K-drama Showbiz Cheat Sheet

K-drama
Seong Gi-hun in 'Squid Game' Episode 2 | via Netflix
K-drama
A K-drama is a type of Korean-language TV show starring South Korean actors. The term is short for "Korean drama." K-dramas have been popular in Asia since the 1990s, but they recently took off in the United States. That's thanks to online streaming services such as Netflix, which introduced Americans to the addictive limited series Squid Game. K-drama as a TV genre, along with K-pop music, is part of the Korean Wave, or "Hallyu." The term is a reference to South Korean culture's growing popularity worldwide.
- Top K-dramas: 100 Days My Prince, Boys Over Flowers, Crash Landing on You, Descendants of the Sun, Dae Jang Geum, Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God), Hometown Cha Cha Cha, It's Okay to Not Be Okay, Law School, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Sky Castle, Squid Game, Vincenzo, The World of the Married
- Famous K-drama actors: Cha Eun-woo, Gong Yoo, Hyun Bin, Ji Chang-wook, Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Woo-bin, Jun Ji-hyun, Lee Jong-suk, Lee Jung-jae, Lee Min-ho, Lee Seung-gi, Park Bo-gum, Park Seo-joon, Park Shin-hye, So Ji-sub, Song Hye-ko, Song Joong-ki
- Where to watch K-dramas: Hulu, Netflix, YouTube
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Netflix

'Gilmore Girls' cast members Lauren Graham as Lorelai Gilmore and Alexis Bledel as Rory Gilmore standing in a snowy Stars Hollow

‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Gilmore Girls’ Have an Interesting Connection

Elle Woods and Lulu, Kirk's girlfriend both had a love of expensive pet accessories. They both carried Fifi and Romeo dog carriers.

by Andrea Francese

Published on November 15, 2024

2 min read

Martha Stewart as seen in the Netflix documentary

Celebrity

‘I’m Alive, B****!’: Martha Stewart’s Nemesis Claps Back After False Death Claim

Martha Stewart discussed her trail and subsequent charges related to insider trading in 'Martha,' alleging a reporter who regularly covered the story was 'dead, thank goodness.,'

by Lucille Barilla

Martha Stewart at the Netflix 'Martha' documentary premiere

Celebrity / Movies

Martha Stewart Can’t Stand How the ‘Martha’ Netflix Documentary Ends: ‘I Hate It’

Netflix's 'Martha' documentary began streaming on Oct. 30, 2024.

by Mandi Kerr

‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ Winner Explains How to Win the Contest

The ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ winner recalled their experience on the reality show not too long ago, demonstrating what it might’ve taken to beat out hundreds of other competitors.

by Antonio Stallings

Published on February 10, 2024

3 min read

Contestants Spencer Hawkins, Ashley Tolbert, Bryton Constantin, Rick Mercurio, Stephen Lomas, Jada Fordyce, Dash Katz, and Jessica Figueroa cheer on the red carpet for Netflix's "Squid Game: The Challenge."

Thanks, I Hate It

‘Squid Game: The Challenge’: How Did the Show’s Winner Spend the Cash Prize?

The winner of ‘Squid Game The Challenge’ already had some modest ideas on how to spend their enormous cash prize.

by Antonio Stallings

Person dressed up in a 'Squid Game' guard outfit while at the show's premiere.

How Does the ‘Squid Game’ Creator Really Feel About His Reality Show Spinoff?

‘Squid Game’ show-runner Hwang Dong-hyuk shared how much he was involved in the reality show spin-off ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’.

by Antonio Stallings

BTS’ J-Hope Military Enlistment Announcement Is Sadly Not an April Fool’s Day Joke

J-Hope will be the second BTS member to enlist in the South Korean military. Here's what we know about the announcement from Big Hit and J-Hope's Weverse post.

by Julia Dzurillay

Published on April 1, 2023

2 min read

Suga of boy band BTS aka Bangtan Boys is seen at 'The Devil's Deal' VIP Screening

Music

How BTS Fans Are Celebrating Suga’s Birthday in 2023

It's almost Yoongi Day, for those who celebrate. Here's what the BTS ARMY has planned for Agust D (also known as the BTS member Suga) in 2023.

by Julia Dzurillay

A close up of Suga of BTS looking into the camera

Music

BTS: How to Buy Concert Tickets for Suga’s World Tour

Here's how BTS fans can buy concert tickets for Suga's upcoming world tour. Registration for ticketing presales ends on Feb. 23, and tickets will be on sale in March.

by Eryn Murphy

‘Twenty-Five Twenty-One’: Nam Joo-hyuk Improvised One of His Character’s Most Heartbreaking Scenes

In a behind-the-scenes video of 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' Episode 14, the K-drama director gave Nam Joo-hyuk creative license over his tunnel scene. Kim Tae-ri followed Nam's lead to make for an emotional episode.

by Gabriela Silva

‘Snowdrop’: JTBC Sues Netizens Who Accused K-Drama of Distortion of History

An unofficial synopsis of 'Snowdrop' caused netizens to post malicious comments about its distortion of history and it continued during its premiere. JTBC is now suing the netizens who posted comments and tarnished the company and its actors.

by Gabriela Silva

‘The Red Sleeve’: Lee Junho Becomes the First Idol-Turned-Actor to Win Korean PD Award

Lee Junho played the role of prince Yi San who falls in love with a court maid in 'The Red Sleeve.' The actor and idol was hand-selected by the industry's top producers at the 39th Korea PD Awards.

by Gabriela Silva

‘Squid Game’ and 6 K-Dramas in the Process of Developing Second Seasons

The popularity of K-drama across streaming platforms has creators and directors open to developing second seasons. Dramas like 'Sweet Home' are bringing back fan-favorite actors to continue where cliffhangers left off but are still in the filming stages.

by Gabriela Silva

‘Business Proposal’ Finale: K-Drama Doesn’t Follow the Webtoon Version Exactly – Here’s How

Netflix's 'Business Proposal' is based on an original webtoon by HaeHwa. The K-dama tweaked a few storyline details like who proposes to whom, who accepts Ha-ri and Tae-mu's relationship, and a major detail about Young-seo.

by Gabriela Silva

‘Twenty-Five Twenty-One’ Finale: Questions Fans Will Never Get a Clear Answer to

Fans finally learn the outcome of Hee-do and Yi-jin's story after the 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' finale. But the ending does not address certain questions like who is Min-chae's father.

by Gabriela Silva

‘Twenty-Five Twenty-One’ Finale: Every Theory Was Wrong – Here’s What Really Happened

Fans are on the edge of their seats to know if their theories about Baek Yi-jin and Na Hee-do came true. The finale of 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' closed the story of the main characters with a marriage, new careers, and moving on.

by Gabriela Silva

‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’ Had an Extended Ending Fans Didn’t Get to See

The 2016 K-drama 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo,' has an extended ending fans have not been able to see. The director had to make a choice between an impactful finale or giving fans a sense of hope.

by Gabriela Silva

4 ‘Boys’ Love’ K-Dramas in 2022 to Watch When Needing a Different Kind of Romance

The 'Boys' Love' genre originated in Japan with illustrated novels and transitioned into on-screen adaptations. The genre focuses on romantic relationships between two male leads like K-dramas 'First Love, Again.'

by Gabriela Silva

Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin Tie the Knot – Here’s Everything From the Dress, Guests, and Nuptials

Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin announced their engagement in February and tied the know on March 31 in South Korea. The actors originally met on a movie set before igniting a romance on 'Crash Landing on You.'

by Gabriela Silva

‘Thirty-Nine’: K-Drama Breaks the Rules to Show Reality of Death, Love, and Friendship

'Thirty-Nine' has its flaws in the storyline, but fans can agree it breaks the dream-like haze of K-dramas. From the main character's foretold death to acceptance of an 'affair,' the drama has it all and more.

by Gabriela Silva

‘Tomorrow’ and 7 K-Dramas To Stream In April

April will start off strong with the premiere of Rowoon's newest K-drama 'Tomorrow' on the first of the month. The K-drama will be followed by dramas such as 'Green Mothers' Club' and more.

by Gabriela Silva

‘The Uncanny Counter’ Season 2: Everything We Know so Far

Kim Se-jeong, Jo Byung-gyu, Yoo Jun-sang, and Yeom Hye-ran starred in the fantasy drama 'The Uncanny Counters.' While showing interest in returning for season two, their casting has not been confirmed.

by Gabriela Silva

5 K-dramas That Tackle the Topic of Sex

'Nevertheless' captured fans' attention for its mature storyline and sexual relationship between its two main characters. Other K-dramas like 'Mr. Queen' have discussions about the wedding night, arousal, and intimacy.

by Gabriela Silva

‘Twenty-Five Twenty-One’: Fan Theories to Consider Before the Final Episodes

A surprising reveal between Baek Yi-jin and Na Hee-do in 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' Episode 14 furthers questions if they stayed together in the present. Fan theories help shed a light on what could be in store for the finale.

by Gabriela Silva

‘Pachinko’: What Is the Japanese Arcade Game Featured in the Apple TV+ Series?

In 'Pachinko,' Sunja's son owns a successful pachinko parlor business. The Japanese game uses metal steel balls, pins, bright lights mixed with luck, and a bit of strategy to win prizes.

by Gabriela Silva

‘Pachinko’: Actor Youn Yuh-jung Felt Insulted Being Asked to Audition for Her Role

Academy Award-winning actor Youn Yuh-jung stars as an older version of Sunja in Apple TV+'s 'Pachinko.' The actor threw away the scripts when told she had to audition, despite her career, which was a brand new concept for her.

by Gabriela Silva

‘Business Proposal’: How Seol In-ah Broke the Ice Before Her First Kiss With Kim Min-kyu

In a Netflix press interview, 'Business Proposal' actor Kim Min-kyu was surprised by Seol In-ah's cute antics and song before filming their kiss. In the drama, their characters embark on a second-lead romance.

by Gabriela Silva

‘Business Proposal’ Episode 6: Ahn Hyo-seop Had a Hilarious Reaction to Getting Slapped by Kim Se-jeong

In 'Business Proposal,' Tae-mu's private movie screening for Ha-ri turns into a disaster when he has to hide from their co-workers. In a behind-the-scenes video, Kim Se-jeong did not realize how hard she hit her co-star.

by Gabriela Silva

‘Business Proposal’: Ahn Hyo-seop Almost Debuted With GOT7 and Fans Can’t Stop Thinking About It

Ahn Hyo-seop has starred in popular K-dramas like 'Abyss' and 'Dr. Romantic' Season 2. Before becoming an actor, Ahn used to be a trainee at JYP Entertainment and almost joined GOT7.

by Gabriela Silva