endearing performances in "Be Melodramatic" and his comedic turn as a detective in box-office hit "Extreme Job," said he drew inspiration from iconic grim reaper portrayals in Korean media. "I had many discussions with the director about how I could be portrayed as a grim reaper. While referencing the characters of my seniors, I thought about how I could bring a different feel to the role. Since the grim reaper in 'Way Back Love' is different from existing characters, I studied the script extensively," Gong said during a press conference in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. He cited the performances of Ha Jung-woo ("Along with the Gods") and Lee Dong-wook ("Guardian: The Lonely and Great God") as key references. Director Kim Hye-yeong described Ram-woo as a reaper unlike any seen before. "Kim Ram-woo is a grim reaper who gives people a chance. Our story features a kind-hearted grim reaper who provides an opportunity to fulfill unfinished memories and love while being with them for a week," he explained. Kim Min-ha spoke about capturing the emotional complexity of Hee-wan, a once-outgoing woman whose personality shifts drastically after Ram-woo's departure. "The character has both bright aspects and deep, dark extremes coexisting. I wondered how to portray this naturally, but since I also have those extremes within me, I was able to relate to Hee-wan more," she shared. Kim, whose latest projects included blockbuster Disney+ series "Light Shop," also reflected on her tendency to choose work centered around love. "The projects I want to work on always seem to have 'love' as their foundation. 'Light Shop' explores crossroads and the courage of making choices in the afterlife. It was a story I had been contemplating and wanted to express, so I was grateful when it came to me in script form."
South China Morning Post
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Meet Park Bo-young, star of K-dramas Melo Movie and Light Shop
Published: 6:15pm, 15 Feb 2025 Korean actress Park Bo-young, who turned 35 this week, has become a fixture on global streaming services of late, having made her Netflix debut in Daily Dose of Sunshine in 2023 and then on Disney+ this winter in Light Shop . This Valentine's Day, she returned to Netflix opposite Choi Woo-shik in the cinematically inclined romance Melo Movie , the latest drama penned by Our Beloved Summer scriptwriter Lee Na-eun. While this chapter of her career has introduced the actress to many international fans, Park shot to fame as a teenager. She acted opposite many of the country's biggest male stars early in her career, including Lee Min-ho , Kim Soo-hyun and Song Joong-ki . Why we love her Park Bo-young and Choi Woo-shik in a still from Melo Movie. Photo: Ko Nam-hi/Netflix Born in North Chungcheong province as the middle child in a family of three daughters, Park may have begun her screen career early, but it was in many ways an unexpected start. While in middle school, some of her seniors were making a short film and they needed someone to perform as a doll. Park was cast in the role as she was the shortest option they had around them. The resulting short film, Equal , earned awards on the festival circuit in 2005. A year later, Park made her professional debut in the high-school drama Secret Campus , which was headlined by Lee Min-ho, who had only recently made his debut. She also appeared with a very young Kim Soo-hyun in the 2008 television special Jungle Fish .
South China Morning Post
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
K-drama casting news about Ju Ji-hoon, Taxi Driver 3 and more
Published: 7:15pm, 8 Feb 2025 In this week's K-drama news round-up, a hit action show returns, a trio of stars eye a major fantasy romance and other big names consider roles as lawyers and bodyguards. 1. The Remarried Empress Shin Min-a in a still from No Gain No Love. This drama will follow the tale of Navier, the empress of the Eastern Empire, who divorces Emperor Sovieshu when he cheats on her, then marries Heinrey, Emperor of the Western Empire. Shin is considering playing Navier, while Ju and Lee have been offered the parts of Sovieshu and Heinrey respectively. Ju has had a very busy few months, having also recently appeared in the dramas Light Shop and Love Your Enemy , while Shin was last seen in No Gain No Love . Lee has not been on screens since 2022 but will soon return in Seocho District . The series, which is expected to begin filming in May, will be directed by Jo Soo-won, who most recently made My Happy Ending . 2. Esquire
Korea Herald
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Webtoon-based series to binge-watch this weekend
In South Korea, there's an unspoken formula that virtually ensures a TV show's success — webtoon adaptation. Webtoon-based series are seen as a surefire way to captivate audiences, with their out-of-the-box concepts, quirky characters and built-in fan base from the original webtoon. These adaptations often lead to series that resonate deeply with viewers and quickly capture global attention. Here are some celebrated webtoon adaptations that have made viewers cry and laugh, offering a weekend binge-worthy experience. 'Light Shop' on Disney+ Adapted from a work by Kang Full, one of Korea's most celebrated cartoonists, the gripping fantasy-horror series "Light Shop" delves into the mysteries behind a light shop that attracts a peculiar group of people. This eight-part series brims with moments that are both perplexing and terrifying, leading up to a shocking ending that will leave viewers teary-eyed. Starring the Hallyu sensation Ju Ji-hoon, known for his roles in Netflix's "Kingdom" and "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call," alongside Park Bo-young and Seol-hyun, the series promises to take its audience on an emotional rollercoaster of horrifying and heartwarming moments. 'Misaeng: Incomplete Life' on Netflix A poignant exploration of young Koreans navigating the realities of the corporate world, "Misaeng: Incomplete Life" offers an evocative narrative of their complex transitions into adulthood. Adapted from veteran cartoonist Yoon Tae-ho's webtoon of the same name, the series follows Geu-rae, played by Im Si-wan, who abandons his dreams of becoming a professional Go player to join the corporate grind. This critically acclaimed TV series, which bagged three Baeksang Arts Awards — including best TV director, best actor, and best new actor — has been praised for its authentic portrayal of office life. The "Misaeng" soundtrack also features unforgettable songs, such as Yi Sung-yol's "Fly" and Bol4's reimagining of "Milestone," enriching the heart-rending viewing experience. 'Divorce Attorney Shin' on Tving, Netflix Starring Cho Seung-woo as pianist-turned-lawyer Sung-han, "Divorce Attorney Shin" explores the human stories within the complex world of divorce. Adapted from a popular Kakao Webtoon, the drama veers away from the typical legal thriller and instead leans into a deeply emotional narrative. Rather than focusing on sensationalising divorce, the series unfolds with a quiet yet powerful emotional resonance, examining the human condition with compassion and understanding. The series strikes a delicate balance, offering warmth and introspection that will leave you reflecting long after the credits roll.
