Why Korean production companies are betting big on Japan’s drama marketEven two decades after its release, the Korean megahit drama “Winter Sonata” (2002) remains one of the most-watched series among Japanese audiences, reflecting the enduring appeal of K-dramas and the long shelf life of content in Japan’s drama market. Now, Korean content production companies are shifting from passive roles to more active involvement, co-producing original Japanese dramas and aiming to establish a long-term presence. TV Asahi is currently airing the romance thriller “Mamono,” co-produced with Korean studio SLL. The show marks SLL’s first direct collaboration with a Japanese broadcaster and was penned by Eriko Shinozaki, who adapted “My Love from the Star” for Japanese television. Directors Jin Hyeok and Choi Bo-yoon from the Korean hit “The Tale of Lady Ok” are also involved. Streaming giant Amazon Prime Video will premiere another Korean-Japanese collaboration next month — “Marry My Husband,” based on a hit Korean web novel and drama. Co-developed by Studio Dragon and CJ ENM Japan, the Japanese adaptation is directed by Ahn Gil-ho of “The GloMay 16, 2025By KTimes
Actor Hwang Jung-eum admits to embezzling agency's funds in courtActor Hwang Jung-eum admitted Thursday to embezzling over 4 billion won ($2.86 million) from her company to invest in cryptocurrency during a court hearing. Hwang has been indicted with embezzling 4.34 billion won from the company that she wholly owns in 2022. Of the embezzled amount, she invested 4.2 billion won in cryptocurrency. Hwang's side admitted to all charges during the case's first hearing at the Jeju District Court. "The defendant invested in (cryptocurrency) coins in a bid to grow her company," her lawyer said. "As a corporation cannot own coins, she temporarily did so under her own name, leading to the crime." The lawyer said the company's losses have partially been covered by selling the cryptocurrency, adding the rest will be repaid by selling off real estate. Hwang debuted in 2002 as a member of the idol group Sugar before leaving the group two years later to pursue a career in acting. She has appeared in various popular TV series, including "Kill Me, Heal Me" (2015) and "She was Pretty" (2015). (Yonhap)May 15, 2025By Yonhap
Song Ji-hyo becomes 'haenyeo' in JTBC-BBC’s groundbreaking documentaryActor Song Ji-hyo takes on the challenge of becoming a "haenyeo" (Korean female diver) in Jeju in the JTBC-BBC joint documentary series "Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure." In the three-part documentary, the first co-production between a Korean TV network and U.K.'s BBC Studios, Song — best known for her appearance in Korea's longest running variety show "Running Man" — will free dive alongside the legendary veteran female divers of the sea with whom she shares a unique bond. Jeju’s haenyeo culture, with a history dating back at least 400 years, was recognized for its unique cultural value and was listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. They are remarkable women who, even into their 80s, dive as far as 20 meters without oxygen masks or modern equipment to collect shellfish that support both their families and their way of life. Recently, the Netflix series "When Life Gives You Tangerines" featured the story of the haenyeo, drawing significant public interest. The actor, whose mother was a former swimming athlete and aunt was a haenyeoMay 15, 2025By Park Jin-hai
‘Enemies to lovers’ trope fuels K-romance boomIn the SBS fantasy historical drama "The Haunted Palace," shaman Yeo-ri (played by Kim Ji-yeon) harbors deep resentment toward Kang Cheol, the spirit of an "imugi" (a mythical serpent or proto-dragon) possessing her first love, Yun Gap (played by Yook Sung-jae). Believing the spirit caused her grandmother's death, Yeo-ri initially views him with hatred. But as the two face off against supernatural threats together, their animosity transforms into understanding — and ultimately, love. The storyline reflects what has become a defining theme in many popular Korean dramas: the “enemies-to-lovers” romance, or what Korean viewers call "hyumgwan" — short for "hyumo gwangye" meaning “hostile relationship." Though the term is relatively new, hymgwan is quickly emerging as a genre of its own, with viewers flocking to dramas that feature leads who start off disliking — or even despising — each other. "The Haunted Palace" is leading weekend drama ratings, nearing the high 9 percent range, and continues to rank among Netflix Korea's Top 10 titles. Hate before love Romantic tension betweeMay 15, 2025By KTimes
Disney+ 'Nine Puzzles' depicts duo unraveling mysteries in cartoonish realityDirector Yoon Jong-bin, celebrated for his raw portrayals of masculinity and social realities, is not venturing into a mystery thriller, making a departure from his signature intense tone. Disney+ series “Nine Puzzles” revolves around Ena (Kim Da-mi), the only witness and suspect in a murder case who becomes a profiler 10 years later. She joins forces with Hansaem (Son Suk-ku), the detective who still suspects her, to chase a newly resurfaced serial killer. Yoon described the project as “a detective story about two uniquely distinctive characters uncovering the truth behind a series of murders.” In the drama, a puzzle is delivered to Ena every time a new murder occurs. These puzzles are the starting point for unraveling serial murders that have resumed after a decade. As each of the nine puzzle pieces falls into place, the truth gradually emerges, drawing viewers deeper into the world of “Nine Puzzles” and inviting them to follow the tense investigation and deduction processes of Ena and Hansaem. "When I first read the script, I found it incredibly gripping. The script read vMay 14, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Lee Young-ae on first play in 32 years: ‘I lost weight, had nightmares’Veteran actor Lee Young-ae has made her long-awaited return to the stage with the play “Hedda Gabler,” marking her first theater performance in 32 years. After completing five performances of the Henrik Ibsen classic, Lee, 54, met with reporters at the LG Arts Center in Seoul, Tuesday, where the production runs until June 8 as part of the venue’s 25th anniversary celebration. “I felt a strong jolt of reality at first,” Lee recalled. “My voice projection was so different from other theater actors. I thought, ‘I’m in trouble.’” She added that she reached out to a friend who teaches acting and relied on help from fellow cast members to learn the necessary techniques. “It was physically demanding, so I lost about 4 kilograms. But it was a happy kind of weight loss,” she said. “Hedda Gabler” tells the story of a woman who seeks freedom while trapped in a stifling marriage. Lee plays the titular role, a complex character portrayed in the past by legendary actresses including Ingrid Bergman and Cate Blanchett. Hedda, who is married to an academic uninterested in anythMay 14, 2025By KTimes
Kang Ha-neul, Go Min-si cook up chemistry in new foodie romanceActors Kang Ha-neul and Go Min-si team up in the new Genie TV original drama “Tastefully Yours," which premiered on Monday. Kang is fresh off a box office hit, and Go has been expanding her acting range with diverse projects. In the food-themed romantic drama, the two deliver a promising chemistry fueling audience expectations. “Tastefully Yours” follows Han Beom-U (played by Kang), a chaebol heir-turned-restaurant mergers and acquisitions strategist who seeks to inherit his family's food empire by acquiring a tiny, no-sign, eatery in Jeonju, South Jeolla Province, run by chef Mo Yeon-ju (played by Go). What begins as a business proposal turns into a clash of values — and perhaps something more. Han, the second son of Hansang Foodfield Group and director of Seoul’s top fine-dining restaurant Motto, is obsessed with earning a prestigious “Three-Star” rating from the fictional Diamant Guide. His ambition is fueled by his father’s ultimatum: “Whoever brings in the Three-Star will inherit the company.” But when he discovers a similar dish already being served at Yeon-ju’sMay 14, 2025By KTimes
‘Yumi’s Cells 3’ returns after three years: Kim Go-eun says continuing role is an honorTving’s hit original series “Yumi’s Cells” is returning for a third season, with actor Kim Go-eun reprising her role as the beloved title character. The new season is slated for release in the first half of 2026. “Yumi’s Cells Season 3” follows Yumi, now a star writer, as she continues to grow with the support of her ever-loyal brain cell village — and once again navigates love in her uniquely heartfelt and humorous way. Based on the popular Naver webtoon of the same name by Lee Dong-geon, the series creatively blends live action and 3D animation, a format praised for pushing the boundaries of Korean drama storytelling. The show previously earned critical and commercial acclaim for its imaginative portrayal of personified cells that reflect Yumi’s thoughts and emotions. Its distinct blend of realism and fantasy captivated audiences, making both the first and second seasons cultural sensations. The third season reunites the original creative team, including director Lee Sang-yeob and writers Song Jae-jeong and Kim Kyung-ran, increasing anticipation for the next chapterMay 13, 2025By KTimes
Netflix period drama ‘Dear Hongrang’ to showcase beauty of Korean traditionA new period drama set in the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty is coming to Netflix, giving fans around the world another glimpse into Korean historical stories, after the popular 2019 series "Kingdom." Premiering Friday, "Dear Hongrang" is a mystery melodrama that follows Hongrang (Lee Jae-wook), the long-missing son of Joseon's most powerful merchant family, who returns after 12 years with no memory of his past. As only his half-sister Jae-yi (Cho Bo-ah) suspects his true identity, an inexplicable relationship begins to grow between them, weaving together love and suspicion in this period drama. “The series is based on author Jang Da-hye’s novel ‘Tangeum: Swallowing Gold.’ I read the book first and finished it in one sitting. People often talk about fate, but the characters in this book are all people who have no intention of following their destinies, which made the intense story especially memorable to me," series director Kim Hong-sun said Tuesday during a press conference for the drama at Ramada by Wyndham Seoul Sindorim, in Seoul's Guro District. For him, the biggest theme of theMay 13, 2025By Park Jin-hai
‘10-million-ticket’ star Lee Do-hyun completes military serviceLee Do-hyun, 30, dubbed a “10-million-ticket” actor for his breakout film success, has completed his mandatory military service and officially returned to civilian life on Tuesday. The actor enlisted on Aug. 14, 2023, and served for about 21 months in the Republic of Korea Air Force band following his basic training. Despite being in the military, Lee remained highly visible in the entertainment world. His big-screen debut, “Exhuma,” drew more than 11.9 million viewers, earning him his nickname. The film’s massive popularity also helped contribute to his win for Best New Actor in the film category at the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards. At the time, he told fans, “I’ll return as actor Lee Do-hyun in May next year.” In addition to “Exhuma,” Lee appeared in multiple streaming projects during his service period, including the Tving original "Death's Game," and Netflix’s "Sweet Home" Season Three, allowing fans to see the range of his talent even while he was away from public life. Since his 2017 debut in tvN’s "Prison Playbook," Lee has steadily built an impressive filmograMay 13, 2025By KTimes
