OTT Review

"Twelve" starring Ma Dong-seok saw a significant ratings drop in its second episode. The drama faces harsh criticism for its story and repetitive action sequences. Its failure contrasts with the success of its competitor, "The Tyrant's Chef." The world of K-dramas always keeps viewers on their toes, and this week's lineup is no exception, offering a fascinating case study in audience preferences. One of the most anticipated shows was undoubtedly KBS 2TV's "Twelve," headlined by the ever-popular Ma Dong-seok.

A modern chef falls into Joseon and wins hearts with her cooking. The Tyrant’s Chef blends fantasy, romance, and palace intrigue. Global buzz grows as fans praise the leads’ chemistry.

A bus ride through Seoul’s 1980s glow, Dreams, love, and friendships begin to grow, A Hundred Memories—where nostalgia flows. When a four-second teaser clip can send social media into a spin, you know a drama has struck a chord. JTBC’s upcoming series A Hundred Memories will premiere on 13 September 2025 at 10:40 PM KST. The youth melodrama is a retro love letter to the 1980s, centering on two bus attendants whose hopes and first loves collide against a rapidly modernizing Seoul.

A fantasy lamp awakens old sparks Suzy and Woo-bin return, stirring hearts Buzz, praise, and backlash light up the screens Ever since Netflix dropped the first poster and teaser for its upcoming K-drama Genie, Make a Wish on 20 August 2025, K-drama communities have been buzzing. The fantasy rom-com reunites heartthrob Kim Woo-bin and beloved actress Bae Suzy for the first time since 2016’s Uncontrollably Fond.

Son Ye-jin returns to film in "No Other Choice" after marrying Hyun Bin and having their son. She plays a strong mother, a role enriched by her personal experience with motherhood. The film is directed by Park Chan-wook and has been invited to major international festivals. Son Ye-jin is a name that resonates far beyond the borders of South Korea, synonymous with a rare blend of elegance, profound acting chops, and undeniable star power.

A fallen star awakens in a new world A romance of wounds, laughter, and healing My Troubled Star dares to chase ENA’s brightest record

Finale ratings peak anchored by relatable office struggles and the "Abnormality Five’s" bond. Lee Jong-suk and Moon Ga-young’s Hong Kong past, filmed with technical precision, became a standout narrative device. Director Park credited cast closeness: "Actors’ real-life chemistry made their on-screen affection effortless." tvN's weekend drama 'Seocho-dong' (Law and The City) concluded its run on a triumphant note, achieving its highest viewership ratings on its final episode (August 10th).

Twelve blends East Asian zodiac lore with superhero-style battles, led by Ma Dong Seok’s commanding tiger angel. The actors real-life bond enhances their performances as celestial warriors who’ve fought together for centuries. Park Hyung Sik’s Ogui isn’t just a dark force, he’s a complex antagonist intertwined with the angels’ fate. The upcoming action-fantasy drama Twelve is already generating buzz, not just for its unique premise but for the undeniable camaraderie among its star-studded cast.

Friendship’s tangled threads of love and pain, Admiration mingled with silent strain, Two hearts entwined, yet struggling in vain. Instagram @netflixkr

August 2025 features 4 major Korean film releases across comedy, romance and horror genres Standouts include a zombie family comedy and a K-pop idol's acting debut in horror The lineup demonstrates Korea's growing influence on global cinema trends August 2025 is shaping up to be an extraordinary month for Korean cinema, with a stellar lineup of films that showcase the industry’s incredible range and creativity.

My Daughter Is a Zombie shattered records, reaching 2.2 million admissions in 7 days—faster than Hollywood rivals. The film’s emotional father-daughter story and comedic twist on zombies earned rave reviews and sky-high ratings. With its record-breaking pace, the movie is now on track to become one of 2025’s biggest Korean hits. In an unprecedented box office performance, My Daughter Is a Zombie has taken the Korean film industry by storm, surpassing 2.2 million viewers in just seven days—hitting its break-even point at record speed.

Love Untangled, nostalgic 90s romance about a girl "fixing" her curly hair for love sparks modern beauty standard debates. Stars Gong Myoung and Shin Eun Soo deliver heartfelt performances in this problematic-yet-charming coming-of-age story. Premiering August 29 amid controversy, balancing period authenticity with contemporary inclusivity concerns. Netflix's upcoming Korean original film Love Untangled has become one of the most talked-about releases of the season, generating equal parts excitement for its nostalgic 90s romance and heated debate about

Song Joong-ki embodies lost-and-found youth as a former child star confronting his past in My Youth His portrayal captures youth's fleeting nature - both the bright beginnings and bittersweet rediscoveries Through this role, Song Joong-ki redefines what it means to reclaim one's youthful spirit at any age After a relatively low-profile period following his marriage to British actress Katy Louise Saunders, beloved Korean actor Song Joong Ki is finally making a grand return to the small screen with JTBC’s upcoming melodrama My Youth.

Kim Nam-gil reveals how playing a rogue sniper pushed him to explore his character's darkest emotions and most primal instincts. The actor discusses his intense preparation for the role. From weapons training to mastering his character's brooding physicality. When Kim Nam-gil takes on a role, he doesn’t just act—he immerses himself in the psyche of his character.

A Father’s love survives even the end of the world, Where laughter blooms in the face of decay, And a zombie child becomes a symbol of hope. Photo: NEW

Arin undergoes dramatic physical and emotional transformation for her role in the adult thriller S-Line The idol-turned-actress discusses filming intimate scenes Her bold performance marks a complete departure from Oh My Girl's innocent youngest member image From her debut as the youngest member of the beloved K-pop group Oh My Girl to her growing reputation as a daring actress, Arin has continuously defied expectations in the most compelling ways.

A story once read, now shown on screen, But the reader’s soul is lost between, Fandom roars where faith has been. 'Omniscient Reader' poster from Lotte Entertainment

Knives and swords collide in time, A chef and a king, fate intertwined, Where flavors rule and power hides. tvN’s newest weekend drama The Tyrant’s Chef (English title: Bon Appétit, Your Majesty) is o

Squid Game Season 2 failed to secure a single 2025 Emmy nomination The season faced tougher competition and losing out to fresher hits like The Last of Us and The White Lotus. With Season 3 eligible for the 2026 Emmys, the door remains open for the series to reclaim its award-winning legacy. Fans were left stunned when Squid Game Season 2 failed to secure a single nomination at this year’s Emmy Awards—a sharp contrast to the groundbreaking success of its first season.

All of Us Are Dead 2 change from Hyosan High to Seoul, raising stakes with new threats and evolved zombies. Returning cast + new additions like Roh Jae-won (NIS agent) deepen the survival drama and moral conflicts. Season 2 believe will delivers upgraded action, emotional arcs, and societal collapse themes. All of Us Are Dead, the zombie apocalypse is far from over as Netflix's hit Korean survival horror series returns for its highly anticipated second season.