Latest news with #DearHongrang
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Star power, low ratings: K-dramas that flopped or split audiences in first half of 2025
In the glitzy world of K-dramas, star-studded casts and big budgets often promise blockbuster success - but 2025 had other plans. Despite high expectations, several dramas stumbled out of the gate, leaving audiences divided and ratings in freefall. Here's a look at the shows that shone on paper but faltered on screen in the first half of the year. Spring of Youth Cast: Ha Yoo-joon, Park Ji-hu, and Lee Seung-hyub Plot: After an accident derails his career, The Crown's lead vocalist Sa Gye is forced to enroll at Hanju University, where he meets Kim Bom - a gifted keyboardist who gave up Ivy League dreams after her mother's death. As they grow closer, Sa Gye rekindles his passion for music and quietly forms a new band. But tensions rise with Seo Tae Yang, a brilliant guitarist and med student, sparking a rivalry in both music and love. Despite its compelling premise, the K-drama struggled in South Korea, with ratings dropping below 1% after just three episodes. However, it did find a strong international following, especially on streaming platforms in North America and Southeast Asia. Dear Hongrang Cast: Lee Jae Wook, Jo Bo Ah, Jung Ga Ram, Uhm Ji Won, Park Byung Eun & Kim Jae Wook Plot: Set in the late Joseon Dynasty, the drama follows Hong Rang, who returns home after a 10-year disappearance with no memory of his past. His half-sister Jae I, once close to him, is determined to uncover the truth behind his vanishing. Raised in privilege, Hong Rang now searches for his true identity, while Jae I battles a difficult home life with an abusive stepmother and distant father. The drama drew mixed reactions from viewers. While its stunning visuals, strong performances, and evocative soundtrack earned praise, many criticized the rushed storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and problematic romantic arc. The short 11-episode format, along with controversial themes - particularly the implied 'incest' storyline - fueled further debate and divided opinions. Tastefully Yours Cast: Kang Ha Neul, Go Min Si, Kim Shin Rok and Yoo Soo Bin Plot: Han Beom U, the heir to a major food conglomerate, runs Seoul's top fine dining restaurant - but ironically, he has no real appreciation for taste. Meanwhile, Mo Yeon Ju, a chef driven by her obsession with flavour, operates a hidden one-table restaurant in a remote countryside village. When their paths cross, the two opposites come together to open a small restaurant in the city of Miraek, Jeonju. As they navigate the challenges of running it, they grow closer, learn from each other, and slowly fall in love. The series, struggled with low ratings in South Korea but found global success on Netflix, topping charts in several countries. Its popularity abroad highlights a clear divide between domestic and international audience appeal. Our Movie Cast: Namkoong Min, Jeon Yeo Been, Lee Seol and Seo Hyeon Woo Plot: Lee Je Ha, once hailed a genius for his debut film, went on a 5-year hiatus, haunted by fears of a sophomore slump. Ready to return, he begins working on a romance about someone with a limited time to live. During research, he meets Lee Da Eum, an aspiring actress battling a rare, incurable disease. Drawn to the script, she helps shape the story and sees it as a turning point in her dream to act. As they collaborate, the two - each grappling with their own struggles - slowly fall in love. The drama failed to generate the same buzz or positive word-of-mouth as other popular K-dramas, falling short of expectations. Overall, it didn't achieve the level of success that was anticipated. Divorce Insurance Cast: Lee Dong Wook, Lee Joo Bin, Lee Kwang Soo and Lee Da Hee Plot: No Gi Jun, a product developer at an insurance company, has been divorced three times. He decides to create a divorce insurance policy, viewing divorce as an unexpected life disaster. He forms a special team that includes Kang Han Deul, an underwriter who changed her outlook after her own divorce; An Jeon Man, a cautious risk surveyor stepping out of his comfort zone; and Jeon Na Rae, a financial mathematician who has no regrets about her short-lived marriage. Together, they tackle rising divorce rates with a bold new insurance idea. Despite a strong cast and high expectations, the drama underperformed in Korea. While it did well on Amazon Prime Video, notably in Asia, domestic viewing in South Korea dropped dramatically, with the final episode receiving a relatively low 0.9% rating. Potato Lab Cast: Lee Sun Bin, Kang Tae Oh and Lee Hak Joo Plot: Set in a mountain valley potato research center, the story follows Kim Mi Gyeong, a quirky scientist obsessed with developing a new potato variety named 'Mi Gyeong.' Her routine is disrupted by So Baek Ho, the handsome but aloof new director. Though they start off clashing, an unexpected office romance blooms between these two flawed yet endearing adults. The drama elicited varied responses. While some viewers praised the unusual premise and chemistry between the protagonists, others found the plot unclear and the finale unsatisfying. Some felt that the drama concentrated too heavily on the potato lab, while others thought the main couple's reconciliation was hasty and implausible. Kick Kick Kick Kick Cast: Ji Jin Hee, Lee Kyu Hyung, Baek Ji Won and Lee Min Jae Plot: Ji Jin Hui, a former star actor, teams up with ex-top PD Cho Yeong Sik - despite their rocky past - to start a production company called Kick Kick Kick Kick Company. Together, they run the company with a small team, including therapist Baek Ji Won and ambitious workaholic Lee Min Jae. The drama failed in every manner, with many viewers not even noticing its release. Ratings hovered well at 2%, but by episode 10, had dropped to 0.3%. Many stated it lacked the personality and warmth of classic programs like High Kick, and that it exemplified why a genre should not be recreated. Crushology 101 Cast: Roh Jeong Eui, Lee Chae Min, Cho Jun Young, Hong Min Ki and Kim Hyun Jin Plot: Bunny, a top sculpture student at Yein University, once believed personality outweighed appearance - until a painful breakup shattered her confidence and left her questioning her worth. Now openly drawn to handsome men but still battling self-esteem issues, her world shifts when two captivating figures enter her life: Hwang Jae Yul, a warm and driven visual design student, and Cha Ji Won, a seemingly perfect chaebol heir. Despite its global success, the drama is usually seen as a flop, especially in South Korea. It debuted with tremendous hopes and even topped global charts, but received extremely low viewership figures in Korea. According to some accounts, the ratings were as low as 0.8% and 0.9%, making it one of MBC's lowest-rated dramas ever. When the Stars Gossip Cast: Lee Min Ho, Gong Hyo Jin, Oh Jung Se and Han Ji Eun Plot: The story follows an astronaut and a tourist who fall in love at a space station. Kong Ryong, an OB-GYN and future son-in-law of Korea's richest conglomerate, visits the station as a space tourist with a hidden agenda. Commander Eve Kim, a strict perfectionist, is on her first mission as commander. Also aboard is Kang Gang Su, a carefree heir-turned-scientist studying fruit flies. Back on Earth is Choi Go Eun, Kong Ryong's brilliant and beautiful fiancée, and the sole heir to the powerful MZ Group. Despite its expensive budget and star-studded cast, this drama received low viewership and scathing reviews. It was criticized for its narrative, notably the space idea, and the chemistry between the two actors, Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin. Motel California Cast: Lee Se Young, Na In Woo, Choi Min Soo, Kim Tae Hyeong and Choi Hee Jin Plot: Ji Gang Hui grew up at Motel California, run by her father in a rural village, and faced gossip due to her mixed heritage and unusual family background. Her first love was childhood friend Cheon Yeon Su, but at 20, she left for Seoul. Now a successful interior designer, she unexpectedly returns home after 12 years and reunites with Yeon Su. Cheon Yeon Su, now a village veterinarian, has only ever loved Gang Hui. Though pursued by locals hoping to match him with their daughters, he avoids confrontation by letting a rumour about marrying a fellow vet linger. Her sudden return reignites old feelings and unresolved emotions. While not deemed a flop, the reviews were varied. While some viewers found it tiresome and monotonous, others praised the performances and character development, and some thought the cinematography was stunning. However, the drama acquired popularity on social media, mainly due to Lee Se-young's performance. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Boyfriend on Demand' cast updates: Lee Jae Wook joins BLACKPINK's Jisoo and Seo In Guk in upcoming drama - Deets Inside!
BLACKPINK Jisoo 's next drama project got a major cast update. Now, along with the idol-turned-actress and Seo In Guk , news reports confirm that Lee Jae Wook will also be joining the cast. As reported by popular K-media news outlet SPOTV News on July 7, it has been confirmed that the famed Korean actor Lee Jae Wook will feature in one of the cameo roles in ' Boyfriend on Demand '. The drama will also feature cast members such as Ryu Abel , Park Ji Ho, Kang Min Woo and Song Ha Na as well. About 'Boyfriend on Demand' The drama is set to blur the lines between AI and reality, with the aim of focusing on taking a more modern and contemporary approach in the drama. It focuses on the main lead character Seo Mi Rae , who will be played by Jisoo. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Mi Rae, in an ordeal of finding love, hires an AI boyfriend in the virtual world. Living a busy and tiring life as a webtoon producer, she has given up on the concept of finding love in the real world. In a bid to satisfy her want for love, she ends up signing up for services that provide you with a completely virtual boyfriend. Seo In Guk will take on the role of Mi Rae's coworker and rival, who is quiet and reserved and is known to keep to himself. Lee Jae Wook will reportedly make a cameo on the show; however, he will still play a pivotal role in the upcoming drama series as well. About Lee Jae Wook Jae Wook is a prolific actor in the Korean entertainment industry and has worked on a lot of major projects. Some of his most well-known works include but are not limited to 'Dear Hongrang', 'Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow', 'True Beauty', 'Extraordinary You', and 'Memories of the Alhambra'.
Pink Villa
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Boyfriend on Demand: Lee Jae Wook joins Lee So Hyuk and more for cameo in BLACKPINK's Jisoo-Seo In Guk starrer
Boyfriend on Demand has confirmed yet another exciting cameo role following Seo Kang Joon and Lee Soo Hyuk. As reported by K-media outlet SPOTV News on July 7, Lee Jae Wook is set to appear for a brief scene in the Jisoo and Seo In Guk starrer. The upcoming Netflix series has already generated huge buzz for its unique plot and star cast. The cameo news are heightening the anticipation for its release. Lee Jae Wook set to make cameo in Boyfriend on Demand The show will be centred around Seo Mi Rae's (played by BLACKPINK's Jisoo) quest to find love through an AI boyfriend. The fantasy rom-com drama will also see Lee Jae Wook in a short but impactful role. His character details and connection to the protagonist isn't out of wraps yet. However, predictions suggest that he might star as one of Seo Mi Rae's AI boyfriends. The previous confirmed guest appearances of Seo Kang Joon and Lee Soo Hyuk, might also be for the same purpose. Lee Jae Wook's current and upcoming projects Lee Jae Wook last appeared in Netflix's romantic, mystery thriller Dear Hongrang (Tangeum in Korean), opposite Jo Bo Ah. He earned critical acclaim for his impressive portrayal of a assasin, who pretended to be a noble family's long-lost heir. His upcoming mystery drama, Perfect Job, is also gaining significant attention. Go Min Si, Kim Min Ha, and Lee Hee Joon will star alongside him in the series. Besides this, Boyfriend on Demand cameo is another interesting project on his radar. About Boyfriend on Demand In this 10-episode drama, the boundaries between reality and fantasy get blurred as a webtoon producer, Seo Mi Rae, navigates a romance with a virtual boyfriend. She finds it challenging to date in real life due to her hectic schedule. Thus, ends up discovering the 'Monthly Boyfriend' device, which generates an AI partner, offering her a second chance at love in the virtual world. Seo In Guk stars as Park Gyeong Nam, Seo Mi Rae's co-worker. She finds herself at odds with him due to his competitive nature and his disagreeable personality.
Pink Villa
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Our Unwritten Seoul's Park Bo Young tops buzzworthy actor list, here's how Son Suk Ku manages to appear twice
Our Unwritten Seoul debuted in the buzzworthy drama and actor list after the airing of its second week's episodes. Dear Hongrang also made it to the actor list, weeks after the conclusion of the multi-genre drama. Check out how the South Korean series fared in the domestic sphere, as per Good Data Corporation's latest report for the week spanning May 26 to June 1. Our Unwritten Seoul's Park Bo Young, who impressed as twin sisters Yoo Mi Rae and Yoo Mi Ji, debuted in the buzzworthy drama list at No. 1. She is followed by Heavenly Ever After's Kim Hye Ja. The series concluded last week with its highest recorded ratings, making it currently the most buzzed about drama. Its male lead Son Su Kyu made history by featuring in the actor list twice. He clinched both No. 4 and No. 5 spots with Heavenly Ever After and Nine Puzzles respectively. His Nine Puzzles co-star Kim Da Mi is one spot above him in the actor list. Among the debutants, we have Our Unwritten Seoul's Park Jinyoung and Dear Hongrang's Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah at 8th, 6th and 10th spots respectively. Among dramas, the new show A Head Coach's Turnover made its first appearance at No. 10. The Haunted Palace held its place in both the drama and actor list ahead of its finale's premiere. Tastefully Yours and GOOD BOY rounded off the top 5 of drama list. Check out the top 10 lists below. Top 10 most buzzworthy K-dramas of this week: JTBC's Heavenly Ever After tvN's Our Unwritten Seoul SBS's The Haunted Palace ENA's Tastefully Yours JTBC's GOOD BOY tvN's Second Shot at Love KBS2's For Eagle Brothers KBS2's Pump Up the Healthy Love SBS's Spring of Youth MBC's A Head Coach's Turnover Top 10 most buzzworthy K-drama actors of this week: Park Bo Young (Our Unwritten Seoul) Kim Hye Ja (Heavenly Ever After) Kim Da Mi (Nine Puzzles) Son Suk Ku (Heavenly Ever After Son Suk Ku (Nine Puzzles) Lee Jae Wook (Dear Hongrang) Yook Sungjae (The Haunted Palace) Jinyoung (Our Unwritten Seoul) Han Ji Min (Heavenly Ever After) Jo Bo Ah (Dear Hongrang)
Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Dear Hongrang star Lee Jae Wook reveals his ‘jealous personality,' says Park Ji Hoon's Weak Hero made him envious: ‘It could become poison'
Actor Lee Jae Wook, riding high on a streak of historical fantasies and sword-swinging roles in K-dramas like The Alchemy of Souls and the new Netflix hit Dear Hongrang, opened up about his work ethic and how he picks projects. The actor who debuted in 2018 with Memories of the Alhambra sat down with Dispatch Korea to talk about his latest drama alongside Jo Bo Ah, drawing parallels between the show's title, Tangeum, and his own life. The series's title, based on Jang Da Hye's original novel, translates to an ancient Qing Dynasty punishment, swallowing gold until death. Lee shared what that 'gold' symbolises for him. The 27-year-old has tasted success in very little time and earned the title of Netflix's son from fans, thanks to his multiple hits on the OTT platform. His new K-drama Dear Hongrang, written by Kim Jin Ah and directed by Kim Hong Sun, is a tragic tale of people crushed by status, power, desire, and revenge. Here, gold stands for the ideal everyone chases. When asked what gold means to him, Lee said, 'I think it's a lack or deficiency. I really enjoy meeting people and working. When I'm alone, I just get jealous of hit dramas. Like the series title says, it could become poison.' Also read: Dear Hongrang ending explained: 7 burning questions answered in Lee Jae Wook and Jo Bo Ah story finale Lee explained that when he's alone, he often binges on new shows and pictures himself in their shoes, wondering how he would have performed. 'I always think about how I'd act in those roles. Then I get jealous, thinking, 'Why didn't that script come to me?' That's probably why I keep working without rest,' he laughed. For Lee, he completed Tangeum fueled by that same power of jealousy, determined to show his acting skills so well that no one would think of anyone but Lee Jae-wook as 'Hongrang', and maybe even spark a little envy. Also read: Dear Hongrang star Jo Bo Ah reveals nickname she gave to Lee Jae Wook, shares why she keeps distance from male co-stars In Dear Hongrang, Lee Jae Wook plays the long-lost son of Joseon's wealthiest merchant family. He returns after a decade with no memories. Opposite him is Jo Bo Ah as Jae Yi, his half-sister, who suspects this newly returned family member and is convinced he's not her brother. In a talk with Dispatch, Lee revealed he initially turned down Hongrang's script because he had already done two historical hits, Alchemy of Souls and Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow. But what changed his mind was a handwritten note from writer Kim Jin-ah. Lee said the letter was five or six pages long, where the writer carefully described Hongrang's onscreen personality and his character arc. 'She explained Hongrang's character and gave detailed feedback on my acting. I read that letter overseas and cried my heart out,' he said. 'I was grateful there was a writer who saw me so closely. That's when I reopened the script. I joined with the desire to express Hongrang's pain after unimaginable torture.' Lee's character Jang Uk from Alchemy of Souls is one of his most widely praised roles globally. So when news of him signing a new historical drama broke, fans naturally expected him to return in the same avatar. But the actor surprised them with a darker role. Comparing the two characters, he explained, 'Jang Uk was a growing character. Hongrang's story starts after he has already grown. I pushed through without confusion about the character's nature.' On the other hand, for Hongrang, he said, 'I tried to bring out Hongrang's sharpness. I had to convince viewers with minimal lines. I aimed to show restraint. And I added the detail that Jae Yi was always at the end of his gaze.' Lee Jae Wook took his first role at the age of 21. He's 27 now, with six leading roles already under his belt. The actor revealed he watched Weak Hero Class 1, led by Park Ji-hoon, and felt a twinge of jealousy, spending time thinking about what he would have done if he played that character. 'I think the reason I work without rest is also because of jealousy. Since I'm just watching other works and feeling jealous, I think I'm motivated to work quickly.' Lee is currently planning to enlist in the military and wants to belt out as many shows as he can.
