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.
Lee Young-hoon, senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, delivered a Christmas message calling for unity and mutual respect amid Korea's ongoing political crisis. The statement comes in the wake of President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law on Dec. 3 and his subsequent impeachment on Dec. 14, which have left the nation in turmoil.
Actor Song Joong-ki, known for his baby face and gentle eyes, doesn't hesitate to take on roles in films or TV series that portray characters with rough edges or ambitious personalities.
"Firefighters," a film based on a 2001 arson incident that claimed the lives of six firefighters, wrapped up filming in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the release was repeatedly delayed due to the pandemic and a drunk driving incident involving lead actor Kwak Do-won, ultimately leaving the film shelved. In Korea, films like this are often referred to as “warehouse movies.”
"Good Partner," an SBS TV drama that follows the lives of divorce attorneys, has become one of the most popular series of the year, sweeping seven awards at the SBS Drama Awards.
"Harbin" is a film based on the life of Ahn Jung-geun (1879-1910), an independence activist who fought for Korea's freedom during Japan's 1910-45 colonial occupation. However, director Woo Min-ho emphasized that the political turmoil Korea is experiencing today is not significantly different from that of a century ago. He noted that viewers might find a sense of hope in the film, believing that the current challenges can be overcome, just as in the past.
Iconic game soundtracks from popular games — League of Legends, Night Crows and PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS — are set to receive a traditional Korean music makeover, aiming to broaden the appeal of "gugak," or traditional Korean music.
"Dark Nuns," a new occult movie, introduces a fresh twist to the exorcism genre by casting nuns in roles typically reserved for priests, distinguishing it from its 2015 predecessor, "The Priests," while continuing to explore themes of exorcism.
Much-anticipated upcoming movies, such as "Harbin," starring Hyun Bin, and "Bogota: City of the Lost," featuring Song Joong-ki, are aiming to capitalize on a potential box office recovery following Saturday’s passage of the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk Yeol.
With the National Assembly's passage of a motion, Saturday, to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol for his botched martial law attempt, the former star prosecutor-turned-politician became the third president in the nation's history to be stripped of his authority.