Latest news with #Hallyu
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Squid Game 3 spin-off is happening: Lee Byung Hun drops major spoilers about finale ending, says, ‘Netflix asked me to keep this a secret…'
Squid Game season 3 star Lee Byung Hun recently showed up on The Jimmy Fallon Show and dropped some serious tea about the upcoming season. Lee plays the cold, calculated, and somehow still fan-favourite Front Man in the South Korean series that brought the Hallyu wave right onto global doorsteps back in 2021. Now, as the show gears up for its final chapter, Lee is spilling just enough juicy gossip to keep fans on edge. From how the story ends to hints about more seasons, he touched it all. He also revealed how his son and mom weren't exactly thrilled with his dark role, and what kind of NDA Netflix made him sign to keep everything sealed tight. Also read: Exclusive | Squid Game's 'Front Man' Lee Byung Hun on his 'utterly evil' character: 'Behind the mask, there's still…' During the final few minutes, host Jimmy had Lee play a tricky game, asking him to respond to some of the frequently asked fan questions. 'I wanted to see if you could answer some of the questions here,' Jimmy said, placing two lights—blue for yes, red for no—on the table, before starting. 'Do more players learn about Front Man's identity in Season 3?' Lee was asked, to which he responded with a yes, getting a big round of applause from the audience. So far, the character of Front Man has been a secret, with the trailer teasing only Lee Jung Jae's Gi Hun facing off the utterly evil character who is the ringmaster of all. Or wait, probably he is not. Because a far bigger twist might be awaiting Squid Game fans. When Lee was asked if there was someone else in charge other than the Front Man, someone more evil, he smirked, and after pausing, hit both buttons at once, teasing the possibility that the last season might open doors to someone new. Which brings us to the third question: since creator Hwang Dong Hyuk has confirmed they are not going to stretch the story anymore, is there any spinoff they're working on? Maybe something focused on the Front Man's character, given how popular he is among the fandom? Lee pressed the blue button, hinting that there indeed is a possibility. 'I'm not sure about that, but there is a possibility… we will never know what happens,' he said. He was also quizzed on whether he can confirm if the old games are returning in the new season, to which Lee didn't give any clear clue, but we already know it's happening, and the directors have confirmed that the fear-of-heights game is returning with a brutal twist, along with the tug of war. There was also a question about whether the Front Man will play any game like he did in the first season, and chances are, yes. When Squid Game first debuted, the character of Front Man was kept a mystery, hidden under a mask. The actor revealed that he didn't even tell his mother about the role, and when she got to know through her neighbours and friends, she was quite disappointed. 'Netflix asked me to keep it a secret, so I didn't say it to anybody, even my close friends and mom,' Lee shared. 'So, one day, after Squid Game opened, my mom called me and she yelled at me.' The K-drama star even spoke about how his 10-year-old kid reacted to his character of Front Man, who is the main antagonist of the show. After hearing from his school friend, the kid came straight to him and asked, 'Why are you so mean? Why are you killing so many people?' Lee said, describing how the role has impacted his real life as well. Also read: Squid Game 3 Final Trailer: Finally, a show that knows when to quit; fans all in for Lee Byung Hun and Lee Jung Jae's showdown But then, as the actor, he praised the story, saying that although he had been a part of many Hollywood stories, Squid Game is something else. 'It's a Korean story made by a Korean director, with Korean actors, and in the Korean language,' he said proudly. He added, 'When I first read the script, it was a very, very interesting story with a very unique structure, but at the same time, it was too experimental. So I thought, either it's going to be a huge hit or a complete flop.' Squid Game is about to premiere on June 27, and the anticipation surrounding the ending is already high. However, Lee says he is satisfied with how the story ends.
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
K-drama industry stands at crossroads: experts
Symbiotic relationship needed for global streaming services, Korean production bodies The Korean drama industry stands at a critical juncture, as experts and industry leaders call for reforms focused on cultivating balanced partnerships with global streaming platforms and safeguarding Korean production companies' IP rights to preserve the nation's cultural influence. At a forum hosted by the Korea Creative Content Agency, leading experts, including professors of media communications and heads of production studios, gathered to discuss the next phase of Korea's content industry. Hong Seong-chang, the head of Studio S, the drama production subsidiary of SBS, emphasized the need for a symbiotic partnership between Korean studios and international streaming services. Stressing that Korean studios should become more than mere subcontractors, he likened the ideal relationship to that between a crocodile and a plover bird -- mutually beneficial. 'The influence of investors is inevitably strong. (Global streaming services) may have requests, for example, preferring certain genres or wanting dramas to be produced in a particular creative direction," he said, during a forum held in Jung-gu, Seoul, on Thursday. "But in truth, there's only one reason Hallyu (Korean Wave) has grown as it has: because we've consistently created content that resonates with Korean audiences. That's what allowed our shows to gain popularity globally. If we had made dramas tailored to the tastes of global viewers from the start, I don't believe Hallyu would have become what it is today," said Hong. 'This is something even global streaming services can't help but acknowledge. We understand best what makes Korean content compelling, and that's something they recognize as well. Moving forward, the ideal strategy is to establish a mutually respectful relationship -- like that of a crocodile and a plover bird.' Amid skyrocketing production fees and fewer shows being made, partially due to Netflix's foray into the Korean drama landscape, Korea Drama Production Association Secretary-General Bae Dae-sik highlighted the industry's precarious state and the critical importance of intellectual property rights. 'The theme of this forum is the next strategy in the global streaming war, and the reason this topic emerged is because the (Korean) drama industry is on the verge of collapse," said Bae. "When producing Netflix originals, handing over IP ownership to Netflix is not something that should be taken lightly. Without retaining IP, hits like 'Squid Game' or 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' end up benefiting Netflix far more than us," said Bae, stressing that the new administration must develop concrete policies and systems to ensure production companies can retain IP. Bae also proposed the establishment of a dedicated professional institution focused exclusively on broadcasting and video content promotion, separate from the current KOCCA. Pointing out that the Korean drama industry's annual production budget —estimated at around 3 trillion won ($2.1 billion) — far exceeds that of the film sector, which has its own institution, he stressed the urgent need for specialized institutional support to help the crumbling industry.
Associated Press
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Talk Talk Korea 2025 Invites Global Submissions for a Chance to Visit Korea
Join Talk Talk Korea 2025: Submit Your Creative Take on Korea by August 5! The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister Yu In Chon, MCST) will hold an international content contest, 'Talk Talk Korea 2025" from June 2 (Monday) to August 5 (Tuesday), and is inviting people around the world to participate. Marking its 12th anniversary this year, the contest has grown into a major event for Hallyu content, and has enjoyed the participation of people from across the globe and across cultures, with each participant expressing the charms of Korean culture in a creative way. Last year alone, almost 60,000 works were received from people in 140 countries, with a total of 80 people being honored, including Ms. Gahir Suchismita of India, who submitted a witty video on the manner and characteristics of conversations common in Korea (Memes and Trends category). This year's invitation includes five content categories, all on Korea: Promotional Videos (two to three-minute segments of cinematic, music, 3D motion graphics, or animated video in horizontal format); Arts & Crafts (paintings, webtoons, traditional crafts, calligraphy, etc.); Photobooks (using collage techniques); Memes & Trends (short, 15 to 60-second vertical-format videos such as memes and challenges); and a Special category (free format) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation. This last category, in particular, seeks to shed light on the meaning of national liberation in Korean history and to celebrate the meaning of freedom and peace with the rest of the world. The Special category encompasses all content formats including promotional video, arts & crafts, photobooks, and memes & trends. The first-place winner in each section will be given an opportunity to experience Korean culture. Awards will be presented as part of the 'K-Wave Festival' event. MCST plans to award the creators of a total of 300 works through five stages of screening (preliminary screening, first screening, second screening, online voting and final screening). Of these 300 works, the 220 that advance only up to second screening and online voting will receive a participation prize, which is new this year, while the remaining 80 works that advance to final screening will receive prizes for first to fifth place. The five first-place winners (one from each section) will receive the opportunity to experience Korean culture in South Korea for nine days, including airline tickets, and will participate in a variety of cultural events during their stay. In addition, beginning this year and besides winning the trip to South Korea to experience Korean culture, the grand-prize winner for the entire contest will receive the MCST Ministerial Award, while the first-place winner in the Special category will be presented with additional digital product(s) worth USD 2,000. This year's awards ceremony will be held as part of the 'K-Wave Festival' event (scheduled for Nov. 8), and the award-winning works will be unveiled through online and offline exhibitions at home and abroad. The popular K-pop group 'EPEX' to serve as publicity ambassadors for the contest 'EPEX' will promote this year's contest. The popular K-pop boy band will help increase interest among creators around the world by appearing in official videos for promotion, information on participating, and for other purposes. If you are a foreign national interested in Korean culture, you can participate in the contest through the official website ( MCST plans a variety of events to publicize the contest and increase its access to all, including 'Share the Contest' (June 2 to July 31), 'Post a Comment on the Section I Want to Participate In' (June 4 to July 6),' and 'Encourage Online Voting and Share' (Sept. 10 to 17). Media Contact Company Name: DOITDOIT Communication Contact Person: Kim Juyoung Email: Send Email Country: South Korea Website: Source: DOITDOIT Communication
Korea Herald
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
What comes next for Hallyu? New book investigates its future
Cultural strategist and technology expert Ko Sam-seog explores whether Korean content can sustain its global momentum and evolve From BTS and "Squid Game" to the Oscar-winning "Parasite" and the recent Tony-winning musical "Maybe Happy Ending," Korean cultural content continues to capture global attention. Now, experts are asking: What comes next? A new book by Ko Sam-seog, a leading expert in Korean content and IT policy, explores this very question: Can the Korean Wave, or Hallyu, sustain its momentum in an era defined by transformative technologies such as generative AI? And beyond sustainability, what role can Korean content and Hallyu play both domestically and globally? "Hallyu is, without a doubt, one of Korea's greatest cultural assets, a pillar of national competitiveness and a key engine for future growth," the author writes. But Ko points out that the Korean Wave now faces new challenges: anti-Hallyu sentiment stemming from cultural differences, a lack of content diversity and growing fan fatigue. In addition, the domestic content industry's heavy reliance on global platforms like Netflix and YouTube has undermined its self-sufficiency and sustainability, raising concerns about Hallyu's long-term viability. The rise of generative artificial intelligence and other advanced technology is also driving changes within the content industry, fundamentally transforming how content is created, produced and consumed. 'What motivated me to write this book was a question I've been asked repeatedly in recent years: 'Is Hallyu sustainable?' It's a question I couldn't shake.' To find the answer, the author traveled to Hallyu hotspots in China, Southeast Asia, the US and beyond to document what he saw, heard and felt in vivid detail. A veteran policymaker, Ko brings a perspective shaped by decades of public service. He is also a chair professor at Dongguk University's College of Advanced Convergence Engineering and executive director of the National Assembly Entertainment Technology Forum. He has served as a senior aide in the National Assembly and as an expert at the Korea Communications Commission, working under three administrations: Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in. Most recently, he served as chair of the K-Culture Strategy Committee under Lee Jae-myung's — then presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea — Global Responsible Power Nation Committee. The book is divided into two parts. The first traces the past and present of Hallyu, reflecting on the movement's evolution over the past 30 years in establishing Korea as a cultural powerhouse. It offers a candid assessment of its achievements while also identifying areas where government policy and corporate strategy require recalibration. The second half looks ahead, exploring Hallyu through the lens of "EnterTech" — the convergence of entertainment and technology. Drawing from firsthand visits to global tech and content showcases such as CES and SXSW, the author outlines strategies to ensure Hallyu's long-term sustainability and cultural resonance. 'The development of digital technology and the growth of the content industry are two sides of the same coin,' Ko writes. 'Technological advances have fundamentally reshaped media, from how content is produced and consumed to how users interact with it, ultimately altering the entire industry landscape.' A central theme of the book is "entertech (entertainment technology)," which the author describes not as a fleeting trend but as a driving force in the content industry's paradigm shift. EnterTech is transforming how stories are created, distributed and experienced. Its emergence, the author argues, is not just about high-value production or global market expansion — it's about reimagining the very nature of cultural connection. 'The next Korean Wave,' he writes, 'should go beyond one-way cultural exports. It must evolve into an art of relationship — an era of shared creation and mutual enjoyment with local audiences. The future of Hallyu lies in collaborative engagement.' Ultimately, the author envisions a model in which Hallyu transcends the traditional producer-consumer dynamic, forging lasting cultural partnerships around the world. In this model, Korean content is not only a product but also a platform for building global solidarity and cultural co-creation. 'If we can build a virtuous cycle where the growth of the K-content industry boosts economic development and national competitiveness,' the author concludes in the endnote, 'then Hallyu won't just survive the age of AI, it will thrive in it.'
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Plans to hold a quiet ceremony': SECHSKIES Eun Ji Won is set to remarry; confirms his agency
SECHSKIES's Eun Ji Won is all set for his second marriage, as confirmed by recent reports! The news was first spread by various news outlets and later confirmed by the veteran idol's company. Allegedly, the idol has already finalised his wedding plans and is planning on proceeding with the plans later this year. Eun Ji Won confirms second marriage plans to a non-celebrity Recently, various K-media news outlets reported that the idol has started planning for his remarriage with a non-celebrity. The news was later confirmed by the idol's management agency as well. On June 11, Ji Won's management agency issued an official statement regarding the matter as per Soompi. They stated, 'Eun Ji Won recently took his wedding photos, and he plans to hold a quiet ceremony with close family and friends within this year. We would appreciate it if you could look fondly upon him.' The celebrity was previously married in April 2010; however, after just two years of marriage, the couple had split and filed for divorce. Since then, almost no reports have been made public about Ji Won's relationship status. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Ji Won has mainly kept his personal life away from the media's eyes, making this news a complete surprise for netizens as well as fans of the idol/group. More on SECHSKIES's Eun Ji Won Rapper and idol-turned-variety star Eun Ji Won entered the entertainment industry back in 1997. He debuted under the group SECHSKIES and took on the role as their leader. SECHSKIES is remarked as one of the pivotal veteran K-pop groups in the industry that helped in spreading the Hallyu wave globally. Venturing out from his comfort zone, Eun Ji Won made his acting debut a year later in 1998 with the film 'Seventeen'. The drama film gave him a chance to test his acting skills on the big screen along with all of his bandmates. After the group disbanded in 2000, the idol did not stop and instead turned to solo opportunities as well.
