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JTBC’s 'The Nice Guy' blends first love with gangster grit
A fresh yet nostalgic mix of romance and crime is coming to the small screen this summer in the new JTBC series “The Nice Guy,” starring Hallyu favorites Lee Dong-wook and Lee Sung-kyung. The story follows Seok-cheol (Lee Dong-wook), the eldest son in an organized crime family who dreams of becoming a writer, and his first love Mi-young (Lee Sung-kyung). Together, they navigate a story brimming with youthful longing and harsh realities. Speaking at a press event in Seoul on Monday, Lee Dong-wook
July 14, 2025 -
Busan to host international streaming festival celebrating digital content
A festival spotlighting the global streaming ecosystem is set to debut this summer on the shores of Busan. The inaugural 2025 International Streaming Festival, co-hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Busan Metropolitan Government and co-organized by the Korea International Streaming Festival Committee and the National IT Industry Promotion Agency, will run Aug. 22-25 at Busan Cinema Center and Paradise Hotel. The event has been separated from the Busan International Film Festival, w
July 14, 2025 -
Disney+'s ‘Low Life’ brings 1970s treasure hunt to life
One of Disney+ Korea’s most ambitious original series for 2025 is about to make its debut, backed by a star-studded cast and the creative forces behind Korean hits such as "Misaeng" and "Big Bet." Bringing together director Kang Yoon-sung — best known for Disney+’s "Big Bet" and the box office smash "The Outlaws" — and "Misaeng" creator and acclaimed webtoon writer Yoon Tae-ho, “Low Life” unfolds in 1977, following a group of individuals locked in a battle over a sunken treasure ship. The projec
July 8, 2025 -
Hit webtoon 'S Line' turned into drama series, exploring world with visible sexual connections
What would happen to society if red lines visibly shot out of people's heads, linking everyone who had had sex with each other? That provocative question lies at the heart of "S Line," a genre-blending new series from Korean streaming service Wavve adapted from the hit webtoon of the same name. While the popular original webtoon explored the ripple effects of this surreal phenomenon — delving into themes of infidelity, religion, celebrity culture, sexual violence and homosexuality in a world whe
July 8, 2025 -
Hong Kong auteur Wong Kar-wai’s first TV series 'Blossoms Shanghai' to air on SBS
Studio S, the drama production arm of Seoul Broadcasting System, is bringing Hong Kong auteur Wong Kar-wai’s first-ever television series “Blossoms Shanghai” to South Korean audiences. The period drama will premiere Monday on SBS F!L UHD, with streaming availability beginning Tuesday on multiple streaming channels, including Tving, Watcha, Wavve, KT GenieTV, LG U+TV and SK Broadband Btv. “Blossoms Shanghai” marks Wong’s long-awaited series debut. Widely regarded as one of Asia’s most influential
July 4, 2025 -
Controversial webtoon 'The Elementary School Student I Love' pulled, drama canceled amid backlash
The webtoon "The Elementary School Student I Love," which has drawn widespread criticism for depicting a romantic storyline between an elementary school teacher and her student, has been pulled from distribution across major platforms, with plans for a live-action adaptation also being scrapped in response to the mounting controversy. As of now, the series is no longer available for purchase on Naver Series. “We suspended sales of the webtoon as a precautionary measure in response to widespread
July 4, 2025 -
Romance rookies get glow-up in Netflix's 'Better Late Than Single'
Following the success of “Single’s Inferno,” known for its steamy chemistry between "experienced" singles, Netflix Korea is switching gears with a softer, more heartwarming take on the dating reality genre. “Better Late Than Single” introduces a group of individuals who have never been in a relationship, giving them not only a physical makeover but also emotional guidance as they take their first steps toward romance. The Korean title translates to “Even Though I Have Never Dated Before, I Want
July 3, 2025 -
What you need to know about Saja Boys, Korea’s grim reapers in K-pop form
When the Saja Boys appeared on screen for the first time, dressed in floor-length black hanbok and wide-brimmed hats casting shadows over pale, painted faces, Kang Chan-mi, a 32-year-old office worker in Seoul, immediately recognized the look. “I knew instantly what they were,” she said. “If you’re Korean, it’s almost impossible not to.” The Saja Boys, a fictional K-pop group in Netflix's new animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” may appear to be just another stylish boy band debuting for a global
July 3, 2025 -
Drama adaptation of webtoon 'The Elementary Student I Love' sparks backlash
The announcement of a drama adaptation of the webtoon "The Elementary Student I Love," which centers on a relationship between a female teacher and her elementary school student, has ignited strong backlash from the education community. The Korea Federation of Teachers’ Associations issued a formal statement Tuesday, sharply condemning the project. According to the group, "attempts to sexualize children under the guise of creativity and artistic originality can never be justified.” They also sta
July 2, 2025 -
CJ ENM unveils plans to expand use of AI across content pipeline
South Korean entertainment powerhouse CJ ENM announced plans to expand its use of artificial intelligence across its content pipeline as part of a broader strategy to boost production and realize ideas that would otherwise be limited by budget constraints. During a press event Monday, the company said AI will be applied across four key areas: scriptwriting, production (such as the editing process), international distribution of content, and original content such as films and series developed usi
June 30, 2025 -
Seoul taken over by 'Squid Game'
Seoul was taken over by the world of "Squid Game" on Saturday as a fan event brought together the show's creators, fans, and key cast members. A parade showcasing iconic elements from the series, such as the infamous killer doll Young-hee and actors dressed as players and guards reenacting memorable scenes like the O and X voting, marched along the road from Gwanghwamun to Seoul City Hall, accompanied by bands playing the show's soundtrack. The parade, which concluded around 9 p.m., was followed
June 28, 2025 -
Japanese version of 'Marry My Husband' hits Amazon Prime Video
The Japanese version of the widely popular Korean series “Marry My Husband" is hitting Amazon Prime Video. Based on the popular Naver web novel of the same name, the 10-part series marks a new chapter for Korean entertainment giant CJ ENM. The company looks to expand the K-drama playbook by producing localized content abroad — a strategy reminiscent of K-pop’s global growth model. Produced in collaboration with Studio Dragon, the studio behind numerous hit K-dramas, “Marry My Husband” is not a r
June 26, 2025 -
Facing W100b deficit, KBS moves to raise TV license fee
Public broadcaster Korean Broadcasting System is pushing to raise its TV license fee for the first time in 45 years, amid mounting financial pressures and a rapidly changing media environment. At a meeting held Tuesday at KBS’ Yeouido headquarters in Seoul, representatives from KBS viewers’ committees issued a joint statement, urging the broadcaster to prepare measures for financial stability. The 19 regional KBS viewers' committees, mandated by Korea’s Broadcasting Act, represent viewers’ inter
June 25, 2025 -
Leaked set photo, new games, and a baby's cry: What to expect in season 3 of 'Squid Game'
“Squid Game” wraps up with the release of its final season this Friday, closing out a franchise that redefined global streaming hits when it debuted in 2021. Season 1 saw cash-strapped players fight to the death in twisted children’s games, with Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) emerging as the lone survivor. Instead of escaping with his prize of 45.6 billion won ($33 million), he returns in Season 2 to end the games, only to be captured by masked guards before he can succeed. As the third season approaches
June 24, 2025 -
KBS’ 'Smoking Gun' marks 100 episodes, shifts focus from victims to perpetrators
Crime shows often concentrate on advising viewers how to avoid becoming victims, from locking doors to staying wary of strangers. But “Smoking Gun" takes a markedly different approach, aiming to explore how society can prevent the emergence of perpetrators. KBS' “Smoking Gun,” which premiered in 2023, has built a steady audience with its detailed examination of real-life crime cases, combining forensic science analysis with firsthand accounts. The show features leading forensic medicine expert P
June 23, 2025