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  • Films

    Netflix comedy 'Husbands in Action' promises big laughs, chemistry

    The Netflix movie "Husbands in Action" is an action-comedy that follows the hijinks of a rescue operation put together by the ex-husband and current husband of a woman kidnapped by a criminal organization, according to director Park Gyu-tae as he introduced the film, Monday. "I've focused on situational comedy from clashing groups in my past works, but the biggest difference in this film is the action," Park said during a press conference in Seoul. The director, known for the 2022 comedy "6/45," added that the action sequences unfolding across various locations will be a key point for the audience to watch. The movie follows a desperate rescue mission by the elite narcotics detective and ex-husband Choong-shik (Jin Sun-kyu) who teams up with his former wife's handsome young veterinarian husband Min-seok (Gong Myung). Together they chase down a criminal group that has kidnapped Shi-nae (Kang Han-na), Min-seok's current and Choong-shik's former spouse. Throughout the movie, the two leads try to overcome their awkward relationship to navigate a series of dangerous situations while fighting

    2 MIN READBy Baek Byung-yeul
    Netflix comedy 'Husbands in Action' promises big laughs, chemistry
  • Shows & Dramas

    Seo In-guk, Kim Ji-hyun tackle tvN workplace romance 'See You at Work Tomorrow!'

    3 MIN READBy Park Jin-hai
    Seo In-guk, Kim Ji-hyun tackle tvN workplace romance 'See You at Work Tomorrow!'
  • Books

    Nvidia CEO’s webtoon moment highlights global ascent of K-comics

    2 MIN READBy Baek Byung-yeul
    Nvidia CEO’s webtoon moment highlights global ascent of K-comics
  • K-pop

    As virtual idol groups multiply, can any match PLAVE's success?

    3 MIN READBy Pyo Kyung-min
    As virtual idol groups multiply, can any match PLAVE's success?
  • K-pop

    RIIZE doubles down on performance for highly anticipated return

    2 MIN READBy Lee Kyung-min
    RIIZE doubles down on performance for highly anticipated return
  • K-pop

    Seventeen's Hoshi to drop new digital single during military service

    1 MIN READBy Yonhap
    Seventeen's Hoshi to drop new digital single during military service
  • Entertainment

    Actor-singer Lee Jun-young to begin military service, leaving behind packed roster of projects

    1 MIN READBy Jhoo Dong-chan
    Actor-singer Lee Jun-young to begin military service, leaving behind packed roster of projects
  • Films

    'Colony' breaks 5 mil. admissions, tops weekend box-office chart for 4th week

    1 MIN READBy Yonhap
    'Colony' breaks 5 mil. admissions, tops weekend box-office chart for 4th week
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CEO & Publisher: Oh Young-jinDigital News Email: webmaster@koreatimes.co.krTel: 02-724-2114Online newspaper registration No: 서울,아52844Date of registration: 2020.02.05Masthead: The Korea TimesCopyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.

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Entertainment

Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin donate $139,000 to Samsung Medical Center

Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, both actors, donated 200 million won ($139,000) to a Seoul hospital to support patients in need, Hyun Bin's agency said Tuesday. The donation to Samsung Medical Center will be used to help patients facing financial difficulties, according to VAST Entertainment. The couple expressed hope that the donation "would be helpful, even in the slightest bit, to patients and their families." This marks the couple's latest charitable contribution. They previously donated 150 million won each to Seoul Asan Medical Center and Samsung Medical Center, respectively, to support pediatric patients' treatment. In November, Hyun Bin won the best actor award at the 46th Blue Dragon Awards for his portrayal of independence fighter Ahn Jung-geun (1879-1910) in the period drama "Harbin." His wife, Son, was named Best Actress at the same ceremony for her role in Park Chan-wook's "No Other Choice."

Dec 30, 2025By Yonhap
Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin donate $139,000 to Samsung Medical Center
Shows & Dramas

'Spring Fever' director sets sights on topping hit drama 'Marry My Husband'

Director Park Won-guk on Monday expressed his hope that the upcoming romance series "Spring Fever" will surpass the popularity of his record-setting previous work "Marry My Husband." "I can't be satisfied with ordinary love anymore," the director joked at a press conference in Seoul. "While preparing 'Spring Fever,' I set my goal to receive even greater love than 'Marry My Husband.'" His earlier series for tvN, which aired from Jan. 2-Feb. 20 of last year, achieved a peak viewership of 12 percent, the highest for the cable channel's Monday-Tuesday drama slot. Its popularity also led to a Japanese remake earlier this year. Based on a web novel of the same name, the upcoming romance revolves around the budding relationship between Yoon Bom (Lee Ju-bin), a cool-headed teacher, and Seon Jae-gyu (Ahn Bo-hyun), a passionate man whose nephew attends the school where Bom teaches. Ahn portrays Jae-gyu, whose imposing physique and rough, tattoo-covered exterior hide a surprising charm and steadfast love. His world begins to sway as he falls for Bom. To prepare for the role, the actor said he bulke

Dec 29, 2025By Yonhap
'Spring Fever' director sets sights on topping hit drama 'Marry My Husband'
K-pop

NewJeans full-group return derailed as Ador ends Danielle’s contract

NewJeans’ full-member comeback is thrown into doubt after Ador announced the termination of its exclusive contract with member Danielle. In its official statement released Monday, Ador outlined the status of ongoing discussions with Minji, Hanni and Danielle, who had previously expressed a willingness to return to the company after the Seoul Central District Court ruled on Oct. 30 that all five members must honor their exclusive contracts with Ador through 2029. "Following the court's ruling, we’ve held numerous conversations with Minji, Hanni, Danielle and their families,” the label said in the statement. “Hanni, along with her family, visited Korea and engaged in discussions with us. Through sincere dialogue, she made the decision to remain with Ador, respecting the court’s decision.” The company added Minji is also continuing discussions with the agency, but it did not indicate whether she reached a final decision. However, a different conclusion was reached regarding Danielle. “We determined it would be difficult to continue with Danielle as a NewJeans member and Ador ar

Dec 29, 2025By Kwon Mee-yoo
NewJeans full-group return derailed as Ador ends Danielle’s contract
Others

Behind the scene, celebrity managers in Korea face harsh working conditions

The glitz of the entertainment industry often conceals the harsh working conditions faced by celebrity managers, who shoulder responsibilities ranging from schedule management and on-site accompaniment to condition checks, crisis response and overall support for artists’ activities. Although they are core staff members, discussions about fair treatment have long remained secondary. Allegations raised by former managers of comedian Park Na-rae have brought renewed attention to power abuse claims in the entertainment industry and to the poor labor conditions of managers. The former managers accused Park of unfair treatment and cited issues such as failure to enroll them in the national social insurance program, salaries of about 3 million won ($2,300) per month, delayed wage payments and unprocessed business expenses. While the authenticity of the claims has yet to be verified, the case has prompted broader reflection on structural problems across the industry. According to Park’s former managers, their salaries remained at roughly the same level despite years of experience, while a

Dec 29, 2025By Hankookilbo
Behind the scene, celebrity managers in Korea face harsh working conditions
K-pop

K-pop’s biggest names set for full-group comebacks in 2026

Some of the biggest names of K-pop are planning full-group returns in 2026, creating a rare overlap of top-tier acts from different generations that is already generating buzz. Full-group comebacks by established acts are typically staggered to avoid overlap, making the timing especially notable for longtime followers of the genre. Members across these groups have spent recent years focused on solo projects, and their reunions are expected to drive renewed fan interest and commercial activity. BIGBANG Among the first confirmed is second-generation boy band BIGBANG, which will perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April. The appearance will feature members G-Dragon, Taeyang and Daesung, and marks their first major group activity since releasing the single "Still Life" in 2022, after sharing the stage at G-Dragon’s solo concerts and other informal occasions. BIGBANG debuted in 2006 under YG Entertainment and became one of K-pop's most influential male acts with songs including "Lies," "Fantastic Baby" and "BANG BANG BANG." G-Dragon, the group's leader an

Dec 29, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
K-pop’s biggest names set for full-group comebacks in 2026
Others

Stars fall, productions stall: Korea’s hit shows face uncertain futures after 2025 scandals

South Korea’s television industry ended 2025 with an unwelcome twist — the year delivered some of its biggest global hits, yet several high-profile projects were halted or shelved after celebrity scandals erupted around their lead stars. From streaming blockbusters to major network entertainment shows, productions that had already finished filming are now stuck in limbo, leaving viewers, crews and co-stars frustrated. The controversies reflect what industry insiders call the growing risk of “star-dependent productions,” where a single casting choice can determine a show’s fate, even after millions have already been spent. Kim Soo-hyun scandal derails Disney+ series ‘Knock-off’ Actor Kim Soo-hyun is at the center of the most shocking scandal of the year. The Hallyu star was engulfed in controversy in March after the family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron alleged that he had dated her when she was a minor and that she later faced financial hardship after his agency demanded 700 million won ($520,000) in penalty fees related to her drunk-driving scandal. Kim Soo-hyun’s agenc

Dec 28, 2025By Xportsnews
Stars fall, productions stall: Korea’s hit shows face uncertain futures after 2025 scandals
Films

Why do Netflix’s Korean films keep disappointing viewers?

Netflix’s Korean original films are facing a slump, as several highly anticipated releases have failed to meet expectations, drawing mixed reviews despite their large-scale productions, star-studded casting and ambitious storytelling. The latest example is “The Great Flood,” released on Dec. 19, which follows people fighting for survival inside a flooded apartment building after a catastrophic disaster. Marketed as a disaster blockbuster that blends science fiction elements with Korean sentiment, the movie shot to the top of Netflix’s global film rankings immediately after release but reactions have since split sharply. Critics say the film suffers from poorly connected plot devices, a weak link between its scenario and artificial intelligence concept, unbalanced character dynamics and an overly complicated narrative. The criticism adds to a series of recent disappointments. Other Netflix Korean originals released this year including “The Mantis,” “Love Untangled” and “Wall to Wall” briefly climbed the rankings before quickly fading from view. Though each film diffe

Dec 27, 2025By Hankookilbo
Why do Netflix’s Korean films keep disappointing viewers?
K-pop

These faces define the 'visual standard' for K-pop girl groups

Three leading visuals of Korea’s fourth-generation girl groups — Jang Won-young of IVE, Karina of aespa and Sullyoon of NMIXX — drew attention at the 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon music festival's red carpet, where their contrasting styles and strong star presence sparked buzz among fans and viewers online. The music festival took place at Inspire Arena in Incheon on Dec. 25, bringing together top K-pop acts for one of the industry’s biggest holiday season broadcasts. Ahead of the main program, the red carpet became a focal point as the three idols, often referred to in Korea as a “visual top trio” of their generation, posed for photographers. Jang and Sullyoon appeared in outfits inspired by the Christmas mood, pairing soft colors and festive styling with their signature images. Karina presented a refined look in a classic evening dress, receiving a strong response from fans who praised her graceful styling and charismatic stage persona. On social media, photos and clips from the red carpet circulated quickly, with many users highlighting the “visual chemistry” among the three

Dec 27, 2025By Xportsnews
These faces define the 'visual standard' for K-pop girl groups
Music

Chung Myung-whun to lead KBS Symphony with focus on nurturing musicians

Prominent conductor Chung Myung-whun is returning to his roots to lead the KBS Symphony Orchestra as its 10th music director starting in January, shifting his focus from competitive excellence to a mentorship-driven vision of supporting and nurturing musicians. His tenure will begin as the ensemble celebrates its 70th anniversary. “When I led Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra 20 years ago, it was as if I were building a national team for the Olympics with a clear goal in mind. But I think the time for that kind of thinking has passed,” the 72-year-old maestro said during a press conference in Seoul on Friday. “Now, my role is to love the musicians and help them grow as much as they can. I want to be someone who tells the players to perform with peace of mind.” Chung will serve as a music director through 2028. His move is noticeable given his recent appointment as the next music director of Italy’s legendary La Scala opera house, starting in 2027. Despite his demanding international schedule, Chung said he couldn’t pass up this offer because of his personal ties to Korea. The maes

Dec 26, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Chung Myung-whun to lead KBS Symphony with focus on nurturing musicians
K-pop

Can NewJeans bounce back after Ador dispute? Insiders weigh in on the group’s uncertain comeback

NewJeans’ long-running contract dispute with its label Ador — once seen as one of the biggest internal conflicts in K-pop’s recent history — has entered a new phase in 2025, raising questions over whether the group can rebuild its image and resume activities after more than a year of silence. In October, the group lost the first trial in a lawsuit seeking confirmation of contract invalidity, after which all members expressed their intention to return to Ador. Meanwhile, former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, who had been at the center of the conflict, launched a new agency called OK Records, formally severing ties with the group that had been closely associated with her since their debut. NewJeans has remained inactive since releasing “Supernatural” in June last year, marking a hiatus of about one year and six months. While some critics said the group had become one that “appears on nostalgia programs rather than music shows,” signs of dispute resolution have fueled expectations among fans that the members may eventually return to the stage. Industry officials say attention is now

Dec 26, 2025By Xportsnews
Can NewJeans bounce back after Ador dispute? Insiders weigh in on the group’s uncertain comeback
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