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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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Shows & Dramas

CJ's role as 'architect of K-culture' spotlighted by CNN

A new CNN documentary shines a light on Korean entertainment mogul CJ ENM’s 30-year commitment to culture, examining how the company grew from an early investor into a main builder of “hallyu,” or the Korean wave. The four-part series, titled “K-Everything,” premiered on May 9. Produced and hosted by Korean American actor Daniel Dae Kim and sponsored by Hyundai Motor, the project traces the journey of Korean culture from its roots to its current global standing. In particular, the documentary emphasizes CJ’s foundational role in the film industry, dating back to its 1995 investment in DreamWorks. That move is highlighted as the starting point for a sustainable industrial framework that allowed titles such as director Park Chan-wook’s “Joint Security Area” (2000) and Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” (2019) to reach global audiences. As the Cannes Film Festival is underway, the series revisits CJ’s long-standing relationship with the prestigious event. It credits the company’s unwavering support for filmmakers like director Park, whose “Oldboy” (2003) won the Grand

May 15, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
CJ's role as 'architect of K-culture' spotlighted by CNN
Films

Ra Mi-ran takes on fantasy challenge with 'The Mysterious Candy Store'

Actor Ra Mi-ran expressed both excitement and pressure in taking on the lead role for the upcoming fantasy film "The Mysterious Candy Store Jun Chun Dang," based on the hit Japanese children's book series. "I felt a sense of responsibility in playing Hong-ja because the original work is loved by so many people," Ra said during a press conference at a theater in Seoul, Wednesday. "I was motivated by the desire to create a Korean version of the story and to challenge myself with the fantasy genre after focusing on more realistic roles in the past." "The Mysterious Candy Store Jun Chun Dang" is a fantasy drama based on the best-selling Japanese novel series "Mysterious Candy Store Sentendo" by Reiko Hiroshima. The story follows the mysterious owner of a candy store who sells magical treats that grant wishes to lucky customers holding specific coins. The original book series is a major cultural phenomenon in Korea with more than 2 million copies sold. Its popularity has led to various adaptations including an animated series and a movie in Japan and a musical in Korea. The musical version he

May 13, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Ra Mi-ran takes on fantasy challenge with 'The Mysterious Candy Store'
Travel & Food

Lotte Hotels & Resorts taps graphic artist Verdy for ‘art-cation’ promotion

Lotte Hotels & Resorts is seeking to strengthen its identity as a cultural curator by launching a collaborative promotion with world-renowned graphic artist Verdy, commemorating his first solo exhibition in Korea, the company said Tuesday. The hotel group said the collaboration is aimed at providing guests with exclusive cultural experiences going beyond traditional lodging services. The promotion stays open until July 19 to match Verdy's “I Believe in Me” exhibition at the Lotte Museum of Art, located on the seventh floor of Lotte World Tower in Seoul. Verdy, an Osaka-born Japanese artist, has gained a massive global following for his ability to blend subculture aesthetics with graphic design and art. He is best known for "Vick," his signature character combining elements of a panda and a rabbit. Under the partnership, guests staying at Signiel Seoul hotel, Lotte Hotel Seoul and Lotte Hotel World will receive limited-edition key card holders personally designed by Verdy. Guests presenting these holders at the Lotte Museum of Art will be entitled to a 30 percent discount on admissio

May 12, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Lotte Hotels & Resorts taps graphic artist Verdy for ‘art-cation’ promotion
Travel & Food

Korea moves to diversify inbound tourism beyond Seoul

The government is accelerating its efforts to reshape the country's tourism landscape, moving away from a long-standing administrative approach that has concentrated foreign visitor flows in the capital region. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Tuesday it is holding a series of regional consultations this week. The meetings aim to lay the groundwork for a new tourism framework built around eight broad clusters, spanning five major hubs and three special autonomous regions across the country. The initiative comes as Korea grapples with a persistent structural imbalance, with more than 80 percent of foreign visitors never traveling beyond the Seoul metropolitan area. With the government targeting 23 million inbound tourists this year and 30 million by 2029, officials say the growth potential of a Seoul-centric model is reaching its limit. "Tourists do not travel along administrative boundaries," said Kang Jung-won, head of the tourism policy bureau of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. "That is precisely why we must expand beyond the single administrative unit mod

May 12, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Korea moves to diversify inbound tourism beyond Seoul
People & Events

Ex-chief confident in South Chungcheong’s potential in content business

Under Kim Gok-mi's leadership, the Chungnam Content Agency, a cultural promotion body located in South Chungcheong Province, succesfully expanded its global presence by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technology and fostering the esports sector. As Kim completed her term as president on Monday, the agency is likely to continue its course. "The content industry is rapidly expanding into an intellectual property business converging with telecommunications and artificial intelligence," Kim told The Korea Times in a written interview Monday. The agency changed its name from the Chungnam Information & Culture Industry Promotion Agency in 2025. "We changed the name to strengthen our connection with government policies and make the agency more accessible to the public," Kim said. The agency has prioritized AI in content creation. It produced an AI-restored video of Korean independence activist Yu Gwan-sun using unreleased family photos to commemorate the 80th anniversary of national liberation. The video was screened in Times Square in New York and drew significant attention from inter

May 12, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Ex-chief confident in South Chungcheong’s potential in content business
People & Events

Lotte World’s MapleStory event draws 100,000 visitors

More than 100,000 visitors have participated in the "Create Your Own Character" experience at Lotte World Adventure in southern Seoul, as part of its spring collaboration with Nexon’s popular online game MapleStory, the theme park operator said Monday. The interactive attraction, located at the Meeting Plaza on the first floor of the adventure park, allows visitors to create digital avatars by scanning a QR code. Users can either generate a character that resembles them by uploading a photo or customize one manually. The event has gained significant traction among longtime fans of the game, as it allows them to import their actual in-game characters. Once completed, the character is displayed on a 10-meter-high media tree. Starting this spring, the theme park has collaborated with Nexon to draw in dedicated MapleStory fans as well as visitors who wanted new experiences at the park. Lotte World Adventure is currently decorated with various MapleStory monsters, serving as popular photo spots for guests. The organizers said the experience is designed to make visitors feel as if they are "

May 11, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Lotte World’s MapleStory event draws 100,000 visitors
Shows & Dramas

CNN, Hyundai Motor spotlight K-culture in new documentary

CNN launched a new four-part documentary series, “K-Everything,” exploring the creative power and historical journey of Korean culture from its traditional origins to its current global dominance, with Hyundai Motor as the project's sole sponsor. CNN said it decided to develop the documentary, which began airing Saturday, to showcase the underlying forces behind Korea’s cultural rise. The documentary series covers various aspects of the Korean wave including music, film, food and beauty. It highlights how Korea’s unique history and experiences have shaped a cultural movement that now leads global trends. The project is produced and hosted by Daniel Dae Kim, a Hollywood actor and producer known for his roles in major television series and films. Kim leads the audience through the evolution of Korean media and its rise to the world stage. The first episode focuses on K-pop, featuring global stars such as Psy, Taeyang and Jeon Somi to discuss the growth of the industry and the power of global fandoms. The second episode examines the film and drama industry through conversations with

May 10, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
CNN, Hyundai Motor spotlight K-culture in new documentary
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
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