Latest news with #MyDearest
Tatler Asia
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
From ‘My Dearest' to ‘Our Movie': the definitive list of must-watch K-dramas starring Namkoong Min
'My Dearest' (2023) My Dearest is a sweeping epic that follows the romance between Lee Jang-hyun (Namkoong Min) and Yoo Gil-chae (Ahn Eun-jin). Set during the Qing invasion, their love story spans decades and survives almost insurmountable obstacles. Time and time again, they are torn apart only to be brought back together by fate—or by Jang-hyun's unwavering devotion. Beyond their palpable chemistry, both leads deliver powerful performances that earned rave reviews and numerous accolades, including the Baeksang for Best Actor in a Drama for Namkoong Min, who was also crowned the 'viewership king'. By its final episode, My Dearest had become one of the defining K-drama events of 2023, thanks to its critical acclaim, enthusiastic audience response and soaring viewership ratings. See also: 4 recent period K-dramas to add to your watchlist 'One Dollar Lawyer' (2022) In One Dollar Lawyer , Namkoong Min was able to stretch his comedic muscles as the quirky attorney Cheon Ji-hun. Brilliant but a touch eccentric, he only charges his clients—to the dismay of his longtime office manager—KRW1,000. It's a bargain considering he's a skilled and passionate lawyer who defends the rights of ordinary citizens against corrupt corporations and big law firms. When Baek Ma-ri (Kim Ji-eun) is forced to work with him, she initially views his unorthodox investigation style and courtroom antics with disdain. But the results speak for themselves, and over time, she grows to admire and trust him. Soon, what was once an antagonistic relationship turns into a genuine partnership and friendship. Together, they continue to take on systemic corruption and fight for justice. 'The Veil' (2021) If Namkoong Min flexed his comedic muscles in One Dollar Lawyer , he flexed his actual muscles, bulking up to an impressive 78kg from his usual 64kg to play elite National Intelligence Service (NIS) agent Han Ji-hyuk in the spy-action thriller The Veil . In the K-drama, Ji-hyuk returns under mysterious conditions after having been missing for an entire year, sans memory and with a serious case of PTSD. He is determined to uncover the mole within the NIS who compromised his last mission—an act that led to the death of his teammates. Along the way, he teams up with rookie agent Yoo Je-yi (played by Kim Ji-eun, who would later star alongside Namkoong in One Dollar Lawyer ), who is secretly investigating the decade-old disappearance of her father, a former NIS agent. 'Hot Stove League' (2019-2020) Namkoong Min's portrayal of Baek Sung-soo in Hot Stove League is another standout role that solidified his status as one of South Korea's top actors. As the newly hired general manager of the Dreams, a flailing baseball team on the brink of being disbanded, stoic and level-headed Sung-soo must find a way to turn them into winners. The series delves into the behind-the-scenes drama of the off-season: salary negotiations, inter-team politics, drafts and player trades. To the members of the Dreams—especially its dedicated operations manager Lee Se-young (Park Eun-bin)—Sung-soo's methods seem ruthless and unpopular. But he ultimately wins them over when his exceptional and uncompromising leadership turns the team's luck around. And while they may not have ended up as champions, they emerge stronger and more united—winners in every sense that matters. Don't miss: 10 unforgettable K-drama athletes you can't help but root for 'Doctor Prisoner' (2019) Namkoong Min stars as Na Yi-je, a brilliant and compassionate doctor whose career is destroyed when a chaebol heir accuses him of malpractice. Sent to prison to cover up a hit-and-run accident, Yi-je learns about the rampant corruption in the penal system—the many ways the wealthy and influential receive special treatment and are given early paroles and releases. He then meticulously plots his revenge by returning to the prison as its medical director, leveraging this position, using cunning tactics and forming unlikely alliances with inmates to expose the various criminal activities and corruption of the family responsible for his downfall. 'Good Manager' (2017) In Good Manager , Namkoong Min establishes his leading-man status and showcases his comedic timing. Here, he plays Kim Sung-ryong, an accountant who embezzles money from corrupt organisations to fund his early retirement, preferably somewhere in Denmark. Planning his next big score, he applies for a mid-manager position in TQ Group, hoping to siphon off enough funds to finally live out his dream. But the company is even more corrupt than he initially thought, and in his selfish attempts to protect the money he has managed to steal, he inadvertently exposes embezzlement schemes far grander than his own, becoming an unlikely—and reluctant—hero. 'Beautiful Gong Shim' (2016) In this 2016 romcom K-drama, Namkoong Min stars opposite Minah of the K-pop idol group Girl's Day. More known for playing villains at the time, Namkoong Min's turn as the goofy and lovable Ahn Dan-tae helped him step into more traditional leading man roles, broadening his appeal and proving his versatility. At the heart of the story is Gong Shim, a quirky heroine whose need for a steady job is eclipsed only by her need for self-confidence. The one thing she doesn't need? The antagonistic relationship she develops with her rooftop apartment tenant Ahn Dan-tae. But his friendship and unconditional support turn out to be the very things that help her grow. In Beautiful Gong Shim , Namkoong Min deft handling of both the enemies-to-lovers romance and the lost-heir subplot showcased his growing range as an actor.
Pink Villa
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Did My Dearest writer scam K-drama production after advance pay? Full scoop on 350 million KRW feud over Namkoong Min, Ahn Eun Jin starrer
K-drama writer Hwang Jin Young, best known for My Dearest starring Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun Jin, is currently facing serious legal consequences. She was recently found in breach of a past contractual agreement with a local production company. A Seoul court has ordered her to return 350 million KRW (approx. 254,000 USD). It was an advance she received for a television drama she never completed. The Seoul Western District Court recently ruled in favor of the unnamed drama production company. It stated that Hwang had failed to deliver on a commitment made in 2017 to complete a 20-episode series, despite having already received half of her total agreed fee. The contract: What went wrong? Back in August 2017, Hwang entered into an agreement to pen a full-length television drama. According to court documents, her fee was set at 35 million per episode, totaling 700 million for all 20 episodes. The production company fulfilled their part of the agreement by paying her 350 million in advance. They were expecting delivery of the scripts within a five-year period from the date of signing. However, the drama project saw no major progress over the following years. According to the company, Hwang submitted only one initial draft about a year after the contract was signed. When they responded with criticism and requested revisions, she allegedly did not provide any follow-up drafts or communicate further about the status of the work. Deal with MBC caused contractual conflict What complicates the matter is that at the time she signed this new contract, Hwang was already bound by an exclusive writing agreement with MBC for My Dearest. This earlier contract spanned from July 2014 to December 2019. It prohibited her from working with other companies during that period. As a result, she was contractually unable to dedicate time to the new project she had committed to in 2017. Despite this clear conflict, no proper arrangement was made to resolve the overlap. This led to a prolonged period of inactivity on the 20-episode drama she was commissioned to write. Legal action After years of inactivity, the production company reignited the issue in August 2023. They sent formal notice to Hwang to fulfill her original commitment. In response, she claimed that the five-year period stipulated in the contract had already expired. Therefore, she argued that she had no legal obligation to continue the project or return the funds. In early 2024, the company filed a formal lawsuit against Hwang. They claimed her refusal to complete the scripts constituted a clear breach of contract. The company also argued that she unjustly withheld a large sum without fulfilling her end of the deal. Court's ruling The court sided with the production company. It concluded that Hwang showed no clear effort or intention to meet her contractual obligations. The ruling stated that, 'It is highly questionable whether Hwang ever had the intention to faithfully fulfill the scriptwriting contract in this case.' The court emphasized that the original terms were not met and that her defense was not sufficient to excuse her inaction. As a result, Hwang was ordered to repay the entire 350 million advance. Hwang Jin Young files appeal While the initial ruling went against her, Hwang has not accepted the outcome quietly. She has filed an official appeal. The case is now set to be heard in the Seoul High Court, where a final decision will be determined after further review and legal proceedings.
Korea Herald
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Court orders 'My Dearest' screenwriter to return W350m for not fulfilling obligations
Screenwriter Hwang Jin-young, best known for writing hit MBC drama "My Dearest," has been ordered to repay 350 million won ($254,000) for failing to fulfill her contractual obligations with a local drama producer, according to a local media report Sunday. The Seoul Western District Court recently ruled in favor of the production company in a lawsuit filed against Hwang, which sought the return of advance payments for a planned 20-episode series, The Herald Business reported. The court ruled that Hwang failed to deliver the agreed number of scripts and ordered her to return the full amount to the firm. In August 2017, the production company and Hwang signed a contract for a drama script. Under the agreement, Hwang was to write and deliver the script for a 20-episode series. Her fee was set at 35 million won per episode, totaling 700 million won. The company paid Hwang half of that amount — 350 million won — as an advance. The contract stated that the period should be five years from the date of signing, and it should end once the 20 episodes are completed. However, at the time, Hwang was already under an exclusive writing contract for the MBC drama 'My Dearest,' which prohibited her from working on other projects between July 2014 and December 2019. Hwang submitted the initial draft to the production company only a year after the contract was signed. When the firm expressed negative feedback, Hwang allegedly made no effort to revise the script. The legal dispute began nearly six years later. In August 2023, the firm urged Hwang to fulfill her obligations under the scriptwriting contract. However, Hwang argued that the contract period had already ended, and therefore the agreement was no longer valid. She also claimed she had no obligation to return the contract payment and had no intention of completing the script. The company filed a lawsuit around February 2024, stating, 'Hwang not only failed to fulfill her writing obligations but also unjustifiably refused to do so.' In its initial ruling, the court stated, 'It is highly questionable whether Hwang ever had the intention to faithfully fulfill the scriptwriting contract in this case.' Hwang has appealed the decision, and the case will be heard in the Seoul High Court before a ruling is finalized.
South China Morning Post
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Our Movie: Disney+ K-drama with Namkoong Min, Jeon Yeo-been shows filmmaking's tender side
Lead cast: Namkoong Min, Jeon Yeo-been Latest Nielsen rating: 3 per cent Following Netflix's Melo Movie earlier this year, a filmmaker once again hesitates to follow in their father's footsteps in the quiet and introspective drama Our Movie, starring Namkoong Min as the director and Jeon Yeo-been as an actress with a terminal illness. Last seen in the sweeping period romance My Dearest two years ago, Namkoong plays Lee Je-ha, a filmmaker struggling to create a follow-up to his hugely successful debut. Play His first film was an acclaimed melodrama that launched the career of its actress, Chae Seo-young (Lee Seol, Between Him and Her), was screened at major international film festivals and sold 5 million tickets at home.
Tatler Asia
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
What Korean dramas can teach us about modern fatherhood
The imperfectly evolving: Seo In-ho in 'Doctor Cha' Above Seo In-ho in 'Doctor Cha' (Photo: JTBC) Seo In-ho (played by Kim Byung-chul) in Doctor Cha (2023) starts as a rather flawed husband and father, entangled in an affair and seemingly oblivious to his family's emotional needs. However, as the drama unfolds, he undergoes a significant, albeit often comedic, transformation. While his journey is messy and filled with missteps, he eventually confronts his shortcomings and genuinely attempts to be a more present and supportive father to his children. His evolution shows that fatherhood is also about the willingness to learn, adapt and strive for improvement, even when it's uncomfortable. He offers a relatable, if sometimes frustrating, portrayal of a dad trying to find his way back to his family. Related: From panels to screen: Korean dramas based on webtoons to watch on the weekends The quietly resilient: Bong Gwi-ju in 'The Atypical Family' Above Bong Gwi-ju in 'The Atypical Family' (Photo: Netflix) Bong Gwi-ju (played by Jang Ki-yong) in The Atypical Family presents a unique take on fatherhood. A man with the ability to time travel, he loses his powers after his wife's death, succumbing to depression. His journey isn't just about regaining his abilities, but about rediscovering his purpose as a father to his daughter, Bok I-na. He is living proof of the quiet resilience of a father grappling with loss and mental health, demonstrating that true strength lies in confronting one's vulnerabilities for the sake of one's children. His efforts to connect with I-na and protect her, even in his weakened state, are truly poignant. The unexpected healer: Lee Jang-hyun in 'My Dearest' Above Lee Jang-hyun in 'My Dearest' (Photo: MBC TV) While not a biological father, Lee Jang-hyun (played by Namkoong Min) in the historical epic My Dearest becomes a profound father figure in the tumultuous backdrop of Joseon. His enigmatic nature and deep-seated trauma initially make him seem unapproachable, but his quiet acts of protection and selfless sacrifice for those he cares for, especially the younger, more vulnerable characters caught in the ravages of war, solidify his place. He exemplifies a paternal bond forged not by blood, but by shared hardship and unwavering compassion. The steadfast sentinel: Jang Ju-won in 'Moving' Above Jang Ju-won in 'Moving' (Photo: Disney+) In the fantastical world of Moving , Jang Ju-won (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) stands out as a father whose superhuman healing abilities are matched only by his unwavering devotion to his daughter, Hui-soo. A former black ops agent, Ju-won is a man of few words but profound actions. He runs a fried chicken shop to provide for Hui-soo, always putting her safety and well-being above his own. When danger looms, he transforms into a formidable protector, facing down any threat to his child with raw strength and relentless determination. His journey is one of sacrifice and unconditional love, proving that some heroes wear aprons and carry the weight of the world for their children. The quietly supportive: Lee Ik-jun in 'Hospital Playlist' Above Lee Ik-jun in 'Hospital Playlist' (Photo: TVN) Lee Ik-jun (played by Jo Jung-suk) in Hospital Playlist is a prime example of a modern, single father who excels at balancing a demanding career as a liver surgeon with devoted parenting. His relationship with his son, U-ju, is one of the most heartwarming aspects of the series. Ik-jun treats U-ju not just as a child, but as a trusted friend, engaging in playful banter, listening intently to his thoughts, and always making time for him despite his hectic schedule. Their daily video calls, filled with U-ju's adorable updates and Ik-jun's patient responses, paint a picture of a father who prioritises emotional connection and fosters an environment of open communication. He demonstrates that being a great dad isn't about grand gestures, but consistent presence and genuine affection. The unwavering protector: Sung Dong-il in 'Reply 1988' Above Sung Dong-il in 'Reply 1988' (Photo: iQIYI) Perhaps the quintessential K-drama dad, Sung Dong-il, playing a character bearing his own name, is the heart and soul of Reply 1988 . As the perpetually stressed but deeply loving father of three, he embodies the everyday struggles and profound joys of fatherhood in a working-class Seoul neighbourhood. His gruff exterior often masks a heart of gold, always ready with a witty retort or a surprisingly profound piece of advice. He may seem miserly, meticulously tracking every penny, but his sacrifices for his children are immense and often unspoken. His unwavering belief in his eldest daughter, Deok-sun, even when she doubts herself, is a testament to his profound paternal love. He's the sort of dad who might scold you for leaving the lights on but would secretly give you his last won for a treat. NOW READ 11 Korean dramas you loved—but didn't know were remakes From 'Buried Hearts' to 'Doctor Slump': Must-see Park Hyung-sik Korean dramas across genres 9 new, exciting Korean dramas to watch in 2025—from thrillers to tearjerkers
