Yoona drives ‘Bon Appetit, Your Majesty’ to new ratings highTvN’s time-slip fantasy “Bon Appetit, Your Majesty” has reached a new high, surpassing 15 percent in viewership, fueled by lead star Lim Yoon-a (Yoona of Girls’ Generation). The series topped 11 percent by its fourth episode, while competing dramas such as “Twelve” and “Confidence Man KR” continue to struggle. According to Nielsen Korea, the sixth episode of tvN’s “Bon Appetit, Your Majesty,” which aired on Sept. 7, recorded 13.1 percent viewership in the Seoul metropolitan area and peaked at 15.1 percent. Nationwide, ratings stood at 12.7 percent with a peak of 14.5 percent, setting a new series high. The drama also ranked No. 1 across all networks, including terrestrial broadcasters, in its time slot. The latest episode depicted rising tensions between King Yi Heon (Lee Chae-min) and Ming envoy Woo Gon (Kim Hyung-mook). Woo proposed a cooking competition with Ming chefs and those of the Joseon court. Court chef Yeon Ji-yeong (Yoona) responded with delicate macarons, surprising the foreign cooks, and ultimately accepted the challenge. As she searched for ingredientsSep 8, 2025By Hankookilbo
Shinhwa’s Kim Dong-wan says he no longer wants variety show offersKim Dong-wan of boy group Shinhwa has said he hopes to stop receiving invitations to variety shows, explaining that he does not want to share personal stories on air. Kim wrote on his social media on Sept. 5, “I wish variety show offers would stop coming. I have no confidence in being funny, and I don’t want to bring out real stories in front of the public.” He added, “Digging into the past only leaves scars for myself. Can’t I just live quietly, pretending to be happy and successful? I just want to be left alone.” He also left a pointed comment: “If I’ve declined three times with scheduling excuses, please stop. I know you’re probably just following orders from above.” Kim also replied to online questions. Asked what kind of shows he would like to join, he said, “Stage, dramas, home shopping — things where results come in proportion to effort.” When a fan encouraged him for doing well so far, Kim responded, “These days, variety shows seem to want depression, poverty and misery porn.” To another user who said opportunities should go to those waiting for themSep 8, 2025By Hankookilbo
Late YouTuber Daedo Library's ex-wife serves as chief mournerThe death of pioneering YouTuber Daedo Library, whose real name was Na Dong-hyun, has brought renewed attention to his family as his ex-wife Lee Chae-won, who worked under the name Yum Cast, was listed as chief mourner. Na, 46, was found dead at his home in Gwangjin District, Seoul, on Sept. 6. Police said he is believed to have died from natural causes. An autopsy was requested to clarify the cause of death. His funeral was held at Konkuk University Medical Center Funeral Hall, where Yum Cast was named chief mourner alongside Na’s younger sister. The two divorced in 2023 after eight years of marriage, but at the time pledged to remain friends. Yum Cast, who has a son from a previous marriage, built a blended family with Na, and the couple often appeared together on several TV programs such as JTBC’s “LAN Life” and MBC's “Radio Star.” Her presence at the funeral has drawn both sympathy and speculation, as fans said that she remained one of Na’s closest companions despite their divorce. Fans recall hardships Many longtime subscribers expressed concern for Na's family and frienSep 8, 2025By Xportsnews
InterviewLee Jin-uk says 'Beyond the Bar' redefines law as story of people, not just casesIn JTBC’s legal drama “Beyond the Bar,” Lee Jin-uk plays a perfectionist lawyer leading a litigation team, leaving behind his usual romantic image to show a cold, skilled professional who sometimes reveals a surprising warmth, proving his range as an actor. He said he was initially worried the show might feel a bit dull because it lacks the dramatic flair typical of foreign courtroom dramas with juries. But after watching early episodes, he felt that the drama’s quiet confidence could still engage viewers deeply. “There are no excessive dramatics here. These days, so many shows rely on dazzling stimuli; by comparison, our screens felt simple, almost subdued,” he said during an interview with The Korea Times at BH Entertainment’s headquarters in Seoul on Sept. 1. “But I found myself so focused watching it that I lost track of time,” he said, noting the gripping quality of the narrative. Penned by an actual lawyer, the series resists courtroom cliches and instead foregrounds the everyday dilemmas and moral ambiguities faced by ordinary people. While legal jargon and statSep 8, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Netflix’s ‘You and Everything Else’ explores 3 decades of friendship, heartbreakActors Kim Go-eun and Park Ji-hyun take on a sweeping story of admiration, resentment and forgiveness in Netflix’s upcoming series “You and Everything Else.” The show follows two women whose bond stretches from their teenage years into their 40s, charting a shifting landscape of envy, longing and reconciliation. Director Cho Young-min described the project as “a story about two friends across nearly 30 years — at times they admire each other, at times they resent each other.” “What captivated me wasn’t just the scale of the story, but how gradually it deepens with each episode,” Kim said during a press conference at The Ambassador Seoul — A Pullman Hotel in Jung District, Seoul, Friday. “I’d only read up to the fourth episode when I first got the script, but episode five kept echoing in my mind — that’s where the drama’s real depth pulled me in.” Park, who plays Sang-yeon, cited trust in the team as her reason for joining the cast. “Sang-yeon’s backstory was so compelling, and knowing the director and Kim Go-eun were involved made me want to do it,”Sep 5, 2025By Youn Ye-jin
Singer Kim Jong-kook marries non-celebrity in private ceremonySinger Kim Jong-kook ties the knot today (Sept. 5) in a private wedding with his non-celebrity partner, joining the ranks of married stars at the age of 49. The ceremony is being held at an undisclosed venue in Seoul, attended only by family, relatives and close friends. Longtime friend and entertainer Yoo Jae-suk serves as host of the ceremony. Yoo said he had never been asked to host a wedding with such little notice, but promised to adjust his schedule, adding, “Even if I have a recording that day, I will make it work.” Kim first announced the marriage on Aug. 18 through a handwritten letter on his official fancafe. “I’m getting married,” he wrote. “This year marks my 30th anniversary since debut, and instead of making an album, I’ve found my other half. I hope you will congratulate and support me. It may feel sudden, but I believe it’s a blessing to reach this point. I will do my best to live well.” The bride’s identity has drawn public curiosity, but Kim has made clear she will not be revealed. On SBS variety shows, he said, “She won’t appear on ‘My Little OSep 5, 2025By Hankookilbo
Byeon Woo-seok to join Yoo Jae-suk in Netflix guesthouse reality showActor Byeon Woo-seok will join comedian Yoo Jae-suk and actor Lee Kwang-soo in Netflix’s upcoming reality series “Jae-seok’s B&B Rules!” (working title), where Yoo runs a guesthouse with partners both familiar and new. The show is directed by Jung Hyo-min, known for JTBC’s “Hyori’s Bed and Breakfast” and Netflix’s “Kian’s Bizarre B&B,” and began recruiting guests in July. Yoo, who previously won over viewers with his easy chemistry in SBS’ “Family Outing,” will take on the role of a camp host this time, personally welcoming and looking after guests. Joining him are actor Lee Kwang-soo, Yoo’s longtime partner from “Running Man,” and rising star Byeon Woo-seok, who drew international attention with the hit drama “Lovely Runner.” The program marks Byeon’s first fixed role in a reality show, adding weight to his collaboration with Yoo. Producer Lee So-min said, “With a duo that combines familiarity and novelty, we expect to create cheerful synergy and even richer chemistry,” while hinting that more staff members will be revealed. On Sept. 5, reporSep 5, 2025By Hankookilbo
Jun Ji-hyun reveals toned abs, flawless visuals at 'Tempest' press eventJun Ji-hyun is returning to the screen with Disney+ original series “Tempest,” her first project since tvN’s “Jirisan” in 2021. Ahead of the premiere, the actor drew notice at a press conference, where her chic style and toned abs underscored her reputation for flawless self-discipline. “Tempest,” which premieres Sept. 10, follows Mun-ju (Jun), a United Nations ambassador who pursues the truth behind an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate. She joins forces with San-ho (Gang Dong-won), a stateless special agent assigned to protect her, as the two uncover a conspiracy threatening the Korean Peninsula. At the press event on Sept. 2, Jun wore a cropped double-breasted jacket paired with black trousers, showing a sleek look and revealing well-defined abs that drew gasps from those in attendance. With her cropped hairstyle and 173-centimeter frame, she embodied both elegance and strength. Jun also displayed wit when asked about her chemistry with co-star Gang, describing it with the phrase “neujoh,” a Korean slang term meaning “good vibes.” Born in 1981, JunSep 5, 2025By Xportsnews
Song Joong-ki, Chun Woo-hee pair up with strong chemistry in ‘My Youth’Song Joong-ki and Chun Woo-hee are returning to the romance genre with JTBC’s new drama “My Youth,” a project described both as a meaningful opportunity and a chance to showcase their on-screen chemistry. At a press conference Thursday at The Link Seoul in Guro District, director Lee Sang-yeob appeared alongside cast members Song, Chun, Lee Joo-myung and Seo Ji-hoon. “My Youth” follows Sunwoo Hae (Song), who begins an ordinary life later than others, and Sung Je-yeon (Chun), who finds her peace disrupted by first love. The drama is helmed by Lee, who previously directed “Yumi’s Cells” and “Familiar Wife,” with a script by Park Si-hyun, known for “Run On.” Director Lee said the drama tells the story of 30-somethings who reconnect with important people from their past, confront old wounds and grow through shared experiences. He said that he was thrilled when Song accepted the lead role. “This character requires many different faces, and Song Joong-ki was perfect,” he said. Song, appearing in his first romance drama in nine years since KBS2’s “Descendants of thSep 5, 2025By Hankookilbo
Ko Hyun-jung plays serial killer mom in ‘Queen Mantis’Veteran actor Ko Hyun-jung transforms into a chilling serial killer in the upcoming SBS crime "Queen Mantis." Premiering on Friday, the series showcases Ko as Yi-shin, a mother who, 20 years prior, brutally murdered five men and earned the sinister nickname the Mantis. Now imprisoned and estranged from her son, Yi-shin remains an enigmatic and complex figure that audiences will find both terrifying and captivating. Ko described her character as more than just a cold-blooded killer. “While the brutality of Yi-shin’s murders is certainly striking, the real intrigue lies in uncovering the reasons behind her descent into violence. That’s where the story’s true depth and suspense lie,” said the actor during a press conference at the broadcater's headquarters in Yangcheon District, Seoul, Thursday. "This was a script that required intense preparation and a type of role I hadn't played before. Previously, in 'Mask Girl,' the character was split between three actresses, so my screen time was limited. This opportunity felt like a personal breakthrough." When she learned that acclaimed diSep 4, 2025By Park Jin-hai
