Latest news with #SecretGarden
India Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Tender is the new tough for leading men in K-dramas
In the past decade, K-dramas have seen a significant shift in how male protagonists are portrayed. They were commonly seen as emotionally distant and domineering, but now we have witnessed a change in the depiction. The male leads are now shown as emotionally intelligent and supportive evolution reflects not only changing audience expectations but also broader cultural conversations around gender roles, mental health, and respectful relationships. In today's K-Fix, let's explore how men in K-dramas have moved from toxicity to being more tender and 2009, 'Boys Over Flowers' introduced viewers to the classic 'alpha male' archetype. Goo Jun-pyo, played by Lee Min-ho, was wealthy, temperamental, and possessive. While his character eventually undergoes a redemption arc, much of his behaviour, from bullying to emotional manipulation, was glamourised as romantic rather than viewed as problematic. His charm lay in his dominance, which at the time was seen as compelling, if not ideal. A year later, 'Secret Garden' continued this pattern. Hyun Bin's portrayal of Kim Joo-won gave us another emotionally stunted chaebol. His arrogance and condescension were framed as quirky, and his dismissive attitude toward the female lead was often mistaken for affection. While the drama was a massive hit, his character's controlling behaviour would likely be challenged or critiqued by today's 2014, the tides began to shift with 'Healer'. Ji Chang-wook, Seo Jung-hoo, though still the strong and silent type, broke away from previous norms. He respected boundaries, remained loyal, and never used his power or emotions to manipulate people. His strength came not from control, but from integrity and emotional growth. Vulnerability was no longer a flaw; it was a feature. advertisementThen came It's 'Okay to Not Be Okay' in 2020, which redefined the emotional depth of male leads. Kim Soo-hyun's Moon Gang-tae was empathetic and trauma-aware. His character prioritised healing for himself and others, challenging the notion that male characters must always carry emotional burdens in silence. His approach to love was not performative but grounded in kindness, patience, and understanding. 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo', released in 2022, took this evolution a step further. Kang Tae-oh's Lee Jun-ho stood out as the ideal modern male lead. His respect for Woo Young-woo's individuality was unwavering. He never sought to change or rescue her but supported her growth and independence with sincerity. His character offered a blueprint for healthy, respectful romantic dynamics. Finally, in 2024, 'Queen of Tears' offered one of the most mature portrayals of masculinity to date. Kim Soo-hyun's Baek Hyun-woo was quiet, introspective, and emotionally honest. As he navigated a troubled marriage, his responses were rooted in vulnerability, not ego. He communicated thoughtfully, showing that emotional maturity can be just as compelling as drama-driven passion. The evolution of male leads in K-dramas mirrors larger societal shifts. Today's audiences, especially younger, global, and more gender-conscious viewers, seek characters who embody mutual respect, emotional availability, and psychological depth. Writers and producers have taken note, gradually abandoning outdated romantic ideals in favour of characters who feel more modern K-drama male lead is no longer defined by dominance or aloof charm. Instead, he listens, evolves, and nurtures. This transformation not only provides healthier role models for viewers but also reflects a broader cultural move towards compassion, consent, and genuine connection in storytelling.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Shoppers praise 'unusual' Dunelm £28 mirror that would 'suit any room'
'Highly recommend this mirror, it has transformed my hallway just how I wanted it.' For those who are wanting to revamp their homes this summer, it would be worth your while to have a look through Dunelm's summer sale. From bedding and rugs to wall art and lamps, there are so many unique and stunning items in the sale that shoppers won't want to miss. There are also a selection of beautiful mirrors in the sale, which can add a touch of style and elegance to your home while also making a room feel bigger. One mirror popular with shoppers in the sale is the Global Gem Edge Round Wall Mirror. Normally retailing at £35, shoppers can now snatch it up for £28 after a 20 per cent discount. While this colourful mirror would make a great addition to any home, shoppers will need to be quick as prices are set to shoot back up on June 22. Featuring a delicate global gem edge and a black frame, this mirror would be the perfect option for those who have a unique taste for decor with infused pops of colour, reports the Liverpool Echo. Featuring gold, orange and blue gems, this mirror will quickly become the focal point of home. Crafted using a black acrylic and aluminium construction, this round mirror is perfect for an added "stylish and on-trend" touch to any room. Many shoppers have praised the mirror for being easy to hang and that its unique design has "transformed" their homes. With dimensions of W 60cm x L 60cm x D 1.7cm, this mirror is easy to care for as it simply needs to be wiped clean with a soft cloth if it becomes dirty. Another gorgeous mirror in the Dunelm sale is the Secret Garden Round Wall Mirror. Originally priced at £60, shoppers can now buy this floral mirror for £48. Said to be crafted with responsibly sourced materials, this wall mirror features a rustic design that is sure to capture the eye of every guest. Alternatively, Debenhams has cut the price of the HOMCOM Full Length Mirror down to £69.99 from £104.99. This mirror has dimensions of 120cm by 40cm and is equipped with LED lights in three shades - white, natural and cool. Shoppers also have the option of choosing which level of brightness they desire. Many Dunelm shoppers have become fans of the Gem Edge Mirror, which currently has an impressive 4.7 star rating. Additionally, from the 45 reviewers, 40 of them awarded the unique mirror a perfect five-star rating. One delighted shopper said: "Love the detail on this mirror. Adds interest and a good focal point in my hallway. Easy to hang and a nice size. Very pleased." With another five-star reviewer adding on: "Gorgeous mirror, so pretty and unusual. A really good size too. Perfect for our bedroom." However, not everyone was pleased with the mirror, as one person commented: "The mirror looks great in my hallway, I'm a bit disappointed because the coloured pieces are not as bright as in the picture and it is hanging on a white wall, but it's still nice." A three-star reviewer also wrote: "The mirror as a whole looks lovely on the wall. However, Dunelm needs to improve its quality checks on their products. The mirror I received has one heart upside down and two others misaligned. Not too impressed. I'll be contacting them regarding this." On the flip side, another happy shopper said: "Absolutely beautiful mirror. I'm really pleased with it and I'm so glad I got this one. Well worth the money. Highly recommend this mirror it has transform my hallway just how I wanted it." With a sixth shopper noting: "Love this on my white wall in bedroom. Good value as reasonably priced. Was going to use it for hallway but thought was too small. But would suit any room." Click HERE to buy the Global Gem Edge Round Wall Mirror. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
CBS News
04-05-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Rain doesn't deter gardeners flocking to Philadelphia nurseries for spring planting
Some Philadelphia-area gardeners say the damp weather is the perfect time for spring planting Some Philadelphia-area gardeners say the damp weather is the perfect time for spring planting Some Philadelphia-area gardeners say the damp weather is the perfect time for spring planting A steady drizzle didn't stop Philadelphia-area gardeners from flocking to local nurseries this weekend to get their hands in the dirt. At Secret Garden, a family-owned nursery on Ridge Avenue in Roxborough, foot traffic was nonstop despite the wet weather. "It's been extremely busy," said Jackie Lynch, who helps run the nursery with her family. "My brother has been working 15 hours a day." Customers were bundled up in rain jackets, pushing carts loaded with herbs, flowers and shrubs. CBS Philadelphia "Everyone's ready to get back into their yards," Lynch said. "Right now is an excellent time to start planting your herbs, vegetables, and the pretty things that make your home look magnificent." Among the weekend visitors was Julie Stewart, shopping alongside her daughter, Emma, who recently bought her first home. "We're getting her beds ready for spring and summer," Stewart said. "I was always taught not to really plant anything until Mother's Day or after, but I think this was the perfect weekend to do it." Across the city in Pennsport, at Urban Jungle's South Philadelphia location, owner Tara Alexander said this kind of weather is ideal. "You won't be out there sweating and getting sunburnt," she said. "Plus, it'll rain, and then it'll water in your plants—which will be great for their health and save you some work." CBS Philadelphia Ben Ansell carefully picked out boxwoods for his front porch for his home in the city's Graduate Hospital neighborhood. "We want to be able to come out here and maintain it and keep it beautiful," he said. "A nice place to sit—and a nice place for the neighborhood." Ansell, like many others, sees gardening as more than just yardwork. "Community and peace. Personal peace, too," he said. "Just having that natural spot to be able to sit outside and not have to walk far to a park. To just be in my own space." Alexander agrees. "I really believe that plants make people happy," she said. "I just hope people enjoy getting their hands dirty—being outside, looking at, taking care of, and spending time in their gardens or on their decks."
Axios
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
First look: Springtime pop-up bar in downtown San Antonio
Secret Garden, an immersive springtime pop-up bar at High Praise inside the Intercontinental Hotel, is open through June 29. The vibe: It's like stepping into a flower shop — faux blooms, sure, but still dreamy, with colorful buds cascading down the walls. The indoor patio furniture creates a cool cabana feel that made me think of the "outside is the inside" club idea from "A Night at the Roxbury." Given how brutal real patio weather can be in San Antonio, it works. And it makes for really pretty pictures. What to try: The Morning Sunshine ($16), which has tequila, Ancho Reyes, pineapple, lime and Tajín. It tastes like a spicy margarita with a tropical twist. If you're snackish, the cheese plate ($22) and chips with French onion dip ($9) made for the perfect girl dinner.
Express Tribune
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Sajal Ali dazzles in her 'favourite' yellow peshwas
Summer must be here, or maybe it's just Sajal Ali bringing the sunshine in her "favourite" stunning yellow peshwas. The Ye Dil Mera actor flaunted her vibrant ensemble from The PinkTree Company in an Instagram post shared Thursday. The outfit, called 'Secret Garden', is crafted to give the impression of an obscured lawn blooming under gentle streaks of sunlight. The motif is accentuated by a scatter of floral block print, adding to the idea of hidden blossoms. The breathable malmal makes the dress gleam delicately, while the gota finishing sparks a sense of quiet luxury. Stitched with Sindhi embroidery, the top is matched with block-printed dupatta and Dhaka pajama, elevating the ensemble's fluttery quality. Suffice to say, Sajal shone in the yellows, pinks, and greens of the dress, and she already has the seal of approval from the person who matters most. "Amma always said yellow suits me the most," she wrote in the caption. Peers and fans agreed wholeheartedly with the Kuch Ankahi actor's mother, with many waxing lyrical about Sajal's eyes. "Amma was right. You're too pretty to be real," one user wrote, while another said, "No amount of praise for your eyes would ever be enough. In that spirit, I pray that these eyes always stay in good health." In December, Sajal rocked another ankle-length yellow dress - a hand-crafted luxury ensemble from Qalamkar. The cotton net shirt and sharara were matched with an organza dupatta, stitched with opulent gota embroidery. Aside from the ensemble, the highlight of the shoot was Sajal's pairing with Zard Patton Ka Bunn co-star Hamza Sohail. Fans of the drama and the onscreen pair couldn't get enough of the two. "You both slayed your looks," a fan wrote, while another said, "Two insanely beautiful people." Recently, Sajal and Hamza reunited for Dil Wali Gali Mein, in which their chemistry as a runaway couple once again won the hearts of their fan-following.
