Sex scenes in K-dramas: Why are they so restrained?

K-dramas have long perfected the art of suggestion. Explicit sex scenes are rare, almost nonexistent when top stars are involved. Instead of bare skin, the genre bares emotion, relying on metaphor, lingering close-ups and carefully modulated fades. Whereas Western dramas often place sexual encounters plainly onscreen, Korean series tend to frame intimacy as an emotional crescendo rather than a physical act. Even in the few cases where a spicier scene unfolds, it’s usually distilled into scenes i

Dec. 1, 2025

Kim You-jung reinvents herself in Tving’s year-end bet 'Dear X'

Kim You-jung — long celebrated as the nation’s “little sister” since her early days as a child star — steps into her darkest role yet, shedding her bright image to play a cold-blooded sociopath in one of Tving’s biggest swings for the latter half of 2025. In “Dear X,” Kim stars as Ah-jin, a top actor with a traumatic past marked by childhood abuse, who strategically cycles through lovers as stepping stones to fame. The 12-episode thriller traces her ascent as she weaponizes charm, beauty and cal

Nov. 29, 2025

Korea’s new obsession is survival shows built on sweat

Korean variety shows pushing the human body to its breaking point are dominating screens, and viewers can’t seem to look away. Netflix’s “Physical: Asia,” released Oct. 30, went straight to the platform’s top 10 series in Korea and was on Netflix's global top 10 list for all three weeks of its run. Building on the momentum of the hit franchise “Physical,” which launched in 2023 and 2024, the latest installment assembled athletes and superstar sports personalities from eight countries for a slate

Nov. 26, 2025

K-variety maestro Nah Yung-suk takes Netflix leap with 'Three Idiots in Kenya'

Entertainment powerhouse producer Nah Yung-suk is making his Netflix debut with “Three Idiots in Kenya,” reuniting beloved stars from his past hits like “2 Days & 1 Night.” With the new series, Nah says he’s intentionally tapping into a gap in Netflix’s Korean unscripted lineup -- namely, the lack of easygoing, light-touch variety shows. “Three Idiots in Kenya” pairs veteran variety show fixtures, including comedian Lee Soo-geun, rapper-TV personality Eun Ji-won and Super Junior’s Kyuhyun -- on

Nov. 25, 2025

Suryeonhoe, uniforms, yaja: Cultural code behind K-school dramas

The hallways of adolescence have always been fertile ground for storytelling. Teen dramas are produced almost everywhere, but Korea injects its own cultural DNA into the genre. In K-school dramas, settings like yaja (night study sessions) and suryeonhoe (school retreats) often double as narrative engines. For international viewers, these unfamiliar rituals can feel opaque, but in Korea, they’re key dramatic accelerators. Suryeonhoe, or school retreats, are a cornerstone of Korean adolescence --

Nov. 24, 2025

Your weekend survival-TV guide: Korean competition shows worth bingeing

From “Physical: Asia” to “Just Makeup” and the upcoming second season of “Culinary Class Wars,” Korea is in the middle of a survival competition boom. To help you ride the wave and line up your weekend binge, here’s a look at some of the country’s most popular survival shows, spanning everything from cerebral strategy and military endurance to K-pop stardom. “The Genius” on Tving Long hailed as Korea’s gold standard in brain-game competition shows, “The Genius” has built a fiercely loyal followi

Nov. 22, 2025

Naver Webtoon, Paris Opera jointly launch webtoon 'Secret d'une Etoile'

Naver Webtoon is teaming up with the Paris Opera, France’s premier opera and ballet company, to launch an original webtoon centered on ballet titled “Secret d'une Etoile.” The series’ English title is “Secret of a Ballerina.” The webtoon will debut first in French on Nov. 28, with a Korean release slated for next year on the Naver Webtoon platform. This marks the first Korea-France coproduction of its kind, with Korean webtoon artist Honey B handling the story and French artist StillUnderworld p

Nov. 21, 2025

Coupang Play launches exclusive Paramount+ service in Korea

Popular US subscription video-on-demand service Paramount+ is now available in Korea exclusively through Coupang Play. Via the Paramount+ Pass, Coupang Play provides access to the streamer’s full slate of programming. The add-on is priced at 3,300 won per month for Coupang Wow members and 4,900 won for nonmembers. The Coupang Wow membership is 7,890 won per month and includes perks such as Coupang’s ultrafast Rocket Delivery service and ad-free streaming on Coupang Play. The Paramount+ lineup br

Nov. 21, 2025

Three ways to prepare for cold weather

If you’re looking for a contemplative yet lively place to spend the weekend, head to the second Humanities and Culture Festival at Dongdaemun Design Plaza on Saturday and Sunday. This year’s theme centers on reconnecting in an age marked by isolation and competition. The festival’s signature “Gentle Conversations” event gathers renowned writers, filmmakers, doctors, psychologists and performers for intimate talks exploring empathy, everyday resilience and the ties that bind individuals and commu

Nov. 21, 2025

Shin Min-a, Kim Woo-bin to tie knot in December

Actors Shin Min-a and Kim Woo-bin are set to tie the knot this December, marking their marriage after 10 years of public dating. “Shin and Kim have promised to become lifelong partners, building on the deep trust they’ve developed over their long relationship," their agency AM Entertainment announced Thursday. “The wedding will take place privately on Dec. 20 in Seoul, attended by family, relatives and close friends," the statement said, adding, both will remain dedicated to acting. Kim also upl

Nov. 20, 2025