Broadcasters' exit polls predict landslide but overestimate margin

While South Korean broadcasters correctly predicted a sweeping victory for the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea in Wednesday's general election, the actual margin of victory was not as great as their forecasts suggested. When the counting had concluded on Thursday, the main opposition Democratic Party claimed 161 out of the 254 seats in electoral districts, while the ruling People Power Party claimed 90. Including proportional seats, the main opposition and its satellite party won 175 s

April 11, 2024

Disney+ thriller 'Blood Free' to explore food production in near-future

Disney+'s original series "Blood Free" will explore the philosophical quandary of how humans should approach food production through its authentic portrayal of the near-future. The 10-part suspense thriller series follows the story of Yoon Ja-yoo (played by Han Hyo-joo), the CEO of a biological engineering company named BF, and her bodyguard Woo Chae-woon (played by Ju Ji-hoon). The series, written by award-winning screenplay writer Lee Soo-yeon, narrates the story that unfolds af

April 8, 2024

[Herald Interview] 3rd season of 'Physical 100' with international contestants being considered

The third season of global hit survival series "Physical: 100" may be underway with a revamped format and the inclusion of some international contestants. The "Physical: 100" series showcases 100 contestants engaging in various survival matches to determine the most physically fit individual. The winner receives a prize of 300 million won ($228,000). The series' first season became a global success by becoming the first Korean variety show to claim the number one spot on

April 4, 2024

Actor accuses wrong woman of having relationship with estranged husband

Actor Hwang Jung-eum posted an official apology Thursday for her earlier Instagram post about a woman she mistakenly accused of having a relationship with her now-estranged husband. "There has been a misunderstanding as I sorted out my personal affairs. I apologize for inflicting harm on the person and those around her for posting about her," she wrote on her Instagram page, adding that she has apologized to the victim in person. The 39-year-old singer-turned-actor is currently going t

April 4, 2024

Korean stars haunted by accusations of school violence

South Korean actor Jeon Jong-seo's agency on Thursday denied recent accusations of school bullying against the star of the critically acclaimed film, "Burning," vowing to take legal action against what it said were groundless rumors. "We have checked with (Jeon) and her acquaintances and have found that the (rumors) in the online posts are not true at all. ... We will pursue legal action to protect the actor," Jeon's agency Endmark said in an official statement. J

April 4, 2024

[Music in drama] Love blooms against all odds

Behind the phenomenal success of the TV drama series “Descendants of the Sun,” which recorded nearly 40 percent viewership ratings, was the soundtrack that enhanced the completeness of the drama. Aired in 2016 on KBS, "Descendants of the Sun" depicts the love story between Army Captin Yoo Si-jin (Song Joong-ki) and Kang Mo-yeon (Song Hye-kyo), a medical doctor, in the fictional land of Uruk. The second lead pair, First Lieutenant and Army Doctor Yoon Myung-joo (Kim Ji-won)

April 3, 2024

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