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Korea on way to becoming next media powerhouse: experts
Netflix touts 'Netflix effect,' where content is enjoyed as lifestyle, with 'Squid Game' as prime example Netflix has selected Korea as a rising intellectual property powerhouse, poised to play a significant role in leading the market as media powerhouse the US struggles to generate fresh and novel ideas, according to experts who convened at the "Netflix Insight" press event at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam, Seoul, Monday. With the continued success of Korean content, Netfli
Dec. 23, 2024 -
Teenieping toy craze has resellers cashing in on 5x markup
The Aurora Ping Castle House toy, inspired by the smash-hit Korean animated series “Catch! Teenieping” by SAMG Entertainment, has taken the nation by storm ahead of the holidays. Originally retailing for just 50,000 won -- with discounts as low as 39,900 won on SAMG's online store -- resellers are now flipping the toy for over five times its price — fetching more than 200,000 won ($138.13). Since its launch on Dec. 4, demand has been so overwhelming that retailers have imposed strict purchasing
Dec. 23, 2024 -
‘Stage Fighter’ champion Choi Ho-jong says best is yet to come
In Korea’s dance scene, the name Choi Ho-jong is already one to reckon with. Recently, he added another jewel to his crown by claiming the top spot in Mnet’s dance survival program “Stage Fighter,” the fourth installment of the popular Street Fighter TV franchise. However, Choi said that he doesn’t yet feel he’s reached his prime. In fact, he described himself as being in a slump.
Dec. 21, 2024 -
‘Parasite’ star Song Kang-ho to join Netflix‘s second season of ’Beef‘
Song Kang-ho, one of Korea’s most celebrated actors, is set to make his Hollywood debut in the second season of the US anthology drama “Beef.” The actor previously expressed his desire to build his presence in the US through Korean-language projects, citing the pivotal role language plays in acting. According to Netflix, Song will appear as a guest star in the new installment. Details about his role remain under wraps, and it is unclear whether he will perform in English, the primary language of
Dec. 20, 2024 -
After Disney+ adaptation, 'Light Shop' webtoon sees explosive popularity
“Light Shop,” the webtoon behind Disney+’s original series of the same name, is enjoying a dramatic surge in popularity following the success of its adaptation. After episodes 5 and 6 of Disney+’s "Light Shop" were released on Dec. 11, Kakao Entertainment -- the platform distributing the webtoon -- reported a 187-fold increase in views of the original webtoon on Kakao Webtoon and Kakao Page. Revenue from the webtoon also grew 159 times during the same period,
Dec. 20, 2024 -
Politics and YouTube in Korea: Intertwined and dangerous
South Korea has descended into political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s unexpected declaration of emergency martial law on the night of Dec. 3. The move shocked many, particularly after it was revealed that Yoon had ordered troops to the National Election Commission on that chaotic night. Many suspect that Yoon’s actions were influenced by far-right extremist YouTube channels, which have long propagated election fraud conspiracy theories, including claims about irregular
Dec. 19, 2024 -
Set in zero-gravity, 'When the Stars Gossip' to broaden K-drama horizons
As the first Korean drama to be set primarily in space, "When the Stars Gossip" will play a significant role in "diversifying" K-dramas, according to the series' lead actor, Kong Hyo-jin, on Wednesday. South Korean cable channel tvN is scheduled to premiere the first episode of "When the Stars Gossip," a 16-episode sci-fi romantic comedy starring Hallyu superstars Kong and Lee Min-ho on Jan. 4, 2025. The series centers on Eve (played by Kong Hyo-jin), a command
Dec. 18, 2024 -
Tough year ahead for K-dramas: KOCCA report
Korean dramas are projected to face challenges in the overseas market in 2025, with export performance expected to be dim due to surging production costs, according to the Korea Creative Content Agency on Wednesday. The Culture Ministry-affiliated government agency released export outlooks for content sectors such as K-pop and webtoons, based on a survey it conducted. The survey gathered insights from 167 content industry experts and directors of KOCCA's overseas business centers. On 7-poin
Dec. 18, 2024 -
Popular Korean entertainment shows return with new series
A wave of Korean entertainment show sequels is set to dominate television screens at the end of this year and early next year. JTBC’s popular entertainment show "Chef & My Fridge," one of the first programs to spotlight chefs in Korea, made a long-anticipated comeback with its first episode on Sunday. Known for its unique premise -- celebrities' actual refrigerators are brought to the studio, where chefs engage in an intense cook-off using only the ingredients inside --
Dec. 17, 2024 -
'Namib' marks return of Ko Hyun-jung to small screen
Ko Hyun-jung, renowned for her performances in iconic series such as "The Great Queen Seondeok" and "Sandglass," is returning to TV with the Genie TV original drama "Namib." In "Namib," Ko takes on the role of Su-hyun, a celebrity recruiter with a disabled son. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she is abruptly fired from her job and crosses paths with long-time trainee Jin-woo, played by Ryeoun. When asked what inspired him to cast Ko, director Kang Min-
Dec. 16, 2024 -
News viewership surges amid political turmoil, MBC ranks first as go-to news broadcaster
With all eyes on the National Assembly’s second vote to impeach President Yoon Suk following his unexpected declaration of martial law, South Korea witnessed a significant surge in news viewership ratings on Saturday. According to Nielsen Korea, "MBC News Desk," the flagship program of Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation, recorded the second-highest household viewership on Saturday at 11.7 percent. This figure nearly doubled the 5.9 percent it logged on Nov. 30, the Saturday before t
Dec. 15, 2024 -
‘When the Phone Rings’ sparks renewed interest in original web novel
The growing popularity of the drama series “When the Phone Rings” has led to a surge of interest in the original web novel that inspired it and the simultaneously produced webtoon. The eponymous web novel on Kakao Page saw its sales increase 14.6-fold and its views grow five-fold following the drama
Dec. 13, 2024 -
Film on 1979 coup sees surge in viewers amid political unrest
A film related to Korea's contemporary history has seen a remarkable surge in viewership following President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law declaration on Dec. 3. According to the Korean Film Council, "12.12: The Day" attracted 1,150 views on Dec. 4 across Internet Protocol Television platforms, including SK Btv, LG U+ TV, and Genie TV. IPTV services provide online access to live broadcasts, films and TV shows. The data represents a 1,085 percent increase from the 9
Dec. 11, 2024 -
Shares linked to Lee Jung-jae soar following 'Squid Game' Golden Globe nomination
Shares linked with South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae are soaring after the announcement that "Squid Game 2" has been nominated for Best Television Series at the Golden Globes, ahead of its release. As of Wednesday, shares of Artist United— Lee's agency in which he is the largest shareholder with a 23.49 percent stake -- closed at 13,320 won ($9) per share, marking a 29.25 percent increase from the previous day. Meanwhile, shares of Artist Studio, the Korean drama production co
Dec. 10, 2024 -
'Squid Game' nominated for Golden Globes, even before release
The second season of "Squid Game" has been nominated for best TV series by the prestigious Golden Globes, even before its release. The 2025 Golden Globes, to be held Jan. 5, 2025, required submissions by Nov. 4 for shows that premiered within the 2024 calendar year. With its Dec. 26 premiere, the second season of "Squid Game" narrowly qualified, with Netflix reportedly submitting the series early for consideration. In the best TV drama series category, for which the show was
Dec. 10, 2024