Latest news with #WhentheCamelliaBlooms
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Netflix adds 'creepy' psychological thriller that 'captivates' fans
Netflix has added a new psychological thriller to its roster and it is already being dubbed a 'dark and suspenseful' watch Devotees of psychological thrillers are being encouraged to watch a binge-worthy film as it drops on Netflix. Wall to Wall made its debut on the streaming service on July 18 and features a familiar face. Squid Game sensation Kang Ha-neul is widely recognised for his portrayal of Player 388 in the gripping Korean thriller series. The South Korean performer featured in Squid Game throughout its second and third instalments, though he's equally celebrated for his appearances in numerous other productions including When the Camellia Blooms. Netflix's gripping new NHS documentary release date and where to watch Virgin River could cross paths with another small-town drama as star drops bombshell Now he steps into the fresh character of No Woo-sung, a property owner based in Seoul. The film follows Woo-sung as he invests his entire fortune into his ideal home. Yet circumstances quickly deteriorate as viewers are plunged into a "nightmare". The cast also includes Yeom Hye-ran, Seo Hyun-woo, Jeon Jin-oh and Kim Hyun-jeong, reports Wales Online. Netflix's official description states: "A man who poured his life savings into a new apartment discovers its walls are full of disturbing noises, hostile neighbours and unsettling secrets." Launching on July 18, the original Korean title translates to 84 Square Meter, referencing the most typical apartment size across South Korea. Within the preview clip, Woo-sung brims with optimism, though his joy proves fleeting. Pledging to deliver a "dark and suspenseful" experience, Netflix hints: "His happiness is short-lived as strange noises begin echoing through the apartment complex each night, plunging him into distress." And the reviews are already pouring in. One viewer was enthralled, sharing: "Wall to Wall completely captivated me. I loved how the film embraced silence, space, and subtle emotion. It's a quiet yet powerful story that explores loneliness, human connection, and the meaning of comfort within confined spaces." Another was equally impressed, remarking: "This movie was enjoyable from the beginning to the end, I don't think there were ANY boring parts. It definitely had thriller/creepy vibes (reminded me of Strangers From Hell 2019). "The main character always kept you on your toes about every decision he made." A third chimed in with high praise: "Love this intense! The concept and how the story flows... kudos to all of the actors who played on this film... a very top notch acting, especially the main casts. . the man with the tattoo.. i adore him... he's good at acting... a rollercoaster of emotions."
Tatler Asia
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Romantic K-drama male leads who were created by female screenwriters
Yang Gwan-sik and Park Chung-seob from 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' Above Gwan-sik would swim across the ocean for Ae-sun. (Photo: IMDb) Screenwriter: Lim Sang-choon ( Fight for My Way , When the Camellia Blooms ) Lim Sang-choon gave us not one, but two of K-drama's best husbands in a single series. Yang Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) is peak husband material—steadfast and supportive. He was in Oh Ae-sun's (IU) corner from the very beginning, holding her up, cheering her on and never once getting in her way. With zero ego, he found joy in simply watching her shine, devoted almost solely to her happiness. Like his father-in-law, Park Chung-seob (Kim Seon-ho) loved Yang Geum-myeong (IU) with the same quiet, unwavering loyalty. He was never showy in his affections, but was also not above a grand gesture or two. He respected her choices, gave her space and made her feel safe to be all that she was and could be. See also: 5 life lessons from 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' Hwang Yong-sik from 'When the Camellia Blooms' Above The tenderhearted small-town police officer who falls for Dong-baek (Photo: IMDb) Screenwriter: Lim Sang-choon ( Fight for My Way , When Life Gives You Tangerines ) The moment Hwang Yong-sik (Kang Ha-neul) set eyes on Dong-baek (Gong Hyo-jin), it was game over for the tenderhearted small-town police officer. Unapologetically earnest and unshakably devoted, he falls for single mum and bar owner Dong-baek and never once wavers—not when the neighbourhood gossips, not when her ex reappears and not even when a serial killer enters the picture. In a K-drama landscape full of alpha males and cold chaebols, Yong-sik is a breath of fresh air: he wears his heart on his sleeve, is not afraid to be vulnerable and is disarmingly sincere—someone you'd feel safe leaving your drink with. Screenwriter Lim Sang-choon reminds viewers that what women really want are emotionally available men who are true allies. Lee Jun-ho from 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' Above Attorney Woo's closest ally and most ardent admirer (Photo: IMDb) Screenwriter: Moon Ji-won Screenwriter Moon Ji-won definitely wrote Lee Jun-ho (Kang Tae-oh) with women in mind. Compassionate and empathetic, he treats Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin), a brilliant attorney on the autism spectrum, with dignity and respect. He sees her as an equal, neither diminishing nor underestimating her, but uplifting and empowering her instead. Whether helping her navigate office politics or cheering her on from the sidelines, he is always ready to help her overcome challenges, without being condescending or over-solicitous. Choi Taek from 'Reply 1988' Above There's no doubt about how Taek feels about Deok-sun. (Photo: IMDb) Screenwriter: Lee Woo-jung ( Reply series, Hospital Playlist Seasons 1 and 2) In the K-drama, Choi Taek (Park Bo-gum) eventually wins the heart of Sung Deok-sun (Lee Hye-ri)—and the audience—with his consistency and patience. He never plays it cool or keeps her guessing; instead, he expresses his affection honestly and openly, leaving no room for doubt. There's something attractive about a man who knows what he wants and goes after it confidently. Thoughtful, gentle and deeply attuned to Deok-sun's emotions, he proves that love is in the details, in the little things he notices and remembers. Lee Ik-joon from 'Hospital Playlist' Above Ik-joon navigates the transition from best friend to boyfriend with grace. (Photo: tvN) Screenwriter: Lee Woo-jung ( Reply series) He's smart, playful, funny and completely unproblematic. In Hospital Playlist , Lee Ik-joon (Jo Jung-suk) and Seong-hwa (Jeon Mi-do) start as best friends until feelings begin to surface that neither can ignore. Ik-joon's warmth and genuine care shine through as he navigates this delicate transition with humour, sincerity and grace. He leads with honesty but isn't pushy, making sure to respect Seong-hwa's feelings and give her the space she needs. His ability to balance friendship and budding romance shows emotional maturity, making him a refreshingly relatable and endearing male lead.
Korea Herald
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Interview: Kang Ha-neul takes an obnoxious turn
Korea's beloved good guy transformed into an insufferable streamer in high-octane thriller 'Streaming' In an industry where reputations are meticulously cultivated, Kang Ha-neul stands apart. Stories of his kindness border on the mythical — the actor reportedly memorizes the names of every crew member, lavishes staff with thoughtful gifts and apologizes profusely to fans he cannot accommodate. His roles have largely aligned with this personality: The earnest professional Jang Baek-ki in "Misaeng" (2014), endearing police officer Hwang Yong-sik in "When the Camellia Blooms" (2019) and the goofy, good-natured Dae-ho in the second season of "Squid Game." But in "Streaming," opening Friday, Kang ditches virtue entirely. With slicked-back hair, flashy suits, ice on his wrist and showy arm tattoos, his character Woo-sang is a true creature of the attention economy. As Korea's top livestreamer focused on crime stories, Woo-sang operates in a ruthless ecosystem where only the highest-ranked creator pockets all sponsorship earnings. When he stumbles upon a clue to the notorious serial killer case, Woo-sang scrambles to reclaim his top position, broadcasting his investigation in real time — only to discover the killer has been watching his stream all along. "Honestly, I couldn't relate to Woo-sang at all," Kang tells reporters at a cafe in Seoul's Samcheong-dong, with the easy warmth of someone chatting with old friends. "But I get why someone would lose their mind over that kind of cash. If billions of won were suddenly flowing in, a guy like Woo-sang might absolutely crack. It just shows how hollow he is inside." The character's exaggerated bravado was largely Kang's invention. The original screenplay portrayed a more subdued, conventional figure, but Kang pushed for something bolder. "The Woo-sang in the initial script wasn't nearly this obnoxious," he says. "During test shoots, I played him as the director originally envisioned — ordinary hair, black suit with white shirt and black tie. But I realized viewers would be watching this character for the entire film, and I thought giving him stronger characteristics might make things more interesting. So I started thinking: 'How can we turn it up a notch?'" After mid-production discussions with the crew, Kang cranked up the sleaze factor, a gutsy choice that more or less pays off for a film hell-bent on exposing the raw underbelly of internet culture. The 91-minute thriller hinges almost entirely on Kang's portrayal of a fame-hungry clout chaser. He dominates the screen for roughly 90 percent of the runtime, offering what amounts to a bona fide one-man show. While its premise as a thriller doesn't quite stick the landing, the film does offer formal innovations worth noting. Particularly it uses extended one-take shots to capture the immediacy of livestreaming. For most actors, such prolonged sequences with dense dialogue would prove daunting, but Kang, a seasoned theater performer, found himself in familiar territory. "Film and TV scripts typically have short dialogue exchanges — four or five lines at most," he says. "But when I received this script, it was just 'Woo-sang, Woo-sang, Woo-sang' filling the pages. Reading it felt like studying a play script. Since I've done theater and musicals regularly, it occurred to me that I could approach this film like a stage performance." The primary challenge, naturally, was conveying the immediacy of the livestream format. Kang shared how he reveled in playing with the temporal differences between theater and film. "Ten minutes on stage is nothing, but 10 minutes on camera is entirely different," he says. "In film, if there's no dialogue for just three seconds, it feels like something's gone wrong. It creates discomfort because viewers aren't used to it. "I thought I should maybe make use of those uncomfortable moments — adding extra dialogue in some places, intentional silence in others. I believe the tension and liveness of streaming flows from that discomfort." Worlds away from the clout chaser he portrays, Kang is a self-proclaimed super-introvert who barely leaves his home. He doesn't have a social media account and rarely touches his phone once he gets home. Even his appearance in the second season of the global phenomenon "Squid Game" has left him largely untouched. "I honestly haven't felt any change," he says when asked about his rising international profile. "I rarely leave my house, so I wouldn't know. People occasionally tell me they enjoyed 'Squid Game,' but that's about it." Despite his success, Kang sometimes feels his celebrity status rests awkwardly on his shoulders. "It's not exactly pressure or stress," he reflects. "But I often think this might not be the perfect fit for me. Especially during the 'Squid Game' promotions with all those people and cameras — it felt as if every camera in Korea was there. That's when I thought this isn't quite my ideal outfit." He offers a simple philosophy that cuts through his star status: "I just want to live naturally. If I can't find my own happiness, I won't be happy no matter what important work I'm doing. My happiness and peace of mind come first."
Korea Herald
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Most Korean yet most universal: 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' makes you laugh and cry
IU, Park Bo-gum explore parental devotion, romance in hit series Transcending cultural boundaries, "When Life Gives You Tangerines" is perhaps the most Korean yet universally relatable series — portraying the lives and loves of characters from the 1960s to contemporary times in Korea in a way that stirs both laughter and tears in viewers. The 16-part Netflix original series follows the lives of Ae-sun (played by Lee Ji-eun, or also known as singer IU) and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), spanning decades from the 1960s to 2025. Netflix Korea takes a fresh approach with this release, unveiling four episodes per week over four weeks — an intentional pacing designed to let viewers "savor it slowly, like picking and enjoying dried persimmons one by one," according to the director. Each set of four episodes represents a season in the protagonists' lives, beginning with "spring," where young love blossoms and Ae-sun and Gwan-sik navigate their early years and marriage. The first four-hour stretch, which debuted at No. 8 worldwide in Netflix's TV show category the day after its release on March 7, is at the same time a tearjerker and a laugh-inducer, seamlessly blending humor with heartbreak. At its core, the series explores universal themes of love, sacrifice, gender roles in the 1960s, as well as generational struggles. One of the most compelling narratives unfolds through Gwang-rye (Yum Hye-ran), a mother determined to keep her daughter from becoming a "haenyeo" (female diver) while continuing to dive herself despite a debilitating lung condition — an act of self-sacrifice that underscores the drama's exploration of parental devotion. Meanwhile, Ae-sun and Gwan-sik's unwavering love in the face of opposition also evokes deep reflections on family, romance and personal dreams. Celebrated screenwriter Lim Sang-chun ("When the Camellia Blooms," "Fight for My Way") once again showcases her signature wit and emotional depth. The series is filled with profoundly moving lines, such as: "Parents only remember what they regret, while children only remember their disappointments." Such poignant lines strike a chord with anyone who has ever grappled with the complexities of familial relationships. Beyond its gripping narrative, the casts also deliver stellar performances. Lee takes on the dual roles as Ae-sun and her daughter Geum-myeong, showcasing a remarkable range as vastly different characters living through different times. Park also perfectly embodies Gwan-sik's lovely, steadfast charm, creating an undeniable on-screen chemistry with Lee. Director Kim Won-seok, known for his nuanced storytelling, described the drama as both "a tribute to the generations of grandmothers, grandfathers, fathers and mothers who have lived fiercely, and a song of encouragement for the daughters and sons who will navigate the world ahead." "When Life Gives You Tangerines" is just that ― a series that salutes and cheers on viewers as they navigate life. yoonseo.3348@
South China Morning Post
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Netflix K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines: IU, Park Bo-gum juggle love and hardship
Lead cast: IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, Park Hae-joon Advertisement Despite its explosive global success and surging budgets, the Korean drama industry has struggled to produce prestige dramatic fare in between its bright and colourful romantic dramas and pricey genre tentpoles. That gap has finally been bridged with the rich and evocative drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, a stirring period romance that builds something more rich and ambitious than what we are used to seeing with the traditional building blocks of K-drama. The series is the latest from writer Lim Sang-choon, who previously penned the acclaimed dramas Fight for My Way and When the Camellia Blooms, while experienced director Kim Won-suk (Signal, Arthdal Chronicles ) confidently helms. Lee Ji-eun, better known under her K-pop name IU (Hotel Del Luna) and Park Bo-gum (Record of Youth), both returning to K-dramas following lengthy absences, play youths Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, who are born on Jeju Island in the 1950s, grow up and, over the years, fall in love.
