The Korea Times

Fast-paced chase, brutal violence dominate glossy crime action film 'Special Delivery'

Actress Park So-dam in a scene from the film, "Special Delivery" / Courtesy of NEWBy Kwak Yeon-sooActress Park So-dam transforms herself into an action hero in writer-director Park Dae-min's swift and blood-soaked film, “Special Delivery,” about a special delivery driver, Eun-ha, who gets caught up in a gang war while trying to protect a child.In many aspects, it recalls director Lee Jeong-beom's 2010 thriller film, “The Man from Nowhere,” featuring Won Bin.Eun-ha (Park) is a North Korean defector who lives in Busan and works as a special delivery driver. She is not particularly fond of social interaction, but has a soft spot for cats.One day, she receives a suspicious mission to transport Doo-shik (Yeon Woo-jin) and his young son Seo-won (Jung Hyeon-jun). Though indifferent to the Doo-shik's fate, Eun-ha finds herself moved to action when she realizes Seo-won is in danger. When Eun-ha pursues her self-appointed mission to protect him, she becomes the target of a police officer named Kyung-sik (Song Sae-byeok), who is associated with the organized crime group.

Jan 2, 2022By Kwak Yeon-soo

Fast-paced chase, brutal violence dominate glossy crime action film 'Special Delivery'

Entertainment

Webtoons inspired by K-dramas become increasingly popular

By Kwak Yeon-sooKorean dramas adapted from celebrated webcomics, also known as “webtoons” in Korea, have become the new recipe for success as directors and screenwriters seek binge-worthy storylines for the small screen in genres including family drama, comedy, romance, action, thriller and horror. Some of the most highly talked about K-dramas this year, including Netflix original series “D.P.,” “Hellbound” as well as tvN's “Yumi's Cells,” started as webtoons. Producing dramas based on webtoons became possible thanks to rich storylines and original content. Buoyed by the growing popularity of such dramas, directors have teased audiences with the potential for second seasons. This speculation has also seen webtoons increase even more in popularity. While the production of films and series using webtoons is nothing new, there have conversely been increasing attempts to create webtoons inspired by popular TV dramas.TvN's “Happiness” and SBS's “Our Beloved Summer” are two of the latest examples where webtoons were r

Dec 30, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

Webtoons inspired by K-dramas become increasingly popular

Films

Choi Woo-shik showcases fighting spirit in 'Policeman's Lineage'

Actor Choi Woo-shik in a scene from the film “The Policeman's Lineage” / Courtesy of Acemaker MovieworksBy Kwak Yeon-sooActor Choi Woo-shik will showcase his fighting spirit in “The Policeman's Lineage,” which will be the first Korean film coming to theaters in 2022. Taking a step away from the loveable, clumsy characters he has regularly portrayed, Choi has transformed himself into the role of a headstrong police officer who is a trained judoist for his latest role.In “The Policeman's Lineage,” Choi plays a police officer with strict ethical beliefs. The main protagonist Min-jae, is secretly tasked with investigating another cop named Kang-yoon (Cho Jin-woong), who is unrivaled in his number of arrests, but is illicitly receiving huge payoffs from an unknown source.The film has plenty of twists and suspense as it follows Min-jae's changing state of mind. He is faced with a dilemma in which he must choose between the adviser who instructs him to spy and the boss whom he keeps an eye on. He has to choose whether to do the right things for the wrong

Dec 30, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

Choi Woo-shik showcases fighting spirit in 'Policeman's Lineage'

Films

'The Pirates' sequel with all-star cast promises more adventure

From left, actors Kang Ha-neul, Han Hyo-joo and Lee Kwang-soo pose during an online press conference for the film, “The Pirates: Goblin Flag,” Wednesday. Courtesy of Lotte EntertainmentBy Kwak Yeon-sooThe cast of comedy action film “The Pirates: Goblin Flag,” a sequel to the hit 2014 action film, “The Pirates,” promises another adrenaline-pumping storyline full of adventure.The upcoming film revolves around a group of pirates and bandits who go on a journey to discover the long-lost treasure of the royal family of the 918-1392 Goryeo Kingdom. Actor Kang Ha-Neul plays the role of Moo-chi, the head of the bandits who joins the band of seafarers, led by the pirate chief, Hae-rang (Han Hyo-joo). Lee Kwang-soo, Chae Soo-bin and EXO's Sehun appear as the pirate crew. Although action is the main genre, the period film also veers toward comedy, which gives it a lighter and more approachable edge. “It's true that this film is a follow-up to the 2014 hit movie, but it is actually very different. It's set in a different era and the characters are new. B

Dec 29, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

'The Pirates' sequel with all-star cast promises more adventure

Films

Hwang Jung-min, Jung Woo-sung to reunite in political drama film 'Spring of Seoul'

From left, actors Hwang Jung-min, Jun Woo-sung and Park Hae-joon / Courtesy of SEM Company, Artist Company and PLEO ent.By Kwak Yeon-sooActors Hwang Jung-min and Jung Woo-sung will reunite with director Kim Sung-soo for the political thriller film, “Spring of Seoul” (working title), six years after the three collaborated on the 2016 film, “Asura: The City of Madness.”Based on a real-life story, “Spring of Seoul” follows an event that occurred during a short period of political freedom set at the end of the 1970s.Kim is known for his darkly cynical crime thrillers, such as “Beat” (1997), “City of The Rising Sun” (1999) and “The Flu” (2013). His next film will be produced by Hive Media Corp., the production company behind “Inside Men” (2015), “The Man Standing Next” (2019) and “Deliver Us From Evil” (2020).“Spring of Seoul” refers to the period that began on Oct. 26, 1979, when former President Park Chung-hee was assassinated by his close aide, and lasted until May 17

Dec 25, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

Hwang Jung-min, Jung Woo-sung to reunite in political drama film 'Spring of Seoul'

Shows & Dramas

Kim Go-eun confirms collaboration with 'Vincenzo' director in next drama

Actress Kim Go-eun / Courtesy of BH EntertainmentBy Kwak Yeon-sooActress Kim Go-eun confirmed that she will team up with the director of the popular series, “Vincenzo,” in her next tvN drama, “Little Women.”Directed by Kim Hee-won, “Little Women” is a drama that revolves around the lives of three sisters, each determined to live life on her own terms. The script is written by Jeong Seo-kyeong, well known for her frequent collaborations with acclaimed director Park Chan-wook, including “Sympathy for Lady Vengeance” (2005), “Thirst” (2009) and “The Handmaiden” (2016). Her latest work was the screenplay for tvN's drama, “Mother” (2018).Kim takes on the role of Oh In-joo, who works tirelessly to help her family climb out of poverty. Her only dream is to live a comfortable life, but her world is turned upside down by a major incident.The production noted, “Kim, an actor so convincing in any role she plays, will show off her whole new side in the upcoming series.”Kim debuted in 2012 with the fil

Dec 24, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

Kim Go-eun confirms collaboration with 'Vincenzo' director in next drama

Films

'Spider-Man' surpasses 1 million admissions at fastest pace of 2021

A scene from the film, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” / Courtesy of Sony PicturesBy Kwak Yeon-soo“Spider-Man: No Way Home” has surpassed a cumulative 1 million admissions on the second day of its release, the fastest pace among films released this year, data showed Friday.The film, released on Wednesday, attracted about 635,000 viewers. Admissions on Thursday brought the combined total to 1.02 million viewers, according to data from the Korean Film Council. However, the government's toughened measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is likely to have a negative impact on the box office. Starting Saturday, movie theaters can operate until 10 p.m.Film-related organizations, including Producers Guild of Korea, Directors Guild of Korea, The Association of Korean Buyers & Distributors of Foreign Films in Korea, Screenwriters Guild of Korea and Korea Theater Association, released a joint statement on Thursday, asking the government to make an exception considering the difficult situation of the film industry.“The operating limits for theaters hinder new films

Dec 17, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

'Spider-Man' surpasses 1 million admissions at fastest pace of 2021

Films

Director on exploring origins of Kingsman, father-son relationship in 'The King's Man'

Actor Ralph Fiennes, top left, and director Matthew Vaughn speak during an online press conference for the film, “The King's Man.” Courtesy of Walt Disney Company KoreaBy Kwak Yeon-sooDirector Matthew Vaughn said he felt destined to explore the beginnings of the secret Kingsman agency in “The King's Man,” a prequel in his spy comedy franchise. “Eggsy was told by Harry that Kingsman was founded in 1919, so I had no choice,” he told reporters. “When I started reading more and more about World War I, I thought there were a lot of lessons that the public could learn from looking back at its history ― whether it's about choosing your leaders wisely or the fact that little things can turn into big problems very quickly.”In the new film, Ralph Fiennes portrays the Duke of Oxford, the founder of the secret Kingsman intelligence agency that defends Greta Britain and the world from existential threats. He also struggles to keep his son, Conrad (Harris Dickinson) safe in the midst of tragedy.Of the father and son relationship portrayed in the film

Dec 17, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

Director on exploring origins of Kingsman, father-son relationship in 'The King's Man'

Arts & Theater

Korean folk tales retold through virtual media art

The virtual media art piece, “The old stories that began with stone and wood” / Courtesy of Design SilverfishBy Kwak Yeon-sooFolk tales, myths and ghost stories spanning generations are coming alive through vivid media art, drawing visitors into their supernatural worlds. As the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the art world's adoption of immersive technologies, extended reality ― an umbrella term for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) ― is emerging as a new driver of innovation. The government plans to invest 57.8 billion won ($48.9 million) next year in nurturing immersive content, as part of its Digital New Deal initiative, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Media artist Hong Gyoung-tae, the CEO of Design Silverfish, organizer of the virtual “Curious 12 Tales” exhibition, said he wanted to reflect Koreanness through digital art.“What we do is interpret the space and suggest the best way to display the proper concept. I wanted to fill the space with creatures, monsters and ghosts that oft

Dec 17, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

Korean folk tales retold through virtual media art

Films

INTERVIEW 'Drive My Car' director on meeting Bong Joon-ho, receiving int'l accolades

Japanese director Hamaguchi Ryusuke / Courtesy of Triple Pictures, ZOA FilmsBy Kwak Yeon-sooJapanese director Hamaguchi Ryusuke has had a fantastic year, with “Drive My Car,” his adaptation of a Haruki Murakami short story, winning the Best Screenplay Award at this year's Cannes International Film Festival, and his three-part film anthology “Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy” nabbing the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at this year's Berlin Film Festival.However, the 42-year-old filmmaker recalls that his special dialogue session with Korean auteur Bong Joon-ho at this year's Busan Film Festival was the most memorable moment of 2021.“It was the most exciting moment of the year. I could feel that Bong had watched my films with deep interest and affection. He led our conversation as if he was directing me. Sometimes he pushed me, even provoked me, to answer some of his tough questions. Overall, I received encouragement and energy from him,” he said through a translator in a video interview with The Korea Times, Thursday.Hamaguchi credited the success of &ldq

Dec 17, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo

Kwak Yeon-soo

Read more

Fast-paced chase, brutal violence dominate glossy crime action film 'Special Delivery'

Webtoons inspired by K-dramas become increasingly popular

Choi Woo-shik showcases fighting spirit in 'Policeman's Lineage'

'The Pirates' sequel with all-star cast promises more adventure

Hwang Jung-min, Jung Woo-sung to reunite in political drama film 'Spring of Seoul'

Kim Go-eun confirms collaboration with 'Vincenzo' director in next drama

'Spider-Man' surpasses 1 million admissions at fastest pace of 2021

Director on exploring origins of Kingsman, father-son relationship in 'The King's Man'

Korean folk tales retold through virtual media art

INTERVIEW 'Drive My Car' director on meeting Bong Joon-ho, receiving int'l accolades

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