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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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Arts & Theater

'The Lives of Others' transforms film into raw, heart-wrenching theater

"The Lives of Others" is returning to the stage, offering a profound look at how human empathy can break through totalitarian control. Running from July 1 to Sept. 13 at the LG Arts Center Seoul U+ Stage, this co-production by Project Group Ilda and Library Company adapts Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck’s acclaimed film, "Das Leben der Anderen." Under Son Sang-kyu’s direction, the play revisits the journey of a state spy who is irrevocably transformed by the very suffering he is ordered to watch. Set in East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall, the story delves into the psychological shift in the mind of Gerd Wiesler (Yoon Na-moo), a secret police officer with what seems to be an unshakeable faith in the socialist regime. Assigned to wiretap East Germany’s top playwright Georg Dreyman (Jang Seung-jo) and his partner, the popular actress Christa-Maria Sieland (Im Soo-hyang), Wiesler finds himself drawn into their private lives. While Dreyman and Sieland try to live as mainstream artists, they are increasingly forced to choose between conformity and resistance. When Dreyman’

Jul 6, 2026By Park Jin-hai
'The Lives of Others' transforms film into raw, heart-wrenching theater
Korean Heritage

Int'l collaboration key to preserving cultural heritage: KHS chief

DAEJEON — Preserving cultural heritage is not the task of a single country but one that requires international collaboration, as the destruction of cultural assets stems from events such as wars and climate change, which affect the entire world, Huh Min, administrator of the Korea Heritage Service (KHS), said. As Korea prepares to chair and host the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session in Busan later this month, Huh believes the event is an opportunity to position Korea as a "global agenda setter" by leading collaboration initiatives. "At this meeting, the core philosophy we want to emphasize is 'peace' and 'collaboration' through world heritage. As the host and chair country, we are aiming to present this very vision through the 'Busan Declaration,'" he said during an interview with The Korea Times at KHS headquarters in Daejeon on June 29. It is the first time for Korea to host the annual session since it joined the World Heritage Convention in 1988. The committee has established strategic objectives to guide the implementation of the convention called the "5 Cs" — credibi

Jul 6, 2026By Park Jin-hai
Int'l collaboration key to preserving cultural heritage: KHS chief
Shows & Dramas

'I like stories that lay human nature bare': veteran actor Choi Min-sik

After more than 35 years in the industry, Choi Min-sik has solidified his status as a living legend of Korean cinema. In his latest project Netflix psychological thriller, "Notes from the Last Row," the 64-year-old veteran actor delivers a haunting performance as professor Heo Mun-oh, a failed novelist who becomes dangerously consumed by the voyeuristic genius of Lee Kang (Choi Hyun-wook), an enigmatic student sitting in the back of his classroom. "When I first got the script and read the original play, I instantly thought, 'This is a drama that leaves room for thought,'" Choi told The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Thursday. He said the series has a classic feel, different from recent trends. "Much like my past film 'Failan' (2001), I was drawn to this short but incredibly intense story. It felt like one of those small, lightweight paperbacks we used to carry around in our pockets back in school," he said. Narrative stripping humans bare Choi has never been one to shy away from the darker, less glamorous corners of human nature. While mainstream media often favors flawless heroes, Choi

Jul 2, 2026By Park Jin-hai
'I like stories that lay human nature bare': veteran actor Choi Min-sik
Shows & Dramas

Netflix dating reality 'Better Late Than Single' Season 2 promises fierce return

In a golden age of dating reality shows where perfectly curated singles trade razor-sharp flirtations, Netflix is doubling down on a completely different kind of romance — the clumsy and utterly genuine kind. Netflix show "Better Late Than Single" is a "dating makeover reality show," which tracks the first romantic steps of people with zero dating experience but maximum expectations. Following the sleeper-hit success of its first installment, the show's second season promises to dive even deeper into the relatable "swamp of delusions" that defines first love. For the show’s creators, the massive popularity of the series lies in its raw, unfiltered nostalgia. "I’ve previously described this show as an old diary," said producer Kim Noh-eun during a press conference for the show at Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery in Mapo District, Wednesday. "When you open it up years later, it makes you cringe so hard your hands and feet curl —yet you absolutely cannot stop reading. It's that universal human experience that resonated so deeply with viewers." Returning panelists actors Seo In-guk and Kang

Jul 1, 2026By Park Jin-hai
Netflix dating reality 'Better Late Than Single' Season 2 promises fierce return
Korean Heritage

Stitching Korean spirit: Costume designer reimagines hanbok for world stage

Lee Jin-hee, the mastermind behind the costume designs of countless dramas, films and theatrical productions, first encountered costume design during her studies at college, where she majored in stage design. Captivated by the spirit embedded in traditional Korean attire, she has carved out a distinguished career as a hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) designer. The designer, who is now teaching at the Korea National University of Arts, made a name for herself through her work on hit dramas such as "Love in the Moonlight" (2016) and "My Dearest" (2023), as well as films such as "The Treacherous" (2015) and "The Great Battle" (2018). In 2020, her artistry earned her the Costume Design Award at the Grand Bell Awards. In 2024, she held a solo exhibition by invitation at the Korean Cultural Center in New York, and last year, she unveiled 15 hanbok pieces integrating artificial intelligence (AI) at a fashion show celebrating the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. Most recently, she served as the chief costume designer for the local musi

Jun 28, 2026By Park Jin-hai
Stitching Korean spirit: Costume designer reimagines hanbok for world stage
Shows & Dramas

So Ji-sub awakens combat instincts in 'Agent Kim Reactivated'

Actor So Ji-sub is set to deliver "brutal and intense action" in SBS’ highly anticipated revenge series "Agent Kim Reactivated," a drama centered on the fierce depths of paternal love. So stars as Kim Do-hyeon, known as Manager Kim, a former elite special agent living undercover as an ordinary employee at a small savings bank. Once a legendary operative known as "Codename 66" — even earning a spot on North Korea's blacklist — Kim had retired to honor his late wife's dying wish to "just live as a father." However, when his only daughter is thrust into extreme danger, he is forced to awaken his deadly combat instincts once more. "I really wanted to do an action drama again," So shared during a press conference for the drama at SBS headquarters in Mok-dong, Seoul, Thursday. "Manager Kim's narrative, alongside his desperate mindset while tracking down his daughter, felt like a compelling challenge." He noted that the show's action stands apart from his previous works, including his 2025 action noir "Mercy for None." "The difficulty was advanced," he said. "Unlike other dramas where the

Jun 25, 2026By Park Jin-hai
So Ji-sub awakens combat instincts in 'Agent Kim Reactivated'
Korean Heritage

Symposium to spotlight Korea's 2nd oldest surviving genealogy

During the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910), families preserved their genealogical records in books called "jokbo." These records offer a window into individual family histories and the broader social structure of the kingdom. In recent years, efforts to register jokbo as a UNESCO Memory of the World heritage item have gained momentum in Korea. Interest in these genealogical records will be on full display at a symposium on the genealogical book of the Cheongsong Shim clan, scheduled for Saturday at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul. The symposium is hosted by the Cheongsong Shim Clan Association and supported by the Korean Genealogy Academic Committee. "Cheongsong Shim Clan Eulsa-Sabo," the earliest genealogy book of the Cheongsong Shim clan, is the second oldest surviving ancient genealogy in Korea, following the Andong Kwon clan's "Seonghwa-bo." The book, published in 1545 by Shim Tong-won (1499–1572), has drawn attention from genealogy scholars and traditional clan associations. Jokbo is globally recognized for its unparalleled historical and anthropological value. The Eulsa-Sabo i

Jun 25, 2026By Park Jin-hai
Symposium to spotlight Korea's 2nd oldest surviving genealogy
Shows & Dramas

Choi Min-sik returns in Netflix thriller ‘Notes from the Last Row’

Veteran actor Choi Min-sik is set to delve into the intricate layers of human nature in his highly anticipated Netflix project "Notes from the Last Row." The psychological suspense drama centers on Heo Mun-oh (Choi), a failed writer and Korean literature professor. His life takes a sharp turn when he uncovers the raw genius of Lee Kang (Choi Hyun-wook), a mysterious student who sits in the very back row of his classroom. Choi Min-sik, celebrated globally for his powerhouse performances in "Exhuma" (2024) and "Big Bet" (2022), masterfully portrays Mun-oh, a professor consumed by a deep sense of inferiority. "I found myself yearning for a project imbued with a rich literary fragrance," Choi said during a press conference at the Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery, Wednesday. "While there are plenty of highly popular and entertaining shows these days, I felt this script really gave the audience room to think. People might find Mun-oh's flaws hitting a bit too close to home, allowing viewers to see themselves in him." He added, "The message of the piece and the dynamic between the teacher and student

Jun 24, 2026By Park Jin-hai
Choi Min-sik returns in Netflix thriller ‘Notes from the Last Row’
Shows & Dramas

Netflix 'The Love Lab' forces singles into extreme states of romance

Netflix's new reality dating show "The Love Lab" is a social experiment that throws singles into wild, unpredictable scenarios, capturing the exact moment their dormant romantic instincts spark to life. The show features a revolving cast of a group of ordinary singles scouted and brought in for each unique experiment and scenario. Star producer for romance reality shows Lee Jin-ju joined the production. Likening the current influx of reality romance programs to a fiercely competitive "Warring States period," producer Lee emphasized that the long-term survival of the genre hinges on a production's ability to deliver compelling, innovative content. "The longevity of dating shows depends entirely on introducing novel concepts," Lee said during a press conference at the Stanford Hotel Seoul, Tuesday. "I spent a lot of time considering what would make a 'new product' truly compelling, and we are leveraging this experimental format to test various ideas. We are producing this with the distinct mindset that the show is a literal romance laboratory." The series marks a pivot to short-form, fast-

Jun 23, 2026By Park Jin-hai
Netflix 'The Love Lab' forces singles into extreme states of romance
Travel & Food

Meet Korea’s pioneering ‘instant noodle critic’

For many, instant noodles are a quick, cheap meal designed for convenience. But for Ji Young-jun, Korea's pioneering "ramyeon critic," they represent a lifetime of history, complex food science and a rapidly growing cultural phenomenon. Ji’s unconventional journey into the world of noodles began during a period of personal frustration. After enduring consecutive failures on Korea's grueling college entrance exam, he enlisted in the military. It was while wandering the aisles of the military commissary (PX) that he found an unexpected spark of inspiration. "Before finishing my service, I set a humble goal for myself: 'Let’s taste every single instant noodle available here,'" Ji recalls during an interview with The Korea Times, Monday. "Astonishingly, that simple objective completely revitalized my military life and filled it with excitement. I wanted to carry this amazing energy into the civilian world, so in 2013, I began sharing my detailed reviews on social media." For a decade, Ji balanced his passion for instant noodles with a stable career as a primary school teacher. However,

Jun 23, 2026By Park Jin-hai
Meet Korea’s pioneering ‘instant noodle critic’
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