On the Korean TV program Four Men," former 2NE1 K-pop starlet Sandara Park made a startling confession

Night Has Come  and All of Us Are Dead 2  are trending again! (Credits: X) High school thrillers keep audiences hooked with stories about survival, betrayal, and friendship tested under pressure. With Night Has Come gaining buzz and All of Us Are Dead Season 2 on the way, now is the right time to watch similar dramas that bring the same tension and intensity! Here’s a list of must-watch K-dramas that bring survival games, dangerous friendships, and dark secrets to life in high school. Duty After School Duty After School (Credits: TVING) Aired:  March 31 – April 21, 2023 No. of Episodes:  10 Cast:   Shin Hyun Soo , Lee Soon Won , Lim Se Mi , Kim Ki Hae Streaming Platform:  TVING, Viki Students preparing for college entrance exams suddenly find themselves drafted into a war against alien creatures. Duty After School blends action with human drama as classmates are turned into soldiers overnight. Their struggles highlight the loss of innocence and the heavy price of survival. The series combines large-scale battles with quiet moments of fear and hope, showing how friendships can either collapse or grow stronger when the stakes are life and death. Extracurricular Extracurricular (Credits: Netflix) Aired:  April 29, 2020 No. of Episodes:  10 Cast:   Kim Dong Hee , Park Ju Hyun , Jung Da Bin , Nam Yoon Su Streaming Platform:  Netflix Ji Soo is a model student by day, but behind the scenes, he runs an illegal business to save money for his future. When his secret comes out, he and his classmates are pulled into a dangerous spiral of crime. The drama shines a harsh light on ambition, greed, and desperation. It leaves viewers questioning how far someone would go when pushed into a corner. Friendly Rivalry Friendly Rivalry (Credits: U+ Mobile TV) Aired:  July 15 – August 20, 2024 No. of Episodes:  12 Cast:   Hyeri , Chung Su-bin , Kang Hye-won Streaming Platform:  SBS, Viki At first, it looks like an ordinary competition between two students, but their rivalry grows darker as obsession and betrayal take over. Their conflict spreads to those around them, testing loyalties and exposing hidden weaknesses. The drama keeps viewers guessing as ambition turns toxic and friendship transforms into something far more dangerous. Bitch X Rich Bitch X Rich (Credits: WAVVE) Aired:  May 31 – July 5, 2023 No. of Episodes:  10 Cast:   Yeri , Lee Eun-saem , Yoo Jung-hoo Streaming Platform:  Wavve, Netflix Set in the halls of an elite high school, this drama explores how wealth and status shape relationships. When a poor transfer student crosses paths with the school’s queen bee, an intense power struggle begins. Scandals, betrayals, and hidden agendas keep tensions high, making it a binge-worthy series for those who like dark school dramas. Weak Hero Class 1 Weak Hero Class (Credits: WAVVE) Aired:  November 18 – December 2, 2022 No. of Episodes:  8 Cast:   Park Ji-hoon , Choi Hyun-wook , Hong Kyung Streaming Platform:  Wavve, Viki Yeon Si Eun may look like an easy target, but he uses intelligence, quick thinking, and resourcefulness to fight bullies. He proves that brains can sometimes outmatch brute strength. The show offers a hard look at bullying, resilience, and friendship. Its realistic action scenes and emotional depth have earned it praise from fans worldwide. Revenge of Others Revenge of Others (Credits: Disney+) Aired:  November 9 to December 14, 2022 No. of Episodes:  12 Cast:   Shin Ye-eun , Lomon , Seo Ji-hoon , Chae Sang-woo Streaming Platform:  Disney+ Ok Chan Mi does not accept that her twin brother died by suicide. She transfers to his school to find out what happened and becomes entangled with Ji Soo Heon, a mysterious student who fights back against bullies. Together, they chase answers and retribution. The series blends suspense with the pain of loss and the hunger for justice. It shows how trauma can push people toward dangerous choices and how two troubled youths find a shared purpose. Pyramid Game Pyramid Game (Credits: TVING) Aired:  February 29 to March 21, 2024 No. of Episodes:  10 Cast:   Bona , Jang Da-ah , Ryu Da-in , Shin Seul-ki , Kang Na-eon Streaming Platform:  TVING, Viu, Paramount Plus in selected regions At an all-girls high school, a monthly popularity poll ranks students and creates a harsh social order. A transfer student starts at the bottom and must face violence, isolation, and the cruelty of a system that rewards status above all else. The pyramid structure forces students to fight to survive socially and emotionally. Pyramid Game examines how group pressure and ranking systems can tear people apart. It mixes psychological tension with raw emotion as students try to survive a school culture built on fear and hierarchy. Why These Picks Work Each of these series captures the thrilling tension and moral questions of Night Has Come, but with unique twists. Whether it’s alien warfare, hidden crimes, power games, or silent rebellion, they keep adrenaline and empathy intertwined. With Night Has Come  still trending and All of Us Are Dead 2  building hype, now is the perfect time to catch up on these thrilling school dramas! If you could recommend just one from this list, which would it be? Comment down to let us know! #AllofUsAreDead2 #NightHasCome #PyramidGame #BitchxRich #highschooldramas

After battling monsters and evildoers in the Korean drama series Sweet Home (season 3 is on the way!)

Boys II Planet under fire for too many reasons! (Credits: Mnet) The debut of Boys II Planet has sparked more than just excitement—it has triggered serious concern among fans. Episode 1 revealed a survival show that feels more punishing than uplifting, raising questions about whether this format has gone too far. Audiences expected talent and growth but instead encountered forced drama, grueling tasks, and heavy-handed editing. Here is a breakdown of the most pressing issues. Queerbaiting and Forced Fanservice The show’s early clips featured blindfolded contestants pressed together for guessing games. Many viewers criticized this setup as staged fanservice aimed at generating buzz without genuine context. Comments like “it feels too forced” appeared across social media, suggesting fans are losing interest in artificial drama. Uneven Screen Time and Manipulative Editing Certain trainees received over 15 minutes of screen time, while others barely appeared at all. The uneven spotlight led to accusations of manipulative editing tactics designed to heighten conflict rather than show true talent. Fans pointed out that the most skilled performers were often ignored, fueling frustration among viewers. Controversy Surrounding Kim Geon-woo The inclusion of trainee Kim Geon-woo stirred controversy even before the premiere. Allegations surfaced accusing him of bullying and abusing his power at a former agency. Despite these serious claims, Mnet kept him in the lineup, stating investigations were ongoing. His prominent position in Episode 1 left fans questioning the show’s ethics. The ‘Death Mission’ and Trainee Burnout One of the episode’s most shocking moments involved what fans are calling the "death mission." Trainees had to repeat choreography over thirty times until one collapsed from exhaustion. Social media reactions noted this felt less like training and more like deliberate physical punishment. Viewers expressed concern for the mental and physical health of the participants. Still from Boys II Planet first episode (Credits: Soompi) Vocal Editing and Lip-Syncing Concerns Viewers noticed heavy vocal editing and auto-tune in performance segments. Fans questioned how judges or viewers could assess true vocal ability when the real voices were hidden behind effects. Comments asking “what is the point if we cannot hear their true talent” appeared across forums. Popularity Over Skill? The show’s format allows popularity-based rankings to influence screen time. Observers pointed out that trainees with large existing fanbases seemed favored, while skilled performers without big followings were sidelined. Critics argue this rewards popularity over genuine potential. Peak Time as a Contrast Viewers frequently compare Boys II Planet unfavorably with Peak Time , a show widely praised for fair editing and genuine storytelling. Unlike Boys II Planet , Peak Time gave eliminated contestants respectful treatment and balanced screen time. Many believe this is the direction survival shows should take. Viewer Reactions Speak Out Forums like Reddit and fan communities have been filled with strong reactions: “Survival shows drain the life out of all of us. Winners feel pre-picked", and “Too many shows now rely on gossipy editing rather than talent.” Such feedback shows a growing demand for formats that support both artistry and well-being. Episode 1 Recap: Highlights and Concerns Episode 1 brought high-energy auditions and dramatic eliminations. The “death mission” emphasized physical resilience over creative skill, while editing highlighted conflict over character development. Still, a few trainees managed to shine, drawing cautious hopes that talent may survive the cutthroat format. Where to Watch Episode 2 Episode 2 aired on July 24 at 9:20 PM KST for Planet K and July 25 at the same time for Planet C. Episodes are available on Mnet’s official platforms, where viewers often follow and debate outcomes in real time. Final Thoughts Episode 1 of Boys II Planet raised important questions. Is this show about discovering talent or just testing endurance? Without a shift in focus, fans fear the format will continue to favor conflict and popularity over authenticity and care. Was Episode 1 unfair, or did your favorite trainee shine through? Share your thoughts below and join the discussion. #BoysIIPlanet #realitytv

searching for answers on his own and will resonate deeply with young people living today, especially within Korean

"Shanghai Romance" by Orange Caramel going viral in 2025! The iconic second-generation K-pop song "Shanghai Romance"  by Orange Caramel is making waves again after 12 years. The catchy tune and quirky dance have gone viral, with both idols and fans enthusiastically recreating the trend. Groups like ATEEZ , BOYNEXTDOOR , BSS , KISS OF LIFE , and ILLIT have already joined in, bringing the nostalgic bop back into the spotlight. The challenge is spreading across social media, reviving love for this unique track. Orange Caramel, a subunit of After School, debuted in 2010 with its signature quirky and experimental style. Known for their fun and theatrical concepts, the group gained immense popularity for redefining the "cute" concept in K-pop. "Shanghai Romance" , released in 2011 with 15 million views on the official MV, was a hit thanks to its addictive melody and bold theme. It charted high on the Gaon Chart and became a fan favorite for its colorful music video and playful choreography. Though Orange Caramel has been inactive as a group, its members have pursued individual careers. Nana , Raina, and Lizzy are now focused on acting, solo music, and variety shows, keeping themselves connected with fans. The resurgence of "Shanghai Romance" has reignited fond memories of the group's glory days. K-pop fans love the mix of nostalgia and fresh energy brought by new idols performing the viral dance challenge. The song’s renewed popularity is a testament to Orange Caramel’s timeless appeal and the enduring charm of second-generation K-pop. It’s heartwarming to see today’s idols honoring this classic in creative ways. Will "Shanghai Romance" be on trend is it possible this second-generation K-pop group will make a comeback very soon? Share your thoughts on this nostalgic trend in the comments! #ShanghaiRomance #OrangeCaramel #NANA

Women (2022) Little Women (Credits: tvN) Three sisters from a poor background become entangled with Korea

Kamusta? We are Meraki ! Our team is driven by pure passion. This is the essence of our name, Meraki. For us, performing is the art of pouring our souls into every rhythm, leaving a piece of ourselves in our craft. Each member shows unwavering dedication to the team's shared passion. With the strong pursuit of excellence, we continually seek opportunities for growth. Our goal is to improve with every performance. Tell us about a time you poured your heart and soul into a project or performance. With every performance that we do, 101% of ourselves is on the stage. Over the last 2 and a half years, each performance and project that we did was wholeheartedly driven by our immense passion. There were times that we needed to sacrifice some things in order to achieve our goals. What does "Meraki" mean to you? For us, Meraki is family. It’s a home where we can pour our passion into. Our members are always there for each other, always there to help everyone maximize their abilities. We really enjoy each other’s company and it’s even more fun since we share the same love and passion for performing. How do you approach rehearsals and preparation for a performance? Before we rehearse altogether, we learn the whole choreography individually, so that it’s easier for the team. Our leader leads us, she’s the one who gets into details of the choreography and she guides the team to learn it accurately. It usually takes us about 2 to 3 rehearsals for dance projects before we can film the project. For live performances like competitions, it takes weeks to prepare because many things need to be accomplished before everything is done and finalized. Tell us about a time you faced a challenge during a performance and how you overcame it. There was this one time in a competition, a member got confused with the blockings and they were standing in the wrong place. Another member whispered to them to get right back to the right blockings and travel while doing the choreography so that it wouldn’t look messy. In performances, although we need to enjoy the stage, we also need to be attentive of any unexpected moments that can happen. We need to think of a solution quickly to not jeopardize the performance. Anything that you would like to promote? Our YouTube channel is Meraki PH , you can subscribe to our channel to get notified when we release new projects and performances. Always be on the lookout for us since we have upcoming projects soon! #MerakiPH #KpopDanceCover #kpopdanceteam

allow fans to live in the artist's world themselves, which is an exciting possibility for many young Koreans

historic fusion of tradition and modernity, these custom-made hanboks were a purpose statement of Korean The Meaning Behind Their Looks The beautifully designed hanboks were made with handwoven Korean cotton linen, featuring intercut textures that mimicked the brushstrokes of traditional backdrops and famous Korean Global ARMY was also joined by new members who showed a new or renewed interest in BTS and Korean garments some, this moment also suggested that the future of K-pop will continue to grow deeper roots and embed Korean

A Korean spin on the Canadian hit with a deep emotional pull. 2.

reputation as a global artist, with Rise producing the hit song, “Eyes, Nose, Lips", which topped South Korea ’s biggest real-time music chart for 5 weeks and won “Song of the Year" on all major Korean award Shows Exclusively available at PHYSICAL SM Tickets outlets only December 29, 12NN Exclusively available ONLINE via