Park Seo Joon 박서준 ~❤❤️ [Drama 2023: “Gyeongseong Creature”] || [Movies 2023: “Dream”, “Concrete Utopia”] [Upcoming Movie 2024:“The Marvels”]

[willenette]

[Herald Interview] 'Gyeongseong Creature' focuses on human stories of 1945, not monsters

 

 

With a whopping total production cost of 70 billion won ($53 million), the first season of "Gyeongseong Creature," touted as one of Netflix Korea's most anticipated original dramas of the second half of 2023, aired its last episode on Friday.

 

"Gyeongseong Creature" tells the story of Yoon Chae-ok (Han So-hee) and Jang Tae-sung (Park Seo-joon), who set out on a journey for survival in 1945, during the Japanese colonial period in Korea.

 

Since its release, the drama series has become a global hit, with the title ranking third on Netflix's global top 10 list in the TV (Non-English) sector for three consecutive weeks, from Dec. 18 through Sunday.

 

The show is helmed by Jung Dong-yoon, the star director of multiple hit Korean dramas such as the 2019 mega-hit Korean TV drama, “Hot Stove League," and tvN's romance drama, "It's Okay to Not Be Okay," and its screen script was written by renowned screenwriter Kang Eun-kyung, who was responsible numerous hit Korean drama series including SBS' "Dr. Romantic" trilogy and MBC's "Gu Family Book."

 

According to Kang, it was difficult to find a producer to create "Gyeongseong Creature."

 

"I have been wanting to tell (the story of 'Gyeongseong Creature') for a long time. However, there were situational constraints. There were no actors willing to take on such roles, and, with the onset of the Korean wave in Japan, (the demand for) dramas depicting the Japanese colonial era disappeared," said Kang Eun-kyung, during an interview with reporters in Seoul on Wednesday.

 

"Other reasons included the high production costs and the need for actors (suitable for the roles). It became difficult to decide (how to create such a drama) when a big trend like Hallyu has emerged," she said.

 

According to her, the decision to create "Gyeongseong Creature" was realized when she met director Jung Dong-yoon.

 

"I had the privilege of encountering a young director who was interested in historical dramas. I became curious as to how (the drama), portrayed through the eyes of this young director, would turn out," she said.

 

"It seemed inadequate to simply argue that the Japanese colonial period era was sad and gloomy. So, I discussed with the director the question, 'What can symbolize this era?' The answer was monsters. We then decided to incorporate the stories of human experiments we had accumulated (into the series)," she said.

 

Regarding reviews that point out the infrequent appearance of monsters despite the drama's title "Gyeongseong Creatures," and comments that the series did not function well as a monster horror series, Kang said that the main goal of the series was to portray the lives of various people who lived through the Japanese colonial period.

 

"Looking at the responses, it seems that people had more genre-specific expectations because of the title 'Gyeongseong Creature.' I think I may have overlooked that," said Kang.

 

"While writing, I focused more on the historical aspects. I didn't want to write (the drama series) in a tone that complained about the (hardships of Koreans during the era). I wanted to write the stories of those who endured (the hardships of the Japanese colonial era)," she said.

 

Director Jung added that he tried to portray the monster in a more subdued manner, compared to typical monsters one might see on-screen.

 

"I tried to stay true to the essence without deviating too much. The year 1945 held great significance for Korea, and I wanted to tell the stories of Koreans living through the period to a global audience. It seems that I may not have met the expectations of the viewers in that regard, (portraying the monsters like that)," he said.

 

In regard to season two of "Gyeongseong Creature," which is scheduled to be released later this year, director Jung said the new season will introduce more creatures while focusing more on the relationship between Yoon Chae-ok and Jang Tae-sung.

 

"I focused on human greed (and) the nature of humans to create season one. For the second season, I wanted to tell the story of Chae-ok and Tae-sang meeting again, and portray the remnants (of stories of the first season). I aim to create a modern drama with seven episodes (for the second season), and depict what has changed and what hasn't in 2024 with a fast-paced narrative," said Jung.

 

The director pledged to include more creatures in the second season. "However, these creatures will not be the typical creatures that we are familiar with," he added.

 

 

 

credit : Korea Herald

https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20240110000581

[willenette]

'Gyeongseong Creature' actor Park Seo-jun unfazed by mixed reviews

 

SEOUL, Jan. 11 (Yonhap) -- "Gyeongseong Creature" was one of Netflix's most-anticipated Korean language originals of 2023 for its huge budget and star-studded cast.

 

However, since the release of the first seven episodes last month, the show has garnered mixed reviews, with some criticizing its improbable plot.

 

But its lead actor, Park Seo-jun, remains unfazed as he believes mixed reactions indicate viewers' intense interest in the series.

 

Actor Park Seo-jun is seen in this photo provided by Netflix. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

"I've never experienced a lack of mixed reviews. It happens with every project," he said during a group media interview at a Seoul cafe on Thursday. "So, I was not emotionally affected. I rather felt the level of people's interest was quite high."

 

He emphasized he is "satisfied" with the project as an actor.

 

"It's the first time I've worked on a project for two years," he said, adding that he also eagerly awaited its release, trying to imagine what the final version will be like.

 

Park stars as Jang Tae-sang, a wealthy and self-involved Korean pawn-shop owner in the history-action thriller set in today's Seoul during the spring of 1945, with Korea still under Japanese colonial rule.

 

Jang infiltrates a hospital together with Yoon Chae-ok (Han So-hee), an amateur sleuth from China he hired, to locate a missing Korean mistress of a Japanese police director. The search leads them to a dark truth lurking within the hospital, where the Japanese military conducts gruesome experiments on Korean prisoners.

 

This photo provided by Netflix shows actor Park Seo-jun as Jang Tae-sang in its hit Korean-language original series, "Gyeongseong Creature." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

Asked about his reasons for choosing to join the cast, Park said appearing in a Japanese colonial period drama has been his long-held desire.

 

"For over 10 years in my career, I've always wanted to act in a drama set during the period."

 

He said the timing couldn't have been more perfect. "When I was looking for a project in that period, 'Gyeongseong Creature' came up. The combination of historical and creature elements also felt fresh and exciting to me," the 35-year-old actor said, best known for his roles in the hit South Korean TV series "Itaewon Class" and the Hollywood superhero film "The Marvels" internationally.

 

Addressing criticisms that his character was too comical and lighthearted for a drama set against the backdrop of the dark Japanese colonial era, Park said he intentionally chose to portray the character that way.

 

"I understand that some people may see it that way," Park said. "But for me, the overall story was more important. So I wanted to make the beginning more lighthearted. I thought if I acted that way the audience would be able to feel his transformation more clearly when they see it later."

 

The actor also hinted at the show's Season 2, which is scheduled to be released within this year.

 

The series filmed its two seasons simultaneously, and the upcoming season will extend its narrative to Seoul in 2024, where a character called Ho-jae, who resembles Jang Tae-sang, and Yoon Chae-ok uncover enigmatic events and connections, according to Netflix.

 

"There are a lot of speculations going around based on the teaser video. People around me are asking me to tell them a little about the new season, but I never told them anything," he said, laughing.

 

"What I can tell you right now is the keyword 'memory.' In Season 2, the things that were built up in the previous season will unfold at a faster pace," he added.

 

 

 

sshim@yna.co.kr
(END)

 

 

 

credit : Yonhap News

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240111009100315?section=culture/entertainment

[willenette]

*** Park Seo Joon and Han So Hee made their special guest appearances at the famous variety show on YouTube, "The Game Caterer." The video was uploaded on January 13. In the interview, they were asked about their experiences working together and the things they discovered about each other. In the clip released, the program's host, Na PD asked Park Seo Joon:

"What kind of person is Han So Hee?"

 

In response, he complimented his co-star, saying that he finds her as a very attractive person. He then elaborated:

 

"She has a new charm that people don't have these days. First of all, Han So Hee is very honest and has a very clear subjectivity that she likes. I think she boldly expresses it well."

 

The duo's series "Gyeongseong Creature" Season officially premiered on Netflix last December 22 and January 5 (Part 2). I'm looking forward to seeing the development between Park Seo Joon and Han So Hee's characters in the upcoming Season 2. The release date for the second installment of the original series is yet to be announced.  

 

 

 

 

 

https://youtu.be/8CHOhgBJ2Oo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[willenette]

***  For the month of January, the Korean Business Research Institute officially announced its brand reputation rankings involving celebrities and artists, who made buzz as models in advertising. The data was gathered from December 4, 2023, to January 4, 2023. Moreover, the rankings were determined through numerous factors such as their exposure in various advertisements and their overall presence in social media.  

 

See the Top 30 below:

1. Son Heung Min

2. NewJeans

3. Lim Young Woong

4. Namgoong Min

5. Lee Jung Jae

6. ASTRO Cha Eun Woo

7. Jung Woo Sung

8. Kim Yoo Jung

9. Jang Yoon Jung

10. Ma Dong Seok

11. Yoo Jae Suk

12. Lee Hyori

13. SEVENTEEN

14. Kim Hye Soo

15. BLACKPINK

16. Kim Jong Kook

17. Jung Hae In

18. BTS

19. IU

20. IVE

21. Baek Jong Won

22. Lee Chan Won

23. Kim Ho Joong

24. Park Seo Joon

25. Lee Byung Hun

26. Shin Dong Yup

27. Jo In Sung

28. Gong Yoo

29. Han Hyo Joo

30. TWICE

[willenette]

*** Netflix's drama series "Gyeongseong Creature," which is rumored to have cost a whopping 70 billion won, has ranked third on the global top 10 list in the TV (Non-English) for three weeks. The production cost for 'Gyeongseong Creature' was a bit too much. Considering the investment, the show should have made it to the top spot on the list, at least once. The title was released recently, so we have to watch the situation for a bit longer, but the prospects of ("Gyeongseong Creature") taking the No. 1 spot seems a bit unlikely. Recently, producers attempt to attract viewers with stunning special effects rather than airtight storytelling skills. With the pandemic over, viewers are starting to stray away from streaming platforms since there is a general decrease in viewing hours. According to the screenwriter of "Gyeongseong Creature," during an interview, "We didn't create 'Gyeongseong Creature' to perfectly suit the viewers' tastes or for it to become a big hit. After the release of 'Gyeongseong Creature,' we saw googling for Unit 731 rise exponentially in Japan, and we wondered what that data could mean, as a whole".  

 

 

 

 

source : Korea Herald

[willenette]

INTERVIEW'Gyeongseong Creature' creators aim to share tragic history with world

 

 

By Lee Gyu-lee

TV series based on historical settings can serve as an effective medium for learning or being reminded of actual historical events.

Writer Kang Eun-kyung / Courtesy of Gleline

And that was the purpose of the creators of the Netflix series “Gyeongseong Creature.” Director Chung Dong-yoon and writer Kang Eun-kyung wanted to tell the world about Korea’s tragic history of the Japanese occupation (1910-1945).

"Typically, historical genre works receive less attention internationally. However, the director and I were strongly motivated to ensure this story reaches a wide audience. We believe that Netflix, being a global platform, has the influential power to give our content the impact we envision," Kang said during a recent interview with The Korea Times, held at a cafe in Jongno District, central Seoul.

“In fact, Netflix Korea told us in the beginning that ‘this series may not do well overseas. But we hope it will be well-received domestically.' However, I expressed my wish for it to be widely seen outside the country, so the platform put in a lot of effort to make that happen.”

Set in 1945 in Gyeongseong, now known as Seoul, the action-packed mystery series revolves around a wealthy pawn shop owner Jang Tae-sang (Park Seo-joon) and a sleuth named Yoon Chae-ok (Han So-hee), living under the oppression of Japanese colonization. When the two infiltrate a hospital for different purposes, they encounter a monster created through the Japanese army’s secret biological experiments.

“It could be a matter of differences in perspectives, but if the story was simply about an adventure against monsters, we would have not chosen this era. … The year 1945 is a significant period in the history of our country. So I thought it would be great if more people around the world knew about it. That’s how I approached the concept of creatures,” Chung said.

The writer, who is known for the hit series, “Bread, Love and Dreams” (2010) and “Dr. Romantic” (2016), said she has been wanting to tell a story about that era for a long time.

“Portraying this era is considered quite serious, and should not simply be considered as entertainment … This era is a story that I've wanted to build and tell for a while. There were many obstacles in reality in terms of the situation, like no actors willing to take the role,” Kang said.

Director Chung Dong-yoon / Courtesy of Gleline

“I focused more on the historical genre than the creature genre. I wanted to write the stories of the people who endured that era, and I thought something that characterized that time was monsters. So I brought those two aspects with the stories of bio-experiments into the work.”

The story is inspired by the real-life history of Unit 731, a notorious branch of the imperial Japanese army that conducted deadly experiments on humans to develop chemical and biological weapons in the 1930s and '40s.

Kang noted that one of the unit’s experiments using mothers to test their maternal instincts led her to create the narrative of Yoon and her mother, who was turned into a monster.

"Among the sources I've delved into regarding the unit's bio-experiments, many were undoubtedly shocking, but the 'maternal instinct experiment' was the most horrifying. This involved testing mothers holding their children to observe whether they would prioritize their own lives or maternal love in the face of imminent death. After reading about it, I found it so distressing that I couldn't sleep for days," she said.

The director and writer shared a glimpse of the series’ second season, which is scheduled to come out in seven episodes later this year.

“Season 2 will have a creature, but it might not be the creature we know. Season 1 focused on the greed and innate nature of humans, whereas with Season 2, we wanted to tell the story of Yoon and Jang reuniting and a story about the aftermath, about how things changed in 2024 and what did not,” he said.

Kang added, “(Yoon and Jang’s) melodrama didn’t end. At the end of Season 1, Jang thinks Yoon died. And his story is yet to be told, so the rest will unfold in Season 2.”

 

 

 

credit : Korea Times

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2024/01/688_366964.html

[willenette]

10 Most Popular Netflix Programs Currently In Korea (Based On January 16, 2024 Data)

 

 

 

1. "Welcome to Samdal-ri"

2. "Solo Leveling"

3. "Gyeongseong Creature"

4. "My Happy Ending"

5. "My Demon"

6. "Goryeo-Khitan War"

7. "I'm Solo, Love Goes On"

8. "Single's Inferno"

9. "Fool Me Once"

10. "Delicious in Dungeon"

[willenette]

*** On January 16th, Park Seo-joon’s agency Awesome Entertainment released a notice, saying “Acts violating human rights of actor Park Seo-joon, such as malicious slander, sexual harassment, false information, family insults, production and distribution of false speculations, have been continuing on SNS and in online communities”, adding “To protect the actor, our company has been monitoring such cases for several years and we have appointed a law firm as our legal representative to file criminal complaints against such violations”.  According to the agency’s explanation, they sued a number of malicious commenters who made online posts defaming Park Seo-joon in 2020. They also filed complaints to the Seoul Seongdong Police Station against numerous unidentified individuals on charges of defamation. Awesome Entertainment continued, “We have recently secured evidence to identify certain individuals subject to criminal complaints. Some of the accused have been sent to the prosecution, while others are currently under police investigation and are expected to be prosecuted soon. We have continuously been making efforts to obtain the personal information of individuals making malicious posts against the actor. We are still collecting data and conducting legal review, including appointing legal representatives and determining targets for prosecution. We will actively track down those who damage the actor’s reputation and characteristics until the end to prevent recurrence. We promise to hold the accused to strong legal responsibilities without tolerance”, adding “We also ask you to stop spreading defamation and hateful content toward the actor hiding behind anonymous posts”.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

source : https://v.daum.net/v/20240116115509873

[willenette]

*** I've watched "Concrete Utopia".  One of the best parts about the movie is that it shows the perspective of three characters: Myung-hwa, (Park Bo Young) Min-sung (Park Seo Joon) and Yeong-tak (Lee Byung Hun). Myung-hwa is empathetic towards non-residents. Min-sung is a character who believes that Yeong-tak will make some positive changes to the community, even if it means hurting people. Yeong-tak is elected as the building representative, kicking the non-residents out of the building. “Concrete Utopia” highlights the morality and immorality of these three characters. Concrete Utopia is a dark movie that challenges and questions people’s humanity. It's a good movie!  

[willenette]

*** The Korean Business Research Institute has revealed this month’s brand reputation rankings for film actors!  The rankings were determined through an analysis of the consumer participation, media coverage, interaction, and community awareness indexes of 50 popular movie stars, using big data collected from December 16, 2023 to January 16, 2024.   

 

Check out the top 30 for this month below!

1. Honey Lee
2. Jung Woo Sung
3. Hwang Jung Min
4. Ryu Jun Yeol
5. Im Siwan
6. Jung Hae In
7. Park Seo Joon
8. Kim Tae Ri
9. Go Yoon Jung
10. Gong Hyo Jin
11. Kim Yoon Seok
12. Lee Byung Hun
13. Lee Young Ae
14. Kim Hye Soo
15. Song Ha Yoon
16. Lee Je Hoon
17. Seo In Guk
18. Lee Jung Jae
19. Han Hyo Joo
20. Cho Yi Hyun
21. Jo In Sung
22. Park Bo Young
23. Lee Sung Min
24. Lee Yi Kyung
25. Go Min Si
26. Kim Nam Gil
27. Jung Da Eun
28. Ma Dong Seok
29. Lee Jong Suk
30. Ji Seung Hyun

 

 

 

 

 

source : https://www.gpkorea.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=109394

[willenette]

Prosecutors looking at malicious comments against actor Park Seo-jun

 

Actor Park Seo-jun [NETFLIX]

 

Defamation cases involving netizens accused of writing malicious comments about actor Park Seo-jun have been sent to the prosecutors’ office, his agency Awesome ENT said Tuesday.
 
“The police recently identified some netizens and evidence of their misdemeanors and transferred the case to the prosecutors' office,” the agency said in a news release. “The rest are still being investigated by the police but will soon be identified and forwarded to the prosecutors’ office shortly.”
 
The agency has been constantly monitoring acts violating the actor’s rights on various online platforms, including malicious comments, sexual harassment, false information and family insults.

 

“The company submitted a complaint for defamation against several people who posted malicious posts about the actor in 2020 and again last year,” the agency added.
 
“We will continue tackling such acts to protect the actor's rights and have zero tolerance for those who violate them.”
 
Park debuted in 2011 in singer Bang Yong-guk’s “I Remember” music video. He made a breakthrough with his roles in MBC’s dramas “Kill Me, Heal Me” (2015) and “She Was Pretty” (2015). He gained global recognition for his role in JTBC’s TV series “Itaewon Class” (2020). He also appeared in the Marvel film “The Marvels” (2023).
 
He recently starred in the Netflix original series “Gyeongseong Creature” with actor Han So-hee.
 

 

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]

 

 

 

credit : JoongAngDaily

https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-01-16/entertainment/television/Prosecutors-looking-at-malicious-comments-against-actor-Park-Seojun/1959670

[willenette]

INTERVIEWPark Seo-joon, Han So-hee immerse themselves in Korea's painful history in 'Gyeongseong Creature'

 

 

 

 

Actors say they did not hesitate to take part in series

 

By Lee Gyu-lee

 

Netflix's original series, "Gyeongseong Creature," which delves into Korea's painful history during Japanese rule (1910-1945), faced significant delays. Many actors were initially hesitant to take part in a project that highlights Japan's historical wrongdoings, fearing potential repercussions on their careers in that country.

 

However, the lead actors of the new series, Park Seo-joon and Han So-hee, said they did not hesitate to join the project.

 

"Throughout my 10-plus-year career, I've yearned to be a part of a project that captures that historical era. Just as I was eager to explore a period genre piece, I encountered 'Gyeongseong Creature.' The fusion of a historical series with the creature genre felt remarkably distinct. I was intrigued by the prospect of portraying a character living in that era," Park said in a recent interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Jongno District, Seoul.

 

"I don't chase popularity. I'm simply grateful to those who enjoy the work I do. While people around me may have had concerns when I joined the series, personally, I didn't have any such worries," the actor said.

 

Park Seo-jun plays dandy bachelor Jang Tae-sang in the new Netflix series "Gyeongseong Creature." Courtesy of Netflix

 

Set in Gyeongseong, which is the old name for Seoul, the 10-part historical action series follows the city's most eligible bachelor Jang Tae-sang (Park) and a sleuth named Yoon Chae-ok (Han), who sneak into a hospital to find missing people. Jang is searching for a geisha, while Yoon is trying to find her mother.

 

In the hospital, the two discover that the Japanese army has been conducting covert biological experiments, leading to the creation of monsters.

 

The series is led by director Chung Dong-yoon, whose previous works include the hit series “It's Okay to Not Be Okay”(2020) and “Hot Stove League”(2019), and is scripted by Kang Eun-kyung, who wrote “Dr. Romantic” series.

 

"There have been works about Gyeongseong in the past. So I didn't give much thought to doing a story about this era. I really enjoyed 'Hot Stove League,' and I heard director Chung will be leading ('Gyeongseong Creature'), and writer Kang, who cares about me like her own child, is also involved," Han recalled.

 

“For me, doing a piece is about working with people, so I can’t work on a project if I don’t like the people. There was the director who I admired and a writer I loved. And Park is an actor I've always admired, so there was no reason not to do it.”

 

Han So-hee plays the role of a sleuth in the series "Gyeongseong Creature." Courtesy of Netflix

 

Both actors immersed themselves deeply in the historical context to bring authenticity to their roles, considering that the series is set against a backdrop of actual history.

 

Park shared that he concentrated on portraying the resilience of people living in the challenging era under harsh oppression.

 

“I think it's a painful history that carries weight and is not something to be ashamed of. I believed this work could be an opportunity to inform those who didn't know and to remind those who've forgotten... As a Korean, I cannot fully express the gravity of this history, but I focused on effectively portraying the people living in this era," he said.

 

“I need to understand the script in order to play a character. So I researched things about that history that I didn’t know or had forgotten. Seeing that era in images shocked me a lot. There were a lot of situations that weighed heavily on my heart in various ways," the actor added.

 

Spoiler

 

Similarly, Han, who conducted thorough research, expressed regret over viewing images, especially those depicting the harrowing real-life chemical and biological experiments conducted by the imperial Japanese army in the 1930s and '40s.

 

I looked into actual experiments that took place to immerse myself in the era. Many of them were related to women and testing their maternal instincts in the face of death, which were truly horrifying and shocking. To be honest, I wished that I hadn't looked them up," she said, adding that she tried to detach herself from her emotions to effectively portray the character Yoon.

 

"I felt I shouldn't bring these emotions into my acting. Yoon is a sleuth, searching for her mother, not an independence fighter... She's accustomed to Japanese oppression and feels powerless. So, I tried to avoid letting those emotions influence the character," she explained.

 

Park hinted that the second season of the series, set to be released later this year, will feature a much faster development of its storyline.

 

"I've seen reviews about Season 1's pace, but the second season is definitely much faster-paced and has unexpected elements," he said. "The story needed to have a solid build-up with Season 1 to let viewers enjoy the different aspects of Season 2. I feel people might re-watch Season 1 when Season 2 is released."

 

 

 

credit : Korea Times

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2024/01/688_367044.html

 

[willenette]

10 K-Dramas to Watch for Motivation in 2024

 

 

As we're just a few weeks into 2024, K-dramas are more than just a source of entertainment; they are a source of motivation for those who want to grow personally and make positive changes in their lives. More than just captivating storylines and stories of love, the world of Korean dramas can serve as an insight into people's lives, highlighting our common route of self-improvement and the determination it takes to welcome change. 

 

We explore a selection of K-dramas in this list, highlighting stories that encourage viewers to overcome obstacles, face their deepest worries, and embark on a path of self-discovery. These stories, revolving around how we conquer personal obstacles, pursue aspirations, or find comfort in unlikely places, serve as a reminder that our own lives are full of opportunities for development and change. Prepare yourself for a voyage through the world of K-dramas, and take a page from their stories.

 

 

Itaewon Class (2020)

 

What best drama can show you a story of chance and change if not "Itaewon Class"? The drama features the story of Park Sae Ro Yi (Park Seo Joon), formerly convicted after his attempted murder of Jang Geun Won (Ahn Bo Hyun) in order to take revenge for the death of his father. 

 

After his release from prison, he opens DanBam, a bar-restaurant in Itaewon, with the intention of turning it into a franchise and taking down Jangga Group, the food company owned by CEO Jang. He strives hard to make DanBam grow alongside Jo Yi Seo (Kim Da Mi), and staff who each have stories of their own and all aim for self-development. 

 

Despite the drama's several dark themes, the story of different characters will motivate you to continue working hard to achieve your goals and never be hindered by your past, but rather use it as your fuel and inspiration. 

 

 

 

Fight for my Way (2017)

 

"Fight for My Way" follows the lives of four friends – Ko Dong Man (Park Seo Joon), Choi Ae Ra (Kim Ji Won), Kim Joo Man (Ahn Jae Hong), and Baek Seol Hee (Song Ha Yoon) – as they navigate the challenges of adulthood. Dong Man, a former taekwondo athlete, works in a pest control company, while Ae Ra dreams of becoming an announcer. Joo Man and Seol Hee, a long-term couple, face relationship challenges as they strive for stability. The drama unfolds as the characters confront societal expectations, career struggles, and love complications, all while pursuing their dreams and maintaining their unbreakable friendship.

The drama is a relatable portrayal of the challenges faced by young adults in their pursuit of dreams and self-discovery. The characters' resilience, unwavering friendship, and determination to break societal norms resonate as a source of inspiration. The story also emphasizes the importance of fighting for one's aspirations and embracing change, portraying the characters as everyday heroes navigating the complexities of life.

 

 

 

 

source : https://www.allkpop.com/article/2024/01/10-k-dramas-to-watch-for-motivation-in-2024

[willenette]

*** On January 17, Park Seo Joon's recent press interview was published online. Here, he spoke in detail about his experience filming 'The Marvels'. Park Seo Joon said, "It was my first time I worked on such a large project with huge production costs. And things were definitely different on site. It was much more organized, and everybody really respected each other. Since we filmed in the UK, I thought there would only be British people there, but everyone there was from all parts of the world. Every day, we started our day by dancing together to exciting music. That was fun. The director always encouraged me, telling me I was doing well. But it was still difficult to act and communicate in English the whole time." Then, Park Seo Joon brought up the issue of his short screen time; his total screen time in 'The Marvels' was less than three minutes, and many were disappointed about that. Park Seo Joon commented, "It was a valuable experience that doesn't come easily in life. I took on that role, knowing how much screen time I had. I don't feel upset about the amount of my screen time in the movie, because the main reason I joined the team was to experience the process of making a movie in Hollywood. It may be an experience that might not be repeated in the future. So, I'm just grateful that I had this opportunity. The Marvels' was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, so I had to get tested at least four times a week. I've never been more poked in the nose like that in my life." 

 

 

source : SBS Star

[willenette]

*** In Park Seo Joon's latest interview session, he talked about how he never chased fame and just wanted to share stories with people through his craft. He surprised the writer of "Gyeongseong Creature"  of how he accepted the cast offer for the said series. The writer thought that it would be hesitant for a Korean actor to choose it, as it has already been rejected several times since the drama followed the cruel deeds of the Japanese people during the Japanese colonial period. But, according to the writer, Park Seo Joon was different. He happily agreed to do the work. In explanation to this, Park Seo Joon said, "I am not someone who lived my life chasing popularity. I have never worried about fame. I am just grateful that I can tell these stories." Since his new series publicized Japan's history, however, he emphasized that he had no worries at all. "I never thought that I was going to bounce back with this work. I have never lived through it. The story that our drama wants to tell is not a shameful history." When choosing "Gyeongseong Creature," he said that popularity was not the reason for accepting the work. "I just like the project, so I decided to appear. The combination of period drama and creatures was refreshing. I had a strong desire to express the people living in that era." He added, "I thought I could show a new side of myself. I heard that even in Japan, Google searches for incidents that became motifs have increased. I felt that the power of Korean content has grown so I can tell stories like this. I think I have no choice but to have a great sense of responsibility as an actor."  

 

 

photo source : Kdramastars

[willenette]

*** Park Seo Joon and V showcased their close-knit friendship in an adorable manner. They always support each other. Park Seo Joon has released a behind-the-scenes vlog of Gyeongseong Creature's filming on his official YouTube channel, Record PARK's. Towards the end of the video, Park Seo Joon went shirtless as he started working out. I noticed that he had with him V's self-designed 'Mute Boston Bag' on the table. He's using V's bag, which was likely a gift to him. The 'Mute Boston Bag' is one of V's self-designed merchandise for his Artist-Made Collection, released in early 2022. All BTS members designed products that represented their personalities for their own collections. The 'Mute Boston Bag' has been in high demand since its release and is currently the best-selling merch among all the Artist-Made Collection items. The Mute Boston Bag is an exclusive bag that is worthy of being shown off. I would also flex like him if I had one. Love Wooga friendship! Their sweetest friendship is so genuine and loving. I am happy that V has them in his life.  

 

 

 

 

https://youtu.be/LlrTZ0FiY5s

 

 

 

 

 

 

[willenette]

35+ Fantasy Dramas Of 2023 (K-Drama Masterlist)

 

For K-drama fans still catching up on dramas from last year, Soompi has prepared masterlists of 2023 K-dramas organized by genre!

 

Here are K-dramas from 2023 that include fantasy elements (although many of these dramas fit into other genres as well).

 

Includes dramas that premiered in 2022 and ended in 2023.

 

 

“Gyeongseong Creature”

 

 

Cast: Park Seo Joon, Han So Hee, Claudia Kim, Kim Hae Sook, Jo Han Chul, Wi Ha Joon

Premiere Date: December 22

Set in the dark times of Spring 1945, “Gyeongseong Creature” tells the story of Jang Tae Sang, the most wealthy man in Gyeongseong and the owner of the pawnshop Golden Jade House, and Chae Ok (Han So Hee), who searches for missing people), as they fight for survival and face a monster born out of human greed.

 

 

 

credit : soompi news

[willenette]

10 Most Popular Netflix Programs Currently In Korea (Based On January 23, 2024 Data)

 

 

 

1. "The Bequeathed"

2. "Welcome To Samdal-ri"

3. "Solo Leveling"

4. "My Happy Ending"

5. "My Demon"

6. "GyeongSeong Creature"

7. "Korea-Khitan War"

8. "I'm Solo, Love Goes On"

9. "Delicious in Dungeon"

10. "The Apothecary Diaries"

[willenette]

Top 19 JTBC Dramas With The Highest Ratings Ever (2024 Update)

 

Please note that these ratings are the highest ratings ever reached, not the dramas' total average ratings.

 

 

5. "Itaewon Class" - 16.5%

 

JTBC

The webtoon-based drama that gained prominent global recognition in 2020 with 16.5% ratings. Starring top actors Park SeoJun and Kim DaMi the youth-themed fast-paced K-Drama was a refreshing story that engrossed the minds of the viewers with its realistic storyline, impressive dialogues, and an OST that many refer to as one of the best.

 

 

 

source : https://www.kpopmap.com/top-12-jtbc-dramas-with-the-highest-ratings-ever/

[willenette]

Top 10 Most-followed Korean Male Actors on Instagram

 

 

5. Park Seo-joon (25.9 million followers)

 

Another highly-followed Korean male actor, Park Seo-joon, gained global attention with projects like “Parasite” (2019) and “The Marvels” in 2023.

 

 

From the Oscar-winning “Parasite” to the box office hit in 2023, Park takes pride in his diverse acting portfolio, including “Chronicles of Evil”, “Fight for My Way”, “Itaewon Class”, “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim”, “She Was Pretty” and “Gyeongseong Creature”.

 

As a frequent Instagram user, Park Seo-joon often treats fans with authentic glimpses into his personal and professional life, including behind-the-scenes images from acting projects, photoshoots, and real moments with pets and his “Wooga Squad” friends.

 

 

 

source : https://kbizoom.com/top-10-most-followed-korean-male-actors-on-instagram/