Latest news with #MyMister
Tatler Asia
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Heartwarming K-dramas that tackle the complexities of male friendships
2. 'Reply 1988' (2015) Set in a 1980s Seoul neighbourhood, Reply 1988 follows five friends as they stumble through adolescence. The series is nostalgic but not cloying, portraying the boys' friendship with awkward charm and emotional restraint. What makes it stand out: Their connection isn't about grand gestures. It's built on everyday interactions—after-school snacks, late-night chats and the quiet reassurance that someone is always around. This is a study in how male friendships often thrive in silence. 3. 'Incomplete Life' ('Misaeng') (2014) A former baduk prodigy enters the corporate world without credentials or connections. What begins as a lonely uphill battle becomes a subtle, moving story of how professional relationships can evolve into something more meaningful. What makes it stand out: Friendship here is understated and expressed through late-night support, subtle mentorship and small acts of solidarity. It's a rare depiction of adult male friendships formed not in youth but through shared professional pressure. 4. 'Weak Hero' Class 1 (2022) and Class 2 (2025) What starts as a tale of survival transforms into a haunting exploration of teenage trauma and emotional codependency. In Class 1, three boys form an intense bond while facing school violence. Class 2 explores the aftermath—how friendship can curdle into guilt, anger and a desperate need for redemption. What makes it stand out: These series refuse to idealise male friendships. Instead, they dig into the emotional cost of loyalty and the quiet pain of boys who've never been taught to ask for help. 5. 'My Mister' (2018) At first glance, this might seem like a story about an unlikely cross-generational connection. But My Mister is just as much about the three middle-aged brothers who drink together, bicker endlessly and carry each other through emotional wreckage without ever naming it. What makes it stand out: It's a rare portrayal of male vulnerability that doesn't rely on breakdowns or confessions. Friendship is rendered through routine, patience and the unspoken agreement to keep each other going. 6. 'Hospital Playlist' (2020–2021) Five doctors who've been friends since medical school navigate the chaos of their personal and professional lives with levity and depth. They tease, argue and perform together in a band—but underneath the humour is a steady, unwavering support system. What makes it stand out: The series presents male friendships that are emotionally generous without becoming overwrought. It shows that emotional intimacy among men doesn't require crisis, just time and trust. These K-dramas resist the urge to simplify male friendships. They acknowledge the emotional repression, loyalty and social pressures that shape how men relate to one another, whether in high school corridors, corporate offices or hospital break rooms. In doing so, they offer something more nuanced: friendship as survival, as memory, as a kind of grace. NOW READ 10 fashionable '90s TV shows to inspire your wardrobe 10 books about travel that will spark your wanderlust Shy escapes: 9 quiet destinations for introverts who love to travel
Pink Villa
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
IU, Lee Sun Kyun's My Mister named top life-changing K-drama in industry poll continuing fame after 7 years
IU and Lee Sun Kyun's 2018 psychological tragedy drama, My Mister, was honoured with a prestigious title seven years after its release. Its production house CJ ENM completed 30 glorious years in the entertainment industry and as a part of its celebration, looked back at its most notable works. The company designated My Mister as its top life-changing drama, recognizing its contribution to the K-drama scene and to CJ ENM's success, as reported by K-media Wikitree on May 22. Why did My Mister receive top life-changing K-drama title? To commemorate their three decades in the industry, CJ ENM hosted a My Mister Homecoming Fan Meeting on May 20, at their Seoul Sangam-dong Center, bringing together the production team. During then, they announced the drama as their top life-changing work, with director Kim Won Seok and writer Park Hae Young reminiscing the love the series received. The director said, "Despite many challenges during production, I'm delighted that the drama is still loved after seven years." According to him, IU-Lee Sun Kyun show's distinctiveness and memorable aspect lies in its realistic depiction of life. He added, 'The most important aspect of content is its uniqueness, and My Mister is a prime example of that.' Writer Park Hae Young lauded the teamwork behind the creation of such a meaningful show, stating, 'The collaboration of hundreds of staff members working in perfect harmony created a meaningful work. About My Mister My Mister follows a young woman in her 20s, Lee Ji An (IU), and a man in his 40s, Park Dong Hoon (Lee Sun Kyun), as they find solace in each other, amidst personal struggles. Lee Ji An works temporary jobs to support her grandmother while struggling with significant debt and harassment from loan sharks. In a turn of events, she crosses paths with Park Dong Hoon, who is grappling with personal wounds, workplace mistreatment and responsibilities of his mother and two younger brothers.
Tatler Asia
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
8 K-dramas with jaw-dropping cinematography
2. 'My Mister' (2018) Above 'My Mister' (Photo: IMDB) Starring: Lee Sun-kyun, IU Bleak but beautiful, My Mister uses its dim lighting like an emotional thermometer. The greyness isn't just a vibe. Rather, it's a visual expression of burnout, loneliness and resilience. Industrial alleys, cramped homes and office cubicles are shot with the same care as a glossy K-pop video. Yet somehow, it all feels poetic. 3. 'Goblin / Guardian: The Lonely and Great God' (2016) Above 'Goblin' (Photo: IMDB) Starring: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun You know a show has cinematographic chops when a scarf flying through the air becomes iconic. Goblin leans into romance-fantasy visuals with cathedral lighting, slow-mo snowfalls and surreal transitions. There's always a gust of wind at just the right time, and every flashback looks like it's been colour-graded for maximum heartbreak. 4. 'Pachinko' (2022) Above 'Pachinko' (Photo: IMDB) Starring: Kim Min-ha, Lee Min-ho, Youn Yuh-jung Technically an Apple TV+ production, but with a Korean soul, Pachinko is lush and layered. It was shot in Japan, Korea and the US, and absolutely stunning in every frame. Thanks to cinematographers Florian Hoffmeister and Ante Cheng, each timeline has its own colour language, with pastel memories and saturated heartbreaks. This is a visual epic that earns every sweeping camera movement. 5. 'Squid Game' (2021) Above 'Squid Game' (Photo: Netflix) Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo Weird, wild and washed in candy colours, Squid Game uses surreal set design and visual contrast to perfection. Neon pink stairs, creepy giant dolls and sterile white dormitories create an atmosphere that's part fever dream, part social commentary. It's not just stylised—it's psychological warfare in aesthetic form. Lee Hyung-deok was responsible for its eerie, child-like surrealism in the first season, while Kim Ji-yong took over for Season 2. 6. 'Arthdal Chronicles' (2019) Above 'Arthdal Chronicles' (Photo: IMDB) Starring: Song Joong-ki, Kim Ji-won, Jang Dong-gun Arthdal Chronicles stands out for its ambitious world-building and high production values. The series boasts stunning cinematography that captures the mythical land of Arth with sweeping landscapes and meticulously designed sets. The visual storytelling enhances the epic narrative, immersing viewers in a richly imagined ancient civilisation. See more: 10 most expensive Korean dramas to make 7. 'Flower of Evil' (2020) Above 'Flower of Evil' (Photo: VIU) Starring: Lee Joon-gi, Moon Chae-won Flower of Evil employs a cinematic approach that elevates its suspenseful and emotional narrative. The series utilises thoughtful framing and lighting to accentuate the psychological tension between characters. The director's intention to highlight hidden contrasts is evident in the impactful visual compositions throughout the show. There's something about the cinematography that makes it even more of a must-watch. 8. 'Move to Heaven' (2021) Above 'Move to Heaven' (Photo: IMDB) Starring: Lee Je-hoon, Tang Jun-sang Move to Heaven is lauded for its poignant storytelling complemented by exquisite cinematography. The series features beautifully composed shots that underscore the emotional depth of each episode. The visual aesthetics contribute to the show's heartfelt exploration of life, death and the memories left behind.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
IU left humiliated at Baeksang 2025? Fans urge When Life Gives You Tangerines star to boycott like MAMA after ‘biggest snub'
The 61st Baeksang Arts Awards wrapped up on Monday (May 5) with Netflix's When Life Gives You Tangerines taking home four major wins. While the drama was the most awarded of the night, fans were stunned that IU, the heart and soul of the show, didn't win a single award. Despite being nominated in both the Best Actress and Most Popular Actress categories, IU walked away empty-handed. For many, it was one of the biggest snubs in Baeksang history. IU, also known as Lee Ji Eun, has long been one of South Korea's most loved stars. With praised performances in dramas like My Mister, Hotel Del Luna, and now Tangerines, she has steadily grown as an actress after establishing herself as a successful soloist. Yet despite multiple Baeksang nominations over the years, her only wins remain in popularity categories, never for acting. IU in When Life Gives You Tangerines| Credit: X Now her fans, known as UENA, are asking her to draw a line. Just like she quietly stopped showing up at MAMA, fans want her to skip Baeksangs too. Why IU doesn't attend MAMA anymore It started in 2014. That year, IU had one of the strongest runs of her career. She released A Flower Bookmark, a cover album that performed extremely well. Her collaborations topped the charts, and Billboard named her the all-time leader of its K-pop Hot 100. Many felt that 2014 was finally IU's year to win the Daesang, the grand prize, at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA). But instead of the big win fans hoped for, IU was given a lifetime achievement award. She was all of 20 years old at the time. The award is usually given to artists nearing the end of their careers, not someone in her prime. It felt more like a consolation than true recognition. Since then, IU has never returned to MAMA. While she has won awards like Best Female Artist, she has kept her distance. Fans want IU to treat Baeksang the same way After this year's Baeksang outcome, IU's fans are speaking up. Many feel it was yet another award show using her name and popularity without honoring her work. She was front and center in When Life Gives You Tangerines, a show that swept four awards that night, but she received none. Fans had hoped for either Best Actress or the Daesang, but both went to others. Kim Tae Ri won Best Actress for Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born, and Culinary Class Wars took the grand prize. Kim Hye Yoon of Lovely Runner was meanwhile awarded the Popularity Award. What made it worse for fans was how present IU was throughout the event. She was shown in multiple cutaways, smiling and clapping, only to walk away with nothing. Many fans called it humiliating and are now asking her to step away from Baeksangs altogether. "I hope IU treats Baeksang the same way she treats Mama! They want to give the award to any actress every year except IU! Is it because she's the only idol here? She has incredibly successful works both globally and domestically, so why hasn't she won any awards all these years?" one user wrote. Another fan wrote, "IU walking out empty-handed at the Baeksang Awards baffles me; this woman played two roles and managed to execute them both perfectly. Literally the biggest snub of the century, I'm at a loss for words." IU walking out empty handed at the baeksang awards baffles me, this woman played two roles and managed to execute them both perfectly. Literally the biggest snub of the century, I'm at a loss of words. #WhenLifeGivesYouTangerines — rara♡☆ (@wookjaes) May 5, 2025 A third wrote, "Korean award shows are a joke anyway; let's get IU that best actress award more prestigious than any Baeksang or Daesang. Let's give her as an amazing actress internationally." Korean award shows are a joke anyway, let's get IU that best actress more prestigious than any baeksang or daesang let's give her as an amazing actress internationally — archive (@nini_iu) May 5, 2025 "Baeksang judges didn't know about the emotion the public remembers," one user wrote. Baeksang judges didn't know about the emotion the public — Filipe (@filipe910910) May 6, 2025 IU played a dual role in When Life Gives You Tangerines, portraying both Oh Ae Sun, the central female lead, and her daughter, Yang Geum Myeong. The drama offered an emotional look at life's struggles and how love from a partner and family can help you find comfort through it all. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Gulf News
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
The May K-stars: From Kim Seon-ho to IU, meet the Korean icons born this month
After what felt like an endlessly long April, May has finally arrived—and for Hallyu fans, that means one thing: birthday season for some of their favourite Korean stars. From Kim Seon-ho to IU and Suho, there's no shortage of reasons to celebrate (not that fans ever need one). Let's dive right in. Kim Seon-ho – May 8 1985 His dimples stole hearts in Start-Up, and he won even more love with his charming role opposite Shin Min-ah in the seaside romance Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. After a four-year break from dramas, Seon-ho made a heartwarming return with a cameo in When Life Gives You Tangerines, playing none other than IU's husband. It's the year of Kim Seon-ho, as he has another romcom due. We're ready. IU- May 16, 1993 What can't she do? If she's not winning hearts with soul-stirring ballads, she's lighting up your screen and wrecking your emotions—whether it's the quietly devastating My Mister or her iconic turn as the fashion-forward ghost in Hotel Del Luna. After a six-year hiatus from K-dramas, IU came back swinging in When Life Gives You Tangerines, pulling off dual roles as both mother and daughter—and casually sweeping the Baeksang nominations while she was at it. Crying over IU? That's her trademark. Whether it's a drama or a music video like Love Wins All (yes, the one with BTS' V), emotional destruction is her signature move—and fans are here for it. Suho- May 22, 1991 EXO's fearless (and impeccably dressed) leader, Suho isn't just the suave frontman—he's the calm in the K-pop storm with a chaotic edge fans adore. Don't let the gentleman vibe fool you: Behind the soft smile is a sharp wit, artistic soul, and low-key sass that's become his signature. Regardless of whether he singing on stage, or being around his fans, he has a sense of grace and grit that fans always cherish. Basically, if quiet luxury had a spokesperson with a mic and killer vocals, it would be him. Yoona- May 30, 1990 King The Land fans, where you at? From ruling stages with Girls' Generation to headlining dramas, Im Yoon-ah has a genre of her own. She's got receipts too: Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2016? Check. Multiple hit dramas and films? Check. Effortless red carpet glam? Always.
