Latest news with #NetflixKorea
Korea Herald
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
‘Trigger' hits Netflix as Songdo shooting shakes nation
New Netflix original explores what would happen if guns became available in Korea, where gun ownership is prohibited Netflix Korea's newest original series, "Trigger," held its press conference on Tuesday in a subdued mood, just one day after a shocking event occurred in Songdo International City, where a father allegedly shot and killed his son using a homemade gun. Set in a fictionalized present-day South Korea, where in reality gun ownership is still prohibited, the series delves into the fallout when ordinary citizens begin receiving mysterious packages containing guns -- a premise made all the more unsettling by recent events. Director Kwon Oh-seung noted that the series stemmed from a personal question: what could happen if guns suddenly became accessible in a society that has long enforced strict gun control? 'There have been many unfortunate incidents lately. Korean society is filled with conflict and division. I began to wonder, what if someone took advantage of this instability and handed out guns? How would people react? That curiosity sparked the idea for this project,' Kwon said at the event, held in Seoul's Mapo-gu district. Kwon, acknowledging the recent tragedy, also addressed concerns about potential parallels between the drama and current events, drawing a line between the show's narrative and the real-life violence that has shaken the country. 'I want to express my regret over the tragic events that have occurred. However, I believe there's a distinction between those incidents and 'Trigger.' If you look at how the characters use guns in the film, it leads to a different approach and different outcomes. I hope audiences can separate the painful events of real life from the narrative of this work,' he said. 'The keyword (for this series) is empathy. I believe the story leads viewers to empathize with the characters who pick up the guns, but ultimately arrive at the conclusion that such a choice should not be made.' Kim Nam-gil, known for his action-packed roles in projects such as 'The Fiery Priest' and 'The Pirates,' said he approached his character Yi-do not as a typical action hero, but as a conflicted man navigating a moral crisis. In "Trigger," Yi-do is a local police officer who races to uncover the source of the illicit gun deliveries. He said, 'Rather than performing action scenes for their own sake, I aimed for a more restrained approach. My character is someone who has long questioned whether picking up a gun is truly the right way to protect someone. Because of that, he believes there might be other ways to save people." "So instead of going for straightforward violence, the action I portrayed was more subdued. I think, consequently, Yi-do's action scenes might feel different from other works that feature gun action," said Kim. According to the director, the project intentionally avoids glorifying gun use, focusing instead on interconnected personal stories that culminate in a clear message about understanding and responsibility. 'The message that the series 'Trigger' wants to convey is that by understanding and empathizing with the people around us, we will be reminded not to make extreme choices," Kwon said. He concluded firmly: 'I hope this makes people appreciate that South Korea is a safe country precisely because we don't have guns.' 'Trigger' premieres Friday on Netflix.
Korea Herald
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Romance rookies get glow-up in Netflix's 'Better Late Than Single'
From makeover to emotional guidance, new dating reality show to feature chemistry between first-time daters Following the success of 'Single's Inferno,' known for its steamy chemistry between "experienced" singles, Netflix Korea is switching gears with a softer, more heartwarming take on the dating reality genre. 'Better Late Than Single' introduces a group of individuals who have never been in a relationship, giving them not only a physical makeover but also emotional guidance as they take their first steps toward romance. The Korean title translates to 'Even Though I Have Never Dated Before, I Want to Date,' reflecting the show's central theme of offering a fresh start to those who've never experienced romance. Hosted by a lineup of popular stars — including actors Seo In-guk, Kang Han-na, comedian Lee Eun-ji and singer Cha Jung-won (better known by his stage name Car, the garden) — the show pairs participants as they navigate the world of dating for the first time. The emcees act as coaches, offering advice, support and a nudge toward romantic connection. Participants undergo more than just emotional growth. Over six weeks, they receive tailored assistance in areas such as fitness, fashion, diet, communication and mindset, tools designed to help them build confidence and relationship skills before stepping into the dating world. The show drew nearly 4,000 applicants, and producers say authenticity was key in the casting process. Because the central premise relies on contestants who have never dated, the creators said they followed a strict verification process. 'We verified it through cross-interviews with family members and relatives, as well as through in-depth interviews with the applicants to ensure authenticity,' said PD Jo Wook-hyung during a press conference held in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Thursday. 'Since it's a dating program, we also wanted to cast people who are genuinely appealing.' Producer Kim No-eun added that the heart of 'Better Late Than Single' lies in boosting the self-confidence of those who have never experienced romantic relationships. 'The cast members have never been in a relationship before, so there's an element of unpredictability in their actions. There's both unpredictability and authenticity,' Kim said. 'Each cast member has their own reasons for not having been in a relationship — whether it's their appearance, personal circumstances or past traumas. They take on solutions to overcome these various hurdles. I wanted to help instill confidence in them. It's a makeover aimed at creating inner change.'
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Squid Game 3' fame Park Sung Hoon's wildest ride: He filmed his own death twice in one day and fans can't handle it
When Your Job Is Literally to Die... Twice in a Day! So, imagine you wake up, chug your chai, and head off to work-except your "work" is dying on camera. Not once, but twice. That's exactly what happened to Park Sung Hoon , the actor who's been making waves with his roles in both ' Squid Game 3 ' and ' Queen of Tears '. And no, this isn't some K-drama plot twist-this is real life. On July 1st, Park Sung Hoon dropped a bombshell on Netflix Korea's YouTube channel, revealing he had to film the death scenes for his characters in both mega-hit series on the very same day. First, he shot a dramatic death scene for 'Squid Game 3' at a studio in Daejeon, and then rushed straight to Jeongseon in Gangwon-do to film his character Yoon Eun Sung's death in 'Queen of Tears'. Talk about a hectic schedule! If this isn't peak hustle culture, what is? The Emotional Whiplash Only K-Drama Actors Know by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3.5, 4.5 BHK Homes starting at ₹4.89 Cr.* Hero Homes Learn More Undo Park Sung Hoon didn't just have to show up and act-he had to go all-in, emotionally. In his own words, both scenes were emotionally draining, with directors pushing for that perfect tear just before his character collapses. And get this: he nailed it on the first take! No pressure, right? He even joked about the bizarre coincidence of having to "die" twice in one day, and how tough it was to switch between such intense roles. If you think your exams or job interviews are stressful, try crying on cue and then pretending to die-twice-while everyone on set is watching your every move. From Special Forces to Tearjerker-Park Sung Hoon's Epic Range For those who haven't been keeping up, Park Sung Hoon plays Cho Hyun Joo, a transgender ex-special forces soldier, in 'Squid Game' Season 2 and 3. His performance has been praised for its depth and intensity, especially in those final, gut-wrenching moments. Meanwhile, in 'Queen of Tears', he brought a totally different vibe as Yoon Eun Sung, whose own tragic ending had fans reaching for tissues. The guy's basically the Ranveer Singh of K-dramas-versatile, fearless, and always ready to give 200%. And let's be real, Indian youth can totally relate to juggling multiple roles, whether it's balancing studies, side hustles, or family drama. But dying twice in a day? That's next-level multitasking! Why This Hits So Hard for All of Us There's something oddly comforting in knowing that even our favorite stars have days where everything just piles on. Park Sung Hoon's story is a reminder that behind all the glitz and glam, actors are hustling just as hard-sometimes harder-than the rest of us. And honestly? It makes their performances hit even closer to home. Whether you're binge-watching K-dramas or just trying to survive another Monday, remember: if Park Sung Hoon can survive two on-screen deaths in one day, you can handle whatever life throws at you. And hey, maybe next time you're feeling overwhelmed, just channel your inner K-drama hero-shed a single, dramatic tear, and keep going.
Korea Herald
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Will Korea's barely-there stand-up scene stir to life?
Netflix tried to launch stand-up comedy in Korea years ago. Here's why it didn't work and why it might work now When Netflix launched its first Korean stand-up special in 2018, the strategy seemed solid. The plan was to sign big-name comedians, tap into their star power, and introduce local audiences to a genre that had taken off in the US. But the jokes didn't land. The debut, 'Yoo Byung-jae: Discomfort Zone,' received a lukewarm response. The follow-up specials, 'Park Na-rae: Glamour Warning' in 2019 and 'Lee Su-geun: The Sense Coach' in 2021, didn't perform any better. None generated the kind of buzz Netflix had hoped for. By 2022, the company had quietly backed away from stand-up in Korea. At the time, Yoo Ki-hwan, Netflix Korea's director of content, said, 'The genre just wasn't familiar to Korean viewers.' But comedians now helping shape Seoul's emerging stand-up scene believe the problem wasn't the audience. They say it was the lack of an ecosystem. Stand-up ecosystem: Small clubs, open mics and live audience feedback In the US, stand-up routines are sharpened in small clubs over years of trial and error. Jokes are tested live, rewritten and tested again. In Korea, the comedians featured on Netflix had almost no experience performing stand-up in front of a live audience. What ended up on the screen were essentially rough drafts. 'The problem was showing untested jokes to the public,' said Song Ha-bin, a regular stand-up performer at Meta Comedy Club in Seoul. 'The best material gets shaped onstage. You have to bomb a few times to find what works.' Kim Dong-ha, another Seoul-based comic, put it this way: 'Just because someone is a comedian doesn't mean they're built for stand-up. It's like assuming a soccer player can jump into a basketball game.' At the local comedy club Meta Comedy Club in Hongdae, performers like Song, Kim and Lee Je-gyu now follow the American model of development. The club hosts shows five nights a week, giving comics a space to try new material in front of real crowds. 'You write something funny, try it in a small room, see what works and cut what doesn't,' Lee explained. 'Then you do it again. And again.' That process seems to be paying off. Online success and its limits Comedians are sharing the bits that work online, and many of those clips are going viral. One of Song's recent routines, about men reluctantly tagging along with their girlfriends to Olive Young, a popular Korean cosmetics chain, has racked up more than 2.4 million views on YouTube. 'The jokes we upload weren't written in one sitting,' Song said. 'They've been shaped by real reactions. Now people laugh online, and then they want to see it live. So they come to our shows.' The comics say they've seen a gradual but real shift in how audiences respond. 'When we started, a lot of people didn't even know what stand-up was,' Song recalled. 'We used to hear things like, 'You can't joke about that in Korea' or 'This format just doesn't work here.' But now, people are more open.' Jang Su-yeon, an office worker in Seoul, is among those Koreans warming up to the genre. 'From time to time, I've come across American stand-up clips with Korean subtitles on YouTube,' she said. 'For a while, it was mostly Korean American comedians, but lately I've been seeing more from white comedians.' She was referring to Matt Rife, whose fan-run YouTube channel, created by a Korean viewer, has more than 90,000 subscribers, with its most popular video clip garnering over 6 million views. 'Honestly, I started watching them because they seemed like a fun way to study English. And over time, I think I got used to the rhythm and style,' she added. Naver blogger Yazidor also shared a similar experience. She and her boyfriend started watching American stand-up clips on YouTube shorts, eventually leading them to attend a live show at the Artzit Comedy Club in Seoul. "Two hours had flown by because we were laughing so much," she wrote. "If you're into stand-up comedy, I definitely recommend seeing it live." Banking on growing signs of acceptance for live comedy, comedian Song is now dreaming bigger. He says he wants to help build a genuine stand-up culture in Korea. 'I want to hear people say, 'Let's go to a comedy show after work,'' he said. 'That's the vibe we're working toward.' Still, challenges remain. Lee noted that many younger Koreans prefer to watch comedy online rather than attend live shows. 'Setting aside time, going to a specific venue, buying a ticket and being expected to drink — that whole model can feel like a barrier for younger audiences who are used to consuming content online and are less tied to Korea's drinking culture,' he explained. 'For now, that (online-to-offline flow) actually works in our favor. But looking ahead, we need to start thinking about how to make live comedy more accessible to them (offline).' ssh@
News18
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Squid Game To Business Proposal: Best K-Dramas On Netflix That You Should Not Miss
Last Updated: Squid Game is a dystopian survival thriller created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, which revolves around a mysterious game containing 456 players. South Korean culture has firmly secured its place on the global stage. From Parasite's historic Oscar win in 2019 and BTS dominating international charts to Squid Game becoming a worldwide phenomenon – Korean content is not just making waves, but it is leading the tide. Here's a list of the best Korean shows on Netflix that you cannot afford to miss: Squid Game This dystopian survival thriller created by Hwang Dong-hyuk revolves around a mysterious game where 456 players, dealing with financial hardships, risk their lives to play a series of deadly games to win around $40 million. The series features an ensemble cast including Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon, Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon and Jo Yu-ri, among others. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix Korea | 넷플릭스 코리아 (@netflixkr) Alchemy of Souls This fantasy period K-drama follows the story of two mages who have the ability to move their souls across bodies using a forbidden magic spell. The series cast a versatile lineup of actors, including Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min, Hwang Min-hyun and Go Youn-jung. Business Proposal This feel-good office romance stars Ahn Hyo-seop as a rich CEO and Kim Se-jeong as a researcher working at the company. Although a fake date brings them closer, they slowly grow to have genuine feelings for each other. All Of Us Are Dead This webtoon adaptation is set in the fictional city of Hyosan and follows a group of teenagers stranded in school as they fight for survival after a zombie outbreak. With a hint of high school romance and unlimited suspense, this series will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the 12 episodes. Lost in Starlight Netflix Korea's original animated series Lost in Starlight transcends space and time. Set in a futuristic Seoul in 2050, the story follows the love story of astronaut Nan-young and musician Jay as they navigate their relationship through the painful reality of long-distance across the universe – one that bridges Earth and Mars. When Life Gives You Tangerines This series stars K-drama fans' favourites IU and Park Bo-gum as Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, long-time friends and inhabitants of Jeju Island, where their love story blossoms. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Netflix India (@netflix_in) This slice-of-life drama begins in the 60s as Korea's urbanisation sees an increased popularity where Jeju serves as the main backdrop for both the show's character arcs as well as the larger social commentary.
