BUMSUP brings Korea-inspired performance to 'World of Street Woman Fighter'What happens when street dance legends from around the world face off under one roof? Mnet’s dance competition show "World of Street Woman Fighter" (WSWF) ups the ante, transforming its hit series into a global showdown and igniting a dance craze with record-breaking performances. Korean dance crew BUMSUP is dominating the spotlight with their mega crew mission video, “Mongyeong — At the Boundary of Dreams,” directed by Honey J. Released on June 18 via Mnet’s YouTube channel The CHOOM, the performance racked up over 13 million views in just six days — the fastest climb ever across all mission videos in Mnet’s dance competition franchises, including "Street Woman Fighter," "Street Man Fighter" and "Stage Fighter." In the video, a pre-release for the global vote of the upcoming mega crew mission — featuring each teams mobilizing large numbers of performers — BUMSUP showcased a stunning collaboration with actor Roh Yoon-seo and 102 dancers. It received praise for its sophisticated blend of Korean tradition with a modern twist. The performance skillfully incorporates elemeJun 26, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Ha Jung-woo to break 19-year hiatus from TV via new tvN seriesHa Jung-woo is set to make his television comeback after 19 years in an upcoming tvN drama, the production's PR agency said Thursday. The series, with the Korean title "How to Become a Building Owner in South Korea," stars Ha as Soo-jong, a landlord grappling with interest payments on his building and ultimately getting caught up in a crime amid his financial struggles. The actor was last seen on television in MBC's 2007 drama "H.I.T." Im Soo-jung, whose latest work includes the 2023 film "Single in Seoul," will co-star as Soo-jong's wife. Im Phil-sung, director of Netflix's "Persona" (2019), will helm the series and novelist Oh Han-ki will make his debut as a series scriptwriter. The series is expected to premiere in the first half of next year.Jun 26, 2025By Yonhap
TV personality Seo Yu-ri opens up about debt, divorce, new romanceVoice actor and TV personality Seo Yu-ri broke her silence on past controversies, financial struggles and her current love life. In an episode of YouTuber @real_fin's variety show Wednesday, Seo appears alongside fellow guest Nancy Lang in a special feature on divorcees. Seo, now in her first year post-divorce, and Nancy, eight years out, both share their unfiltered experiences of life after marriage in a way they never have before. Seo took the opportunity to address ongoing public speculation for the first time. She reveals that she was left with 2 billion won ($1.45 million) in debt during her divorce process, of which she has since repaid around 1.3 billion won. “People around me suggested I file for bankruptcy,” she said. "But since I allowed my ex-husband to use my name for loans, I feel responsible and plan to repay every last bit.” In a lighter moment, Seo also shared news of a budding romance. “I recently started seeing someone,” she said. “When I told him I’d be on this show, he actually bought me a robe to wear — sweet, right?” Her remarks hinted at a new chaJun 26, 2025By Hankookilbo
Actor Jin Tae-hyun recovers from thyroid cancer surgeryActor Jin Tae-hyun, 44, has successfully undergone surgery for thyroid cancer and shared a message of gratitude, including praise for fellow actor Kim Woo-bin. In a social media post Wednesday, Jin revealed that his surgery earlier that morning went well. “My wife held my hands and prayed for me in the early hours. The surgery is over, and the cancer cells are now gone.” Reflecting on the past few months, Jin said living with the word “cancer,” regardless of its severity, taught him valuable lessons. “It was a time of deep gratitude — a chance to reflect on how I should live moving forward,” he wrote. “To all patients fighting cancer across the country, I will continue to pray for you.” Jin also expressed appreciation to the production team of JTBC’s “Divorce Camp Pilot,” TV personality Seo Jang-hoon, and actor Kim Woo-bin. Kim, who previously battled nasopharyngeal cancer, reached out to Jin despite the two not having a personal relationship. “I’m truly thankful to Kim Woo-bin, who took the time to offer his support even though we had never spoken before,” JJun 26, 2025By Hankookilbo
INTERVIEW Shin Si-a: 'I've fallen in love with acting itself'Beneath the crisp white coat stood a tear-prone first-year resident, outwardly composed, inwardly tender and unmistakably sincere. Actor Shin Si-a, who played Pyo Nam-kyung in tvN’s recently wrapped medical drama “Resident Playbook,” tackled her first doctor role and, in the process, discovered fresh purpose in both acting and life. “It was my very first time portraying a physician,” Shin said in a recent interview. “Before filming, I shadowed at hospitals, visited residents’ lounges and observed real consultations. Whenever I ran into medical jargon I didn’t understand, I called my grandfather, a retired internist, who happily explained everything.” Shin, who had been on hiatus since her breakout film “The Witch: Part 2. The Other One,” said her grandfather had longed to see her on the small screen again. “He was thrilled,” she laughed. “He kept telling me how proud he was.” On paper, Pyo Nam-kyung appears cool and efficient, but beneath the surface she is emotional and empathetic. “She’s ordinary but tries incredibly hard, and I related to that,” ShJun 25, 2025By Hankookilbo
Interview'Parasite' writer Han Jin-won makes directorial debut with school election dramaHan Jin-won, the writer behind the Oscar-winning film "Parasite," officially made his directorial debut with Tving's "I Am a Running Mate." The 39-year-old, who shared the Best Original Screenplay Academy Award with Bong Joon-ho in 2020, initially joined the new project as a scriptwriter. However, a desire to direct soon blossomed. "I wasn't initially contracted to direct, but as I wrote, I became more ambitious, so I said I wanted to direct. This wasn't just a delivery-ready script, it was a screenplay with a director's vision already embedded. I even made notes on camera movements," Han said during an interview with The Korea Times in Seoul Tuesday. "That's how my affection grew, and when a script I wrote over a decade ago started to be developed, I found myself with a craving to direct. Unlike my previous works, I was nervous about seeing a creative project that I had spearheaded put to the test." With a cast of rising stars, the Tving series, which dropped all episodes on Thursday, is a cheerful teen political drama that follows Se-hoon (Yoon Hyun-soo), who becomes the school's laughJun 24, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Jun Ji-hyun parts ways with agency after 3 years, set to enter FA marketActor Jun Ji-hyun is set to leave her management agency Ieum Hashtag after three years, stirring anticipation in the entertainment industry as she prepares to enter the free agent market. An official from Ieum Hashtag said on Tuesday, “Jun Ji-hyun’s contract expires early next month, and both sides have agreed not to renew.” Jun joined Ieum Hashtag in 2022. The agency was founded by the former CEO of Culture Depot, where Jun was previously managed for many years. Actress Kim So-hyun also recently parted ways with the company. According to industry sources, Jun is currently considering offers from multiple agencies. Her next project is the Disney+ series "Tempest," set to premiere later this year. In the drama, she plays Moon Ju, a diplomat and former U.N. ambassador who teams up with an untraceable special agent named San Ho (played by Kang Dong-won) to uncover the truth behind a massive conspiracy threatening the Korean Peninsula. The cast also includes John Cho. Jun made her debut as a magazine model in 1997 and rose to stardom through a series of hit films and dramas, including "Jun 24, 2025By Hankookilbo
Actor Kim Ji-ho reveals ADHD diagnosis and reflects on career breaksVeteran actor Kim Ji-ho has opened up about her struggles with ADHD, menopause and career breaks in a deeply personal interview, offering a rare glimpse into the emotional challenges behind her long-standing career. In an interview released Monday on the YouTube channel Baik Ji-yeon Now, hosted by veteran broadcaster Baik Ji-yeon, the 50-year-old actress candidly discussed her personal journey. “I actually asked to come on the show. I’ve known Baik Ji-yeon for over 20 years — since before I got married," she said at the beginning of the conversation. Kim spoke openly about the physical and emotional changes brought on by menopause. “About five or six years ago, I heard that yoga could help with menopause, so I started at 43 — and I’m so glad I did,” she said. “I had never felt lethargic, depressed or lonely before, but suddenly, I understood those feelings. My self-esteem dropped. I could barely bring myself to get out of bed, let alone go to yoga. I realized just how powerful hormones can be.” She also described her physical symptoms. “It felt like I had a heater straJun 24, 2025By Hankookilbo
Ko So-young makes variety show debut as host of 'Dr. Oh's Stay'Actor Ko So-young, known for her iconic roles in the 1990s, is making a highly anticipated return to the small screen as the host of a new reality program on MBN. The show, "Dr. Oh's Stay," marks Ko’s first step into the world of entertainment hosting, showcasing a new, more personal side of the star. The program follows individuals confronting personal pains and traumas as they take part in a one-night, two-day temple stay at Ssanggye Temple in Hadong, South Gyeongsang Province — a Buddhist temple dating back to the 9th century — guided by psychiatrist Oh Eun-young, widely known in Korea as “the nation’s mentor." Here they seek comfort, empathy and diverse solutions together. Ko serves as one of the hosts, alongside comedian Moon Se-yoon. "Especially as a parent with children, I had the opportunity to meet with Oh when I was worried if I was on the right path. I had a personal connection with her and was receiving a lot of help," the Ko said during an online press conference Monday, explaining why she decided to join the show. Rather than dispensing advice, the 52-year-old actJun 23, 2025By Park Jin-hai
No more knights on white horses: Strong female leads reshape K-drama narrativesOnce centered around damsels in distress and chaebol (family-owned conglomerates) prince charmings, Korean dramas are now embracing a dramatic shift, with strong, self-reliant women at the forefront and emotionally complex male leads taking a supporting role. Recent hit series like Genie TV’s “Tastefully Yours” and tvN’s “Our Unwritten Seoul” spotlight female protagonists who are resilient, professionally capable and emotionally grounded. These women — a skilled chef in the former, and an office worker in the latter — take the lead in main narrative arcs without relying on romantic partners for validation or rescue. This trend reflects the evolving tastes of a younger generation that rejects rigid gender stereotypes. Instead of the classic "candy girl," (a sweet, plucky heroine rescued by the male lead) as in past hits like “Secret Garden” or “Lovers in Paris,” today’s female characters often enter the story already possessing power, skills and self-worth. Even when a wealthy male lead approaches with material advantages, the modern K-drama heroine often pushesJun 23, 2025By Hankookilbo
