Latest news with #Misaeng
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Squid Game actor Yim Si-wan: I didn't read the script, I just knew I had to be in it
Korean singer and actor Yim Si-wan has built a strong filmography that showcases his range as a performer. Si-wan began his career as a member of the K-pop group ZE:A but it was his breakout role in The Attorney (2013) that earned him critical acclaim. Establishing himself as an actor with a knack for portraying complex and intense characters, he has since been part of several popular shows and films, including Misaeng (2014), Run On (2021), Emergency Declaration (2022), and Summer Strike (2023). Now, he returns in the final season of the mega-hit Squid Game. Si-wan plays Myung Gi, a.k.a. Player 333—a former cryptocurrency influencer whose misguided investment scheme results in heavy financial losses for both himself and his followers. On the run, Myung Gi enters the deadly game, only to come face to face with those he had wronged, including his now-pregnant former girlfriend, whom he had previously ghosted. The actor reveals that he tends to immerse himself deeply in the roles he plays—so much so that he carries his on-screen characters with him long after the shoot has ended. 'I'm not the type who can easily switch on and off—that is, go in and out of character. I carry my screen characters with me to a certain extent. Rather than detaching from them immediately, I find that these characters become part of me, etched into the fabric of my life.' In an exclusive interview with HT City, the actor shares that he accepted the part of Myung Gi without even reading the script, simply because he was a fan of Squid Game. 'The first time I saw the character of Myung Gi, he came across as someone who is constantly straddling the line between good and evil. But as the show progressed, he felt very human—someone who was not capable of making the right choices due to his greed. I think it's fair to say that he may not be purely evil, but rather, a foolish person.' Si-wan says that his takeaway from playing Myung Gi is that one should neither be too greedy nor make foolish investments out of greed. One of the most sought-after actors of his generation, the 36-year-old Si-wan is also listed among the Korean actors who represent the present and future of cinema. Having lent his voice to soundtracks for The King in Love, Tracer, and Boyhood, would Si-wan contemplate the possibility of an Indian collaboration? 'Going forward as an actor, I wish to continue to wrestle with my characters, make every effort to portray them diligently, and continue developing myself. One day, I sincerely hope to have the opportunity to perform in India,' he signs off with a smile.
Tatler Asia
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Heartwarming K-dramas that tackle the complexities of male friendships
2. 'Reply 1988' (2015) Set in a 1980s Seoul neighbourhood, Reply 1988 follows five friends as they stumble through adolescence. The series is nostalgic but not cloying, portraying the boys' friendship with awkward charm and emotional restraint. What makes it stand out: Their connection isn't about grand gestures. It's built on everyday interactions—after-school snacks, late-night chats and the quiet reassurance that someone is always around. This is a study in how male friendships often thrive in silence. 3. 'Incomplete Life' ('Misaeng') (2014) A former baduk prodigy enters the corporate world without credentials or connections. What begins as a lonely uphill battle becomes a subtle, moving story of how professional relationships can evolve into something more meaningful. What makes it stand out: Friendship here is understated and expressed through late-night support, subtle mentorship and small acts of solidarity. It's a rare depiction of adult male friendships formed not in youth but through shared professional pressure. 4. 'Weak Hero' Class 1 (2022) and Class 2 (2025) What starts as a tale of survival transforms into a haunting exploration of teenage trauma and emotional codependency. In Class 1, three boys form an intense bond while facing school violence. Class 2 explores the aftermath—how friendship can curdle into guilt, anger and a desperate need for redemption. What makes it stand out: These series refuse to idealise male friendships. Instead, they dig into the emotional cost of loyalty and the quiet pain of boys who've never been taught to ask for help. 5. 'My Mister' (2018) At first glance, this might seem like a story about an unlikely cross-generational connection. But My Mister is just as much about the three middle-aged brothers who drink together, bicker endlessly and carry each other through emotional wreckage without ever naming it. What makes it stand out: It's a rare portrayal of male vulnerability that doesn't rely on breakdowns or confessions. Friendship is rendered through routine, patience and the unspoken agreement to keep each other going. 6. 'Hospital Playlist' (2020–2021) Five doctors who've been friends since medical school navigate the chaos of their personal and professional lives with levity and depth. They tease, argue and perform together in a band—but underneath the humour is a steady, unwavering support system. What makes it stand out: The series presents male friendships that are emotionally generous without becoming overwrought. It shows that emotional intimacy among men doesn't require crisis, just time and trust. These K-dramas resist the urge to simplify male friendships. They acknowledge the emotional repression, loyalty and social pressures that shape how men relate to one another, whether in high school corridors, corporate offices or hospital break rooms. In doing so, they offer something more nuanced: friendship as survival, as memory, as a kind of grace. NOW READ 10 fashionable '90s TV shows to inspire your wardrobe 10 books about travel that will spark your wanderlust Shy escapes: 9 quiet destinations for introverts who love to travel
Pink Villa
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
The Devil's Plan star Lee Si Won welcomes her first baby after 4 years of marriage
The Devil's plan star Lee Si Won has become a mother for the first time, welcoming a baby girl four years after her marriage. Her agency, KX Entertainment, confirmed the happy news, sharing that both mother and child are healthy and doing well. On May 20, KX Entertainment revealed, 'Lee Si Won gave birth to a daughter at the end of last month.' As per Hankook Ilbo, Lee Si Won expressed her joy over the public's warm response. 'I didn't even know the article had come out, but suddenly people started calling to congratulate me,' she said with a laugh. The couple named their daughter Si Woo, a meaningful choice that combines one syllable from each of their names. Lee Si Won mentioned, 'At first, she looked like me, but she's starting to resemble my husband more and more each day. It's amazing how her face keeps changing.' Lee Si Won reflected on the experience of giving birth with gratitude. 'I just hoped for a healthy delivery, and I'm so grateful everything went smoothly,' she shared. 'She's growing up healthy, and that makes me so happy.' The actress also mentioned how quickly her daughter is developing. 'I've heard that babies these days are developing a little faster. Our daughter is already really responsive and growing well,' she said, noting her baby's strong eye contact and alertness. Although she recently gave birth, Lee Si Won is already thinking about her return to the screen. 'It's been about a month since I gave birth, and I'm starting to feel like myself again,' she said. 'I'm planning to resume activities soon, including commercials and films.' A graduate of Seoul National University, Lee Si Won debuted in 2012 with the drama The Great King's Dream and has since appeared in numerous acclaimed series, including Misaeng, Memories of the Alhambra, Maestra and Netflix's The Devil's Plan. In 2021, she married a fellow Seoul National University alumnus, a doctor. Congratulations, new mama!
Forbes
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Director Kim Won-Suk Talks Love And ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines'
Kim Won-suk has directed some of Korea's most critically acclaimed and compelling TV dramas. He's the creative force behind the 2018 hit series My Mister, starring IU and Lee Sun-kyun; the 2016 drama Signal with Lee Je-hoon, Kim Hye-soo and Cho Jin-woong; and the 2014 drama Misaeng, which stars Im Si-wan and Kang Ha-neul. One of his earlier projects, the 2010 drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal, propelled the careers of actors Park Min-young, Song Joong-ki and Yoo Ah-in. So, expectations were high when Kim signed on to direct When Life Gives You Tangerines. The drama became another hit for the director earning multiple nominations at the 2025 Baeksang Arts Awards, including Best Drama, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. Kim's recipe for k-drama success is simple. He chooses projects he finds interesting and wants to share with the people around him. 'Both story and characters are important, but I place slightly more emphasis on the characters,' said Kim. "I'm drawn to works where the characters feel alive, the storyline remains compelling until the very end, and humor is woven in seamlessly. If all those elements are present, I'll take on the project regardless of genre.' When Life Gives You Tangerines focuses on two characters, the strong-willed smart Ae-sun played by IU, and later on by Moon So-ri, and the devoted Gwan-sik, played by Park Bo-gum and later on by Park Hae-joon, The characters in this screenplay definitely appealed to Kim, but there was more. 'The lovable, multidimensional characters, the witty and humorous dialogue characteristic to writer Lim, and the deeply moving storyline—it's hard to pinpoint just one aspect that captivated me because I was drawn to all of them. I've been a longtime fan of writer Lim Sang-choon.' Lim is also the screenwriter behind the dramas Fight My Way and When The Camellias Bloom. When Life Gives You Tangerines is the first collaboration between the director and screenwriter. It is the second time Kim has worked with singer-actress IU. In My Mister she plays a desperately poor abused young woman who becomes involved in a blackmail attempt. Her character in When Life Gives You Tangerines is stronger and more resilient, but the lives of both characters are transformed by acts of kindness. "Having worked with IU on My Mister, I knew firsthand how diligent and meticulous she is as an actress,' said Kim. 'The role of Ae-sun spans multiple stages of life—high school girl Ae-sun, young mother Ae-sun, college student Geum-myeong, and young mother Geum-myeong. It was only natural that IU came to mind first, as she's capable of capturing all these nuanced and varied aspects of the characters.' IU plays Ae-sun and also her daughter, Geum-myeong, as an adult. 'Geum-myeong is a character who closely resembles her mother Ae-sun in appearance but differs subtly in personality,' said Kim. 'On top of that, there's a roughly 20-year gap between their eras, which makes their experiences even more different. I thought having IU play both roles would highlight the similarities and differences between Ae-sun's life and Geum-myeong's more dramatically. It was a choice made possible because IU is such a talented actress.' The storyline slips back and forth in time. Juxtaposing scenes from different eras illustrates the way children are often unaware of their parents' earlier struggles or the dreams their parents treasured when they were young. 'I chose this approach to more effectively and entertainingly highlight the differences between the lives of the parent generation and their children,' said Kim. 'And to show that our parents, who may seem ordinary now, also had their own radiant, youthful moments.' There's a scene where Geum-myeong, feeling worn out from living in Seoul and navigating her love life, tells middle-aged Ae-sun that she doesn't want to live like her mother. Ae-sun replies that she was happy in her own way and that her life, too, was vibrant and fulfilling. 'At that moment, the scene cuts to a flashback of young Ae-sun, cheerfully waving goodbye to Gwan-sik from a cramped kitchen," said Kim. "Despite having to give up many of her dreams to work in the kitchen, she finds joy in watching young Geum-myeong freely riding her bicycle and her husband heading off to work. This moment of happiness amidst struggle wouldn't resonate as strongly without the present-day scene of Geum-myeong's frustration.' By weaving the parents' past struggles with glimpses of their more peaceful present, Kim also sought to spare viewers from feeling overwhelmed by their hardships. 'For instance, during the emotionally charged scene where Ae-sun bids farewell to Gwan-sik at Jeju Port, the present-day conversation between middle-aged Ae-sun and Geum-myeong is inserted in between," said Kim. 'This not only raises curiosity—did the young couple really part ways? What happened to Gwan-sik, who is now absent from Ae-sun's life? But it also shows that despite such a painful separation, Ae-sun isn't living a completely unhappy life now. This storytelling approach helps prevent viewers from experiencing excessive emotional fatigue.' Since the drama's structure involves intersecting timelines, ensuring smooth and natural transitions was crucial. 'It wasn't difficult, but rather enjoyable, thanks to the script's meticulous planning,' said Kim. 'Similar expressions or postures from one character, parallel actions from another, and various methods of depicting the passage of time were all precisely described in the script, which made the process both clear and engaging.' One surprise for viewers was the late arrival of Kim Seon-ho, who plays Park Cheong-seop. The star of Hometown Cha Cha Cha, Start Up and The Tyrant is so popular that advance notice of his appearance might have generated even more buzz, but Kim Won-suk chose to surprise viewers with the extent of the actor's appearance. 'Kim Seon-ho plays Chung-seop, who becomes Geum-myeong's lover and later her husband,' said Kim. 'Although his role is significant mainly in the latter part of the series, he isn't a central figure driving the entire narrative.' When Life Gives You Tangerines primarily follows Ae-sun and Gwan-sik's lives with the story expanding through the people around them. 'If Kim Seon-ho's appearance had been announced from the start, it might have shifted attention away from the core story the drama intends to convey," said Kim. "He is credited as a special appearance and in Korea, when a guest star is intended to be a surprise later in the series, it's common not to reveal their participation beforehand.' In many of Kim Won Suk's dramas, there's an inspiring character—one whose acts of kindness, compassion, bravery and loyalty motivates viewers to do the right thing in their own lives. In a recent interview Park Bo-gum said playing Gwan-sik inspires him to be a better person. 'There's no grand reason behind it—I just enjoy creating dramas that leave people feeling warm inside,' said Kim. "This particular drama was made with the thought, 'I wish people could hate each other a little less.'' In When Life Gives You Tangerines, there's a lot to admire about Ae-sun's determination and Gwan-sik's loyal devotion. 'We are living in an age of hatred," said Kim. "In Korea, there are countless walls—between generations, genders, regions—as well and those divisions are only becoming more solid. The dramas I create are essentially about living together. The world, whether in the past or now, has always been a difficult place to live in, and it becomes even harder if we don't find ways to stand together. To coexist, I believe we need to recognize that others are just as valuable as we are. Ultimately, it's a story about love. Love between partners, between friends, between family—these emotions are what make this world a place worth living in, together." When Life Gives You Tangerines airs on Netflix.
Korea Herald
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Interview: Kang Ha-neul takes an obnoxious turn
Korea's beloved good guy transformed into an insufferable streamer in high-octane thriller 'Streaming' In an industry where reputations are meticulously cultivated, Kang Ha-neul stands apart. Stories of his kindness border on the mythical — the actor reportedly memorizes the names of every crew member, lavishes staff with thoughtful gifts and apologizes profusely to fans he cannot accommodate. His roles have largely aligned with this personality: The earnest professional Jang Baek-ki in "Misaeng" (2014), endearing police officer Hwang Yong-sik in "When the Camellia Blooms" (2019) and the goofy, good-natured Dae-ho in the second season of "Squid Game." But in "Streaming," opening Friday, Kang ditches virtue entirely. With slicked-back hair, flashy suits, ice on his wrist and showy arm tattoos, his character Woo-sang is a true creature of the attention economy. As Korea's top livestreamer focused on crime stories, Woo-sang operates in a ruthless ecosystem where only the highest-ranked creator pockets all sponsorship earnings. When he stumbles upon a clue to the notorious serial killer case, Woo-sang scrambles to reclaim his top position, broadcasting his investigation in real time — only to discover the killer has been watching his stream all along. "Honestly, I couldn't relate to Woo-sang at all," Kang tells reporters at a cafe in Seoul's Samcheong-dong, with the easy warmth of someone chatting with old friends. "But I get why someone would lose their mind over that kind of cash. If billions of won were suddenly flowing in, a guy like Woo-sang might absolutely crack. It just shows how hollow he is inside." The character's exaggerated bravado was largely Kang's invention. The original screenplay portrayed a more subdued, conventional figure, but Kang pushed for something bolder. "The Woo-sang in the initial script wasn't nearly this obnoxious," he says. "During test shoots, I played him as the director originally envisioned — ordinary hair, black suit with white shirt and black tie. But I realized viewers would be watching this character for the entire film, and I thought giving him stronger characteristics might make things more interesting. So I started thinking: 'How can we turn it up a notch?'" After mid-production discussions with the crew, Kang cranked up the sleaze factor, a gutsy choice that more or less pays off for a film hell-bent on exposing the raw underbelly of internet culture. The 91-minute thriller hinges almost entirely on Kang's portrayal of a fame-hungry clout chaser. He dominates the screen for roughly 90 percent of the runtime, offering what amounts to a bona fide one-man show. While its premise as a thriller doesn't quite stick the landing, the film does offer formal innovations worth noting. Particularly it uses extended one-take shots to capture the immediacy of livestreaming. For most actors, such prolonged sequences with dense dialogue would prove daunting, but Kang, a seasoned theater performer, found himself in familiar territory. "Film and TV scripts typically have short dialogue exchanges — four or five lines at most," he says. "But when I received this script, it was just 'Woo-sang, Woo-sang, Woo-sang' filling the pages. Reading it felt like studying a play script. Since I've done theater and musicals regularly, it occurred to me that I could approach this film like a stage performance." The primary challenge, naturally, was conveying the immediacy of the livestream format. Kang shared how he reveled in playing with the temporal differences between theater and film. "Ten minutes on stage is nothing, but 10 minutes on camera is entirely different," he says. "In film, if there's no dialogue for just three seconds, it feels like something's gone wrong. It creates discomfort because viewers aren't used to it. "I thought I should maybe make use of those uncomfortable moments — adding extra dialogue in some places, intentional silence in others. I believe the tension and liveness of streaming flows from that discomfort." Worlds away from the clout chaser he portrays, Kang is a self-proclaimed super-introvert who barely leaves his home. He doesn't have a social media account and rarely touches his phone once he gets home. Even his appearance in the second season of the global phenomenon "Squid Game" has left him largely untouched. "I honestly haven't felt any change," he says when asked about his rising international profile. "I rarely leave my house, so I wouldn't know. People occasionally tell me they enjoyed 'Squid Game,' but that's about it." Despite his success, Kang sometimes feels his celebrity status rests awkwardly on his shoulders. "It's not exactly pressure or stress," he reflects. "But I often think this might not be the perfect fit for me. Especially during the 'Squid Game' promotions with all those people and cameras — it felt as if every camera in Korea was there. That's when I thought this isn't quite my ideal outfit." He offers a simple philosophy that cuts through his star status: "I just want to live naturally. If I can't find my own happiness, I won't be happy no matter what important work I'm doing. My happiness and peace of mind come first."
