'KiDnap Game,' 'Merry Berry Love' show how Korea-Japan dramas are evolvingKorean and Japanese creators are increasingly joining forces on television dramas, but the latest wave of collaborations is moving beyond the once-novel spectacle of simply putting stars from the two countries together. Two new series, "KiDnap Game" and "Merry Berry Love," illustrate how Korea-Japan co-productions are evolving as producers combine different production systems and storytelling styles from the development stage while setting their sights on audiences beyond either country. Channel A's "KiDnap Game," which premiered Tuesday, is a thriller revolving around an unprecedented series of kidnappings that simultaneously occur in seven Asian cities: Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Manila and Naha. The global project is a joint production involving Korea, Japan and Hong Kong. Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi takes a leading role alongside Korean star Lee Joon-gi, marking the first time the two actors have worked together. A day later, CJ ENM-produced "Merry Berry Love" premiered on Japan's Nippon TV and Disney+. The cross-border romance follows Yubin, a Korean spatial desi13h agoBy Hankookilbo
'Doctor X' delivers satisfying dose of justice with Kim Ji-won at center“Doctor X” took aim at doctors chasing power and personal interests within the hospital, delivering a satisfying blow against corruption from its very first episode. At the center is Gye Su-jeong, a brilliant surgeon played by Kim Ji-won, in a rare female lead role for a medical drama. SBS' "Doctor X: Mafia in White," which premiered Friday, is a medical drama centered on Gye, also known as Doctor X, who takes on deeply rooted corruption with exceptional surgical skills and a refusal to accept failure or compromise. According to Nielsen Korea, the first episode recorded nationwide viewership of 11.4 percent and 11.2 percent in the Seoul metropolitan area, peaking at 12.9 percent. It was the highest-rated premiere among miniseries that debuted in 2026, giving "Doctor X" a double-digit start. The premiere introduced Gye, a temporary doctor dispatched to Guseo University Hospital, as she confronted the institution's hierarchy and corruption while demonstrating her surgical prowess. Gye and Jang Hee-sook, played by Lee Jung-eun, encountered a customer who suddenly collapsed in pain at a b2d agoBy Hankookilbo
'I Live Alone' viewers captivated by actor who lives in 90-year-old homeActor Kim Min has won praise from viewers after revealing his unconventional daily life and personal philosophy on MBC's reality show "I Live Alone." Beyond the intensity he has shown in acting roles, Kim displayed a free-spirited side as he filled his days with home repairs, martial arts and hands-on projects. But it was his outlook on life — particularly his belief that being "cool" comes from how a person spends their time rather than their looks — that resonated most with viewers. The Oct. 2 episode of "I Live Alone" offered a glimpse into Kim's life in Dongducheon, Gyeonggi Province, where he has lived alone for 28 years. He resides in a roughly 90-year-old house whose distinctive atmosphere and unconventional setup immediately drew attention. Kim began his day by running a generator for electricity and tearing into an entire baguette. He repaired a damaged floor himself with cement, worked on woodworking projects and practiced martial arts. Despite living in surroundings that might seem inconvenient to others, Kim appeared perfectly at ease, making and repairing what he neededOct 6, 2026By Hankookilbo
CJ ENM wins 7 national titles at Asian Academy Creative AwardsCJ ENM won national winner titles in seven categories at this year's Asian Academy Creative Awards and will compete for the top regional prizes in December, the Korean entertainment company said Friday. "The Legend of Kitchen Soldier," a military kitchen comedy on CJ ENM's streaming platform Tving, took two titles — best comedy and best original production by a streamer. "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty," a romance streaming on Netflix about a modern chef who travels back in time to cook for a Joseon-era king, won best drama series. "Dear X," a Tving thriller directed by Lee Eung-bok, won best direction for a scripted program, while Lee Won-woong's boxing survival show "I Am Boxer," which streams on Disney+, won the nonscripted direction category. "Undercover Chef" won best general entertainment, game or quiz program, and the dating reality show "EXchange 4" won best nonscripted entertainment. Three of the winning titles — "The Legend of Kitchen Soldier," "Dear X" and "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" — were produced by Studio Dragon, CJ ENM's drama production unit. The Singapore-based awardsOct 2, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
Netflix's 'Take Charge of My Heart' recharges classic rom-com formulaAn electrifying Korean romantic comedy is headed to the small screen for the fall season. Starring Kim Young-kwang and Chae Soo-bin, the Netflix series "Take Charge of My Heart" is set to spark a lovely romantic connection with viewers and warming hearts as chilly autumn days set in. The drama follows a man whose artificial heart battery is dying and a woman burdened with high-voltage superpowers. Baek Ho-rang (Kim), a third-generation chaebol heir whose artificial heart is dangerously low on power, enters into a pragmatic contract with Na Bo-bae (Chae), a TV writer whose own love life remains hopelessly drained due to her electrical abilities. As subtle feelings develop between them, their transactional dynamic quickly evolves into a series of thrilling, heart-fluttering moments. "When I first received the script, the female lead's electrical powers immediately hooked me," director Park Soo-won explained during a press conference for the Netflix series at Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery in Mapo District, Seoul, Thursday. "Unlike standard rom-coms where heart-fluttering moments come purely fOct 1, 2026By Park Jin-hai
'Seduce my husband's concubine': Why 'The Scandal' brings 'Dangerous Liaisons' back to NetflixDuring King Jeongjo’s reign, Lady Cho (Son Ye-jin), who lives in Hanyang's Bukchon district and is married to the minister of rites, asks her younger cousin and former lover Cho Won (Ji Chang-wook) to seduce her husband's young concubine, So-ok. Cho Won, Joseon's notorious libertine, rejects the request as too easy. He instead targets Hui-yeon (Nana), a young widow and the eldest daughter-in-law of the left state councilor. A reckless bet begins between two manipulators who believe they can control and exploit love. Netflix released "The Scandal" on Sept. 18. The series reimagines French author Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ 1782 novel "Dangerous Liaisons." The original work has inspired dozens of international adaptations, including director Stephen Frears’ 1988 film. This production marks the fourth Korean screen adaptation, following the 2003 film "Untold Scandal," the 2012 film "Dangerous Liaisons" and the 2018 television drama "Tempted." Director Jung Ji-woo praised the 18th-century novel for possessing classic elegance while remaining strikingly modern during an interview lateOct 1, 2026By Hankookilbo
'The Ballad of Us' returns to rewrite K-ballad historyA singing audition show rich with autumn nostalgia is returning for a second season — this time with an even younger lineup of competitors. SBS’s "The Ballad of Us" revisits timeless ballads woven into Korea's collective memory to find new talent ready to revive the classics. Season 1 generated over 100 million online views last September, so SBS greenlit a second season without hesitation. In "The Ballad of Us 2," a 150-person representative panel of music experts and everyday viewers across all generations will serve as judges. Contestants select the songs that define their lives and deliver them with brand-new interpretations. "I considered shortening the runtime, but the footage was simply too good," said producer Ahn Jeong-hyeon during a press conference at SBS headquarters in Yangcheon District, Seoul, Wednesday. "The network loved it so much that they expanded our slot to a massive 2-hour-and-40-minute premiere." "As we searched for someone who could make famous songs sound completely fresh, the contestants became younger. Those friends understand and sing songs in a way the oSep 30, 2026By Park Jin-hai
CJ ENM takes K-content push to London with new partnershipKorean entertainment powerhouse CJ ENM — the media giant behind global hits like "Parasite" and "Crash Landing on You" — has partnered with the Korean Cultural Centre UK and the Korea Creative Content Agency to bring Korean dramas and cultural programming to audiences across London. The three organizations signed a memorandum of understanding to expand opportunities for Korean content in the United Kingdom and deepen exchanges among content and cultural-industry professionals. Their first joint project, Curated Korea 2026, runs from Oct. 1- 21 at venues including the Korean Cultural Centre UK, Foyles Charing Cross Road and the Garden Cinema. The program brings together contemporary Korean culture through drama screenings, literature, food and networking events. The drama lineup opens Oct. 1 with “The Ordinary Jackpot,” about an office worker whose 1.3 billion won ($890,000) lottery win prompts him to reconsider what gives life meaning, followed by a question-and-answer session. “Study Group” will be screened Oct. 8 at Foyles Charing Cross Road, followed by a conversation aboutSep 30, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
'100 Days of Deception' brings colonial-era espionage romance to lifeA new period espionage drama combining the noble sacrifices of Korean independence fighters with a high-stakes romance is set to premiere as cable network tvN's flagship project celebrating its 20th anniversary. Set in 1932 Gyeongseong (a former name for Seoul) during the 1910-45 Japanese colonial era, "100 Days of Deception" follows the city’s top pickpocket, who infiltrates the Japanese Government-General of Korea as an undercover agent and crosses paths with an elite translator in the heart of enemy territory. The 16-episode series brings together director Yoo In-sik, best known for "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" (2022) and "Dr. Romantic" (2016), and writer Rhyu Bo-ri, known for "Do You Like Brahms?" (2020). The drama stars Kim You-jung as Lee Ga-kyung, a thief turned undercover translator, and Park Jin-young as Sato Hideo, an elite interpreter for the colonial government and the adopted son of its director-general of political affairs. Kim, returning to the small screen a year after "Dear X," said she was instantly drawn to the project upon reading the script. "I chose this drama becSep 29, 2026By Park Jin-hai
'A turning point in my career': Woo Do-hwanFor actor Woo Do-hwan, completing his journey on Disney+’s flagship original series "Made in Korea" was more than just wrapping another production — it marked a pivotal, transformative milestone in his decade-long career. Stepping off set after spending nearly three years immersed in director Woo Min-ho’s sprawling historical thriller, the 34-year-old actor leaves behind a project defined by intense period storytelling, rigorous craftsmanship and a rare opportunity to share the screen with two of Korea's most venerated leading men. Set against the turbulent backdrop of Korea in 1970s, "Made in Korea" traces the explosive ambition and fierce power struggles between Baek Ki-tae (Hyun Bin), a man driven by a need for wealth and power, and Jang Gun-young (Jung Woo-sung), the prosecutor who relentlessly pursues him. Woo delivers a magnetic performance as Baek Ki-hyun, the younger brother of Ki-tae. Positioned as an elite officer who graduated at the top of his military academy class, Ki-hyun embarks on a fast-track trajectory toward the nation's Defense Security Command. Striving to foSep 28, 2026By Park Jin-hai
