Latest news with #ParkSeo-joon
Tatler Asia
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Fists and flying kicks: 10 K-drama martial arts shows to stream now
2. 'The K2' (2016) A former mercenary turned bodyguard, Kim Je-ha (Ji Chang-wook) becomes embroiled in the dark underbelly of Korean politics when he's hired to protect the illegitimate daughter of a presidential candidate. Ji Chang-wook delivers heart-stopping action sequences, blending Krav Maga-style close combat with cinematic flair. You'll want to replay the staircase fight scene. It's a masterclass in choreographed chaos. 3. 'Fight for My Way' (2017) Go Dong-man (Park Seo-joon) was once a promising taekwondo champ, but now he sells pest control. It's not the usual premise for a martial arts K-drama, but wait for it. Dong-man's desire to prove himself simmers beneath his laid-back exterior. When he returns to the MMA ring, he's forced to confront his past and fight for a future that's entirely his. Park Seo-joon plays Dong-man with a perfect mix of charm and bruised pride, making this coming-of-age martial arts K-drama both grounded and empowering. See more: From Bit to Big Time: The K-drama roles that launched Korea's biggest stars 4. 'Arthdal Chronicles' (2019) Set in a fictional prehistoric land, Arthdal Chronicles follows Eun-seom (Song Joong-ki), a half-human warrior destined to challenge a corrupt empire. While not strictly a martial arts drama, the hand-to-hand combat scenes and military training sequences are intense, with Song Joong-ki showcasing agility and sword skills in elaborate battle choreography that leans into the epic. Who knew tribal warfare could be so fascinating? 5. 'My Name' (2021) After witnessing her father's murder, Ji-woo (Han So-hee) infiltrates a crime syndicate—and later, the police force—to seek vengeance. Han So-hee undergoes a complete physical transformation here, channelling rage and training into relentless fight sequences. From basement brawls to bathroom beatdowns, the choreography here, unlike other martial arts K-drama shows on this list, is savage, realistic and fuelled by grief. 6. 'Six Flying Dragons' (2015) This martial arts K-drama is where political intrigue meets blade-heavy combat brilliance. It's a riveting prequel to Tree with Deep Roots , which features Lee Bang-won (Yoo Ah-in), a real-life historical figure and future king, whose rise is marked by rebellion and, yes, lethal swordsmanship. From philosophical duels to full-scale battle choreography, this series redefines what martial arts looks like in a period drama. It's equal parts poetic, precise and unflinchingly brutal. 7. 'The King's Face' (2014) Prince Gwanghae (Seo In-guk) is a royal born with an unlucky face and remarkable instincts. The drama blends face-reading mysticism with palace scheming and, interestingly enough, intense martial training. Here, sword fighting isn't just for defence; it's an art form. Expect showdowns in moonlit courtyards and emotionally charged duels between crown contenders. 8. 'Kingdom' (2019–2020) Not your typical historical drama, Kingdom has Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) slicing his way through an undead outbreak with the elegance of a seasoned swordsman. Between dodging political enemies and flesh-eating ghouls, Lee Chang proves that sword fighting is a survival tool as well as a royal birthright. The series is visually lush and choreographically sharp, with every swing having high stakes. Don't miss: 'Kingdom: Ashin of the North': 9 details you shouldn't miss 9. 'The Slave Hunters' / 'Chuno' (2010) Looking for gritty manhunts with acrobatic sword-and-fist showdowns? Lee Dae-gil (Jang Hyuk) is a slave hunter with a tragic past and lightning-fast reflexes. Chuno is famous for its dynamic fight scenes: hand-to-hand combat, knife fights and high-stakes sword duels that use real martial arts techniques, enhanced by dusty chase sequences and muscular performances. Think martial arts, but with emotional baggage and wild ponytails. 10. 'Iljimae' (2008) Lee Joon-gi dazzles as Iljimae , a masked vigilante who leaps across rooftops and slices through injustice with balletic grace. Inspired by classic martial arts tales, the drama, which feels like Robin Hood learns wuxia, leans heavily on sword techniques, stealth training and hand-to-hand combat that would make any martial arts hero proud. Bonus: Lee Joon-gi performed many of his stunts.
Tatler Asia
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Moon Woo-jin: The K-drama flashback king who plays every leading man's younger self
2. Park Seo-joon in 'What's Wrong with Secretary Kim?' (2018) Before Park Seo-joon's character, Lee Young-joon, became the epitome of a narcissistic yet charming CEO, Moon Woo-jin portrayed his nine-year-old self, Lee Sung-hyeon. Through his performance, Moon Woo-jin laid the emotional groundwork for the character's complex personality, especially highlighting the traumatic events that shaped his adult demeanour. No spoilers, but Woo-jin was able to demonstrate fear, courage and maturity in a few short scenes. 3. Kim Soo-hyun in 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' (2020) In this emotionally charged drama, Moon Woo-jin took on the role of young Moon Gang-tae, the character eventually played by Kim Soo-hyun. His portrayal of a boy burdened with responsibility and emotional scars added depth to the narrative, making the adult character's struggles all the more poignant. 4. Cha Eun-woo in 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty' (2018) Moon Woo-jin plays the young Do Kyung-seok, a quietly intelligent boy neglected by his mother and emotionally scarred long before the series begins. His childhood scenes lay the groundwork for why the adult Kyung-seok distrusts appearances—and why his eventual love feels hard-won and real. 5. Kim Kyung-nam in 'The King: Eternal Monarch' (2020) In this fantasy romance, Moon Woo-jin portrayed the younger versions of both Kang Shin-jae and Kang Hyeon-min, characters played by Kim Kyung-nam. His dual performance showcased his versatility and set the stage for the intricate storyline involving parallel universes and complex identities. 6. Park Hae-joon/Park Bo-gum in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' (2023) Although Park Bo-gum was initially associated with the role of Yang Gwan-sik, it's Park Hae-joon who portrayed the middle-aged version of the character. Moon Woo-jin played the teenage Gwan-sik, capturing the character's formative years with subtlety and emotional depth. His role was small, but it was impactful, demonstrating Gwan-sik's lasting devotion and his optimism for their future. 7. Chae Jong-hyeop in 'Castaway Diva' (2023) As the young Kang Bo-geol, Moon Woo-jin delivers one of his more heroic turns—helping the female lead escape abuse and survive on a deserted island. His quiet bravery and emotional warmth become the emotional foundation for Bo-geol's adult actions, turning an otherwise quirky rom-com into a layered survival-meets-healing story. 8. Lee Seung-gi in 'Vagabond' (2019) In a drama where conspiracies span continents and every second person might be a double agent, it's Moon Woo-jin who quietly anchors the emotional stakes. He plays young Cha Dal-gun (Lee Seung-gi), a boy already hardened by tragedy and abandonment long before the adult Dal-gun becomes a stuntman-turned-avenger. Woo-jin appears in flashbacks that show the early loss, desperation, and flashes of rage that shaped Dal-gun's obsessive need to uncover the truth behind his nephew's death. He doesn't say much, but his fierce gaze and clenched jaw do all the heavy lifting. In a series packed with explosions, it's young Dal-gun's implosions that hit hardest. Also read: 10 most expensive Korean dramas to make: CLOY, Vincenzo, Vagabond and more 9. Kim Nam-gil in 'The Fiery Priest' (2019, 2024) Before he was punching gangsters and quoting the Bible with John Wick levels of rage, Kim Nam-gil's Father Kim Hae-il was just a traumatised little boy—and Moon Woo-jin plays him with raw, unsettling precision. As the young Hae-il, Woo-jin captures the boy's early brushes with violence, abandonment and unchecked anger. His eyes do most of the talking: wide with fear, then narrowed with rage. It's in these flashbacks that we understand why this ex-NIS agent-turned-priest is so volatile and fiercely protective. Without Woo-jin's simmering performance, Father Kim's spiritual angst might've just read as theatrics. But thanks to those childhood scenes, his path to redemption hits harder than a crucifix in a bar fight.
New Straits Times
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Actor Park Seo-joon's donation provides life-saving surgery for boy with brain tumour
SEOUL: South Korean actor Park Seo-joon recently shared a heartwarming story on his Instagram Story, revealing how his donation helped a young boy receive life-saving surgery for a brain tumour. The 36-year-old K-drama star posted a photo of a handwritten letter from the boy's family, expressing their gratitude for his support, which enabled their son to undergo a successful stem-cell transplant. In their letter, the family recounted their devastation upon learning of the boy's brain tumor diagnosis in January of last year. "Terms like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, along with the overwhelming treatment costs, left us feeling helpless both mentally and financially," they wrote. "We are now beginning to feel hopeful, having completed his first stem-cell surgery." The family shared that their son was astonished to learn that a celebrity had sponsored his surgery. "Our child expressed his desire to meet you in person after his recovery and hopes to become famous so that he, too, can help others," the family wrote. "For the first time in a long while, it brought a smile to our faces." Park, known for his roles in popular dramas such as 'What's Wrong With Secretary Kim' (2018), 'Itaewon Class' (2020), and 'Gyeongseong Creature' (2023-2024), also made his Hollywood debut in the 2023 film 'The Marvels.' Expressing their deep appreciation, the family added, "Mr. Park's invaluable support has given our family hope and courage. We aspire, along with our child, to become a family that extends help to others." In response, Park shared the letter on his Instagram, reiterating his commitment to "live well" and expressing his hope to meet the boy after his recovery. He also shared a separate letter from Samsung Medical Centre, confirming that a patient had recently been able to undergo surgery thanks to his donation. This act of generosity is not an isolated incident for Park Seo-joon. In 2020, he donated 100 million won (RM302,600) to aid victims of floods in South Korea, and in 2023, he donated the same amount to earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria.
The Star
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Park Seo-joon's donation enabled life-saving surgery for boy with brain tumour
Back in 2020, the actor donated 100 million won to help victims affected by floods in South Korea. Photo: Park Seo-joon/Instagram South Korean actor Park Seo-joon has shared the heartwarming story of how he helped a child suffering from a brain tumour. The 36-year-old K-drama star posted a photo of a handwritten letter on Instagram Stories on April 29, from the family of a boy who successfully underwent a stem-cell transplant thanks to Park's donation. The family wrote that they were devastated when the child was diagnosed with a brain tumour in January 2024. 'Terms like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, as well as the enormous treatment costs, left us overwhelmed mentally and financially,' the family wrote. 'We are starting to feel hopeful now that he has completed his first stem-cell surgery.' The young patient was apparently surprised to learn his surgery had been sponsored by a celebrity. 'Our child said he would like to meet you in person after he recovers, and that he hopes to become famous so that he can help others too,' the family said. 'It made us laugh for the first time in a long while.' Park has starred in dramas such as What's Wrong With Secretary Kim (2018), Itaewon Class (2020) and Gyeongseong Creature (2023 to 2024). He also made his Hollywood debut in American superhero film The Marvels (2023). Expressing their gratitude to Park, the family added: 'Mr Park's valuable support has given our family hope and courage. Together with our child, we hope to be a family who help others.' Park replied to the family while sharing the letter on Instagram: 'I reiterate my determination to live well and hope to meet him after he recovers.' He also shared a separate letter sent by the Samsung Medical Centre, which stated that a patient was recently able to get the surgery thanks to his donation. Park had previously donated 100 million won (RM302,600) to help victims affected by floods in South Korea in 2020 and donated the same amount to earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria in 2023. – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
K-actor Park Seo-joon's donation enabled life-saving surgery for boy with brain tumour
Park Seo-joon had previously donated 100 million won (S$91,000) to help victims affected by floods in South Korea in 2020. PHOTO: AFP South Korean actor Park Seo-joon has shared the heartwarming story of how he helped a child suffering from a brain tumour. The 36-year-old K-drama star posted a photo of a handwritten letter on Instagram Stories on April 29, from the family of a boy who successfully underwent a stem-cell transplant thanks to Park's donation. The family wrote that they were devastated when the child was diagnosed with a brain tumour in January 2024. 'Terms like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, as well as the enormous treatment costs, left us overwhelmed mentally and financially,' the family wrote. 'We are starting to feel hopeful now that he has completed his first stem-cell surgery.' The young patient was apparently surprised to learn his surgery had been sponsored by a celebrity. 'Our child said he would like to meet you in person after he recovers, and that he hopes to become famous so that he can help others too,' the family said. 'It made us laugh for the first time in a long while.' Park has starred in dramas such as What's Wrong With Secretary Kim (2018), Itaewon Class (2020) and Gyeongseong Creature (2023 to 2024). He also made his Hollywood debut in American superhero film The Marvels (2023). Expressing their gratitude to Park, the family added: 'Mr Park's valuable support has given our family hope and courage. Together with our child, we hope to be a family who help others.' Park replied to the family while sharing the letter on Instagram: 'I reiterate my determination to live well and hope to meet him after he recovers.' He also shared a separate letter sent by the Samsung Medical Centre, which stated that a patient was recently able to get the surgery thanks to his donation. Park had previously donated 100 million won (S$91,000) to help victims affected by floods in South Korea in 2020 and donated the same amount to earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria in 2023. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
