Netflix pulls in more Korean hits, stoking fears for local streaming survivalWith more high-profile Korean dramas and entertainment programs heading to Netflix, questions are mounting about the viability of domestic streaming platforms, especially in light of the upcoming merger between Tving and Wavve. KT’s upcoming drama “Tastefully Yours,” starring Kang Ha-neul and Go Min-si, is set to premiere simultaneously on its in-house platform Genie TV and Netflix next month. This marks KT’s first co-release with Netflix, a shift from its previous policy of exclusively airing original content on Genie TV and ENA. A KT official said the company has “restructured its distribution strategy to enhance accessibility through simultaneous OTT (over-the-top streaming) releases.” Another highly anticipated drama, the second season of “Weak Hero,” will also debut exclusively on Netflix on April 25. The first season, which premiered in 2022, was produced by Wavve and became a breakout hit. However, due to reported financial difficulties, Wavve stepped back from producing the sequel, which Netflix has now taken over. A growing divide The shift reflects a deepening diApr 15, 2025By KTimes
Park Na-rae’s agency denies inside job rumors in theft caseComedian Park Na-rae’s agency has addressed ongoing speculation surrounding a recent theft at her residence, confirming that a suspect has been arrested and denying rumors of insider involvement. “We determined early on that the incident was a theft committed by an outsider and submitted CCTV footage from the home to the police on April 8,” Park's agency said in a statement. “The police have since identified and arrested the suspect, and a warrant for detention has reportedly been issued. “We are relieved that the suspect was swiftly apprehended, and we are grateful to the authorities for their efforts." In response to online speculation suggesting the theft may have been an inside job, the agency said firmly, “This is not true.” It also warned against the spread of baseless rumors. “False information is being recklessly circulated via online communities and social media. We will take strong legal action against such misinformation without leniency.” An official from Park's team said on April 8 that her home had been broken into and valuables stolen. “The exact amountApr 14, 2025By KTimes
Why a second 'Infinite Challenge' has yet to emergeMBC’s legendary reality TV show “Infinite Challenge” celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, a rare milestone in Korean television. Though the show ended in 2018, it remains a cultural icon frequently referenced by fans and industry insiders alike. Yet despite the program’s lasting popularity, no entertainment show since has come close to matching its influence. “Infinite Challenge” premiered on April 23, 2005, under the title “Reckless Challenge” and ended its run in 2018. At its peak, the program achieved a nationwide viewership rating of 28.9 percent, earning it the nickname “the show of the nation.” Even years after its final broadcast, the show continues to attract viewers through streaming platforms, and related merchandise remains in demand. Comedian Yoo Jae-suk, the show’s central figure, acknowledged its lasting impact during a livestream on MBC’s “Hangout With Yoo,” saying, “Many people still miss ‘Infinite Challenge’ and rewatch old episodes.” To mark the 20th anniversary, MBC is launching a range of events and content. These include anApr 14, 2025By KTimes
Actor Ko So-young shares parenting views, says her kids rarely attend cram schoolsActor Ko So-young opened up about her family life and parenting approach, sharing that she values a healthy, balanced upbringing for her children over academic achievement. In a video released Saturday on TV personality Hong Jin-kyung’s YouTube channel, Ko said, “Family is the most important thing. For me, the children’s well-being comes before academic success. After that comes our dog. I haven’t really thought beyond that.” When Hong asked why “work” didn’t come up on her list of priorities, Ko said, “My career used to be important, but after living as a mother, I found myself fading into the background. It got to a point where I wasn’t in a position to pursue my work. I felt myself becoming more distant from the public, which is why I decided to launch my own channel.” Ko also shared her experience of returning to media activities after a long hiatus. “It feels like I’ve been away for too long. I’m not even sure if I’m doing things right anymore — the industry has changed so much from when we were active,” she said. “When my kids were younger, theyApr 14, 2025By KTimes
'Buried Hearts' ends on a high note, becomes highest-rated miniseries of yearSBS drama "Buried Hearts" concluded its run with the highest viewership ratings among all miniseries aired this year, reaffirming the broadcaster’s reputation as a powerhouse in genre storytelling. The final episode aired Saturday, wrapping up the intense story of Seo Dong-joo, played by Park Hyung-sik, a man who hacks into a 2 trillion won ($1.5 billion) political slush fund and risks everything to bring down the corrupt world that once tried to kill him. In the finale, Seo achieves his long-awaited revenge against Yeom Jang-seon, played by Huh Joon-ho. Although Seo attacks him, Yeom disappears without a trace. Seo later rises to the top of Daesan Energy, only to be haunted by recurring nightmares of Yeom’s return. "Buried Hearts" enthralled viewers with its straightforward yet gripping storyline. It follows Seo, a man with an extraordinary memory, who becomes entangled with the powerful Daesan Group and vows revenge. While plot twists such as memory loss and secret births added complexity, they energized rather than confused audiences. According to Nielsen Korea, the show debuted wApr 14, 2025By KTimes
Gong Seung-yeon, Lee Kwang-soo praised for standout performances in 'Karma'There are moments in life when a seemingly chance encounter later reveals itself as a toxic tie. The Netflix series “Karma,” recently released worldwide, explores the devastating consequences of such entanglements through the stories of six individuals linked by ill-fated relationships. Fueled by powerful performances, the dark thriller captures the emotional cost of betrayal and survival. The series features a star-studded cast including Park Hae-soo, Shin Min-a and Lee Hee-jun, but it is the standout performances of Gong Seung-yeon and Lee Kwang-soo that have gained particular attention. Known for taking on transformative roles, Gong and Lee push their craft to new levels, immersing viewers in a suspenseful narrative filled with twists and revelations. Lee plays Han Sang-hoon, a seemingly timid doctor of traditional Korean medicine. His quiet life spirals out of control after a drunk-driving accident during a trip with his partner, Yu Jeong, played by Gong. In a panic, Sang-hoon hides the body, making Yu Jeong an accomplice. But when a witness surfaces, played by Park Hae-soo, theApr 11, 2025By KTimes
Comedian Kim Jun-ho sheds 6kg with Wegovy ahead of weddingComedian Kim Jun-ho has revealed the secret behind his recent weight loss as he prepares for his wedding in July. Appearing noticeably slimmer in a YouTube video posted on Thursday, Kim said that he had dropped from 83 kilograms to 77 kilograms. “I’ve lost 6 kilograms while dieting for the wedding,” he said. “It’s been a series of hurdles — Wegovy after Wegovy,” he added, referring to the prescription weight-loss medication he credits for his transformation. When asked by his producer whether he had lost weight too quickly, Kim replied, “I should stop here and maintain this weight.” Fellow YouTuber Pani Bottle recently also shared that he had successfully slimmed down using Wegovy injections, going from over 70 kilograms to 64 kilograms. He said the treatment was not part of a paid promotion. “People accused me of doing undisclosed ads, which was really frustrating.” Wegovy contains semaglutide, a compound that mimics GLP-1 — a hormone involved in insulin regulation and appetite control. It works by acting on the brain’s hypothalamus to reduce hunger and promoteApr 11, 2025By KTimes
'Resident Playbook' to premiere after delays from real-life medical strikes"Resident Playbook," the highly anticipated spinoff of hit 2020 medical drama "Hospital Playlist," will finally premiere Saturday, after a year of delay amid the backlash from the real-life controversies surrounding medical strikes across the country. The series, born out of Shin Won-ho, mastermind behind the popular "Reply" series — "Reply 1997" (2012), "Reply 1994" (2013) and "Reply 1988" (2015) — and "Hospital Playlist" (2020), following five medical school friends exploring ordinary yet special days at a general hospital. Unlike the original series, the new drama centers on medical residents aspiring to become wise doctors, navigating through struggles and growing pains, and is set primarily in the obstetrics and gynecology department — covering all aspects of life from birth to death. For this spinoff, Shin, the creative force behind the series, participates as the project's creator, rather than director, guiding the expansion of the universe he built. "This is the first time I stand in front of media not as a director. Many fans have eagerly anticipated the expansion of our uApr 10, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Jun Hyun-moo apologizes for 'drunken livestream' with BoAPopular TV personality Jun Hyun-moo has apologized after a recent livestream with singer BoA drew backlash over comments about comedian Park Na-rae. “I apologize for the delay in addressing the livestream on Saturday. This is my official apology," Jun said in a statement posted on his social media account Wednesday. “I personally apologized to Na-rae immediately after the broadcast for her being mentioned without cause. I want to again say I’m sorry and thank her for her gracious understanding despite the uncomfortable situation.” Jun continued, “Mentioning someone on a broadcast when they’re not present and choosing to go live while under the influence were clearly inappropriate actions. I sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable because of this.” Jun and BoA hosted a surprise livestream on Saturday via Jun’s social media account. Appearing slightly intoxicated, the two displayed a friendly rapport that caught fans’ attention. However, controversy soon followed when a viewer asked about rumors of a romantic relationship between Jun and Park Na-rae. While JApr 10, 2025By KTimes
INTERVIEW Park Hae-soo finds catharsis in playing villain in Netflix thriller 'Karma'Park Hae-soo may be the most active actor in Korea today. His string of Netflix appearances, ranging from the global phenomenon “Squid Game” to “Narco-Saints” and “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area,” has earned him the nickname Netflix’s civil servant. Now, he has returned with another intense performance in the recently released crime thriller “Karma,” and he’s already preparing to meet viewers again through the upcoming Netflix mystery series “The Price of Confession.” Since its global premiere on April 4, “Karma” has gained swift traction, topping Korea’s Top 10 Series Today list and ranking fifth on Netflix’s global non-English TV chart, signaling a warm reception both domestically and internationally. The series follows six individuals trapped in a vicious cycle of misfortune, unable to escape a web of bad karma. Park plays "Eyewitness," a mysterious figure who witnesses a hit-and-run accident by “Glasses” (played by Lee Kwang-soo) and assists in disposing of the body, only to emerge as a key player in a storyline filled with twists andApr 10, 2025By KTimes
