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Indian Express
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
No K-dramas for India? JioHotstar snubs new slate of originals, from Nine Puzzles to Our Movie; frustrated viewers threaten to cancel subscription
JioHotstar seems to have snubbed an entire slate of new Korean originals dropping on Disney Plus recently. Fans are baffled as one K-drama after another vanished from the platform. Some feature big names, others have hook-worthy plots that are going viral on social media, but Indian viewers are the only ones left out of the loop. With no alternative way to stream these shows unless another platform picks them up, fans are stuck dealing with the fallout of the Disney-Jio deal sealed back in November 2024. It's a blow not just to K-drama lovers but possibly to the company too, considering country's massive fanbase and its potential to boost viewership. Is it a post-merger licensing glitch? Or a move by Jio to shift focus on other genres? Either way, here's a look at what we're losing out on. Also read: Mercy for None Review: So Ji Sub's sad eyes are the only redemption in Netflix's flawed adaptation Park Eun Bin's Hyper Knife, which follows the life of an ousted neurosurgeon in a medical crime thriller, was delayed. While the rest of the world raved about the cast's stellar performances, Indian viewers were left hanging for a week or two, until the platform finally dropped the show. The K-drama, also starring Sol Kyung Gu (as Choi Deok-hee), follows Seok, a neurosurgeon whose obsession with perfection leads to her career downfall. Her license is stripped, and she starts performing back-alley surgeries. Years later, fate brings her face to face with her former mentor again. After Extraordinary Attorney Woo and Castaway Diva, Hyper Knife was Eun Bin's most anticipated comeback, so the disappointment was natural. Earlier, K-dramas like Unmasked (Trigger) and Park Hyung Sik's Buried Heart landed just fine on the platform, so viewers let Hyper Knife slip by, assuming it was some licensing issuw. But since May, the platform's changes have started becoming hard to miss. can jiohotstar and disney sort their shit out. why r new k dramas not available on jiohotstar like they used to be on disneyplushotstar — 💌 (@bluemoonxstar) June 18, 2025 SCREEN reached out to a Jiohotstar representative for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publishing. The K-drama mystery thriller starring Kim Da Mi and Son Suk ku was released on May 21 and split into two parts, but the show never made it to the streaming platform in India. The storyline revolves around Yoon Yi-na, a skilled profiler and the only witness to her uncle's murder. In the present day, she works alongside Detective Kim Han-saem. It became Disney+'s' most-watched Korean series globally in 2025. Also read: Karma K-drama review: Shin Min Ah and Park Hae Soo's sin-soaked Netflix thriller delivers psychological whiplash Starring Namkoong Min and Vincenzo star Jeon Yeo-bin, Our Movie is currently streaming worldwide, except for desi K-drama lovers. Early reviews hailed it as a masterpiece for brilliantly capturing the melodrama that follows a director reeling from his father's lost legacy, trying to make a comeback, and crossing paths with a young hospital patient (Lee Da-eum) battling a rare terminal illness. But contrary to him, she's upbeat and longs to live life to the fullest. The third title snubbed entirely from the Indian slate is Dark Legacy or Hunter with the Scalpel, a psychological crime thriller starring Park Ju-hyun, Park Yong-woo, and Kang Hoon. The story follows a forensic pathologist whose world is rocked after a shocking discovery about her father. The show premiered on June 16, 2025 (U+TV, U+ Mobile TV, and Disney+ in select regions). The upcoming release lineup includes The Murky Stream, the streamer's first historical K-drama original, Tempest, The Manipulated, and more. Whether any of these titles actually land here remains to be seen. But the frustration among fans is loud and clear. From Reddit to Twitter, users are calling out the mess. One wrote, 'Can JioHotstar and Disney sort their s*** out? Why are new K-dramas not available like they used to be on Disney+Hotstar?' Another added, 'We thought JioHotstar integrated global Disney content. That's not so. Disney Plus Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, etc, have different global content including Kdrama.' A few even threatened they wouldn't renew their subscription, saying it's beyond frustrating: 'K-dramaland is doomed for JioHotstar subs… I'm not renewing if this s*** persists.' Some even pointed out that old shows are quietly being removed too, though that part's still unconfirmed. One more frustrated viewer tagged the platform directly: '@JioHotstar why Korean drama not coming on your platform? Also, when the hell are you provide K-drama in Hindi language? What's going on guys—very bad service. After payment no K-drama in Hindi to watch!'
Forbes
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
6 Netflix K-dramas To Watch: 'Mercy For None,' 'Dear Hongrang' And More
'Dear Hongrang' and 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' Wondering what to watch as the world waits for the June 27th premiere of Squid Game season 3? Whether you're a longtime fan of K-dramas or have only recently started getting into them, Netflix has released a slew of top-notch Korean series in recent months. But with the streamer premiering at least one new Korean title every week between April and early June, many viewers might find it difficult to keep up with all the K-content that's being offered. So to help audiences figure out what to watch, here are six new and recent K-dramas on Netflix that are worth watching. From grisly action thrillers to historical romance to coming-of-age family dramas, all of the shows on this list have ranked in Netflix's weekly Global Top 10 list of the most watched non-English shows. (As a side note, Korean series have taken up anywhere from three to over half the spots on Netflix's Global Top 10 list of non-English shows every week since April—a testament to K-content's ongoing global popularity and also to Netflix's continued commitment to investing in Korean projects.) Mercy For None In this gritty, uber-violent thriller, veteran actor So Ji-sub stars as Nam Gi-jun, a former gangster with formidable combat skills who decides to leave the mob after his younger brother Nam Gi-seok joins a rival gang. But when Gi-seok is brutally murdered, Gi-jun returns to the underworld to uncover the truth behind his brother's untimely death, embarking on a bloodthirsty quest for revenge. Inspired by the webtoon Plaza Wars: Mercy for None by Oh Se-hyung and Kim Gyun-tae, the gripping seven-episode series features stellar acting and gruesome fight sequences that will leave you aghast as you watch Gi-jun slash and smash his way through Seoul's underbelly, smacking down anyone who gets in his way with bone-crushing blows. Despite the series' mixed reviews back home in Korea, Mercy for None has found international success, taking the top spot on Netflix's Global Top 10 list of the most watched non-English shows shortly after its premiere earlier this month. Fun facts: After his breakout role in the iconic 2004 K-drama I'm Sorry, I Love You, So Ji-sub became one of Korea's most famous actors and a leading Hallyu star in the 2000s. Mercy for None marks his return to the noir action thriller genre after 13 years. Huh Joon-ho, who plays the chairman of Juwoon Group, has been acting for roughly four decades and is the son of legendary actor Heo Jang-kang, known for playing memorable villains in Korean films from the 1960s and 1970s. So Ji-Sub as Nam Gi-jun in 'Mercy for None' Our Unwritten Seoul Park Bo-young (Daily Dose of Sunshine, Melo Movie) shines in a dual role as identical twin sisters Yu Mi-ji and Yu Mi-rae in this heartfelt, coming-of-age drama. Mi-ji and Mi-rae look so alike that even their own mother can't tell them apart, but their personalities and lifestyles couldn't be more different. After an unfortunate injury, younger sister Mi-ji is forced to give up on her dream of becoming a track and field athlete and stays in her hometown to work odd jobs and take care of her grandmother. Meanwhile, older sister Mi-rae, who excelled in academics, now works for a public corporation in Seoul and helps support her family with her paycheck. Dissatisfied with their current situations, the two decide to swap their lives, launching each of them on a path towards love, renewed hope, personal growth and self-discovery. Fun facts: Audiences in Korea have been praising Park Bo-young for her performance as essentially four different characters in this series—as Mi-ji, Mi-rae, Mi-ji pretending to be Mi-rae, and Mi-rae pretending to be Mi-ji. The show's Korean title, 'Mi-ji-eh Seoul' (미지의 서울), can be interpreted as 'Mi-ji's Seoul' or 'Unknown Seoul.' When Life Gives You Tangerines Lauded by many fans and critics as one of the best K-dramas ever made, When Life Gives You Tangerines is a sweeping family saga that will give you all the feels. Oh Ae-sun (played by K-pop superstar IU, who also portrays Ae-sun's daughter Geum-myeong) is a poor but ambitious girl who grows up on South Korea's Jeju Island in the 1950s and 1960s. She longs to leave the island to attend college and pursue her dream of becoming a poet, but socioeconomic and family circumstances keep holding her back from achieving her goal. Yang Gwan-sik (played by K-drama heartthrob Park Bo-gum) is Ae-sun's childhood friend who later becomes her devoted husband. As the two of them start a family, will they be able to provide a better future for their children, and will Ae-sun ever be able to realize her dream of becoming a poet? As Professor David Tizzard wrote in The Korea Times, the entire series is a poem. A poem about life, love, loss, family, hope, struggle, dreams, sacrifice and resilience. It's also a bit of a crash course on South Korea's history, traditional customs and pop culture, as the story takes place against the backdrop of the country's rapid economic development and democratization and includes iconic Korean songs playing throughout. Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik, IU as Oh Ae-sun in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' All that said, if you find that the series doesn't resonate with you, you're certainly not alone, as some reviews have criticized the show for its slow-moving plot and boring dialogue. But it's important to note that When Life Gives You Tangerines is a show where the richness and poetic qualities of the Korean language are on full display, so while the English subtitles capture the essence of the characters' lines, much of the lyricism, emotional depth, nuances and humor in the original Korean dialogue unfortunately gets lost in translation. In that sense, it's perhaps a bit surprising that the series did so well outside of Korea, given its heavy reliance on the unique characteristics and subtleties of the Korean language that are practically impossible to convey in English. Fun fact: The writer of When Life Gives You Tangerines (who also penned other hit K-dramas like When the Camellia Blooms and Fight for My Way), is known for hiding her true identity from the public and the media. She reportedly adopted the pseudonym Lim Sang-choon (which sounds like a man's name in Korean) to avoid any potential discrimination based on her gender or age. Both When the Camellia Blooms and When Life Gives You Tangerines won Best Screenplay in the TV category at the Baeksang Arts Awards in 2020 and 2025 respectively, but Lim skipped both awards shows, sparking heightened public interest in her identity. She is rumored to be in her late 30's or early 40's and living with her husband in Seoul's Mapo district. Dear Hongrang When Hongrang, the son of the most powerful merchant family in Joseon Korea, goes missing at the age of eight, his half-sister Jae-yi relentlessly searches for him. Twelve years later, a man claiming to be Hongrang suddenly shows up, though he has no recollection of his childhood. Nevertheless, everyone in the household is convinced that he is the real Hongrang—everyone, that is, except for Jae-yi. Determined to expose the truth behind her brother's disappearance, she sets out to investigate, only to find herself developing complicated feelings for the mysterious man—and her life increasingly in peril. With action, romance and intrigue unfolding over the course of 11 episodes (an unusual episode count for K-dramas), Dear Hongrang received mixed reviews upon its release but was generally praised for its cinematic quality, costume design, thrilling fight sequences, and tension between its characters. (Personally, I thought the series improved with every episode, and the onscreen chemistry between Lee Jae-wook and Cho Bo-ah was exceptionally strong.) Fun fact: The show's Korean title is Tangeum (탄금), which literally means 'swallowing gold' and is also the title of the 2021 novel by Jang Da-hye on which the series is based. According to Korean media outlets, 'swallowing gold' has a double meaning in this case. First, it refers to a form of punishment reserved for nobles and royalty in ancient China, in which the condemned individual would swallow gold nuggets until their insides literally burst. However, as gold is also highly valued and associated with wealth, the expression can also have the positive connotation of attaining something you've greatly desired. Lee Jae-wook as Hongrang, Cho Bo-ah as Jae-yi in 'Dear Hongrang' Heavenly Ever After After decades of working as a loan shark to support herself and her paralyzed husband, Lee Hae-sook (Kim Hye-ja) dies shortly after his passing and arrives in Heaven. There, she's told that she can select her age in the afterlife. She chooses 80—the age at which her late husband Ko Nak-joon had said she looked the most beautiful. But when she reunites with him in Heaven, she's shocked to find him in the form of his 30-year-old self. Despite their age gap, Hae-sook learns to navigate her new life in Heaven with Nak-joon's help as they begin to build the life they never had on earth. Featuring a star-studded cast that includes veteran actress Kim Hye-ja (Mother, Our Blues), Son Suk-ku (A Killer Paradox, My Liberation Notes), Han Ji-min (Love Scout, Yonder), Lee Jung-eun (Parasite, Miss Night and Day) and Cheon Ho-jin (Beyond Evil, My Liberation Notes), Heavenly Ever After combines comedy, romance, fantasy and even horror to weave an imaginative tale that feels adorably quirky, heartwarming and occasionally terrifying all at the same time. A touching scene with pets in Heaven might move you to tears, while another depicting Hell in graphic detail might give you chills. Throughout the show, you'll likely find yourself pondering questions about the afterlife, Heaven and Hell, and possibly even reincarnation. Fun fact: Han Ji-min wasn't initially cast in this drama, but when she expressed her strong desire to participate—she even went so far as to say that she would work as part of the production crew if that meant that she could work with Kim Hye-ja—the series' creators invented a new character just for her. Son Suk-ku as Ko Nak-joon and Kim Hye-ja as Lee Hae-sook in 'Heavenly Ever After' Weak Hero Class 1 And Weak Hero Class 2 Based on the popular eponymous webtoon by Seopass and Kim Jin-seok, Weak Hero follows Yeon Si-eun, a star high school student who seems frail and weak but uses his cunning and mastery of physics to fight back against bullies. In the series' first season (Class 1), Si-eun (Park Ji-hoon) becomes the target of a class bully after beating him at their school's math competition. When Si-eun stands up to the bully's aggressive behavior, he and his friends find themselves unwittingly caught up in an increasingly violent chain of events. The second season (Class 2) sees Si-eun transferring to another high school, where he faces off against a menacing gang with the help of some newfound allies. Although Weak Hero Class 1 initially premiered on the Korean streaming platform Wavve back in 2022, it found a huge global audience after dropping on Netflix in March of this year, ranking in the streamer's Global Top 10 list of non-English shows for six weeks. Weak Hero Class 2 topped that same chart soon after its release on Netflix in April. Though a third season hasn't been confirmed, many fans are speculating that class will be back in session soon given the rave reviews for the show's first two seasons. Park Ji-hoon as Yeon Si-eun in 'Weak Hero Class 2' Be warned though that despite its high school setting, this series really is for mature audiences only (let's just say that it features a myriad of creative ways to maim someone using only school supplies…). Many viewers have praised Weak Hero for its tight storytelling and themes around friendship, resilience and personal growth, but some might find its bloody fight scenes and overall violence hard to stomach. Fun fact: Interestingly enough, director You Su-min revealed that once he knew that the show's second season would be released globally on Netflix, he decided to make it less emotionally intense than season 1 so that international audiences would find it easier to watch.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
So Ji Sub on board for another suspenseful action drama: eyes are on 'Manager Kim'
So Ji Sub So Ji Sub could next be seen making a comeback to the high-adrenaline realm of action K-dramas, as he's been offered the lead role in the upcoming noir series ' Manager Kim ,' according to reports by industry insiders. On June 20, industry sources reported that the veteran actor is on the shortlist for the lead role. His agency, 51K confirmed the rumors shortly after saying that So Ji Sub has been offered the role and is considering the script. Although the verdict is yet to be announced, fans are already abuzz with excitement. A dark tale of fatherhood and revenge 'Manager Kim' is a gritty action-thriller film inspired by a wildly popular webtoon of the same name. It tells the story of a quiet office worker who lives a peaceful life as a single father until his daughter Min Ji mysteriously vanishes. As he starts a frantic search, the story takes a dramatic turn when it turns out that this ordinary-looking man is really a former top black-ops agent with a secret past. Driven by anger and despair, he returns to the dark world he escaped, ready to risk everything to rescue his daughter. The character combines raw action and emotional depth which will suit So Ji Sub perfectly as a performer of complex, tortured characters. Another action-oriented spin after ' Mercy for None ' This chance comes hot on the heels of So Ji Sub's lauded comeback to work with thriller 'Mercy for None.' That show was his return to the genre after over a decade and rekindled his reputation as an actor able to shoulder physically challenging roles. His work in that series as per Newsen was overwhelmingly enjoyed for its raw power and metamorphosis. Even though the casting has not been confirmed, the news has already sparked waves among drama enthusiasts. Social media sites and chat forums are filled with excitement as fans indicate their eagerness to watch the 'Oh My Venus' and 'The Master's Sun' lead actor delve into another spellbinding, emotionally charged action story.
Pink Villa
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
So Ji Sub eyes another action role after Mercy for None? All about Manager Kim plot, character details and agency response
Veteran actor So Ji Sub might be gearing up for another intense action-packed role, this time as the lead in an upcoming drama Manager Kim. On June 20, industry insiders revealed that the star has been approached to headline the project. The reports sparked a wave of excitement among fans. Responding to the casting buzz, So Ji Sub 's agency 51K confirmed that the actor has indeed received the offer and is 'currently reviewing it.' His appearance hasn't been finalized. But the news alone is enough to generate anticipation, especially among fans of action thrillers and webtoon-based dramas. What is Manager Kim about? Manager Kim is a gritty action noir drama adapted from a widely read webtoon of the same name. It follows the story of a seemingly unremarkable office worker and devoted single father. His life is turned upside down when his daughter, Min Ji, vanishes without a trace. What begins as a desperate search soon takes a dramatic turn when it's revealed that this mild-mannered man is hiding a dangerous past. He's actually a former black-ops agent. With his old instincts kicking in, he plunges back into a shadowy world of violence and secrets. Kim is determined to uncover the truth and bring his daughter home, no matter the cost. If So Ji Sub accepts the role, he will portray the titular Manager Kim. It's a character that demands both emotional depth and physical intensity. And it's a perfect fit for the actor, known for his layered performances. Return to action genre after a decade This potential casting comes on the heels of So Ji Sub's return to the action genre in the 2025 Netflix series Mercy for None. This marked his first venture into high-stakes action in over a decade. That project was met with praise for his transformation and command of physical roles. It also reignited interest in seeing him take on more adrenaline-fueled characters. Before this, So Ji Sub was best known for his roles in iconic dramas such as The Master's Sun, Oh My Venus, Doctor Lawyer, I'm Sorry, I Love You, among others. Fan excitement builds Though nothing is confirmed yet, the mere possibility of So Ji Sub taking on another powerful role has created a buzz online. Fans have taken to forums and social media to share their excitement. Stay tuned as more updates unfold. For now, fans are keeping their fingers crossed.
The Review Geek
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Upcoming K-dramas to Watch in June 2025
Here is your monthly update on K-dramas! June 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting month for K-drama fans, with a diverse slate of new releases ranging from gritty crime thrillers and historical fantasies to heartwarming romances and even one unique take on Sherlock Holmes. Expect names like So Ji-sub, Ok Taec-yeon, Jeon Yeo-been, and Choo Young-woo on your screens. Whether you're in the mood for action-filled tales of revenge, universe-bending love stories, or schoolyard dramas, this month promises something for every kind of viewer. Most anticipated of all is Squid Game 3, the final season of the iconic K-drama. Read on to learn more about the K-dramas and their release date, plot, cast, and where to watch them. Without further ado, here are all the exciting new K-dramas releasing in June 2025: Release Date: 6th June Lead Cast: So Ji-sub, Huh Joon-ho, Ahn Kil-kang, Lee Bum-soo, Gong Myung, Choo Young-woo, Jo Han-chul Network: Netflix Plot: An adaptation of a webtoon named Plaza Wars, this gritty crime drama set in Seoul's underbelly follows Gi-jun, one of the underworld's fiercest. However, he retires due to a certain incident. Years later, his brother Gi-seok's ruthless murder reignites Gi-jun's thirst for vengeance and he's convinced the culprit lurks close. Release Date: 11th June Lead Cast: Seohyun, Ok Taec-yeon, Kwon Han-sol, Seo Bum-june, Ji Hye-won Where to Watch: Viki, KBS2 Plot: The series follows a college student known as K who suddenly finds herself transported into a historical romance novel. Stuck in the body of a minor noble character named Seon-chaek, she ends up spending a night with the male lead, a royal named Lee Beon. Lee Beon then insists they get married and K is tasked with keeping the story intact and making sure he falls for the female lead instead of her. Release Date: 13th June Lead Cast: Nam Koong-min, Jeon Yeo-been Where to Watch: Disney+ Plot: The Korean drama follows Lee Je-ha, a film director who feels overshadowed by his father's success and is struggling to make his second film. He decides to make a film about a person with a terminal illness and ends up meeting Lee Da-eum in the process, an aspiring actress who suffers from a rare disease. The drama will have 12 episodes and will air every Friday and Saturday. Salon de Holmes Release Date: 16th June Lead Cast: Lee Si-young, Jung Young-joo, Kim Da-som, Nam Gi-ae Where to Watch: ENA Plot: Salon de Holmes is a comedy action drama that revolves around four women who live in the same apartment complex. They team up in order to deal with a range of villains, from people who don't park properly and refuse to separate their waste to darker, more sinister criminals. Release Date: 16th June Lead Cast: Park Ju-hyun, Park Yong-woo, Kang Hoon Where to Watch: Disney+ Plot: Hunter with a Scalpel centers its story on the past coming back to haunt a forensic pathologist considered to be the top of her field. The father she presumed dead all these years has returned to threaten everything she worked for, and with everything on the line, she has no choice but to face her past to save her future. I Am a Running Mate Release Date: 19th June Lead Cast: Yoon Hyun-soo, Lee Jung-sic, Choi Woo-sung Where to Watch: TVING Plot: I Am a Running Mate is a high school drama following the life of model student Noh Se-hoon. His reputation takes a hit when an unfortunate incident earns him the nickname 'Erector'. Determined to retrieve his dignity, he decides to become a running mate for the school's student council and gets involved in a flurry of competition. Head Over Heels Release Date: 23rd June Lead Cast: Cho Yi-hun, Cha Kang-yoon, Choo Young-woo, Choo Ja-hyun Where to Watch: tvN Plot: A fantasy romance drama, Head Over Heels revolves around a young woman who moonlights as a shaman. When she realises her first love is bound for an early death, she decides to save him from his destiny. This is a 12-episode drama that will air every Monday and Tuesday. Squid Game 3 Release Date: 27th June Lead Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon and more Where to Watch: Netflix Plot: The third and final season of Squid Game will release this year as well! Helmed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the final instalment of the thriller series will continue to follow Seong Gi-hun's fight to shut down the games once and for all. Love Phobia Release Date: 27th June Lead Cast: Yeon Woo, Kim Hyun-jin, Jo Yoon-seo, Choi Byung-chan Where to Watch: U+ Mobile TV Plot: Love Phobia gives us another opposites-attract story between an unlikely pair. On the one hand is Yoon Bi-ah, the CEO of an AI-powered dating app who is emotionally detached. On the other hand is Han Sun-ho, a novelist who is all about emotions and feelings. This drama will have 8 episodes. Which Korean drama are you most looking forward to in the month of June? Which do you think could become the best of 2025? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
