Im Si Wan 임시완

[willenette]

Top 10 psychological thriller K-dramas that will keep you guessing

Psychological thriller K-dramas always keep you hooked with their twists and turns. Here are some top recommended K-dramas of this genre to add to your watchlist.

While romantic Korean dramas undoubtedly attract more vocal online fandoms, the finest K-drama thrillers enjoy equal popularity. Psychological thriller K-dramas are a prominent and skillfully executed genre within the South Korean entertainment landscape. K-dramas are renowned for their elevated production standards, suspenseful, compelling, and immersive plots, and top-notch acting that creates an emotional connection between characters and viewers. 

Through bold storytelling, K-dramas skillfully tackle societal matters, individual challenges, and universal themes like family, friendship, and love. This thoughtful approach creates content that transcends cultural boundaries, resonating with audiences worldwide.

 

Alongside the widely appreciated romantic and melodramatic series, South Korea consistently delivers compelling psychological thriller and suspense-filled shows that effectively keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Here are top Psychological thriller K-dramas that will surely keep you hooked

 

 

2. Strangers From Hell

The psychological thriller K-drama, Strangers From Hell, delivers an eerie and creepy atmosphere. This suspenseful Korean drama narrates the tale of Yoon Jong Woo (Im Si Wan), a young man in his 20s who relocates to Seoul after securing an internship. In search of affordable accommodation, he discovers Eden Studio, an ominous and budget-friendly dormitory, and opts to stay there due to financial constraints. Despite his reservations about the place and its strange residents, including his neighbor Seo Moon Jo (Lee Dong Wook), he chooses to endure it until he can afford to move elsewhere. However, mysterious incidents begin to unfold in the studio, instilling fear in Jong Woo about his fellow residents.

 

 

 

 

source : https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/top-10-psychological-thriller-k-dramas-that-will-keep-you-guessing-1270403

[willenette]

5 K-Dramas To Watch To Inspire Your New Year’s Resolutions

 

Happy New Year, Soompiers! For a lot of us, the start of the new year means exciting beginnings, fresh starts, and new resolutions.

 

Avid drama watchers will know that dramas have the power to inspire, lend you a comforting shoulder, and lead you to new interests. Whether you want to finally pursue a lifelong dream, break out of your shell and try something new, or travel the world, here are five K-dramas to inspire you to take the leap this year!

 

 

“Summer Strike”

 

 

“Summer Strike” tells the story of embracing something new and different, even if it wasn’t planned or what you wanted. Lee Yeo Reum (Seolhyun) plays a soft-spoken office worker who’s an outcast at work and often taken advantage of. After being hit with a sudden tragedy in her family and a breakup with the boyfriend she imagined she’d marry, Yeo Reum quits her job and moves to the quaint seaside village of Angok to start a new life.

 

In Angok, village life doesn’t turn out as easy as it seems, but Yeo Reum nonetheless makes an effort to find her place and make new friends. At the village library, Yeo Reum meets quiet librarian Ahn Dae Bum (Im Siwan), and a simple, slow friendship-to-romance blossoms between the two. Over time, Yeo Reum is able to let go of the life she imagined for herself, embrace the change in her life, and find the good in it.

 

Her positivity in the face of challenging and unexpected changes might just be the inspiration you need to embrace the new and unexpected. There’s also a murder mystery in this one, so it’s an all-around interesting watch!

 

Start watching “Summer Strike”:

 

Watch Now

 

 

 

credit : soompi news

[willenette]

Top 10 Must-Watch K-Dramas Dominating Discussions In The 1st Week Of January (Good Data Corporation)

 

 

1. "Marry My Husband"

2. "My Demon"

3. "Welcome to Samdal-ri"

4. "The Story of Park's Marriage Contract"

5. "Goryeo-Khitan War"

6. "Gyeongseong Creature"

7. "Death's Game"

8. "Maesta: Strings of Truth"

9. "Love Song for Illusion"

10. "Boyhood"

 

 

 

 

 

[willenette]

10 best horror K-dramas of all time to add to your favourites list

Kingdom, Revenant, Hellbound and many more horror K-dramas are spine chilling and perfect if you are looking for a spooky series. Here is a look at the best.

 

Horror K-dramas like Hellbound, Kingdom, Geodam and many more will definitely give you a chill down the spine with their spooky visuals and eerie music. From zombie apocalypse, horrifying creatures to ghosts and more; horror K-dramas include many kinds of scary stories. Not only that, scary K-dramas like Strangers from Hell and Save Me don’t feature any external entity and showcase the horrors of the human mind and society. Here is a look at the best horror K-dramas. 

 

 

5. Strangers from Hell

Strangers from Hell is a psychological horror. It is set in a strange eerie building on which a bunch of criminals live. The main protagonist is unaware of this and starts residing here because it is cheap. Im Siwan and Lee Dong Wook are a part of this drama. 

 

 

 

source : https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/10-best-horror-k-dramas-of-all-time-to-add-to-your-favourites-list-1271711

[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. Im Siwan rounded out the top five with a brand reputation index of 4,024,429, marking a modest 0.37 percent increase in his score since December.  Congratulations, Siwan!  
 

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]

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.

 

 

Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)

 

From his childhood, the board game baduk has held unparalleled significance for Jang Geu Rae (Im Si Wan). However, when his aspirations of becoming a professional baduk player fall short, he is forced to step into reality armed only with a GED high school equivalency diploma on his credentials and secure an internship at One International, a prominent trading company.

At the company, he encounters his workaholic but amiable manager, Oh Sang Shik (Lee Sung Min); fellow intern Ahn Young Yi (Kang So Ra), who garnered the resentment of her colleagues due to her exceptional educational background and unparalleled competence; and Jang Baek Gi (Kang Ha Neul), a geeky co-worker whose anxious demeanor conceals a profound ambition. Guided by his passion for baduk, Geu Rae adapts to and navigates the intricacies of corporate culture.

 

Despite imperfections and unending obstacles, the drama motivates us to strive for success, teaching valuable lessons about perseverance and diligence.

 

 

 

 

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

[willenette]

*** Im Si-wan will open up the fifth season of Coupang Play’s hit comedy “SNL Korea”.  “SNL Korea” is the Korean version of the popular American comedy show “Saturday Night Live.” The release date of which has not yet been disclosed. “It’s an honor to be the first guest host for the new season,” Im Siwan said in a news release. “I received major love from my character Jang Byeong-tae of ‘Boyhood’, becoming one of the best characters that I have ever played. I’ll show off all the comedian acts I have, which I portrayed in ‘Boyhood,’ on the new season of the show.”  

 

 

 

Actor Yim Si-wan will host the first episode of the new season of SNL Korea. [COUPANG PLAY]

 

 

 

credit : JoongAngDaily

[willenette]

*** According to foreign media outlets such as Deadline on Jan 24th (Korean time), Netflix announced through its investor letter after its financials that "Squid Game Season 2" will be released at the end of this year. Netflix stated, “Looking ahead, despite last year’s strikes pushing back the launch of some titles, we have a big, bold slate for 2024. ‘Squid Game Season 2’ will debut alongside the second seasons of The Diplomat and Empress as well as the third season of Bridgerton.”  

 

 

 

 

source : https://news.nate.com/view/20240124n04148?mid=n1008

 

 

 

 

 

 

[willenette]

*** The Korean Business Research Institute has revealed this month’s brand reputation rankings for actors!  The rankings were determined through a data analysis of the media coverage, participation, interaction, and community indexes of 100 actors who appeared in dramas, movies, or OTT content released between December 30, 2023 and January 30, 2024.

 

Check out the top 30 for this month below!

1. Shin Hye Sun
2. Jang Nara
3. Park Min Young
4. Song Ha Yoon
5. Kim Yoo Jung
6. Ji Chang Wook
7. Im Siwan
8. Song Kang
9. Na In Woo
10. Honey Lee
11. Lee Se Young
12. Go Yoon Jung
13. Choi Soo Jong
14. Gong Hyo Jin
15. Jung Woo Sung
16. Kang Hye Won
17. Lee Jong Won
18. Rowoon
19. Lee Si Woo
20. ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo
21. Park Bo Young
22. Kim Tae Ri
23. Jang Dong Yoon
24. Lee Yi Kyung
25. Park Gyu Young
26. Bae In Hyuk
27. Park Seo Joon
28. Highlight’s Lee Gikwang
29. Lee Dong Wook
30. Lee Young Ae

 

 

 

 

 

source : https://www.gpkorea.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=109858

[willenette]

*** I've watched all these dramas. "Misaeng" is really very good. Siwan is versatile and talented. That's why, I've watched even his movies "Emergency Declaration", despite that he was not playing the lead role here. "Summer Strike" is good, IDK why some don't like the drama, though. It is definitely different than Im Siwan's other works. "Strangers From Hell" definitely made was so heavy but it is worth watching.  

 

 

5 Im Siwan K-Dramas You Can’t Afford To Skip

 

 

Im Siwan’s versatile talent and undeniable charm have firmly established him as a beloved figure in the world of Korean entertainment. Rising to fame as a member of the popular group ZE:A, Im Siwan seamlessly transitioned into acting, captivating audiences with his multifaceted performances. His dedication to honing his craft and his ability to embody diverse characters have solidified his status as an esteemed actor. From his early endeavors to his more recent roles, Siwan’s journey on the K-drama landscape mirrors his growth as a thespian. In this spotlight, here are five captivating K-dramas starring Im Siwan that illuminate his evolution as an actor.

 

“Summer Strike”

 

 

Meet Lee Yeo Reum (Seolhyun), a 27-year-old woman living in Seoul and working in a publishing house that takes her work for granted. After going through one traumatic experience after another, she decides to leave the city and her problems behind to spend a year in a small coastal town for a well-deserved rest.

 

There, she encounters Ahn Dae Bum (Im Siwan), an introverted librarian who seldom speaks to anyone, hates being touched, and carries a traumatic past himself. However, after meeting Yeo Reum, Dae Bum can’t help but feel his heart tugging toward her. His heart skips a beat every time their eyes meet, and he realizes he doesn’t need words when communicating with her. Through small gestures and unspoken promises, they get closer, and Dae Bum finally emerges from his shell.

 

But there’s more to this sweet slice-of-life story than what the trailers suggest. Dae Bum’s past comes back to haunt him right after Yeo Reum moves to his town. Consequently, they both work together to uncover the culprits behind Dae Bum’s traumatic history.

 

“Summer Strike” offers a romance that envelops you in the warmth of summer and slow-burn love through the screen. It stands apart from the grand gestures typically associated with K-dramas, showcasing a unique side of romance—slow, steady, and free of clichés.

 

Watch “Summer Strike” below:

Watch Now

 

“Boyhood”

 

 

Jang Byung Tae (Im Siwan) is a simple high school student who has been bullied his entire life simply for existing. Life gives him another chance to start over when his family has to relocate to a neighboring small town. Due to the similarity in names, he gets mistaken for the White Tiger, Jung Kyung Tae (Lee Si Woo), another new student and the expected top dog of Buyeo Agricultural High School. Byung Tae hopes this lie will protect him from being bullied in high school, but it ends up causing him more problems than he could have ever imagined.

 

Set in the 1980s, “Boyhood” is a K-drama that explores boyhood and the struggles that come with it. This show serves as a window through which you can see how bullying affects everyday boys, leaving them wishing for the worst. Life is not always filled with rainbows and butterflies, nor is it filled with rain-filled clouds; it is a mixture of both. Therefore, the genre switching from comedy to drama acts as a jarring depiction of real life, where nothing is consistent.

 

“Strangers From Hell”

 

Spoiler

 

Meet Yoon Jong Woo (Im Siwan), an aspiring writer who moves to Seoul to work as an intern at his ex-class fellow’s small business. Due to having little to no money, he moves into a communal residence named Eden Studio situated in a remote area. Despite the name, this studio turns out to be Jong Woo’s personal hell, with its eerie residents becoming the bane of his existence. As the plot twists unfold, it becomes evident that Jong Woo was doomed from the moment he set foot in this place. Yet, the crucial question lingers: will he suffer the same fate as the victims of these strangers or transform into a devil himself?

 

What sets “Strangers From Hell” apart from other thriller K-dramas is its portrayal of numerous strange characters working in unison to create a hellish atmosphere. In fact, the studio itself functions as a character, evoking specific emotions in the audience. Im Siwan’s portrayal of Jong Woo in “Strangers From Hell” ranks among his most iconic roles. Despite his angelic and naive features, he skillfully embodies Jong Woo’s gradual descent into madness. His acting is so compelling that you can almost feel his pain through the screen.

 

“Run On”

 

 

Enter Ki Seon Gyeom (Im Siwan), a national sprinter about to retire, brimming with enthusiasm for all things related to running. Oh Mi Joo (Shin Se Kyung), a professional subtitle translator, possesses an unmatched passion for movies. When Ki Seon Gyeom requires a translator for his upcoming event, his father and an embassy official hire Mi Joo to be his voice and ears, with the added task of keeping him in line for some extra cash. Unexpectedly, a series of events leads Mi Joo to help Seon Gyeom in his fight to shed light on the dark aspects of being a national athlete.

 

“Run On” presents a classic “boy-meets-girl-and-falls-in-love” narrative, though it distinguishes itself through the genuine and non-clichéd development of the characters’ relationship. Their attraction grows steadily, making their connection feel authentic. The relationship itself is rather mature which might lead some viewers to think the drama is a bit slow-paced. But if you hate cliches, “Run On” is for you. Moreover, the drama sheds light on the hidden bullying that junior athletes endure behind closed doors.

 

“Incomplete Life”

 

 

Now, let’s immerse ourselves in the world of Jang Geu Rae (Im Siwan), a former baduk (go) trainee and a hardworking 26-year-old struggling to secure a proper job due to his lack of higher education and experience.

 

Hopping from one odd job to another, facing unfair compensation, he finally gains a corporate internship thanks to his mother. Yet, life in the corporate world proves to be far more challenging than he anticipated. His coworkers look down upon him, attributing his role to connections rather than qualifications. His manager despises him, refusing to provide an opportunity to someone deemed unqualified. However, Geu Rae’s response isn’t to give up and quit. Instead, he gives his 200 percent and proves himself as a capable employee.

 

“Incomplete Life” (also known as “Misaeng”) receives acclaim for its authentic depiction of the often brutal realities of office life, coupled with its focus on the personal growth and camaraderie that develop among the characters.

 

The K-drama provides thought-provoking commentary on the challenges confronted by young individuals entering the workforce—highlighting their aspirations and the delicate balance between personal dreams and societal expectations.

 

 

 

credit : soompi news

 

[willenette]

English Subtitled Announcement Teaser for the Upcoming Drama "Squid Game - Season 2"

 

 

 

https://btv.social/1544988_18996/#cp

 

 

 

 

source : Hancinema

[willenette]

Netflix to release 'Squid Game' season two in 2024

 

A scene from the second season of Netflix original series ″Squid Game,″ starring actor Lee Jung-jae reprising his role as Gi-hun [NETFLIX]

 

 
The highly anticipated follow-up to the megahit Netflix original series “Squid Game” (2021) will be released later this year, Netflix announced Friday.
 
Netflix also released never-before-seen scenes from the second season of “Squid Game” but did not specify the date of the premiere.

 

 

 

credit : JoongAngDaily

https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-02-02/entertainment/television/Netflix-to-release-Squid-Game-season-two-in-2024/1972918

[willenette]

*** The main cast is back in S1 of "Squid Game", with a few newcomers. There’s Gong Yoo, who would probably make a fleeting appearance again.   

 

 

 

 

[willenette]

*** Netflix "Squid Game" has kicked-off promos as the platform released the first official stills. S1 was a bonafide global phenomenon when it aired in 2021. The sequel arrives 3-years later. I'm so ready for this. All the big names are here.   

[willenette]

First Look at Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hyun, Gong Yoo and More in ‘Squid Game 2’

 

Netflix has confirmed the 2024 release of Squid Game Season 2 and unveiled the first look through “NEXT ON NETFLIX 2024: The Series & Films Preview” on YouTube.

 

Squid Game tells the story of people who participate in a mysterious survival game with a 45.6 billion won prize money, risking their lives to become the ultimate winner. Season 2 picks up where the first season left off, with Gi Hun (played by Lee Jung Jae) returning to the game after receiving a mysterious phone call at the airport.

 

The four stills released pique curiosity about what exciting story Squid Game will unfold in Season 2. While the intense images of the actors who have received much love since Season 1, such as Gi Hun (Lee Jung Jae), Front Man (Lee Byung Hun), and Salesman (Gong Yoo), capture attention, interest is also focused on the character of Park Kyu Young, who will make her first appearance in the new season.

 

 

 

Season 2 of Squid Game is once again directed, written, and produced by Hwang Dong Hyuk, who became the first Asian to win the Emmy Award at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards. In addition to Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun, Wi Ha Jun and Gong Yoo, who returned from Season 1

 

 

 

Source: Netflix

[willenette]

Top 12 Best K-Dramas & Korean Movies On Amazon Prime Video Right Now

Note: The Amazon Prime Video K-Dramas and Korean movies mentioned in this article are listed in no particular order of ranking.

 

Amazon Prime Video Korean Movies

 

 

6. "Emergency Declaration"

 

 

A sociopathic terrorist creates a DIY biological weapon and releases it inside a packed airplane. As an epidemic breaks out mid-air, affecting passengers and pilots alike, a larger evil looms on land where the aircraft is denied emergency landing out of fear of infection. Posing a moral problem that thankfully culminates in renewed faith in humanity,

 

"Emergency Declaration" is the type of thriller that will leave you breathless. Starring Song KangHo, Lee ByungHun, Jeon DoYeon, Yim SiWan, and more, this film needs to be on your watchlist.

 

 

 

source : https://www.kpopmap.com/top-12-best-k-dramas-korean-movies-on-amazon-prime-video-right-now/

[willenette]

Top 5 Idol Actors From The 1st & 2nd Generation Of K-Pop Who Became Some Of The Best Actors In The Industry

 

Nowadays, it is quite common to see K-Pop idols venture into acting alongside their music careers. However, this is no new trend. Idols all the way from the very first and second generations of K-Pop have transitioned into acting, and today, they are some of the best and most renowned actors in the industry, receiving love and respect from global fans. Here are 5 actors from the 1st and 2nd generation of K-Pop who ultimately became some of the finest actors in the Korean entertainment industry!

 

 

5. Yim SiWan

 

GQ Korea

 

No conversation about the top idol actors of today would be complete without the prodigy himself - Yim SiWan! Yim SiWan is a critically acclaimed, commercially successful, award-winning actor widely recognized as the future of Chungmuro (the Korean film industry). He is one of the first names that come to mind when you think about multifaceted actors, especially considering his exceptionally diverse filmography. However, did you know that Yim SiWan is also a member of the idol group ZE:A? The idol actor has expressed his desire to keep doing music as well as acting. His latest works include the K-Drama "Boyhood" and the film "Road to Boston".

 

 

 

source : https://www.kpopmap.com/top-5-idol-actors-from-the-1st-2nd-generation-of-k-pop-who-became-some-of-the-best-actors-in-the-industry/

[willenette]

*** The long wait is over as Netflix drops a sneak peek of the highly-anticipated sequel, "Squid Game" Season 2! With the huge craze it created in 2021, the K-drama is set to return this year. The director previously told The Hollywood Reporter about the changes for the upcoming season. The upcoming season featured a mix of new and returning characters.   

 

 

[willenette]

Netflix reveals 2024 content lineup

 

With K-dramas like Squid Game Season 2 and Sweet Home Season 3 on the horizon, Netflix has finally unveiled the much-anticipated release window for the upcoming 2024 K-dramas. The streaming giant has dropped an exciting trailer showcasing its upcoming lineup, including the highly awaited third season of Sweet Home, Squid Game season 2, A Killer Paradox, and more. Each year, Netflix releases a trailer that ignites excitement among K-drama fans, giving them a glimpse of what's to come.

 

This year's lineup promises a captivating array of shows with compelling plots that are sure to captivate viewers. Featured in the preview of Netflix's 2024 K-drama lineup trailer are renowned actors like Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun, Song Kang, Choi Woo Shik, Koo Kyo Hwan, and many more, adding to the anticipation surrounding these upcoming dramas.

 

 

Squid Game 2

Squid Game, the highly anticipated K-drama, has dominated Netflix charts as one of the most-watched non-English series. Its upcoming second season boasts a star-studded cast, including Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun, Wi Ha Jun, Im Siwan, Kang Ha Neul, Park Gyu Young, and many more. The series portrays the gripping tale of 456 players who enter a life-threatening game, where only one person emerges alive, winning a staggering 45.6 billion won.

 

 

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C2zr3ZDudd4/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9a4d3fdc-2806-49d8-8235-7890c0bcde68

 

 

 

 

source : https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/squid-game-2-sweet-home-3-to-gyeongseong-creature-2-netflix-reveals-2024-content-lineup-1275815

[willenette]

Drama characters who started “leaving Seoul”

Recently, the keyword "Escape from Seoul" is prominent in the drama industry

Here are some recently released Korean dramas set in regions outside of the capital.

 

 

Coupang Play’s “Boyhood” (Buyeo, Chungcheongnam-do)

Coupang Play’s original OTT drama “Boyhood” is set in Buyeo, Chungcheongnam-do in 1989. It is a youth comedy action drama about Byeong-tae (played by Im Si-wan), a small and weak boy, suddenly becoming the top fighter in Buyeo overnight. The drama received much love from viewers immediately after its release, to the extent of causing server connection issues. “Boyhood” showcased retro trends in its directing and comically blended the Chungcheong dialect into the script. In particular, lead actors Im Si-wan and Lee Sun-bin portrayed their characters using the Chungcheongnam-do dialect humorously and delivering performances that made many people laugh.

 

 

 

source : https://www.wikitree.co.kr/articles/923700