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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

Ma Dong-seok takes on occult genre in 'Holy Night: Demon Hunters'

Actor-producer Ma Dong-seok is set to captivate audiences once again with his latest venture into the occult genre with “Holy Night: Demon Hunters,” which will hit theaters on April 30. After achieving consecutive box office success postpandemic, eyes are on whether Ma, also known as Don Lee globally, can revive the slumping Korean film scene with his unique brand of action. Directed by Lim Dae-hee, “Holy Night: Demon Hunters” plunges viewers into a chaotic city consumed by a cult that worships evil. In this world, a team of dark heroes, “Holy Night,” embarks on a mission to eradicate evils. The team is comprised of Bau (Ma), Sharon (Seohyun) and Kim Gun (Lee David). Behind the film is Big Punch Pictures, Ma’s production company, further highlighting his multifaceted involvement as a lead actor and producer. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Ma has been a pivotal force in the Korean box office. His film “The Roundup” (2022), a sequel to the 2017 hit “The Outlaws,” drew 12.69 million viewers, even before the pandemic officially ended. By toning down the violence and infus

Mar 26, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Ma Dong-seok takes on occult genre in 'Holy Night: Demon Hunters'
Films

INTERVIEW ‘Revelations' reflects society’s selective beliefs: Yeon Sang-ho

Director Yeon Sang-ho, renowned for exploring complex social issues in films and series like "Train to Busan" and "Hellbound," returns with the Netflix movie "Revelations," which delves into the dangerous consequences of selective belief in contemporary society. "Nowadays, people only want to see what they want to see and believe what they want to believe. That's why things like this are happening in Korea right now," the director told The Korea Times during an interview in Seoul on Monday. "Coincidentally, the timing of 'Revelations' coming out makes me feel that this work was born from this era." "Revelations" tells the story of pastor Sung Min-chan (Ryu Jun-yeol), who believes he is acting on divine revelation to punish a culprit in a missing person case and detective Lee Yeon-hui (Shin Hyun-bin), haunted by her deceased sibling's visions as she investigates the same case. The film is based on the 2022 online comic of the same name, written by the director with illustrations by cartoonist Choi Gyu-seok. Yeon elaborated on the film's exploration of human desire and selective perception

Mar 24, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
[INTERVIEW] ‘Revelations' reflects society’s selective beliefs: Yeon Sang-ho
K-pop

Court sides with Ador, blocks independent activities of NewJeans

The legal battle between K-pop group NewJeans, now rebranded as NJZ, and their agency Ador has taken a turn, with the court ruling in favor of the agency, effectively blocking the group’s attempts to pursue independent activities. On Friday, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of Ador, granting the agency the right to maintain its position as NewJeans’ management agency, prohibiting the group from engaging in any entertainment activities without Ador’s approval. The activities include musical performances, broadcasting appearances and advertising deals. The decision came after Ador filed an injunction to prevent NewJeans, who call themselves NJZ, from pursuing activities outside their exclusive contract. The court also dismissed the band members' claims of contract breaches by Ador, stating that the agency had fulfilled most of its obligations under the contract. "Based on the claims and materials submitted by Kim Min-ji, (whose stage name is Minji), and others, it is not sufficiently proven that Ador violated its important obligations under the exclusive contract,” t

Mar 21, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Court sides with Ador, blocks independent activities of NewJeans
Films

INTERVIEW Filmmaker revives lost glamour of 'gukgeuk'

Filmmaker Yoo Soo-yeon's latest documentary, "Women's Gukgeuk: Enduring on the Edge of Time," is a passionate endeavor to revive the captivating yet fading art of "gukgeuk," a unique form of Korea’s all-women musical theater. Driven by her fascination with this once-popular cultural content that flourished even during wartime in the 1950s, the filmmaker aims to preserve its legacy for future generations. “I was immediately captivated by gukgeuk. The fact that such a revolutionary cultural movement flourished during wartime was truly astonishing,” Yoo told The Korea Times in a recent email interview. Gukgeuk emerged in 1948, captivating audiences with its romantic tales set in ancient times and the mesmerizing charm of female actors portraying male roles. It became a cultural phenomenon in the 1950s, rivaling the popularity of K-pop idols today. However, this vibrant art form gradually faded, leaving behind only faint traces of its glorious past. The 104-minute film delves into the history of this genre and follows the journey of two third-generation gukgeuk performers — Park Soo-

Mar 21, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
[INTERVIEW] Filmmaker revives lost glamour of 'gukgeuk'
Films

REVIEW 'The Match' conquers controversy with masterful storytelling

Set between the 1980s and 1990s, when go, a strategy board game known as "baduk" in Korea, had increasingly gained popularity in Korea, the movie “The Match” brilliantly captures the dramatic rise of the young go prodigy Lee Chang-ho, who challenges the dominance of his mentor Cho Hun-hyun, exploring themes of mentorship, rivalry and redemption. In the movie, Cho, played by star actor Lee Byung-hun, is introduced as an undefeated champion and a legend revered in Korea’s go community for his aggressive playing style and unmatched techniques. His life takes a turn when he encounters Lee Chang-ho, a boy who shows extraordinary talent at an early age. Cho decides to take him under his wing, bringing the young boy into his home and teaching him the game. Actor Kim Kang-hoon plays the young Lee Chang-ho, while controversial actor Yoo Ah-in portrays the adult Lee. While Cho’s approach to the game is bold and confrontational, Lee Chang-ho develops a contrasting style, which is calm and patient. This clash in philosophies sets the stage for their eventual rivalry. “The Match” focuses

Mar 20, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
[REVIEW] 'The Match' conquers controversy with masterful storytelling
  • ‘The Match’ director speaks on Yoo Ah-in’s drug scandal, leaves judgment to viewers
Films

‘The Match’ director speaks on Yoo Ah-in’s drug scandal, leaves judgment to viewers

The director of the upcoming movie “The Match” expressed his disappointment over lead actor Yoo Ah-in, whose drug scandal led to the film's delayed release, while urging audiences to judge the film on its own merits and consider watching it with an open mind.

Mar 19, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
‘The Match’ director speaks on Yoo Ah-in’s drug scandal, leaves judgment to viewers
Films

Korean animation expands to adult audiences with new genres

Korean animation is broadening its scope beyond primarily children's content with a surge of wider themes and genres aimed at capturing adult audiences, as seen in recent releases "Mr. Robot" and "Exorcism Chronicles: The Beginning."

Mar 19, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Korean animation expands to adult audiences with new genres
Films

Yeon Sang-ho’s ‘Revelations’ dives into human nature, faith

Director Yeon Sang-ho says his latest film “Revelations” delves into the psychological turmoil of individuals clinging to their own beliefs, avoiding fantasy for a realistic portrayal of their descent into destruction and the possibility of salvation.

Mar 18, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Yeon Sang-ho’s ‘Revelations’ dives into human nature, faith
Films

'Streaming' tackles dangers of unfiltered online content

The thriller film “Streaming” explores the impact of unfiltered — and often harmful — content found on video streaming platforms, with the aim of providing viewers with a chance to critically discern the vast amount of information they consume.

Mar 17, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
'Streaming' tackles dangers of unfiltered online content
Shows & Dramas

Kim Soo-hyun faces backlash amid escalating dispute with late Kim Sae-ron’s family

Actor Kim Soo-hyun is facing backlash amid an escalating dispute with the family of the late actor Kim Sae-ron, who was found dead at her home last month. The bereaved family alleges that the two had been in a romantic relationship since Kim Sae-ron was a minor, a claim denied by Kim Soo-hyun's agency.

Mar 16, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Kim Soo-hyun faces backlash amid escalating dispute with late Kim Sae-ron’s family
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