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Park Jin-hai

Korea Times K-Culture Reporter

Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.

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Shows & Dramas

From Young-hee to hanjeongsik: ‘Squid Game’ Season 3 brings back Korean childhood games, nostalgia

Having failed in his rebellion, "Squid Game" protagonist Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) feels guilty and helpless, believing that many people died because of him. He's even unable to participate in the vote to decide whether or not to continue the game. In the midst of this disaster, his anger turns towards Dae-ho (Kang Ha-neul). He believes the rebellion failed because Dae-ho, who was supposed to bring the magazine for the bullets, got scared and ran away. As Gi-hun is haunted by his failed rebellion and the weight of lives lost, dawn breaks and a new, more brutal game begins in "Squid Game" Season 3. As in previous seasons, the latest episodes are steeped in Korean cultural references, from the twisted reinvention of childhood games and nursery rhymes to retro settings and even Korean food. These cultural layers ground the global hit in a uniquely Korean identity. Young-hee and Chul-su This season introduces a new robotic doll, Chul-su, to join the infamous Young-hee animatronic. Previously seen in the chilling “Red Light, Green Light” game, Young-hee used motion sensors to gun down players

Jun 30, 2025By Park Jin-hai
From Young-hee to hanjeongsik: ‘Squid Game’ Season 3 brings back Korean childhood games, nostalgia
Shows & Dramas

Park Bo-young's mantra: 'Yesterday is over. Today is unknown. Let's go!'

"Yesterday is over. Tomorrow is yet to come. Today is yet unknown. Let's go!" Actor Park Bo-young said she frequently repeated these very words to herself while filming tvN's "Our Unwritten Seoul." These were the words her character, Mi-ji, would say to encourage herself to start her day after an injury had shattered her dream of becoming a track athlete, leading her to isolate herself in her room. "I was so scared, wondering what gave me the courage to think I could pull this off with confidence. What if it just looks like 'Park Bo-young 1' and 'Park Bo-young 2,' or what if there's no real difference? I just wanted to run away the night before the first shoot," Park said during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Thursday. In the drama, identical twins Mi-rae and Mi-ji decide to swap lives after Mi-rae, a character with top academic achievements and a successful career in a public enterprise, becomes an outcast at her company for exposing internal corruption. Slowly, they discover each other's hidden pain and learn to see the world from a different perspective. Four ch

Jun 30, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Park Bo-young's mantra: 'Yesterday is over. Today is unknown. Let's go!'
Shows & Dramas

'Marry My Husband' Japanese version debuts with K-drama creators, J-drama stars

A highly anticipated Japanese version of the hit Korean drama "Marry My Husband" was released Friday. The collaboration project, bringing together K-drama production staff with Japanese actors and a local Japanese crew, has garnered attention as a "J-drama created by K-drama production staff." Notably, this Japanese version doesn't simply rehash the Korean drama. Instead, it's a meticulously crafted adaptation of the original web novel, reimagined and tailored specifically for Japanese audiences. "When we acquired the original web novel and were planning the Korean version, the webtoon also became a hit in Japan," said Studio Dragon's producer Son Ja-young during a press conference at Ramada by Wyndham Seoul in Sindorim, Seoul, Thursday. "Usually, when a Korean drama is produced overseas, it's a remake. However, the Japanese version of this drama was planned even before the Korean version began filming. Since it's not a remake but an original Japanese drama, it's a new attempt and a significant challenge," she said regarding the planning process. Based on the popular web novel of the same

Jun 27, 2025By Park Jin-hai
'Marry My Husband' Japanese version debuts with K-drama creators, J-drama stars
Shows & Dramas

BUMSUP brings Korea-inspired performance to 'World of Street Woman Fighter'

What happens when street dance legends from around the world face off under one roof? Mnet’s dance competition show "World of Street Woman Fighter" (WSWF) ups the ante, transforming its hit series into a global showdown and igniting a dance craze with record-breaking performances. Korean dance crew BUMSUP is dominating the spotlight with their mega crew mission video, “Mongyeong — At the Boundary of Dreams,” directed by Honey J. Released on June 18 via Mnet’s YouTube channel The CHOOM, the performance racked up over 13 million views in just six days — the fastest climb ever across all mission videos in Mnet’s dance competition franchises, including "Street Woman Fighter," "Street Man Fighter" and "Stage Fighter." In the video, a pre-release for the global vote of the upcoming mega crew mission — featuring each teams mobilizing large numbers of performers — BUMSUP showcased a stunning collaboration with actor Roh Yoon-seo and 102 dancers. It received praise for its sophisticated blend of Korean tradition with a modern twist. The performance skillfully incorporates eleme

Jun 26, 2025By Park Jin-hai
BUMSUP brings Korea-inspired performance to 'World of Street Woman Fighter'
Shows & Dramas

'Parasite' writer Han Jin-won makes directorial debut with school election drama

Han Jin-won, the writer behind the Oscar-winning film "Parasite," officially made his directorial debut with Tving's "I Am a Running Mate." The 39-year-old, who shared the Best Original Screenplay Academy Award with Bong Joon-ho in 2020, initially joined the new project as a scriptwriter. However, a desire to direct soon blossomed. "I wasn't initially contracted to direct, but as I wrote, I became more ambitious, so I said I wanted to direct. This wasn't just a delivery-ready script, it was a screenplay with a director's vision already embedded. I even made notes on camera movements," Han said during an interview with The Korea Times in Seoul Tuesday. "That's how my affection grew, and when a script I wrote over a decade ago started to be developed, I found myself with a craving to direct. Unlike my previous works, I was nervous about seeing a creative project that I had spearheaded put to the test." With a cast of rising stars, the Tving series, which dropped all episodes on Thursday, is a cheerful teen political drama that follows Se-hoon (Yoon Hyun-soo), who becomes the school's laugh

Jun 24, 2025By Park Jin-hai
'Parasite' writer Han Jin-won makes directorial debut with school election drama
Shows & Dramas

Ko So-young makes variety show debut as host of 'Dr. Oh's Stay'

Actor Ko So-young, known for her iconic roles in the 1990s, is making a highly anticipated return to the small screen as the host of a new reality program on MBN. The show, "Dr. Oh's Stay," marks Ko’s first step into the world of entertainment hosting, showcasing a new, more personal side of the star. The program follows individuals confronting personal pains and traumas as they take part in a one-night, two-day temple stay at Ssanggye Temple in Hadong, South Gyeongsang Province — a Buddhist temple dating back to the 9th century — guided by psychiatrist Oh Eun-young, widely known in Korea as “the nation’s mentor." Here they seek comfort, empathy and diverse solutions together. Ko serves as one of the hosts, alongside comedian Moon Se-yoon. "Especially as a parent with children, I had the opportunity to meet with Oh when I was worried if I was on the right path. I had a personal connection with her and was receiving a lot of help," the Ko said during an online press conference Monday, explaining why she decided to join the show. Rather than dispensing advice, the 52-year-old act

Jun 23, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Ko So-young makes variety show debut as host of 'Dr. Oh's Stay'
Shows & Dramas

Is it too late for Tving-Wavve merger to unseat Netflix in Korea?

In response to the Korea Fair Trade Commission's (FTC) June 10 decision to conditionally approve the merger of Tving and Wavve, experts have offered mixed reactions with some casting doubt on whether the move can seriously unseat Netflix, currently dominating Korea’s streaming market. While some see the merger as a strategic move to enhance competitiveness by scaling up, others remain skeptical whether it can challenge Netflix’s dominance in Korea. "The merger feels overdue. Even if it happens now, I question how much impact it will really have. For the merger to be effective, content exclusivity is necessary, but that has already been broken — SBS recently signed a deal with Netflix. There’s no guarantee that MBC or KBS won’t do the same in the future," said Yoo Geon-sik, an adjunct professor at Sungkyunkwan University’s Graduate School of Media and Culture. According to data analysis platform Mobile Index, Tving had 7.16 million monthly active users in May, while Wavve recorded 4.13 million. Their combined user base of 11.28 million still falls short of Netflix’s 14.5 mi

Jun 22, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Is it too late for Tving-Wavve merger to unseat Netflix in Korea?
Shows & Dramas

Where Sung Si-kyung, Yutaka Matsushige ate in ‘K-Foodie Meets J-Foodie’

Netflix reality show "K-Foodie Meets J-Foodie" brings together two celebrated food personalities from Korea and Japan: Korean balladeer and food YouTuber Sung Si-kyung and Japanese actor Yutaka Matsushige, best known for his role in the "Solitary Gourmet" series. The show aims to be a cross-cultural "taste exchange project," where the duo explores culinary gems across both countries, sharing not only food but also stories, traditions and the nuances of their respective food cultures. Here are some of those restaurants Sung and Matsushige visited on the show. Chinese restaurant Yang in Tokyo This beloved Chinese restaurant in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, known for its rich flavors and authentic atmosphere, is Matsushige's first pick on the show. Featured in the "Solitary Gourmet" drama series, this spot has been a favorite of the Japanese foodie for over 13 years, introduced as one of his personal go-to places. Run by an owner from Sichuan, China, the restaurant is famous for its spicy, brothless dandan noodles, pan-fried dumplings and hearty side dishes. For more information, visit its @yang.ikebukur

Jun 19, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Where Sung Si-kyung, Yutaka Matsushige ate in ‘K-Foodie Meets J-Foodie’
  • 'K-Foodie Meets J-Foodie' explores Korean, Japanese food cultures through friendship, flavor
Shows & Dramas

'K-Foodie Meets J-Foodie' explores Korean, Japanese food cultures through friendship, flavor

What happens when Korea’s top foodie meets Japan’s ultimate solo diner? In "K-Foodie Meets J-Foodie," now streaming on Netflix, beloved Korean ballad singer Sung Si-kyung teams up with Japanese actor Yutaka Matsushige of "Solitary Gourmet" fame for a cross-cultural culinary tour. Hopping between Korea's hidden gems and Japan's nostalgic eateries, the pair share more than just meals — they serve up memories, flavors and laughter. Since its February premiere, the show is winning over viewers in both countries, with Season 2 currently airing. In the latest episodes, Matsushige introduced tonkotsu ramen, the rich pork bone broth noodle dish hailing from Japan’s Fukuoka region, while Sung spotlighted Korea’s own comfort classic — sundae gukbap, a hearty soup made with blood sausage and rice in a savory pork bone broth. “Most food shows stimulate some kind of instinctive desire. They show delicious food and intentionally highlight the sounds to make viewers crave food. But I always hoped it could be something more than that," Kim In-sik, the producer behind the show, said in an

Jun 19, 2025By Park Jin-hai
'K-Foodie Meets J-Foodie' explores Korean, Japanese food cultures through friendship, flavor
  • Where Sung Si-kyung, Yutaka Matsushige ate in ‘K-Foodie Meets J-Foodie’
Arts & Theater

Korean National Ballet to feature Kylian’s iconic works

The Korean National Ballet (KNB) will perform pieces by famed Czech choreographer Jiri Kylian at the newly renovated GS Arts Center. "Kylian Project," comprising three of Kylian's works, "Forgotten Land," "Sechs Tanze" (Six Dances) and "Falling Angels," will grace the stage from June 26 to 29, ready to captivate modern ballet fans. Kylian, one of the greatest choreographers in modern ballet history, is recognized for redefining the flow of contemporary dance. He served as the artistic director of the Nederlands Dans Theater (NDT) for nearly 30 years, leading NDT to become a central force in the world of contemporary dance. His works are regularly performed around the world and are known for their emotional depth and philosophical reflection. This Seoul production will present three of Kylian’s pieces that sensuously stage the multifaceted inner self and emotions. The KNB's second collaboration with Kylian, following the "Evening Gala" in 2019, is expected to not only bring the charm of contemporary ballet to Korean audiences but also to serve as a stage to showcase the breadth and dept

Jun 14, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Korean National Ballet to feature Kylian’s iconic works
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