Slow and Steady

A weighty, long-form drama that boldly breaks the formula of Netflix Original series has arrived. It is <Eunjoong and Sangyeon>, starring Kim Goeun and Park Jihyun. Unlike the typical Netflix production trend, which favors short and fast-paced developments of around 10 to 12 episodes, this drama meticulously illuminates the decades-long relationship between two women over a vast 15-episode run. While this evokes the nostalgia of older Korean dramas where 16 episodes were the standard, it proves at every moment that this is not a simple regression, but a necessary choice to fully build the characters' emotional arcs. This drama captivates the viewers' hearts slowly but powerfully, not with speed but with depth, and not with provocative incidents but with the delicate crests and troughs of emotion. The most significant characteristic of <Eunjoong and Sangyeon> is that it does not rush. Unlike recent dramas that continuously deploy intense events from the beginning to ...

Last July, during a trip to Japan, a trailer that was repeatedly shown on the local Netflix caught my eye. The powerful opening scene, where two women collide on the street, causing one's bag to spill its contents and leading them to lock eyes, left a deep impression. At the time, I momentarily forgot about it amidst the many other things to see, but upon returning to Korea, I rediscovered the show on Netflix. That show was the Japanese drama based on a manga, <Cinderella Closet>. This chance encounter led me into the world of a new, lighthearted drama.   <Cinderella Closet> airs on Japan's TBS network at the rather late time of 12:58 AM every Tuesday. This late-night time slot suggests that it is more likely a niche or experimental work for a specific audience rather than a prime-time drama aimed at the general public. The original work is a popular Japanese manga, and the author reportedly expressed great joy that their work was adapted into a drama. While it'...

In the second half of 2024, the most anticipated drama of the year on Disney Plus has finally been unveiled. It's 'North Star,' a series that garnered significant attention from the production stage for bringing together two powerhouse actors, Gang Dong-won and Jun Ji-hyun. The mere fact that these two representative stars of South Korea are leading the cast is enough to capture the eyes and ears of viewers, and anticipation is at its peak for the synergy they will create. This pairing, exciting by name alone, is the first reason you shouldn't miss 'North Star.'   Gang Dong-won and Jun Ji-hyun, considered Korea's top male and female actors, have long maintained their positions at the pinnacle of the industry. Surprisingly, despite their long careers, the two have never worked together on a project. This is even more intriguing considering their one-year age difference. 'North Star' is especially meaningful as it marks Gang Dong-won's return to te...

The film <The Killer's Report> opens with a fascinating premise that immediately captures the audience's curiosity. A man claiming to be the 'Nth' serial killer suddenly requests an interview with a current journalist. In a situation where it's impossible to discern whether his words are truth or the delusions of a fame-seeker, the film invites the audience into a tense atmosphere that delves into the darkest depths of the human psyche. By featuring the word 'killer' prominently in the title, it makes us wonder with both anticipation and apprehension what kind of bloody confession we are about to witness. The story truly begins, as hinted in the trailer, with a shocking scene that proves his claims are far from false. By making the journalist witness an actual murder in the hotel room where the interview takes place, the film firmly establishes that this is not just a psychological game, but a life-and-death reality. The image of the scoop-hungry journ...

The film <Midnight Sun>, available on Netflix, is more than just a simple romance; it is a work with a deep resonance that speaks to the preciousness of life and the value of dreams. What makes this film even more special is that its story has been remade multiple times, each time imbued with the cultural colors of Japan, the United States, and Korea. The poignant and dazzling story of youth, centered on the theme of a rare disease, has transcended borders and eras to capture the hearts of many. Each country's version shares the emotional core of the original while radiating its own unique charm, offering audiences a new experience. This article will explore the journey of <Midnight Sun> from its origins to the Korean adaptation, delving into the meaning and appeal embedded within. The story begins in Japan with the 2006 release of the film <Taiyou no Uta> (Song to the Sun). The film depicted the fresh and heartbreaking love between Kaoru Amane, a girl who must av...