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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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Others

A year of joy, scandal, and heartbreak — Korean entertainment in 2025 reflects life’s extremes

This year turned the Korean entertainment world into a mirror of human emotion — from high-profile weddings and new births to shocking divorces, controversy-filled pregnancies and tragic farewells. What began as a year of celebration soon unfolded into one marked by irony, debate and loss, drawing intense public reactions both online and off. Korean entertainment has always been fast-moving, but this year felt particularly turbulent. Across social media and pop-culture forums, audiences watched as celebrities experienced dramatic turning points in their personal lives that blended joy, grief, controversy and nostalgia. Weddings that surprised the industry — from remarriages to long-time bachelors One of the biggest storylines of 2025 was a wave of celebrity weddings, particularly among stars remarrying after divorces and long-time bachelors finally tying the knot. TV personality Lee Sang-min revealed in April that he had registered his remarriage, while comedian Kim Jun-ho married fellow entertainer Kim Ji-min on July 13. Veteran entertainer Kim Byung-man wed his long-term partner o

Dec 25, 2025By Xportsnews
A year of joy, scandal, and heartbreak — Korean entertainment in 2025 reflects life’s extremes
Shows & Dramas

ReviewBlack Spoon challengers raise the bar in 'Culinary Class Wars' Season 2

Netflix’s culinary showdown show “Culinary Class Wars” is back with a new twist, raising the stakes as this year’s Black Spoon challengers bring top-tier credentials to the kitchen. No longer just an underdog story, the latest episodes highlight a razor-thin gap in skill between established chefs and rising stars, adding new tension and unpredictability to the competition. Following the release of the first three episodes on Dec. 16 and episodes 4 through 7 on Tuesday, the second season quickly climbed the streaming charts while shifting the dynamics of the culinary battle between elite "White Spoon" and challenger "Black Spoon" chefs. As in the previous season, Black Spoon cooks are introduced by their nicknames, maintaining tension through matches against the White Spoon chefs. But the most defining characteristic of this season is the narrowed skill gap. In the previous season, the narrative often focused on dramatic underdog stories and featured hidden masters from humble backgrounds such as Master of School Meals. However, the Black Spoon lineup in Season 2 features more rec

Dec 24, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Black Spoon challengers raise the bar in 'Culinary Class Wars' Season 2
K-pop

BTS’ V, Jimin, and Jungkook join list of top under-30 stockholders, turning K-pop idols into tycoons

Three members of global K-pop phenomenon BTS — V, Jimin and Jungkook —have landed on South Korea’s list of top 100 stockholders under the age of 30, highlighting a striking crossover between pop stardom and corporate wealth. According to an analysis released on Dec. 24 by corporate data tracker CEO Score, the combined share value of the country’s top 100 stockholders surged by nearly 70 trillion won (about $52 billion) compared to the end of last year, reaching a total of 177.2 trillion won as of Dec. 19. Within that elite group, several BTS members stood out. V, Jimin and Jungkook each reportedly hold shares worth about 21.4 billion won, placing them comfortably among the wealthiest stockholders in their age bracket. The origins of their holdings trace back to 2020, when Bang Si-hyuk, the largest shareholder of entertainment giant HYBE, gifted 478,695 common shares to each BTS member. V, Jimin and Jungkook are said to have retained all of those shares. Other members — including J-Hope, RM and Jin — have adjusted their holdings but are still reported to maintain stock assets

Dec 24, 2025By Xportsnews
BTS’ V, Jimin, and Jungkook join list of top under-30 stockholders, turning K-pop idols into tycoons
Films

Is there a future for Korean cinema?

“‘2025 was a year full of hit films and hope,’ is what I wish I could say…” Actor Moon So-ri, who served as the host, opened the event with bitter humor. The 26th Women in Film Korea Festival, held on the afternoon of Dec. 16 at IndieSpace, an independent cinema in Mapo District, Seoul, served as a stark reflection on the current state of Korean cinema, caught between despair and hope. The ceremony featured the presentation of the Women in Film Awards, with independent films taking home most of the honors. The top prize went to director Yoon Ga-eun for “The World of Love,” whose lead, Seo Soo-bin, also won Best New Actress. “People and Meat” received the Producer Award, given to Jang So-jung, head of Dorothy Film, and the Screenplay Award for Lim Namu. Director Lee Ran-hee won Best Director for “The Final Semester,” while Han Ye-ri took Best Actress for “Spring Night.” Among commercial films, “Omniscient Reader” was the only title to be recognized, with cinematographer Jeon Hye-jin winning the Technical Award. The results mirrored the reality faced by Korea

Dec 24, 2025By Hankookilbo
Is there a future for Korean cinema?
Entertainment

'Culinary Class Wars' Season 2, 'Great Flood' debut atop Netflix charts

"Culinary Class Wars: Season 2" debuted at No. 1 on Netflix's weekly non-English series chart, the streaming service said Wednesday. The hit cooking competition, released last Tuesday, topped the category with 5.5 million views for the week ending Dec. 21, according to data from Netflix's official site Tudum. The latest installment features top culinary figures, including Michelin-starred chefs Lee Joon and Son Jong-won, and Ven. Seon-jae, celebrated for her mastery of Buddhist temple cuisine, competing in intense competitions. Two other Korean series made the top 10. The romantic comedy "Dynamite Kiss," starring Ahn Eun-jin and Jang Ki-yong, followed at No. 4 with 3.6 million views, while the crime thriller "The Price of Confession," starring Jeon Do-yeon and Kim Go-eun, landed at No. 7 with 2.7 million views. Meanwhile, "The Great Flood," released Friday, debuted at No. 1 on the service's non-English movies chart for the same period. Directed by Kim Byung-woo, the sci-fi disaster film garnered 27.9 million views, dwarfing the Norwegian runner-up "Troll 2," which attracted 3.1 million vi

Dec 24, 2025By Yonhap
'Culinary Class Wars' Season 2, 'Great Flood' debut atop Netflix charts
Films

InterviewPark Hae-soo embraces Netflix’s ‘Great Flood’ as testament to human resilience, growth

Actor Park Hae-soo has built a reputation as one of Netflix’s most recognizable Korean stars, thanks to standout roles in Season 1 of “Squid Game,” “Money Heist: Korea — Joint Economic Area” and “Narco-Saints,” earning him the nickname “Netflix civil servant.” Though well-acquainted with international success, the overwhelming response to his latest Netflix project, “The Great Flood,” has struck a deeper chord. Park sees its global popularity — ranking No. 1 in 71 countries — as a sign of the world’s growing interest in Korean-style storytelling, which combines spectacle with emotional depth. “I am truly thankful that the film is being well-received in English-speaking regions. It feels like a testament to the high expectations and genuine interest people now have for Korean productions,” Park told The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul on Tuesday. Directed by Kim Byung-woo, known for “The Terror Live” (2013), “Take Point” (2018) and “Omniscient Reader” (2025), “The Great Flood” is a sci-fi disaster film that showcases a desperate struggle f

Dec 23, 2025By Baek Byung-yeul
Park Hae-soo embraces Netflix’s ‘Great Flood’ as testament to human resilience, growth
Others

Celebrity chef couldn’t resist actor Park Bo-gum’s good looks

Actor Park Bo-gum once again proved his star power — this time through an unexpected admirer. Celebrity chef Lee Yeon-bok openly praised the actor’s handsome features, saying Park was so good-looking that he felt compelled to ask for a photo, sparking buzz across social media. On Monday, Lee shared several photos on his personal account from the 2025 KBS Entertainment Awards, writing, “Park Bo-gum is a man who has everything. He’s handsome, sings well, has an amazing personality and is tall.” The post quickly drew attention for its candid tone and the way it flipped the usual fan dynamic. Lee added that seeing Park up close was what convinced him. “Even standing next to him, he was so good-looking that I asked for a photo,” he said. “He replied, ‘The honor is mine,’ and gladly took it with me. Thank you, Park Bo-gum.” The photos show the two meeting at the awards ceremony held on Saturday, smiling brightly for a selfie. Lee flashes the peace sign while standing beside Park, openly expressing his admiration like any fan would. Park appeared at the event in a burgundy

Dec 23, 2025By Xportsnews
Celebrity chef couldn’t resist actor Park Bo-gum’s good looks
Shows & Dramas

‘Military hiatus neither regretted nor feared,’ Kang Tae-oh of K-drama 'Moon River' says

Actor Kang Tae-oh has once again delivered what many are calling a career-defining role, captivating not only domestic viewers but also global audiences through the historical drama “Moon River,” his first in six years. The MBC Friday–Saturday series aired its final episode on Dec. 20, posting a nationwide viewership rating of 6.8 percent — its highest to date, according to Nielsen Korea. The drama follows Crown Prince Lee Gang, played by Kang, and itinerant merchant Park Dali, played by Kim Se-jeong, whose souls suddenly switch bodies, sparking a perilous royal survival story intertwined with romance. By combining a traditional historical setting with a soul-switching premise, the series drew attention for its fresh pacing and strong on-screen chemistry between its two leads. Meeting with Hankook Ilbo at a café in Seoul’s Gangnam District, Kang said he felt significant pressure returning to a historical drama after such a long break. “It had been a while since I last did a sageuk (historical drama), so I was worried,” he said. “I felt I needed to show better acting th

Dec 23, 2025By Hankookilbo
‘Military hiatus neither regretted nor feared,’ Kang Tae-oh of K-drama 'Moon River' says
Shows & Dramas

Korean variety TV shows face reckoning as stars step aside

South Korea’s entertainment industry is facing growing uncertainty as a string of high-profile variety show personalities step away from programs due to controversies, putting major broadcast networks on alert. The departures of familiar figures who once guaranteed a positive response have sent shockwaves through the industry, particularly at MBC and tvN, where shows relied heavily on a small number of stars. Established figures such as Cho Sae-ho, Park Na-rae, Key and Lee Yi-kyung have announced withdrawals or paused their activities following controversies. With three cast members leaving “Amazing Saturday” at the same time, concerns have even been raised about the program’s long-term survival. Industry observers say the situation exposes structural issues within the variety show ecosystem. Opportunities have increasingly concentrated around a limited group of proven stars, making it difficult for new faces to break through. As the same entertainers appear across multiple programs, risk has also become concentrated, with one controversy affecting several shows at once. Large-s

Dec 23, 2025By Hankookilbo
Korean variety TV shows face reckoning as stars step aside
Shows & Dramas

'Single's Inferno' to return for 5th season in January

Netflix's hit dating reality show "Single's Inferno" is set to return with its fifth season next month, the streaming giant said Tuesday. It will mark the first Korean series to be renewed for a fifth season, which is scheduled for release on Jan. 20. The dating program follows attractive young singles seeking romance on a secluded island, where finding a match is their only ticket to "Paradise" — a luxury getaway for couples. The show's previous four seasons have sparked widespread online engagement through reaction videos and YouTube shorts, while turning many participants into celebrities in their own right. The first season, released in December 2021, became the first Korean unscripted show to enter Netflix's Global Top 10 Non-English Series chart. Season 2 remained on the chart for four weeks, while Season 3 extended its run to five consecutive weeks. Season 4 recorded the highest first-week viewership in the franchise. Earlier this year, Kim Jae-won, one of the show's three producers, said physical attractiveness will remain the top priority in selecting participants for Season 5.

Dec 23, 2025By Yonhap
'Single's Inferno' to return for 5th season in January
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