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Baek Byung-yeul

Korea Times K-Culture Reporter

Baek Byung-yeul is a journalist at The Korea Times focused on cultural content, including films and cultural events in South Korea. You can contact him at baekby@koreatimes.co.kr to share your insights.

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Films

Jeonju film festival concludes with focus on hidden realities

The 27th Jeonju International Film Festival (JIFF) wrapped up its 10-day run on Friday, reinforcing its identity as a hub for independent and alternative cinema by shining a spotlight on the hidden realities of disappearing spaces and those suffering in the shadows of society. This year’s festival, held under the slogan "Beyond the Frame," showcased 237 films from 54 countries. The festival recorded a high seat occupancy rate of 82.1 percent, with 442 out of 610 screenings selling out. The festival concluded with the screening of the documentary "The Longest Night: Namtaeryeong," directed by Kim Hyun-ji. The documentary captures the aftermath of Korea’s martial law declaration on Dec. 3, 2024, focusing on the protesters who gathered in southern Seoul on Dec. 21. "I discovered hope in the way different people faced one another and accepted their differences at Namtaeryeong, which is why I chose this subject," Kim said during a press conference on the closing day. Earlier on Wednesday, the festival announced its major award winners, highlighting films that delve into the anxieties of r

May 10, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Jeonju film festival concludes with focus on hidden realities
Films

Webtoon IP gains traction in Hollywood, emerging markets

Korean webtoon companies are expanding their presence in the global content market, as entertainment studios increasingly seek proven intellectual property (IP) with established fan bases for film and streaming adaptations, according to industry officials, Thursday. “Global studios are showing strong interest in webtoon IP because the stories already come with well-developed narratives and proven popularity,” an official from the local webtoon industry said. The trend is reflected in a growing number of overseas adaptation projects involving webtoon and web novel IP. Webtoon Entertainment, the parent company of Naver Webtoon, recently confirmed that its English-language original webtoon "ShootAround" will be adapted into a live-action film in the United States. The zombie horror-comedy series has accumulated around 28 million views globally. The screenplay will be written by Ayanna K. White, who previously participated in Apple TV+’s "Severance" and Netflix’s "The Night Agent." The project will be developed by its in-house studio, Webtoon Productions, together with U.S.-based Lio

May 8, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Webtoon IP gains traction in Hollywood, emerging markets
Films

'Wild Sing' follows faded idol group’s hilarious comeback

“Wild Sing” is a comedy about a former idol group making a reckless attempt to return to the stage after 20 years, its director Sohn Jae-kon said Thursday. "This film started with the question of what it would be like if Gang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo and Park Ji-hyun became idols," Sohn said during a press conference in Seoul. The movie follows Triangle, a once-popular three-member group that disbanded due to an unexpected incident. Two decades later, the members reunite to seize a final chance at fame. The director, known for "My Scary Girl" (2006), "Villain and Widow" (2010) and "Secret Zoo" (2020),” said he researched many singers from the 1990s and 2000s during the production process. He added he did not base the story on any specific real-life events but rather developed the plot within the fictional setting. "It is not easy for an actor like Gang to choose a comedy film. Rather than me picking him, he was the one who chose this project," the director said. Gang stars as Hyun-woo, the leader of Triangle. The actor portrays the character's journey from a stylish idol to struggling t

May 7, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
'Wild Sing' follows faded idol group’s hilarious comeback
Films

Lee Byung-hun to star in martial arts action movie ‘Nambeol'

Top actor Lee Byung-hun has confirmed his lead role in "Nambeol" (tentative title), a project that marks the directorial debut of veteran cinematographer Lee Mo-gae, according to producer Hive Media Corp. on Wednesday. The film is a hard-boiled martial arts action flick set in the early Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It follows nine warriors of different ranks and backgrounds who travel to Tsushima Island to rescue Korean captives kidnapped by Japanese pirates. The title "Nambeol" refers to a military expedition to conquer the south. While the film is fiction, it is set against the historical backdrop of the early Joseon era, when the nation struggled with frequent raids by Japanese pirates. These pirate groups caused significant damage through looting and illegal trade along the southern coast. In response, the Joseon government employed both military force and diplomatic activities to suppress their activities. The project is drawing significant attention as it marks the first time the cinematographer will take the director role. Since his debut with "A Tale of Two Sisters" (2003), Lee ha

May 6, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Lee Byung-hun to star in martial arts action movie ‘Nambeol'
Films

Cinemas gear up for family-focused May holidays

With May packed with holidays dedicated to the family, local theaters are rolling out a diverse and highly anticipated lineup of movies for fans of different generations. From a brand-new "Star Wars" cinematic adventure and a legendary pop icon's biopic to homegrown animated features arriving just in time for Children's Day on Tuesday, this month's box office offers plenty of reasons for families to head to the cinema. Leading the charge for family blockbusters is "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie." Released on Wednesday to capture the holiday crowd, the film continues the massively successful animated journey of Nintendo's iconic plumber brothers. This time, the adventure goes cosmic, offering visually stunning intergalactic world-building that both nostalgic parents and young gamers can enjoy together. Driven by the high expectations of Nintendo fans in Korea, the film topped the weekend box office. According to data from the Korean Film Council, the movie has drawn 685,994 viewers as of Sunday, surpassing the long-awaited sequel "The Devil Wears Prada 2." For younger children, homegrown an

May 5, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Cinemas gear up for family-focused May holidays
People & Events

Heaven Resort chairman receives honorary doctorate from Belhaven University

Kwon Mo-se, chairman of The Heaven Resort and a board member of the Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC)-Korea, was awarded an honorary doctorate from Belhaven University in the United States, in recognition of his contributions to corporate management and social responsibility. Belhaven University, a private Christian institution founded in 1883, said the degree honors Kwon’s dedication to public values, citing his role in regional economic development, job creation and his consistent history of philanthropic activities. "We highly value Chairman Kwon’s role in boosting the local economy and creating jobs through his business management. He has consistently realized public values through his ongoing donations and commitment to social contribution," the university said through FEBC-Korea, Monday. Located in Jackson, Mississippi, the university is known for its focus on developing global leaders through a values-based education. Upon receiving the honor on Saturday (local time), Kwon attributed his achievements to his faith and pledged to continue his philanthropic mission. "I believe

May 4, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Heaven Resort chairman receives honorary doctorate from Belhaven University
Society

6 out of 10 Koreans back raising senior age threshold to 70

A growing majority of Koreans support raising the legal age for senior benefits from 65 to 70, according to a recent survey, as debate over one of the country’s most symbolic age-based welfare policies — free subway rides for people aged 65 or older — gains momentum amid rising fiscal pressure and rapid population aging. A Gallup Korea survey conducted from Tuesday to Thursday found that 59 percent of respondents supported increasing the age threshold for senior benefits to 70 from the current 65, while 30 percent opposed it and 12 percent had no opinion. The results show a shift in public opinion over the past decade, as support for the proposal stood at 46 percent in 2015. Support for raising the threshold was relatively consistent across age groups, ranging between 55 percent and 65 percent. People in their 30s showed the highest support at 65 percent, while those in their 60s were the least supportive at 55 percent. By political orientation, 68 percent of liberal respondents backed the proposal, compared to 59 percent of conservatives and 61 percent of moderates. The survey also

May 1, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
6 out of 10 Koreans back raising senior age threshold to 70
Shows & Dramas

CJ ENM sets up joint venture with Japanese media giants to target global content market

CJ ENM established a new joint venture with two Japanese media giants TBS and U-NEXT Holdings to strengthen its presence in the global content market, the entertainment company said Friday. The company held a signing ceremony in Seoul, Thursday, to launch a joint venture StudioMonowa. The name combines the Japanese words for story, "mono," and harmony, "wa," symbolizing a space where Korean and Japanese content connect to create new value. TBS is a major Japanese television network and content creator, while U-NEXT Holdings operates the country's leading local streaming platform, U-NEXT. Under the partnership, the companies will integrate their capabilities to manage the entire content value chain. This includes original intellectual property (IP) discovery, content production and global distribution. Yoon Sang-hyun, CEO of CJ ENM, said the collaboration is oriented toward audiences well beyond Asia. "Through our collaboration with the leading content companies representing Korea and Japan, we will introduce hit content that targets not only Asia but the global market," Yoon said. The vent

May 1, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
CJ ENM sets up joint venture with Japanese media giants to target global content market
Travel & Food

PHOTO Spring holiday rush

Foreign tourists visit Gyeongbok Palace in Jongno District, Seoul, Thursday, ahead of the May holiday travel season. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, around 80,000 to 90,000 Japanese tourists and 100,000 to 110,000 Chinese visitors are expected to travel to Korea during the holiday period, which coincides with Japan's Golden Week from April 29 to May 6, and China's Labor Day holiday from May 1 to 5. Yonhap

Apr 30, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
[PHOTO] Spring holiday rush
People & Events

K-culture must evolve into sustainable global asset

K-culture has grown into a global phenomenon over the past few years. To maintain this momentum, industry leaders and policymakers emphasized that Korean culture must evolve beyond a temporary trend into a sustainable asset that connects the world during The Korea Forum 2026 on Thursday. Seung Myung-ho, chairman of The Korea Times and its sister paper the Hankook Ilbo, said he hopes Korean culture will continue to elevate the country. "I expect K-culture to become a driving force that raises the national prestige of Korea and strengthens the competitiveness of various industries," Seung said during his opening remarks at the forum hosted by the two newspapers. "The spirit of pursuing practicality and beauty has combined with the innovation of companies and the sense of creators to develop into the K-culture we see today." Under the theme "K-culture, A New Grammar Connecting the World," experts from various fields gathered to share their insights on how Korean culture can maintain its global influence and prepare for the next stage of growth. You Hong-june, director of the National Museum

Apr 30, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
K-culture must evolve into sustainable global asset
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