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.
Lee Byung-hun, one of the first Korean actors to venture into Hollywood, is writing a new chapter in his career with the Netflix series "Squid Game." Following the global sensation of Season 1, the Season 2 has captured worldwide attention, ranking No. 1 in 93 countries upon its release.
![[INTERVIEW] From Hollywood to 'Squid Game,' Lee Byung-hun's career soars to new heights](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Netflix's popular Korean dating show "Single's Inferno," which has captivated global audiences each season, is back with an all-new lineup of contestants.
2025 is shaping up to be another exciting year for K-drama aficionados, offering a wide array of genres and themes. There’s something for everyone, from groundbreaking sci-fi sagas to unconventional love stories, along with the return of several A-list stars.
Coupang Play series "Newtopia," starring Jisoo of BLACKPINK and Park Jeong-min, is poised to offer a fresh take on the zombie genre, with its strong romantic elements.
Actor Lee Jung-jae, returning in "Squid Game" Season 2, says he feels deep empathy for the character Seong Gi-hun, describing him as a complex individual full of contradictions.
Following the tragic Jeju Air crash, Korea entered a weeklong national mourning period. While the entertainment industry canceled numerous events to show respect, some celebrities faced backlash for behavior deemed insensitive, sparking a debate on how grief should be expressed.
Office worker Park Seung-jin, 28, binge-watches an entire drama series during her 20-minute commute. She does this by watching multiple short-form videos, which are about one minute long and summarizes the highlights of each 60-minute episode.
"Squid Game" returned with Season 2 Friday, dominating global charts by holding the No. 1 spot on Netflix for three days straight. Despite its splendid performance on the ranking, reactions from both viewers and critics have been polarized.
"Squid Game," the Netflix phenomenon that once raked in record profits, has returned. However, by rehashing the familiar characters and settings from Season 1, the much-anticipated series leaves viewers with a sense of deja vu. The new season's loose structure and connection to the overall story feels more like a setup for Season 3, slated to be released in the first half of next year.