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Korea Herald
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Retro Korea: Must-watch series that capture nation in transition
Travel back in time with a curated lineup of dramas that bring Korea's rapid urban transformation to life on screen. These binge-worthy series, set against the backdrops of the 1960s through 1990s, offer a mix of genres — from political thrillers to heartfelt coming-of-age tales. This weekend, delve into the series that authentically capture the struggles and dreams of everyday Koreans during decades of seismic change. 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' on Netflix, Tving Set during the Asian financial crisis and the years following the IMF bailout of Korea in the late 1990s, "Twenty-Five Twenty-One" follows the journey of Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri) and Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk) as they navigate love and ambitions. Anchored by poignant performances and an emotionally stirring script, the series resonated deeply with viewers during the pandemic, offering solace and hope amid uncertainty. The show's compelling mystery — who does Hee-do eventually marry? — kept fans engaged week after week, while its beautiful mise-en-scenes and nostalgic production design made it a standout. 'Boyhood' on Coupang Play One of Coupang Play's breakout hits, "Boyhood" chronicles the rise of Jang Byung-tae (Im Si-wan), who relocates to South Chungcheong Province and is unexpectedly mistaken for a fearsome fighter. Set in the late 1980s, this nostalgic coming-of-age dramedy weaves together a number of period details, from its nostalgic countryside setting to its retro-inspired soundtrack sung by contemporary Korean singer-songwriters. "Boyhood" struck a chord with audiences, marking a whopping 2,914 percent spike in viewership by its finale. With its sharp comedic beats, the series delivers a charming underdog tale packed with laughs and cultural authenticity. 'Uncle Samsik' on Disney+ Taking a darker, more politically charged turn compared to previous works, "Uncle Samsik" plunges into the volatile 1960s, a period marked by ideological upheaval and national reconstruction. Featuring "Parasite" star Song Kang-ho in his highly anticipated K-drama debut, the series centers on the enigmatic political fixer Uncle Samsik (Song), a man with unrelenting ambition. One of Disney+'s most ambitious Korean originals to date, "Uncle Samsik" meticulously recreates post-war Seoul. With its high production value and powerhouse performances, the political saga will make your weekend fly by. yoonseo.3348@
Tatler Asia
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Why K-dramas always look like dream holidays
Love in translation Above 'Doctor Stranger' (2014) took us around Budapest, Hungary. (Photo: IMDB) But it's not just for show. When characters leave Korea, something shifts. Emotional stakes rise. Time slows. Suddenly, every cobblestone street becomes a confessional. Abroad, our protagonists find themselves, sometimes literally. Whether it's Hyun Bin soul-searching in Switzerland or Kim Tae-ri riding a bike through 1990s Paris in Twenty-Five Twenty-One , international scenes often serve as narrative inflection points apart from pegs for dream holidays. K-dramas often use overseas settings as a narrative escape hatch, allowing characters to break free from the rigid structures of Korean society. In a foreign country, they can reinvent themselves, unburdened by family expectations, workplace hierarchies or nosy neighbours. It's a clean emotional slate, one that's as liberating for the characters as it is enchanting for viewers. Korea's cultural soft power Above 'Queen of Tears' (2024) made people's dream holidays revolve around Germany. (Photo: Netflix) There's also the not-so-secret diplomatic agenda. The Korean Wave—Hallyu—is no longer confined to music charts and Netflix queues. International shoots act as cinematic emissaries, exporting Korean stories through global landscapes. In some cases, it's a win-win: countries like the Philippines, Spain and Thailand benefit from the tourism bump, while K-dramas expand their cachet as sophisticated global entertainment. Filming abroad acts as a quiet flex. It's an assertion that Korean pop culture belongs on the global stage. It's not just K-dramas anymore; it's K-culture going cosmopolitan. See more: Korean drama travel inspiration: 14 popular filming sites to visit Fantasy, but relatable Above 'Memories of the Alhambra' (2018) was technically in some kind of simulated reality, but when it wasn't, it was set in Spain. (Photo: IMDB) There's also the matter of emotional resonance. In a K-drama, Paris isn't just Paris—it's a symbol of first love, loneliness or a kind of aspirational sadness best expressed under grey skies and oversized scarves. These places become emotional proxies, transforming architecture into feeling. Memories of the Alhambra , set largely in Spain, used its setting not just as a backdrop but as a metaphysical extension of its video-game-inspired plot. In The King: Eternal Monarch , the characters literally cross dimensions, which is fitting, considering the show filmed everywhere from Busan to Brandenburg. And for fans watching in São Paulo or Stockholm, these foreign settings make Korean content feel closer to home. The jet-set future Above 'Encounter' (2018) included Havana, Cuba, as one of its filming locations (Photo: IMDB) Of course, not every drama needs a plane ticket. But as K-content continues to dominate global screens, the trend is unlikely to slow. Overseas filming has become an emotional tool, a branding strategy and, occasionally, a plot device that justifies a random flashback in Vienna. So the next time a character is brooding on a bridge in Budapest or sharing a gelato in Florence, remember: it's not just about where they are. It's about who they're becoming, one passport stamp at a time. And if they influence your dream holidays, then that's a bonus. In the world of K-dramas, love doesn't just transcend class, time and logic—it transcends borders.
Tatler Asia
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
One and done: 10 intense and sad K-dramas you can only watch once
2. 'The World of the Married' (2020) Dr Ji Sun-woo (Kim Hee-ae) is the picture of satisfaction and composure, until she discovers her husband's (Park Hae-joon) affair and unleashes a tidal wave of ice-cold revenge. What follows is a masterclass in marital warfare, societal hypocrisy and emotional shrapnel. It's Shakespearean betrayal in stylish coats. This K-drama is beautifully made and the script was impeccable but it can be frustrating, especially with how realistic it is. Watch once, then go scream into a pillow. 3. 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' (2022) In a love story set during Korea's financial crisis, Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri) is a fierce, foil-wielding teenager and Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk) is her charmingly broken older love interest turned journalist. Their chemistry is off the charts, but real life has other plans. It's exhilarating, nostalgic and ends with a goodbye that hurts like growing up. 4. 'Move to Heaven' (2021) Han Geu-ru (Tang Jun-sang) is a neurodivergent teen who, alongside his ex-con uncle (Lee Je-hoon), runs a trauma cleaning business that handles the belongings of the deceased. The premise is rather unique, as far as sad K-dramas are concerned. Each episode is a standalone lesson in grief and grace, with stories that sneak up on you and leave emotional bruises. Bring tissues and maybe hug your pet. 5. 'Uncontrollably Fond' (2016) Shin Joon-young (Kim Woo-bin) is an arrogant Hallyu star with a terminal illness and unresolved angst, while Noh Eul (Bae Suzy) is the documentary producer—and ex-love—tasked with filming his last months. What starts as a bitter reunion spirals into raw confessions, sobbing-in-the-rain scenes and one of K-drama's most soul-crushing finales. 6. 'Strangers from Hell' (2019) Yoon Jong-woo (Im Si-wan) is a naive country boy who moves to Seoul and rents a room in the creepiest goshiwon ever, while Seo Moon-jo (Lee Dong-wook) slithers in as the suspiciously too-friendly dentist next door. The descent into madness is slow and skin-crawling, with psychological horror that sticks to your ribs. It's genius—just don't watch it alone, or ever again. Don't miss: 12 intense K-drama thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat 7. 'Youth of May' (2021) Set during the Gwangju Uprising, Hwang Hee-tae (Lee Do-hyun) is a bright med student who falls in love with Kim Myung-hee (Go Min-si), a stoic nurse, against a backdrop of rising unrest. Their romance is tender, pure and ultimately doomed—and if you know your Korean history, you already know you're watching a ticking emotional time bomb. 8. 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo' (2016) IU as Hae-soo time-slips into the Goryeo dynasty and the hearts of several royal brothers—most dangerously, Wang So (Lee Joon-gi), the scarred and smouldering fourth prince. This tragic historical romance pulls no punches: it's dramatic, opulent and ends with a heartbreak so operatic, you'll find yourself mourning characters who died 1,000 years ago. 9. 'Flower of Evil' (2020) Baek Hee-sung (Lee Joon-gi) is a loving husband and doting father, but he might also be a serial killer. Cha Ji-won (Moon Chae-won) is his detective wife who begins to suspect the man she married. It's a domestic thriller laced with unnerving secrets and unexpected tenderness, and once you survive the emotional rollercoaster, you won't dare get back on. 10. 'Misaeng: Incomplete Life' (2014) Jang Geu-rae (Im Si-wan) goes from failed Go player to office grunt, navigating corporate politics with the help of his quietly heroic boss Oh Sang-shik (Lee Sung-min). It's so painfully accurate about office life, job insecurity and silent ambition that it feels like a documentary. Brilliant, yes. Therapeutic? Only if you've already quit your job.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kim Tae Ri wins Best Actress title at 61st Bakesang Art Awards; IU misses out once again despite fan support
Kim Tae Ri has officially taken home the Best Female Actor (Broadcast) award at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards for her role in Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born, edging out strong competition , including fan favorite IU. This marks Kim Tae Ri's third Baeksang trophy and her second Best Actress win, following her 2022 victory for Twenty-Five Twenty-One. Known for her powerhouse performances and emotional range, Kim was widely predicted to be a top contender, but IU's nomination for When Life Gives You Tangerines had fans hopeful she might finally clinch the title. Kim Tae Ri wins Baeksang for Best Actress Kim Tae Ri took the stage with grace as she accepted her Best Actress award, reflecting on the legacy of Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born and the world of female gukgeuk. She credited the entire team behind the production and spoke candidly about her journey as an actor. 'To be able to live in the most glorious days of female gukgeuk was such an honor,' she said. 'I know that I lack a lot of things to be given this award, but to think in a positive light, I tried not to compromise. It may not have been the answer, but that was my fantasy. It stems from my aspiration to do better the next time, to fill where I lack with my fantasies. I will always try to be an actor who takes the desire to do better, not be ashamed of my aspiration to become a better actor.' Congratulations Kim Tae Ri for winning the "Best Actress" (Drama) for "Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born" at the Baeksang Arts Awards 2025. #BaeksangArtsAwards2025 #Baeksang2025 #KimTaeRi #Jeongnyeon_TheStarisBorn IU misses out on Baeksang once again! IU, who starred in the wildly popular Netflix drama When Life Gives You Tangerines alongside Park Bo Gum, was considered a serious rival in this category. The series itself won Best Drama and took home several key awards, but IU once again missed out on the individual acting honour. Despite being a four-time Baeksang nominee, The singer-idol has yet to win Best Actress — her two Baeksang wins so far have come via the popularity award. The full list of nominees in the Best Female Actor (Broadcast) category included IU for When Life Gives You Tangerines Kim Tae Ri for Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born (Winner) Go Min Si for The Frog Kim Hye Yoon for Lovely Runner Jang Na Ra for Good Partner With this latest win, Kim Tae Ri further cements her status as one of Korea's top leading actresses, while fans of IU are once again left hoping the next nomination will finally be the one. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
South China Morning Post
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
K-drama The Haunted Palace: Bona, Yook Sung-jae lead spirited period drama
This article contains minor spoilers. Advertisement Lead cast: Bona, Yook Sung-jae, Kim Ji-hoon Latest Nielsen rating: 9.2 per cent In The Haunted Palace, a period drama with shades of horror, comedy and romance, Bona ( Twenty-Five Twenty-One ) and Yook Sung-jae ( The Golden Spoon ) play a spectacles maker and a dragon in human form who find themselves within the walls of the royal palace, where they tackle a mystery. That sounds like a lot to take in, but the set-up is even more complicated than that, as we discover through the show's opening episodes, which bring us up to speed on the many events that led the protagonists to that point. Advertisement Yet it is to the show's credit that it pulls off a heady mix of disparate genres and dense plotting with relative aplomb.
