The return of star screenwriters: K-dramas reclaim the spotlight with original storiesStar television writers with devoted fan bases are lining up to return to Korea’s small screen this year, offering original stories at a time when adaptations of webtoons and web novels dominate the drama market. Rather than relying on familiar intellectual property, they are betting on character-driven narratives and distinct authorial voices — a strategy that has already generated buzz among viewers and industry watchers. The first to return are Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran, the "Hong sisters," who are renowned for crafting genre-defining romantic dramas such as “The Greatest Love,” “Hotel Del Luna” and “Alchemy of Souls.” Their new Netflix series, “Can This Love Be Translated?,” is set for release on Friday. The romantic comedy centers on Ju Ho-jin, a multilingual interpreter played by Kim Seon-ho, and Cha Mu-hee, a global superstar portrayed by Go Youn-jung. As Cha joins a global reality show with Ju as her interpreter, the two are drawn into an unpredictable romance. “The drama grows out of moments when they try to put their feelings into words,” the Hong siJan 14, 2026By Hankookilbo
Meet chefs who sparked buzz in ‘Culinary Class Wars’ Season 2“Culinary Class Wars” Season 2 reignited public interest in competitive cooking shows in Korea — not simply by crowning a winner, but by spotlighting chefs whose personalities, philosophies and life stories resonated with viewers. The season featured an unusually diverse lineup, ranging from veteran chefs with decades of experience to late bloomers who found their calling after multiple career detours, as well as a Buddhist nun devoted to temple cuisine. While the competition was a battle of skills, many viewers found themselves drawn to the contestants’ humor, confidence, vulnerability and willingness to challenge convention. Social media buzz, viral memes and spirited online debates followed each episode, turning the chefs into cultural talking points. Lim Seong-geun Although he did not take home the top prize, chef Lim Seong-geun left perhaps the strongest impression on viewers. Cooking for more than four decades, Lim is both a veteran chef and a content creator, and previously won “Korean Food War” Season 3. Audiences were drawn to his sharp sense of humor, frequent bluffs,Jan 14, 2026By Kim Se-jeong
‘Single’s Inferno’ Season 5 teases sexiest pool scenes yetNetflix’s hit Korean dating show “Single’s Inferno” is promising its hottest season yet — and even the man who once went viral for his own legendary pool scene is conceding he has been topped. At a production showcase held Wednesday in Seoul, the creators and panelists of “Single’s Inferno” Season 5 teased what they described as the most explosive pool scenes in the show’s history. The event brought together producers Kim Jae-won and Park Soo-ji along with celebrity panelists Hong Jin-kyung, Lee Da-hee, Super Junior’s Kyuhyun, rapper Hanhae and Dex, the breakout star from Season 2. “Single’s Inferno” is a reality dating series in which singles are stranded on a remote island called “Inferno,” where they must form romantic connections in order to leave. The show has become one of Netflix’s most-watched Korean reality franchises, fueled by viral moments, social media obsession and contestants who frequently become overnight celebrities. Kyuhyun said the Season 5 cast is far less guarded than in previous seasons. “On dating shows, people usually try to manJan 14, 2026By Xportsnews
Review‘Culinary Class Wars’ 2 serves moving tribute to hard workNetflix’s cooking show “Culinary Class Wars” Season 2 came to an end Tuesday, leaving behind more than just a winner and a 300 million won ($203,129) prize. While the competition was fierce, it also felt like a warm message to everyone working hard in their own lives. At the center of this emotion was the contest’s winner Choi Kang-rok. For over a decade, Choi had been known to the public as a specialist in braised dishes, a label that brought him fame but also proved to be a burden as he tried to live up to that image. In the final round, he finally broke free expectations. After winning, he moved many viewers by revealing his inner exhaustion, saying, “I wanted to rest from being the 'Braised Man' for just one day.” It was a special moment of honesty from a master who had spent years focusing only on one thing, keeping his stress hidden. Choi won the title after a tough battle against Lee Ha-sung, who was nicknamed "Culinary Monster." But the true success of this season lies in how it respected the hard work and persistence of ordinary people who give their best to their jobJan 14, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
‘Taxi Driver’ may be over, but Lee Je-hoon still tops Korea’s drama star buzzEven after his hit series “Taxi Driver” wrapped up, actor Lee Je-hoon remains Korea’s most talked-about drama star. According to big-data brand rankings released in January 2026, Lee ranked number one in the drama actor brand reputation index, beating out Jang Ki-yong in second place and Park Seo-joon in third. The results measure how much attention, discussion and online engagement each actor generates across news outlets, social media and fan communities. The Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute said it analyzed more than 80,187,626 data points related to 100 actors who appeared in television dramas between Dec. 14, 2025 and Jan. 14, 2026. Compared with the previous month’s 95,133,320 data points, overall buzz around drama actors dropped by 15.71 percent — making Lee’s continued dominance even more notable. Lee’s brand reputation score reached 4,384,492 points, driven by strong participation, media exposure, communication and community engagement. Jang Ki-yong followed with 3,214,411 points, while Park Seo-joon recorded 2,225,043. The institute said that in LeeJan 14, 2026By Xportsnews
Ahn Hyo-seop of 'KPop Demon Hunters' steps into US spotlight with appearances on major showsActor Ahn Hyo-seop has made back-to-back appearances on major U.S. television shows, signaling his growing recognition among North American audiences. On Monday, he appeared on NBC’s late-night flagship "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," followed by another appearance the following morning on "TODAY." The high-profile appearances coincide with the global success of the Netflix animated feature "KPop Demon Hunters," in which Ahn voices a lead character. The project marks his first English-language dubbing role and his first leading part in a Hollywood-produced animated film, a milestone that has drawn industry attention. That broader exposure was especially evident in his appearance on "TODAY." First broadcast in 1952, the program is one of the most influential morning shows in the United States, featuring news, politics, business and entertainment. Guest spots are typically reserved for senior political figures and top Hollywood talent, highlighting Ahn’s growing presence in U.S. popular culture. The momentum has since extended beyond television. At the 83rd Golden Globe AwardJan 13, 2026By Hankookilbo
'Can This Love Be Translated?' explores romance beyond language barriers"Can This Love Be Translated?," a new Netflix Korean original series, takes the classic rom-com and gives it a global spin. Instead of just focusing on language barriers, the show asks if it is really possible to fully understand another person — especially when it comes to love. The 12-part series tells the story of Joo Ho-jin (Kim Seon-ho), an interpreter who is fluent in several languages but clumsy when it comes to the language of romance, and Cha Mu-hee (Go Youn-jung), an actor who is adored by many but struggles with her love life. "It is a romantic comedy where characters gradually come to interpret each other's languages of love through their own perspectives," director Yoo Young-eun, known for the 2022 drama “Bloody Heart,” said during a press conference in Seoul, Tuesday. The drama is penned by the celebrated screenwriting duo Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran, better known as the Hong Sisters, who have written many hits including "Sassy Girl Chun-hyang" (2005), "Couple or Trouble" (2006), “Hotel Del Luna” (2019) and “Alchemy of Souls” (2022). The series is highly antJan 13, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
‘Poetic justice’ isn’t enough: K-courtroom dramas raise stakesAs a new year begins, dramas featuring legal professionals — lawyers, judges and prosecutors — continue to flood onto the small screen. But while the core formula remains the same — delivering catharsis through dramatic resolutions that uphold justice — new works are making bold attempts to set themselves apart by embracing unusual themes and diverse genres. A case in point is "Pro Bono," tvN’s new series that has been airing since Dec. 6, 2025. Built around public-interest cases, the drama places humanitarian concerns front and center. The protagonist, Kang Da-wit (Jung Kyung-ho), is a status-obsessed judge who unexpectedly sheds his robe and becomes a public-interest lawyer at a major law firm. Taking on so-called “unprofitable cases,” he encounters new clients — including abandoned dogs, children with disabilities and migrant women — who have been denied access to legal services because of economic or social barriers. Though buffeted by setbacks, Kang ultimately secures hard-won victories. The drama’s script is written by former judge Moon Yoo-seok, lending the seJan 9, 2026By Hankookilbo
Struggling ‘I Live Alone’ seeks to win back viewers by returning to basicsMBC's flagship show "I Live Alone" stands at a critical crossroads once again. While the long-running show has weathered controversies and cast changes, matters now feel unusually grave. The survival of MBC's “I Live Alone,” which first aired in 2013, now hangs in the balance following the consecutive departures of core members Park Na-rae and Key, a member of K-pop group SHINee. While "I Live Alone" has endured numerous scandals over the years, this latest blow might cut especially deep. To break through the turmoil, lead host Jun Hyun-moo made a promise to return to the show's basics during a recent awards ceremony, signaling a shift in direction. With the show's fate uncertain, all eyes are on whether this choice can turn the tide of public opinion. "I Live Alone" is a variety show that has survived numerous crises. In its early days, it drew attention for its fresh take on observing the lives of unmarried people and single-person households. But it has stumbled repeatedly due to cast controversies, departures and a stale formula. When key members like Jun Hyun-moo and Han Hye-jJan 9, 2026By Hankookilbo
From screen to table: Where to try dishes of Netflix’s 'Culinary Class Wars 2' finalistsWith the final episode of Netflix’s popular cooking contest show "Culinary Class Wars" Season 2 imminent, the competition has reached a fever pitch. On Friday, Netflix spotlighted the top seven participants by revealing new portraits and reflections on the core philosophies that define their cooking. While veteran chef Choi Kang-rok has already secured his place in the final round, the competition remains fierce between legendary Chinese chef Hou Deok-juk and the rising star known as Culinary Monster for the remaining spot. Here is a guide to the philosophies of these finalists and where you can experience their flavors. Haobin Led by the legendary Chinese cuisine master Hou Deok-juk, Haobin is located at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Seoul’s Jung District. Hou, who secured his spot in the final three, views cooking as a lifelong process of learning and responsibility. "I believe cooking is an endless study," he said, adding that his philosophy is to create food that heals both the body and mind. At Haobin, he continues to serve his signature dishes like Buddha Jumps Over the WJan 9, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
