Slow and Steady

In the Korean drama market, establishing a "seasonal system" remains an unfamiliar and difficult challenge. In the United States, once a drama becomes a hit, it is common to continue seasons for 10 or 20 years, expanding its worldview until every bit of potential is exhausted. On the other hand, Korea strongly prefers narratives with a perfect beginning, middle, and end, so it has been rare for a show to continue to a Season 2, no matter how popular it is. Even if a subsequent season is produced, the flow is often broken due to lead actor replacements or long hiatuses of several years. However, the Taxi Driver series has boldly overcome these limitations of Korean dramas. Thanks to the explosive success of Seasons 1 and 2, it has proudly returned with Season 3, which viewers have been longing for. This is a case that proves the potential of a Korean-style franchise procedural drama beyond simple success. Taxi Driver 3 also maintains the core theme of a private revenge agency ...

Criteria for choosing a movie vary from person to person, but personally, I tend to prioritize works that my heart is drawn to rather than being swayed by others' evaluations or star ratings. Even if it is a movie that the majority of audiences ignore or pour harsh criticism upon, there may be a special point hidden within it that snipes my unique taste. The movie I Alone Prince, which I watched this time, was also a work that many people might hesitate to watch or pass by due to preconceptions and prejudices likely formed just by looking at the title or poster. However, after accidentally coming across the trailer in the theater, I was captivated by Lee Kwang-soo's expressions and the exotic scenery of Vietnam, leading me to a strong conviction that I must watch this movie regardless of others' views. Lee Kwang-soo, the core and symbol of this movie, is called by the public by a very unique and symbolic nickname: "Asia Prince." This nickname was naturally born th...

"Wicked: For Good," the second chapter of the Wicked saga, arrived in theaters on November 19, 2025, exactly one year after the release of the first film on November 20, 2024. Witnessing this second act unfold in the theater on its opening day, following the successful prelude of Part 1, delivered an overwhelming sense of emotion and closure. The Wicked series has evolved beyond a simple blockbuster event; it has established a special ritual for audiences to visit the theater on release day amidst high expectations. The fact that I was able to watch both installments on their respective opening days stands as a testament to the film’s compelling charm and the powerful immersion of its narrative. Given the specific genre characteristics of a musical film, Wicked inevitably faces elements that may divide audience opinion. However, the sight of a crowded theater on opening day proves that this work has successfully formed a broad consensus that transcends mere niche fandom. The ...

1. The Birth of a Highly Anticipated Series Expanding the 'Someday or One Day' Universe For fans of Taiwanese dramas, Someday or One Day holds a significance that goes far beyond being just another show. Its intricate narrative, perfectly weaving time-slip romance with mystery, created a legion of "Sangchinja" (fans crazed about Someday or One Day) and served as a milestone that showcased the high caliber of Taiwanese content to the world. I, too, am a devoted fan who has rewatched the series countless times and even devoured the movie adaptation. While browsing Netflix for a new Taiwanese drama to fill the void, I stumbled upon a new title by fate: If I Hadn't Seen the Sun. The title alone, evoking a lyrical yet somewhat chilling atmosphere, immediately piqued my curiosity. Above all, it made me anticipate that unique Taiwanese emotional sensibility. With a fluttering heart, wondering if this work could follow in the colossal footsteps of Someday or One Day, I pr...

SBS has infused new vitality into the romantic-comedy genre with its new Wednesday-Thursday drama, "Kissing is No Joke" (literal title: <키스는 괜히 해서!>). As the title suggests, this drama presents a unique setup that boldly flips the typical order of a relationship. It tells the story of a man and a woman who experience a decisive "kiss" before any romantic feelings have had a chance to bloom, or even before they truly get to know each other. This unconventional starting point of "kiss first, relationship later" strongly piques viewer curiosity, signaling an unpredictable relationship rollercoaster ahead for the two protagonists. Even before its first broadcast, "Kissing is No Joke" firmly captured the audience's attention through active promotional activities. The strategy of having the lead actors appear on popular variety shows to introduce the drama themselves was particularly effective. Specifically, their appearance on the program ...