The Korea Times

How Shin Min-a brings depth to crime thriller 'Karma'

Shin Min-a brought a fresh perspective to her role in the new Netflix crime thriller "Karma." In the webtoon-based series, premiered on Friday, the actor sheds her typical girl-next-door persona, portraying a woman who has been suffering from lifelong trauma. In the six-part drama, exploring the intertwined lives of six individuals trapped in ill-fated relationships they cannot escape, the 41-year-old portrays Ju-yeon — a surgeon who survived a sexual assault when she was a high school student. With lifeless expressions and dry tone, Shin perfectly captures Ju-yeon's emotional depth and pain. When other characters are trapped in a cycle of ill-fated relationships, killing one another, Ju-yeon stands apart by refraining from direct revenge. "I worried that viewers might feel frustrated or perceive my performance as disconnected from the rest of the cast," she said during an interview with The Korea Times at the JW Marriot Dongdaemun Square Seoul in Jongno District, Wednesday. "So, I had a lot of discussions with the director how to portray Ju-yeon's distinct emotional trajectory effecti

Apr 9, 2025By Park Jin-hai

How Shin Min-a brings depth to crime thriller 'Karma'

'Karma' explores twisted fates of 6 desperate souls

Arts & Theater

Korean screen stars turn to stage amid film industry downturn

This spring, Korea’s theater scene is ablaze with star-studded productions as some of the country’s most celebrated actors step back onto the stage in long-awaited returns and high-profile debuts. At the center of the buzz is "Hedda Gabler," Henrik Ibsen’s classic play, which will be staged simultaneously in May by two different companies, featuring two iconic Korean actors. Lee Young-ae, globally renowned for her role in the 2003 drama "Jewel in the Palace," will make a comeback to the stage after 32 years, starring in a production by LG Arts Center from May 7 to June 8. At the same time, veteran actor Lee Hye-young reprises her performance as Hedda Gabler after a 13-year hiatus in a separate production by the National Theater Company of Korea (NTCK) from May 8 to June 1. "Hedda Gabler" is a play widely regarded as a profound exploration of a woman's psyche as she yearns for freedom amid social constraints and oppression. The distinct interpretations and styles of the two contrasting renditions of the Ibsen classic stirred excitement among Korean audiences. "I had many doubts about

Apr 5, 2025By Park Jin-hai

Korean screen stars turn to stage amid film industry downturn

Entertainment

Celebrities react to court's decision to oust Yoon

The Constitutional Court's decision to remove President Yoon Suk-yeol from office has sparked reactions from celebrities on social media. "A day when both I and the country are saved," singer Lee Seung-hwan posted on social media. "Our Constitution is precise, and our democracy is strong. Long live South Korea!" Lee has been outspoken about his support for Yoon's impeachment. The singer performed at a candlelit vigil calling for impeachment in Yeouido last December and again at a similar event in downtown Seoul on March 27, singing to advocate for Yoon's removal. Actors Shin So-yul, Lee Dong-wook and Kim Ji-woo, as well as singer JK Kim Dong-wook also shared their opinions. "Congratulations to everyone," Shin So-yul said in an Instagram Story. "Let's all work hard and live upright lives together from now on. Spring is here now." Along with the message, she uploaded a photo showing her watching the live broadcast of the Constitutional Court's ruling. In December, she shared a photo from a rally calling for Yoon's impeachment, and wrote, "Singing 'Into the New World' with great energy." Th

Apr 4, 2025By Park Jin-hai

Celebrities react to court's decision to oust Yoon

Arts & Theater

'Ballet Dream' to reveal magic behind curtain to deepen appreciation for dance

In an effort to deepen audiences' appreciation for ballet, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts is bringing together active ballet dancers, a choreographer and a costume designer to share their artistry both on and off the stage. "Ballet Dream," directed by Choi Tae-ji, a legendary figure in Korean ballet, will showcase highlights from famous ballet works such as "The Nutcracker," "La Bayadère" and "La Esmeralda." Choi, who served as a former artistic director of the Korea National Ballet, has significantly bridged the gap between ballet and the public by staging narrated ballet performances, which included friendly explanations to enhance audience understanding. In the upcoming "Ballet Dream," she will take this concept a step further by introducing a guest talk segement with ballerino Kim Se-yong, known as one of the first Koreans to portray Billy in the musical "Billy Elliot" in 2010; choreographer Ryu Hoi-woong, who participated in the Mnet's dance survival show "Stage Fighterl"; and ballet costume designer Chung Han-ah. In these interactive sessions, participants will share st

Apr 4, 2025By Park Jin-hai

'Ballet Dream' to reveal magic behind curtain to deepen appreciation for dance

Shows & Dramas

INTERVIEW IU learns 'life goes on' from 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'

In the recently concluded Netflix sensation "When Life Gives You Tangerines," singer-actor IU delivers a captivating performance by seamlessly embodying two distinct characters — the spirited young Ae-sun and her ambitious daughter Geum-myeong — in a multigenerational story of life, love and resilience. Despite the challenge of playing dual characters, IU, also known as Lee Ji-eun, skillfully captures the intricate nuances of both their lives. Viewers have praised the 31-year-old for setting a new milestone in her acting career since her breakout role in the 2018 drama "My Mister," once again expanding her acting spectrum. Expressing her joy and disbelief upon receiving the script for "When Life Gives You Tangerines," IU revealed she read the script on the spot, feeling an immediate desire to take on the role of Ae-sun, a character very different from the darker roles she had previously portrayed. "'My Mister' and 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' share a common focus on human emotions rather than events, but their tones are vastly different. In 'My Mister,' Ji-an starts in the shado

Apr 2, 2025By Park Jin-hai

[INTERVIEW] IU learns 'life goes on' from 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'

Shows & Dramas

INTERVIEW Park Hae-joon sheds 'nation's adulterer' image, plays devoted husband in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'

Park Hae-joon, once infamously known as the "nation's adulterer" for his portrayal of an unfaithful husband in the 2020 drama "The World of the Married," is reclaiming his screen persona — this time as the "nation’s romantic lead." In the Netflix's acclaimed series "When Life Gives You Tangerines," Park delivers a heartfelt performance as Yang Gwan-sik, a devoted husband and selfless family man. Park shared that he laughed and cried along with viewers while experiencing the story of "When Life Gives You Tangerines," adding that portraying the devoted Gwan-sik proved to be more challenging than his previous role as an adulterous husband. "Portraying a shameless character committing adultery had a certain thrill and catharsis because it allowed me to act out something that I don't do in real life. However, playing Gwan-sik was more demanding as it constantly made me reflect on myself and draw parallels to my own life," he said during an interview with The Korea Times at The Ambassador Seoul — A Pullman Hotel in central Seoul, Tuesday. In the 16-part drama, telling the life stories of

Apr 1, 2025By Park Jin-hai

[INTERVIEW] Park Hae-joon sheds 'nation's adulterer' image, plays devoted husband in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'

Shows & Dramas

'Karma' explores twisted fates of 6 desperate souls

Netflix's new crime thriller series "Karma" delves into the lives of six individuals entangled in inescapable ill-fated relationships as they pursue their desires. The adaptation of the popular Kakao Webtoon of the same name is set to premiere Friday. "Karma" features a star-studded cast, including Park Hae-soo as a man who witnesses a mysterious accident; Shin Min-a as a surgeon haunted by lifelong trauma; Lee Hee-jun as a debtor chased by loan sharks after a failed cryptocurrency investment; Kim Sung-kyun as a man cornered after losing his job; Lee Kwang-soo as a successful doctor who practices traditional Korean medicine; and Gong Seung-yeon as his charming girlfriend. "Karma" is adapted and directed by Lee Il-hyung, known for his acclaimed film "A Violent Prosecutor" (2016). This marks Lee Il-hyung's first stint as a showrunner. "It is a story about six individuals, each driven by their own desires, who experience a specific incident and become trapped in the inescapable cycle of ill-fated relationships," Lee Il-hyung said Monday at a press conference at JW Marriott Dongdaemun Squar

Mar 31, 2025By Park Jin-hai

'Karma' explores twisted fates of 6 desperate souls

Arts & Theater

INTERVIEW Baek Ji-yoon, Korea's 1st theater actor with Down syndrome, gains confidence on stage

For 15 years, a mother and her daughter have walked along the beach together every day. The daughter Kelly, a 27-year-old with Down syndrome, is independent and capable of taking care of herself. Her mother, Agnes, has sacrificed much and fought hard for Kelly over the years. Their peaceful daily routine is suddenly disrupted when Kelly announces that she has a boyfriend. Kelly dreams of living a normal life — raising a child with her non-disabled boyfriend, Neil. However, Agnes grows increasingly anxious, fearing that her daughter might be getting deceived. The play "Jellyfish" by British playwright Ben Weatherill explores themes of love, independence and societal attitudes toward disability. Its Korean adaptation, premiered on March 18 at the Modu Art Theater in Seodaemun District, Seoul, features Baek Ji-yoon in the role of Kelly, continuing the play’s tradition of casting actors with Down syndrome to authentically portray its central character, highlighting issues of representation and disability rights. Baek's performance in "Jellyfish" — transparent and heartfelt like a jell

Mar 31, 2025By Park Jin-hai

[INTERVIEW] Baek Ji-yoon, Korea's 1st theater actor with Down syndrome, gains confidence on stage

Entertainment

Kim Soo-hyun's messages reveal relationship with underage Kim Sae-ron, family claims

An attorney representing the bereaved family of late actor Kim Sae-ron presented evidence on Thursday supporting their claim that she was in a romantic relationship with actor Kim Soo-hyun when she was still a minor. Bu Ji-seok of law firm Buyou shared the material provided by the family during a press conference held at Space Share Center in Seoul. He explained that the family chose to disclose the evidence publicly to end ongoing speculation that has severely impacted their emotional well-being. "Recently, Kim Sae-ron's private life has been indiscriminately exposed almost daily, leading to speculation and criticism of the bereaved family," Bu said during the press conference. “This has caused them extreme anxiety and both mental and physical distress. By releasing this evidence, they wish to put an end to the controversy and stop further meaningless disputes over the facts after this press conference.” Bu presented KakaoTalk messages allegedly exchanged in June 2016, when Kim Sae-ron was 16 years old. In one exchange, Kim Sae-ron wrote, "I'm back to filming. I'll finish soon and co

Mar 27, 2025By Park Jin-hai

Kim Soo-hyun's messages reveal relationship with underage Kim Sae-ron, family claims

Music

Korea's legendary folk duo returns with new album after 13 years

Singer-songwriter Joung Tae-choon and his musical partner and wife Park Eun-ohk, widely recognized as symbols of Korean resistance folk music, are set to return with their first new studio album in 13 years, titled "Between Torrential Rain." The album, slated for digital release in April, marks their first since their 2012 project "City Bus to the Sea." Accompanying the album is their literary project "Songs, Break the Wall," which emphasizes the inherent connection between songs and poetry. Joung declared a creative hiatus and entered seclusion in 2019 but has once again stepped into the world of creative work. The 71-year-old Joung has frequently expressed that he owes a debt to Korean literature, reflecting on the profound impact it has had on him as an artistically refined language. "Through literature, I was moved and felt a sense of awareness about various issues," Joung said during a press conference Tuesday at Roh Moo-Hyun Civic Center in Jongno District, Seoul, to celebrate the couple's 45th anniversary in the music industry. "I should have withdrawn (from music) as I declared b

Mar 27, 2025By Park Jin-hai

Park Jin-hai

Read more

How Shin Min-a brings depth to crime thriller 'Karma'

Korean screen stars turn to stage amid film industry downturn

Celebrities react to court's decision to oust Yoon

'Ballet Dream' to reveal magic behind curtain to deepen appreciation for dance

INTERVIEW IU learns 'life goes on' from 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'

INTERVIEW Park Hae-joon sheds 'nation's adulterer' image, plays devoted husband in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'

'Karma' explores twisted fates of 6 desperate souls

INTERVIEW Baek Ji-yoon, Korea's 1st theater actor with Down syndrome, gains confidence on stage

Kim Soo-hyun's messages reveal relationship with underage Kim Sae-ron, family claims

Korea's legendary folk duo returns with new album after 13 years

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