Go A-ra makes return in steamy romance series 'The Scandal of Chunhwa'

19+ rated period drama explores free love in an era of strict traditions "Reply 1994" star Go A-ra is back on the small screen, this time in a steamy romance series titled "The Scandal of Chunhwa." The period drama explores love in an era when rigid decorum dictated interactions between men and women. It follows Hwa-ri (Go A-ra), a princess determined to choose her own husband, even as her father, the king, rushes to arrange her marriage after rumors spread that she is the protagonist of a provo

Feb. 5, 2025

Star producer Na Young-suk to create Netflix original

Netflix 2025 lineup includes boxing legend Manny Pacquiao in 'Physical: Asia' Netflix unveiled its 2025 content slate on Tuesday, promising a diverse lineup spanning TV series, films and entertainment shows. The global streaming powerhouse detailed its strategic vision at the "Next on Netflix 2025" press event on Tuesday, emphasizing its commitment to genre-spanning storytelling. "In the content industry, it's easy to fall into the temptation of repeating past successes. However, that is a trap.

Feb. 4, 2025

From vitamin pills to cars, this actor's face was everywhere in Korea last year

Son Suk-ku leads TV ads race with 7 billion impressions Actor Son Suk-ku was the most visible star on South Korean TV screens in 2024, generating nearly 7 billion ad impressions across multiple industries, according to an annual report from a local data analytics firm. The actor, who shot to fame in Netflix's "A Killer Paradox" (2024) and the critically acclaimed "My Liberation Notes" (2022), appeared in a wide range of commercials spanning health supplements, instant noodles and automotive sect

Feb. 4, 2025

MBC faces third legal action over workplace harassment allegations

Former employees step forward alleging years of mistreatment Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation is facing a third legal action against it, all of them initiated by the same unidentified person in less than a week based on allegations that its former weathercaster, Oh Yo-anna, was subjected to severe workplace harassment. Reports from former employees continue to surface, accusing the company of years of mistreatment. An online community posting on Monday said the user had reported MBC to the police

Feb. 3, 2025

Bereaved family of late MBC weathercaster sues over alleged workplace harassment

Oh reportedly expressed distress, revealing she was 'relying on medication' and suffering from 'excruciating pain near her heart' The bereaved family of former Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation weathercaster Oh Yo-anna, who died by suicide last year, has filed a civil lawsuit against one of her colleagues amid growing allegations that she endured severe workplace harassment. It was confirmed on Thursday that Oh’s family filed the lawsuit on Jan. 23 at the Seoul Central District Court, seeking dama

Jan. 31, 2025

'Squid Game' season 3 to premiere on Netflix on June 27

Netflix releases poster, first-look images of final season Netflix has officially announced June 27 as the premiere date for the highly anticipated third season of "Squid Game." According to the streaming service, season three will thrust Ki-hun (Lee Jung-jae) into a relentless fight for survival following a failed and bloody rebellion against the game’s masterminds. The upcoming season lands six months after season two debuted in December 2024. According to Netflix, both seasons were filmed bac

Jan. 31, 2025

Should 'deepfakes' be used in visual content?

Digitally manipulated video in K-drama sex scenes sparks controversy Korea's broadcasting industry is increasingly embracing "deepfake" technology — an application of machine learning that seamlessly merges synthetic images and audio to create hyperrealistic media. However, as these digital manipulations push the limits of what has previously been possible on the small screen, they have also ignited a firestorm of controversy. The latest flash point in this debate centers on the use of body doub

Jan. 30, 2025

Yoo Jae-suk clinches grand prize at SBS Entertainment Awards

Korea's most celebrated TV personality notches record 20th award Korea’s top comedian Yoo Jae-suk cemented his legacy at the 2024 Seoul Broadcasting System Entertainment Awards, notching an unprecedented 20th career grand prize. With the historic win, Yoo now holds the record for the most grand prizes won by anyone across the three major broadcasting networks' entertainment awards and the Baeksang Arts Awards. On Wednesday, SBS recognized Yoo for his performance on hit variety show "Running Man"

Jan. 30, 2025

Romance series starring IU, Park Bo-gum to launch March 7

Legendary K-drama creators come together for 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' Netflix's highly anticipated romance series "When Life Gives You Tangerines," starring Hallyu sensations Lee Ji-eun (also known by her stage name IU) and Park Bo-gum, will be released March 7, the global streaming service announced Thursday. It also unveiled the series' official poster and trailer. The series tells the story of Gwan-sik (Park) and Ae-soon (Lee) as they navigate growth and love against the picturesque b

Jan. 23, 2025

G-Dragon, star producer to work on solo entertainment show

'Infinite Challenge' veterans reunite on show to air on MBC, Disney+ K-pop icon G-Dragon is set to shine in his first-ever solo entertainment show, "Good Day," a high-octane variety show with a star-studded guest roster that includes K-pop girl group aespa, actors Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Go-eun as well as celebrity chef Ahn Sung-jae. It is to be helmed by star producer Kim Tae-ho, known for his long-standing collaborations with G-Dragon on "Infinite Challenge," including memorable appearances in th

Jan. 21, 2025

'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,' adrenaline-charged twist on medical genre

Director emphasizes fictional nature of medical drama series amid doctors' strike Ju Ji-hoon, known for his lead roles in K-drama juggernauts like Disney+'s "Light Shop" and Netflix's "Kingdom," will step into scrubs to play a heroic doctor battling life-or-death crises in his latest venture, "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call." Adapted from a massively popular webtoon, the series follows the story of genius surgeon Kang-hyuk (Ju) as he navigates pulse-pounding emergencies. Speaking Tuesday at a p

Jan. 21, 2025

'Squid Game' art director says participants nearly wore sky blue uniforms

Creative directors of 'Squid Game' say they aimed for continuity between first, second season The creative minds behind the second season of "Squid Game" offered an in-depth look into the artistic, musical and cinematographic choices that shaped the show's most recent chapter, revealing some behind-the-scenes efforts that almost led to a major overhaul of the series' visual identity. Award-winning art director Chae Kyung-sun, who has recently garnered a prestigious nomination from the American A

Jan. 17, 2025

'Ssulzun' returns to TV in turbulent political landscape

Political talk show pits sharp minds, sharp tongues The acclaimed Korean political talk show "Ssulzun" made a return to television Wednesday night after a six-year lull, resurfacing amid a volatile political climate. Launched in 2013 on JTBC, "Ssulzun" is regarded as one of South Korea’s most influential current affairs programs. The show gained a devoted following for its sharp-tongued panelists and incisive political commentary, dissecting complex topics across politics, economics and society.

Jan. 16, 2025

Ha Jung-woo returns in series delving into property ownership and crime

Veteran actor tied to 'Building Owner,' 3 years after Netflix's 'Narco-Saints' Veteran actor Ha Jung-woo will star in a new series centered on crime and real estate, marking the actor's first dramatic role in three years, following Netflix’s sensational crime hit "Narco-Saints." Ha is set to headline thriller series "Building Owner" with Jung Soo-jung — better known by her stage name Krystal of the K-pop group f(x) — reportedly in talks to join him. Ha’s management agency, Walk House Company, co

Jan. 15, 2025

PulsePick aims to secure early lead in Korean short-form series market

Short-form dramas, films show possibilities of untapped market in Korea Short-form video is already popular globally, including in China and the United States. It has tremendous potential in Korea when paired with the production expertise of K-drama creators to make short-form series, industry officials said Tuesday. PulsePick, a streaming platform specializing in servicing short-form series which soft-launched last December, announced a series of upcoming originals during a media event in Gangn

Jan. 14, 2025