Possessed lawyer drama ‘Phantom Lawyer’ nears double digits, reviving SBS Friday-Saturday lineupSBS appears to have found its momentum again as its latest legal-fantasy drama “Phantom Lawyer” gains traction, with ratings climbing steadily toward the coveted double-digit mark — a turnaround after a recent slump in the broadcaster’s prime Friday-Saturday slot. Premiering on March 13, the series follows a “spirit-possessed lawyer” who resolves the lingering grudges of the dead, alongside a cold, success-driven elite attorney. Blending courtroom drama with elements of Korean shamanism — a belief system that continues to inspire trending content — the show has drawn attention for its unusual premise and emotional storytelling. The drama stars Yoo Yeon-seok, whose performance has been widely discussed online. Playing the titular character, he portrays multiple personalities through possession scenes, effectively taking on a near multirole performance that anchors the series. The numbers reflect growing buzz. According to Nielsen Korea, the first episode recorded 6.3 percent viewership, rising to 9.1 percent by its fourth episode on Saturday. With word-of-mouth spreadingMar 24, 2026By Xportsnews
Actor Lee Seo-jin becomes ‘Texas guide’ in new Netflix travel showActor Lee Seo-jin and acclaimed television producer Nah Yung-suk have teamed up again for a new travel series — this time set in Lee’s favorite U.S. state, Texas — with Lee serving as a guide. Netflix “Ready or Not: Texas,” an unscripted, plan-free travel reality show, follows the duo as they wander across the Lone Star State. The show spotlights “Texas fanatic” Lee, who considers the state his second home, alongside Nah and the production crew as they join him on a series of unpredictable adventures. “I’ve been visiting Texas often because I’m interested in it — the weather’s great, it’s a good place to live, and I thought it’d be a perfect spot to retire. I’ve told people for years that Dallas is where I want to settle down," Lee said during a press conference at CGV I’Park Mall in Yongsan, Seoul, Tuesday. “You’ll see why Texas is so popular once you go. It’s strong in sports, most athletes are from there, and there’s no state income tax. With its oil wealth, people live comfortably and are very friendly. There are just so many great things abouMar 24, 2026By Park Jin-hai
April K-drama showdown: IU, Kim Go-eun, Go Youn-jung go head-to-head in star-packed monthThree of Korea’s most in-demand actresses — IU, Kim Go-eun and Go Youn-jung — are set to return to the screen within days of each other this April, setting up what fans are already calling a rare “all-star showdown” in the K-drama scene. With each project already drawing buzz as a highly anticipated release, attention is building not just around the individual dramas, but also around who will come out on top in a crowded and competitive month. IU will kick things off with MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama “Perfect Crown,” premiering April 10. The series is set in a fictional modern constitutional monarchy in Korea and follows a wealthy but common-born woman and a prince who, despite his royal status, possesses nothing. The story centers on their romance as they challenge social hierarchies. IU plays Sung Hee-joo, a successful businesswoman who appears to have it all — beauty, wealth and talent — but struggles with the limitations of her social status. Explaining her decision to take on the role following Netflix series “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” IU said, “Mar 24, 2026By Xportsnews
Lee Young-ae, Yoo Ji-tae to reunite on screen for 1st time in 25 yrsActors Lee Young-ae and Yoo Ji-tae will star in a new television series, reuniting for the first time in 25 years since the 2001 hit film "One Fine Spring Day," the drama's production company said Monday. The mystery romance, the Korean title of which translates into "Jae-e's Young-in," revolves around Jae-e (Lee), an art teacher grieving the death of her son, and Young-in (Yoo), an architect struggling with memory loss, according to the production company, IWill Media. The drama marks Lee's first since the KBS 2025 thriller "Walking on Thin Ice," while Yoo most recently appeared in the historical movie "The King's Warden" as the cold-blooded Han Myeong-hoe, a key aide to King Sejo. Oh Ki-hwan, known for directing the 2005 romantic comedy "The Art of Seduction," will helm the series. Further details, including the broadcaster and production schedule, have yet to be announced.Mar 23, 2026By Yonhap
IU and Byeon Woo-seok’s new romance drama to premiere in AprilIU and Byeon Woo-seok are stepping into palace intrigue. Ahead of its premiere, MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama “Perfect Crown” unveiled character posters teasing a romance shaped by status, ambition and love in an alternate version of modern-day Korea under a constitutional monarchy. The series follows a wealthy chaebol heiress who remains limited by her commoner status and a prince born into royalty who cannot truly claim what he wants. Newly released posters spotlight Seong Hui-joo (played by IU), Prince Ian (Byeon Woo-seok), Min Jeong-woo (Noh Sang-hyun) and Yoon I-rang (Gong Seung-yeon). A single line from each character offers a glimpse into their desires and convictions as they enter a status-defying relationship and a palace power struggle set in a space where modernity and tradition intersect. Seong, the head of conglomerate Castle Beauty, is determined to become the wife of a grand prince despite the constraints of her status as a commoner and a child of concubine. “It means I’m willing to win, even if I have to get my hands dirty," she says, a line that sharply captuMar 23, 2026By Hankookilbo
BTS' Jin reminisces on previous plan to quit supergroupJust days after K-pop supergroup BTS launched its long-awaited comeback, member Jin revealed he once planned to leave the group after seven years. Jin made the remarks in a video released Sunday on the YouTube channel run by webtoon artist and TV personality Kian84. The interview comes just days after BTS returned with its full-group album, "ARIRANG." Jin discussed the group's packed schedule, centered around a world tour in April and May. In the video, which was filmed earlier this year, Jin said he expected to leave Korea by the end of February to shoot music videos and appear on overseas shows and YouTube channels. Half-buried in snow alongside Kian84, the singer reflected on his journey with the group since his debut at age 22. Asked about the biggest difference, Jin said, "My mindset has changed for the better." "Honestly, back then I fully intended to quit after about seven years. But the more I did it, the more fun it became — and it turned into something real," Jin said. "I'm so grateful to our fans." He added that he never thought he would keep going for more than a decade. "I neMar 23, 2026By Hankookilbo
Korean drinking shows face renewed backlash after celebrity DUI sparks debateActor Lee Jae-ryong's third drunk driving arrest has ignited public backlash against Korea's unregulated YouTube drinking shows, exposing a regulatory gap in digital media that critics say glamorizes intoxication. Police booked Lee on charges of crashing his vehicle into a median barrier and fleeing the scene in Gangnam, an affluent commercial district in southern Seoul, at around 11 p.m. on March 6. His blood alcohol concentration was at a level warranting license suspension at the time of the crash. The actor previously faced drunk driving charges in 2019 and 2023. Following his third offense, he faced widespread public condemnation and stepped down from ongoing projects. Public anger escalated after Lee recently appeared on the YouTube channel "Zzanbro Shin Dong-yup," a YouTube talk show built around drinking alcohol on camera. The channel, which has about 2.07 million subscribers, regularly features celebrities engaging in candid conversations over drinks. In the episode, the program introduced Lee as a heavy drinker, a framing that drew criticism once news of his latest offense broMar 20, 2026By Hankookilbo
Long-running travel show 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?' returns with major revampMBC's "Welcome, First Time in Korea?," a long-running reality travel show, has returned after a thoughtful makeover, kicking off its fourth season this evening. The show has been a trailblazer for foreigner-led travel shows and one of network's flagship programs, charming viewers with real stories from international guests exploring Korea. It has delivered fun and cultural connection over more than 400 episodes, all with solid 3 percent average ratings. Breaking free from traditional trips, the new season opens its doors to anyone worldwide with an interest in Korea, allowing visitors to explore and share their journeys. The production team has handpicked unexpected figures to uncover Korea's hidden charms and reaffirm the show's enduring power. "We dropped 'invited' because fans — big names even — emailed us wanting in. After some 300 Zoom calls over six months, we selected those genuinely eager to travel Korea. The show will also introduce unique national traits, inviting hosts from each country to the studio," the show's producer Jeon Min-kyung said during an online press confereMar 19, 2026By Park Jin-hai
BLACKPINK Jisoo's 'Boyfriend on Demand' takes No. 1 spot globally amid acting debateBLACKPINK member and actress Jisoo marked her biggest acting career milestone yet with her lead role in the Netflix series, "Boyfriend on Demand," though the debate over her acting skills persists. The romantic comedy took the No. 1 spot in the Global Top 10 Non-English TV show category on the Netflix Tudum website Wednesday, reaching the Top 10 list in 47 countries. The series also maintained the top spot for two consecutive weeks in the TV-OTT integrated drama online buzz rankings for the second week of March, according to Good Data Corporation's FUNdex . "Boyfriend on Demand" generated massive prerelease buzz purely based on Jisoo's casting. While her status as a global K-pop star drew initial interest, critics raised concerns about her individual capacity to carry the narrative alone. Viewers previously criticized her performance in her earlier works, "Snowdrop" and "Newtopia." Upon release, the show quickly climbed viewership rankings worldwide. Jisoo's global fandom drove initial momentum, but sustaining long viewing times requires more than star power. The show succeeded by combiMar 19, 2026By Hankookilbo
Netflix keeps Cha Eun‑woo series on track despite tax allegationsNetflix is pushing ahead with the second-quarter release of an upcoming series starring Cha Eun-woo, despite the actor facing a 20 billion won ($13.8 million) tax evasion scandal in Korea. "As announced at the 'Next on Netflix' event, the release schedule remains unchanged," a Netflix official told Hankook Ilbo Tuesday. "We will announce the specific release date and key dates as soon as they are confirmed." Netflix had previously included "The Wonderfools" among its second quarter releases at the Next on Netflix 2026 Korea showcase held on Jan. 21. After the event, tax evasion allegations involving Cha surfaced, prompting questions about whether the series’ release schedule would be affected. The National Tax Service assessed a 20 billion won tax penalty against the actor. This financial penalty is known to be the largest tax surcharge imposed on a Korean celebrity. Following the controversy, Fantagio, Cha's agency, said it is "reviewing the facts" according to tax authority procedures and will responsibly take necessary measures once legal and administrative judgments become clear. "IMar 18, 2026By Hankookilbo
