Slow and Steady

Recently, the opportunity to watch Japanese dramas on Netflix has significantly increased. For fans of J-dramas, the current environment is ideal, as it's not just past masterpieces but also the latest series airing in Japan that are being updated, often in real-time. Upon closer inspection, you'll notice that a majority of these productions are dramas produced by TBS (Tokyo Broadcasting System), one of Japan's major broadcasters. This leads to speculation about a close partnership between TBS and Netflix, much like the one between Korea's SBS and the streaming giant, which makes nearly all of its content available. It was within this trend that I stumbled upon a 2017 drama titled 'Anata no Koto wa Sorehodo.'   When I first started watching 'Anata no Koto wa Sorehodo,' it felt both unfamiliar and yet strangely familiar. The reason for this lies in its origin: the drama is based on a wildly popular manga of the same name, which became a massive hit in Jap...

Until now, original films released by Netflix have often failed to fully meet audience expectations. This has been particularly true for its live-action movies, many of which have received disappointing reviews. In contrast, the animation genre has consistently maintained its reputation with well-regarded works. Now, an animated film that no one saw coming is creating a global box-office sensation and writing a new chapter in history. That film is K-Pop: Demon Hunters. One of the most interesting aspects of this work is its origin. While its subject is K-Pop, now an undisputed global cultural genre, the production was led by Japan's Sony and Hollywood capital. Of course, a significant number of Korean staff members were involved and played a crucial role in grounding the film's identity. However, the very fact that it approached K-Pop from an external perspective became a key to its success.  This "outsider's gaze" managed to capture the charm and essence of K-Pop...

The greatest show in Netflix history, "Squid Game," has finally unveiled its final chapter, Season 3, capturing the attention of fans worldwide. Even considering that Netflix's content lineup has historically been stronger in series than in films, the debut of "Squid Game" was a landmark event. Season 1 transcended mere popularity to become a "cultural phenomenon," setting unprecedented records for a non-English language drama and elevating the status of K-content to a new level. This explosive success presented a huge burden and a challenge for the production team. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk had previously stated he had little intention of creating a sequel, but he ultimately yielded to global demand and decided to produce Seasons 2 and 3. The decision to film both seasons simultaneously for production efficiency and narrative continuity was a clever strategy. As a result, fans who had grown weary of the long wait after Season 1's shocking ending we...

Countless racing films have graced the screen, but it can be said with certainty that F1: The Movie was the most intense and thrilling experience among them. While driving is a daily activity, the world of racing—a concentration of extreme speed, technology, and capital—always sparks a special kind of interest. This film overwhelms the audience from the very beginning by fully capturing on screen a sense of speed and competitive tension unimaginable on ordinary roads. The movie goes beyond simply enjoying speed, successfully conveying the depth and charm of the sport of racing to the audience. Car racing, especially Formula 1 (F1), is a sport that boasts an enormous global fanbase. Although its popularity might feel somewhat unfamiliar in Korea, F1 is a massive industry, so much so that it's called the "pinnacle of capitalism" where unimaginable amounts of money are in play. Astronomical costs are invested in building and maintaining a single machine, and numerous global ...

tvN has launched its new Monday-Tuesday drama, <Gyeon-woo and the Fairy>, aiming to capture the attention of viewers. While tvN has consistently maintained its Monday-Tuesday drama lineup, it's true that past shows have often underperformed in terms of buzz and ratings. However, this project is different. Based on a solid original story, a combination of charming actors, and a fresh premise, it is receiving high expectations from viewers for the first time in a while and is emerging as an anticipated work set to breathe new life into the stagnant Monday-Tuesday slot. Having captured viewers' attention from the first episode and signaling a smooth start, curiosity about its future development is growing even stronger. The male lead, Bae Gyeon-woo, is played by actor Choo Young-woo. As one of the most notable rising actors today, his prolific activity is befitting of the phrase "works like an ox." He has made a definitive impression on the public by appearing ...