'Dream Life of Mr. Kim' asks: Who are you without your title?

In Korean society, we could say that identity is rarely a solitary thing. From an early age, we are placed into systems: given a class number at school and later assigned to a department in a company, a title affixed to our name. That title matters because it becomes social proof of who we are. So we grow up learning to exist as “someone who belongs somewhere.” That frame defines us. And as long as it holds, our place in society feels stable. The novel recently adapted to the hit eponymous drama

Why these novels? Park Chan-wook’s literary anchors

Celebrated filmmaker Park Chan-wook is widely known to be an avid reader. Many of his acclaimed films were adapted from novels, making his appearance at last week’s Seoul International Book Fair all the more fitting. Park shared his “literary anchors,” offering personal anecdotes and insights into the books that have inspired him. The following are some of the highlights from his talk. 'Joint Security Area' (2000) In a 2023 reissue of Park Sang-yeon's novel "DMZ," Park Chan-wook wrote, “I don’t

Different layers of motifs, puzzles bring stylish take on 65-year-old female killer

"The Old Woman with the Knife" by Gu Byeong-mo follows a female assassin nearing the end of her career — a striking and compelling premise that has proven irresistible for adaptation. The hardboiled Korean action-thriller novel, originally published in 2018, was reimagined as a musical last year and its film adaptation premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. It follows the story of Hornclaw (played by Lee Hye-young), a 65-year-old assassin whose age is beginning to catch up wit

Why Mickey had to die 10 more times in Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17'

Here is a look at how Bong Joon-ho's SF film adapts Ashton Edwards' original novel Bong Joon-ho’s latest sci-fi satire "Mickey 17" continues to top box offices. Starring Robert Pattinson in the title role, the film explores the existential dilemmas of an expendable worker who is endlessly recreated upon death until Mickey finds himself face-to-face with an unexpected duplicate of himself. The film is based on "Mickey 7," the 2022 novel by American writer Edward Ashton, but Bong’s adaptation take

Kim Ryeo-ryeong's novel 'Trunk' gets Netflix makeover

Lowkey original novel remade into whirlwind, high-stakes drama Marriage is still often idealized as a once-in-a-lifetime occasion -- a joyous celebration surrounded by loved ones, filled with blessings, cheers and the promise of a happily ever after. But here, in the quiet wedding hall with only an officiant and a witness, this couple stands apart. The groom, his hands shoved into his pockets, stands with a clear look of discomfort. The bride, with an unreadable expression, keeps her emotions hi

Boulder rhino and penguin take stage after book's success

The last white boulder rhinoceros on Earth and a young penguin hatched from an abandoned egg might seem an unlikely pair to anchor a story. Yet, in the musical adaptation of “The Longest Nights,” their journey in search of an ocean they have never seen leaves audiences rooting for them every step of the way.

German bestseller gets new twist in ‘Snow White Must Die -- Black Out’

German mystery crime writer Nele Neuhaus’ 2010 international bestseller “Snow White Must Die” is getting a fresh take as the Korean drama series “Snow White Must Die -- Black Out,” kicked off Aug. 16. The fourth installment of Neuhaus’ series set in the Taunus region near Frankfurt sold more than 3.

'Underground' blends sound and darkness in immersive audio experience

The immersive theater experience “Underground” transports audiences into an entirely new dimension of sensory storytelling -- a captivating, pitch-dark descent into the unknown. Based on acclaimed Korean science fiction author Kim Bo-young's short story “Underground” (featured in her collection “The Fifth Sense” in 2022), the Wooran Foundation’s production plunges viewers deep into a labyrinthine underground set in a dystopian future. “Undergr

SF novel ‘A Thousand Blues’ comes alive on stage with language of theater

In April and May, the heartwarming story “A Thousand Blues,” the bestselling SF novel by Cheon Seon-ran, found new life through different adaptations by two performing arts troupes -- the National Theater Company of Korea and the Seoul Performing Arts Company. First published in 2020, the story envi

New character shapes entirely different storyline in ‘My Name is Loh Ki-wan’

Recently released Netflix film “My Name is Loh Ki-wan,” starring Song Joong-ki, draws from Cho Hae-jin’s 2011 novel, “I Met Loh Ki-wan,” if only very loosely. The film diverges significantly from the novel in characterization and narrative to the extent that one could argue it tells a wholly distinct story. In the cinematic adaptation, Song plays the titular role of a North Korean refugee on a journey to find a new home in a foreign land where he does not speak the

From page to stage, contemporary bestsellers leap from bookshelves to spotlight

Three contemporary literary bestsellers are set to undergo a spectacular transformation this year as they move from the page to the stage. Embracing new genres such as musicals, music dramas and theater productions, these adaptations offer original fans a fresh and enjoyable avenue to experience the stories. ‘The Old Woman with the Knife’ In a much-anticipated adaptation, Gu Byeong-mo’s bestselling noir novel “The Old Woman with the Knife” is making its theatrical