Who will get it right?

South Korean broadcasters will be leveraging advanced artificial intelligence technology, upgraded election outcome prediction systems and personalized services in their coverage of the general election on April 10. SBS will introduce an AI character as a commentator for its general election broadcasts, a first in Korean broadcasting history. Named "Toopyoro" and taking the form of a teddy bear, the AI character will provide real-time commentary on the general election using generative

April 3, 2024

K-content streaming service Kocowa to launch services in Europe, Oceania

Kocowa, a streaming platform operated by Wavve Americas, which distributes Korean content to overseas audiences, said it has started offering its services in 39 countries in Europe and Oceania on Monday. Previously, Kocowa was available in some 30 countries in North and South America, including the US, Canada and Brazil. England, Ireland, Spain and Portugal, as well as Australia and New Zealand, are some of the countries where Kocowa became available Monday. In Europe and Oceania, Kocowa is only

April 1, 2024

[Herald Interview] Kim Ji-yeon, Jang Da-a stress zero tolerance for bullying via 'Pyramid Game'

South Korean actors Kim Ji-yeon and Jang Da-a said they tried to convey the message of absolute intolerance towards bullying via their latest Tving original series "Pyramid Game." Based on the webtoon of the same name, the 10-part drama series narrates the story of Sung Soo-ji (played by Kim), who transfers to a school that decides a target to bully monthly via a voting process. In the story, students are ranked from A to F based on the number of votes they get, and the person designat

March 29, 2024

[Herald Review] 'Parasyte: The Grey,' run-of-the-mill monster horror series that lacks charm of original manga

"Parasyte: The Grey," the ambitiously re-imagined series by star director Yeon Sang-ho, is a run-of-the-mill monster horror show that fails to capture the charm and essence of the original manga. The 6-part Netflix original series follows the story of Jung Soo-in (Jung So-nee) as she is partially turned into a monster after an alien species called the Parasytes invade Earth. The series is set in the universe of the popular Japanese manga series "Parasyte," but completely de

March 27, 2024

'Parasyte: The Grey' explores coexistence, nature of ties between individuals and organizations

Director Yeon Sang-ho, known for hit thriller series "Hellbound" and groundbreaking zombie flick "Train to Busan," said he aimed to explore the true meaning of coexistence and dynamics between individuals and organizations in "Parasyte: The Grey," his latest Netflix original series. "Parasyte: The Grey" narrates the story of Jung Soo-in (Jeon So-nee), who is partially turned into a monster by an alien species that falls to Earth from outer space. Seol Gang

March 26, 2024

More reality shows exploring divorce are on their way

South Korean broadcasters are rolling out new shows about divorce among real-life couples following a wave of successful reality shows that previously explored the same theme. The Maeil Broadcasting Network said it has decided to regularly broadcast "Decision to Divorce" starting in April following the show's successful pilot season of five episodes that aired from January to February. "Decision to Divorce" features couples going through difficult times in their marri

March 25, 2024

[Music in drama] A silver lining in a tale of vengeance

Even in the darkest and the most brutal stories, there is often a silver lining. In a drama full of hatred and malice, soft melodies playing in the background show that there is still some good in the world. "The Glory," one of the most successful K-drama series of 2023, depicts the meticulous journey of a woman as she exacts revenge on the gang members who tormented her at school. Moon Dong-eun, who was subjected to all kinds of violence imaginable, including physical torture, sexual

March 24, 2024

Agency denies Kim Sae-ron, Kim Soo-hyun dating rumours

Rumors that South Korean actors Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun are dating, which began circulating following a post uploaded on the former's social media account, are untrue, said the agency representing Kim Soo-hyun, Sunday. "The current rumors of Kim Soo-hyun's romantic involvement (with Kim Sae-ron) are groundless. The photos circulating online seem to have been taken during the time Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron were signed with the same agency in the past, and the intention behi

March 24, 2024

Rumors of Kim Sae-ron, Kim Soo-hyun dating swirl after social media post

South Korean actors Kim Sae-ron and Kim Soo-hyun have become embroiled in dating rumors after the former uploaded a picture of the two together on her social media account on Sunday. Around 1 a.m. on Sunday, Kim Sae-ron posted and swiftly deleted a picture featuring herself and Kim Soo-hyun on her Instagram account. After deleting the photo, Kim Sae-ron did not post any further updates. Gold Medalist, the agency representing Kim Soo-hyun, told local news outlets Sunday morning that it is current

March 24, 2024

S. Korean celebrities call for action from major social media platforms against online phishing scams

A group of South Korean TV celebrities and media personalities on Friday called on major social media platforms, including YouTube, to take action against increasing online phishing scams exploiting their identities. "Since last year, phishing scam organizations have been targeting famous or influential figures, such as former presidents, the leader of a conglomerate, entertainers and YouTubers, on Facebook and Instagram," a joint statement released by a coalition of more than 130 peop

March 22, 2024

Im Soo-hyang, Ji Hyun-woo ready to play romance between celeb and producer in 'Beauty and Romantic'

South Korean actors Im Soo-hyang and Ji Hyun-woo said with the help of veteran director and screenwriter, they are ready to embody their intriguing roles in the new KBS weekend drama series, "Beauty and Romantic," set to premiere Saturday. "Beauty and Romantic" is a 50-part series that tells the story of a top celebrity (played by Im Soo-hyang), who experiences a decline in popularity and a drama series producer (played by Ji Hyun-woo), who falls in love with her. The drama s

March 21, 2024

'Queen of Tears' garners popularity on global, domestic stage

As South Korean romance drama series "Queen of Tears" continues to receive critical acclaim, the show has recorded high viewership ratings and ranked high on the charts of global streaming platforms, according to entertainment giant CJ ENM, Thursday. Written by star screenwriter Park Ji-eun, who wrote the scripts for a slew of hit Korean romance dramas such as "My Love from the Star" and "Crash Landing on You," "Queen of Tears" stars Kim Ji-won and Kim Su-

March 21, 2024

[Herald Interview] Like cilantro, some will love Netflix's 'Chicken Nugget', others won't: actor, director

While Netflixes new mystery-comedy-drama series "Chicken Nugget" has elicited mixed responses from viewers, the show has a distinct, never-before-seen comedic style, said actor Ryu Seung-ryong and director Lee Byeong-heon. "Chicken Nugget" is a 10-part Netflix original series about the adventures of Choi Seon-man (Ryu Seung-ryong) and Go Baek-joong (Ahn Jae-hong), as they try to turn Choi's daughter, Choi Min-ah (Kim Yoo-jeong), back into a human after a mysterious mac

March 20, 2024

Intricate plot compelled Lee Bo-young to join 'Hide'

Korean veteran actor Lee Bo-young, known for her roles in hit titles such as "I Can Hear Your Voice," said her new mystery series showcases an intricately crafted storyline. The 12-part drama series narrates the story of Na Mun-yeong (played by Lee), a prosecutor-turned-lawyer who faces a series of ominous events after her husband goes missing. The drama series is based on the Welsh thriller television series "Keeping Faith," which was broadcast on BBC One Wales in 2018. &q

March 19, 2024

New 'Star Wars' franchise 'The Acolyte' starring Lee Jung-jae to stream on Disney+

Disney+ on Tuesday announced that the new “Star Wars" series, "The Acolyte," will be released exclusively on the streaming platform service on June 5. "The Acolyte" is an eight-part live-action series set in the High Republic era, a century preceding the events of "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace." The series follows the story that unfolds as Jedi, or the users of the energies of the Force, are faced with a slew of mysterious events. South Kore

March 19, 2024

'Nothing Uncovered' reinterprets legendary web novel, marks return of Kim Ha-neul

KBS is eyeing a ratings turnaround with its new crime mystery drama series "Nothing Uncovered," with veteran actor Kim Ha-neul returning to the broadcaster for the reinterpretation of the legendary web novel. "Nothing Uncovered" is a 16-part drama series based on a popular web novel of the same name, which was serialized on Naver Webnovel in 2021. The original web novel won the grand prize in the web novel category during the web portal's annual “The Greatest Webto

March 18, 2024

Park Chan-wook’s HBO original, 'The Sympathizer,' to release in April via Coupang Play

HBO original series “The Sympathizer,” marking auteur director Park Chan-wook’s return to the small screen, will be available in Korea via the local streaming platform Coupang Play in April. The exact date of the Korean release has not been confirmed, but the series will hit HBO and its streaming platform, Max, in the US on April 14. The small-screen adaption of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same title by Vietnamese American author Viet Thanh Nguyen boasts a stel

March 17, 2024

Ryu Jun-yeol, Han So-hee spotted together in Hawaii; agencies decline to confirm dating rumors

South Korean actors Ryu Jun-yeol and Han So-hee have been spotted on vacation at the same hotel in Hawaii, but both the actors' agencies on Friday declined to confirm rumors that the two are dating. According to posts on social media, Han and Ryu were reportedly seen vacationing together at a luxury hotel swimming pool in Hawaii. Amid the circling dating rumors, Ryu's agency released an official announcement. "It is true that Ryu is staying in Hawaii for photography work. We kindl

March 15, 2024

[Herald Interview] Kim Dong-jun challenges himself in 'Korea-Khitan War'

Kim Dong-jun, an actor and member of the K-pop group ZE:A, said he felt a lot of pressure in his role in "Korea-Khitan War," not only because it was such a large-scale project, but also when it came to portraying King Hyun-jong of the Goyreo Kingdom. Kim said he used the pressure he felt as an opportunity to challenge himself and tried to reflect the pressure in his acting. "Korea-Khitan War" is a 32-part historical drama produced by KBS, which narrates the story of the eig

March 15, 2024

Two Korean drama series invited to Canneseries

Two Korean dramas "Tarot" and "Pleasant Outcast" are set to appear at Canneseries, held from April 5 to April 10 in France. "Tarot," produced by Studio X+U, a mid-form content production studio under telecommunications provider LG Uplus, was invited to compete in the short film competition section of the Cannes International Series Festival. With this, "Tarot" became the first Korean title to compete in the short film section. "Tarot" revolves ar

March 14, 2024