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Netflix has lined up its next high-profile Korean drama series — and this one could get steamy. Currently given the working title Scandals, the show will be an adaptation of the 2003 Korean film Untold Scandal, which reimagined the promiscuous world of the classic French novel Dangerous Liaisons within the context of Korea’s Joseon era. The show will be led by a star-studded cast including Son Ye-jin (Crash Landing on You), Ji Chang-wook (Welcome to Samdal-ri) and Nana, aka Im Jina (Mask Girl). It has already started shooting in Seoul, South Korea.

Directed by K-drama mainstay Jung Ji-woo (Somebody, Tune in for Love), Scandals revolves around a daring and dangerous love game between the remarkable, high-born Lady Cho (Son) and Cho Won (Ji), the era’s greatest playboy —with the conflicted young widow Hui-yeon (Nana) unknowingly entangled in the middle.

A sumptuous re-creation of Korea’s Joseon era, Scandals “brings to...

Netflix has confirmed the production of an upcoming Korean series, Scandals (working title), which will star Son Ye-jin (Crash Landing on You), Ji Chang-wook (Welcome to Samdal-ri) and Nana (Mask Girl).

Based on the 2003 Korean film Untold Scandal, the story reimagines the world of the French novel “Dangerous Connections” in the context of the Joseon era. Scandals features a cast of characters who seek to challenge the strict order of society, while engaging in a game of love and temptation.

“Dangerous Connections” was written by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, and Untold Scandal was directed by E J-yong and starred Bae Yong-joon, Jeon Do-yeon and Lee Mi-sook. Untold Scandal was the fourth-highest-grossing domestic film of 2003.

In Netflix’s Scandals, top Korean actress Son will take on the role of Lady Cho, a woman of talent and charm who attempts to go against the limitations placed on women and makes a secret bet of love.

V In The First Frost ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

It’s known to everyone that the South Korean boy band BTS has been ruling globally for the last few years. They enjoy a massive audience while slowly expanding their influence all over the world. From doing international tours to attending global events, they are everywhere. However, the recent speculated appearance of V in a Chinese drama left the fans’ minds blown.

X (previously known as Twitter) has been flooded with netizens’ reactions as they believe they saw Taehyung’s cameo appearance in the popular ongoing C-drama, The First Frost. Even though there’s no confirmation from the artist yet, eagle-eyed fans believe they know what they saw. Scroll ahead to find out.

A snippet from episode 26 of The First Frost went viral on social media platforms, where the female lead Wen Yi Fan’s phone showed a contact V1 Kang while texting Sang Yan.

Did Kim Sae-Ron’s old talk about Kim Soo-Hyun in an older interview?(Photo Credit –Instagram)

Following the malicious contents posted by Garo Sero Research Institute, controversies erupted regarding Kim Soo-Hyun and Kim Sae-Ron’s relationship. The late actress’s aunt allegedly blamed Queen of Tears’ actor for her death and even claimed that they were dating when she was just a minor. Apparently, she was 15 years old, whereas the actor was 27 years old, and they continued the relationship for 6 years till 2021.

For the unversed, on February 16, 2025, Kim Sae-Ron was found dead at her apartment in Seoul. She committed suicide and was only 25 years old. However, amid all of these allegations, an old 2017 interview of the actress resurfaced where she spoke about Soo-Hyun. Scroll ahead to find out more.

In conversation with The Fact, the Bloodhounds actress talked about how she would love to take on a rom-com project and...

J-Hope & Nayeon Dance Challenge! (Photo Credit – Instagram)

In the last month, rumors were rife that BTS J-Hope and Twice Nayeon were in a romantic relationship. However, now, amid these speculations, their online interactions have fueled the reports even more, sparking reactions from netizens. For the unversed, both of them belong to the music industry and enjoy a massive fan following. They are known for their vocal skills and charismatic presence on stage.

Although these rumors have not been confirmed yet, netizens are quite excited to know what’s happening between them. Scroll ahead as their recent video clip went viral, making people believe the speculations about them dating.

Amid the dating rumors, when Nayeon, along with her Twice member Momo, took up J-Hope’s Sweet Dreams dance challenge and performed the song, it left netizens shocked. They thought it was a brave move to feature together in a video...

Why Is Crash Landing On You Star Son Ye-Jin’s Lavish Building Is Still Vacant? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

News1, a Korean media outlet, cited a real estate agency, Building Road, and claimed that Son Ye-Jin purchased a lavish building near Gangnam Station in 2022. She refurbished it in June last year, but it remains vacant. The popular Korean star upgraded the two-story building into a five-story structure to attract more tenants, but the vacancy has created a lot of buzz everywhere.

Ye-Jin, who got married to the love of her life and her Crash Landing On You co-star, Hyun Bin, entered into a new phase of motherhood after welcoming their son. However, her vacant building has been making headlines as she is gearing up to return to the screen after a long hiatus.

According to reports, in August 2022, Son Ye-Jin bought a property of 277.7㎡ (approx. 84 pyeong) with a two-story structure at the cost of 22.4 billion Krw.

Bigbang’s G-Dragon announces dates for 2025 world tour Übermensch ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

Bigbang’s G-Dragon has recently resumed his full-fledged activities, focusing on further solidifying his legendary career. Following his solo comeback back in October 2024, his fans have been eagerly waiting for a full-length album, which is now confirmed to arrive on February 25. Following the release, the K-pop icon is set to embark on his first-ever solo world tour in almost 8 years.

Back on February 6, G-Dragon generated a lot of buzz with the announcement of Übermensch, his upcoming world tour. The first post was dropped on that day, raising excitement for dates and other details.

Bigbang’s G-Dragon Unveils Dates for Upcoming World Tour

On February 12, through his social media accounts, the Bigbang member announced that he would kick off the tour with concerts in South Korea on March 29 and 30. He will perform at the Goyang Stadium, and Coupang Play...

Iu Zeze Controversy Explained! ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

In one of Iu’s songs, she was accused of s*xualising a five-year-old protagonist. It had created a lot of buzz all around. Read on to know what had happened.

Almost over 40 years ago, a Brazilian novel was first published, which became a highly sought-after read after the South Korean pop star Iu was allegedly accused of using the five-year-old protagonist in one of her songs and over-s*xualising it. José Mauro de Vasconcelos first published the book My Sweet Orange Tree in Portuguese in 1968 and in English in 1970. The story is set in Rio de Janeiro and follows the life of a boy named Zeze. As he gets into mischief, he gets mistreated by people.

Although the book has stopped being printed, it became one of the most searched titles after controversy sparked over the pop star’s song Zeze, which...

Son Ye Jin Aiming for Mask Girl Director’s Next Project (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Son Ye Jin, globally recognized for her role in Crash Landing on You, is now gearing up for her next big project. As per the latest update, she has been offered an exciting lead role in a new thriller drama that will be helmed by the director of Mask Girl. Jo Yu Ri, best known for her Squid Game 2 role is reportedly in talks for this drama as well.

According to Korean media outlet Xports News, Son Ye Jin has received an offer to star in Variety (literal title). The drama’s production company Cj Enm confirmed, “We did offer the role to Son Ye Jin, but as the project is still in its early stages, nothing has been finalized yet.” The production added that details about the broadcasting plans and casting are yet to be determined.

Park Chan-wook, the Award-winning Korean filmmaker behind The Vengeance Trilogy, Thirst, and Stoker, has just wrapped principal photography on his latest feature, No Other Choice, Variety reports today.

The film began filming in August 2024 and is slated for release sometime later this year.

No Other Choice is an adaptation of Donald E. Westlake’s mystery thriller The Ax and follows “a middle-aged man named Man-soo who embarks on a determined job hunt after being unexpectedly terminated from his position at a paper company.”

The novel’s synopsis gives a fuller picture: “Burke Devore is a middle-aged manager at a paper company when the cost-cutting ax falls, and he is laid off. Eighteen months later and still unemployed, he puts a new spin on his job search — with agonizing care, Devore finds the seven men in the surrounding area who could take the job that rightfully should be his, and systematically kills them.

The first-looking image of Park Chan-wook's No Other Choice has been revealed. Park is an award-winning South Korean director behind classic films, such as the original version of Oldboy. Since Oldboy was released in 2003, he has helmed other award-winning movies and TV shows, including The Handmaiden, Decision to Leave, and The Sympathizer. He wrote, directed, and produced his upcoming film No Other Choice. The film is a comedy crime thriller about a man who decides to take extreme measures when grappling with his unemployment situation.

Per Deadline, the first look image of No Other Choice shows stars Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin standing in a yard together, appearing to be dancing. In addition, the No Other Choice update revealed that filming is complete for the film. No release date has been confirmed at this time. Check out the image below:

What This Means For No Other Choice No Other Choice...

Passion Project

Award-winning Korean helmer Park Chan-wook has completed principal photography on his latest feature “No Other Choice,” distributor Cj Enm revealed Tuesday, alongside a first look for the project. The film, which began filming in August 2024, is slated for release later this year. The project marks Park’s first film directorial effort since his critically acclaimed “Decision to Leave” (2022), which earned him Best Director honors at Cannes.

Adapted from Donald E. Westlake’s mystery novel “The Ax,” the story follows a middle-aged man named Man-soo who embarks on a determined job hunt after being unexpectedly terminated from his position at a paper company. “Squid Game” star Lee Byung-hun takes on the lead role of Man-soo, while “Crash Landing on You” lead Son Ye-jin portrays his resilient wife A-ra. The stellar ensemble cast includes Lee Sung-min (“Handsome Guys”), Yeom Hye-ran (“The Glory”), Cha Seung-won (“Believer 2”), Yoo Yeon-seok (“Hospital Playlist...

Veteran Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook has wrapped production on No Other Choice, which stars Lee Byung-hun (Squid Game) and Son Ye-jin (Crash Landing on You).

The five-month shoot kicked off in August 2024, with Moho Film attached as the production company and Cj Enm as distributor. Above is a first-look image released by Cj.

Based on the 1997 novel “The Ax” by Donald Westlake, the film follows Man Soo (played by Lee), a man who is suddenly fired from a paper company. He is determined to find a new job and deals with those standing in his way.

Park Hee-soon (Moving), Lee Sung-min (The Spy Gone North), Yeom Hye-ran (The Glory), Cha Seung-won (Uprising) and Yoo Yeon-seok (Hospital Playlist) are also part of the cast for No Other Choice.

Park first talked about his plans to adapt Westlake’s novel during the Busan International Film Festival in 2009.

Park won Best Director at...

It’s shaping up to be a major year for South Korean cinema as Hong Sang-soo and Bong Joon Ho get ready for Berlinale premieres of their latest work and later this year we’ll see the premiere of Park Chan-wook’s next feature No Other Choice. With filming kicking off last August and now having just wrapped on January 15 after five months of filming, the first images have now arrived for one of our most-anticipated films of 2025.

Adapting Donald E. Westlake’s 1997 novel The Ax, which Costa-Gavras first adapted in 2005, the black comedy thriller follows a man laid off from the paper company he worked at for 25 years. Some time later and still jobless, he hits on a solution: to genuinely eliminate his competition. Adapted by Park Chan-wook, Lee Kyung-mi, Don McKellar (The Sympathizer), and Lee Ja-hye (Decision to Leave, The Handmaiden), the cast includes Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin,...

With Bong Joon-ho, Na Hong-jin, Pak Chan-wook, Takashi Miike, Park Hoon-jung having new movies in 2025, the year is already shaping up to be a great one, perhaps even signaling some sort of come-back for Korean cinema. At the same time, the directorial debut of Shu Qi, the return of Bi Gan and Edwin, and a number of rather interesting anime movies have us all excited here in Amp. Without further ado, here is a countdown of 35 films that are easily described as much anticipated, in random order.

1. All Before You by Annemarie Jacir (Palestine)

Yusuf spends his days moving between his farming village, Al Basma, and his work in the city of Jerusalem, enthusiastically working to find his place in the changing, modern world. Young and restless, he’s more interested in getting away from the confines of village life than becoming involved in its problems. Yusuf’s story is...

Korean dramas are a global phenomenon currently, appearing on almost every single streaming service. For example, Netflix, one of the largest hosts of K-dramas, has plenty of wonderful and exciting examples in its streaming library. With wonderful performances from popular actors and actresses such as Suzy Bae, Gong Yoo, and Son Ye-jin, many of these Korean dramas are easy to fall in love with, which makes one wonder: how did K-dramas get so popular?...

In a recent appearance on tvN’s popular talk show, You Quiz On The Block, renowned actor Hyunbin opened up about his relationship with actress Son Yejin. The couple, often referred to as the “nation’s lovebirds,” captivated the hearts of millions with their on-screen chemistry and eventual real-life romance.

Hyunbin Shares Intimate Details About His Love Story with Son Yejin

When asked about the beginnings of their love story, Hyunbin shared that their relationship blossomed naturally over time. He explained, “It’s a bit ambiguous to say when we started because we had many conversations while doing certain projects together. Even after the project was over, we would still keep in touch, so it just happened naturally.”

The actor also touched upon the joys of fatherhood, expressing his deep love and admiration for his son. He shared how he balances his busy work schedule with family time, often prioritizing his child’s needs.

Is Hyun Bin making a comeback with Harbin? ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

The South Korean film industry has repeatedly delivered good historical fiction stories. The themes are often about patriotism, valor, freedom struggle, etc. These movies familiarise viewers with the country’s history and transport them to a time when things were starkly different from the present. Actors in the South Korean industry have been well-noted for their roles in period dramas.

Hyun Bin is one of the most celebrated actors in the South Korean film industry. He is known for roles in dramas and movies like Crash Landing on You, Secret Garden, The Negotiator, Confidential Assignment 1 & 2, and The Point Men. Now he is set to return to the screen after pausing Crash Landing on You. He will be seen as the lead in the upcoming historical fiction period drama Harbin. Woo Min Ho, known for movies like Inside Men and The Drug King,...

Over 2,500 film industry figures in South Korea have signed their names to a petition calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol after his misbegotten declaration of martial law on Tuesday.

Many of the country’s biggest names in film and K-drama — including Parasite director and multi-Oscar winner Bong Joon-ho, acclaimed auteur Park Chan-wook and A-list actors like Gang Dong-won (Peninsula), Son Ye Jin (Crash Landing on You) and Park Eun-bin (Extraordinary Attorney Woo) — signed their names to the document, as did 77 local film industry organizations, such as the Directors Guild of Korea and the Producers Guild of Korea.

Altogether, 2,518 Korean film professionals put their names down in support of the petition, which was open for 30 hours from Thursday to Friday, according to the Korea JoongAng Daily. Other high-profile names on the list were Kim Go-eun, Jun Ji-hyun and Cha Seung-won.

Korea’s entertainment business is hardly alone in...

In 2019, Crash Landing On You captivated audiences with its sweet romance and interesting premise, yet three years later, another K-drama with similar themes and actors hit the scene, and it's definitely worth the watch. Arguably one of the most well-known K-dramas at this point, Crash Landing On You is a romance K-drama which follows a young heiress who accidentally paraglides into North Korea. Her only hope of making it out of the country unscathed is by banding together with a sympathetic army officer. Crash Landing On You quickly rose to popularity upon its premiere.

There are a number of reasons why Crash Landing On You is so easy to love. First and foremost, the K-drama has a premise that is not typical of your average K-drama. Rather than having a stereotypical meet-cute at a school or a business, the romantic leads literally crash into each other in hostile territory. Furthermore,...

There are several incredible K-drama actors, and many of them have never acted in projects together. This is despite the fact that some actor pairings feel as though they would be perfect choices for any k-drama, fitting all sorts of different genres, covering everything from comedy to crime drama. Many of them have been the subject of perfect k-drama casting before, and with these co-stars they could be again.

Choosing co-stars for any show requires striking a delicate balance, finding what works about an actor's performance and amplifying that quality. It is this sort of chemistry and hard work that has resulted in some of the best k-dramas of all time. More great k-dramas could be made with these actor pairings, and hopefully viewers will have the opportunity to see them share the screen in the future.

Seo In-guk And Im Si-wan Both Actors Have The Ability To Change Completely...

Deviating from the popular romance or thriller K-dramas, the slice-of-life genre covers a wider range of themes and character relationships. By focusing on more characters and touching upon a vast number of themes, audiences can more easily connect with the stories. From classics like Reply 1988 to newer releases such as Thirty-Nine or Twenty-Five Twenty-One the best slice-of-life K-dramas bring attention to the most relatable parts of life. Most slice-of-life stories address the amusing, heartbreaking, and complicated parts of life in one series, so there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Slice-of-life K-dramas aren't a form of escapism like many action-packed or romantic K-dramas are. However, they still contain intriguing plots and gripping character relationships to keep audiences' attention. Additionally, though many of these K-dramas confront distinct aspects of Korean culture, they can still be largely understood by everyone, creating a stronger connection with audiences worldwide. Workplace dynamics, the growing pains of young adulthood,...

Throughout the years, Hyun Bin has shown his range as a leading man in romantic K-drama series and action films. Attention fell onto Hyun after his lead role in the romantic comedy series My Lovely Sam Soon, which established the actor as a charming romantic interest, a type of character he would become largely beloved for. Still, Hyun's skills aren't limited to romantic narratives. Action films like Confidential Assignment and The Negotiation present a different side of Hyun that is equally welcomed by fans.

Hyun's range as an actor isn't only praised by fans of his work, but by critics as well. Since beginning his career in 2004, Hyun has been nominated for numerous awards for some of his best work, including Secret Garden and the widely successful K-drama Crash Landing on You. For nearly two decades, Hyun has been consistently working and building upon his skills as an actor, with...

Crash Landing on You is one of the most iconic K-dramas ever made, but that does not mean it was without its faults. First airing in December 2019, Crash Landing on You depicted the forbidden romance between South Korean heiress Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin) and North Korean solider Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin) after a paragliding accident left Se-ri trapped in the North. The K-drama's blending of genres and the all-too-real backdrop of the political tensions between North and South Korea made Crash Landing on You one of the best K-dramas of all time.

Despite its overwhelming success and acclaim, Crash Landing on You faced criticism. From pacing issues to its depiction of North Korea, Crash Landing on You's faults are clear to see. Even so, its impact is unfounded. Many attribute the romance K-drama to being their gateway into Korean television, contributing to its growth in popularity with international audiences.

Acclaimed Korean director Park Chan-wook has his next movie lined up. Per The Hollywood Reporter, the Oldboy director is set to begin production on I Can't Help It, an adaptation of Donald Westlake's novel The Ax, this weekend. Director Park's 12th feature film sees the beloved filmmaker team up with Squid Game star Lee Byung-hun and acclaimed South Korean actress Son Ye-jin. This isn't Lee Byung-hun's first outing with Director Park Lee starred in the filmmaker's feature debut, the acclaimed thriller Joint Security Area.

Published in 1996, Westlake's novel follows Burke Devore, who's laid off from his job at a paper company. After months of unemployment, Devore resorts to murdering the other candidates for a prospective job. The Ax was previously adapted into a French-language film in 2005 by Costa Gavras. The official synopsis reads:

"Burke Devore is a middle-aged manager at a paper company when the cost-cutting ax falls, and he is laid off.

Park Chan-wook, the eminent director of Oldboy and Stoker, is about to start filming his latest thriller – I Can’t Help It.

Acclaimed director Park Chan-wook has begun work on his latest movie, it’s been announced. Called I Can’t Help It, it’s based on The Ax – one of the later novels by prolific novelist Donald E Westlake.

Filming is due to begin this Saturday – the 17th August if you’re reading this in the future – and will star Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Published in 1996, The Ax introduced Burke Devore, a middle-aged chemist who, when he loses his job at a paper firm during a round of cost-cutting, goes to violent lengths in order to get his job back. There’s black comedy as well as violence in the story, then, which sounds of a piece with some of Park’s best-known films,...

Following up his noir melodrama Decision to Leave, Park Chan-wook ventured into the world of American television with the forthcoming Max series The Sympathizer, adapting Viet Thanh Nguyen’s acclaimed novel and teaming with Robert Downey Jr. As revealed earlier this year, he’s now set to return to South Korea for his next feature and as production begins this week more details have been unveiled.

Set to begin shooting this Saturday, August 17, Park will be adapting Donald E. Westlake’s 1997 novel The Ax, which the legendary Costa-Gavras first adapted in 2005. The black comedy thriller follows a man laid off from the paper company he worked at for 25 years. Some time later and still jobless, he hits on a solution: to genuinely eliminate his competition. Adapted by Park Chan-wook, Lee Kyung-mi, Don McKellar (The Sympathizer), Lee Ja-hye, the cast includes Lee Byung-hun, Son Ye-jin, Park Hee-soon, Lee Sung-min, Yeom Hye-ran,...

Park Chan-wook has kicked off production on his next feature, tentatively titled “The Ax” (literaly Korean title “I Can't Help It”) with megastars Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin in the lead.

Based on “The Ax” by Donald E. Westlake, which has also had a French film adaptation so far, the tragic-comic thriller will follow Yoo Man-soo, a salaried man who loses his job under an envious boss and goes to extreme measure to provide for his family. Lee will play Man-soo while Son Ye-jin will portray his devoted wife Mi-ri, who must step up for her husband and her family.

This will of course be the third collaboration between Park and Lee, with the actor having previously worked in the prolific director's breakout early feature “Jsa: Joint Securiry Area” as well as his segment “Box” in the horror anthology “Three… Extremes”. While this will be the first time Son Ye-jin...

Quality K-Dramas are abundant, but those with 100% Rotten Tomatoes scores are worth the watch. From alien parasites to heartwarming legal dramas, K-Dramas like Parasyte: The Grey and Extraordinary Attorney Woo offer diverse and engaging storytelling. Series like Chicken Nugget bring unique and hilarious premises to K-Dramas, providing a fresh and entertaining viewing experience.

Whether one is new to K-Dramas or a long-time binge-watcher, there are a Lot of shows available to watch across multiple streaming services, so it can be hard to know what to watch next. One reliable indicator of quality is Rotten Tomatoes scores, where a perfect 100% rating signals a reasonable consensus that the TV show or film is worth watching. With so many options now available, knowing which series has achieved this rare distinction can save you time and ensure a satisfying experience without fear of a shock mid-season cancelation or frustrating cliffhanger series ending.

Korean TV...

Crash Landing On You gave a fresh take on forbidden love with a South vs North Korean romance storyline. The show portrays North Korean food as abundant and high-quality, deviating from the reality of food scarcity. Despite some inaccuracies, the K-drama worked closely with North Korean defectors to ensure authenticity.

I visited North Korea in 2015, a few years before Crash Landing On You premiered, on a six-day tour with a tour company offering access to the hermit kingdom. It was an eye-opening experience inside the world's most secretive nation, and although North Korean guides carefully monitored your every move, it was impossible to ignore its problems. So, when I watched Crash Landing, I could see many aspects reflected from my time there, as great care and attention was given to ensure it was an authentic representation of the country. However, the K-Drama didn't exactly get everything right.

Crash Landing On You...

Crash Landing on You quickly became one of TvN's most-watched K-Dramas of all time. It's known for its gripping and unique storyline and the memorable romance between its leads. Mr. Sunshine, Healer, While You Were Sleeping, and Snowdrop are great examples of K-Dramas to watch after Crash Landing on You.

Crash Landing on You has already cemented itself as a K-drama classic, but there are plenty of other K-dramas to watch that can give the same level of satisfaction. Though Crash Landing to You's rise to fame started modestly, it quickly became one of the best K-dramas of all time, as well as Tvn's most-watched K-drama at that time. Crash Landing on You's may no longer hold Tvn's record thanks to one of 2024's best K-dramas, but its impact certainly hasn't wavered.

Many factors have contributed to Crash Landing on You's overwhelming success. From beautiful cinematography to dark undertones of political unrest,...

Leading Korean actor Son Ye-jin received a huge roar of applause as she greeted fans and rounded off the Thursday red-carpet ceremony at the opening of Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BiFan). The star of “A Moment to Remember” and “April Snow,” Son is the subject of the festival’s retrospective section.

But even as the festival takes a well-deserved, if conventional, look back at Son’s 23-year career, the event’s larger focus this year is the direction that artificial intelligence (AI) is taking the film industry.

“The main issue of this year’s Bifan is Bifan+ AI. Generative AI can be used as an innovative and revolutionary tool to meet the world with one’s talent through minimal expenses. I believe that with the help of generative AI an era of equal competition will come, in which imagination, not the size of budget, is the most important factor,...

Son Ye-jin is called the “One and Only” for good reason. She became a star right with her debut and has been at the centre of public interest as an icon of melodrama ever since. She has moved between different genres, while avoiding stereotypes and fearlessly embarking on adventures to find her unique character and novelty. Successful both on cinema and TV, Son Ye-jin is one of the most iconic actresses of her generation. On the occasion of being the focus of the special spotlight at Bifan, here are ten of her best movies, in chronological order, although it is obvious, that her two best movies are “The Last Princess” and “The Truth Beneath”

1. Lover's Concerto (2002) by Lee Han

One day, Ji-hwan begins to receive letters from an unidentified person. The letters, containing black-and-white photos of happy children playing, remind Ji-hwan of his old two friends. Five years earlier, while...

The Swiss ending of Crash Landing on You may not satisfy all, but it creates a bittersweet yet meaningful conclusion for Jeong-hyuk and Se-ri. Originally, the ending was intended to be sadder with the couple parting at the 38th parallel, highlighting the obstacles their love faced. The show balances fiction and reality by not opting for a realistic ending, staying true to its romantic fantasy core and delivering a more hopeful conclusion.

Crash Landing on You's ambiguous ending may have left Ri Jeong-hyuk (Hyun Bin) and Yoon Se-ri's (Son Ye-jin) future on a bittersweet note, but the conclusion of their love story was almost a lot sadder. Screenwriter Park Ji-eun has become well-known for her semi-tragic love stories, with Queen of Tears and Crash Landing on You being some of the best K-dramas of all time. However, one major change in Queen of Tears solves Crash Landing on Yous ending...

The 28th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, which attracted the attention of the media and the film industry with the official announcement of its new AI division, concluded the festival’s official press conference revealing what’s behind ‘Bifan+ AI’, unveiling the identity film, and the complete line-up of this year’s edition including the opening and closing film.

Love Lies Bleeding to open and Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In to close the festival

255 films from 49 countries to screen in cinemas and streamed on Wavve from 4-14 July

“An era of equal competition will come, in which imagination, not the size of budget, is the most important factor.” Festival Director Shin Chul

Special programs to focus on the ‘One and Only Son Yejin’, Mitani Koki, Kim Sung-soo and many others

Public Events to include ‘Carnival in July’, ‘Bifan Eve Cinema Music Concert’ and more

▲ From left to right: programmer...

South Korea’s Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (Bifan) has unveiled the full line-up for its 28th edition, which is set to open with Rose Glass’s Love Lies Bleeding and close with Soi Cheang’s Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In.

The festival, running July 4 to 14, will screen 225 films from 49 countries, including 67 world premieres. Titles will also receive online screenings through local Ott platform wavve.

Love Lies Bleeding stars Kristen Stewart and marks the second feature of UK filmmaker Glass, whose Saint Maud won the Best Director Choice Feature award at Bifan in 2020. The film premiered at Sundance before playing Berlin earlier this year.

Actor In Focus

Recently, confirmed to star in Park Chan-wook’s new film “The Ax,” Korea’s Son Ye-jin is set as the subject of the Bucheon International Fantastic Festival (BiFan)’s annual actor focus. Previous honorees include Jeon Do-yeon, Jung Woo-sung, Kim Hye-soo, Seol Kyung-gu, and Choi Min-sik.

Son who was the star of breakout TV series “Crash Landing on You,” has wide-ranging credits that include “A Moment to Remember,” “The Art Of Seduction” in 2005; an eccentric woman married to two husbands in “My Wife Got Married” in 2008; and as a spirited pirate in “The Pirates” and the 2016 hit “The Last Princess.”

These have earned her more than 50 awards including the Prime Minister’s Commendation, three Grand Bell Awards, six Baeksang Arts Awards, five Blue Dragon Film Awards, and two Korean Association of Film Critics Awards. She was also named best actress at the Asia-Pacific Film Festival for her performance in 2005’s “April Snow.

Rushed final episodes of "Queen of Tears" dull the incredible moments built up throughout the series. 16-episode format hindered the finale's impact, suggesting a 20-episode structure would have been more suitable. Pacing issues in the finale of "Queen of Tears" detracted from the emotional impact of the final moments.

Despite an incredible lead-up to the last two episodes, Queen of Tears finale could not maintain its momentum. The final episodes of Queen of Tears saw the conclusion of Hong Hae-in and Baek Hyun-woos turbulent love story, which led them from marriage to divorce and back again and gave fans the happy ending that, for a long time, never felt possible. However, despite Queen of Tears ending being a great homage to Hae-in and Hyun-woos love, the lead-up to their final moments had one major flaw.

Writer Park Ji-eun is known as a K-drama mastermind, as she is the one behind...

Kim Soo-hyun has starred in 15 k-dramas and 6 Korean movies, showcasing his immense talent and versatility in various genres. His standout performances in series like "It's Okay To Not Be Okay" and "My Love From The Star" have garnered critical acclaim and widespread popularity. Fans of Kim Soo-hyun should not miss his latest series "Queen of Tears," which has broken records and become a top favorite on Netflix worldwide.

In 2007, Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun appeared in his first k-drama, entitled Kimchi Cheese Smile, and in the intervening years, he has become one of the highest-paid actors in South Korea, with a filmography brimming with amazing series, eight of which are his absolute best. Before he became a k-drama star, Kim Soo-hyun was born and raised in the Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea. During his school years, he took acting classes with his mother's support, and in 2007, finally earned his first role,...

Warning! Spoilers ahead for the Queen of Tears finale.

Queen of Tears delivers a clear happy ending, unlike Crash Landing on You, which leaves the far future for Jeong-hyeok and Se-ri uncertain. Hyun-woo and Hae-in's future involve having a child and living a happy married life, as Queen of Tears offers a peek into their future. Queen of Tears appeals to viewers looking for a more emotional series from the start, while Crash Landing on You has a lighter tone that gets progressively serious as it goes on.

The Queen of Tears finale does for Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo-Hyun) and Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-Won) what Crash Landing on You couldn't for Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin) and Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin). Aside from being TvN shows gaining a worldwide following by being top K-dramas on Netflix, their premises couldn't be more different. Queen of Tears follows Hyun-woo and Hae-in's marriage on...

Son Ye-jin's versatility shines in The Negotiation, where she delivers a nuanced portrayal of a crisis negotiator grappling with trauma. As Shim Hye-won in Summer Scent, Son showcases emotional depth, adding authenticity to a unique story of love and loss. In The Last Princess, Son portrays Princess Deok-hye with dignity, capturing the princess's struggle for identity and resilience in a foreign land.

While Son Ye-jin may be widely recognized for her role in the iconic Korean drama Crash Landing On You, she has also starred in several other movies and TV shows that deserve equal recognition as some of the best of her career. From heart-wrenching melodramas that showcase her emotional range to thought-provoking pieces that highlight her ability to tackle complex characters, Son has consistently delivered performances that captivate audiences. Her versatility as an actress is evident in the wide range of genres she has explored, including romance,...

Later this month, acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook (“Decision To Leave”) returns to the world of genre with the Max series “The Sympathizer,” which focuses on a Vietnamese double agent operating on U.S. soil. Now, his next feature has been reportedly revealed. And it’s one the director has been trying to put together for ages: an adaptation of the 1997 book “The Ax” from author Donald E.

Continue reading ‘The Ax’: Park Chan-Wook’s Next Pic Is A Comedic Thriller Remake Starring Lee Byung-Hun & Son Ye-Jin at The Playlist.

Following up his noir melodrama Decision to Leave, Park Chan-wook ventured into the world of American television with the forthcoming Max series The Sympathizer, adapting Viet Thanh Nguyen’s acclaimed novel and teaming with Robert Downey Jr. With the limited series premiering next weekend, the director how now announced his next project, which will find him returning to South Korea.

In fact, it’s an adaptation he’s been developing since the early 2010s, that of Donald E. Westlake’s 1997 novel The Ax, which the legendary Costa-Gavras first adapted in 2005. The black comedy thriller follows a chemist, who loses his job to outsourcing. Two years later and still jobless, he hits on a solution: to genuinely eliminate his competition. Here’s an expanded synopsis of the novel:

Burke Devore is a middle-aged manager at a paper company when the cost-cutting ax falls, and he is laid off. Eighteen months later and still unemployed,...

South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook is regarded as one of the most prominent filmmakers in South Korean cinema and in the Hollywood entertainment industry. Chan-wook’s work has garnered attention for its cinematography, framing, black humor, and brutal themes.

Park Chan-wook directed, co-wrote, and produced 2022’s critically acclaimed South Korean neo-noir romantic mystery movie Decision to Leave, starring Tang Wei and Park Hae-ii. The movie was named one of the top five international movies in 2022 by the National Board of Review and was selected as a South Korean entry for Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards. The brilliant filmmaker Park Chan-wook is reportedly working on his passion project after he recently collaborated with a Marvel actor.

Tang Wei and Park Hae-ii in Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave

Park Chan-wook to start production on his ‘lifelong passion project’ in fall of 2024

According to World of Reel, after...

Netflix's 2024 K-drama lineup includes exciting rom-com shows like Queen of Tears. Queen of Tears, created by the writer behind Crash Landing on You, features a unique premise with an impressive cast and potential for success. The show's interesting plot and talented actors offer promise of becoming Netflix's next big rom-com hit.

Netflix’s new rom-com show from one of the Crash Landing on You writers is already one of 2024’s most exciting K-dramas. More than four years after it premiered, Crash Landing on You remains among Netflix’s most popular K-dramas. The series, which starred Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, told the complicated love story of a South Korean businesswoman and a North Korean soldier who met after the former accidentally crashed her parashoot on the north side of the border. Funny and compelling, Crash Landing on You is often listed as one of the best K-dramas of all time.

“April Snow” is a Korean romantic drama which gained critical recognition worldwide, as it was nominated for the Gold Hugo at the Chicago International Film Festival, and for the Golden Seashell at the San Sebastián International Film Festival. The movie grossed approximately $2.5 million in South Korea, and was a box office success in China, Japan, and the Philippines.

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The narrative revolves around the relationship between two characters. In-su (Bae Yong-jun) and Seo-young (Son Ye-jin) encounter each other in a hospital following a car accident involving their spouses, who were both in the same vehicle. Gradually, it becomes apparent that they were having an affair. The main characters reside in the same hotel close to the hospital to attend to their unconscious spouses. At first, they seem to avoid each other, but after a while they start to bond over their shared sorrow,...

Romantic Korean movies garner a worldwide reputation due to their tear-jerking, bold storytelling, aesthetics, and exceptional cinematography. Few genres possess the transformative power to evoke profound feelings as effortlessly as romantic Korean movies.

These tales of love and heartbreak seamlessly shake the root of human emotions, leaving an indelible mark on the viewer’s soul. The performances within these films stand as poignant testaments to the unparalleled skill of Korean actors in capturing the complexities of love, loss, and the bittersweet melancholy symphony.

Let’s run on the cinematic journey and look for tear-jerking performances that represent emotional symphonies performed gracefully and precisely. Which scenes moved our feet and filled our hearts with melancholy?

Christmas in August

Christmas in August is a poignant masterpiece of Korean cinema that stands as a testament to the genre’s ability to evoke emotions with their audience. Directed by Hur Jin-ho, this 1998 film remains a touchstone in romantic dramas.

The best Korean shows on Netflix offer a wide range of genres, including dramas, action, sci-fi, and romantic comedies, making them accessible to a global audience. K-drama episodes are longer, but the shows tend to wrap up in a couple of seasons, allowing for binge-watching and satisfying conclusions. From emotional time travel mysteries to hilarious love stories, there is a Korean show on Netflix for every taste, and they have become some of the most successful and well-received works of fiction worldwide.

The best Korean show on Netflix includes heavy dramas, action-packed adventures, sci-fi tales, and romantic comedies. Korean TV shows have been among the most successful and well-received works of fiction globally for several years now. Thanks to the streaming era, watching the best K-dramas from anywhere in the world is now far easier, which allows incredible stories and great actors to reach an even bigger audience. From massive...

Chinese streaming video platform iQiyi has announced plans to raise $285 million from a private placing of shares, part of which will be taken up by parent company Baidu.

The move comes in the same week that the Nasdaq-listed company said it was suspending its weekend live broadcasts of English Premier League football (soccer) due to the sport’s public displays of solidarity with Ukraine.

iQiyi is understood to have informed the Premier League that it would be removing the coverage following the league’s announcement that a “moment of reflection and solidarity” would be held before matches at the weekend. Several teams also displayed armbands in the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag. In other instances, pro-Ukraine messaging was visible on in-stadium advertising boards.

It is not clear whether the company was instructed by the Chinese government to halt broadcasts or whether the move was an act of...

Back in 2014, period adventure comedy “The Pirates” released to much admiration from the public, becoming the third highest grossing feature of the year. Even today, it sits comfortably in the top 30 highest grossing Korean films of all time at the domestic box-office. As a result, conversation of a follow-up had always been on the table, but several reasons, including leading pair Son Ye-jin and Kim Nam-gil’s refusal to return to the high waters, meant that the sequel couldn’t materialise until now, when producers decided to change tracks with an all new director, new characters and cast to bring us “The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure”. After being the first to cross 1 million admissions in Korea this year and to date being the highest grossing Korean production on 2022, it is now streaming worldwide exclusively on Netflix.

Leader Woo Moo-chi, self-proclaimed Greatest Swordsman in Goryeo, and his group of merry...