Korean martial arts films are not exactly a common tendency for the country's cinema. But when one someone deals with the genre, as Lee Seung-won-III does here in his debut, well, the result is extremely generic, to say the least. Let us take things from the beginning, though...More
The popular U.S. TV series "Designated Survivor" will be remade in Korea to be aired on cable TV channel tvN.
Actor Ji Jin-hee has been cast to play the lead role, an official who is put in charge to run the county during a state of emergency...More
Mixing an action thriller with a crime thriller is always a good idea, particularly when we are talking about Korean cinema, where the two genres are among the most popular and financially successful. Expectantly, the film was a commercial success in 2006. Let us take things from the beginning though...More
This is the last weekend piece of the year, and as we dive straight into a hopefully peaceful and happy 2019, I give you some of the last minute bits and pieces that Dramaland has to offer. We have casting and promotional goodies, and I have finally started "Memories of the Alhambra", because miracles do happen...More
Netflix's zombie sageuk, "Kingdom", has released individual character posters for its main and supporting cast, and the undead menace that surrounds these characters, ready to strike. The news attached also gives us some basic information on the alliances we can expect...More
Award shows are plentiful as we inch closer to the new year, but the Dramaland news machine always finds a way to chug along. This week I have a surprisingly diverse group of goodies for "The Crowned Clown", along with exciting stuff coming in 2019, and beyond...More
Netflix is cruising through drama productions lately, and its latest sounds like a story after my own heart. The global platform will be producing "School Nurse Ahn Eun-young", a drama adaptation of a novel by the same name about a school nurse with a side-job of exorcism...More
Netflix's upcoming blockbuster zombie sageuk, "Kingdom", has been promoting pretty steadily, and we've got plenty of new stills. The series has also released its official trailer, which gives us a better look at the undead menace, and the three characters facing it...More
The casting deities are restless, and many upcoming dramas are really going all out on their leads and supporting folks alike. I'm eager to see some of these works, so pray to said deities that 2019 doesn't let us down...More
Added the upcoming Korean drama "I am Alone"'s page to HanCinema database...More
The A.I. trend is not done yet, and the latest installment brought to us by Netflix, "I am Alone", is eyeing Yoon Hyun-min and Ko Sung-hee as leads, both of whom are reviewing their respective role offers positively. Get ready for lonely hearts and flawless hotties...More
Revenge is best served cold, and by very angry Korean drama protagonists. The upcoming week marks the premiere of "My Strange Hero", and I have some final preview goodies to share, along with our usual assortment of Dramaland news and material...More
You need a pretty exciting poster for a project as big as Netflix's upcoming zombie-themed sageuk "Kingdom", and I'd say Joo Ji-hoon as a Crown Prince one blade slice away from a zom zom would be it. The show's poster makes the proximity of the undead menace crystal clear...More
Netflix availability is a formidable beast, but we're lucky with clearer announcements at times, and "Memories of the Alhambra" gets good news coverage on equally solid availability. Many a drama fan will get to enjoy the series through the global platform, and not long after first broadcast, too...More
Ji Jin-hee might be leading what sounds like an exciting project, if done right, as tvN will be remaking ABC/Netflix drama "Designated Survivor", starring Kiefer Sutherland. Ji Jin-hee is currently busy considering a contract renewal with HB Entertainment, so a 'considering' is all we get, but the offer is at least out...More
We have a premiere-heavy week coming up, and it's all about that romance, be it the happy, or the tragic kind. We have modern romance, historical romance, sci-fi mystery romance, all the delicious types. Now we just have to pick if we want sad tears, happy tears or both...More
BTS Celebs's OpEd on K-drama leads is here:
Another year of K-dramas is upon us, and that means it's time to reminiscence about the wonderful stars that made this year just a little brighter. From rookies to veterans, these leading men will be unforgettable in the years to come...More
This week brings us casting news, and goodies from many an upcoming drama. My mystery-loving heart is particularly interested in "Children of Nobody" and the otherworldly child in need of saving at the center of it. My horror-loving heart is also disturbed by it. Fun fun fun...More
If you ever wondered whether Joseon royalty would be able to fight off a zombie outbreak, you are about to find out, as Netflix's upcoming blockbuster drama "Kingdom" gets a cool first teaser and some impressive stills of its cast, and its undead menace...More
Since age 15, Lee Seungri has lived under the spotlight. As the youngest member of seminal KPop gods, BIG BANG, Seungri was shot into the supernova of fame early, and became the idol of millions of the group's devoted fans, or V.I.P.s. Along with that celebrity came a microscope that revealed scandal and strife, some public, and some behind the scenes...More
The opening ceremony of the Busan International Film Festival is held in Haeundae, Busan on Thursday.
The 23rd Busan International Film Festival kicked off in the southern port city on Thursday. It opened with a performance by Japanese composer and pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto with actors Kim Nam-gil and Han Ji-min as hosts.
This year's festival features 323 films, the most in its history, from 79 countries over the next 10 days until Oct. 13....More
To quote someone we all know and love, "Life" finds a way, and this is the best possible outcome we can hope for in regards to the future of Sangkook University Hospital, as well as our own world. The drama has been through a rough patch lately, but it bows out as gracefully as it can manage, leaving no magical solutions behind, but leaving us and its own characters some valuable food for thought...More
We are approaching some form of closure for "Life", but the ship of what was a cohesive whole has sailed long ago. Character alliances and interpersonal, but also work relationships change in unexpected ways, and the drama is trying to stretch all of its resolutions to the very last minute. Perhaps this is the series that "Life" wanted to be all along, but it sadly did not get to it soon enough...More
Worldwide entertainment service company Netflix is starting the production of "Love Alarm", a Korean Netflix original series based on writer Chon Kye-young's popular web-toon, in 2019.
"Love Alarm" is the story of people who want to know the truth about themselves and the people they love. There is an app that anonymously alerts someone if a person they like is within 10 meters of each other. It is the work of "Unplugged Boy" and "Audition" cartoonist and writer Chon Kye-young whose excellent sensitivity and drawing is matchless. "Love Alarm" is seven seasons into its run ever since it began publishing in 2014 and has maintained high popularity...More
People have been keeping things to themselves for a long time at Sangkook University Hospital, but my guess about Seung-hyo's noble intentions might have picked up on a plan or backup plan devised even longer before the president's arrival. Jin-woo is finally facing things out in the open and head on, but we have a lot to get through in a small amount of time. Can "Life" wrap it all up, and does it even want to...More
After dropping that confusing cliffhanger last week, "Life" opts for a little break from the power play kerfuffle in episode thirteen. What is obviously a move to stall plot progression leaves room for focus on matters outside of Sangkook University Hospital. While some of them are welcome, the series is increasingly scrambling for drama in all the disappointing places. Can "Life" find its way back before the end...More
I am not sure where "Life" has run off to, but its place is now taken over by a suspense thriller about Evil Rich Dudes™. The series has gone through a major shift in tone and focus during the last two episodes, and the pivotal decisions that come with it feel rushed and forced. If this is what we can expect from the final four episodes, I wonder why it was not introduced sooner, and more smoothly...More
Crimes have been abundant in "Life", but its characters are faced with the most dangerous one yet, as political and company conspiracies start seeping into Sangkook University Hospital. Someone close to Jin-woo becomes involved, raising the tensions between him and Seung-hyo, as well as the sacrifices which may have to be made in order to fight this new, and very powerful set of foes. I just hope that this will not turn "Life" into the typical drama of its kind...More
The never ending power play of "Life" hits a deciding moment, as the new Director steps into power, and new games of pull and push begin between the hospital's ethical integrity and Hwajeong Group's ambitions. Jin-woo and his allies are up against powerful opponents with what feels like the battle equivalent of a butter knife, and the personal crises that they face make everything all the more challenging...More
The popular Korean kids' animation "Larva" will be broadcast around the world on Netflix...More
There is no helping those who will not help themselves, and the elite of Sangkook University Hospital are too busy fighting over the Director position to care about what it will mean for their organization. Jin-woo's newfound confidence pushes him a little further, which motivates Kyeong-moon to take a stand that is about to turn sour. Will our young doctor finally stop expecting others to make the sacrifices he should be partially shouldering himself...More
Jin-woo is finally pushed to some necessary limits, as his brother's involvement drags him to the spotlight of this battle. At the same time, a worrying twist has surfaced regarding Seon-woo, and I am hoping that the creators will not do what I fear. Seung-hyo is starting to see the value of this hospital's work among the organizational filth and personal ambitions of its top brass, but will his master allow him to achieve something for all...More
The time has come for Seon-woo to enter the fight for Sangkook University Hospital, and the plans hidden behind his involvement strengthen the front forming against the hierarchy's worst. No-eul gets a little wake up call about Seung-hyo's methods, which nonetheless seem to have some genuine concern behind them, at least on a personal level. Our president dearest is slowly waking up to the realities of healthcare that need his consideration...More
A surprising decision by Seung-hyo turns the tables and brings the planned strike to a halt, leaving everyone in "Life" wondering where to go from here, right before they find another obstacle in their way. What has begun as looking like an outrage-du-jour plot waiting for us gets a welcome injection of intrigue, as Seon-woo seems to have a lot more weighing on his shoulders than he lets on, opening a whole new can of works for the drama's mysteries...More
As the hospital prepares for a strike to end what they see as upper management tyranny, Seung-hyo gets a taste of the differences between spotting problems, and understanding them. With the press and the public becoming aware of the ongoing situation, Jin-woo has an important meeting with a more impartial force that puts some things into perspective for him as well. Communication is what the characters of "Life" are in most dire need of...More
Episode four of "Life" keeps pushing the envelope on how far Seung-hyo will go to have control, despite his obvious reservations. From stealing land built on blood and tears to using a human shield in order to control a rogue element within the hospital, the man is determined. As morally reprehensible as he is, he is up against equally sordid foes, which brings us to the theme of the day; cowardice in the face of responsibility...More
What I thought was an expert at playing it safe is just a rebel without a plan, as Jin-woo lacks the necessary strategic thinking to handle the Pandora's box that he has single-handedly opened. More importantly, he lacks the conviction to do so. Once again, Seung-hyo does what he knows best, and brings Jin-woo face to face with these lackluster efforts. Seung-hyo is clearly winning, and Jin-woo needs to catch up...More
The fight for Sangkook University Hospital has begun, and the arrival of someone probably already being burned in effigy by the staff brings a lot of nastiness to the surface. While Jin-woo struggles to find information and allies for his plans, the aforementioned Seung-hyo is already reworking the hospital from the ground up, eager to cut away the parts that do not suit his needs and the greater ambitions hidden behind them...More
With a pile of recently released dramas in all manner of genre behind us, it is time I look to the future and its offerings; a search which brings me to ghostly detectives and mysterious cases. "The Ghost Detective", "The Guest - Drama" and "Ms. Ma, Nemesis" bring us a range of crimes from the real to the supernatural...More
"Life" starts with a thud, rather than a bang, and the ripples caused by one's tragic fall that sparks everything already brewing under the surface begin showing immediately. The drama's sleek, dark and intense first episode introduces its characters and their basic connections, but it wastes no time in setting up the main mystery, the power play, as well as some more surprising elements, fueling my excitement for the story...More
Yours truly may be cursing the scorching heat with every fiber of her being, but all the upcoming drama goodies provide something to focus on. Today I give you a quick recap of news on "Revenge Note 2", a teen romance with a dire-sounding twist. We have new dramas, new goodies, and casting news as well...More
Korean movie of the week "The Exclusive : Beat the Devil's Tattoo" (2015)
Directed by Roh Deok
With Jo Jung-suk, Lee Mi-sook, Lee Ha-na, Kim Eui-sung, Bae Sung-woo, Kim Dae-myung,...
Formerly known as "Journalist" (저널리스트, jeo-neol-li-seu-teu) and "Exclusive: The Ryangchen Murders".
Synopsis
Heo Moo-hyeok, a reporter from the social issues department happens to acquire information about a serial murder case by accident. This makes him get involved in an unprecedented case of inaccurate reporting. He later finds himself facing the actual murder case in the middle of the aggressive news coverage competition by media, which does not get any better...More
Bong Joon-ho's "Snowpiercer" is getting a series adaptation with a new story, new cast and a global distribution. Netflix will be airing the series globally, while TNT will handle its distribution in the US. Joining Bong Joon-ho and Park Chan-wook as executive producers will be Lee Tae-hoon and Choi Doo-ho, who also worked on the film...More
If you are still recovering from the preemption of dramas that has been going on during the past few weeks, rejoice at the fact that new shows are coming as the old ones rediscover their place. "Your House Helper" and "Mr. Sunshine" are premiering soon, while new and upcoming shows get more news, casting additions and promotional goodies. The summer and beyond is a promising season...More
Studio Dragon signed the largest drama sales contract to date. Studio Dragon has steadily increased its share price by inspiring confidence in earnings since it was listed on the Kosdaq last November. In particular, it anticipates strong earnings growth until the end of the year, which should boost share prices...More
The series hails from the writer and director of the global Korean hit series "Descendants of the Sun".
Netflix, Inc., the world's leading entertainment service, announced it has licensed the new Korean original drama "Mr. Sunshine", a 24-episode series from the creators of the global hit series "Descendants of the Sun", to premiere on Netflix around the world. "Mr. Sunshine", written by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok, will premiere exclusively on Netflix starting July 7, with episodes streaming on the same day of its Korean broadcast in the U.S. and Asian territories excluding Korea. The series will then premiere in Japan on July 8 and the rest of the world on July 19...More
Hearing voices is probably scary enough without them being voices from the future you're missing while stuck in the past, so hero Han Tae-joo (Jung Kyung-ho) must be having quite the hard time in "Life on Mars". The 2-minute highlight reel gives us a look into the crime, the comedy and the supernatural of the drama's premise...More
Two of the creators behind one of Korea's most successful varieties, RUNNING MAN, have produced BUSTED!, a new show that pits teams of celebrities against each other to solve a mystery. BUSTED! is produced in partnership with NETFLIX to be seen in 190 countries; a first for a South Korean variety programme...More
Netflix's first Korean entertainment show will return for a second season, the U.S.-based video-streaming giant said Thursday...More
We will sadly not be seeing "See You Again", as the once upcoming Netflix drama courting Lee Jong-suk and Kim Ji-won has abruptly announced the cancellation of its production. These situations are never pleasant to read about, and the reasons will probably never be clear, but the outcome is sadly the same nonetheless...More
Nothing makes one feel welcome like a work which doesn't take itself too seriously, and "Life on Mars" more than qualifies. The series has dropped a new, fun ride of a teaser pair, and its colorful, animated main posters are here to fill up that cup of retro happiness it gives us...More
On May 4th, a Netflix Original Korean Detective Variety Show "Busted!" will greet the viewers all around the world...More
So this is what it looks like when a woman holds such casting power. Actress Kim Ji-won is currently being courted for two high profile dramas at the same time, as well as two reunions with actors Song Joong-ki and Lee Jong-suk. Whichever choice she takes, there's going to be major hype in her and our future...More
Uproxx's list of the best thrillers on Netflix contains two Korean films, the BBC interviews two foreign actors currently working in Korea's tough TV and film industry, Slash Film puts some the best K-horrors in the spotlight, and KoBiz's latest infographic looks how Steven Spielberg's films have fared in South Korea over the years...More
There are all manner of slice-of-life stories out there, but it is a genre not as loved by Korean drama as it is by other industries. The famous "Reply" series' creators take a bold step in creating "Prison Playbook", a slice-of-life story you never knew you absolutely needed in your life. From the most mundane luxury of a hot shower, to the bonding forming in a place where privacy and freedom are a concept of the past, the drama dives right into its themes...More
There are few Korean drama writers more familiar to and loved by international audiences than Hong Jeong-eun and Hong Mi-ran, but the sisters have been having a bit of a hit and miss career with dramas. "A Korean Odyssey" (also known as "Hwayugi") is their first work for cable television, and an ambitious project full of potential for supernatural ensemble goodness during its conception. Delivery is a whole other matter, however...More
Kyu Hyun Kim reviews the surprise hit "Gonjiam" for Koreanfilm.org, KoBiz lists the seven highest-grossing K-horrors of all time, the Wildflower Film Awards honours independent filmmaking excellence, and Bollywood is experiencing a "Korean film remake boom"...More
We've seen very little news about upcoming Netflix piece "See You Again", but it looks like the drama is planning quite the enticing casting for itself. The series, which will be fully pre-produced, has offered leading roles to Lee Jong-suk and Kim Ji-won, who are both currently reviewing their offer...More
It looks like the ladies of "Mistress" have a lot to hide, some of it being in the form of a dead body. The main teaser for the upcoming sensual mystery thriller has been released, and we get a closer look at its gentlemen, and the grim secrets behind its heroines' connection...More
Ah-ryeong (played by Shu Qi) is the heir to a Cantonese criminal empire. In the opening setpiece of "My Wife is a Gangster 3" she and her father Lim (played by Ti Lung) are attempting to make nice with a rival gang but it doesn't go so well, since apparently some people find the idea of a woman mafia heir to be an object of amusement. So Ah-ryeong gets sent off to Korea under the protection of Gi-cheol (played by Lee Beom-soo) and his crew. They're really more incompetent chaperones though, since Lim can take care of herself...More
Netflix, the U.S. video-streaming giant, on Monday unveiled a teaser poster for its first Korean entertainment show, to be launched next month...More
There is no way but down in terms of dramatic escalation after a near-apocalypse, and the final episode of "A Korean Odyssey" tries to wrap up whatever loose ends it can without trying to top it. Worthy effort aside, the creators spend time reminiscing about events and characters which were, for the most part, kept as mere decoration to a story that could have been, but never really quite was...More
Actress Park Min-young is fresh and beautiful like spring in her most recent collection and photoshoot with women's brand COMPAGNA for the '18 S/S collection...More
The ground is shaking with the sounds of a waking dragon, but the plot in "A Korean Odyssey" shakes with it. The time has come for the epic battle, but there is so much to wrap up around it, that the episode feels like a mad dash to a finale the creators were not quite prepared for. With Oh-gong and Seon-mi each having self-sacrificial thoughts, a lot goes wrong within the story as well...More
Ma-wang is having one of those good days again, and the silly old bull gets sentimental over Oh-gong's possible demise, which leads him to an experiment that ends with an important discovery. The time has come to solve the Geumganggo issue once and for all, but Seon-mi is closer to the truth of her mission and she chooses to bravely face it. Enter a round of who gets to be a better noble idiot...More
It may have taken an entire series for "A Korean Odyssey" to get the ball on the doomsday rolling, and it is a very confusing, haphazardly done final act, but it is exciting nonetheless. While Seon-mi is still figuring out her powers and why she has such a bad feeling around Kang Dae-seong, Oh-gong starts an unorthodox plan to get closer to his enemy. Meanwhile, another trap has been set for Ma-wang, who needs a lot of help to think clearly once more...More
"A Korean Odyssey" is trying to cover up holes with even bigger holes, but any effort to somehow make the story work is better than none, when we still have the final four episodes to go. Seon-mi discovers leftovers of Ah Sa-nyeo's powers in her, while a mysterious figure leaves a child with Oh-gong, urging him to visit them with Seon-mi and learn of her true past, as well as their possible future. Meanwhile, Ma-wang has insidious plans once more...More
If episode fourteen of "A Korean Odyssey" was shaky, episode fifteen is floundering, as one baseless twist follows after another. With Ah Sa-nyeo in control of Seon-mi's body, the group have to find a way to the latter, while keeping the former busy. Meanwhile, General Winter is pushed to a corner due to his contract, forcing Summer Fairy to make a very important decision. The world is still ending, but I think even the creators have forgotten it by now...More
With Ma-wang out for the count, General Winter snooping into his home freely and Ah Sa-nyeo putting on her best innocent demeanor, things are not looking good for our gods and monsters. More importantly, they are not looking good for Seon-mi, who begins exhibiting strange powers due to Ah Sa-nyeo's meddling. This combined with the fate predicted by the Saryeong bring about a cliffhanger that threatens the show's heroine greatly...More
Ah Sa-nyeo acts like a child in a candy store in episode thirteen of "A Korean Odyssey", and with good reason. With most of the group unaware of or underestimating her powers, the priestess gets to roam free and take advantage of everyone's already weak morality and personal wants. The one most in danger is Ma-wang, who thinks that she can help him without him or Seon-mi suffering major loses. If only things worked out as nicely with evil spirits...More
An unfamiliar evil takes a familiar face in episode twelve of "A Korean Odyssey". The soul trapped in the coffin is here to claim what they want, and it will manipulate everyone in its power to get there. With the tensions between Oh-gong and Seon-mi rising due to their understanding of how fatal their bond can be, the group starts drifting apart. This is the absolute worst time for that, as well as for Ma-wang to start plotting once more...More
It may have taken "A Korean Odyssey" half a series to get the ball rolling on the doomsday part of the story, but episode eleven gives said ball a good kick. Death is never far away in the life of Sam Jang and our familiar monsters, be it death for show, death among lovers or a very old death about to resurface. If it were not clear enough from the moment we first saw him, Kang Dae-seong's nature brings him closer to the supernatural and to bringing about the end of the world...More
The big snag in everyone's plans is not as educating as I was hoping it would be, but at least some characters' true feelings for one another have been revealed. Seon-mi gets to experience life without her abilities and everyone else gets to experience life without Sam Jang, but this inconvenient for most and a potential death sentence for Boo-ja. Everyone is confused about the future, most of all Seon-mi...More
I have been begging for some forward movement in the plot of "A Korean Odyssey" and a guest character brings about an even bigger change than I anticipated. The one thing that has been keeping our group of supernatural misfits together suddenly vanishes, and we are left with an uncertain future for everyone's fate as well as their relationships. I wanted to know what everyone truly thinks and feels about this situation, so bring on the drama...More
February 21 is indeed an extra special day for Kang Ha-neul's fans! Firstly, it is 28th birthday of the heartthrob, and secondly, it is the much-awaited international release date of "Forgotten" on online streaming giant, Netflix...More
Film journalist and critic Pierce Conran reviews Jang Joon-hwan's "1987: When the Day Comes" on Modern Korean Cinema, Christopher Weatherspoon investigates the evolution of Korean fantasy on KoBiz, more Korean theatres embracing stories about the socially disadvantaged, and Netflix makes more moves to ride the K-wave...More
An ominous fate teasing was bound to happen at some point in such a series by these writers and "A Korean Odyssey" delivers it in this episode. There is a fallout between Seon-mi and Oh-gong, partially caused by Ma-wang, but based on the problems our two not-exactly-lovebirds have been trying to sweep under the rug. We start to see some of Oh-gong's honesty and change towards others, but the fates are cruel...More
Prepare for another round of "Does he or doesn't he", as "A Korean Odyssey" continues to struggle with its lack of a main plot or any significant progress in character and world development. Episode seven is slower than usual and the creators are unfortunately back to treating the main romance as a conventional one, this time dangling the carrot of a love triangle with someone we do not even know...More
I have been wondering when the "Argon" team would experience a greater crisis involving the massive responsibility of reporters in life and death matters, and the series has delivered. Something very dire happens and everyone has to handle the cost. Hye-rin is trying to make do with the decision forced on her and Yeon-hwa still struggles to find her place and her own voice. Meanwhile, Baek-jin makes a very important decision...More
As the battle for the new HBC 9 o'clock news anchor becomes more and more ruthless, so do Yoo Myeong-ho's tricks. Yeon-hwa and Jong-tae go after yet another item while Geun-hwa prepares his exit. With everyone busy in the "Argon" team and a particularly nasty lawsuit targeting Kim Baek-jin, one team member is met with a very unfair and potentially career-ending decision outside of their control...More
A staff member from the Netflix original drama "Kingdom" passed away on the 16th and the Federation of Korean Movies (FKM) claims it was death from overwork and urges the government to take steps to improve the film and broadcast production sites...More
Ask and you shall receive, and although "A Korean Odyssey" is still dawdling on and regurgitating a lot of its key concepts this time around, there is at least one major point of progress in the ever so shaky thing that is its main romance. Ma-wang is feeling the burn of his little tasting and we are slowly discovering some connections made by our self-centered group of supernatural misfits...More
Seon-mi's burdens keep multiplying, as something happens to put our previously detached Bull Demon King in a much more invested position. After the big revelation of our heroine's mission, "A Korean Odyssey" takes a step back to look at her unique connection to Oh-gong. While the nature of this fake bond has been there for us to see, it is starting to dawn on Seon-mi that her needs tend to feed a dangerous and painful delusion of closeness on her end...More
The second season of "The Sound of Your Heart", which was released on KBS2 and Netflix and which opened a new chapter for entertainment sitcoms, has completed casting...More
Well, I asked for a main story and for Seon-mi's purpose in it, and episode four of "A Korean Odyssey" delivers. It turns out that our heroine has a much heavier burden to bear than expected and she needs her group of merry monsters to help her carry it. Seon-mi starts bonding with the group, but the reality of Oh-gong's forced connection to her leaves her feeling lonely as a challenging future approaches...More
"A Korean Odyssey" is back this week and although the messy production and the injury that was caused due to it should never be forgotten or treated lightly, it looks like enough measures have been taken to keep the related authorities pleased for now. Story-wise, we are starting to get hints about the why of it all and the role of Seon-mi's fate in it, but we also meet new characters and backstories...More
OCN has been so big on crime dramas, that Death himself gets one this time around. Granted, the titular hero of "Black" is only one Reaper out of many, but the series is right up his alley anyway. The series mixes fantasy, crime and romance, although that sadly proves too much by the end of things. Where does "Black" succeed and where could things have gone better? It depends on what you are looking for, but here is my take on it...More
"Argon" and the show within it of the same name have a surprise guest in this episode and they tackle some topics we do not often see in Korean drama, or rather often see painted in a very consistent and one-sided way. Sadly, the drama also throws a curve-ball at us with a certain character's health and this twists Baek-jin's arm into a decision that is necessary, but will only further infuriate his enemies...More
With the secret plan between Baek-jin and Yeon-hwa to uncover the truth behind the Midtown Mall collapse hitting a slow point, it is time to get familiar with some other members of the "Argon" group. The two leads take on a case from Baek-jin's past that he must solve, the "ugly" and "old" lovebirds have an awkward meeting and the "Argon" underdog above Yeon-hwa gets a hefty dose of reality...More
Korean actor Kang Ha-neul's hard work in training as military police officer has paid off as he was promoted from "private" to "private first class". The promotion came in the 2nd half of December 2017, which was approximately two months after the actor's last promotion...More
According to a recent report from CJ E&M, the tvN's legal drama "Secret Forest" was featured by the New York Times as one of the "Best International Shows" of the year...More
We still don't have a lot of information on "Kingdom" or Chu Hun-yub's newly announced inclusion, but the actor will be part of the drama about a zombie outbreak during the Joseon dynasty...More
After a powerful start, "Argon" takes a little step back and an even more sombre look into how morality and principles are challenged in systems that rely on strict hierarchal rules, cronyism and a work culture of underhanded pleasantries. Yeon-hwa's own contract continues to be scrutinized, but it is our hero who has to make tough choices this time. The truth is important, but choosing strangers over loved ones is not easy...More
"Argon" is here to destroy any faith in mainstream journalism that you may have been holding onto while exploring workplace and hierarchy dynamics as well as the personal consequences and triumphs of a very demanding job. The series is fast-paced and so far focuses more on its leading man, but there are characters around with solid potential. Step into the daily grind of reporting...More
SBS and YG K Plus drama "Temporary Idols" was released on Netflix on the 27th of November and is accessible to viewers worldwide on Netflix...More
We are officially in Christmas month and this means that we can consider everything a present and feel so very coddled. Today I look at the lovely selection of diverse dramas coming out next week and share new goodies from dramas we will be seeing shortly. I am ready for my drama presents and I hope we get a lot of good shows...More
Well, there you have it, folks. Upcoming fantasy drama "A Korean Odyssey" has been picked up by Netflix for worldwide distribution. Netflix's Vice President of Content Acquisition, Rob Roy says that he is happy to bring Korean content to the world and part of said content lately have been "Argon" and "Prison Playbook"...More
Zombies and Hallyu stars are lined up for the second Netflix-produced K-drama. This newer production direction may pave a new path concerning the future of K-drama. Even if it doesn't, this Joseon drama has a ton of potential...More
Korean actor Kang Ha-neul is officially a member of the Republic of Korea Military Police...More
Korea's top entertainment companies expand their reach as local markets saturate, KoBiz tracks how foreign sequels fared compared to their originals in a new infographic, Netflix claims the distribution rights to Jang Hang-jun's new film "Forgotten", and find out what Korea's 'thriller season' is all about with Pierce Conran...More
International fans, the movie gods have heard your prayers! Kang Ha-neul's upcoming mystery thriller movie "Forgotten" will be available online soon!
Netflix, the world leading internet entertainment service, announced on November 9 that Korean movie "Forgotten" will be released for streaming in over 190 countries in early 2018...More
A Korean thriller will be released globally through online streaming giant Netflix.
"Forgotten" was written and directed by Jang Hang-joon, who is well-known in the comedy genre but returns with this unexpected project after a nine-year hiatus...More
KoBiz put Korea's leading grandmother in the spotlight, webtoons and their adaptations are on the rise as local and international interest grows, Screen Daily talks with director Jang Hoon about his phenomenal hit "A Taxi Driver", and Christopher Weatherspoon tracks through some of the most heinous true-crime stories and their cinematic counterparts...More
Bong Joon-ho's critically acclaimed "Okja" tracks Korea's growing concern for animal rights, CNN takes us inside the country's epic 'cheer culture', The Korea Herald reviews Andrew Eun-gi Kim's new book on Korean Society, and why does Kim Jong-un care about the cosmetic industry?...More
The lead character of "Speckles: The Tarbosaurus" is a young tarbosaurus named Speckles. While Speckles has a voiceover (Lee Yeong-seok as a child, Shin Yong-woo as an adult), none of the other dinosaurs have human voices or even names. With this, "Speckles: The Tarbosaurus" is refreshingly free from anthropomorphization more obnoxious children's movies are more well known for. We watch Speckles from the dinosaur's point of view...More
Viki content development manager Courtney McLachlan
For fans of Korean and Asian content, Rakuten Viki is one of the go-to sources for content that includes, but isn't limited to, television, film, fan communities, original content, and short form content. You'll often see links in HanCinema reviews to the episodes of your favorite dramas that are licensed by Rakuten Viki for your viewing pleasure. At the 12th Asian TV Drama Conference, we got to learn more about this company and the services it provides in presentations by senior director, Moon Gyeong Min, and content development manager, Courtney McLachlan...More
Joo Ji-hoon is starring in the Netflix original drama "Kingdom".
"Kingdom" is a Joseon drama that revolves around a king investigating the mystery of the cruel truth that threatens the whole of the country. It is Kim Eun-hee-I's latest work and she pairs with director Kim Seong-hun. Together, they aim for a 2018 release on Netflix...More
Ain't nothing little about the scope of KBS's newest project, "Prometheus", a story that takes on one of the most salient world issues of today: North Korea. This bad boy is going to be filmed in several different countries and is under negotiations with a big network. My guess is that Netflix may be considering it as the popular streaming site has taken interest in Asian dramas...More
Looking back at all that has transpired in "Man to Man" thus far, it is really just a romantic comedy built on a farcical set of procedural drama elements. Not that this is a bad thing. It makes for a humorous ride and highlights the sweetness of the romance...More
Now that misunderstandings and deceptions have been aired like dirty laundry on "Man to Man", it's time for the very slow making up period and adorable, petty revenge for Do-ha and Actor. A few graver moments slip in as Husband, Baek, and the other baddies scheme and plot, but those parts of the drama seem the most clunky. It is the romance and friendship Seol-woo, Do-ha, and Actor that really shines...More
KoBiz's infographic reveals the history of Korean stars who have moved behind the camera, Netflix signs its first deal for a Korean variety show, Song Soon-jin tracks the rise of Korea's push towards web content, and veteran actor Kim Yun-seok talks about his role in the much-anticipated period film "The Fortress"...More
After last week's round up of news for romantic series, I need a little something to balance things off. Today I bring you revenge and death, although sadly not combined. "Avengers' Social Club" drops some great teasers hinting at family drama. "While You Were Sleeping - 2017" and "Black" may share the element of predicting death, but the clear differences in focused genre cover different tastes. All in all, we have a promising upcoming drama season...More
Bong Joon-ho's "Okja" helps to raise consciousness about the suffering of animals, create kimchi fried rice with My Korean Kitchen, Holly has a cold seaweed and cucumber soup to enjoy before the end of summer, and 10 Magazine finds 10 new (and delicious) restaurants in the capital, Seoul...More
Worldwide internet streaming platform Netflix is planning on broadcasting Korean shows. Some stars mentioned along with this announcement are entertainer Yoo Jae-suk, actor Lee Kwang-soo and actress Park Min-young...More
Korean entertainment is growing stronger than ever in many aspects but among all the evolution in the K-drama and K-movie world, the best thing happening is the birth of prodigies...More
Bong Joon-ho's "Okja" has been enjoying steady success despite a boycott by major chains of the Netflix-produced film.
The family-friendly CGI extravaganza is going strong even in its fifth week, and has attracted over 300,000 viewers...More
KoBiz visualises the history of giant monsters in one towering infographic, catch some of Bong's best on Netflix, Lee Min-ho explores the DMZ's wildlife for an MBC series, and what does "Okja" have against 'Big Meat'?...More
Marvel's new "Spider-Man" reboot given screens and soars...
America's 'friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man' swiftly swung into pole position over the weekend by capturing 82.74% of the box office sales. "Spider-Man: Homecoming", the second movie reboot of Marvel's iconic web-slinger, scored 2.6 million admissions ($19.1 million) from a massive 1,965 screens around the country, dislodging Lee Joon-ik's "Anarchist from Colony" at the top and becoming the seventh highest grossing film of year...More
K-pop idols feature in these 'hun'-inspired films about the human condition, Maggie Lee reviews "The Villainess" for Variety, pirated foreign films still find their way into the DPRK, and previously blacklisted director Park Chan-kyong talks about his ban...More
"Anarchist from Colony", "Real", and Bong Joon-ho's "Okja" put local films back on top...
Lee Je-hoon plays colonial-era independence activist Park Yeol in Lee Joon-ik's new drama, "Anarchist from Colony". Lee's eleventh film opened at number one with 817,684 admissions (48.94%) from 1,176 screens around the country, dislodging Michael Bay's "Transformers: The Last Knight" and denying it a second weekend at the top. Park Yeol (1902-1974) was an anarchist who spent 22 years in prison for attempting to assassinate Japanese royalty, Emperor Hirohito...More
The crux of episode 9 was the mission that brought the main characters back together. Unfortunately, it was a little lame. Fortunately, the characters gel as well as they always have, which allows us (at least a little bit) to ignore the badly worked NIS mission....More
The Los Angeles Times digs into Bong's 'meaty' masterpiece, these are the highest rated Korean films on America's top film review sites, Korean LGBT films are earning critical acclaim, and Kaitlyn Tiffany talks about Netflix's conflict over "Okja" and why it matters...More
Choi Wooshik's outstanding performance in 2014's haunting, heartbreaking "Set Me Free" not only won him the Busan International Film Festival Actor of the Year and the prestigious Blue Dragon awards, it also gained him a place in the incredible international cast of Director Bong Joon-ho's "Okja", as a rebellious avatar for Bong's message to today's youth.
In his first overseas interview, Choi told me about his early days that led to meeting US stars, Steven Yeun and Paul Dano on the "Okja" set, and his future projects...More
Bong Joon-ho's "Okja" was invited to the 70th Cannes International Film Festival and is an issue in Korea for being a unique movie. The making footage with an interview by Bong Joon-ho came out.
"Okja" is the tale of a massive animal named Okja and a girl who was brought up in the mountains of Kangwondo...More
Halfway through "Man to Man" the requisite separation begins. Seol-woo extricates himself from the woman he fell in love with and from his bromance with Woon-gwang in order to return to his ghost agent duties. While sad, he seems ready to deal with the separation until, of course, circumstances brings them all back together again....More
KOBIZ reveals the most expensive Korean films of 2017, Variety looks ahead to next month's Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BiFan), Korean animation pioneer Shin Dong-hun dies at the age of 90, and Bong Joon-ho talks to The Inquirer about his new film "Okja"...More
The three major movie theater chains CGV, Lotte Cinema and Megabox are collectively digging in their heels in a standoff with Neflix and will not be screening "Okja" by Bong Joon-ho...More
See what films have been competing at the box office this month, France's Annecy is coming to Seoul in 2019, take a look at Bong Joon-ho's new film "Okja", and KoBiz previews some of the local adaptations that will cause a stir later this year...More
Various Korean stars have stepped into Hollywood.
Pom Klementieff from "Guardians of Galaxy VOL.2", Steven Yeun from "Okja" and Ki Hong Lee from "Wish Upon" are some of them...More
Director Bong Joon-ho (center) speaks at a press junket for his latest film "Okja" in a hotel in Seoul on Wednesday along with cast members. /Newsis
Bong Joon-ho took the blame Wednesday for the screening controversy about his latest film "Okja" and expressed hope that the spat between producer Netflix and Korean cinema chains can be resolved amicably.
"I am responsible for all this fuss. I had just thought it would be great to provide viewers with more channels and opportunities to watch my film, but it seems I wanted too much", Bong told reporters at a press conference in Seoul...More
Reporters gather for a preview of Bong Joon-ho's Netflix-produced CGI spectacular "Okja" at a theater in Seoul on Monday.
Bong Joon-ho's Netflix-produced CGI spectacular "Okja" had its first screening in Korea on Monday after it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last month.
Some 1,000 reporters including about 30 from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines attended the preview...More
Busan mourns the sudden loss of Kim Jo-seok, Claude Lanzmann's new documentary about North Korea is not about taekwondo, Rachel Gilman reviews Bong Joon-ho's "Okja" following its premiere at Cannes, and Korean distributors clash with Netflix over purposed distribution models...More
Movie theater chain CGV on Tuesday decided to deny screen space to "Okja", which is directed by Bong Joon-ho and produced by Netflix.
CGV on Friday said Netflix's insistence on releasing the co-production simultaneously both in theaters and online "will disturb the entire distribution system in Korea". The theater chain had threatened to boycott the film unless it could get a theatrical release first...More
The ghost agent who has always done his job as he was told has now decided to go rogue in the name of love. We knew it would come to this point, but watching Seol-woo make a decision for the good of someone else sits well within me. I also love to see that Do-ha isn't just a doe-eyed damsel in distress, but a woman who will fight back....More
Emotions become tied to work for ghost agent Seol-woo and it's a first. It is a dangerous time to marry work and feelings with ruthless, ambition-driven politicians snapping at his organization's heels. But I wouldn't have it any other way....More
Hong Sang-soo talks about his minimalist approach to filmmaking, Slant reviews "Okja" after its premiere at Cannes in France, read how diplomatic tensions are affecting Korea's cinema industry, and Bong Joon-ho voices his support for the coming together of local industries and streamers like Netflix...More
"Man to Man" may have a dark side, but it's really just a story about three people who are growing up. In between all of that are corrupt officials doing dirty deeds to acquire lofty positions, burgeoning love triangles, and bouts of situational humor. It is the last that surprises me most, especially with the dark subject matter that surrounds Seol-woo's life as a ghost agent.
The events that tied the episode together were the romantic happenings between Seol-woo and Do-ha...More
Although danger lurks in the background, episode 4 of "Man to Man" is all about the humor and growing interpersonal relationships between the characters. It is really Seol-woo who (rather unwillingly) progresses leaps and bounds all while doing a very fine Bond impression with his super secret team of spy friends...More
"Man to Man" wastes no time jumping into the action of its tale. Seol-woo and Woon-gwang's bromance quickly steams up while the search for the wooden tablets become more urgent. In the midst of it all Seol-woo slowly, and unwillingly, becomes integrated into Woon-gwang's loving gang of misfits. Against his better judgement and desires, I do believe Woon-gwang and Do-ha are getting under his skin...More
The Jeonju Film Festival puts 'alternative films' in the spotlight, KoBiz reveals which films will compete at the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival, Netflix teases new 'Super Pig' website ahead of Bong Joon-ho's "Okja", and get to know some of Korea's smaller film festivals...More
Although "Man to Man" doesn't have too much substance yet, I can genuinely say that I'm having a blast watching it. Park Hae-jin is winning; Park Seong-woong has wry comedy down pat; and Kim Min-jung, despite her annoying character, has impeccable delivery. Of course, the quality of the production is high and the writing is witty. I'm looking forward to how this show rolls out....More
"The Best Western Movie of the Year Is a Korean Thriller" - GQ
From Iconic Director Kim Jee-woon ("The Last Stand", "A Bittersweet Life", "I Saw the Devil", "The Good, the Bad, the Weird")
On May 2, 2017, CJ Entertainment is releasing The Age of Shadows on DVD and Blu-ray-DVD Combo Pack at retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Family Video, and digitally on Amazon, Netflix, iTunes, Google Play, and Sony PlayStation...More
"... a vivid and relatable tale". ~ Gary Goldstein, LOS ANGELES TIMES
"Infusing its nightmarish scenario with bracing doses of satirical humor, Tunnel is smarter and more sophisticated than most Hollywood attempts at the genre".
~ Frank Scheck, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER...More
Director Bong Joon-ho's Netflix Original movie "Okja" is entering the 70th Cannes International Film Festival.
"Okja" is competing with other films for Palme d'Or...More
"The Best Western Movie of the Year Is a Korean Thriller" - GQ
From Iconic Director Kim Jee-woon ("The Last Stand", "A Bittersweet Life", "I Saw the Devil", "The Good, the Bad, the Weird")
On May 2, 2017, CJ Entertainment is releasing The Age of Shadows on DVD and Blu-ray-DVD Combo Pack at retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Family Video, and digitally on Amazon, Netflix, iTunes, Google Play, and Sony PlayStation...More
If I were covering celebrity gossip, then this season and all of its dating and wedding news would give me quite a lot of material. Strangers' love life is not what excites me, however, so I bring you news of future Netflix goodness as I contemplate a new type of Korean drama productions at our doorstep. The usual news follow, of course...More
"... a vivid and relatable tale". ~ Gary Goldstein, LOS ANGELES TIMES
"Infusing its nightmarish scenario with bracing doses of satirical humor, Tunnel is smarter and more sophisticated than most Hollywood attempts at the genre".
~ Frank Scheck, THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER...More
Netflix scoops up an exciting Joseon zombie series, read Pierce Conran's review of "A Single Rider" on Modern Korean Cinema, KoBiz examines Korean filmgoer's shift in viewing habits, and know the real independence fighters behind their cinematic counterparts...More
Added the upcoming Korean drama "Kingdom"'s page to HanCinema database...More
Dramas are getting shorter.
Usually dramas are 16 to 20 episodes long but from this year, 'miniseries' are getting to as short at 8 or 10 episodes...More
Hello once again, folks. I am back with more drama news gathered over the past two weeks. Today I take a look at fresh material from "Radiant Office", I figuratively salivate over an upcoming drama by writer Kim Eun-hee-I of "Signal" fame and I also take a look at "Mystery Queen" and her ajumma detective adventures...More
Lately there's been a good web-dramas coming around. Web dramas are great because it's usually consists short length episodes and the episodes itself isn't many either...More
My Korean Kitchen pairs pancakes with kimchi, Netflix's Chef's Table features Korea's top temple cook, check CJ Food World to sample the best of the best under one roof, and Daily NK reveals what food help North Koreans get through the harsh winter months...More
"The Handmaiden" and "Train to Busan" lead the way ahead of the Asian Film Awards in March, KoBiz explores the rise of web fiction adaptations, Movie Pilot gets political with K-cinema, and Asian Movie Pulse lists six Korean films to get excited about this year...More
Korea's "City of Film" gets a serious cash injection, Justin Lowe reviews Cho Ui-seok's "Master", Netflix's first Korean original series will be web comic, and for the first time in over a decade a Japanese anime has topped Korea's charts...More
Added the upcoming Korean drama "Love Alarm"'s page to HanCinema database...More
Do you remember "Answer Me 1988"? I'm a fan of all three Answer Me series but I'd say 1988 is the one that hit me hardest to home...More
Kobiz highlights films with leading ladies in their new infographic, Netflix scoops up the distribution rights for the disaster film "Pandora", hear what production designer Jang Geun-young has to say about his latest work after returning to the industry, and Paul Quinn talks about a Korean classic on his podcast...More
Sean Richard Dulake is the latest American performer who has carved out a niche for himself on Korean TV. The actor came here in the mid-2000s looking for work but took things into his own hands.
"In Korea, a role suitable for somebody like me comes around once every five years", he said. "So I decided to create roles myself"...More
A teaser image of Bong Joon-ho's upcoming film "Okja" was released by U.S. video-streaming provider Netflix on Tuesday. The image features Tilda Swinton and Giancarlo Esposito on location in New York.
Netflix is investing US$50 million into the Korean director's film, which is being co-produced by Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment...More
Netflix plans to expand its offerings in South Korea, The Hollywood reporter reviews "One Way Trip", Lee Byung-hun honoured in America, and find out how Asian animations did at Annecy this year...More
Actress Claudia Kim attends a promotional party hosted by U.S. company Netflix in Seoul on Thursday...More
Bong Joon-ho and Tilda Swinton are working together on "Okja" for Netflix, KOBIZ has an infographic on popular Korean series films, CJ CGV's ScreenX takes filmgoing to the next level at Cinema Con, and learn about Korea's "Grand Master" of eroticism...More
Director Bong Joon-ho's "Okja" is only going to be released through Netflix.
Wikitree quoted Netflix and reported that, ""Okja" will not be released in domestic and foreign theaters"...More
"Spirits' Homecoming" tops the charts in time for International Women's Day, KOBIZ has a retrospective on one of Korea's most influential directors, see how Korea's VFX studios have grown over the last twenty years, and catch six soul-scratching Korean films on Netflix if you dare...More
Added new stills for the upcoming Korean-American-British-French documentary "Twinsters"...More
Check out what one of Korea's cutest stores has to offer, Vogue looks at Bae Doona's success on and offscreen, there are rehabilitation camps in Korea for those battling internet addiction, and get an insiders take on Korea's work culture...More
See how K-culture was depicted on the American satirical TV show Family Guy, Netflix (finally) arrives in South Korea, Variety tells us how South Korea's box office went in 2015, and Pierce Conran takes a closer look at "The Himalayas"...More
Samantha Futerman is an American actress- somewhat more successful than most, given that she's had speaking roles in a couple of movies you've probably heard of. She also shows up in YouTube comedy videos. And that's where the story of "Twinsters" starts- see, Samantha Futerman was born in Korea and adopted overseas. Through an Internet video, Anais Bordier, another Korean adoptee raised in France, sees Samantha Futerman and discovers, to her shock, that the two appear to be identical...More
U.S. video-streaming provider Netflix will invest US$50 million in director Bong Joon-ho's next film, to be called "Okja".
Production company Okja SPC said Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment is co-producing the movie...More
Director Bong Joon-ho's latest movie "Okja" is said to be a film about a monster, but he says it's not.
The director announced that the movie is about an animal named Okja and its friendship with a country girl...More
Largest North American Festival for All Things Hallyu Confirms Appearances by Top Drama Stars, plus Writer and Director.
KCON 2015 USA presented by Toyota, America's biggest event for All Things Hallyu is going big on drama in 2015 with confirmed appearances by top actors from television and film from Korea and the U.S. being featured at the annual celebration alongside the many top K-Pop artists previously announced. Living up to its mission to bring fans the most comprehensive celebration of all aspects of Korean entertainment, KCON 2015 USA has just confirmed stars Kim Soo-hyun, Daniel Henney, Son Ho-jun and Ki Hong Lee to participate in the Los Angeles dates of the event. (Bios below)...More
It's extremely tempting to view the crazy sumptuous games at play in "Untold Scandal" here as some sort of commentary on repressed Joseon sexuality. Director Lee Jae-yong certainly has enough fun with it from a cinematographic point of view. The sex is is hot and sensuous. If you're going into this movie expecting Bae Yong-joon to have lots of erotic fun times with many ample bosoms on display, you will not be disappointed. The film is exactly as advertised...More
Hefty Line-up of the Hottest New Asian Series Includes Romance, High School and Period Dramas – Made Available for the First Time in the U.S. with English Subtitles and within 24 Hours of their International TV Premieres
DramaFever (www.dramafever.com), the top online video destination for international TV series and movies, today announced a fall lineup that includes four exclusive premieres along with a large crop of other highly anticipated Asian drama series. All will premiere on DramaFever within 24 hours of the original international airings, and with professional subtitles...More
Spend this weekend watching a Korean horror classic. Mischievous schoolgirls, devious sisters, and mysterious houses in the woods abound in these films. Netflix has been working to expand its Asian cinema selection, which is good news for cinephiles...More
Dramafever Set To Premiere First Original Co-production "The Heirs" with Acclaimed South Korean Production Company Hwa & Dam Pictures marks First-ever Co-production Between Korean Company And U.S. Digital Platform
Today, DramaFever announced a first-of-its-kind co-production deal with Korean production shingle, Hwa & Dam Pictures. Premiering this week in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America exclusively on DramaFever, "The Heirs" is a 20 episode romantic drama series starring Lee Min-ho ("Faith", "Boys over Flowers") and Park Shin-hye ("Flower Boy Next Door", "Heartstrings") which follows a group of privileged, elite high school students as they are groomed to take over their families' business empires while grappling with the trials of finding true love...More
Jang Cheol-soo's second feature "Secretly and Greatly" is currently closing in on 6 million admissions at the box office, but before it goes any higher I wanted to zoom-in on my perhaps my favourite scene in modern Korean cinema. The above image is taken from "Bedevilled" (2010), Jang's debut film after having assisted Kim Ki-duk with "Samaria" (2004) as well as "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... And Spring" (2003). "Bedevilled" was one of earlier Korean films I watched, and it set the bar high in terms of its stunning cinematography and visual story telling. Jang's psychological horror made its premiere at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival and won a string of awards from Korean organisations (including four 'Best New Director' awards), but sadly only sold a little over 160,000 tickets during its run in theatres. The film was a critical success, and if you're talking about Korean revenge films, "Bedevilled" is one of the most hellishly satisfying thrills out there...More
The plot is simple enough- a mysterious treasure map is the key to the motivations behind about eight different distinct factions of individuals with their own motivations for acquiring it. There are possibly more. After a certain point it just gets really difficult to keep track of everyone in this movie, As a result, it gets to be a bit of a headache trying to keep straight which characters know what, when, and why. And it really isn't a whole lot of fun to guess why, either...More
Whereas movies are near-unanimous in their condemnation of child abuse, it's much more unusual to see anything depicting child neglect in similar terms. In many a film the fact that parents are nowhere to be found is considered a good thing, as it enables many wacky adventures. The question is rarely asked as to what the neglected children do when there aren't any wacky adventures to be had...More
Paris is, supposedly, the most cultured city in the entire world. For an artist, it would seem like the most natural possible place to hang out indefinitely while trying to outwait a drug bust. But Seong-nam (played by Kim Young-ho) quickly discovers that without a guide or any meaningful connection to the local environment, Paris is pretty indistinguishable from any other random place he could be hanging out...More
Opens in Los Angeles (CGV Cinema), Fullerton (Regal La Habra) and Irvine (Edwards UTC) on Feb. 15
120 min, Korean, English, German spoken, 2013, North American premiere.
Director Ryoo Seung-wan is available for phone interviews.
Screen International: "Arguably one of the most high profile South Korean releases of early 2013, Ryoo Seung-wan's "The Berlin File" continues to adopt Ryoo's visual trademark through pulsating and spectacular set-pieces".
Until now, Korean directors have been underrepresented in the Asian action genre dominated by Hong Kong masters (John Woo, Andrew Lau) and their most passionate American aficionado Quentin Tarantino. With "The Berlin File" - Korea's biggest release of 2013 - American audiences have the chance discover the visual pyrotechnics of Korea's only action auteur, Ryoo Seung-wan...More
LG Electronics brought a range of cutting-edge home entertainment products and smart appliances to the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show. Although we didn't see the LG Optimus G2 make an appearance, here's a glimpse at some other noteworthy items that did take the stage.
LG finally announced the price and release dates of the hotly anticipated 55-inch OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) TV. It will go on sale for about $12,000 USD in the United States starting in March. You'll get extraordinary picture quality and perfect colors thanks to LG's WRGB technology and Four-Color Pixel system in a TV that's only 4mm thick. It's definitely a point of pride for LG that it's the only company in the world so far to put an OLED TV on the market.
Granted, not everyone's got 12 grand lying around to splurge on a TV. But can't you just imagine experiencing March Madness on a screen like this?...More
International distribution expert and analyst and former Screen International journalist Robert Mitchell looks at the gulf between artistic and business successes of Korean cinema in the UK.
Ask any cine-literate film-goer, critic, blogger or tweeter in the UK about Korean cinema and you'll be greeted with an enthusiastic response. They will talk of the Hallyu period of the past decade, a wealth of some of the most creative and interesting film-making in the world. They will speak with passion about Park Chan-wook, Kim Ki-duk and Bong Joon-ho.
International festivals like Cannes play a major role in building this awareness. "The route to the international market is through festivals", says Danny PERKINS, CEO of StudioCanal UK, which released Bong's "The Host" and Kim's "3-Iron" amongst other Korean titles. "If a director's film features in one of the bigger festivals it can put them and their work permanently on the map"...More
By KOFIC Staff
Major Korean entertainment company CJ E&M has announced a deal to stream 20 of its films on Netflix, leading internet subscription service for films and TV shows. Netflix members in the US will be able to watch these CJ films on multiple platforms including televisions, computer, tablets, gaming consoles, and mobile phones.
"CJ E&M is delighted to make our movies available through Netflix for the first time", said Joon CHOI, CEO of CJ E&M America. "Netflix has been a revolutionary force in entertainment, whose members have long enjoyed unparalleled access to a rich selection of films. This deal brings movie lovers iconic films from Asia's top entertainment company"...More
LOS ANGELES – October 6, 2011 – CJ E&M today announced an agreement to feature twenty of its acclaimed Asian movies on Netflix, the world's leading Internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV shows. Beginning in October 2011, Netflix members in the US will be able to instantly watch the twenty titles multiple platforms, including TVs, popular tablets, key gaming consoles, computers and mobile phones. All the titles will be available from October 1.
"CJ E&M is delighted to make our movies available through Netflix for the first time". said Joon Choi, CEO of CJ E&M America. "Netflix has been a revolutionary force in entertainment, whose members have long enjoyed unparalleled access to movies from around the globe. This deal brings movie lovers iconic films from Asia's top entertainment company, CJ E&M"...More
The June 8 screening of EuroAsia Shorts 2011 featuring short films from Korea and Spain drew more than 100 guests to the Korean Cultural Center for a unique blend of culture, cinema, and an international discussion about relations between men and women.
"It was a great selection of films", said guest Victoria Wood. "It's wonderful to see films you wouldn't get via Netflix or in a theater, and a very interesting paring of cultures with Korean and Spain"...More
Some critics were surprised by what they saw
Adam Hartzell (internews)
When asking my opinion about "Kill Bill 2", a good friend of mine was shocked to hear I hadn't seen either yet (and still haven't). "That surprises me since you're so into Asian film", was his response to this news. I jammed my friend's "logic" by clarifying that the Asian film references that fill "Kill Bill" are not the Asian films I seek out. This is not a slam on Tarantino, he's a wonderful collage artist. Nor is this a slam on those types of films, those films emphasize what many find pleasurable about cinema -- spectacle. But Tarantino isn't referencing Tsai, Hong, Hui, or Oshima, in his "Kill Bills" so it wouldn't be up high on my NetFlix list if I were to have one.
But many Westerners share my friend's template of what constitutes an "Asian Film", that is, some combination of martial arts, samurai, wire-fu, gangsters, violence, and soft porn. And knowing this, it is no surprise that
Kim Ki-duk's films have been embraced by Western critics. Kim's "
The Isle" has solidified his place in the Westernized canon of Asian films due to an incident at New York's Asian Film Festival where an audience member left a screening gagging like the main character in the film and falling to the lobby floor. Known for his creative maiming and killing off of his characters, Kim has been embraced by th...
More
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