Entertainment - The Korea Times

New Netflix show features familiar but new sides of traditional Korean culture

The cast of "Korea No. 1," a new Korean-language Netflix variety show, pose for the camera during a press conference in Seoul for the show, Nov. 23. Courtesy of Netflix"Korea No. 1," Netflix's new Korean-language variety show, follows three Korean television stars as they travel all over Korea and experience hard labor, and struggle to learn from various masters of traditional Korean culture.In the eight-episode series, the three ― Yoo Jae-suk, Lee Kwang-soo and Kim Yeon-koung ― get a hands-on experience in eight different fields ranging from making traditional Korean roof tiles and fermented Korean sauces to catching long-legged octopus on a mud flat and to weaving fine ramie."Viewers probably have heard of those items at least once, if they are Korean," the show's co-director Kim In-sik said during an online press conference for the show Wednesday. "But because we have not experienced or tried them in person, there are tremendously interesting and mystic sides to them, which we thought we knew well but actually not. Those are what we intended to show in this series."He hoped overse

Nov 23, 2022

New Netflix show features familiar but new sides of traditional Korean culture

'King's Affection,' CJ's Miky Lee win International Emmy Awards

Film producer Miky Lee, left, holds her 2022 International Emmy Directorate Award while standing with South Korean actor Song Joong-ki in the press room at the 2022 International Emmy Awards in New York, Nov. 21. EPA-Yonhap By Kwak Yeon-sooKBS drama “The King's Affection” made history as the first Korean series to win the Best Telenovela award at the 50th International Emmy, which took place at the New York Hilton Midtown Hotel, Monday (local time).Executive producer Yoon Jae-hyuk accepted the award for the series, which stars Park Eun-bin and Rowoon. It revolves around a princess pretending to be a prince in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910).“We are delighted to have won the International Emmy Award for the first time as Korean series, and we believe the success of 'The King's Affection' recognizes the potential of K-dramas in general. We feel a great sense of responsibility and we will do our best so that KBS dramas can play a key role in K-content's popularity,” a K

Nov 22, 2022By Kwak Yeon-soo

'King's Affection,' CJ's Miky Lee win International Emmy Awards

Choi Min-sik shares glimpse of his role in Disney+ series 'Big Bet'

The poster for Disney+'s new original series, “Big Bet” / Courtesy of Disney+ By Lee Gyu-leeVeteran actor Choi Min-sik, who won global acclaim for his performance in the films, “Oldboy,” and “Lady Vengeance,” is set to star in his first series in about 25 years with Disney+'s new Korean original series, “Big Bet.”Led by filmmaker Kang Yoon-sung, who helmed the hit action movie, "The Outlaws” (2017), the upcoming series, scheduled to release on Dec. 21, revolves around a legendary figure in the Philippines' casino world, Cha Mu-sik (Choi). Mu-sik has made it big in a cutthroat gambling scene after struggling to finally become a casino mogul. His world turns upside down when he becomes involved in a murder case, leading him back into the gambling scene, but this time, as a player betting on his life. “(My role) is as a person who has all kinds of desires combined,” he said in the interview released by the streaming platform. “Casino shows the epitome of money and desir

Nov 22, 2022By Lee Gyu-lee

Choi Min-sik shares glimpse of his role in Disney+ series 'Big Bet'

Actress Lee Young-ae to star in new drama series 'Maestra'

Actress Lee Young-ae poses for a photo during the closing ceremony of the Busan International Film Festival in the southern port city of Busan, in this file photo taken Oct. 14. YonhapActress Lee Young-ae will return to the small screen with a new Korean drama series, tentatively titled "Maestra," industry sources said Monday. In the drama based on the French TV series "Philharmonia," Lee will play the lead role of a violinist-turned-orchestra conductor who faces a dilemma when her secret is exposed to others.Korean production company Raemongraein plans to begin shooting the series in the first half of next year, according to the sources. The TV channel and release date have not been confirmed yet. It will be her first drama appearance following "Inspector Koo" aired on local cable channel JTBC in late 2021. (Yonhap)

Nov 21, 2022

Actress Lee Young-ae to star in new drama series 'Maestra'

Song Joong-ki drawn to 'Reborn Rich' for its creative plot

From left, actors Lee Sung-min, Shin Hyun-been, and Song Joong-ki pose during a press conference for JTBC's series “Reborn Rich,” held in Yeouido, Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of JTBCBy Lee Gyu-leeActor Song Joong-ki is set for another series, taking on a double role in JTBC's new drama “Reborn Rich,” after making a hit with the crime drama “Vincenzo" last year.Jung Dae-yoon, director of the series “Reborn Rich" / Courtesy of JTBC“The (series') most appealing aspect is that it is a fantasy, the plots of which stirred up my imagination,” the actor said during a press conference for the series, held in Yeouido, Seoul, Thursday. “From my character's perspective, what connects (the two characters) ― one from the past and the other from the present time ― is family. And I liked that part of the story.”The fantasy series, which premieres Friday, revolves around loyal, hard-working Yoon Hyun-woo (Song) who is born underprivileged and has dedicated his life to working for the wealthy conglomerate Soonyang Group and its owner family.Alt

Nov 18, 2022By Lee Gyu-lee

Song Joong-ki drawn to 'Reborn Rich' for its creative plot

Park Ji-hoon takes stab at action series with 'Weak Hero Class 1'

From left, director You Su-min, actors Hong Kyung, Lee Yeon, Park Ji-hoon and Choi Hyun-wook, as well as creator Han Jun-hee pose during a press conference for Wavve's new series, “Weak Hero Class 1,” held at CGV Yongsan, central Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of WavveBy Lee Gyu-leeActor and singer Park Ji-hoon has taken on his first action series, playing the lead character, Yeon Si-eun, in Wavve's new original series, “Weak Hero Class 1.” Based on the webcomic of the same name, the teen action series, set for release on Friday, follows the story of a smart, model student named Si-eun. He is an outsider who devotes his time to studying rather than socializing with his classmates.One day, he comes across another outsider at the school, Ahn Su-ho (Choi Hyun-wook), and a transfer student, Oh Beom-seok (Hong Kyung). The three form an unlikely friendship and come together to cover each other's backs at school where fights and bullying are routine occurrences.The series is created by Han Jun-hee, who led the Netflix series, “D.P.,” and is directed by You Su

Nov 17, 2022By Lee Gyu-lee

Park Ji-hoon takes stab at action series with 'Weak Hero Class 1'

INTERVIEW Lee Jong-won excited to find different sides of himself through acting

Actor Lee Jong-won played the role of Tae-yong in MBC's fantasy drama series “The Golden Spoon.” Courtesy of Echo Global Group Model-turned actor takes first lead role with 'The Golden Spoon'By Lee Gyu-leeActor Lee Jong-won has been building a promising portfolio since making his way into acting from modeling in 2018, starring in well-made series like “My Unfamiliar Family” and “Hospital Playlist 2.” Actor Lee Jong-won / Courtesy of Echo Global Group About four years into his career, the actor took his first lead role in MBC's fantasy drama series “The Golden Spoon.”“It still feels surreal that people are recognizing me and responding (to the series),” Lee told The Korea Times during an interview at the office of his agency Echo Global Group in Gangnam District in southern Seoul, Tuesday. “This is the first time that I've gotten this much popularity

Nov 16, 2022By Lee Gyu-lee

[INTERVIEW] Lee Jong-won excited to find different sides of himself through acting

Netflix original series 'Somebody' to unfold twisted melodrama

From left, director Jung Ji-woo and actors Kang Hae-lim, Kim Yong-ji, Kim Su-yeon and Kim Young-kwang pose during a press conference for Netflix's original series “Somebody,” held in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Netflix By Lee Gyu-leeNetflix's upcoming Korean original series “Somebody” will tell the tale of a bizarre melodrama, topped with a thriller mystery, in this era of social media and dating apps.“This is a thriller, but if you go deep, deep down, I created a bizarre melodrama. It all comes down to wanting to communicate and connect (with others) and to the story of a person trying to find someone who will understand him,” the series' director Jung Ji-woo said during a press conference for the series, held in Gwangjin District, eastern Seoul, Tuesday. The eight-part suspense series, set for release on Friday, revolves around software developer Sum (Kang Hae-lim), who creates a social media dating app called “Somebody.” She gets involv

Nov 16, 2022By Lee Gyu-lee

Netflix original series 'Somebody' to unfold twisted melodrama

TV producer Lee Wook-jung explores intersection of food, culture

Documentary producer Lee Wook-jung / Courtesy of TvingNew documentary 'Food Chronicle' searches for spiritual significance, forms of foodBy Kwak Yeon-sooLee Wook-jung is a rare mainstream documentary producer who explores everything related to food ― from the fine dining world to local street food. A trailblazer of food documentary, he explores the intersection of food and culture from an anthropological point of view. He always looks to tell a personal story and studies the origins and cooking styles of each cuisine.“The foods that captivated the world are plain and simple. I call them 'capsule food' because they can be eaten in one bite. Sandwiches, pizza, dumplings, tacos and sushi are all like that. They are easy to make and easy to eat, and you can enjoy a variety of flavors at once,” he said during a recent interview with The Korea Times.His new documentary, “Food Chronicle,” currently available on local streaming platform Tving, is an eye-opening food documentary that follows his journey exploring different forms of popular cuisine. The series features

Nov 16, 2022By Kwak Yeon-soo

TV producer Lee Wook-jung explores intersection of food, culture

Kakao's new music show to make virtual K-pop group

By Lee Gyu-lee A poster for the new music survival show “GIRL'S RE:VERSE” / Courtesy of Kakao Entertainment Virtual reality under the bigger concept of the metaverse has been the latest trend across industries, making its way into entertainment as well. Kakao Entertainment's upcoming music survival show “GIRL'S RE:VERSE” is intended to bring together the concept of immersive, virtual reality with K-pop artists.The new show, set to premiere on Nov. 28, will invite 30 singers from different K-pop girl groups to compete with each other to make it to the top five and debut as a group through virtual reality. The participants will hide their real-life identities throughout the competition and show off their performance skills and talents through virtual avatars. Singer Bada, choreographer Aiki and TV personalities Boom and Pengsoo will host the show. The show is co-produced by Cho Wook-hyung, whose previous work includes “Infinite Challenge,” and Park Jin-kyung, who led “D

Nov 14, 2022By Lee Gyu-lee

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