Latest news with #SongHye-kyo
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
From rice water toners to cleansing oils: Best Korean skincare products to get that radiant, glass-like skin
While watching K-drama celebrities like Song Hye-kyo in Descendants of the Sun or Lee Jong-suk in While You Were Sleeping, did you ever wonder about their flawless skin? BLACKPINK's Jennie and BTS' Jungkook always seem to have a radiant glow on and off stage. The secret behind their healthy skin is nothing but Korean skincare that has now turned into a global obsession. Rather than hiding imperfections, K-beauty offers a way to transform your skincare routine with proven ingredients like green tea, snail mucin and rice water. With gentle formulations, innovative textures, and visible results, these products can make your skin glow and smooth. Are you ready to incorporate K-star glow into your routine? Get your hands on the best Korean skincare products and enjoy healthy, radiant skin. Korean cleansing oils can effortlessly dissolve make-up and other residues without dehydrating your skin. These best cleansing oils are infused with nourishing ingredients like rice bran or green tea oil to deeply cleanse your skin and provide nourishment. They soften and prep the skin perfectly for further steps, making them ideal for double cleansing. Irrespective of your skin type, cleansing oils guarantee the first step of your routine to be refreshing, silky clean, without the tightness, and feeling detoxified. Top options for you: Enjoy clean skin with the best Korean skincare products, like face wash. Gentle Korean face washes do not stop at cleansing; they refresh the skin while safeguarding the moisture barrier. The best Korean face washes contain botanical extracts and a low pH to prevent irritation. With soothing and hydrating ingredients like centella asiatica, green tea, or snail mucin, the best face wash is suitable for sensitive skin. It leaves a balanced, smooth complexion, making it ready for the next step of the routine. A few picks for you: Any skincare routine is incomplete without sunscreen. The right Korean sunscreens are hydrating, lightweight, and effortless to apply. They provide broad-spectrum SPF protection while brightening and moisturising your skin with ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients work synergistically as the best Korean sunscreens are perfect for daily use and can even be used as a makeup primer. In addition to retaining a healthy and vibrant complexion, these sunscreens can defend your skin against environmental stressors and harmful UV rays. A few options for you: With Korean moisturisers, you can keep your skin hydrated and plump. These best Korean skincare products contain potent ingredients like ceramides, snail mucin and panthenol to repair your skin barrier and lock in moisture. From the oily gels to the rich creams that dry and flaky areas crave, Korean moisturisers can leave you with a fantastic soft and dewy finish. They work like magic underneath other products, too. Top picks for you: A K-beauty serum is a small, compact bottle that has incredible power. It contains vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and many more active ingredients to manage dark spots, dullness, or fine lines. The best Korean skincare products, like serums, contain very concentrated formulas that absorb quickly and deliver visible results without any irritation. Korean serums have been famed for their beautiful, gentle effectiveness coupled with luxurious textures. If you apply just a few drops of serum a day, your skin may become smoother, brighter, and bouncier over time. ALSO READ: Best sunscreen brands: Dot & Key vs La Roche-Posay - A comparison between homegrown and global options for UV protection A few options for you: Korean lip sleeping masks are a rich and buttery balm mask designed to preemptively deal with chapped lips. It contains vitamin C, berry extracts, and shea butter, which help heal, hydrate, remove lip wrinkles, and repair dry and flaky lips while one sleeps. This treatment, unlike regular lip balms, provides long-lasting moisture, a pillowy feeling, and a healthy glossy finish that lasts all day. A few picks for you: Korean toners are nothing like astringents. These best toners for glowing skin double as moisturisers as they balance your skin's pH, tighten your pores and prep your skin for layered moisture from the very first step. From a soothing rice toner to alcoholic AHA/BHA clarifying toners, they calm irritation and boost the moisture retention of subsequent lotions. They are skin-friendly and lightweight. Check out these picks for you: SPF 30 vs 50: Which one is better for your skin? Expert dermatologist tips inside Amazon Summer Sale exciting deals on sunscreens: Up to 70% off on Minimalist, The Derma Co and other brands Best SPF 50 sunscreen to slay summer 2025: Top 10 non-sticky picks that protect your skin from UV rays Korean skincare products focus on gentle, layered hydration and natural ingredients. They manage the premature signs of aging and offer glowing skin. Yes! You can find Korean skincare products that contain mild and soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica. You can notice visible improvements within 2-4 weeks. However, it depends on skin concerns and consistency. Yes, most Korean skincare products are suitable for all skin types. Make sure to check the packaging of the product to ensure it is perfect for your skin type and concern. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Tatler Asia
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Clean slates: How 6 Korean stars bounced back from scandal
2. Seo Yea-ji At the peak of her icy-glam allure from It's Okay to Not Be Okay , Seo Yea-ji was shaping to be an up-and-coming Korean star. Then came 2021. Allegations surfaced that she had manipulated then-boyfriend Kim Jung-hyun into acting cold toward his female co-star. Add in accusations about her résumé embellishments and abusive behaviour, and suddenly the industry turned cold at the former future screen queen. Seo Yea-ji pulled the oldest trick in the K-celeb playbook: vanish, regroup, reappear with cheekbones sharper than public memory. She returned in Eve (2022), a revenge-driven makjang drama that leaned into her femme-fatale brand. While ratings were mixed, her presence was undeniable. Her redemption? Still a work in progress, but as anyone in K-dramaland knows, even a half-likeable anti-heroine gets a second act. 3. Lee Byung-hun He's one of the biggest Korean stars, but you don't get to be Korea's A-list royalty without some tarnish on the crown. In 2014, Lee Byung-hun was embroiled in a blackmail scandal involving two younger women who threatened to leak a video of him making lewd jokes. Cue moral outrage, press conferences and awkward public apologies to his wife, actress Lee Min-jung. But here's the thing: Lee Byung Hun is an actor's actor. He weathered the scandal with a mixture of contrition and sheer onscreen dominance. A year later, he was back, starring in Inside Men (2015), Master (2016) and Hollywood blockbusters. His saving grace? A long résumé of brilliant performances, a loyal fanbase and a national tendency to forgive men with gravitas and box office receipts. Now he's back on the global stage with Squid Game , whose third season is airing in June. 4. Song Hye-kyo Yes, the K-drama queen hasn't always had a squeaky-clean reputation. Long before The Glory (2022) turned her into the unofficial face of elegant vengeance, Song Hye-kyo faced a quieter scandal: a tax evasion incident in 2014. While she claimed the unpaid taxes were due to an accountant's error, the damage was rapid, especially for an actress known for her pristine image and clean-cut rom-com leads. Rather than launch into defence mode, Song Hye-kyo paid her dues, issued a sincere public apology and took a step back. She came back smarter, picking roles that aged with her: more introspective, less bubblegum. Revenge saga The Glory didn't just reignite her allure, it rebranded her entirely and solidified her as one of the most enduring Korean stars in history. Proof that in Korea, a scandal can be a footnote if your next act is pitch-perfect. Don't miss: The rise of the antihero: 10 K-drama characters who played by their own rules 5. T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) As BigBang's chicest member and the reigning king of aloof cool, T.O.P had it all, until a 2017 marijuana scandal (still illegal in Korea) and a highly publicised overdose during his military service nearly derailed his career. The public's response was swift and cold; this was no minor misstep. After years of low-profile living, art collecting and cryptic Instagram posts, T.O.P slowly returned, rejoining BigBang for their 2022 single 'Still Life'. The moody, mature ballad served as a comeback and a quiet reintroduction. He's since stepped away from the group, refocusing on his passions in art and space (he was even slated for a lunar mission via Elon Musk's SpaceX project, although that has yet to materialise). He also played a scene-stealing rapper in the second season of Squid Game (2024). 6. G-Dragon G-Dragon is one of the biggest Korean stars in music. After a drug scandal in 2011, G-Dragon's reputation saw a dip in public favour, especially given Korea's strict drug laws. But his case was relatively minor, a one-time incident in Japan, reportedly from an offer he 'didn't know' was laced. His comeback? Immaculately styled. GD continued to dominate both music and fashion, re-cementing his icon status with a solo album, global campaigns for Chanel and museum-level fashion credibility. He's proof that, in Korea, scandal can be forgiven, especially if you're the kind of celebrity who's more cultural institution than idol.
Korea Herald
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Binge-watch iconic K-drama classics this weekend
Seoul Broadcasting System has recently inked a strategic partnership with Netflix, catapulting its K-drama catalog onto the world's biggest streaming platform. For those craving to dive into the golden era of Korean television, this may be the prime time for you to run through the series that laid the foundations of the Korean wave — though sadly, there are no foreign-language subtitles. Here are three seminal SBS titles that made history in the early 2000s, a golden age of K-drama. "All In" Having logged a staggering 40 percent viewership during its run, "All In" is now available on Netflix. Featuring Hallyu sensations Song Hye-kyo of "The Glory" and the Front Man from "Squid Game," Lee Byung-hun in their early days as actors, the 24-episode drama is a saga of love and ambition. Lee stars as In-ha, a man whose life takes a tragic turn after he lands behind bars. Years later, he reemerges as a professional gambler, only to be fatefully reunited with his love, Soo-yeon (Song Hye-kyo). "All In" was a cultural sensation in 2003, cementing Lee's status as one of the most celebrated actors in the country and earning him the top honors at the SBS Drama Awards. Tune in to revel in the celebrated series while enjoying its popular soundtracks, such as Park Yong-ha's "Like the First Day." "Why Can't We Stop Them" Few sitcoms in Korean television history are as beloved as "Why Can't We Stop Them," a 293-episode sitcom that encapsulates family life in Korea in the early 2000s. The show follows the entertaining, unpredictable stories of a multigenerational household, giving rise to some of the most enduring internet memes — including the infamous seaweed soup battle between No-gu, the stubborn grandfather, and Jung-soo, his strong-willed daughter-in-law. But underneath the humor, "Why Can't We Stop Them" is a sharp social commentary, critiquing Korea's rigid family structures and gender roles via its characters and plot. With its blend of light-hearted comedy and social criticism, the show is a must-watch. "Rustic Period" "Rustic Period" is an epic historical drama showcasing the tumultuous life of a real-life political gangster Kim Du-han, set against the backdrop of Korea's fight for independence and post-war upheaval. The series captivated audiences with its sharp portrayal of power struggles and street justice — rising as one of the most iconic dramas of the early 2000s and dominating the small screens with a whopping 51.8 percent peak viewership share in 2002. For those craving a well-made historical drama filled with action and larger-than-life characters try "Rustic Period." yoonseo.3348@
Gulf News
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Song Hye-kyo on life in her 40s, inner strength and ambition: 'I have no fear of aging'
The South Korean star says she now puts herself first, as compared to earlier Last updated: February 27, 2025 | 11:27 1 MIN READ Song Hye-kyo said that she values the present, more than the past or the future. Instagram/ Song Hye-kyo From the breezy charm of Full House in 2004 to the haunting intensity of Dark Nuns, Song Hye-kyo's career has been a captivating rollercoaster of diverse roles. A director, a lonely heiress, a cheerful surgeon—she's done it all. In a recent interview with Vogue Hong Kong, the South Korean star shared how she constantly challenges herself and how she would love the chance to work in the light romantic comedy genre. 'If there's a realistic and witty comedy that suits someone in their 40s, I would love to try it,' she says. When asked if her 40s have been better than her 20s, Hye-kyo shared, 'I've gone through my 20s and 30s to become who I am today. We all grow old together, so I have no fear of aging.' She adds, 'Of course, since I have such a visible profession, I try hard to manage it.' "To be honest, I don't really have any ambition. I value the present more than the past or future. I want to work hard on everything I've been given and live wisely,' says Hye-kyo. Her perspective on strength has evolved over time. Hye-kyo explains, "I used to live under the gaze of others; my friends and family always came first. As long as they were happy, I'd be happy too. But at some point, I realized I had never put myself first. I thought, 'Let's put me first, no matter what.' After that, I felt more centered in everything I do.' As she says, embracing 'herself' has brought a sense of calm, and she can approach others in a far more relaxed way. 'I've become stronger on the inside,' she says. Sign up for the Daily Briefing Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Netflix Acquires Two Seasons Of LGBTQ+ Series ‘Fragrance Of The First Flower' From Taiwan's GOL Studios
The second season of award-winning Taiwanese LGBTQ+ series Fragrance Of The First Flower will be available on Netflix Asia from February 18 following a deal with GOL Studios, marking the first time the Taipei-based company has sold a series to the global streamer. Netflix has also acquired the first season of the popular show about the intricacies of lesbian relationships, workplace and societal struggles, marital dynamics, single parenthood and other issues – all set against the backdrop of post-marriage equality in Taiwan. More from Deadline 'Larissa: The Other Side of Anitta': Brazilian Superstar Says Making Her Netflix Film Evoked "A Whirlwind Of Emotions" Korean Stars Song Hye-kyo & Gong Yoo Set To Appear In Netflix's 'Show Business' 2025 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming The first season, which started streaming on Netflix Asia on February 8, won multiple prizes at Taiwan's 2022 Golden Bell Awards, including Best Writing, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Television Film. Both seasons are also available on GagaOOLala, the global LGBTQ+ streaming service launched by Portico Media's Jay Lin. GOL Studios is GagaOOLala's production arm. Directed by Yi Ling Wang and produced by Portico Media and GOL Studios, the second season follows two former lovers, Yi-Ming and Ting-Ting, who have ended their relationship and are starting to get on with their own lives. The ensemble cast includes ZaiZai Lin, Lyan Chen, Yi Lee, Yao and Chun Han Hung. The second season has a 12 x half hour format, compared to the first season, which comprised eight episodes around 20 minutes each. Although Taiwan legalised same-sex marriage in 2019, there are still gaps in societal acceptance. The second season of Fragrance Of The First Flower explores some of the real-life challenges that lesbian relationships face in traditional family structures and conservative workplaces. Best of Deadline Everything We Know About Christopher Nolan's Next Film – 'The Odyssey': Release Date, Cast And More 2025 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Oscars, Spirits, Grammys, Tonys, Guilds & More 2024 Hollywood & Media Deaths: Photo Gallery & Obituaries
