Latest news with #SongHye-kyo
News18
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Goblin To Squid Game: 10 K-Dramas Everyone Should Watch At Least Once
Squid Game revolves around a secret contest where 456 players risk their lives to play a series of deadly games. There's no shortage of Korean dramas across a variety of genres. The endless options sometimes make it hard to decide what to watch. Whether you're a seasoned K-drama enthusiast or a newcomer exploring the genre, some shows have truly left a mark. So if you are free this weekend or catching up with a friend at home, this list is perfect for your K-drama binge. Mr. Queen Mr. Queen has to be Shin Hye-sun's best K-drama of all time. Based on the Chinese web series Go Princess Go, this period drama follows a chef who travels back to the Joseon era and finds himself waking up in Queen Cheorin's body. Mr. Queen has everything from heartfelt romance, comedy and action. Crash Landing On You This romantic comedy follows Yoon Se-ri, a successful South Korean businesswoman who is swept off course by a tornado while paragliding and crash-lands in North Korea. There, she is discovered by Ri Jeong-hyeok, a captain in the Korean People's Army, who decides to hide her and help her return home. What follows is a heartwarming story of love. Descendants Of The Sun This series tells a story of lovers who are drawn apart from each other due to the circumstances they find themselves in. Starring Song Hye-kyo and Song Joong-ki, this drama attained wide acclaim for its emotional depth and chemistry between the lead characters. The Glory The Glory follows Song Hye-kyo's character, Moon Dong-eun, as she sets out on a gripping journey of revenge after enduring brutal bullying in high school. Each scene is packed with intensity, showcasing Dong-eun's unwavering resolve to bring her tormentors to justice. Queen Of Tears Queen of Tears perfectly explores the nuances of a married couple going through a rough patch. The drama delves into the themes of love, loss, redemption, and the complexities of family dynamics and social hierarchy. It uses contrasting colour palettes to represent the emotional state of the characters, emphasising the depth of the story. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha This slice-of-life K-drama follows a big-city dentist who moves to a seaside village where she meets a handyman intent on helping his neighbours. The series explores their evolving relationship against the backdrop of a small-town community. This drama resonated with audiences globally and became one of the most-watched K-dramas on Netflix. Goblin Starring Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun, this drama balances fantasy, romance, and comedy. Goblin tells the story of an immortal goblin cursed to live forever until he finds a human bride who can end his eternal life by removing a sword from his chest. Fight For My Way Fight For My Way beautifully explores the classic friends-to-lovers trope, following a former taekwondo champion and a spirited receptionist as they chase their dreams while navigating life's many hurdles. With a perfect blend of humour and heart, this K-drama takes viewers on the inspiring and emotional journey of Dong-man and Ae-ra's love story. Weak Hero A fan-favourite K-drama, Weak Hero follows a young studious man who refuses to back down from the bullies in his class and uses his intelligence to fight against them. From the fight scenes to heartwarming friendships, every little element in the show has been executed perfectly. Squid Game This thrilling K-drama has become a global sensation over the years. The drama revolves around a secret contest where 456 players risk their lives to play a series of deadly games for the chance to win a $39.86 million cash prize. This action-packed drama is undoubtedly one of the most relevant shows of our time. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Korea Herald
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Where do Korean celebrities stand in politics?
In politically charged Korea, celebrities walk tightrope of neutrality Following South Korea's presidential election on June 3, a seemingly innocuous act by one of the nation's most celebrated actresses ignited a storm. Actress Song Hye-kyo pressed 'like' on now President-elect Lee Jae-myung's then-election campaign video on his HR policy. The simple gesture came under fire, drawing fierce backlash from those accusing her of breaking an unspoken rule: Celebrities in South Korea must remain politically neutral — or even near-total political abstinence. The controversy underscores a long-standing tension in Korean pop culture, where public figures in the fields of entertainment and culture are expected to suppress even the slightest hint of political affiliation. During the June election, numerous celebrities, from K-pop idols to comedians, were compelled to apologize or explain their actions for reasons as mundane as wearing red or blue, the symbolic colors of the rival People Power Party and Democratic Party of Korea, respectively. In one widely discussed case, League of Legends esports team Gen.G abstained from their usual 'V for victory' gesture after setting a historic win streak, fearing it could be mistaken as a political statement for candidate No. 2, Kim Moon-soo. Similarly, popular figures like Karina of aespa, entertainer Hong Jin-kyung and rapper Beenzino faced criticism for wearing red clothing, widely associated with Kim's People Power Party during the campaign period. Others, like comedian Park Sung-kwang and actress Ahn So-hee, were accused of showing political bias simply by posting images with blue rooftops or red roses. This hyper-vigilant policing of neutrality has left many wondering: Why are Korean celebrities held to such extreme standards? Idol as 'cultural blank slate' 'Korean celebrities, particularly idols, are not merely entertainers. They are seen as projections of fan ideals — cultural blank slates,' said cultural critic Kim Heon-sik. 'This makes any personal expression — political or otherwise — subject to public interpretation and judgment.' The term "idol" in Korea has come to denote more than admiration. As The Independent put it, idols are expected to embody fan fantasies while remaining void of personal beliefs that may challenge that image. In this framework, political neutrality is not just preferred, it is mandatory. 'Fans don't see idols as individuals with agency. They are shaped, controlled and even owned — emotionally — by their followers. A 'like' on a campaign post can be perceived as betrayal if it's not in line with what the fan thinks,' Kim added. This leads to K-pop idols often avoiding using primary colors, hand gestures or even certain numbers during election periods. Some go so far as to post black-and-white photos to preempt controversy, a trend that was lauded as 'socially aware' during the most recent campaign. South Korea's hypersensitivity to political expression has deep historical roots. As a country marked by ideological division and rapid democratic transition, political affiliations have long carried career-altering consequences. Even now, expressing support for one party or another can result in social ostracism, economic repercussions or online attacks. Bae Sang-hoon, a sociology professor at Chungbuk University, explained, 'South Korea's political environment is emotionally charged, and people project these tensions onto public figures.' "The issue is compounded by the country's deepening culture of fan attachment. The emotional investment that fans place in idols, often described as 'parasocial relationships,' can blur the lines between admiration and control. That emotional ownership has only intensified as fans use celebrities as a proxy to process their own social anxieties," Bae added. Some observers suggest that intense attachment to celebrities serves, in part, as an emotional coping mechanism. 'In a highly competitive society, where people feel disconnected and under pressure, celebrities serve as emotional anchors,' Bae added. 'This can turn into a toxic dynamic when fans begin to expect moral purity and political conformity from people who are essentially strangers.' Calls are growing for a more mature fan culture — one that allows room for artists to engage as citizens without fear of professional ruin. But such a change will require a fundamental reevaluation of the role celebrities play in society and the emotional needs they are often expected to fulfill. 'If we want to continue celebrating the rise of K-pop and Korean soft power, we must also ask whether we are granting our stars the same freedoms we expect in a democratic society," said a 31-year-old surnamed Kim who is active in fandom activities.
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
From rice water toners to cleansing oils: Best Korean skincare products to get that radiant, glass-like skin
While watching K-drama celebrities like Song Hye-kyo in Descendants of the Sun or Lee Jong-suk in While You Were Sleeping, did you ever wonder about their flawless skin? BLACKPINK's Jennie and BTS' Jungkook always seem to have a radiant glow on and off stage. The secret behind their healthy skin is nothing but Korean skincare that has now turned into a global obsession. Rather than hiding imperfections, K-beauty offers a way to transform your skincare routine with proven ingredients like green tea, snail mucin and rice water. With gentle formulations, innovative textures, and visible results, these products can make your skin glow and smooth. Are you ready to incorporate K-star glow into your routine? Get your hands on the best Korean skincare products and enjoy healthy, radiant skin. Korean cleansing oils can effortlessly dissolve make-up and other residues without dehydrating your skin. These best cleansing oils are infused with nourishing ingredients like rice bran or green tea oil to deeply cleanse your skin and provide nourishment. They soften and prep the skin perfectly for further steps, making them ideal for double cleansing. Irrespective of your skin type, cleansing oils guarantee the first step of your routine to be refreshing, silky clean, without the tightness, and feeling detoxified. Top options for you: Enjoy clean skin with the best Korean skincare products, like face wash. Gentle Korean face washes do not stop at cleansing; they refresh the skin while safeguarding the moisture barrier. The best Korean face washes contain botanical extracts and a low pH to prevent irritation. With soothing and hydrating ingredients like centella asiatica, green tea, or snail mucin, the best face wash is suitable for sensitive skin. It leaves a balanced, smooth complexion, making it ready for the next step of the routine. A few picks for you: Any skincare routine is incomplete without sunscreen. The right Korean sunscreens are hydrating, lightweight, and effortless to apply. They provide broad-spectrum SPF protection while brightening and moisturising your skin with ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients work synergistically as the best Korean sunscreens are perfect for daily use and can even be used as a makeup primer. In addition to retaining a healthy and vibrant complexion, these sunscreens can defend your skin against environmental stressors and harmful UV rays. A few options for you: With Korean moisturisers, you can keep your skin hydrated and plump. These best Korean skincare products contain potent ingredients like ceramides, snail mucin and panthenol to repair your skin barrier and lock in moisture. From the oily gels to the rich creams that dry and flaky areas crave, Korean moisturisers can leave you with a fantastic soft and dewy finish. They work like magic underneath other products, too. Top picks for you: A K-beauty serum is a small, compact bottle that has incredible power. It contains vitamin C, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and many more active ingredients to manage dark spots, dullness, or fine lines. The best Korean skincare products, like serums, contain very concentrated formulas that absorb quickly and deliver visible results without any irritation. Korean serums have been famed for their beautiful, gentle effectiveness coupled with luxurious textures. If you apply just a few drops of serum a day, your skin may become smoother, brighter, and bouncier over time. ALSO READ: Best sunscreen brands: Dot & Key vs La Roche-Posay - A comparison between homegrown and global options for UV protection A few options for you: Korean lip sleeping masks are a rich and buttery balm mask designed to preemptively deal with chapped lips. It contains vitamin C, berry extracts, and shea butter, which help heal, hydrate, remove lip wrinkles, and repair dry and flaky lips while one sleeps. This treatment, unlike regular lip balms, provides long-lasting moisture, a pillowy feeling, and a healthy glossy finish that lasts all day. A few picks for you: Korean toners are nothing like astringents. These best toners for glowing skin double as moisturisers as they balance your skin's pH, tighten your pores and prep your skin for layered moisture from the very first step. From a soothing rice toner to alcoholic AHA/BHA clarifying toners, they calm irritation and boost the moisture retention of subsequent lotions. They are skin-friendly and lightweight. Check out these picks for you: SPF 30 vs 50: Which one is better for your skin? Expert dermatologist tips inside Amazon Summer Sale exciting deals on sunscreens: Up to 70% off on Minimalist, The Derma Co and other brands Best SPF 50 sunscreen to slay summer 2025: Top 10 non-sticky picks that protect your skin from UV rays Korean skincare products focus on gentle, layered hydration and natural ingredients. They manage the premature signs of aging and offer glowing skin. Yes! You can find Korean skincare products that contain mild and soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica. You can notice visible improvements within 2-4 weeks. However, it depends on skin concerns and consistency. Yes, most Korean skincare products are suitable for all skin types. Make sure to check the packaging of the product to ensure it is perfect for your skin type and concern. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Tatler Asia
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Clean slates: How 6 Korean stars bounced back from scandal
2. Seo Yea-ji At the peak of her icy-glam allure from It's Okay to Not Be Okay , Seo Yea-ji was shaping to be an up-and-coming Korean star. Then came 2021. Allegations surfaced that she had manipulated then-boyfriend Kim Jung-hyun into acting cold toward his female co-star. Add in accusations about her résumé embellishments and abusive behaviour, and suddenly the industry turned cold at the former future screen queen. Seo Yea-ji pulled the oldest trick in the K-celeb playbook: vanish, regroup, reappear with cheekbones sharper than public memory. She returned in Eve (2022), a revenge-driven makjang drama that leaned into her femme-fatale brand. While ratings were mixed, her presence was undeniable. Her redemption? Still a work in progress, but as anyone in K-dramaland knows, even a half-likeable anti-heroine gets a second act. 3. Lee Byung-hun He's one of the biggest Korean stars, but you don't get to be Korea's A-list royalty without some tarnish on the crown. In 2014, Lee Byung-hun was embroiled in a blackmail scandal involving two younger women who threatened to leak a video of him making lewd jokes. Cue moral outrage, press conferences and awkward public apologies to his wife, actress Lee Min-jung. But here's the thing: Lee Byung Hun is an actor's actor. He weathered the scandal with a mixture of contrition and sheer onscreen dominance. A year later, he was back, starring in Inside Men (2015), Master (2016) and Hollywood blockbusters. His saving grace? A long résumé of brilliant performances, a loyal fanbase and a national tendency to forgive men with gravitas and box office receipts. Now he's back on the global stage with Squid Game , whose third season is airing in June. 4. Song Hye-kyo Yes, the K-drama queen hasn't always had a squeaky-clean reputation. Long before The Glory (2022) turned her into the unofficial face of elegant vengeance, Song Hye-kyo faced a quieter scandal: a tax evasion incident in 2014. While she claimed the unpaid taxes were due to an accountant's error, the damage was rapid, especially for an actress known for her pristine image and clean-cut rom-com leads. Rather than launch into defence mode, Song Hye-kyo paid her dues, issued a sincere public apology and took a step back. She came back smarter, picking roles that aged with her: more introspective, less bubblegum. Revenge saga The Glory didn't just reignite her allure, it rebranded her entirely and solidified her as one of the most enduring Korean stars in history. Proof that in Korea, a scandal can be a footnote if your next act is pitch-perfect. Don't miss: The rise of the antihero: 10 K-drama characters who played by their own rules 5. T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) As BigBang's chicest member and the reigning king of aloof cool, T.O.P had it all, until a 2017 marijuana scandal (still illegal in Korea) and a highly publicised overdose during his military service nearly derailed his career. The public's response was swift and cold; this was no minor misstep. After years of low-profile living, art collecting and cryptic Instagram posts, T.O.P slowly returned, rejoining BigBang for their 2022 single 'Still Life'. The moody, mature ballad served as a comeback and a quiet reintroduction. He's since stepped away from the group, refocusing on his passions in art and space (he was even slated for a lunar mission via Elon Musk's SpaceX project, although that has yet to materialise). He also played a scene-stealing rapper in the second season of Squid Game (2024). 6. G-Dragon G-Dragon is one of the biggest Korean stars in music. After a drug scandal in 2011, G-Dragon's reputation saw a dip in public favour, especially given Korea's strict drug laws. But his case was relatively minor, a one-time incident in Japan, reportedly from an offer he 'didn't know' was laced. His comeback? Immaculately styled. GD continued to dominate both music and fashion, re-cementing his icon status with a solo album, global campaigns for Chanel and museum-level fashion credibility. He's proof that, in Korea, scandal can be forgiven, especially if you're the kind of celebrity who's more cultural institution than idol.
Korea Herald
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Binge-watch iconic K-drama classics this weekend
Seoul Broadcasting System has recently inked a strategic partnership with Netflix, catapulting its K-drama catalog onto the world's biggest streaming platform. For those craving to dive into the golden era of Korean television, this may be the prime time for you to run through the series that laid the foundations of the Korean wave — though sadly, there are no foreign-language subtitles. Here are three seminal SBS titles that made history in the early 2000s, a golden age of K-drama. "All In" Having logged a staggering 40 percent viewership during its run, "All In" is now available on Netflix. Featuring Hallyu sensations Song Hye-kyo of "The Glory" and the Front Man from "Squid Game," Lee Byung-hun in their early days as actors, the 24-episode drama is a saga of love and ambition. Lee stars as In-ha, a man whose life takes a tragic turn after he lands behind bars. Years later, he reemerges as a professional gambler, only to be fatefully reunited with his love, Soo-yeon (Song Hye-kyo). "All In" was a cultural sensation in 2003, cementing Lee's status as one of the most celebrated actors in the country and earning him the top honors at the SBS Drama Awards. Tune in to revel in the celebrated series while enjoying its popular soundtracks, such as Park Yong-ha's "Like the First Day." "Why Can't We Stop Them" Few sitcoms in Korean television history are as beloved as "Why Can't We Stop Them," a 293-episode sitcom that encapsulates family life in Korea in the early 2000s. The show follows the entertaining, unpredictable stories of a multigenerational household, giving rise to some of the most enduring internet memes — including the infamous seaweed soup battle between No-gu, the stubborn grandfather, and Jung-soo, his strong-willed daughter-in-law. But underneath the humor, "Why Can't We Stop Them" is a sharp social commentary, critiquing Korea's rigid family structures and gender roles via its characters and plot. With its blend of light-hearted comedy and social criticism, the show is a must-watch. "Rustic Period" "Rustic Period" is an epic historical drama showcasing the tumultuous life of a real-life political gangster Kim Du-han, set against the backdrop of Korea's fight for independence and post-war upheaval. The series captivated audiences with its sharp portrayal of power struggles and street justice — rising as one of the most iconic dramas of the early 2000s and dominating the small screens with a whopping 51.8 percent peak viewership share in 2002. For those craving a well-made historical drama filled with action and larger-than-life characters try "Rustic Period." yoonseo.3348@
