Slow and Steady

There are writers who become a genre unto themselves just by their name. Kim Eun-sook is one of them. The news of her new work always makes drama fans' hearts flutter. It's not just simple anticipation, but a near-certainty about the next syndrome she will create. After all, none of the worlds she has crafted have ever failed. Her latest drama, 'All Your Wishes Will Come True,' has garnered even more attention because of her collaboration with director Lee Byeong-heon, who has established his own unique style with the movie 'Extreme Job' and the drama 'Be Melodramatic.' The meeting of these two giants promised legendary synergy, drawing immense expectations.   Kim Eun-sook's filmography runs parallel to the history of Korean drama. While a few of her works received mixed reviews and somewhat disappointing results, this was only due to the high expectations associated with the name 'Kim Eun-sook,' not because the works themselves lacked qualit...

The ENA channel is once again heralding the arrival of a major hit. The recently premiered drama, "The Good Woman, Bu Se-mi," is creating a sensational buzz, doubling its viewership in just two episodes. After starting with a 2.4% rating for its first episode, it skyrocketed to 4% for the second, a clear numerical proof of explosive audience interest. This is more than just a ratings success; it's an event that reaffirms the prowess of the ENA channel, which has firmly established itself as a producer of premium dramas, led by hits like "Extraordinary Attorney Woo." A perception is now spreading among viewers that "if it's on ENA, it's worth watching," signaling a new landscape in broadcasting that challenges the dominance of public channels. ENA's success is not a matter of luck. Despite the handicap of relatively lower brand recognition and smaller marketing budgets, ENA has consistently focused on the essence of any great production: the...

Every year, as the Chuseok holiday approaches, a comedy film is released in theaters as if by an unwritten rule. This has become a signal that marks the beginning of the holiday season and has established itself as a long-standing formula for box office success. In reality, this strategy is highly effective. When families, gathered together after a long time, look for content they can all enjoy, one of the first options that comes to mind is going to the movies. In particular, the release of a Chuseok comedy has become a satisfying annual event for both audiences and production companies, as the comedy genre, which allows for lighthearted laughter and enjoyment, fits the holiday atmosphere far better than heavy or serious topics.   The holiday season is typically not just a day or two, but a relatively long period. After a short while of sharing delicious food and catching up, the atmosphere can become somewhat static. It is precisely at this moment that the thought, "Shall we go ...

When one hears the word "animation," many minds naturally drift to Japan. The term "Japanimation" exists for a reason, as Japan stands as the undisputed powerhouse leading the global animation market. In recent years, the theatrical version of Demon Slayer once again proved this dominance by conquering not only the Japanese box office but also those in Korea and the United States. Its spectacular and dynamic artistry, profound world-building, and storytelling that captivates all generations are clear evidence of the high peak Japanese animation has reached, often feeling like a colossal mountain for others to climb. In this context, discussing the state of Korean animation has often been an exercise in both longing and expectation. Compared to the past, the stature of K-content has developed dazzlingly. K-dramas, K-pop, and of course, the webtoon industry—the wellspring of countless stories—have already achieved world-class competitiveness. However, the feature-leng...

 When watching a film, one sometimes encounters a work where the immense presence of the director is felt beyond the screen. The actor's performance, the camera's movement, the flow of the story—every element intertwines so intricately that you instinctively know it's not the work of an ordinary filmmaker. "One Battle After Another" was precisely such a film. The familiar yet weighty directorial power led me to check the director's name, and as expected, it was Paul Thomas Anderson. His filmography, which has sharply delved into the complex inner worlds and relationships of humans in past works like Hard Eight, Boogie Nights, and Magnolia, hinted at the profound depth of this movie. To be honest, while I had missed his recent works, I was certain throughout the film that this was a piece that couldn't be treated lightly—a result deeply imbued with the director's philosophy and contemplation. Frankly, it's highly likely that the production company, ...