The Korea Times

Despite controversy, 'The Wonderfools' aims to ‘Woo’ world with retro heroics

Netflix's "The Wonderfools" marks Cha Eun-woo's return to the global spotlight, coming just as the actor puts a high-profile tax controversy behind him. The series is already generating massive hype as it reunites director Yoo In-sik with star Park Eun-bin — the powerhouse duo who previously dominated global charts with "Extraordinary Attorney Woo." Set in 1999, "The Wonderfools" is a "superpower comic adventure" centered on a group of eccentric, bumbling townspeople who unexpectedly gain supernatural abilities. As the millennium approaches, this unlikely band of heroes must clumsily defend their home against villains intent on wreaking havoc. "I’ve always had a soft spot for superheroes; it’s been a dream of mine to create one. When I first saw the concept, it really got my heart racing. It felt fresh and unique, and I wanted to translate that excitement to the audience," Yoo said during a press conference in Seoul, Tuesday, speaking about his lifelong passion for the genre. He likened the viewing experience to a theme park ride. "I want the audience to feel that 'seatbelt-clicki

May 12, 2026By Park Jin-hai

Despite controversy, 'The Wonderfools' aims to ‘Woo’ world with retro heroics

Shows & Dramas

Idol-turned-actor Cha Hak-yeon tackles first dual role in 'Absolute Value of Romance'

Cha Hak-yeon, charismatic leader of the K-pop group VIXX who is widely known as N, is proving that his artistic range extends far beyond the concert stage. In the trending series "Absolute Value of Romance," he has taken on the ambitious challenge of a dual role that effectively bridges the gap between cold logic and fictional fantasy. The drama utilizes a clever story-within-a-story structure that follows the life of Eui-ju (Kim Hyang-gi), a high school student secretly moonlighting as a popular web novel author. This meta-commentary on storytelling allows Cha to flex his acting muscles by portraying two vastly different personas within a single narrative. In the show’s reality, he plays Woo-su, a cold, calculated high school teacher. Conversely, within the pages of Eui-ju’s BL (boys' love) novel, he transforms into Si-on, a mysterious and alluring protagonist defined by over-the-top styling, exaggerated acting and a penchant for spitting out cringeworthy lines. "I felt a great deal of vitality from the script," Cha said during an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul o

May 11, 2026By Park Jin-hai

Idol-turned-actor Cha Hak-yeon tackles first dual role in 'Absolute Value of Romance'

Shows & Dramas

'We Are All Trying Here' answers fear of worthlessness

The JTBC drama "We Are All Trying Here" is creating a quiet sensation, depicting the deep-seated anxieties and deficiencies of the human psyche alongside a warm humanism that embraces them. Fans have offered "testimonials" for the show, claiming "not a single line of dialogue is wasted" and that they "savor each episode carefully." The story follows Dong-man (Koo Kyo-hwan), a man who has written 14 screenplays but has yet to film a single one, and Eun-a (Go Youn-jung), a film producer haunted by the trauma of being neglected by her mother during childhood. Dong-man remains the only member of "The Eight Club" — a group where members share their dreams of directing during their "pathetic" college days — who has yet to debut in 20 years. Portrayed as a somewhat pitiful character who talks incessantly among friends and freezes the atmosphere by scathingly criticizing the new release of a former best friend, Dong-man is a man racing downhill, shouting, "If I can’t prove myself through success, I’ll prove myself by falling apart." However, his nonstop chatter is actually a way to confi

May 11, 2026By Park Jin-hai

'We Are All Trying Here' answers fear of worthlessness

Shows & Dramas

Lim Ji-yeon delivers high-octane comic turn in 'My Royal Nemesis'

Having previously excelled in genre dramas, actor Lim Ji-yeon is now trying her hand at full-blown comedy, set to showcase her versatility in the SBS series "My Royal Nemesis." The upcoming series is a high-octane, "war-like" romantic comedy following Seo-ri (Lim), an obscure actress possessed by the soul of a legendary Joseon-era villainess, and Cha Se-gye (Heo Nam-jun), a cold-blooded chaebol heir. "Lim Ji-yeon herself is our greatest competitive edge," director Han Tae-sub said during a press conference for the drama at the SBS headquarters in Seoul, Thursday. "The script features a line that says, 'Good women go to heaven, but bad women go wherever they want.' The strength of this drama lies in the unpredictable journey of Dan-sim — the Joseon villainess — as she navigates her second chance at life and builds new relationships," he said. He further emphasized the depth of the project. "Someone who has experienced death gains a completely different perspective on life; that shift is the very plot and genre of this show. We’ve packed in everything an actor can possibly do, from r

May 7, 2026By Park Jin-hai

Lim Ji-yeon delivers high-octane comic turn in 'My Royal Nemesis'

Shows & Dramas

Coupang Play's 'Bonjour Bakery' runs dessert cafe for seniors

Coupang Play is serving up a new kind of comfort with "Bonjour Bakery," a "healing" variety show starring screen icons Kim Hee-ae and Cha Seung-won. The program introduces a first-of-its-kind "senior dessert cafe" where celebrity hosts trade life stories and warm pastries with local elders. The show breaks away from typical trends with a refreshing concept — entry is reserved exclusively for people aged 65 and over and their companions. By flipping the script on youth-centric cafe culture, the series promises a soulful, never-before-seen connection between generations. Writer Kim Ran-joo, best known for reality TV shows "Infinite Challenge" and "2 Days & 1 Night," explained her inspiration for the show was her late father, who fought a long illness and traveled frequently between hospitals in Yeosu and Seoul. "One day, while waiting for a train, I saw him try cake for the first time at a coffee shop, and he loved it so much. After that, we started visiting family restaurants together, but he passed away two years ago. Those memories became a great source of strength for me," Kim said

May 6, 2026By Park Jin-hai

Coupang Play's 'Bonjour Bakery' runs dessert cafe for seniors

Korean Heritage

4 iconic hanok K-drama fans must visit in May

As May ushers in the full bloom of spring, there is no better time to rediscover hanok, Korea’s traditional architecture. At the heart of these structures lies the profound philosophy of "chagyeong" — the art of "borrowing" the surrounding scenery to be in perfect harmony with the natural world. In a hanok, windows and doors are more than mere openings — they serve as living frames that capture the poetic transition of the seasons, inviting the mountains, wind and light to become part of home. Transcending their roles as backdrops for Korea’s most celebrated films and dramas, these four estates serve as tranquil sanctuaries for the soul. They invite visitors to step beyond the screen, offering a rare opportunity to pause, breathe and rediscover the enduring grace of Korean heritage. 1. Seonungak: Regal elegance at foot of Mount Bukhan Nestled deep in the valleys of Ui-dong, Seonungak is a grand estate where the rugged peaks of Bukhansan National Park serve as a breathtaking natural backdrop. Originally built in 1967 as an exclusive social club by Hyundai founder Chung Ju-young, i

May 5, 2026By Park Jin-hai

4 iconic hanok K-drama fans must visit in May

Shows & Dramas

'Perfect Crown' costume designer reimages hanbok as 'quiet luxury'

Cho Sang-kyung is more than just a costume designer. She is a visual storyteller whose threads weave together the very fabric of Korean films and dramas. From the gritty aesthetics of Park Chan-wook’s "Oldboy" (2003) and the haunting elegance of "The Handmaiden" (2016) to the global phenomenon "Squid Game" (2021-2025), Cho has defined the "look" of K-content for over two decades. Known for her meticulous research and bold reinterpretations, she possesses a rare ability to honor tradition while breaking its boundaries. In her recent project, "Perfect Crown," the designer moves beyond historical reproduction to showcase hanbok as a versatile, high-fashion statement. By seamlessly blending traditional silhouettes with contemporary sensibilities, she invites global audiences to see hanbok not just as a costume, but as a masterpiece of enduring elegance. Below is an excerpt from the interview with Cho. Q. I-an’s first appearance in "cheollik" (military robes) was striking. Why did you choose that specific garment for his introduction, and what impression did you want to leave on the audie

May 1, 2026By Park Jin-hai

'Perfect Crown' costume designer reimages hanbok as 'quiet luxury'

Travel & Food

Yumi in Busan: Guide to Kim Go-eun’s dreamy filming locations

In the popular tvN original series "Yumi’s Cells" Season 3, starring Kim Go-eun, the story delicately follows the protagonist’s emotional journey against the backdrop of Busan — ranging from seaside resorts and vintage bookstore alleys to pastel-hued, charming villages. The series, following Yumi (Kim), a successful author whose dormant romantic instincts are reawakened by the arrival of her editor Soon-rok (Kim Jae-won), portrays Busan as a warm travel destination that feels both exotic and nostalgic with the coziness of old-world spaces. If scenes from the drama keep playing in your head, why not head to the very spots that made your heart flutter? Here is a look at the Busan travel destinations that awakened Yumi's interest in love. Ananti at Busan Cove The setting for the group's workshop serves as the pivotal stage where Yumi and Soon-rok build their "slow-burn" connection, heightening their subtle chemistry before the sparks officially fly. The resort where they stay immediately caught viewers' eyes with its exotic vistas and spacious suites. In one poignant scene, Yumi watche

May 1, 2026By Park Jin-hai

Yumi in Busan: Guide to Kim Go-eun’s dreamy filming locations

Shows & Dramas

Park Bo-young breaks from 'honest' image in thriller 'Gold Land'

What choices would people make if they suddenly came into possession of 150 billion won ($102 million) worth of gold bars? The upcoming Disney+ original series "Gold Land" seeks to answer that question. Written by Hwang Jo-yoon — the screenwriter behind Park Chan-wook’s 2003 masterpiece "Oldboy" — the series is a survival thriller that follows Hee-ju (Park Bo-young), a young woman who finds herself embroiled in a chaotic web of greed and betrayal after discovering a massive stash of smuggled gold, fighting to keep the fortune for herself. Beyond the heart-pounding suspense, the series promises a deep dive into the complexities of human nature and the fragility of relationships. Park takes on her first role in a crime series as a customs officer whose desires are awakened by the accidental discovery. "I was looking for a genre challenge," Park said during a press conference at Conrad Seoul, Monday. "The director noted that most people see me as the type of person who would return found gold. He suggested that seeing someone with that 'honest' image make the opposite choice would trig

Apr 27, 2026By Park Jin-hai

Park Bo-young breaks from 'honest' image in thriller 'Gold Land'

Shows & Dramas

Original TV scripts spark ‘reverse’ expansion into webtoons, novels

The long-standing success formula for Korean entertainment is undergoing a dramatic pivot as original television screenplays increasingly serve as the foundation for new webtoons and web novels, flipping the industry's traditional "webtoon-to-screen" equation. For years, the K-drama industry relied on popular digital comics and fiction as guaranteed blueprints for televised hits, but recent breakout successes are reversing this trajectory. The first half of 2026 has seen a surge in original scripts — many by rookie writers — that are expanding "backward" into the digital space after proving their commercial viability on screen. This shift is fueled by a new business model known as "reverse expansion," where the drama acts as the source intellectual property (IP) rather than the end product. Leading the trend is MBC drama "Perfect Crown," starring IU and Byeon Woo-seok, and Netflix series "The Art of Sarah." Despite being penned by rookie writers, these projects have secured substantial production budgets and star-studded casts, signaling a significant shift in how the industry values

Apr 27, 2026By Park Jin-hai

Park Jin-hai

Read more

Despite controversy, 'The Wonderfools' aims to ‘Woo’ world with retro heroics

Idol-turned-actor Cha Hak-yeon tackles first dual role in 'Absolute Value of Romance'

'We Are All Trying Here' answers fear of worthlessness

Lim Ji-yeon delivers high-octane comic turn in 'My Royal Nemesis'

Coupang Play's 'Bonjour Bakery' runs dessert cafe for seniors

4 iconic hanok K-drama fans must visit in May

'Perfect Crown' costume designer reimages hanbok as 'quiet luxury'

Yumi in Busan: Guide to Kim Go-eun’s dreamy filming locations

Park Bo-young breaks from 'honest' image in thriller 'Gold Land'

Original TV scripts spark ‘reverse’ expansion into webtoons, novels

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