INTERVIEW IU learns 'life goes on' from 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'In the recently concluded Netflix sensation "When Life Gives You Tangerines," singer-actor IU delivers a captivating performance by seamlessly embodying two distinct characters — the spirited young Ae-sun and her ambitious daughter Geum-myeong — in a multigenerational story of life, love and resilience. Despite the challenge of playing dual characters, IU, also known as Lee Ji-eun, skillfully captures the intricate nuances of both their lives. Viewers have praised the 31-year-old for setting a new milestone in her acting career since her breakout role in the 2018 drama "My Mister," once again expanding her acting spectrum. Expressing her joy and disbelief upon receiving the script for "When Life Gives You Tangerines," IU revealed she read the script on the spot, feeling an immediate desire to take on the role of Ae-sun, a character very different from the darker roles she had previously portrayed. "'My Mister' and 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' share a common focus on human emotions rather than events, but their tones are vastly different. In 'My Mister,' Ji-an starts in the shadoApr 2, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Choi Dae-hoon delivers career-defining performance in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'Actor Choi Dae-hoon delivered a breakout performance in the Netflix original series “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” hailed by many as a defining moment in his career. Playing Bu Sang-gil, a gruff, foul-mouthed man, Choi brought a deeply human character to life, generating a wave of memes, fan affection and critical acclaim. The drama follows the sweeping life stories of Ae-sun (IU), a spirited rebel from Jeju Island, and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), a loyal and unwavering man. Told over four seasons of their lives, the series quickly climbed to the top of Netflix charts both in Korea and globally, resonating with viewers across generations. In the role of Bu Sang-gil, Choi portrayed a man who charges through life, powered only by bravado. In his youth, Sang-gil is explosive and brash, navigating a world where kindness is replaced by bribery and resentment overshadows sincerity. As the decades pass, he becomes a father who may seem selfish and immature but, in time, shows himself to be capable of humility and love when it comes to his children. Through every phase of Sang-gil’s transfApr 2, 2025By KTimes
IU’s wedding scene in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' shines spotlight on church in ChilgokIn the Netflix drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines," the wedding scene featuring lead actress IU has captivated viewers and cast a spotlight on the charming church where the moment was filmed, Newsis reported. At the center of the buzz is Gasil Catholic Church, located in Chilgok County, North Gyeongsang Province. In one of the drama’s final episodes, IU’s character arrives at the church holding her father’s hand. Balloons float into the sky, confetti rains down, and her face radiates the joy of a blissful bride. Watching from a distance, her former lover offers a quiet, bittersweet blessing. The picturesque shot in front of Gasil Church has been widely praised online as cinematic and emotionally stirring. Viewers quickly flooded online communities asking where the church is located, with speculation divided between Gasil Church and another catholic church in Gyesan-dong, Daegu. Both were filming locations Park Jong-seok, a Chilgok County spokesperson, told Newsis that “the entrance scene with IU was filmed at Gasil Church in Chilgok, while the interior ceremony where she criesApr 2, 2025By KTimes
Kim Soo-hyun’s tearful press conference questioned for lack of substanceActor Kim Soo-hyun’s tearful press conference addressing allegations surrounding his past relationship with the late actor Kim Sae-Ron has drawn criticism from legal and psychological experts as well as on social media, who called the event insincere and unconvincing. Experts noted that the conference failed to provide clear rebuttals or credible evidence and may have done more harm than good to the actor’s case and public image. Kim held a press conference on Monday, denying claims that he dated Kim Sae-ron when she was a minor or that she was driven to suicide due to pressure from him or his agency. He tearfully explained his emotional state, his responsibilities as a public figure and the reasoning behind his silence over the years. However, criminal profiler Bae Sang-hoon, in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel the same day, said he was disappointed by the tone and content of the press event. “I expected a more honest disclosure and reflection, but it didn’t seem sincere. It came across more as a performance than a heartfelt statement." Bae criticized Kim’s remarks aboutApr 2, 2025By KTimes
INTERVIEW Park Hae-joon sheds 'nation's adulterer' image, plays devoted husband in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'Park Hae-joon, once infamously known as the "nation's adulterer" for his portrayal of an unfaithful husband in the 2020 drama "The World of the Married," is reclaiming his screen persona — this time as the "nation’s romantic lead." In the Netflix's acclaimed series "When Life Gives You Tangerines," Park delivers a heartfelt performance as Yang Gwan-sik, a devoted husband and selfless family man. Park shared that he laughed and cried along with viewers while experiencing the story of "When Life Gives You Tangerines," adding that portraying the devoted Gwan-sik proved to be more challenging than his previous role as an adulterous husband. "Portraying a shameless character committing adultery had a certain thrill and catharsis because it allowed me to act out something that I don't do in real life. However, playing Gwan-sik was more demanding as it constantly made me reflect on myself and draw parallels to my own life," he said during an interview with The Korea Times at The Ambassador Seoul — A Pullman Hotel in central Seoul, Tuesday. In the 16-part drama, telling the life stories ofApr 1, 2025By Park Jin-hai
'Way Back Love': Fantasy romance about longing, loss, second chancesActress Kim Min-ha felt an instant connection to the love story at the heart of Tving's upcoming romantic fantasy "Way Back Love." "It was exactly the kind of story I had wanted to tell for so long," the "Pachinko" star said at a press event in Seoul on Tuesday. "I've always been interested in exploring themes of longing, the people left behind and how they carry on with life, often weighed down by guilt," she said. In this six-episode coming-of-age series, Kim plays Hee-wan, a young woman who loses her will to live after the death of her first love, Ram-woo (Gong Myoung). However, their story takes an unexpected turn when Ram-woo returns as a grim reaper, rekindling their connection beyond the boundaries of life and death. "Everyone experiences sorrow and longing in their own way, but at their core, these emotions are all connected to love," Kim said. "Through this series, I hope to offer comfort and remind people that even in our most difficult moments we stand beside each other." Gong echoed her sentiment, calling the drama "a lyrical and heartbreaking tale" of youthful innocence and fiApr 1, 2025By Yonhap
Court accepts Kim Soo-hyun’s lawsuit against Kim Sae-ron's familyA Seoul court has accepted a civil lawsuit filed by actor Kim Soo-hyun’s legal team against the family of the late actor Kim Sae-ron and the operators of the controversial YouTube channel Hoverlab, according to the Kukmin Ilbo and other outlets. The Seoul Central District Court registered the damages suit filed by Kim’s legal representatives and assigned a case number on Monday. While a presiding judge has not yet been assigned, the case, which exceeds 500 million won (approximately $368,000), is expected to be heard by a three-judge civil panel. Kim’s legal team, attorney Kim Jong-bok of law firm LKB & Partners, said during a press conference Monday that criminal charges had also been filed for defamation. In addition, Kim’s side filed a separate civil complaint seeking 12 billion won ($8.8 million) in damages against the deceased’s family, an unidentified individual claiming to be Kim Sae-ron’s aunt and the operators of Hoverlab. As part of the evidence, Kim’s team submitted forensic analysis reports stating that the 2016 and 2018 KakaoTalk messages released by Kim Sae-roApr 1, 2025By KTimes
Kim Soo-hyun denies dating Kim Sae-ron as a minor, clarifies relationship timelineActor Kim Soo-hyun on Monday refuted allegations that he had dated the late actor Kim Sae-ron when she was underage, reiterating his previous statement that their relationship began after she became an adult. During a press conference attended by Kim Soo-hyun and his legal representatives from LKB & Partners, the actor maintained that he and Kim Sae-ron were in a relationship for about a year, five years ago. “Outside of being actors, we were just like any other couple,” he said. The sudden press event came as a response to mounting allegations that Kim Soo-hyun had dated Kim Sae-ron since she was a minor and had allegedly groomed her. Crying and sniffling throughout the entire event, the actor argued that Kim Sae-ron's family is framing him as a pedophile responsible for her death, using fabricated evidence. “I accept responsibility for what I have done and will take any criticism for it,” Kim Soo-hyun said. “But I cannot take responsibility for something I did not do. For the people who still believe in me, I want to set the record straight.” Initially, Kim Soo-hyun had denieMar 31, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
'Karma' explores twisted fates of 6 desperate soulsNetflix's new crime thriller series "Karma" delves into the lives of six individuals entangled in inescapable ill-fated relationships as they pursue their desires. The adaptation of the popular Kakao Webtoon of the same name is set to premiere Friday. "Karma" features a star-studded cast, including Park Hae-soo as a man who witnesses a mysterious accident; Shin Min-a as a surgeon haunted by lifelong trauma; Lee Hee-jun as a debtor chased by loan sharks after a failed cryptocurrency investment; Kim Sung-kyun as a man cornered after losing his job; Lee Kwang-soo as a successful doctor who practices traditional Korean medicine; and Gong Seung-yeon as his charming girlfriend. "Karma" is adapted and directed by Lee Il-hyung, known for his acclaimed film "A Violent Prosecutor" (2016). This marks Lee Il-hyung's first stint as a showrunner. "It is a story about six individuals, each driven by their own desires, who experience a specific incident and become trapped in the inescapable cycle of ill-fated relationships," Lee Il-hyung said Monday at a press conference at JW Marriott Dongdaemun SquarMar 31, 2025By Park Jin-hai
Seo Kang-joon wraps up ‘Undercover High School’ in high spiritsActor Seo Kang-joon reflected on wrapping MBC’s action comedy series “Undercover High School,” his small screen return after completing mandatory military service, saying he was pleased to show a new side of himself through the character Jung Hae-sung. "I remember the times spent working together with many staff members while filming this series. From the hot summer through the cold winter, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who gave their all without holding back,” Seo said through the broadcaster. "(The series) holds meaning in that it showed a new side of me after being discharged from military service. I was happy to meet this 'cool guy' Jung Hae-sung, who is quite different from the characters I've played before and I hope he is remembered in the viewers’ hearts further on. I want to express my thanks to everyone who cherished him." The 12-part series follows a National Intelligence Service ace field agent, Jung, who goes undercover at a prestigious high school. Disguised as the school’s newly transferred student, he carries out an operation to find King GojongMar 31, 2025By Lee Gyu-lee
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