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

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*** Season 2 of Gyeonseong Creature is here and the return of a horrid and brave battle resumes once again. The story of Park Seo Joon and Han So Hee resumes after one unexpected encounter and they are introduced to the world of Jeongseong Biotech.

 

 

 

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Gyeongseong Creature 2

 

Time slot: Friday (single drop)

Episode count: 7

 

 

*** This drama is something action packed, which S2 certainly seems to be delivering on.

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What's New on Netflix: Highlights from the 4th week of September

This Week's Netflix Lineup: Sept 27-30. 2024.

 

 

Gyeongseong Creature: Season 2

Netflix series Gyeongseong Creature returns with Season 2 on Sept. 27. Starring Park Seo-jun, as Hojae and Taesang and Han So-hee, as Chaeok, the story takes place 1945 Gyeongseong (Seoul) and 2024 Seoul. Hojae and Taesang, who bear a striking resemblance to one another, unite with Chaeok to unravel forgotten connections of fate, destiny and lingering grudges from the past. The film will explore emotional narratives and suspense as it expands the story line.

 

(skipped unrelated.....)

 

 

 

credit : Chosun Ilbo

https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2024/09/29/MVUSBCNLDVCVNDE46ZRKFL247Y/

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*** On September 29,  Park Seo Joon updated his personal Instagram with a series of photos and videos from the Gyeongseong Creature 2 set. The drama premiered worldwide on Netflix on September 27. 

 

 

 

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAfFo9jy2E4/?hl=en&img_index=19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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10 highest-rated K-dramas of 2024

 

2024 was a year filled with unforgettable K-drama experiences. From heartwarming romances to thrilling mysteries, the Korean drama industry continued to captivate audiences worldwide. With a diverse range of genres and talented actors, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

 

In this article, we'll take a look at the top 10 highest-rated K-dramas of 2024, as voted by fans on IMDb. These series showcased the best of Korean storytelling, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. Whether you're a seasoned K-drama fan or new to the genre, this list is sure to introduce you to some must-watch shows.

 

 

9. Gyeongseong Creature

Rating: 7.3

Gyeongseong Creature is set against a backdrop of historical turmoil, blending horror elements with deep storytelling as characters navigate their survival amidst monstrous threats. This K-drama captivates viewers by intertwining historical context with supernatural elements, creating an engaging narrative that keeps audiences hooked.

 

 

 

 

 

source : https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/10-highest-rated-k-dramas-of-2024-fron-queen-of-tears-to-lovely-runner-pyramid-game-and-more-1350910

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*** KingChoice.me is a popular Korean-centered polling website that gathers votes from thousands of fans on various topics, and they created one for people to vote for which male Korean actor they think is the most handsome. After millions of votes, the results are in!  

 

 

13. Park Seo Joon

 

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INTERVIEW'Gyeongseong Creature' director discusses global responses, show's historical message

 

Chung Dong-yoon, director of Netflix series "Gyeongseong Creature," poses prior to an interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of Netflix

 

Chung Dong-yoon stresses 'forgiveness and forgetting are different'

 

By Park Jin-hai

 

The director of Netflix's "Gyeongseong Creature," Chung Dong-woon, expressed surprise and gratitude at the global response to the movie, particularly from Japan. He acknowledged the difficulties of crafting a narrative grounded in the harsh historical reality of Japanese military experiments during the colonial era.

 

"In light of the influence of the Korean Wave, particularly in Japan, Korean actors have been hesitant to take on projects of this nature for nearly a decade. The fact that actors like Park Seo-joon and Han So-hee, who have immense popularity in Japan and globally, have chosen to participate in this project is, I believe, an act of great courage," Chung said in an interview with The Korea Times at a café in Seoul on Monday.

 

The second season of the show, released worldwide on Friday, soared to the No. 3 spot on the global TV show rankings just two days after its release. The series topped the charts in Asian countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand and ranked within the top 10 in 80 countries, including Japan, where it ranked fourth, according to the streaming analytics site FlixPatrol.

 

"Initially, we didn't have high expectations for a global audience, as we anticipated it might be difficult to garner interest in Korean history abroad. Many people, even today, still confuse Korea with Japan or China. So I think a big part of its popularity was due to the actors. Their participation has been instrumental in raising global awareness of Korean history, especially considering the common misconceptions that still exist," he added.

 

Season 2, set in Seoul in 2024, continues the story of Jang Ho-jae (Park), the spitting image of Jang Tae-sang from the first season, and Yoon Chae-ok (Han), who survived the spring of Gyeongseong, as they unravel the unfinished threads of fate, destiny and ill fate in Gyeongseong.

 

Chung stressed that the drama is not intended to be anti-Japanese but rather aims to convey a universally resonant message that "forgiveness and forgetting are different."

 

"There are victims, and there are those who have committed terrible acts and still hold power. Even as time goes on, new victims continue to suffer. We must not remain silent and must continue to speak out against these injustices. I believe this is how we can create a better world," the director said.

 

Regarding the criticism about the creature's limited screen time, he explained that the creature in this series is not a typical monster designed for action sequences. Instead, it's presented as a subject of scientific experimentation.

 

"Our drama's creature is a transformed experimental subject exposed to anthrax, so rather than being depicted as overly strong or large, we wanted to focus on the emotional aspects. In Season 1, as the creature was Chae-ok's mother, we emphasized a sorrowful expression and swollen eyes caused by hitting the bars of her cage, allowing viewers to still see her as a mother," he said.

 

In Season 2, he introduced a more diverse range of creatures. The first creature was imagined to be muscular, the second more feminine, and the third larger and more powerful. Despite their monstrous appearance, he wanted to depict the creatures as victims of experimentation so that viewers can feel empathy for the creatures, he said.

 

"After the face down with the creature, Ho-jae says, 'You're suffering too, aren't you?' It's meant to show that they're also experimental subjects and that they don't want to be doing this. I wanted to highlight that point, even if just for a moment. When Ho-jae says, 'You don't want this either,' the creature retreats quietly," Chung explained.

 

Direct said he wants to create an "alien" series some day. "My lifelong dream is to go to the moon and see Earth. I've always been drawn to that story. Watching the sci-fi film 'The Moon' (2023) made me realize how far Korea's technology has come. I think we can do even more in the future. Being a director, I wish to create a narrative centered around extraterrestrial beings some day," he said.

 

 

 

 

credit : Korea Times

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2024/10/688_383398.html

 

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*** I think in season one of "Gyeongseong Creature,  the Japanese occupation was the foe that we could see very clearly. We had people fighting for their independence and their life during this period. But in modern-day Seoul, which is S2, we have our foes but they remain hidden, so it’s much less apparent [who the enemies are]. In S2, it's revealed that Chae-ok survived the ordeals of the previous chapter. Now, she confronts new mysteries as she becomes involved in a string of crimes and meets Jang Ho-jae, a man who bears a striking resemblance to Jang Tae-sang. Because it’s modern-day Seoul, I think Koreans would understand this faster. In S2, they have new gadgets and everything becomes more convenient. In S2, they introduced new and distinct monsters. If you watch season one, they only had one creature, one monster. In season two, they have three with three different characteristics and personalities of the three different creatures. The first one is the big one with a lot of muscles, and the second one has like a shrill voice, a little bit feminine. And the third one is the extremely large one, the biggest one, the most scary one. The movement of the creatures became even more fascinating, which is something viewers can look forward to in terms of visual effects. Since there are many action scenes in S2, I'm sure they could have really fierce action scenes until the very end. For sure, it's fun watching the show.

 

 

(From left to right) Director Chung Dong-yoon joins cast members Bae Hyun-seung, Han So-hee, Park Seo-jun and Lee Mu-saeng for the press conference of 'Gyeongseong Creature' in Seoul

 

photos source : abs-cbn news

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*** On September 30, Bae Hyeon Seong shared various stories during an interview at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, regarding Netflix's "Gyeongseong Creature" Season 2. Here, he referred to Park Seo Joon as his "unchanging role model." Reflecting on working with him, he said, "We worked together on a previous project, but we didn't have many scenes together, which was disappointing. This time, I was thrilled to be able to work closely with him for a long period. He took great care of me and gave me a lot of acting advice on how to bring my character, Seung-jo, to life. Since Seung-jo is a character with emotional ups and downs, I sought Seo Joon's advice on how to approach delivering his lines, and he helped me think it through." Bae Hyeon Seong also expressed his admiration for the action scenes of Park Seo Joon and  Han So-hee, saying, "I filmed many action scenes with the two of them, and the action was intense, but so were the emotions. Seeing them maintain their emotions throughout the intense action made me realize how amazing they are. Since it was my first time doing action scenes, I learned so much from them. As I'm under the same agency as Seo Joon, he would often give me advice whenever we met. Working closely with him in 'Gyeongseong Creature 2,' though, made me realize even more how incredible he is. We also did a commercial shoot together, and I learned a lot from that experience as well. I've always said he's my role model, and after working with him this time, that belief has only solidified further."

 

 

 

 

 

source : SBS Star

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10 friends to lovers K-dramas that will give you all the feels

 

 

 

Ever wondered what it would be like to fall for your best friend? K-dramas have mastered the art of turning platonic relationships into romantic ones, leaving us swooning and rooting for the couple. There's something undeniably heartwarming about seeing characters grow closer over time, sharing secrets, laughter, and eventually, love.

 

From heart-fluttering confessions to adorable moments of awkwardness, these "friends to lovers" K-dramas are sure to tug at your heartstrings. So, grab your tissues and get ready to embark on a journey filled with friendship, love, and a whole lot of feels. Let's dive into the top 10 must-watch K-dramas that will have you shipping your favorite characters like crazy!

 

 

 

Fight for My Way 

This drama follows Ko Dong-man and Choi Ae-ra, childhood friends who support each other's dreams despite life's challenges. Their playful bickering evolves into a deeper connection, showcasing how friendship can blossom into love while navigating personal struggles in their careers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

source : https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/10-friends-to-lovers-k-dramas-that-will-give-you-all-the-feels-fight-for-my-way-love-next-door-happiness-and-more-1351182

 

 

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Top 7 K-dramas to watch with your friends and a tub of popcorn

 

Have you ever wanted to binge-watch something with your friends that's not only entertaining but also brings you closer together? K-dramas are the perfect choice for a fun-filled night in! These South Korean dramas offer a unique blend of humor, romance, and suspense that's sure to keep you hooked.

 

From heartwarming stories about friendship and love to thrilling mysteries and action-packed adventures, there's a K-drama for everyone. And what's a movie night without a big bowl of popcorn? Grab your friends, get cozy, and dive into the world of K-dramas. You won't regret it!

 

 

Fight My Way

This series centers on four friends struggling to achieve their dreams while facing life's challenges. The characters face setbacks but support each other through thick and thin. Their journey is filled with laughter and tears as they chase their aspirations together. It's an inspiring story about friendship that will keep you entertained.

 

 

 

 

 

 

source : https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/top-7-k-dramas-to-watch-with-your-friends-and-a-tub-of-popcorn-reply-1988-dear-my-friends-and-more-1351188

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*** Netflix’s 'Gyeongseong Creature Season 2' has successfully captured the attention of global subscribers, climbing into the top 5 globally. According to the latest FlixPatrol data (as of September 30th), it ranked 4th in the "Global Top TV Shows" category. The show gained particular popularity across Asia and the Middle East, taking the top spot in countries like Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, the Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. It also ranked in the top 10 in 77 countries, including South Korea, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, India, Italy, Mexico, Japan, and New Zealand.

 

 

 

 

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Netflix Korea’s Genre-Spanning Global Hits with ‘Culinary Class Wars’, ‘Gyeongseong Creature 2’ & ‘Officer Black Belt’

 

Netflix Korea is enjoying global success across three genres, with multiple titles dominating the global Top 10 charts.

 

 

Gyeongseong Creature 2 extends its narrative from the tumultuous spring of 1945 to the bustling streets of 2024 Seoul.

 

Released on September 27th, the season has been praised for its deeper storyline, heightened suspense, and fast-paced action. Critics and fans alike have raved about how “the fast-paced narrative, paired with impressive action scenes, grabs both the eyes and ears.” TIME has called it “reminiscent of ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’ or ‘Wonder Woman: 1984.'”

 

From the hit reality series Culinary Class Wars to the thrilling Gyeongseong Creature 2 and action-packed Officer Black Belt, Netflix Korea’s latest lineup continues to prove the global appeal of K-content.

 

 

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Source: Netflix

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K-dramas you should never watch alone

 

Have you ever found yourself laughing, crying, and screaming all at once while watching a TV show? If so, you've probably experienced the rollercoaster of emotions that K-dramas can bring. These South Korean dramas are known for their heartwarming stories, captivating characters, and stunning visuals. However, there are certain K-dramas that are so intense, so moving, and so hilarious that you might want to avoid watching them alone.

 

Why? Because these dramas can evoke such strong emotional responses that you might need someone to share the experience with. Whether you're laughing until your sides hurt or crying until your eyes are swollen, having someone to relate to and commiserate with can make the experience even more enjoyable. So here is the list of top K-dramas you should never watch alone

 

 

Itaewon Class

Following Park Sae-ro-yi's journey to open a bar-restaurant in Itaewon, this series combines themes of friendship, love, and ambition. The serious themes can be heavy when watched alone, but sharing them with friends provides a support system to discuss the challenges faced by the characters. It’s more uplifting to celebrate their victories together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

source : https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/k-dramas-you-should-never-watch-alone-nevertheless-the-beauty-inside-and-more-1351407

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*** "Gyeongseong Creature"  is one of Netflix's most costly Korean original productions with a reported budget of 70 billion won ($53 million). Critics objected to the series' slow-moving narrative and its limited use of monsters despite the title "Gyeongseong Creature." In response to the criticisms, the director revealed during a press conference on Sept. 25 that he had ultimately made the decision to re-edit the second season to incorporate audience feedback. Perhaps due to the re-edits, S2 offers a faster pace. Additionally, the series is filled with action, in contrast to the first season's fewer action sequences. For those who are interested in exploring the "Gyeongseong Creature" series, all seasons are available for streaming on Netflix.

 

 

 

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***   Three Korean shows dominated the top five on the non-English TV list on Netflix. One of them is

Netflix's Korean original series "Gyeongseong Creature" Season 2 ranked No. 2 with 3.1 million views, while the romantic series "Love Next Door" claimed the No. 3 spot with 2.7 million views. The culinary competition show "Culinary Class Wars" held the top spot.

 

 

 

credit : Yonhap News

 

 

 

 

 

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*** Time flies so fast that the season finale of Gyeongseong Creature season 2 has already ended with a cliffhanger. As per a report by Screenrant, (https://screenrant.com/gyeongseong-creature-season-3-story-inevitable-post-credits-scene/) there's the possible return of season 3. It leaves the characters in the series under-geared for the bigger war coming up due to the evolution of Najin. The most significant relationship in the entire series is between Jang Tae-sang and Yoon Chae-ok. They still seem to be in danger, and Yoon Chae-ok is suffering from amnesia. Although she will recover her memory, she currently doesn't remember. Her dreams seem to hold a key plan, which Jang Tae-sang has left a bracelet that signifies the bond they once shared. As of now, the streaming platforms are yet to announce season 3 of "Gyeongseong Creature".

 

 

 

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*** A poll was held for gay Korean men to vote for which male Korean celebrities they liked most. Here are the results.

 

 

20. Sanha (ASTRO) & Park Seo Joon

 

 

 

 

source : https://www.koreaboo.com/stories/gay-korean-men-favorite-male-celebrities/

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*** In a behind-the-scenes video shared on Netflix Korea YouTube channel,  Park Seo Joon  reflected on the emotional kiss scene with co-star  Han So Hee. The scene, revealed to have been a single-take scene, captured Han So Hee’s character being reunited with Park Seo Joon’s character— About the kiss, Park Seo Joon commented that “it felt like the two of [them] were the only ones left in the world.”

 

There weren’t a lot of people in the area at the time we shot this scene. So it really felt like the two of us were the only ones left in the world.

— Park Seo Jun

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

source : https://tvreport.co.kr/breaking/article/844145/

 

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*** The 2024 Asia Contents Awards & Global OTT Awards took place at Busan Cinema Center on October 6th as part of the Busan International Film Festival.

 

 

Best Reality & Variety – 2 Faces, Jinny’s Kitchen 2

 

 

 

Source: BIFF