Latest news with #NetflixKorea
Korea Herald
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Legendary webtoon comes to life
Netflix Korea's 'Mercy for None' brings popular webtoon to Netflix, with So Ji-sub as main lead Two icons converge in Netflix Korea's latest crime noir series as one of the country's most widely beloved webtoons gets the live-action treatment with fan-favorite actor So Ji-sub stepping into the lead role. Titled 'Mercy for None,' the series follows Ki-joon (So Ji-sub), a former gangster who resurfaces after an 11-year disappearance to avenge his brother's death. Adapted from the wildly popular Naver Webtoon of the same name, which ran from 2020 to 2021, the series builds on the source material's reputation as one of Korea's most anticipated noir-action titles this year. So's casting as Ki-joon was a dream come true for longtime fans of the original comic, who had long envisioned him as the perfect fit for the ruthless fighter, according to the series' director. 'So Ji-sub was the casting that fans of the original webtoon wanted most for the live-action adaptation. I was really glad that he agreed to take the role,' said director Choi Seong-eun at a press conference held Thursday in Jung-gu, Seoul. 'Even I wasn't sure at first what kind of image or expression that actor would bring to the character Ki-joon. But on the first day I met him, I felt that he would be able to convey Ki-joon's emotions well. I was given the opportunity to create freely in a rich environment with truly great ingredients.' Known for his performances in past hit dramas such as "I'm Sorry, I Love You" (2004) and "Master's Sun" (2013), So returns to the action genre for the first time in over a decade, following his role in the 2012 feature "A Company Man." 'Mercy for None' also marks his debut in an streaming original series. Discussing the action-driven narrative, So explained his approach to the role's physicality. 'The director told us not to include unnecessary action. He said it would be better not to throw in action just for the sake of it during transitional scenes. When it comes to revenge, are we going to subdue these people or punish them? There's a difference, and we tried to make that distinction,' he said. 'For each character, I thought of the action as a form of dialogue spoken through the body. The director said it would be great if the characters' energy and emotional flow could be felt when they fight. He also said the action should have a narrative arc —beginning, development, twist and conclusion. He wanted the intensity of the action to build gradually and reach a climax. We talked about a lot of things beyond that too, and fortunately, I think all of that was well reflected in the final piece.' Director Choi emphasized that the emotional stakes were central to staging the combat. 'For the action scenes as well, Ki-joon's emotions were the most important. If the emotions weren't convincing, it could come across as just a physical clash. I directed it so that the collision of emotions would manifest as action.' 'Mercy for None' premiered Friday on Netflix.
Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Our Unwritten Seoul first impression: Does Park Bo Young even need a male lead in her K-dramas anymore?
Park Bo Young may not be riding a major winning streak lately, but she never fails to surprise with her genre-hopping choices and magnetic chemistry with co-stars. In Our Unwritten Seoul, Netflix's latest K-content drop, she proves she's not just the queen of rom-coms for her leading men, but she also can have crackling chemistry with herself as well. The story revolves around twin sisters, Mi Rae and Mi Ji, both played by Bo Young. The show debuted to a modest 3% viewership in Korea, but pulled a dramatic U-turn, soaring to No. 1 on Netflix Korea's Top 10 Series list just three days post-premiere. Globally, it's already pulling more heat than her Daily Dose of Sunshine and the Melo Movie (her last two OTT hits). And what's a Seoul story without a little swoon? GOT7's Jinyoung is a scene-stealer in a sea of the same. Also read: Go Min Si's school bullying controversy explained: Is her new Netflix K-drama being axed? A typical twin story in the K-drama world would've gone the Shakespearean route, a modern-day Comedy of Errors spin, with rivalry and chaos between two identical sisters separated at birth. But when the maker is Park Shin Woo (Our Beloved Summer, Romance Is a Bonus Book), you know the script won't play by the rules. And though Seoul might be the backdrop, it's the soul of the two sisters that's truly interlinked. These sisters, who, as kids, playfully swapped lives to dodge punishments, always stayed in sync—Mi Rae, the studious one, would study for Mi Ji, while Mi Ji, who oddly enjoyed gulping medicines, would return the favour. But life, as always, had other plans. A tragedy hits the younger sister. Mi Rae moves to Seoul, and distance creeps in; soon, they're no longer the inseparable duo they once were. And just when they think they've drifted too far, fate brings them back together. Mi Ji sees the cracks in her sister's façade and proposes a familiar solution: swap lives again. Only this time, it's not a game, it's a high-stakes gamble. And there's way more at risk. Also read: Good Boy: Park Bo Gum says he'd 'love to do an Indian musical', talks Muhammad Ali as he gears to pack a punch in upcoming K-drama There's something oddly poetic about the names Mi Ji and Mi Rae. Maybe it's how they sound—or what they mean: 'unknown' and 'future'. Fitting. Like the names, they grow up, drift, bend, and break. Just two episodes in, and it's already circling the space that Kim Ji Won, Son Suk Ku's My Liberation Notes once held. Our Unwritten Seoul taps into that gut-level feeling of being an adult who suddenly realises they've stopped dreaming, not because they don't want to, but because the rent's due and survival is the dream now. Two sisters, two lives, carrying different kinds of weight. One's chasing a dream. The other's already in it, burnt out, stuck, can't quit, can't complain. If we have to to classify, Our Unwritten Seoul leans slice-of-life over rom-com or your usual sibling-centric K-drama. Life takes away Mi Ji's only talent, running, gone after a brutal injury kills her shot at becoming a national athlete. Mi Rae, meanwhile, climbs the ranks to become a senior specialist in Korea's finance department. She's got the title, the paycheck, the sharp wardrobe, while her twin's back in the village, juggling jobs, farming, cleaning schools, caring for their grandmother. Same face. Different worlds. But while Mi Rae quietly endures it all, drowning in thoughts she can't speak, Mi Ji still burns bright. Park Bo Young's switch-up is a rare move in her rock-solid career. She's always been familiar, safe, Healer, Strong Girl Bong-soon, Oh My Ghost. Not anymore. While it's too early to judge JinYoung's character, what we do know is this: he's the boy with partial hearing loss from an accident, burns from childhood, and a quiet place in the sisters' orbit. The only one who can tell Mi Ji and Mi Rae apart, even when their own mother can't. He carries a soft spot for Mi Ji, but something tells me he's going to carry a lot more by the time this wraps. His arc is far from done. Our Take Our Unwritten Seoul is a must-watch, especially if you've seen Bo Young's journey from the bubbly, petite girl next door to someone who still carries that charm, only now she's carrying the whole drama. This isn't just another pretty K-drama dipped in soft lighting, it digs into burnout, emotional fatigue, the daily job grind, and still makes space for love. And when the sisters start swapping places, you almost feel like you're switching with them, one moment you're Mi Ji, the next, Mi Rae. Torn between dreams and duty, burnout and hope, but somehow still whole. On the surface, it's a beautiful tale, but when you zoom out, it's a heartbreak. And yes, we'll absolutely be back for episode 3.
Korea Herald
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Siblings, romance and mystery all rolled into one in Netflix original 'Dear Hongrang'
Series marks return of Cho Bo-ah, following indefinite delay of Disney+ megaproject 'Knock-off' on controversy involving co-star Kim Soo-hyun True Korean beauty is set to return, weaving mystery into a high-stakes romance involving secrets. Set against a moody, historical backdrop, Netflix Korea's latest original "Dear Hongrang" centers on Hongrang (Lee Jae-wook), who reappears after a mysterious 12-year disappearance with no memory of his past. His stepsister, Jae-yi (Cho Bo-ah), suspects he may not be who he claims to be. The project comes from a powerhouse team that includes Kim Hong-sun, the director behind Netflix's Korean adaptation of "Money Heist" and hit occult thriller "The Guest," alongside Kim Jin-ah, the writer of Apple TV+'s first Korean-language thriller, "Dr. Brain." At a press conference in Guro-gu, Seoul, Tuesday, the director shared his enthusiasm for the series, saying, 'This project is based on a novel. I read the book in one sitting. People often talk about fate, but the characters in the story have no intention of following their destined paths. The strength of the story is what led me to take on the role of director.' The director identified 'longing' as the driving force of the narrative. 'When longing becomes too intense, it can turn into love — or resentment, and even hatred. Our work contains a lot of these emotions, and we tried to incorporate historical drama action scenes in a way that doesn't disrupt the emotional flow.' Another key aspect of the series is its depiction of Korean heritage, with a particular focus on hanbok. The director emphasized the importance of staying true to Korea's cultural aesthetics, noting, 'I felt a sense of duty to showcase the beauty of Korea, so I tried to stay as historically accurate as possible.' He added, 'Rather than aiming for a fashion-forward look, I focused on staying true to the basics, paying close attention to textures and fabric materials.' The series also marks Cho's first return to the small screen since her nuptials last year. Although filmed prior to her wedding, the release was delayed due to an extended postproduction period. "Dear Hongrang" is all the more a meaningful career point for Cho, as it is her first project to be released following the indefinite postponement of her highly anticipated Disney+ series "Knock-Off," which was originally slated to be released in April. In "Knock-Off," Cho stars alongside Kim Soo-hyun as the lead, but the series — which reportedly cost 60 billion won ($42 million) to produce — has been delayed due to a scandal involving her co-star and the late actor Kim Sae-ron that has sent shock waves through the country and led Disney+ to postpone its release. When asked about the situation during the press event, Cho declined to comment on "Knock-Off." However, with a faint smile, she shared, 'The production period for 'Dear Hongrang' was quite long, so I'm feeling a mix of nerves, excitement and worry. I hope many people will look forward to it and show it plenty of love.'
Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Squid Game 3 teaser: Gi-Hun's return creates excitement among fans, Netflix confirms premiere of finale season on June 27
Netflix has released the first teaser of Squid Game season 3, confirming that the finale chapter is set to premiere on June 27, 2025. The teaser was revealed on May 6, while the full trailer is expected to release by the end of May. Many fans assumed that Gi-Hun would be missing from season 3, but his return has created excitement among fans. While Squid Game season one debuted in 2021, part two came out several years later. However, there isn't a lot of gap between seasons 2 and 3 though – the second season released last December, and the third is set to premiere in June. The teaser of Squid Game season 3 opens with the line, 'It's time to play one last time,' along with visuals of players and glimpses of the future deadly games. Netflix Korea took to their Instagram and posted the short clip and captioned it as, 'Smile, we have something special for you.' Check out the teaser: As the teaser moves forward, the infamous gumball machine reappears, giving red and blue balls, indicating a game-changing mechanic. It was last shown in Season 2 that colours were used to hint at decisions, possibly for team formations or destiny might take shape in this manner. Season three will pick up where season two finished last, with Gi-hun back in the death trap game after a failed mission against The Front Man, once disguised as Player 001, who has taken control over the games once again. In addition, towards the end of the teaser, it also shows player 222 possibly giving birth in the upcoming season.
Muscat Daily
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
‘Weak Hero Class 2' tops Netflix global non-english TV chart
Netflix's original Korean series 'Weak Hero Class 2' has catapulted to the No. 1 spot on the platform's Global Top 10 chart for non-English language television series, merely three days following its release. According to Netflix's official fan site Tudum, the series amassed 6.1 million views during the week, a figure derived by dividing total watch hours by the show's runtime. This remarkable achievement places the second season at the forefront of the streamer's global rankings for non-English content in record time. Premiered on a Friday, the series swiftly gained momentum, maintaining the No. 1 position on Netflix Korea's Top 10 chart since its debut. Additionally, it has secured a spot in the Top 10 rankings across 63 countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Belgium, France, Morocco, Greece, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and New Caledonia. The swift global ascent of Weak Hero Class 2 is attributed to its emotionally charged narrative and meticulously choreographed action sequences. The storyline follows the evolution of Yeon Si-eun, portrayed by Park Ji-hoon, who once again finds himself confronting a wave of violence in defence of his friends. Park's compelling performance has received widespread acclaim, particularly for its intensity and range. The ensemble cast—featuring Ryeo Un, Choi Min-yeong, Yoo Soo-bin, and Lee Jun-young—has also been praised for its on-screen chemistry and emotional depth. The series successfully balances powerful antagonists with gripping portrayals of brotherhood, further enhancing its international appeal. Meanwhile, the first season, Weak Hero Class 1, continues to perform well, securing the No. 8 spot in the same global chart. It has now spent five consecutive weeks in Netflix's international Top 10 since being added to the platform's global library. The rapid rise of Weak Hero Class 2 underscores the growing global appetite for Korean storytelling and further cements the series' status as a benchmark in youth action drama.
