Latest news with #Seocho-dong
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Korean dramas are breaking up with romance? Here's what we know
No More "Love At First Sight" - It's All About Squad Goals Now Remember when every K-drama, no matter how wild the plot, had to squeeze in a love story? Detectives chasing criminals, surgeons saving lives, lawyers burning the midnight oil - and yet, somehow, they'd always find time for a dramatic romance. But 2025 is serving up a whole new vibe. Korean dramas are finally breaking free from the "must-have romance" rule, and honestly, it's a breath of fresh air for anyone who's ever rolled their eyes at a forced love line. Take ENA's latest hit, "Salon de Holmes." Set in a massive apartment complex, this show is a wild, comic-action ride starring four women who are anything but ordinary. There's Gong Mi-ri (Lee Si-young), a housewife with Sherlock-level deduction skills; Choo Kyung-ja (Jung Young-joo), a former ace detective known as the "female Ma Dong-seok"; Park So-hee (Kim Da-som), a single mom juggling five part-time jobs; and Jeon Ji-hyun (Nam Ki-ae), an insurance queen with next-level street smarts. Together, they take down the villains threatening their peaceful apartment life - from cheating spouses to school bullies and even illegal garbage dumpers. Director Min Jin-ki calls it "a drama by women, for women, starring women." And he's not kidding. Instead of romance, "Salon de Holmes" is all about fierce friendship, loyalty, and the kind of "womance" that makes you want to call your besties and start a girl gang. The show's blend of action, comedy, and real-life struggles is giving viewers major catharsis - and the ratings prove it. Starting at 1.3%, it shot up to a peak of 3.4% by episode 6, which is huge for a newer cable channel like ENA. Lawyers, Not Lovers - "Seocho-dong" Is Serving Realness Seocho-dong refers to the area where Korea's courts, prosecutors' offices, and lawyers' offices are concentrated, and represents the legal community. If you thought the no-romance trend was a fluke, think again. "Seocho-dong" is doubling down. When news broke that Moon Ga-young and Lee Jong-suk were cast, everyone expected a classic K-drama love line. But the promos? Not a single mention of romance. The first episode, which aired on July 5, focused entirely on the daily grind of five associate lawyers hustling in Seoul's legal district. Moon Ga-young plays Kang Hee-ji, a rookie lawyer with a heart of gold, while Lee Jong-suk is the seasoned pro Ahn Joo-hyung. The show, written by an actual lawyer, is all about the struggles, ambitions, and friendships of young professionals just trying to survive the workweek. Even if a romance does pop up, it's clear it won't be the main event. Instead, "Seocho-dong" is giving us slice-of-life vibes, relatable workplace drama, and the kind of character growth that hits different when you're in your twenties and figuring out your own path. Genre Over Romance - The New K-Drama Formula It's not just these two shows. Upcoming dramas like MBC's "Mary Kills People" and JTBC's "Esquire" are also ditching the love lines to focus on genre and story. "Mary Kills People" follows a doctor helping terminal patients with assisted death, while "Esquire: Lawyers Dreaming of Lawyers" is about a rookie lawyer learning the ropes from a top partner. Both are more interested in exploring tough issues, personal growth, and the bonds between colleagues than in shoehorning in a romance just for the sake of it. Back in the day, even the most hard-hitting genre dramas would awkwardly squeeze in a love story to attract more viewers. But thanks to the rise of OTT platforms and a more global audience, Korean dramas are finally realizing that not every story needs a love line to be a hit. In fact, some of the most buzzed-about series lately are the ones that skip romance altogether and focus on friendship, ambition, and the real struggles of modern life.
Pink Villa
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Why Go Yoon Jung and Kang You Seok haven't joined Resident Playbook cast in Bali yet? Delayed plans revealed
Resident Playbook concluded two weeks ago, after a successful run globally. It dropped its final episodes on May 17 and 18 and broadcasted a special episode on May 24. Following that, the cast was rewarded with a 7-day team retreat to spend time together, bond better. However, Go Yoon Jung and Kang You Seok couldn't travel with the others due to their packed schedule. According to a May 30 report by K-media Sports Chosun, they are now set out to join the team. When is the Bali retreat and what is it about? Jung Jun Won, Han Ye Ji, Shin Shi Ah and most of the other cast and crew of Resident Playbook are currently enjoying a peaceful vacation in Bali, Indonesia. They reportedly departed on May 26 KST and were set to spend 7 nights and 8 days in the picturesque location, heading back on June 2. Regarding the aim of the retreat, the production team of tvN drama stated, "It is not a reward vacation for all the cast and staff, but a trip for teamwork purposes." If the retreat is intended for team-building, it raises a valid question as to why Go Yoon Jung and Kang You Seok weren't initially able to participate with the rest of the cast. Why did Go Yoon Jung and Kang You Seok not travel with the team? The two beloved OB-GYN residents of the Hospital Playlist spin-off were unable to join the rest of the cast initially due to their individual projects. After completing their personal schedules, Go Yoon Jung and Kang You Seok are now set to join the team trip. On May 30, the latter's side revealed, "Actor Kang Yoo Seok recently departed for Bali." Go Yoon Jung will also reportedly board a flight to Bali through Incheon International Airport on the same day. Go Yoon Jung and Kang You Seok's latest projects Kang Yoo Seok, who portrays the sunshiney character, Um Jae Il, a former idol turned OB-GYN resident, had to fit in a 2-night, 3-day visit amidst filming for his upcoming drama Seocho-dong. Go Yoon Jung, who portrays Oh Yi young, a warm-hearted OB-GYN resident, had to wrap up advertisement shoots and other commitments before joining the Resident Playbook team in Bali.
Pink Villa
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Lee Jong Suk attends script reading for Law And The City with Moon Ga Young amid IU break up rumors; PICS
Lee Jong Suk, Moon Ka Young, Kang You Seok, Ryu Hye Young, and Im Seong Jae came together for the first script reading of the upcoming drama Law and The City (Seocho-dong). The group offered a first glimpse into their roles and on-screen chemistry. Lee Jong Suk was present at the session amid ongoing breakup rumors with IU. The drama follows five associate attorneys navigating life and work in Seoul's legal district of Seocho. Based on the real-life experiences of a practicing lawyer, the story aims to reflect the everyday challenges, quiet victories, and emotional toll of life in the legal field. At the reading, Lee Jong Suk immediately stood out as Ahn Ju Hyeong, the most senior associate. His calm tone and precise delivery captured a sharp, composed character used to high-pressure situations. Moon Ka Young, taking on the role of Kang Hui Ji, a first-year associate, showed both strength and sensitivity. Her focused expressions and steady delivery brought out the drive and sincerity of someone new to the field but eager to grow. Kang You Seok, playing Cho Chang Won, brought a burst of energy. His easygoing manner and lively rhythm reflected his character's sociable, upbeat personality—the kind who keeps group morale high even during long hours. Ryu Hye Young portrayed Bae Mun Jeong with confidence and warmth. From her smooth line delivery to her relaxed face, she gave off a grounded presence that hints at a character who balances logic with empathy. Im Seong Jae took on the role of Ha Sang Gi with subtle charm. His tone shifted gently between formal and friendly, suggesting a lawyer who is dependable but brings a bit of lightness when it's needed most. The cast's natural flow and connection during the reading hinted at strong chemistry and well-rounded characters. With a script drawn from real experiences and direction by Park Seung Woo, Law and The City is shaping up to be a grounded, thoughtful take on life in the legal world. One that goes beyond the courtroom and into the lives of the people behind the cases.
Pink Villa
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Cha Eun Woo sends coffee truck to support Seocho-dong cast Lee Jong Suk and Moon Ga Young amid military enlistment plans
Cha Eun Woo recently showed his heartfelt support for friends Lee Jong Suk, Moon Ka Young, and Im Sung Jae by sending coffee trucks to the set of their upcoming legal drama Seocho-dong. The thoughtful gesture reflects his strong friendship with the cast and his warm personality, amid his military enlistment plans. Cha Eun Woo is embarking on his mandatory military service journey. On May 9, 2025, he attended an interview with the Republic of Korea Army's military band unit. His agency, Fantagio, confirmed, " Cha Eun Woo applied for the Army's military band and has completed his interview." However, the interview results are not yet available. If he passes the interview, the True Beauty actor will enlist in the military. The outcome will be announced on May 29. If accepted, Cha Eun Woo will begin basic training in July and serve for 18 months, with a projected discharge around January 2027. Seocho-dong centers on the lives of associate lawyers navigating the challenges of the legal world in Seoul's influential Seocho Judicial Town. The drama promises realistic courtroom conflicts and emotional storytelling, with Lee Jong Suk portraying Ahn Joo Hyung, a hardworking ninth-year associate lawyer. Written by practicing attorney Lee Seung Hyun, the script offers a rare level of authenticity. Moon Ka Young and Im Sung Jae also play key roles, bringing emotional complexity and compelling energy to the screen. The series is expected to premiere later this year, with high anticipation from drama fans. Whether the characters end up in conflict, form strong alliances, or develop romantic ties remains to be seen. However, viewers can look forward to a captivating storyline and standout performances. Anticipation is already high for Seocho-dong. Speaking of Cha Eun Woo, he juggles duty, friendships, and his rising career. He continues to impress fans with his loyalty, humility, and unwavering support for those close to him.
