Actor Jin Seon-kyu took the role he was offered for comedy film “Count” immediately after reading the scenario because the character was just like himself, according to Jin. “When I first read the scenario four years ago, not only was the story fun, but many parts of Si-heon were similar to myself,” the actor told reporters during a press conference heldat CGV Yongsan, in Seoul, Monday. In “Count,” Jin plays Si-heon, a former boxing Olympic medalist who now

Film Jan. 30, 2023

South Korean actor Song Joong-ki announced Monday that he had got married, a month after confirming that he was in a relationship with a British former model. On Monday, Song wrote in an online fan site that he has “vowed to spend the rest of the life with Katy Louise Saunders,” adding that they were expecting a baby. Song said the couple registered their marriage the same day. “Based on deep trust and love, we decided to start life as husband and wife and I have registered as

People Jan. 30, 2023

A variety of Korean films are opening in cinemas after their releases were delayed due to COVID-19, as the local film industry starts to show signs of recovery. In the upcoming month, “The Outlaws” and “Extreme Job” actor Jin Seon-kyu’s new comedy film “Count” will open. The film centers on Si-heon, played by Jin, who is a former Olympic medalist and now teaches students at a high school as a stubborn and sometimes annoying physical education teacher. Af

Film Jan. 29, 2023

Every Monday at Onjium, a restaurant next to Gyeongbokgung Palace where the seasonal menus are inspired by Joseon-period royal cuisine, the hallways and kitchen counters are filled with fresh vegetables and special ingredients that have been flown in from around the country. “For our seasonal winter menu, we are going to use pheasant from Goryeong in North Gyeongsang Province,” said Onjium Restaurant Head Chef Park Sung-bae. “I still visit the market every week, such as Noryang

Food Jan. 28, 2023

“Someday or One Day” (Taiwan) Opened Jan. 25 Drama Directed by Hwang Cheonin Based on an adaptation of a 2019 TV series of the same name, this film revolves around a woman who is depressed after her boyfriend dies in a plane incident. Struggling to get over him, she receives a mysterious tape one day that allows her to travel back in time. She dreams of meeting her boyfriend once again and questions whether she will be able to change his destiny. “The Point Men” (So

Film Jan. 27, 2023

Cannes-winning romance-thriller “Decision to Leave” by South Korea’s renowned filmmaker Park Chan-wook failed to become one of the five nominees in the best international feature film category at the 95th Academy Awards, surprising both critics and global fans, with some even saying that it was Oscars that “missed a chance.” “Argentina 1985” (Argentina), “All Quiet On The Western Front” (Germany), “Close” (Belgium), “The Qui

Film Jan. 25, 2023

“The First Slam Dunk” (Japan) Opened Jan. 4 Adventure/Comedy Directed by Takehiko Inoue Based on the "Slam Dunk" manga series written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue, this animated sports film follows Ryota Miyagi, a high school student who plays as a point guard on his school’s basketball team. It follows his journey of winning the championship at a nationwide basketball competition. “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” (United States) Opened Jan. 4 A

Film Jan. 22, 2023

Netflix original film “Jung_E,” which depicts a dystopian society through director Yeon Sang-ho’s iconic dark, futuristic setting, has topped the Netflix global chart only a day after the film has been released on Friday. According to an OTT content streaming ranking site Patrol, “Jung_E” ranked No.1 in the Netflix film category as of Saturday. This cyberpunk flick, set on Earth in the year 2194, was the most watched film in 31 countries including South Korea, US, M

Film Jan. 22, 2023

Watching movies at theaters during the Seollal holiday is a rite of sorts for South Korean moviegoers, as more people spend time at home rather than traveling outside the city over the extended holiday period. It is also an important season for filmmakers and distributors, as the country's box office hits prove that films opening during the family holiday season record relatively higher ticket sales. Examples abound, such as family drama "Miracle in Cell No. 7," which opened durin

Film Jan. 21, 2023

Yoon Jeong-hee, a South Korean cinema icon and beloved actor, passed away at the age of 79 in Paris, according to a movie industry official on Friday. She had long suffered Alzheimer's disease. She had been staying in Paris since 2010 with her violinist daughter Paik Jin-hee. "Yoon Jeong-hee, my wife and beloved actress, left the world peacefully, as if she was dreaming, listening to the sound of our daughter Jin-hee playing a violin. Based on her will, we will quietly conduct a privat

Film Jan. 20, 2023

Although director Park Chan-wook left this year’s Golden Globe Awards and Critics Choice Awards empty handed, now all eyes are on whether he will be given a trophy at the 2023 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), whose finalists were announced Thursday night. According to BAFTA, Cannes-winning romance-thriller “Decision to Leave” has been nominated in two categories: Best director and best film not in the English language. It marks Park’s second time recei

Film Jan. 20, 2023

The global popularity and attention on Netflix thriller and suspense drama “The Glory” has resulted in an unforeseen development: Past bullying incidents of overseas celebrities have come to light as victims of school violence speak up by taking to social media. “The Glory,” which was released on Netflix in December of last year, depicts the life of a school violence victim Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo), a revenge-driven female character who survived horrific abuse and see

Television Jan. 19, 2023

Many know director Yim Soon-rye for her flagship storytelling about humanism and art-house scenes in “Little Forest” (2018) and “Forever the Moment” (2008). “The Point Men,” which opened in theaters Wednesday, is Yim's first-ever action film in a career that spans nearly three decades. The film, starring two much sought-after stars, shows Yim's unconventional approach to action scenes that reflects her insistence on relaying a heartfelt drama. &ldquo

Film Jan. 18, 2023

Traditional hanbok and everyday hanbok that can be worn at work are on show at Ara Art Center in Insa-dong, Seoul, until Jan. 29. Titled "New Year, Hanbok," the exhibition not only introduces the beauty of hanbok, but also gives visitors the chance to think about how the value of traditional hanbok and old Korean customs are diminishing today. Five hanbok designers participated in the exhibition titled "Traditional Hanbok, Life Rituals" to present a total of 10 hanbok pieces.

Arts & Design Jan. 17, 2023

Apple TV+’s original series “Pachinko” was crowned as the best foreign language series at the 28th Annual Critics Choice Awards held in Los Angeles, Monday. Filmed in Korean, Japanese and English, the period drama follows the life of a Korean family moving to Japan in the 20th century. The drama won the award over eight other competitors in the category. Also in the running was Korean legal drama “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” starring Park Eun-bin. “It’

Television Jan. 16, 2023