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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

'Portrait of a Family' tests family bonds in desperate times

Director Lee Ji-won said her upcoming film "Portrait of a Family" reflects the same vision of personal bonds and salvation she explored in her 2018 acclaimed debut feature “Miss Baek.” "If my previous work focused on the bond between a woman and a child, I wanted to expand that scope into a story about a family struggling together to overcome hardship," the director said during a press conference in Seoul, Wednesday. "Portrait of a Family" follows former star baseball player Joong-goo (Ryu Seung-ryong) and his wife Nam-mi (Ha Ji-won), who used to be a celebrity. Their marriage ends when Joong-goo’s secret daughter, Dong-joo (Kim Si-a), suddenly appears. This shocking truth breaks the couple apart. Eight years after their breakup, however, the family reunites to uncover the truth and protect Dong-joo after she becomes embroiled in a shocking incident. The movie's Korean title, "Bigwang" references a traditional "hwatu" card from the "December" suite depicting a man with an umbrella. While players usually see this card as unlucky or unwanted in games like go-stop, it can help win the

Aug 5, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
'Portrait of a Family' tests family bonds in desperate times
Films

Uhm Jung-hwa brings confidence to ocean action in 'Okay! Madam' sequel

For Uhm Jung-hwa, returning as the brave former secret agent Mi-young in “Okay! Madam: Bon Voyage” is far more than just reprising a role. It is a challenge to her enduring power as a veteran actor and a rare milestone for a female-led action franchise in Korean cinema. The 56-year-old has long established herself as a top multi-entertainer. While dominating the music scene with groundbreaking hit songs, she has expanded her footprint on screens with defining roles in “Marriage Is a Crazy Thing” (2002) and “Singles” (2003). She also proved her ticket power with the 2009 disaster blockbuster “Haeundae,” which garnered over 11 million viewers. Speaking about her new movie “Okay! Madam: Bon Voyage,” Uhm expressed both nervousness and joy about bringing the sequel to theaters. “I am both worried and excited,” Uhm told The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Tuesday. "Summer is a great time when many viewers visit theaters, so I have high expectations." The original 2020 action comedy hit "Okay! Madam" saw its theatrical run cut short due to the sudden onset of the COVID-19

Aug 4, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Uhm Jung-hwa brings confidence to ocean action in 'Okay! Madam' sequel
Shows & Dramas

Kim Soo-hyun makes official comeback after 16-month hiatus

Top actor Kim Soo-hyun has officially made his return to the public after a 16-month hiatus, appearing in a promotional video for Philippine fashion brand Bench following the conclusion of a high-profile legal dispute. In the campaign video released on Sunday through the brand’s official social media channels, the 38-year-old actor greeted fans with a warm smile and expressed his gratitude. The appearance marks Kim's first official activity since suspending official activities last year. "I’ve missed you all so much. I’m truly happy to be back with Bench and to see you again. I hope you’re excited for what’s coming with Bench,” Kim said in a video message. Bench, which first signed Kim as a brand ambassador in 2024, recently renewed its endorsement contract with the actor. His return triggered immediate enthusiasm among fans, leading to a quick sellout of featured items on the brand's online store. Kim's comeback follows the resolution of a lengthy legal battle. On Wednesday, the Seongdong Police Station in Seoul closed its investigation into allegations raised by the family o

Aug 3, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Kim Soo-hyun makes official comeback after 16-month hiatus
K-pop

Grammys removes BTS' videos following boycott

The Recording Academy, the host of the Grammy Awards, has sparked backlash after removing historic performance videos of BTS from its official website, shortly after the superstar K-pop band announced it would not submit its music to the music awards for next year. On the official Grammys website, live recordings of the group’s hit songs "Dynamite" from 2021 and "Butter" from 2022 were no longer accessible. While these videos can still be viewed on the group's official channels, their absence from the Grammys site has raised questions among fans. The Recording Academy has not commented on the change. The quiet video removals came immediately after all seven members of BTS issued a joint statement on July 29 confirming they will not submit any music for the 69th Grammy Awards, set for Feb. 7, 2027. "We decided not to submit our work for the upcoming Grammy Awards," the group said. "We hope that music can be appreciated and loved for what it is, without being divided by region or language." The group’s boycott is widely seen as a protest against the Recording Academy’s newly establish

Aug 2, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Grammys removes BTS' videos following boycott
Shows & Dramas

Backlash exposes risks of solo content creation

Recent public apologies by comedian Lee Su-ji and viral content creator Kim Seon-tae have exposed the growing risks facing one-person digital brands, highlighting a structural vulnerability in the fast-moving digital media landscape. While these creators have significant media power, they lack the basic review process used to block offensive or politically sensitive content used by larger entities. This downside became clear when Lee issued a written apology on her YouTube channel Hot Issue Ji on Saturday. The 41-year-old faced intense backlash over her recent satirical sketch depicting municipal civil servants dealing with demanding visitors. Viewers criticized the video for mocking citizens involved in the ongoing controversy over the June 3 local elections, arguing it wrongly portrayed protesters as angry complainers. The incident marks a turning point for Lee, who built her career on sharp social satire across multiple platforms. Since debuting in 2008, she has consistently tapped into societal trends. From her breakout role in KBS TV’s Gag Concert mimicking voice phishing scams to

Aug 2, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Backlash exposes risks of solo content creation
Travel & Food

Scorching heat wave turns city spots into urban oases

As a relentless heat wave continues to blanket the nation, Seoul residents are seeking refuge in urban heat escapes to cool down without traveling far from home. From downtown streams, city plazas and air-conditioned department stores to subterranean caves, people are flocking to local spots to escape the 33-degree Celsius heat wave. Gwanghwamun turns into giant water park In the heart of the capital, Gwanghwamun Square has transformed into a massive seaside-style resort for the ongoing 2026 Seoul Summer Beach festival, which kicked off on July 20 and runs through Aug. 9. Jointly organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization, the 21-day event offers free admission from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The central plaza offers a wide range of attractions, including large swimming pools, an eight-meter-high water slide, a water bucket and bounce pools. A newly added 12-meter-wide dome sandbox provides a play area for children alongside relaxing lounge spaces for adults. Also, nearby food trucks and market stalls offer quick meals and snacks. Streamline escape along

Jul 31, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Scorching heat wave turns city spots into urban oases
Shows & Dramas

Actor Jung Il-woo makes Japanese debut with Amazon thriller 'Criminal'

Japanese director Daishi Matsunaga expressed deep satisfaction with his collaboration with actor Jung Il-woo in the Japanese original series "Criminal," streaming on Amazon's Prime Video. "I have long been influenced by Korean cinema, so presenting this series in Korea holds immense personal significance for me," Matsunaga said during a press conference in Seoul, Thursday. "Jung left a strong impression on me, and seeing his performance in 'Highway Family' (a 2022 Korean movie) convinced me that he had untapped potential I wanted to bring out." Based on the popular novel by Ai Ota, "Criminal" follows a detective, a journalist and a survivor who team up to track down a huge conspiracy triggered by a random murder. The seven-part crime thriller debuted globally on Amazon's streaming platform Prime Video on July 17 and has held the top spot in Japan for three consecutive weeks. "I would like to express my gratitude for the immense popularity," Jung said. "While it is a mystery thriller, the story follows the characters from an observer’s point of view. That sense of mystery keeps viewers e

Jul 30, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Actor Jung Il-woo makes Japanese debut with Amazon thriller 'Criminal'
People & Events

Yoido Full Gospel Church to host 35th Overseas Chinese Conference in Korea

Yoido Full Gospel Church will host the 35th Overseas Chinese Conference in Korea (OCCK), bringing together around 3,000 Chinese-speaking pastors and believers from across the globe to foster spiritual revival and strengthen global mission work. The five-day event, running from Aug. 3-7, will take place across three key venues including the Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, the Osanri Choi Ja-sil Memorial Fasting Prayer Mountain and the Yeongsan Training Center, both in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Organized by the headquarters of the OCCK and managed by the Church Growth Worldwide, the gathering has drawn participants from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Malaysia and other regions worldwide. Throughout the conference, attendees will participate in various programs centered on sermons, Holy Spirit revival assemblies, prayer sessions and fellowship. Marking its 35th edition this year, the annual conference serves as a flagship international mission project. It has played a vital role in connecting the Korean church with the global Chinese-speaking Christian community, contributing signif

Jul 29, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Yoido Full Gospel Church to host 35th Overseas Chinese Conference in Korea
Travel & Food

Seoul claims 4 spots on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026, Zest retains No. 2 ranking

Korea continues to prove its strong presence in the regional cocktail scene, with four local spots enshrined on the Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026 list. The annual ranking, announced Tuesday night during a ceremony held in Macau, features the top drinking spots across 22 Asian cities. Zest retained its position, coming in second, while Hope & Sesame in Guangzhou took the number 1 spot. This achievement highlights the steady growth of Korea's bar industry. Zest was named the best bar in Korea for the third consecutive year. Located in Cheongdam-dong in southern Seoul, it continues to draw international acclaim for its zero-waste philosophy, eco-conscious operations and deep commitment to sourcing seasonal local ingredients. Joining Zest on the list were three other prominent venues representing diverse styles. Alice, located in Seoul's Gangnam district and known for its unique atmosphere, took 13th place. Bar Cham, set inside a restored hanok in Jongno District in Seoul, placed 33rd for its focus on locally produced spirits and traditional Korean ingredients. Meanwhile, fashion-inspired newcomer

Jul 29, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Seoul claims 4 spots on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026, Zest retains No. 2 ranking
Films

Director of award-winning animated film dies ahead of release

Hur Bum-wook, the director of the acclaimed animated feature "Pig That Survived Foot-And-Mouth Disease," passed away following a fire, according to the movie’s distributor Indiestory on Tuesday. He was 43. Hur passed away Tuesday morning while receiving medical treatment following an accidental fire on July 23. A press screening for "Pig That Survived Foot-And-Mouth Disease," which was originally scheduled for July 24, was abruptly canceled on the morning of the event due to the accident. The film was slated to open in local theaters on Aug. 5, but its release has been tentatively postponed. "We will announce future release schedules after the bereaved family and production crew have time to grieve and process this loss," Indiestory said in a statement. Born in 1983, Hur established himself as a distinct filmmaker in the local independent animation scene starting with his 2009 short "Ordinary Meals," followed by "City of Good People" (2011), “On the White Planet” (2014) and "Galapagos" (2019). "On The White Planet" won the Grand Prix for Best Feature Film at the Holland Animation Fil

Jul 28, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Director of award-winning animated film dies ahead of release
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