Lee Young-ae returns to small screen with quirky comedy series 'Inspector Koo' Actress Lee Young-ae pose for pictures during an online media conference for the new crime comedy series, “Inspector Koo,” Friday. Courtesy of JTBCBy Lee Gyu-leeActress Lee Young-ae has returned to the small screen with JTBC's new crime comedy series, “Inspector Koo,” about four years since the period romance series, “Saimdang, Memoir of Colors,” in 2017. Directed by Lee Jeong-heum, who led the mystery series, “Nobody Knows,” the thriller series revolves around a former cop, Koo Kyung-yi (Lee).One day, she is offered a missing person's case to work on as an insurance investigator. As she digs into the case, she suspects that there's more to it. Using her intelligence and instinct as a cop, she tries to find out the truth behind the crimes, which were perfectly staged by a serial killer. It is written by newcomer Seong Choy.The series took off Saturday with a 2.6-percent viewership rating.Lee said that she decided to take the lead in the series because she was interested in its peculiar story. “I chose this series because it was odOct 31, 2021By Lee Gyu-lee
Disney+ offers sneak peek into new, original K-drama, 'Moving,' starring Zo In-sung, Han Hyo-joo Actors Zo In-sung, left, and Han Hyo-joo / Courtesy of IOK Company, BH EntertainmentBy Kwak Yeon-sooDisney+ is one of the latest streaming giants to cash in on the global success of K-dramas, with a new action hero thriller titled, “Moving,” debuting on the platform in the second half of 2022.The series boasts a star-studded cast, including: Zo In-sung, Han Hyo-joo, Cha Tae-hyun and Ryu Seung-ryong. Based on a webtoon by Kang Full, the story follows three teenagers discovering their supernatural powers and their parents who conceal their own unusual powers. Together they battle dark forces that threaten multiple generations across different time periods.Each of the characters is bestowed with a unique set of gifts, including flight, superhuman senses, the power to heal and brute strength. Zo, known for his roles in hit dramas including, “The Winter the Wind Blows,” (2013) and “It's Okay That's Love” (2014),” plays Doo-sik, a secret agent who has the ability to fly. “I enjoyed reading Kang's original story, and the unique universe is beaOct 29, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo
Marvel Studios' series 'WandaVision' to release in Korea with Disney+ launch Series “WandaVision” will launch in Korea on Nov. 12. Courtesy of Disney+By Lee Gyu-leeMarvel Studios' “WandaVision” will debut in Korea with the arrival of the global streaming service Disney+ in the country Nov. 12. The Walt Disney Company's streaming service announced that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) series will become available to users here on the day of its launch.Created by filmmaker Jac Schaeffer, who directed the Marvel film, “Black Widow,” the nine-part series picks up after the 2019 film, “Avengers: Endgame.” It follows a super-powered couple from the MCU: Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany). Wanda and her android husband settle into their ideal suburban life in a town called Westview. But the viewer soon realizes that the town that they came to for a “normal” life is not what it seems.The series received 23 nominations at this year's Primetime Emmy Awards and notched three awards, handing the first Emmy win to Marvel Studios.The launch of Disney+ next month will bring in a wide arraOct 28, 2021By Lee Gyu-lee
Lee Do-hyun plays math prodigy in upcoming drama 'Melancholia' Actors Lee Do-hyun, left, and Lim Soo-jung in a scene from tvN's upcoming drama, “Melancholia” / Courtesy of tvNBy Kwak Yeon-sooMath and romance look like an odd combination, but tvN's upcoming drama, “Melancholia,” applies mathematical formulas to define relationships and love. Set in a private high school that is a hotbed of corruption, the series explores the controversial topic of romance between a teacher and a student. A free-spirited teacher, Yoon-soo (Lim Soo-jung), falls in love with math prodigy Seung-yoo (Lee Do-hyun).Lee plays the role of Seung-yoo, considered to be a math prodigy who was accepted to MIT at the age of 10. Dropping out of college at 12, he now follows the standard education system and disguises himself as a failed student at high school.The 26-year-old actor reflected on the difficulties of understanding his character. “I think Seung-yoo is a blunt and straightforward character. He's immature and lacks empathy, but is smart and considerate. To portray a math prodigy, I actually studied math with a private tutor. Since he appeaOct 28, 2021By Kwak Yeon-soo
Kim Yoo-jung on wrapping up her latest series about a female painter, 'Red Sky' SBS series “Red Sky" ended with its highest viewership rating at 10.4 percent, Tuesday. Courtesy of SBSBy Lee Gyu-leeActress Kim Yoo-jung, who starred in the 2016 hit period romance series, “Love in the Moonlight,” has led yet another period series to success with SBS's fantasy period series, “Red Sky.” The fantasy series, starring actors Kim, Ahn Hyo-seop and Gong Myung as the leads, ended its 16-part run, Tuesday, scoring its highest viewership rating of 10.4 percent.“We started working on this series from the cold winter through the spring to the hot summer. And the series has wrapped up with the perfect timing of the fall season,” the actress said through her agency, Awesome Ent. “The memories of all seasons I spent with the series will stay with me for a long time. Like ink soaking into paper, I hope this series made an impression on viewers and hope it stays with them.”Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Jung Eun-gwol, who wrote the original novels for the smash-hit TV series, "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" and "Moon Oct 27, 2021By Lee Gyu-lee
'Lost' actors share their thoughts on series' wrap Actors Ryu Jun-yeol, left, and Jeon Do-yeon pose during an online press conference for the JTBC series "Lost,” Sept. 2. Courtesy of JTBCBy Lee Gyu-leeActors Jeon Do-yeon and Ryu Jun-yeol from JTBC's melodrama “Lost” have shared their emotions and a behind-the-scenes look after the series ended its 16-part run, Sunday. “It feels like I have regrets every time I finish a project. I couldn't picture this series coming to an end, so I would always think to myself how hard it has been to live in this character. But now I think of it, that was just whining,” said award-winning actress Jeon, who played the lead character, Bu-jung. “I want to express my gratitude toward everyone who has been with me through this. I will continue to do my best to become good at acting.”The romance series kicked off with a 4.2 percent viewership rating Sept. 4 with high hopes as it starred popular actors and was the first series directed by famous filmmaker Hur Jin-ho, who is known for the leading period piece "Forbidden Dream" (2019) and the romance "Christmas in AuguOct 25, 2021By Lee Gyu-lee
Businesses expose children to 'Squid Game' for commerce Seen is Halloween costumes for children, designed after the characters from Netflix's “Squid Game,” available on an online shopping mall. / Captured from internetBy Lee Hae-rinKim, 42, a Seoul-based office worker, was surprised to learn that her 12-year-old daughter already knew the whole story of the Netflix original series “Squid Game,” although she did not allow her to watch the series. The daughter said she saw many scenes of the R-rated series on YouTube because she was curious about the series, which “almost everybody” talks about ― not only adults but also all her friends at school.Lee, 39, another office worker in Seoul, said his six- and four-year-old children wanted to have “dalgona,” or the sugar candy, because it's from the “Squid Game.” He was surprised that his children knew the connection between the candy and the R-rated drama they were never allowed to watch, but bought them the treat anyway.“Squid Game” is the latest global craze and children here are not free from the phenomenon. It is R-rated Oct 22, 2021By Lee Hae-rin
FULL TEXT Actor Kim Seon-ho belatedly admits to forced abortion rumor, apologizes Actor Kim Seon-ho / SALT EntertainmentBy Park Ji-wonActor Kim Seon-ho, who shot to stardom in tvN's romance series, "Start-Up," followed by "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha," indirectly admitted Wednesday that he had forced his ex-girlfriend to have an abortion and apologized.“I and the person were in a relationship exchanging good feelings. Over the course of the relationship, I hurt her due to my mistakes and inconsiderate actions. I wanted to directly apologize to her in person, but I failed to do so and am waiting for (her),” Kim wrote in a statement released via SALT Entertainment, his agency.The statement came about three days after an accusation was raised by a user in an online community on Sunday. Claiming to be the ex-girlfriend of a rising star initialed, "K," the person claimed that she got pregnant while dating the actor last year and was falsely persuaded to have the abortion with the promise that he would marry her afterwards, so that she would acquiesce. The user wrote that he had even told her that he would need to pay off hundreds of millions of won for violating aOct 20, 2021By Park Ji-won
Kim Seon-ho's agency responds to recent forced abortion accusation Actor Kim Seon-ho is faced with the allegation that he forced his ex-girlfriend to get an abortion by falsely promising to marry her afterwards. Courtesy of tvNSALT Entertainment looking into the allegation, apologizes for any concernBy Lee Gyu-leeActor Kim Seon-ho, who shot to stardom in tvN's romance series, “Start-Up,” followed by “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha,” is facing the allegation that he forced an ex-girlfriend to get an abortion.The actor's agency, SALT Entertainment, released a brief statement Tuesday, about two days after the accusation was made, saying that it was “verifying” whether it is true or not. “As we have not confirmed the truth behind the case, we ask for your patience,” it said. “We are truly sorry to cause any concern with such an unpleasant issue.” The accusation was raised when a user, claiming to be the ex-girlfriend of a rising star initialed, “K,” shared a post on an online community. She claimed that she got pregnant while dating the actor last year and was falsely persuaded with the promiOct 19, 2021By Lee Gyu-lee
Netflix series 'My Name' ranks fourth on global streaming chart A poster for “My Name” / Courtesy of NetflixBy Lee Gyu-leeNetflix's new series “My Name” has ranked fourth on a global streaming chart, following Netflix sensation “Squid Game,” the U.S. series “YOU,” and “Maid,” according to the streaming analytics platform FlixPatrol, Sunday.The action crime series, which premiered on the platform Friday, topped the daily streaming chart in Korea on the day of release and ranked second in five other countries ― Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. The series has ranked among the top 10 on charts of daily streaming rankings in various countries, including fifth in Mexico and New Zealand, and sixth in the U.S. and Turkey. Directed by Kim Jin-min, who led Netflix's hit crime series “Extracurricular,” the female-centric series revolves around a revenge-driven woman named Ji-woo (Han So-hee). After witnessing her father's murder, she follows in his path and becomes a member of the criminal gang he was part of. His father's closest friend and gang boss Moo?jin Oct 18, 2021By Lee Gyu-lee
