How 'We Are All Trying Here' comforts exhausted Koreans“We Are All Trying Here” explores emotional vulnerability. While many contemporary series mask trauma behind metaphors, the JTBC drama openly exposes the deepest insecurities of its characters. Instead of relying on idealized figures to offer comfort, the series centers on clumsy, self-doubting social misfits. This focus provides viewers with an unexpected sense of relief through the characters' imperfections. Hwang Dong-man exemplifies this departure from the norms. Portrayed by actor Koo Kyo-hwan, Dong-man completely lacks the unwavering confidence and charisma typical of male leads. He constantly anticipates failure and is easily shaken by minor anxieties. Even when achieving success, he focuses on the potential for disaster rather than celebrating the milestone. Yet, audiences find his profound self-doubt highly realistic rather than frustrating. The show also subverts contemporary romantic tropes, which often prioritize fast-paced, intense emotional arcs. The relationship between Dong-man and Eun-a, played by actor Go Youn-jung, unfolds slowly and quietly. They do not attempt toMay 21, 2026By Hankookilbo
From Disney+ hit to historical controversy: What went wrong with ‘Perfect Crown’?The controversy surrounding MBC drama “Perfect Crown” is continuing to grow even after the series finale, with historians and public figures criticizing what they describe as repeated historical distortions in Korean fantasy dramas. The series, originally titled “21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife” in Korean, ended May 16 with its highest viewership rating at 13.8 percent. It also found major global success on Disney+, where it reportedly became the most-watched Korean series worldwide within a month of its release. But instead of celebrating the ratings, online discussion has increasingly focused on alleged historical inaccuracies and symbolism viewed by some as diminishing Korea’s sovereignty. The backlash became so intense that lead actors IU and Byeon Woo-seok posted public apologies on their personal social media accounts. Director Park Joon-hwa also addressed the criticism during a post-finale interview on Tuesday. “The writer has been struggling a lot,” Park said. “They regret causing discomfort to viewers and have been having a difficult time.” The drama is set inMay 20, 2026By Xportsnews
Disney takes ‘Star Wars’ 500 meters above ground to launch newest movieThe Walt Disney Company is taking its cinematic marketing to new heights — specifically, to the peak of one of the world’s tallest buildings. Disney’s Korean division partnered with Lotte World to transform "Seoul Sky," the observation deck atop the 123-story Lotte World Tower in southern Seoul, into an immersive Star Wars exhibition space ahead of the domestic release of "The Mandalorian and Grogu." The highly anticipated film follows the intergalactic bounty hunter Din Djarin and his beloved companion Grogu in a high-stakes cosmic mission. The high-altitude installation, named "Star Wars: Above the Galaxy," effectively turns the panoramic observation deck into a temporary outpost for the massive franchise. Visitors rising more than 500 meters above the Korean capital are greeted by heavily themed photo zones, immersive media displays and a dedicated pop-up retail shop meticulously designed to look like a ship navigating the franchise’s iconic galaxy. The collaboration recently culminated in a massive character costume parade through the wider Jamsil commercial complex, drawinMay 20, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
Mnet reveals real lineup for dance battle show after teaser controversyMnet has officially unveiled the 10 star choreographers joining its upcoming dance survival series “Street World Fighter: Directors’ War,” following online buzz and controversy surrounding the program’s earlier teaser videos. The new show is the latest expansion of the massively popular “Street Woman Fighter” franchise, which helped ignite a nationwide dance craze and turned choreographers into celebrities. Unlike previous seasons centered on dance crews battling onstage, the new series shifts the spotlight to performance directors — the creators behind K-pop choreography, stage formations and large-scale concert productions. Among the newly confirmed participants are choreographer Nain, who recently drew attention for helping direct choreography for “Golden,” the soundtrack for Netflix animated film “KPop Demon Hunters.” Also joining the show is renowned global performance director Renan, known for working with aespa, as well as Bada, the leader of the winning crew from “Street Woman Fighter 2” and the choreographer behind the viral “Smoke Challenge” danceMay 20, 2026By Xportsnews
‘We Are All Trying Here’ builds buzz beyond ratingsJTBC’s weekend drama "We Are All Trying Here" is gaining traction through word of mouth and online buzz, rather than rapid plot twists, sensational themes or clips designed to spread on social media. The series follows Hwang Dong-man, played by Koo Kyo-hwan, an aspiring director gripped by jealousy as his friends move ahead in life. Instead of affairs, heavy melodrama or easy emotional hooks, the drama leans into discomfort, moral ambiguity and emotional depth. Written by Park Hae-young, whose previous works include "My Mister" and "My Liberation Notes," and directed by Cha Young-hun of "When the Camellia Blooms" and "Welcome to Samdal-ri," the drama drew attention even before its premiere. Their collaboration brings together two creators known for character-driven storytelling and grounded portraits of ordinary people. The cast also raised expectations. Koo is joined by acclaimed actors Oh Jung-se, Kang Mal-geum and Park Hae-joon. The ratings have shown gradual growth instead of explosive success. According to Nielsen Korea, the drama began at 2.2 percent among cable-subscribed househMay 18, 2026By Hankookilbo
‘Perfect Crown’ faces backlash again over royal history controversyJust one episode before its finale, MBC drama “Perfect Crown” is once again facing heated online criticism in South Korea — this time over royal terminology, ceremonial details and accusations of historical distortion. Episode 11 of the drama aired Friday and featured a dramatic sequence in which Seong Hee-joo, played by IU, risked her life to save Grand Prince Ian, played by Byeon Woo-seok, before he ultimately ascended to the throne. But while the series continued its strong ratings streak, online discussion quickly shifted away from the romance and toward the show’s depiction of royal rituals. One scene drew criticism after royal officials shouted "Cheonse," rather than "Manse," during the coronation ceremony. Some viewers argued that "Cheonse" historically referred to expressions used by tributary states toward an emperor, making its use by a 21st-century constitutional monarchy inappropriate. Others pointed to the king’s ceremonial crown, saying it featured nine bead strings instead of the 12-string design associated with sovereign rulers. Another scene that sparked debateMay 16, 2026By Xportsnews
Why ‘Perfect Crown’ fails to sell its CEO heroineFemale leads in Korean dramas are becoming increasingly diverse in their professions. Moving beyond the once-common “Candy girl” heroine archetype, where a hardworking young woman meets and falls in love with a wealthy benefactor, more dramas now center economically successful women such as CEOs, executives, entrepreneurs and professionals. But “Perfect Crown” leaves room for disappointment precisely at that point. The MBC drama is set in a fictional 21st century constitutional monarchy and follows the romance between a wealthy conglomerate heiress frustrated by her commoner status and a prince who possesses royal blood but lacks freedom and power. In the series, Seong Hui-joo, played by IU, is introduced as the CEO of the nation’s top-ranking conglomerate, also known as a “chaebol.” MBC’s official character description presents her as “the second daughter of Castle Group, the No. 1 business empire,” and as someone with “an exceptional mind and fierce competitiveness.” On the surface, she fits squarely into the recent trend of successful female protagonists. TheMay 16, 2026By Hankookilbo
No smartphones, no scripts: Raw experience becomes new trend in travel variety showsNo advance planning, no phones, and just enough money to get by — just celebrities left clueless about where they are headed, where they will sleep and how they will travel the next day. The rules make traveling painfully difficult, but they also allow genuine experiences to come through on screen. “Unplanned Trip: Limited Edition” is producer Na Yung-suk’s latest return to the unscripted comedy format, almost a decade after the original “Unplanned Trip” series set in Peru, Laos, Iceland and Africa between 2014 and 2016. The show premiered on May 3 on tvN, opening with the series’ long-standing tradition of “kidnapping” celebrities. Jung Yu-mi, Park Seo-jun and Choi Woo-shik, while livestreaming on YouTube, are suddenly forced into an impromptu domestic trip and a set of rules: Their phones are confiscated, each person receives a daily budget of 100,000 won ($67) and they must travel to a different city every day. Throughout the trip, the celebrities face one unforeseen event after another. After spending half their daily budget, the three take the train to Daegu, onlyMay 16, 2026By Hankookilbo
InterviewDirector highlights superpowers, ‘B-grade’ humor in ‘The Wonderfools’Following the global phenomenon of "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," director Yoo In-sik returns with comic hero series "The Wonderfools." "When choosing a project, I ask myself if it makes my heart flutter or if it's a challenge I haven’t faced yet," Yoo said during an interview with The Korea Times in Seoul, Friday. He described the new series as a genre he has "long held close to his heart," revealing that it was actually in development even before "Extraordinary Attorney Woo." "I was overjoyed when it finally came together, but since superhero stories were an unproven gamble in the domestic market when we started, I felt a fair amount of pressure," he admitted. A lifelong fan of adventure classics like "The Goonies" and "Indiana Jones," Yoo’s primary goal was to provide pure entertainment. "I’ve always wanted to create a drama where 'fun' was the absolute priority," he explained. "I hope viewers can just unwind and enjoy the ride, laughing and being surprised. If they can go to bed with a sense of warmth rather than lingering bitterness, then I’ve achieved my goal." Set in 1999, "TMay 15, 2026By Park Jin-hai
CJ's role as 'architect of K-culture' spotlighted by CNNA new CNN documentary shines a light on Korean entertainment mogul CJ ENM’s 30-year commitment to culture, examining how the company grew from an early investor into a main builder of “hallyu,” or the Korean wave. The four-part series, titled “K-Everything,” premiered on May 9. Produced and hosted by Korean American actor Daniel Dae Kim and sponsored by Hyundai Motor, the project traces the journey of Korean culture from its roots to its current global standing. In particular, the documentary emphasizes CJ’s foundational role in the film industry, dating back to its 1995 investment in DreamWorks. That move is highlighted as the starting point for a sustainable industrial framework that allowed titles such as director Park Chan-wook’s “Joint Security Area” (2000) and Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” (2019) to reach global audiences. As the Cannes Film Festival is underway, the series revisits CJ’s long-standing relationship with the prestigious event. It credits the company’s unwavering support for filmmakers like director Park, whose “Oldboy” (2003) won the GrandMay 15, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
