The Korea Times

'The Ballad of Us' returns to rewrite K-ballad history

A singing audition show rich with autumn nostalgia is returning for a second season — this time with an even younger lineup of competitors. SBS’s "The Ballad of Us" revisits timeless ballads woven into Korea's collective memory to find new talent ready to revive the classics. Season 1 generated over 100 million online views last September, so SBS greenlit a second season without hesitation. In "The Ballad of Us 2," a 150-person representative panel of music experts and everyday viewers across all generations will serve as judges. Contestants select the songs that define their lives and deliver them with brand-new interpretations. "I considered shortening the runtime, but the footage was simply too good," said producer Ahn Jeong-hyeon during a press conference at SBS headquarters in Yangcheon District, Seoul, Wednesday. "The network loved it so much that they expanded our slot to a massive 2-hour-and-40-minute premiere." "As we searched for someone who could make famous songs sound completely fresh, the contestants became younger. Those friends understand and sing songs in a way the o

2h agoBy Park Jin-hai

'The Ballad of Us' returns to rewrite K-ballad history

Shows & Dramas

'100 Days of Deception' brings colonial-era espionage romance to life

A new period espionage drama combining the noble sacrifices of Korean independence fighters with a high-stakes romance is set to premiere as cable network tvN's flagship project celebrating its 20th anniversary. Set in 1932 Gyeongseong (a former name for Seoul) during the 1910-45 Japanese colonial era, "100 Days of Deception" follows the city’s top pickpocket, who infiltrates the Japanese Government-General of Korea as an undercover agent and crosses paths with an elite translator in the heart of enemy territory. The 16-episode series brings together director Yoo In-sik, best known for "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" (2022) and "Dr. Romantic" (2016), and writer Rhyu Bo-ri, known for "Do You Like Brahms?" (2020). The drama stars Kim You-jung as Lee Ga-kyung, a thief turned undercover translator, and Park Jin-young as Sato Hideo, an elite interpreter for the colonial government and the adopted son of its director-general of political affairs. Kim, returning to the small screen a year after "Dear X," said she was instantly drawn to the project upon reading the script. "I chose this drama bec

22h agoBy Park Jin-hai

'100 Days of Deception' brings colonial-era espionage romance to life

Shows & Dramas

'A turning point in my career': Woo Do-hwan

For actor Woo Do-hwan, completing his journey on Disney+’s flagship original series "Made in Korea" was more than just wrapping another production — it marked a pivotal, transformative milestone in his decade-long career. Stepping off set after spending nearly three years immersed in director Woo Min-ho’s sprawling historical thriller, the 34-year-old actor leaves behind a project defined by intense period storytelling, rigorous craftsmanship and a rare opportunity to share the screen with two of Korea's most venerated leading men. Set against the turbulent backdrop of Korea in 1970s, "Made in Korea" traces the explosive ambition and fierce power struggles between Baek Ki-tae (Hyun Bin), a man driven by a need for wealth and power, and Jang Gun-young (Jung Woo-sung), the prosecutor who relentlessly pursues him. Woo delivers a magnetic performance as Baek Ki-hyun, the younger brother of Ki-tae. Positioned as an elite officer who graduated at the top of his military academy class, Ki-hyun embarks on a fast-track trajectory toward the nation's Defense Security Command. Striving to fo

1d agoBy Park Jin-hai

'A turning point in my career': Woo Do-hwan

Trends

Korea's social media brews up new coffee obsession

In a nation that boasts one of the world's highest per-capita coffee consumption rates and a cafe density that rivals even the most saturated global metropolitan hubs, standing out in Korea's bustling beverage market is no small feat. Recently, social media posts expressing cravings for unique, milk-forward coffee drinks have sparked a viral trend for "kkosup latte"— a beverage category defined by its intensely rich, almost nutty flavor profile. Online, netizens are actively testing and comparing different latte offerings from major cafe chains while sharing custom recipes designed to boost milk's richness and make it the star of the show. What began as a collective online search for a particular experience soon evolved into a broader obsession with milk-based coffee drinks that evoke a deep, satisfying richness with a nutty or savory undertone, drawing on the Korean term "gosuhada" — a word often used to describe foods that have nuts, seeds or beans for the unctuous quality they lend dishes. While high-profile celebrities like Davichi’s Kang Min-kyung have brought massive visibili

2d agoBy Park Jin-hai

Korea's social media brews up new coffee obsession

Shows & Dramas

From 'M' to 'Infinite Challenge': Korea's nostalgia revival takes over streaming

In 1994, Korean television history was rewritten when the legendary horror drama "M" hit the airwaves, eventually peaking at a staggering 52.2 percent viewership rating. Starring iconic actor Shim Eun-ha, the series mesmerized the nation with a groundbreaking visual feat in the ominous glowing green eyes of its possessed protagonist, marking one of Korean television’s earliest uses of computer-generated special effects. Beyond its chilling aesthetic, "M" sent shockwaves through society by tackling the deeply sensitive and taboo subject of abortion, framed through a dark supernatural lens. Over three decades later, that iconic green glow is coming back to life. Tving has officially announced "M: Reboot," a modernized psychological horror thriller that revives the core identity of the 1994 classic while reframing it for contemporary audiences. The original's narrative centered heavily around demonic possession and the social taboo of abortion, with Ma-ri (Shim) possessed by the soul of an aborted fetus seeking vengeance in a supernatural medical horror with a clear social message. The new

Sep 24, 2026By Park Jin-hai

From 'M' to 'Infinite Challenge': Korea's nostalgia revival takes over streaming

Shows & Dramas

'The Scandal' unconventional challenge worth taking, says actor Ji Chang-wook

Adapting a literary classic is a double-edged sword. It comes with an enduring legacy, but also the daunting weight of comparison. When Netflix announced its series adaptation of "The Scandal" — a story popularized in Korea by the 2003 feature "Untold Scandal," which itself reimagined Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ 1782 French novel Dangerous Liaisons — actor Ji Chang-wook knew the stakes were high. Yet, the actor said the opportunity to portray Cho Won, the enigmatic aristocrat at the center of the narrative, proved irresistible. "I couldn't help but feel the pressure of working on a piece with such a famous original," Ji said in an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Tuesday. "However, because it is a classic, I really wanted to try playing Cho Won. I decided it was a challenge worth taking." Set against the strict moral backdrop of the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty, "The Scandal" follows Cho Won, a nobleman who pursues calculated romantic conquests. At the heart of his intrigue is Lady Cho (Son Ye-jin), a woman too extraordinary to be confined to women's quarters and the

Sep 22, 2026By Park Jin-hai

'The Scandal' unconventional challenge worth taking, says actor Ji Chang-wook

Travel & Food

INSPIRE to host inaugural Sunset Wine & Beer Festival

INSPIRE Entertainment Resort in Incheon will host its inaugural Sunset Wine & Beer Festival on Oct. 9 and 10, transforming the venue into a lively autumn haven for foodies, culture seekers and families. Running from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. both days at the outdoor grounds of Brasserie 1783, the event is designed to highlight the resort’s expanding culinary portfolio while offering a premium seasonal getaway. The festival seamlessly brings together international beverage selections, signature restaurant offerings and live entertainment. The festival grounds will be divided into three core zones — Wine, Beer and Food — blending gourmet dining, live music, and interactive activities into a complete weekend escape. In the Wine Zone, 10 domestic importers will feature approximately 260 labels originating from 11 countries. Participating booths will offer tastings of six to 10 varieties, spanning champagnes, sparkling options, whites and reds, as well as low- and non-alcoholic choices. The Beer Zone will feature 20 varieties across international, domestic classic and craft labels, including sel

Sep 21, 2026By Park Jin-hai

INSPIRE to host inaugural Sunset Wine & Beer Festival

Films

Yeon Sang-ho expands cinematic universe with gripping family mystery 'Paradise Lost'

Fresh off critical acclaim in Toronto, director Yeon Sang-ho’s latest film "Paradise Lost" — a project rooted in a story passed down by his mother — is making its way to home. The psychological thriller centers on So-young (Kim Hyun-joo), a grieving mother whose world is upended when her son, Sun-woo (Bae Hyeon-seong), whom she presumed dead after a camping bus went missing nine years ago, miraculously reappears. The film made its world premiere on Sept. 13 at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival. Following last year's "The Ugly," this marks Yeon's second consecutive year being officially invited to the festival's Special Presentations section — further expanding the ever-growing "Yeon-iverse." Based on the novel "Black Inferno," the plot follows So-young as she relies on an artificial intelligence program called "Children of Paradise" to interact with a digital avatar of her young son just to get through each day. Then comes the shock: Sun-woo returns home alive. While the public erupts over his miracle survival, So-young is gripped by a growing dread. Covered in scars,

Sep 18, 2026By Park Jin-hai

Yeon Sang-ho expands cinematic universe with gripping family mystery 'Paradise Lost'

Shows & Dramas

From dating simulators to co-producers: AI moves to center stage in K-entertainment

The Korean television and content industry are aggressively integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its domain, ranging from technical background processing to front-of-camera narrative devices. The shift is most visible in non-scripted entertainment, where human relationships once formed the absolute core of viewer engagement. SBS’ reality show "My AI Partner — Strange Romance" recently placed humans and digital avatars side by side in double dates. During a recent episode, webtoon artist Kian84 introduced his AI partner Na-hee to his close acquaintance, Ji Ye-eun, casually referring to the digital persona as "honey." Despite the synthetic nature of the interaction, Ji reacted with skepticism, insisting that it seems hard to date an AI and adding that her own feelings were "real" love. Kian84, however, defended the psychological comfort provided by his digital companion, saying that "there is a sense of security that a human simply cannot give." Yet, as the boundaries blurred, he confessed to a complex inner conflict: "Rather than Na-hee becoming human, I feel like I am becom

Sep 18, 2026By Park Jin-hai

From dating simulators to co-producers: AI moves to center stage in K-entertainment

Travel & Food

From safari to zombies: Everland's day-to-night adventure

By day, people take leisurely strolls through the savannah to observe the wildlife, but the moment the sun dips below the horizon, Korea’s most iconic theme park transforms into an apocalyptic battleground where survival is your only objective. Following the return of Everland's "walking safari" experience, the park's autumn lineup puts horror front and center with Blood City Zero: Hell Gate, a live-action experience that brings visitors directly into a living nightmare. Operated by Samsung C&T Resort Group, this seasonal spectacle ditches traditional passive viewing in favor of heart-stopping immersion, for a 72-day run ending on Nov. 22. Escape zombie outbreaks Celebrating the horror zone's 10th anniversary, Everland joined forces with film director Lee Seok-hoon, known for box-office hits like "The Pirates" (2014) and "Confidential Assignment 2: International" (2022), to translate the visual language and cinematic staging of a blockbuster film to a theme park event. Starting at 4 p.m. every day, the boundaries between actors and audience completely dissolve as the entire area conver

Sep 17, 2026By Park Jin-hai

Park Jin-hai

Read more

'The Ballad of Us' returns to rewrite K-ballad history

'100 Days of Deception' brings colonial-era espionage romance to life

'A turning point in my career': Woo Do-hwan

Korea's social media brews up new coffee obsession

From 'M' to 'Infinite Challenge': Korea's nostalgia revival takes over streaming

'The Scandal' unconventional challenge worth taking, says actor Ji Chang-wook

INSPIRE to host inaugural Sunset Wine & Beer Festival

Yeon Sang-ho expands cinematic universe with gripping family mystery 'Paradise Lost'

From dating simulators to co-producers: AI moves to center stage in K-entertainment

From safari to zombies: Everland's day-to-night adventure

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