'The Scarecrow' revisits infamous serial murder caseThe infamous Lee Choon-jae serial murder case, which haunted Korea for decades, are returning to the small screen in the new crime thriller “The Scarecrow.” Inspired by one of Korea’s most notorious serial murder cases that began in 1986, the crime thriller delves into the investigation surrounding the nation’s worst killing spree. The real-life case left an indelible mark on the public’s memory. Once an unsolved mystery, it resurfaced in 2019 — 33 years later — when the full truth finally came to light, reigniting nationwide attention. The ENA series, which premieres April 20, follows an elite detective and a cold-blooded prosecutor as they form an unlikely alliance to uncover the truth behind a series of killings spanning 30 years. Park Hae-soo stars as Kang Tae-joo, an ace detective known for his sharp intuition and relentless observation skills. After being reassigned to his rural hometown of Gangseong, he becomes involved in a serial murder case and unexpectedly reunites with Cha Si-young (Lee Hee-jun), a prosecutor who was once his nemesis during their school days. “AApr 13, 2026By Park Jin-hai
'Agency packaging' raises concerns over fair competition in K-drama industryIt is no longer unusual for much of a drama’s lead cast to come from the same agency. A casting strategy built around a lead actor and fellow agency actors, once a rare occurrence, now dominates the casting process. While it offers production efficiency, critics say the trend stymies open auditions, production diversity and the discovery of new talent. The trend of "agency packaging" is distinctly visible across major recent broadcasts. Ongoing SBS drama "Phantom Lawyer" features lead Yoo Yeon-seok and supporting actor Kim Kyung-nam, both represented by King Kong by Starship. Recently concluded JTBC series "The Practical Guide to Love" cast Han Ji-min, Park Sung-hoon and Cho Bok-rae, all under BH Entertainment. Furthermore, upcoming SBS series "Good Partner 2" filled its lineup with Park Hae-jin, Kim Hye-yoon and Pyo Ji-hoon, all affiliated with Artist Company. Production companies defend the practice as a reasonable market strategy. Centering a project around a proven star secures buzz, while casting their agency peers increases production efficiency and onscreen chemistry. It alsoApr 13, 2026By Hankookilbo
IU returns with ‘Perfect Crown,’ aims to revive MBC dramas with bold royal romanceIt is, once again, IU. IU has returned with a new project following the Netflix series “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” joining hands with Byeon Woo-seok in a high-profile attempt to revive struggling ratings at broadcaster MBC. MBC’s new drama “Perfect Crown,” which premiered April 10, is set in a fictional 21st-century constitutional monarchy. It follows the romance between a wealthy heiress who has everything but social status and a royal prince who has status but little personal freedom. The first episode depicted how Sung Hee-joo (IU), a chaebol heiress, comes to propose marriage to Grand Prince Ian (Byeon Woo-seok). Despite her wealth, Hee-joo faces discrimination for being a commoner, while Ian, as the king’s second son, lives under constant pressure and limitations within the royal family. Both characters, pushed into arranged marriages by their families, cross paths at a royal birthday banquet. Determined to change her fate, Hee-joo seeks an audience with Ian and, upon meeting him, boldly proposes marriage — setting the tone for the drama’s unconventional romanApr 11, 2026By Hankookilbo
K-dramas' fresh take on fathersK-dramas are dismantling the archetype of the traditional patriarchs in favor of a more realistic figures who struggling and emotionally vulnerable. Fathers in Korean dramas were long depicted as distant protectors, authoritative figures who silently bore the financial burden within traditional family structures. Today, broadcasters are abandoning this formula. The modern onscreen father is a flawed character who makes mistakes, misunderstands his own emotions and continuously learns. This trend reflects a broader societal shift. While fathers still often shoulder much of household financial burdens, families have become more egalitarian . Nnarratives of personal growth are now being applied to middle-aged men. In dramas such as "The Dream Life of Mr. Kim," "Mad Concrete Dreams" and "Cabbage Your Life," viewers see fathers facing their limitations. These protagonists struggle to communicate but also push forward and fight to save their marriages. Pop culture critic Jung Duk-hyun said centering a narrative on a middle-aged man's struggles is a calculated risk, as drama viewership remainsApr 10, 2026By Hankookilbo
InterviewWoo Do-hwan pushes his limits for Netflix’s 'Bloodhounds'Since his 2011 debut, Woo Do-hwan has forged a reputation as a relentless actor, infusing gritty action series and soulful dramas alike with his singular intensity. Netflix’s crime thriller “Bloodhounds” has now thrust him onto the global stage. Woo said that after wrapping Season 1, exhaustion left him doubting whether he could summon the strength for more. “But once Season 2 got the green light, it felt like stepping onto a battlefield,” he told The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Thursday. “Unlike other dramas, this one demands everything — body and soul — leaving no room for anything else. Even off days mean training, building strength for the fight ahead. But when Season 2 was confirmed, excitement took over. I trained harder than ever,” he said. “Bloodhounds” Season 2 sends Gun-woo (Woo) and Woo-jin (Lee Sang-yi) into the brutal arena of a global underground boxing league, where money and mayhem reign, unleashing another barrage of crowd-pleasing hooks. For Season 2, Woo bulked up 13 kilograms through more systematic training. “Season 1’s Gun-woo was stillApr 9, 2026By Park Jin-hai
InterviewJung Ji-hoon reinvents villain archetype in ‘Bloodhounds’ Season 2Singer-actor Jung Ji-hoon, better known by his stage name Rain, takes on his first villain role as Baek-jeong, the operator of a global illegal boxing league, in Netflix series "Bloodhounds" Season 2. The high-octane action crime thriller, directed by Jason Kim, centers on the two young boxers battling Iron Knuckle Fighting Championship, a dark web-based organization hosting brutal matches fueled by high-stakes gambling and coercion, pulling protagonists Gun-woo (Woo Do-hwan) and Woo-jin (Lee Sang-yi) into its violent underworld. He said the project was “physically exhausting but also emotionally draining.” “My character doesn’t have much of a backstory. The director didn’t want him to become a cliché villain. Usually, when you play a bad guy, you act nice and then suddenly turn evil — that roller‑coaster of intensity can make the performance stand out. But the director told me not to do that," he said in an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Wednesday. "He wanted the character to start off already furious, with no change in tone, so that was challenging."Apr 8, 2026By Park Jin-hai
InterviewNetflix series ‘Beef’ Season 2 incorporates more Korean elements: directorThe award-winning Netflix series "Beef," which swept categories at the Emmys, Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, returns April 16 with its second season. Korean American director and writer Lee Sung-jin said he was excited but found Season 2 “even harder than the first” season to make as he aimed to “take some big swings and risks while retaining what is special about the show" during an online interview with The Korea Times on Tuesday. Unlike Season 1’s road rage feud between lonely strangers, Season 2 unfolds at an elite country club where a young couple witnesses a shocking fight between their boss and his wife, and the web of blackmail that follows involving both couples and the club’s owner, Korean billionaire Chairwoman Park (Youn Yuh-jung). While Season 1 focused on Korean American stories, Season 2 explores a mixed-race character’s Korean roots. “It’s a bridge between West and East,” Lee said. “Charles’ character is half Korean, caught in an identity tug-of-war as he’s pulled into the upper echelons of Korean society — the world of chaebol (congloApr 7, 2026By Park Jin-hai
Global No.1 but ignored in Korea? ‘XO, Kitty’ sparks split reactions at homeA Netflix teen drama set in Korea is dominating global charts — but drawing little attention in the very country it portrays, raising questions about cultural disconnect and audience taste. The third season of “XO, Kitty,” released Thursday, has quickly climbed to No. 1 worldwide on Netflix’s TV chart, according to data from FlixPatrol. The series, a spinoff of “To All the Boys I've Loved Before,” follows Kitty (played by Anna Cathcart), who returns to Korea after falling for a boy she met during a previous visit. The show gained early traction by entering the Top 10 in countries including Hungary and the Czech Republic on its release day. By its second day, it had reached No. 1 in 52 countries, eventually topping charts in 77 countries, including the United States. It even overtook “Bloodhounds Season 2” to claim the global No. 1 spot in the TV category, with expectations it will maintain the lead through its first week. Yet despite its international success — and being set in Korea — the series has failed to generate significant buzz domestically. It has not rankedApr 7, 2026By Xportsnews
Byeon Woo-seok, IU dazzle in heart-fluttering palace romance 'Perfect Crown'A royal romance brimming with charm is on its way as Byeon Woo-seok and IU step into the spotlight in MBC’s upcoming series “Perfect Crown,” one of the year’s most buzzed-about dramas. The network unveiled the project Monday. Set in an alternate modern-day Korea that still retains a constitutional monarchy, the romantic comedy traces the fateful encounter between a “rich heiress and powerless prince.” It tells the story of a woman born into immense wealth but burdened by her commoner status and a prince who, despite his royal blood, has been stripped of privilege. Together, they embark on a journey to break social barriers and rewrite their destinies. The series has drawn particular attention as MBC’s next big royal romance following its 2006 hit “Princess Hours.” IU, who plays Seong Hui-ju, the intelligent and ambitious daughter of conglomerate Castle Group, said, “I play a woman who has everything but the official title to match,” introducing her character during a press conference for the drama at Josun Palace in Gangnam District, Seoul, Monday. “She gets frusApr 6, 2026By Park Jin-hai
Review'XO, Kitty' ends on ambitious, chaotic final seasonTo all the fans who've loved "XO, Kitty," Season 3 of the show, released last Thursday, might feel bittersweet. This isn't just the third season, after all. It's also the last chapter, not only for Kitty Song-Covey (Anna Cathcart), but for the franchise as a whole. The world started with Netflix's film adaptation of Jenny Han's "To All the Boys I've Loved Before," and after three films and the first two seasons of the "XO, Kitty" spinoff, there was still plenty of unfinished business — especially after last season's cliffhanger to end all cliffhangers. After 18 episodes of will they, won't they, Kitty and Moon Min-ho (Lee Sang-heon) almost kissed. Almost. But just when it looked like she'd missed her chance to XO the boy of her dreams, Kitty suddenly blurted out a question, asking Min-ho if she could join him on the tour he's managing that summer. The third season picks up immediately where we left off, and in typical fashion, things don't go how you'd expect. After an awkward misunderstanding, Kitty travels to Busan with Min-ho and the rest of their friend crew, still unsure of what tApr 6, 2026By David Opie
