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Judge from Hell  follows Kang Bit Na ( Park Shin Hye ), an elite judge who is secretly a demon.

Busan Film Festival sure does have a great variety of film premiers and specials this year, and Hellbound season 2 will premiere there, before it arrives on Netflix on October 25, 2024! Let's take a look at all the details for the return of this highly-anticipated series! Season one concluded with the religious leader and chairman Jung Jin Soo ( Yoo Ah In Seoul Vibe 2022) had vanished, not only this but Park Jung Ja (Kim Shin Rok Uprising 2024) had been resurrected and Min Hye Jin ( Kim Hyun Joo The Bequeathed 2024) had thankfully escaped with baby Toughie despite the child being decreed to damnation. Of course, if that wasn't enough season two is set to show the New Truth, the Arrowheads, and Sodo leader Hye Jin. Hye Jin must grapple with the sudden resurrections of the former command to state her place. Is this possible? Fans have already taken to social media to express their excitement and comment on how fabulous the cast looks at the BIFF 2024 opening ceremony: Let's take a closer look! To recap has a very exciting sense of growth across its series and I find it interesting how the ideas and script are written, I did however find in season one that the script and storyline can be a bit all over the place with many plots, twists, and conspiracies. There’s also a little too much telling and not showing when it comes to the impact of this new teaching — we hear that half the world has been caught up in New Truth fever, but hardly get a nervous sense of it. Similarly, the show’s dramatic goals can be out of reach, as with an albeit harrowing emotional subplot in the second half involving a baby, that then gets redundant with tearful monologues and sad music. It’s the kind of stuff that one hopes is sharpened if there is a season two.  Let's take a look at the trailer! So for season two Jung Jin Soo is a founder of a religious cult called the New Truth, and he is back after being previously condemned to hell for several years. Upon his return, he is quick to realize the dictator of the New Truth; this time it is set to be much more extreme than before. Scary right? After being condemned to hell, Jin Soo finds out that he is not the only one who has come back to the land of living and for sure wants to find out why he is back and for what purpose. Could it be the path to true salvation?  Without a doubt season two is set to have an action-packed cast with some familiar and new faces. The new faces appear in Season 2: Cheon Se Hyeong (Im Seong Jae The Worst of Evil 2023), the first person to meet the resurrected Jung; Lee Su Gyeong (Moon So Ri) the political affairs secretary who aims to use the New Truth and Park Jung Ja to restore order and balance to society; and Miss Sunshine (Moon Geun Young), a devoted Arrowhead follower. The "Gates of Hell" are opening again, according to one fan who posted on Instagram. This second series of Hellbound has captured the excitement of many fans globally! What role will these new characters play in the Hellbound universe? Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below!

They aim to work out how they are going to navigate through a world with supernatural forces and demons

The No Gain No Love spin-off, Spice Up Our Love , starring Lee Sang Yi ( My Demon 2023 - 2024) and

But he is not without his inner demons—chief among them his estranged brother, police detective Hwang Remember the collective ripples of shock fans felt when popular K-pop idol OK Taecyeon was revealed to

The 1997 IMF crisis that changed every Korean household (Credits: Winton) The new K-drama Typhoon Family  is set in the late 1990s, a period that completely changed South Korea’s history, the time of the IMF Crisis. It wasn’t just an economic term but a real tragedy that turned powerful families into debtors, forced small companies to close, and pushed countless people to start life all over again. When the Dream Economy Fell Apart Until the mid-1990s, South Korea was known as the “Asian Tiger". The country had developed fast after years of hard work, with large companies like Samsung, Hyundai, and Daewoo expanding everywhere. But much of that growth was built on loans, money borrowed from banks and foreign investors. When the Asian financial crisis began in 1997, foreign lenders started pulling their money out of Asian countries. Suddenly, South Korea was short of cash, and companies could not pay their debts. One by one, major firms went bankrupt, and thousands of workers lost their jobs overnight. The IMF Crisis That Shook Every Family It wasn’t just the big companies; even small businesses and middle-class families collapsed under debt. Many people lost homes, savings, and stability. Chaebol families who once lived in luxury found themselves selling everything to survive. Jobless men and women flooded the streets looking for any kind of work. Some people moved back to their hometowns or countryside villages because city life became unaffordable. Even earning daily wages became difficult as companies shut down and unemployment hit record levels. Leaders set for press conference on IMF Crisis (Credits: H21) When People Gave Their Gold to Save the Nation In late 1997, the Korean government turned to the International Monetary Fund for help. The IMF agreed to lend around 58 billion dollars, but with tough conditions such as mass layoffs, spending cuts, and company restructuring. Amid the national despair, one of the most touching moments in modern Korean history happened. Ordinary citizens, from students to grandmothers, donated their personal gold jewelry and even couples giving away engagement rings to help repay the country’s debt. Over 200 tons of gold were collected, a powerful symbol of unity and sacrifice. People also held protests demanding better labor conditions and fair treatment for laid-off workers. It was a time when Korea truly stood together, even in hardship. Common Public Giving Away Gold to Government for repaying Loan (Credits: News1) The IMF Years That Rebuilt a Nation By 1999, the country had begun to slowly recover. Leading companies like Samsung and Hyundai restructured their businesses, focusing on efficiency and global competitiveness. Within just a few years, South Korea not only repaid its IMF loan ahead of schedule but also rebuilt its image as a strong, modern economy. This painful chapter taught Koreans the value of saving, education, and stability. It shaped a generation that valued hard work and security, a sentiment that is still reflected in Korean culture and dramas today. How Typhoon Family Brings the IMF Era Back to Life In Typhoon Family , we see Kang Tae-poong ( Junho ), whose father owned a finance company that collapsed during the crisis. His father’s death and the company’s downfall represent what thousands of families faced in real life: the sudden loss of everything they had built. Tae-poong’s journey to revive his father’s company with loyal employees mirrors the real determination of the Korean people who refused to give up even when the odds were against them. The drama captures not just one man’s fight but the shared pain and resilience of a whole generation who lived through the IMF era. Typhoon Family (Credits: tvN) The Pain That Built Modern Korea The IMF crisis is more than a backdrop in Typhoon Family ; it is the heart of the story. It reminds us how a country once on the edge of collapse rebuilt itself through unity, sacrifice, and willpower. Today, South Korea stands as one of the most developed nations in the world, with global tech giants and a thriving entertainment industry. But behind that success lies the memory of those difficult years, when even the richest fell and the people rose together to lift their nation again. Does Typhoon Family  capture the true emotions of that time, or do you think the real pain of the IMF era can never be fully shown on screen? (Information compiled and written by Disha Paul. Historical and factual references cross-checked from The Korea Herald archives and IMF official statements.) #TyphoonFamily #IMF #IMFCrisis #SouthKoreaFinance #historicalevent

Genie, Make a Wish starring Kim Woo Bin and Bae Suzy (Credits: Netflix)   Genie, Make a Wish , arrived with huge excitement in 2025. Fans were thrilled to see Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy back in a new fantasy romance after their chemistry in Uncontrollably Fond . The big names, fancy visuals, and a mythic story promised a memorable show. Instead, the drama has a rating of about 5.5 on IMDb. The reaction was fast and fierce. Viewers complained about the plot, editing, tone, and a controversy surrounding religious content. The Chuseok release choice made things worse by letting criticism spread all at once. We delve into what led to this highly anticipated drama's sudden decline in popularity. Genie, Make a Wish Plot Summary Genie, Make a Wish follows Iblis, a supernatural being who wakes after ages and sees humanity as flawed. He meets Ka Young, played by Bae Suzy , and an odd bond forms between them. She gets wishes, and he watches how people use them. The show jumps between the present and ancient times, and it mixes fantasy, romance, and comedy. It tries to tell a big story about desire, guilt, and change. But the many time jumps and tone shifts made the plot hard to follow for many viewers. Where to Watch Genie, Make a Wish, and the Chuseok Drop Netflix released all 13 episodes of Genie, Make a Wish at once during Chuseok. Chuseok is a seven-day holiday when many people have time to binge-watch shows, and it is the longest holiday for many Koreans this year. The makers likely hoped the holiday would bring big viewership. Instead, because every episode was available from day one, weak moments were exposed immediately. Fans and critics had everything to react to right away. That made negative reviews spread faster. Still from Genie, Make a Wish  (Credits: Netflix)   Genie, Make a Wish Review: What Fans Are Complaining About A top complaint is how the drama uses religious and mythic themes. Some viewers felt that certain religious ideas and texts were used in a way that showed little respect for real beliefs. This upset many people, especially Muslim viewers, and led to strong backlash online. Another issue is the story flow. The show jumps from modern scenes to a very old backstory without clear transitions. Viewers felt baffled about when events happened and why a scene mattered. This choppy editing makes the drama hard to enjoy. Fans also say the tone is uneven. One moment, the show is playful; the next, it is dark. The mix of genres often feels shaky. Jokes sometimes do not land. Heavy scenes do not always have the emotional weight they need. Still from Genie, Make a Wish  (Credits: Netflix)   Genie, Make a Wish Review: What Failed Creatively The direction and editing often feel rushed or uneven. Scenes cut quickly to new places or new time periods. That creates confusion rather than mystery. The script has weak points. Dialogue at times feels flat. Some jokes are forced. The emotional beats do not connect clearly. For a show mixing fantasy and romance, the balance is off. The cast is talented but underused. Kim Woo-bin gives strong moments, but his Genie changes tone from cruel to childlike in a short time. That inconsistency makes the character feel unclear. Bae Suzy looks great and acts well. But some fans said her role felt familiar and not fully written. Many supporting roles are thin and stay close to stereotypes. Still from Genie, Make a Wish  (Credits: Netflix)   Genie, Make a Wish : What We Liked About It Even with the flaws, the show has positives. The main cast gave scenes life. Their acting saved many weak moments. Cameos from well-known stars created buzz. Reports mentioned surprise appearances that delighted fans and added small highlights. These moments gave viewers something to talk about. The visual design is strong. Costumes, makeup, and settings are eye-catching. Bae Suzy’s fashion got special praise online. Her looks became a talking point and one of the show’s few steady wins. Genie, Make a Wish Cameos That Surprised Fans Genie, Make a Wish  included several memorable cameos that added excitement to the series. The drama featured some big cameo names. Song Hye-kyo  appears as Jinniya, an ex-girlfriend of Iblis with past connections to Ka-young. Daniel Henney  makes a curious cameo as a dog who wants to become human, interacting with Genie. Kim Ji-hoon  also appears as a well-dressed, loyal character connected to the cameo dog. These cameos raised expectations, but many felt they were underused or just splashy additions, not enough to fix the weak script or confusing plot. Why the Chuseok Binge Drop Might Have Hurt Genie, Make a Wish Dropping all episodes during a big holiday means there is no slow build. If the first episodes are shaky, viewers can see all the problem areas at once. With episodes available immediately, social media was filled with negative takes, and many people dropped the show fast. If the episodes had been spread out, the team might have had time to manage feedback, or viewers might have given it more patience as the plot developed. The all-at-once release removed that chance. Our Thoughts on Genie, Make a Wish Genie, Make a Wish had everything it needed to be a hit. Instead, a mix of controversy, confusing pacing, and uneven tone made many viewers unhappy. The cast and visual style show what the drama could have been. But the script and editing did not match that promise. For curious viewers, it is still worth a watch for the performances and the cameos. For others, the flaws are too big and the 5.5 rating feels understandable. What do you think about Genie, Make a Wish ? Did the Chuseok binge drop make the reaction worse? Tell us what you think in the comments. #GenieMakeaWish #fantasydrama #flop

South Korea is not just about K-pop and K-dramas anymore. taking over different corners of the industry: Solo Leveling  – A fantasy-action series about a weak hunter engagement, easy accessibility, and global reach, they have the potential to rival K-dramas and even K-pop Just like K-pop helped spread Korean culture worldwide, webtoons now play a similar role.

"When the Phone Rings" Delaying Episodes (Credits: MBC) MBC's K-drama When the Phone Rings  has delayed the release of its next episodes, leaving fans curious about why this is happening and whether the show will be released this week. The drama has captured attention with its intriguing storyline and complex characters, but the delay is due to political tensions in South Korea. These tensions have led the network to pause the regular broadcast schedule in favor of national news coverage following South Korea's martial law incident . About When the Phone Rings When the Phone Rings  revolves around Baek Sa Eon, a prominent political figure and the youngest presidential spokesman in Korea, played by actor Yoo Yeon Seok . His wife, Hong Hui Ju, portrayed by Chae Soo Bin , has mutism due to an accident and works as a sign language interpreter. "When the Phone Rings" (Credis: MBC) Their marriage, which was based on convenience, faces turmoil when an unknown person kidnaps Hui Ju. This marks the beginning of a series of events that uncover hidden family secrets. What Happened in the Last Episode (Episode 4)? Spoilers! In Episode 4, Sa Eon uncovers a major secret about his wife, Hee Joo. While investigating his father-in-law's disappearance, he learns shocking information that changes how he views their marriage. "When the Phone Rings" (Credits: MBC) One key moment in the episode is when Sa Eon discovers that his wife can speak, something he had never known before. This revelation, combined with mounting tension between Sa Eon and his father over his political career, sets up a dramatic cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager for the next episode. What’s Next for When the Phone Rings ? Episodes 5 and 6 of When the Phone Rings  were originally planned to air this week. However, due to the delay, they are now set to be released on Netflix on December 13 and 14. The show will return after a short break, but there is still uncertainty regarding whether there will be further delays depending on how the political situation in South Korea develops. The Impact of the Delay The delay of When the Phone Rings  shows how current events affect media scheduling . MBC has decided to focus on important national news during this time of political unrest. Fans can expect the drama to return once the situation calms down, but they will need to wait for updates on the next steps. Will When the Phone Rings  pick up where it left off with the same intensity? How do you feel about the political tensions affecting the drama’s schedule? Share your thoughts and predictions! #WhenThePhoneRings #YooYeonSeok #ChaeSooBin #SouthKorea #MartialLaw

From witch trials to vampires, your next thrilling adventure awaits in South Korea! We highlight some of the hottest events during this Halloween season! Which event are you going to this Halloween? Halloween in Korea has been a holiday that has been growing each year, and even after the tragic Itaewon crowd stampede in 2022 , many Koreans are still celebrating Halloween in a slightly more laid-back atmosphere. In this article, we will focus on the best places in Korea to celebrate this spooky holiday!   Lotte World Halloween Festival Lotte World in the center of Seoul, offers visitors a spooky experience featuring haunted houses, and themed spaces which are fun for all of the family. If that isn't enough, guests will also be able to enjoy parades and performances throughout the holidays. The park has also introduced new attractions and extended the festival duration for the 2025 celebrations, in a bid to enhance the Halloween experience for it's guests. Daegu Perhaps some of the Dojeon team are biased; however, Daegu is a great place to experience and enjoy Halloween this year. E-World will be hosting its annual family-friendly event called "Happy Halloween " , which will showcase some very special fireworks and parades throughout the holidays. Jeonju If you are after a Halloween that is perhaps a little more cultural and laid back, then Jeonju’s Halloween vibe is a more low-key option for you, thanks to its social events. In Jeonju you will be able to experience costume parties at local pubs, which is a great way of meeting people. It’s not a huge festival, but it offers a casual, fun Halloween atmosphere, and it is one that we would recommend! Starry Sea Busan Night Festa If you are looking for a coastal Halloween experience this year, then Busan is a great place to be during the festivities. Busan is a city with a great nightlife, and this year Busan will host different events for different ages. There will be themed programs like "Science & Magic Kids Night Playground" and the "Night Music Campnic & Travel Show." The festival has expanded for the 2025 celebrations to include nine themed programs, offering diverse experiences for visitors this year. What will you be doing for Halloween this year? Comment below and let the Dojeon team know! #HalloweenHotSpots #SpookyTravel #HauntedDestinations #BestHalloween #CreepyGetaway #OctoberTravel

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) is giving K-drama fans, creatives, and storytellers a rare chance to meet one of Korea’s most influential content creators — Jo Gwang Jin, the mind behind the global sensation Itaewon Class — through the latest installment of its “Meet the Mentor” series! "Meet the Mentor" Itaewon Class's Webtoon artist Jo Gwang Jin! Courtesy of KCC Phil. Happening from July 4 to 6, 2025 , this three-day program brings Jo Gwang Jin to multiple venues in Metro Manila, where he will share his journey — from crafting the original webtoon to seeing it adapted into the blockbuster K-drama that resonated with audiences worldwide for its themes of resilience, diversity, and fighting for one’s dreams. Specifically, his workshop at The M includes a drawing session, during which he will demonstrate how his story unfolds through the strokes of his pen. Building on the success of KCC’s "Meet the Mentor" series — which has previously featured webtoon artists, literature authors , film experts, and other cultural figures — this event continues KCC’s commitment to connecting Filipino audiences with Korea’s thriving creative industries. 📅 July 4 | Sketching Beginnings 📍 De La Salle-College of St. Benilde | 1PM – 4PM 📲 Secure your slot here 👉 FREE event but pre-registration is required. 📅 July 5 | Plotlines and Panels 📍 2F, The Metropolitan Museum of Manila | 1PM – 4PM 📲 Secure your slot here 👉 FREE event but pre-registration is required. 📅 July 5-6 | Interactive Space featuring Korean Webtoon 📍 PICOF 2025, SM Megamall | 10AM – 8PM 👉 Secure your ticket here *Registration fee for the whole PICOF 2025 will apply. 📅 July 6 | Ink & Industries 📍 PICOF 2025, SM Megamall | 1:30PM – 4:30PM 👉 Secure your ticket here *The masterclass is FREE. Poster From Korean Culture of the Philippines (KCC PH) Alongside the talk shows, KCC is making its debut as an exhibitor at the Philippine International Comics Festival 2025 (PICOF)! A dedicated space on Korean Webtoon featuring its growth and notable works with hands-on experience will allow visitors to scroll themselves into the world of Webtoon. ‘Meet the Mentor: The Creator of Itaewon Class’ is hosted by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine International Comics Festival 2025 (PICOF), Komiket, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, and the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. 🔥 3 days. 3 venues. 1 creator. Don’t miss your chance to learn directly from the mind behind Itaewon Class! 🍻✨ #MeetTheMentor #ItaewonClass #KCCPhil #KoreanCulturePH

The newly released coming-of-age film Hear Me: Our Summer , which premiered on November 6, has quickly captured the box office, outperforming Venom 3  to secure the No. 1 spot in its second week, according to SBS Korea. As reported by the Korea Film Council, Hear Me: Our Summer  drew a total of 65,404 viewers on November 11. Since its release, the film has held firmly at the top of the box office into its second week. Meanwhile, Venom 3 , despite being one of the most anticipated Hollywood releases, slipped to second place, drawing 61,553 viewers on the same day. This was followed by Kim Chang Joo's Amazon Bull Eye , which attracted 28,178 viewers, placing it third. Although the audience numbers remain modest due to the off-season, it is notable that Hear Me: Our Summer  has maintained its box office lead through the first weekend and well into the weekdays. The Story Behind Hear Me: Our Summer Directed by Cho Sun Ho, Hear Me: Our Summer is adapted from the 2009 Taiwanese film Hear Me . It follows two young people who meet one summer and become pillars of support for each other's dreams, ultimately finding love in each other. Hong Kyung ( Revenant 2023) stars as Yong Jun , a young man troubled by his lack of purpose, who encounters Yeo Rum, played by Roh Yoon Seo , one summer day. Yeo Rum’s sole motivation is to support her younger sister Ga Eul played by Kim Min Ju , a hearing-impaired swimmer whose dream she’s determined to fulfil. However, as feelings blossom between Yong Jun and Yeo Rum, Yeo Rum grapples with guilt and the fear of neglecting her sister, complicating her emotions further. Will they learn to understand the love and warmth they share? Why You Should Be Watching This Korean Film Hear Me: Our Summer stands out as one of the most visually pleasing films of 2024. With minimal dialogue, it leaves a lasting impact through its poignant use of sign language, body language, and written text, rather than relying solely on verbal interactions. The film’s setting transports viewers to the warmth of summer vacation , capturing the essence of youth romance and coming-of-age drama with a beautifully aesthetic backdrop. The cast like Hong Kyung, Roh Yoon Seo and Kim Min Ju excel at portraying emotions, allowing audiences to connect deeply with their characters through gestures alone, making the narrative even more touching. If you’re in South Korea, be sure to add this film to your weekend watchlist! And if you're outside South Korea, let us know in the comments how excited you are for a potential worldwide release. We’d love to hear your thoughts! #HearMeOurSummer #RohYoonSeo #HongKyung #KimMinJu