Life&Culture
Stars Up Close In series
A spotlight on Korean artists who rose to prominence in unexpected ways, and moments behind their breakthroughs
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Stars Up Close In series
A spotlight on Korean artists who rose to prominence in unexpected ways, and moments behind their breakthroughs
Would you like to subscribe?
Meet Ha Ye-rin, Korea's first 'Bridgerton' sweetheart
When "Bridgerton" hit Netflix in 2020, it made waves with its inclusive casting. Now, Ha Ye-rin has emerged as the first East Asian actor to lead the series. A glossy alternative-history romance, "Bridgerton" reimagines Regency-era London as a racially inclusive society, following the eight Bridgerton siblings as they explore the marriage market of high society. With its lavish mise-en-scenes, intense romantic storytelling and color-conscious casting, the show has cultivated a fervent global fan
Feb. 9, 2026 - 15:07:18
Son Suk-ku is headed to Hollywood. Here are 5 things to know about him
Son Suk-ku is officially a Sundance darling. Last month, "Bedford Park" — a New Jersey-set romantic drama in which he stars opposite Moon Choi — won a jury award for first-time filmmakers at the festival. Sony Pictures Classics promptly scooped up the film's worldwide distribution rights, which means the 42-year-old will soon have his first proper theatrical run in the States. It's a milestone for an actor who's spent the last few years becoming one of Korea's most magnetic screen presences. Sin
Feb. 3, 2026 - 14:48:25
With $14 million tax bill, Cha Eun-woo faces his biggest test yet
Who would have guessed Cha Eun-woo, out of all people, would end up in serious trouble? On Thursday, Korean outlets reported that the country's tax authority had notified the 28-year-old singer and actor of a 20 billion won ($13.8 million) tax reassessment, the largest ever sought from an individual celebrity in the country. Four days later, while serving his mandatory military stint, Cha posted an apology on his social media account acknowledging his "attitude toward my duty as a citizen" may n
Jan. 27, 2026 - 15:08:44
Faker, anomaly in esports
In South Korea, December is traditionally when companies lay out their plans for the year ahead — a moment for roadmaps, restructuring and long-term vision. In esports, there is one figure whose personal decisions carry similar weight. Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, whose career trajectory has long functioned as a barometer for the League of Legends ecosystem, is one of the few individuals whose direction alone can influence the esports industry at large. On Dec. 18, Lee held a solo press conference re
Dec. 24, 2025 - 13:44:52
Meet Tiffany's beau: Byun Yo-han, Korean cinema's sleek shape-shifter
When Tiffany Young of Girls' Generation — the girl group under SM Entertainment that essentially wrote the K-pop playbook in the late 2000s — announced Saturday that she was dating actor Byun Yo-han with marriage in mind, the international response was telling. Fans of the California-born singer, who stands poised to become the first married member of the legendary eight-member group, had one burning question: Who is this guy? The answer depends on where you've been looking. For starters, the tw
Dec. 17, 2025 - 16:47:35
How a Shinsegae heiress became K-pop’s most-watched rookie
When Allday Project debuted in June, it immediately captured the attention of K-pop fans not only because it was the first coed group introduced in nine years, but also because of the distinct and unconventional profiles of its members. One member who especially drew attention was Annie, the group’s rapper, whose transition from chaebol heiress to rookie idol quickly became one of the most discussed narratives in this year’s K-pop rookie scene. Born into the Shinsegae family, which controls one
Dec. 3, 2025 - 13:10:59
Why Park Jeong-min is going viral as Korea's most down-to-earth star
At last week's Blue Dragon Film Awards, Park Jeong-min walked away empty-handed despite dual nominations for best actor and best supporting actor. It was a disappointing outcome, as many had expected him to take home at least one trophy after delivering standout work as both father and son in Yeon Sang-ho's experimental thriller "The Ugly" and as freedom fighter Woo Deok-sun in the period epic "Harbin." Rather than sulking, Park bounded onto the stage to join singer Hwasa for a performance of "G
Nov. 25, 2025 - 18:33:52
