Astro customers can enjoy the premiere of the hottest K-dramas including action, mystery-thriller, romance and family dramas this October on Astro via tvN (Ch 395 HD), Oh!K (Ch 394 HD), KBS World (Ch 392 HD). K-drama fans can also watch available episodes On Demand and Astro GO.

Premieres 30 Oct, Sat & Sun, 7.50PM Oh!K (Ch 394 HD)

Every Thurs & Fri, 9.05PM KBS World (Ch 392 HD)

Mon-Fri, 7.50PM KBS World (Ch392 HD)

Action noirs and stories of espionage are traditionally dominated by men, but My Name introduces a female lead to the classic revenge theme. It offers a refreshing mix of deftly carried out elements within the genre. 

The cast consists of Han So-hee in the spotlight surrounded by powerful actors: Park Hee-soon, Ahn Bo-hyun, Kim Sang-ho, Lee Hak-ju, Jang Yull and Yun Gyeong-ho. With each actor holding their own in a well-orchestrated drama, My Name, according to Director Kim Jin-min, is a testament to the great things that happen when the actors give their all.

Han So-hee transforms herself in the lead role of Jiwoo, who witnesses her father die right before her eyes and joins the crime ring he belonged to for revenge. There, prodded by his best friend and the leader of the ring, Mujin (Park Hee-soon), she enters the police force as a mole under the alias Oh Hyejin. With each step Jiwoo takes to find her father’s killer, she must face brutal truths that harden her even more.

Park Hee-soon has earned audiences’ trust with solid performances in The Witch: Part 1 - The Subversion, 1987: When the Day Comes and The Fortress. He plays Mujin, who heads the country’s largest drug ring, the Dongcheon cartel. After the death of his friend Donghoon (Yun Gyeong-ho) whom he trusted like a brother, Mujin accepts Donghoon’s daughter Jiwoo into the organization and leads her to go undercover into the police force. Although Mujin does everything in his power to protect Jiwoo from harm, he remains a veiled character who piques viewers’ curiosity more and more with each episode.

Ahn Bo-hyun plays the role of Pildo, Jiwoo’s partner who is the top cop in the narcotics division and a man of unbending principles. Ahn creates momentum for his character Pildo who becomes increasingly compelling and captivating as the storyline crosses into the latter half. He also creates convincing on-screen chemistry with Han So-hee as her partner. Han So-hee, Park Hee-soon and Ahn Bo-hyun, each playing a drug lord, an undercover mole and a cop respectively, come together as a formidable team of leads to bring the series to new heights.

Rounding out the cast are: Kim Sang-ho, who commands a presence with every role he undertakes, playing Giho, the chief of the Drug Investigation Unit; Lee Hak-ju plays Taeju, Mujin’s right-hand man and the second-in-command of the Dongcheon cartel; Jang Yull, who is building an impressive filmography in both plays and dramas, playing Gangjae, a member of the cartel who embroils Jiwoo in a major conflict; and Yun Gyeong-ho, whose character portrayals run a wide spectrum, playing Jiwoo’s father Donghoon.

To set the genre-appropriate ambiance, special care was taken with dark lighting and tones. Director Kim Jin-min is gifted in melding the ordinary with the extraordinary in creating a convincing reality. Distinguishing Korean cultural establishments such as bars, restaurants, singing joints, and gaming cafes line alleyways with glaring neon signs and dark corners. Such is the backdrop against which Han So-hee’s character Jiwoo shows off raw action moves. Uniquely Korean details incorporated into characteristic genre elements give My Name a breath of fresh air. 

Watch My Name on Netflix now!

International superstar and K-pop phenomenon, CL, has released her new single “Lover Like Me”, the second off of her forthcoming album 'ALPHA', set to release on 20 October. Following the explosive release of “SPICY”, the introductory track to the impending 'ALPHA' era, "Lover Like Me" serves as a continuation of CL’s road to 'ALPHA' and offers fans a further taste of her powerful new chapter.As “SPICY” delivered a masterclass in performance ability, “Lover Like Me” seeks to showcase CL’s vocal prowess—in addition to her signature tight rapping. Evermore a symbol of independence, confidence and attitude with her artistry, CL’s “Lover Like Me” evokes a sense of passion and empowerment against a resounding pop beat.“I just gotta let you know/if you’re gonna let me go/You will never, ever find another lover like me,” she sings, scorning a past partner who didn’t appreciate her worth. Just as she has exemplified in her journey and arrival as independent solo artist, “Lover Like Me” reflects CL’s ability go her own way and remain on top; in both love and in her music.Multi-faceted global superstar, fashion icon and pride of South Korea, Lee Chae-rin (“CL”), exploded onto the k-pop scene at 17, frontwoman to the biggest k-pop girl group in the world, 2NE1. As writer and co-producer of the group’s 2014 hit album 'Crush', CL quickly distinguished herself as a promising versatile crossover artist, as the album went on to become the highest-charting and best-selling Korean album in US Billboard 200 history. Several sold out world tours later, CL (reverently called the “Queen of K-Pop”) embarked on a long-speculated solo career in 2016, marked by the release of her first smash single, “Lifted”, off her debut solo album: the single garnered over 33 million YouTube views and landed CL her US TV debut The Late Late Show with James Corden. 

Netflix films and series have reached new heights at various awards ceremonies with a great number of wins and nominations.

First of all, Jun Jong-seo won Best Actress at the 30th Buil Film Awards. The Call is a mystery thriller film about a phone call that connects two women living in different times, ultimately changing their fates. The solid narrative, extreme suspense, unique mise-en-scène, and strong female characters sets the film apart from others.
At the Buil Film Awards this year, Hellbound star Yoo Ah-in attended as a presenter and Night in Paradise was nominated in 6 categories while Space Sweepers won the Art/Technical Award. Space Sweepers is a sci-fi blockbuster depicting a crew of misfits who chase after space debris in the year 2092 and come across a humanoid robot that is a weapon of mass destruction. Space Sweepers was also nominated in 2 other categories for the Buil Film Awards and 3 categories for the Asian Film Awards.

On the other hand, the Asian Contents Awards (ACA), which highlights excellent series across Asia, announced the wins for Sweet Home and Move to Heaven on 7 October 2021.

Sweet Home, which tells the story of Hyun-su, a reclusive student who loses his family and experiences terror after moving to an apartment, won the Technical Achievement Award. Ko Min-si also won the Best Newcomer-Actress award for her portrayal of Eun-yu who is a resident of the apartment complex. Song Kang, who plays Hyun-su, won the Excellence Award. With an original story, a strong cast, and stunning creature visuals, the series reached a new milestone in Korean content history.
Move to Heaven won the Best Creative, Best Writer, and Best Actor awards. Move to Heaven shows Geu-ru and his uncle Sang-gu working as trauma cleaners who help the deceased with their final move and deliver the untold stories of the deceased to their loved ones. This series conveys deep sympathy and heartfelt healing with a warm view on life, death, and people.

Sweet Home received 3 nominations in categories and Move to Heaven received nominations in 3 categories. Furthermore, Navillera received nominations in 2 categories.

The Call, Sweet Home, Space Sweepers, Night in Paradise, and Move to Heaven made great achievements at these leading awards ceremonies. You can view them all now, only on Netflix.

Please find the full list of wins and nominations below:

2021 Buil Film Awards
Awards
● The Call : Best Actress - Jun Jong-seo
● Space Sweepers : Art/Technical Award - Jeong Seong-jin, Jeong Chol-min

Nominations
● The Call : Best New Director - Lee Chung-hyun
● Space Sweepers : Best Cinematography - Byun Bong-sun, Best Music - Kim Tae-seong
● Night in Paradise : Best Actor - Um Tae-goo, Best Actress - Jeon Yeo-been, Best Supporting Actor - Cha Seoung-won, Best Cinematography - Kim Young-ho, Best Music - Mowg

Asia Contents Awards 2021
Awards
● Move to Heaven : Best Creative, Best Actor - Lee Je-hoon, Best Writer - Yoon Ji-ryun
● Sweet Home : Technical Achievement Award, Best Newcomer-Actress - Ko Min-si, Excellence Award - Song Kang

Nominations
● Sweet Home : Best OTT Original, Creative Beyond Border, Best Actress - Lee Si-young
● Move to Heaven : Best OTT Original, Creative Beyond Border, Best Newcomer-Actor - Tang Jun-sang
● Navillera : Best Asian TV Series, Best Newcomer-Actor - Song Kang

15th Asian Film Awards
Nominations
● Space Sweepers : Best Costume Design - Cho Sang-kyung & Kwak Jung-ae, Best Visual Effects - Jeong Seong-jin & Jeong Chol-min, Best Sound - Choi Tae-young
● The Call : Best Actress - Jun Jong-seo

Image Courtesy of Netflix

Set to deliver more zest and joy to the region, Southeast Asia’s leading eCommerce platform Lazada welcomes leading K-pop superstars SEVENTEEN as first Lazada Happiness Ambassadors ahead of its annual flagship 11.11 shopping festival – Lazada’s Biggest One-Day Sale, starting at midnight on 11 November. Comprised of 13 members, SEVENTEEN, one of South Korea’s most acclaimed K-pop groups, burst into the international music scene with their creative musical experimentation and electrifying performance acts. SEVENTEEN’s latest EP Your Choice debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Album Sales Chart, and their list of accolades include being nominated for ‘Top Social Artist’ at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards and winning the ‘Main Prize’ for four years at the Seoul Music Awards.

Raymond Yang, Chief Operating Officer of Lazada Group, said, “It is my great delight to welcome our first-ever Lazada Happiness Ambassadors, SEVENTEEN, to the Lazada family. With their talent and lively personalities, I hope SEVENTEEN can inspire our consumers across Southeast Asia to stay bold and passionate in experimenting new ideas, and to continue pursuing goals and dreams with the trust that challenges along the way can be overcome.”

At Lazada’s signature 11.11 Super Show on 10 November, SEVENTEEN will take the main stage to perform their hit songs like “Left & Right” and “Ready to love”. The star-studded countdown Shoppertainment-packed virtual concert to 11.11 will also feature top local celebrities in Southeast Asia coming together to celebrate hope and joy, including appearances from Nora Danish and Dayang Nurfaizah from Malaysia. Across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, shoppers can also tune in to Lazada’s 11.11 Super Party concert via Lazada’s in-app livestream channel LazLive, as well as local broadcasting networks TV3 and Lazada social media platforms, across YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.

The 13-member K-pop group also stars in Lazada’s latest 11.11 short film, which transports the Lazada Happiness Ambassadors into Lazada World, a dynamic and fantastical realm filled with larger-than-life everyday objects and exclusive 11.11 rewards. Playfully dancing along to a special rendition of global hit song “Low” by Flo Rida, SEVENTEEN embarks on an adventure filled with surprising discoveries at every turn.

Speaking as a group, SEVENTEEN said, “Shooting Lazada’s 11.11 film was a fun and refreshing experience, and we are excited to be a part of the upcoming Lazada 11.11 Super Show. As the regional Happiness Ambassadors for Southeast Asia’s leading eCommerce platform, Lazada, we look forward to create even more meaningful experiences with everyone. Please continue to show support and love for Lazada and SEVENTEEN!”

In the Lazada 11.11 short film, Lazada’s pioneer brand ambassador and beloved mascot, Lazzie, makes a special cameo dancing the iconic shuffle moves alongside SEVENTEEN, sporting a new, refreshed look with blue and purple hues for their mane and an adorable snout in the shape of Lazada’s iconic heart-gram. In addition, Lazzie will continue to be featured in popular LazGame, Lazzie Star, from 6 November onwards in Malaysia, continuing the quest with consumers to “level up” to become a super star idol while unlocking exclusive vouchers and rewards to maximise shopping savings during Lazada 11.11 Our Biggest One-Day Sale.

Lazada will also launch a region-wide TikTok #HowLowCanYouGoLazada1111 Hashtag Challenge, inviting consumers to join in a fun and creative showcase by curating their own version of the dance shuffle moves from the Lazada’s 11.11 film in a freestyle 20-second TikTok dance video. Participants with the most creative dance moves stand to win up to RM1,111 worth of vouchers when they join the social media challenge happening from 26 October to 5 November.

Raymond Yang added, “Lazada is constantly finding new ways to fully immerse our customers with fun and experiential activities, both online and offline, to create a holistic and enjoyable shopping experience. Leveraging our strong Shoppertainment approach and working closely with our merchants to curate unbeatable promotions and rewards, we constantly challenge ourselves to deliver high impact and find meaningful ways to uplift the communities across Southeast Asia. I’m excited to celebrate another edition of our flagship 11.11 shopping festival as we pursue hope, dreams and progress in all aspects of our lives.”

Besides access to the lowest prices and free shipping1 during Lazada 11.11 Our Biggest One-Day Sale, consumers can anticipate an exciting line up of exclusive deals and interactive Shoppertainment activities that will unlock vouchers and Lazada Bonus rewards.

Upcoming series The King's Affection tells the story of a twin sister who has to take her brother’s place as crown prince when he dies. Yi Hwi (Park Eun-bin) must hide her identity as well as her affection for her teacher Jung Ji-un (Rowoon). There’s plenty of romance and intrigue in store for us in this historical drama. Check out some reasons why you’re going to fall in love with the series here.

1) Unique Premise
The story of a female king has never been told in K-drama history. Park Eun-bin shared, “All of the kings we’ve had historically were males, so a female king can only exist in our imaginations.” She also commented, “I thought it was a unique role that would not come by often.” The King’s Affection will definitely feature some uncommon circumstances as Yi Hwi disguises herself as her twin brother and navigates keeping her true identity secret while acting as the crown prince.

2) Touching Romance
Hwi struggles from great isolation as she keeps her identity hidden. However, things change when she develops feelings for Ji-un. Rowoon explained how his character is very different from Yi Hwi and said, “Hwi has to hide herself, but Jung Ji-un has no reason to do that. Ji-un doesn’t need to hide his character, so that’s why he’s so appealing to Hwi. I think we are drawn to each other because the other person has something that they themselves don’t have.” Despite their affection for each other, they must be cautious due to Hwi’s great secret.

3) Beyond Romance
While their sweet romance is a large part of the story, there are many other elements to enjoy. Director Song Hyun-wook said, “There’s not only romance but also politics, action, and humor. It’s truly a myriad of various genres.” The palace is full of people vying for more power, and interesting dynamics will play out as individuals pursue their goals. We can also look forward to action and mystery, in particular involving Yi Hwi’s bodyguard Kim Ga-on (Choi Byung-chan). Furthermore, there are humorous and lighthearted moments to enjoy as well.

4) Beautiful Young Cast
The main cast is full of the hottest rising stars: Park Eun-bin, Rowoon, Nam Yoon-su, Choi Byung-chan, Bae Yoon-kyung, and Jung Chaeyeon. Director Song Hyun-wook praised them saying, “They’re really outstanding actors and actresses.” The director further complimented all of them and mentioned how tall, funny, and confident Rowoon is. He also talked about how Nam Yoon-su’s smile is extremely attractive. There’s definitely no shortage of gorgeousness to enjoy amongst the cast. And of course, they’re very talented on top of that!

5) Historical Setting
One of the best things about a historical drama is the fascinating visuals. From the extravagant palaces to the quaint villages, the locations will transport you to a whole new world. Director Song Hyun-wook added, “Korean historical architecture is also really beautiful, and we tried to include that in the series as well.” In addition to the sights, the exquisite hanbok fashion will be a delight to our eyes. Dignified royal robes and lovely, colorful dresses will contribute to the charm of the series.

Are you ready for The King’s Affection? Tune in when it premieres on 11 October 2021, with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday 10:30 PM MYT, only on Netflix!

Image courtesy of Neflix

Worldwide phenomenon, Monsta X, have officially infiltrated Mainstream Top 40 Radio Airplay with their English-language single "One Day." Released on September 10th, "One Day" has peaked at number 38 for the week of October 16th [Billboard]. Released through Intertwine (BMG) in collaboration with Starship Entertainment; "One Day" is about having lost or broken up with someone, and the feeling of knowing that it might feel better at some point, but you’re stuck in your current emotion and not able to realize that. Named by Grammy.com as “one of k-pop’s most prolific groups,” this English-language release is a continuation of their first all English-language debut album, ALL ABOUT LUV. Released in February 2019 that album ranked at No.5 on the Billboard 200 Chart, making it only the 3rd K-Pop group to chart within the top 10, and was one of the first-ever full English pop albums from Korea.

The band will also be celebrating their 2nd English-language album release in December with iHeart Radio Jingle Ball performances:
December 13: Philadelphia
December 14: Washington DC
December 16: Atlanta
December 19: Miami

Check out their "One Day" music video below!

You may know her as Yeo Da-kyung in The World of the Married and as the sweet Yu Na-bi starring alongside Song Kang in Nevertheless. In My Name, Han So-hee does a 180-degree turn as Jiwoo, who enters a criminal underworld and goes undercover as a police officer in order to find her father’s killer.

Watch Han So-hee as she leaves the world of luxury and comfort behind for bruises and bloodstains. It won’t be pretty but it will be an adventure that keeps you at the edge of your seat as she charges into the pursuit of revenge.

Check out the reasons why you should catch Han So-hee in My Name below:

1. Han So-hee as Jiwoo is everything
Jiwoo has had it tough since childhood, but her life takes a tragic turn when she witnesses her father's murder on her 17th birthday. Feeling like she has no choice but to avenge her father, Jiwoo approaches her father's long-time friend Mujin (Park Hee-soon) - the head of the largest drug ring in Korea - to help her find her father's killer.

As her quest for revenge leads her down a dark path, watch as So-hee transforms from a damsel in distress to one of the most headstrong members of Mujin's organisation.

2. Han So-hee gained 10kg of muscle for the role
Taking inspiration from female-led action films such as Atomic Blonde and The Old Guard, So-hee prepared for the physically demanding role by working with martial arts directors and even gained 10kg of muscle from all her training. The actress also carried around a knife so that she could get used to the feeling.

3. Han So-hee takes emotionally charged action scenes in her stride Director Kim Jin-min wanted the action in the series to be realistic and reflect Jiwoo as an undercover agent who is risking her life. It needed to showcase the characters’ desperation to survive and it definitely came alive on screen. Watch as Han So-hee single-handedly takes down a group of bad guys with flair in the clip HERE.

4. Han So-Hee and Ahn Bo-Hyun’s on-screen chemistry
Jiwoo is transferred to the Narcotics Unit and ends up joining a sting operation to take down Mujin where she has to balance between investigating her own crime boss and maintaining her cover. This is where she meets ace detective Jeon Pildo (Ahn Bo-hyun) and they become partners. Their prickly relationship takes a surprising turn when the pair opens up about their past to each other. Watch as this friendship blooms with some trust and understanding.

Which of these reasons have you hooked? Don’t miss out when My Name is released on 15 October 2021, only on Netflix!

Image courtesy of Netflix

South Korean Rapper, Singer-Songwriter, and Record Producer, B.I, has teamed up with Indonesian Artist, Afgan, and Manchester-based Electronic Artist, Bipolar Sunshine. Out today via IOK and Transparent Arts, B.I x Bipolar Sunshine x Afgan - Lost At Sea (Illa Illa 2) is a fusion of cultures from all across the globe; effortlessly putting together their talents into one track.

B.I speaks on the collaboration; “Bipolar Sunshine was an artist that I always enjoyed listening to, his unique vocals have such a distinct sound that I’ve always imagined what it would be like to be on a track together. I try listening to as much music as possible from all around the world, so that I myself can evolve as a producer. I also think Indonesia is one of the most culturally diverse countries in Asia. Especially in terms of music, and I learn a lot from listening to music created by Indonesian artists. When I first heard Afgan’s voice, his soulful vibe really made an impression on me and as a producer, I really love how he represents a new age of artist. I thought the balance of this collaboration was just perfect.”

The original version of “Illa Illa,” which TIME Magazine listed as one of “The Best K-Pop Songs of 2021 So Far,” was part of B.I’s first full-length studio album, Waterfall, released back in June. The music video for “Illa Illa” broke a record of 12.7 million views in 24 hours, making B.I the most viewed male solo artist debut music video within the first 24 hours. Additionally, his album Waterfall was #1 on iTunes in 24 countries. Most simply put, this track is about hope, B.I elaborates; “I wrote the song wishing that it could provide comfort to those that listen to it. Everyone has their own struggles whether it be with relationships, work, family, loneliness. As much as it can seem difficult at the time, there is a beach in the distance. To remember that every chapter that closes just means that a new chapter is about to begin.”

Referred to as a “record-breaking hit” by Teen Vogue, B.I’s initial release of “Illa Illa,” which has been streamed over 30 million times across all platforms to date, continues to infiltrate markets across the globe. Starting in Seoul, Korea: this Remix has now joined forces with Manchester’s very own Bipolar Sunshine, who has billions of streams under his belt and collaborations with artists like DJ Snake, and Jakarta’s fastest rising star, Afgan, who has five solo albums under his belt, countless number one hits, and over 44 million Spotify streams with over 1 million listeners across a staggering 79 countries just in 2019.

Afgan says of the Remix- "I just feel so honored that I got to be a part of this track. I love the song and I think it was beautifully written. The lyrics are very deep and vulnerable and I think it’s important for us to show vulnerability sometimes because it can bring out the strengths that we didn't know we have as a human being. For me, I personally think B.I and Bipolar Sunshine both are such great artists. I respect their artistry. I respect their talent and I’m so happy I got to be a part of this song. I can’t wait for everybody to hear this collaboration. I think it’s gonna be really dope. I hope you like it."

Stream B.I x Bipolar Sunshine x Afgan - Lost At Sea (Illa Illa 2) HERE

Upcoming series The King's Affection tells the story of a forbidden romance between Yi Hwi (Park Eun-bin), who impersonates her late crown prince twin brother, and the crown prince’s tutor Jung Ji-un (Rowoon).
Yi Hwi hides the burdensome secret of her true identity, but must be strong as she plays the role of the crown prince. Initially cast aside for being a girl, she ends up impersonating her crown prince brother after he passes away. Behind her cold front, Yi Hwi suffers from loneliness and sadness. She finds herself attracted to her tutor Jung Ji-un, but cannot risk getting too close for fear of having her secret discovered. Jung Ji-un is also drawn to Yi Hwi and becomes confused about their relationship.

In the new poster, Yi Hwi is dressed as a princess and gazes into Jung Ji-un’s eyes. Jung Ji-un holds a royal robe around her as though he’s protecting her identity from being discovered. The affection they have for each other is palpable and hints at a heartfelt romance.

The teaser trailer shows Jung Ji-hun interacting with Yi Hwi who is dressed as the crown prince. He’s puzzled when he begins seeing a princess’ reflection in the mirror and the silhouette of a princess instead of a prince. He continues observing Yi Hwi and feels flustered when they get closer. It ends with Jung Ji-hun wondering about her identity.

The King’s Affection is directed by Song Hyunwook of Beauty Inside and Another Miss Oh, and written by Han Hee Jung of Clean with Passion for Now. The first episode will be released on 11 October with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday, only on Netflix!

Watch the trailer below:

2021 MOKKOJI KOREA, a festival created by beloved K-pop artists and Hallyu fans around the world, has begun as of September 6 (Monday) and will be held online until November 14 (Sunday). MOKKOJI is a Korean word that refers to a gathering of people for a party, entertainment, and other occasions. MOKKOJI KOREA started last year as a festival to promote various aspects of Korean culture and lifestyle such as food, beauty, fashion, and entertainment to the world.

Every year, “MOKKOJI KOREA” selects the Focus Countries. In 2021, Russia, India, and Indonesia were selected as the Focus Countries. Starting from September, the Festival Week for each country has been being held every month. The India Week is to be held in the upcoming October.

Popular K-pop artists such as MONSTA X, PENTAGON, and AB6IX will participate in Festival Week India, held from October 4 (Monday) to October 10 (Sunday). The Festival Week will be filled with special programs such as “MOKKOJI MINI TALK”, “MOKKOJI LIVE”, and “Online Exhibition”, providing an opportunity for Hallyu fans to broaden their understanding of the culture and lifestyle of Korea and India.

During Festival Week India, “MOKKOJI MINI TALK” will be broadcast every day at 14:30 IST. Featuring artists are AB6IX on October 4 (Mon) and 6 (Wed) and PENTAGON on October 8 (Fri). The program will be first released on the MOKKOJI KOREA website and YouTube channel. PENTAGON’s talk show will be live streamed to communicate with the fans through live chat. Also, they will be bringing their fans a special topic, the Hangeul (Korean alphabet), to celebrate the Hangeul Proclamation Day on Friday, 8th of October.

Popular Indian YouTubers such as Curly Tales, Debina Decodes, and PoohinKorea is to be featured as well, on October 5 (Tue), 7 (Thu), and 8 (Sat), respectively. In addition, an “Online Exhibition” will provide information on exceptional Korean brands and products that have been introduced to the Indian market.

“MOKKOJI LIVE” will be streamed live on “MOKKOJI KOREA” YouTube channel at 14:30 IST on October 10 (Sunday), as a grand finale of the “MOKKOJI FESTIVAL” Week India. AB6IX, PENTAGON, and MONSTA X will communicate with the fans in India through live performances and online fan-meeting segments to top off the event. Together with K-pop artists and hosts, Lisa Kelly and Nidhi Agrawal, the event will become an opportunity to widen the experience and understanding of both countries’ cultures. Fans can join the online fan meeting through the pre-application process on the MOKKOJI KOREA website from September 21 (Tuesday) to October 1 (Friday).

The MOKKOJI KOREA official website features web dramas and webtoons that portray various aspects of the Korean lifestyle and culture. “The First Spring with You” is a webtoon depicting the life of a Russian exchange student while studying in Korea for a year, while “MOKKOJI KITCHEN” is a romantic web drama that is set in a Korean restaurant. The online content will be a unique experience for Hallyu fans who are interested in Korean lifestyle and culture. The web drama “MOKKOJI KITCHEN,” which premiered on September 6 (Monday), has been in the spotlight, as it features K-pop artist Gongchan from B1A4 playing the role of “Muyoung”, a chef and sole owner of a Korean restaurant.

Furthermore, the “K-Lifestyle Playground” platform will provide opportunities for Hallyu lovers in India and around the world to experience Korean culture through various participatory content such as “MOKKOJI Contest”, “Online Game”, “K-Lifestyle Wiki”, and “K-Lifestyle Webzine”.

The main programs and schedules for “MOKKOJI KOREA” can be found on the website (mokkojikorea.com), and they are provided in English for Hallyu fans around the world for their convenience and for easy access.

In Southeast Asia, Korean shows are very loved and some research has found they are watched more than Hollywood productions. In the last three months, on average, four of the top 10 titles on Netflix in Southeast Asia have been Korean. Why is that? Some have pointed to the appeal of storylines which show Asian heroines striving to express themselves personally and professionally — a theme which perhaps resonates with women in more traditional Southeast Asian societies. 

Craving for Korean fried chicken or looking for a fancy Korean meal to treat yourself? K Fry Urban Korean is the perfect choice to fuel your food cravings. They are now offering a 15% off to our readers who spend RM50 and above for online order, https://www.kfry.my/order-online/! Apply the code <KFRY-GOKPOP> upon check out. 

What to Eat? 

Chikin Sando Series

Spicy Buldak Chicken Sando - RM19.90 | Korean Fried Chicken Sando - RM18.90 | Bulgogi Chikin Sando - RM18.90 Order here: https://www.kfry.my/order-online/

We get to try the signature K Fry Sando Series which comes with Spicy Buldak Chicken Sando (RM19.90), Korean Fried Chicken Sando (RM18.90) and Bulgogi Chikin Sando (RM18.90). Sando Series are filled with mouth-watering crispy fried chicken, topped with soft buns and SeKret sauce that added some FIRE. It's also one of our favourite series among all! If you prefer a healthier choice, pick Bulgogi Chikin Sando which comes with flavourful grilled bulgogi chicken thigh that topped with Gogi Mayo sauce.

Must-try: 5/5

Jjajang Series

Chicken Jjajangmyeon - RM18.90 | Chicken Jjajangbap - RM17.90 Order here: https://www.kfry.my/order-online/

Jjajang series are definitely the perfect go-to dish for your late night k-drama sessions - the sauce is savoury but somewhat slightly sweet, it goes well with both rice or noodles. If you're a noodle person try the Chicken Jjajangmyeon (Korean black bean sauce noodle - RM18.90), if you're into rice then try the Chicken Jjajangbap (Korean black bean sauce over rice - RM17.90). 

Must-try: 4/5

Croffles

Strawberry Cream Cheese Croffle - RM14.90 | Salted Caramel Biscoff Croffle - RM12.90 Order here: https://www.kfry.my/order-online/

Last but not least, we tried the newly launched Strawberry Cream Cheese Croffle (RM14.90) and also Salted Caramel Biscoff Croffle (RM12.90). Both Croffles are the absolute delight - sweet, crispy and buttery. If you prefer a sweet and fruity flavour, try the strawberry cream cheese but if you prefer a combination of sweet and salty then pick the salted caramel biscoff instead. 

K Fry is having a sweet deal which you can get 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream for free when you purchase 2 croffles of your choice! 

Must-try: 5/5

We all get cravings for a particular food occasionally but with wide variety of K-food choices, we are sure K-Fry will get your craving fixed. Don't forget to apply the code <KFRY-GOKPOP> upon check out and get your special 15% off when you spend and above at https://www.kfry.my/order-online/. 

Squid Game is taking the world by storm with its thrilling story of desperate people who sign up to play mysterious children’s games in the hopes of winning a large cash prize. While the series appears to be enjoying instant success, the road to creating it has been long and difficult for series creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how Squid Game came to life.

The Beginning
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk first conceived the idea and began writing in 2008. He said, “The year 2008 was actually right after my debut. That was a time when I frequented comic book stores. As I was reading a lot of comic books, I thought about creating something like a comic book story in Korea, and I finished the script in 2009.” As a film director, Hwang Dong-hyuk originally planned for Squid Game to be a film.

A Challenging Journey
Despite finishing the initial screenplay for Squid Game in 2009, Hwang Dong-hyuk had to shelve the idea and work on his hit films Silenced (2011), Miss Granny (2014), and The Fortress (2017) before being able to create the series. The director revealed, “At the time, it seemed very unfamiliar and violent. There were people who thought it was a little too complex and not commercial. I wasn’t able to get enough investment and casting was not easy. I dabbled in it for about a year, but I had to put it to sleep then.”

About 10 Years Later
About10 years or so after conceiving the idea for Squid Game, Hwang Dong-hyuk was finally able to actualize it and start working on it. He shared, “Thanks to Netflix, there was no limit and I was given creative freedom to work as I wanted to.” Through this opportunity, the director expanded his story into a series that is capturing a global audience now.

The Intention Behind the Art
One of the most visually noticeable aspects about the series is the unique, colorful aesthetic which sets it apart from other survival stories. Art director Chae Kyoung-sun said, “We created the places and displays trying to make the viewers think about the hidden intentions of Squid Game with us.” The large-scale sets and vibrant colors transport viewers into a realistic yet fantasy-like world.

Simple Childhood Games
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk deliberately selected childhood games that are relatable and easy to understand. However, the details behind the games shows how much planning went into each round. For example, the first game is Red Light, Green Light which is a game that most should be familiar with. The robot is modeled after a girl from children’s textbooks making the scene all the more shocking as childhood fun transforms into a harrowing fight for survival.

Portraying Realistic Emotions
The enormous sets helped lend to realistic emotions portrayed by the actors. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk said, “I tried to stimulate the atmosphere of real playgrounds, so that the actors can feel like they’re really doing something in there. I thought those kinds of sets can give more of a sense of reality to the actors’ performance.” The juxtaposition of an urgent need for survival set in an innocent, childlike playground is quite striking and emotional.

Creating Nostalgia
One of the sets that took the longest to create is a replication of typical Korean neighborhood alleyways in the 70s and 80s. Actor Park Hae-soo commented, “The playground felt so real, like the actual back alleys of the past. It was like being in front of real homes of the past. It created a strange nostalgia and an odd tension.” Actor Heo Sung-tae also praised the art team for their attention to detail with sprinkling soil in various spots in the alleys.

Making It Universal and Korean
All of these aspects combine to create a story that is both universal and Korean. Most of the childhood games are ubiquitous and some of them are uniquely Korean. The human emotions and struggles the characters go through will strike a chord within many people irrespective of where they are from. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk commented, “As a survival game it is entertainment and human drama.”

Delivering a Poignant Message
The series examines human nature and how we change from childhood to adulthood through showing adults revisit and play children’s games. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk shared, “I wanted to write a story that was an allegory or fable about modern capitalist society, something that depicts an extreme competition, somewhat like the extreme competition of life.” It’s not all depressing though, as we see the characters hold onto their humanity and hope. The commentary on human nature and society is definitely thought-provoking.

For more behind-the-scenes details, view the featurette here and watch Squid Game, only on Netflix!

Image courtesy of Netflix

Netflix’s upcoming series My Name has released its main trailer, offering a look at the story of Jiwoo who joins a crime organisation in order to find the person who killed her father. She ends up taking on a new name to work undercover as a police officer which leads her to discover harsh truths while seeking revenge.
The main trailer features Han So-hee’s striking acting transformation, some intense action, as well as the diverse characters you can see in the series. On her 17th birthday, Jiwoo (Han So-hee) witnesses her father’s death and takes it upon herself to find out who killed her father. She approaches her father’s long-time friend Mujin (Park Hee-soon) who is also the boss of Dongcheon, the largest domestic drug ring.

Jiwoo laments about how the police are not investigating and she cannot stand by without doing anything. Her earnest desire to get revenge for her father’s death is palpable. Mujin reveals that a police officer killed Jiwoo’s father and offers her an opportunity to take on a new identity as Oh Hyejin and work undercover as a police officer.

After uncovering some clues, Jiwoo transfers to the Narcotics Unit where ace detective Jeon Pildo (Ahn Bo-hyun) and team leader Cha Giho (Kim Sang-ho) work. Jiwoo ends up joining their sting operation to capture Mujin which leaves Jiwoo in a situation where she’s investigating her own crime boss. The more Jiwoo helps Mujin, the more her team becomes suspicious of her. She also faces mistrust from Mujin’s right-hand man Jung Taeju (Lee Hak-ju) and threats from Dongcheon gangster Do Gangjae (Jang Yull).

The characters surrounding Jiwoo add on to the intrigue as she falls deeper and deeper into danger. Through her relationships with the various characters, Jiwoo gets closer to finding her father’s killer and ends up discovering some unexpected twists. Jiwoo, who has abandoned her name and her future for the sake of revenge, will face the harsh truth of who is good and bad as she investigates until the end.

My Name is an action noir series led by Director Kim Jin-min of Extracurricular. The series stars Han So-hee, Park Hee-soon, Ahn Bo-hyun, Kim Sang-ho, Lee Hak-ju, Jang Yull et al. My Name will be released on 15 October, only on Netflix.

Information
Title: My Name
Directed by: Kim Jin-min
Written by: Kim Va-da
Starring: Han So-hee, Park Hee-soon, Ahn Bo-hyun, Kim Sang-ho, Lee Hak-ju, Jang Yull et al
Produced by: Studio Santa Claus
Distributed by: Netflix
Release Date: 15 October 2021