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Monday, November 16, 2020

9 K-Dramas That Will Motivate You to Pursue Your Dreams

Monday, November 16, 2020

Sometimes it’s difficult to find the motivation to complete goals whether they are small or big. It’s easier to accept defeat or try to procrastinate. However, there’s nothing more satisfying than fulfilling your objectives and dreams. Be inspired and gain motivation from these characters who pursue their dreams despite various obstacles.

START UP

Start-Up features four, very driven, characters interested in start-ups and technology. Seo Dal-mi (Bae Suzy) and Won In-Jae (Kang Han-na) are sisters who were separated after their parents’ divorce and develop a rivalry. Nam Do-san (Nam Joo-hyuk) was a math prodigy as a child but hasn’t had much luck with his company Samsan Tech yet. Han Ji-pyeong (Kim Seon-ho) was a disadvantaged orphan but transformed his life with the help of Dal-mi’s grandmother. The foursome learns and grows as they pursue their tech dreams.

RECORD OF YOUTH

Record of Youth also centres on young people chasing after their dreams, but in the entertainment industry. Sa Hye-jun (Park Bo-gum) and Won Hae-Hyo (Byeon Woo-Seok) are both model-turned actors hoping to make it big. An Jeong-ha (Park So-dam) quits a secure office job at a conglomerate in order to take on her dream job of being a makeup artist. As they go after their dreams, there are people who block their paths. However, they strive to overcome setbacks as they further their careers.

ITAEWON CLASS

Itaewon Class showcases the battle between Park Saeroyi (Park Seo-jun) and food conglomerate Jangga Group. Saeroyi gets expelled from school, loses his father, and becomes a convict because of Jangga Group’s CEO and his son. These unfair events are enough to anger anyone, but Saeroyi overcomes his anger and channels it into creating a bar-restaurant. The callous and intelligent Jo Yi-seo (Kim Da-mi) decides to help grow Saeroyi’s business. Along with the other DanBam crew, the pair fight back against Jangga Group.

DOCTORS

Doctors proves that anyone can turn their life around with determination and hard work. Yoo Hye-jeong (Park Shin-hye) had a tough childhood, and is a headstrong delinquent in high school. Due to her unruly behavior and her financial situation, Hye-jeong’s future does not look particularly promising. However, she is changed after meeting compassionate teacher Hong Ji-hong (Kim Rae-won) who inspires her to change her path and become a doctor. 13 years later, they reunite after Hye-jeong has become a neurosurgeon.

FIGHT FOR MY WAY

Fight for My Way shows four friends whose lives don’t go as they had initially planned. In particular, Ko Dong-man (Park Seo-jun), Choi Ae-ra (Kim Ji-won), and Baek Sul-hee (Song Ha-yoon) are not satisfied with their current job situations. Ae-ra hasn’t given up on her dream though, and pursues a new opportunity. This inspires Dong-man to find a career that makes him happy as well. Facing difficult people and circumstances, the four friends grow as they pursue their dreams and change their lives. You might be stuck in a situation, but you can still go after your goals.

THE PRODUCERS

The Producers takes a look at four people behind the scenes of the broadcasting world. Baek Seung-chan (Kim Soo-hyun) becomes a rookie producer in order to work closely with his crush. However, he ends up joining Ra Joon-mo (Cha Tae-hyun)’s show instead. Joon-mo struggles to revive ratings for his show and seeks help from his friend and fellow producer Tak Ye-jin (Kong Hyo-jin). Lastly, Cindy (IU) is a famous singer who debuted at a young age. This drama shows how things won’t always be smooth sailing even when you get the job you aimed for. However, the characters work hard and with passion in order to protect their dreams.

WELCOME TO WAIKIKI

Welcome to Waikiki gathers three young men and women who run a guesthouse together while pursuing their dreams. At first, the guesthouse is managed by the three guys who individually aspire to be a successful director, actor, and screenwriter. The three girls who join them also have different career goals: pastry chef, journalist, and model. Many humorous, embarrassing situations befall the six characters as they are sometimes forced to do things they don’t want to do while they pursue better opportunities.

ROOKIE HISTORIAN OF GOO HAE RYUNG

Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung centers around free-spirited Goo Hae-ryung who focuses on studying instead of romance unlike most of her peers. She works hard to become a historian while fighting gender stereotypes. Despite being looked down upon due to being a woman, Hae-ryung doesn’t hesitate to voice her opinions and defend people who have been wronged. She’s an admirable character who stands up for what she believes in even if it means going up against the king. Be motivated by her bravery to pursue your dreams as well!

OH MY GHOST

Oh My Ghost’s heroine, Na Bong-sun (Park Bo-young), is a timid assistant chef with low self-esteem. She’s not confident enough in her cooking skills and has a secret crush on her boss Kang Sun-woo (Cho Jung-seok). After getting possessed by the ghost of a lustful virgin Shin Soon-ae (Kim Seul-gi), she changes completely and catches the attention of Sun-woo. With Soon-ae’s help, Bong-sun gains the confidence to show her culinary skills and go after the man she’s interested in. Sometimes it’s hard to believe in yourself and external help can make all the difference. An encouraging friend can help you realize the potential you had inside of you all along.

Which of these motivational stories do you love the most? Be sure to watch all these shows and more, on Netflix!

Image Courtesy of NETFLIX

K-drama

Which K-Drama Relationship Do You Need?

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Have you ever found yourself fantasizing about living the life of a K-drama heroine? A world full of handsome men and amazing stories sounds like a treat, but what kind of relationship do you actually need? Find out which K-drama relationships are most similar to the one you need here.

Business Partners | Start-Up

Whether you’re actual business partners or a pair who support each other wholeheartedly, your relationship resembles that of Nam Do-san (Nam Joo-hyuk) and Seo Dal-mi (Bae Suzy) from Start-Up. You’re always encouraging one another and have each other’s backs. Bouncing great ideas off one another, you make the best team!

Hero & Charger | The School Nurse Files

If you or your partner is especially supportive, then you are like Hong In-pyo (Nam Joo-hyuk) and Ahn Eun-young (Jung Yu-mi) from The School Nurse Files. You allow your partner to shine and do your best to provide them with good energy. You relate to each other as kindred spirits and have a strong friendship.

Human Bank | Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol

Sometimes you need a helping hand and you might find a personal ATM machine like Sunwoo Jun (Lee Jae-wook) from Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol. Your partner might complain, but they always make sure to fulfil your every wish. You’re lucky to have a kind-hearted giver who doesn’t expect anything from you in return. However, just like Ra-ra (Go A-ra), you repay their kindness with love and joy.

Safety Pin | It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

Life is tough and your emotions might get the best of you. There’s nothing to fear though because you have a safety pin like Moon Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun) from It's Okay to Not Be Okay. Your partner helps you calm down and control your emotions. In return, you help your partner release buried feelings and heal.

Successful Fan | Record of Youth

Most of us are not dating a celebrity, but you could be dating someone you have admired for a while. In that case, your relationship is like An Jeong-ha (Park So-dam) and Sa Hye-jun (Park Bo-gum) from Record of Youth. You already knew about their positive traits, but you discover they’re just as wonderful as you had imagined. In the end, they will be just as much a fan of you, too!

Lovers Across Parallel Universes | The King: Eternal Monarch

Interdimensional travel might not be accessible right now, but if you’re in a long-distance relationship, you’ll be able to relate to Lee Gon (Lee Min-ho) and Jeong Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun) from The King: Eternal Monarch. You might not be able to see each other on a daily basis since you’re busy in your own worlds with jobs and such. Nevertheless, your love for one another remains strong and you make time for each other.

High School Sweethearts | Love Alarm

Have you known each other since high school? Then you’ll understand Love Alarm’s Kim Jo-jo (Kim So-hyun) and Hwang Sun-oh (Song Kang). You might be each other’s first loves, so there’s a special bond between you two. Transitioning after graduation might make it difficult to maintain your relationship, but you’ll never forget each other.

Which K-drama relationship do you need? Check out all of these dramas and more on Netflix!

Image Courtesy of Netflix

K-drama

Stream popular K-dramas and K-Idols shows on Astro this November

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

All Astro customers can enjoy hit K-dramas and the hottest K-Idols shows this November. From suspenseful thrillers to delightful romance-comedies and fun reality shows, Korean favourites will be available on TV, On Demand and Astro GO.

Stream and enjoy popular binge-worthy K-dramas available same day as Korea:

Live On

Premieres on 18 Nov, 8PM on K-Plus (Astro GO CH 396)
Starring Hwang Min-Hyun, Jung Da-bin, Ro Jong-Hyun

The unusual high school romance between a social media star and the perfectionist chief of the broadcasting club. Baek Ho-rang is a high school student who is popular on social media and at school. She only has one friend as she is self-centred and looks down on others. Baek Ho-rang finds out that a mysterious person is trying to expose her past, and joins the broadcasting club to get help from Go Eun-Taek. The chief of the broadcasting club, Go Eun-Taek is a perfectionist and is respected by the club members.

Tale of the Nine Tailed

Every Thursday & Friday, 9.45PM on tvN HD (CH 395), On Demand & Astro GO
Starring Lee Dong-Wook, Jo Bo-ah and Kim Bum

A romance fantasy drama that tells the story of a fearless producer determined to hunt down a nine-tailed fox who goes after evils that disrupt the order of the human world.

18 Again

Every Tuesday & Wednesday, 8PM on K-Plus (Astro GO CH 396) & On Demand
Starring Lee Do-Hyun, Yoon Sang-Hyun, Kim Ha-Neul

A 37-year-old man on the verge of being divorced from his wife suddenly finds himself inside his 18-year-old body. He starts living a new life under a new name to get closer to his children and protect them.

KAIROS

Every Tuesday & Wednesday, 7.40PM on Oh!K HD (CH 394), On Demand & Astro GO
Starring Shin Sung-rok, Lee Se-young, Ahn Bo-Hyun, Nam Gyu-ri and Kang Seung-Yoon

Im Seo-Jin (starring Shin Sung-Rok) is a man who is driven only to achieve success in his life. Thanks to his efforts, he is the youngest executive at his company. His life is perfect, with his beautiful violinist wife Kang Hyun-Chae (starring Nam Gyu-Ri) and a daughter. His wonderful life comes to a halt when his young daughter is kidnapped. He falls deep into despair. To change the past, when his daughter was kidnapped, he contacts Han Ae-Ri (Lee Se-Young) approximately one month in the past.

More Than Friends

Every Saturday & Sunday, 9.15PM on K-Plus (Astro GO CH 396) & On Demand
Starring Ong Seong-wu, Shin Ye-Eun and Kim Dong-jun

A romantic drama about a man and a woman who, due to a misunderstanding, have held a crush on each other for over 10 years.

Penthouse

Every Tuesday & Wednesday, 8.10PM on ONE HD (CH 393), On Demand & Astro GO
Starring Lee Ji-Ah, Kim So-Yeon, Eugene (Kim Yoo Jin)

Written and produced by the team behind hit 2018 drama ‘The Last Empress’, ‘Penthouse’ tells the story of a woman determined to achieve her goal of moving into a luxury penthouse in Gangnam, forsaking her morals and loved ones in a bid to succeed.

Fly, River Dragon

Every Saturday & Sunday, 9.45PM on ONE HD (CH 393), On Demand & Astro GO
Starring Kwon Sang-Woo, Bae Sung-Woo, Kim Joo-Hyun

Park Tae Yong (starring Kwon Sang Woo) becomes a public defender despite having only graduated from high school. He becomes a force to reckon with when he sets out to give a voice to criminal suspects who are discriminated against for their lowly social and financial statuses.

Please Don't Date Him

Premieres 17 November, every Tuesday, 9.40PM on Oh!K (CH 394), On Demand & Astro GO
Starring Song Ha-Yoon, Yoon Bo-Mi, Gong Min-Jung and Lee Joon-Young

‘Please Don’t Date Him’ is about a woman named Seo Ji Sung (Song Ha-Yoon) who wants to fall in love but also avoid the wrong men. To create the perfect love life, she creates an artificial intelligence (AI) program called Cho Sang Shin. One day, she accidentally develops an AI program called Cho Sang Shin, which will identify trashy human, and she uses it to save people who are in difficult relationships.

Fans can also stream a wide range of music shows and variety favourites with the biggest K-Idols including:

KCON: TACT 2020 Summer

Available via On Demand & Astro GO

Enjoy all the grand performances by K-pop stars at KCON:TACT 2020 Summer! The music show features marathon concerts, meet-and-greet sessions, backstage footages and behind-the-scenes featuring popular Korean Idols such as AB6IX, ASTRO, ATEEZ, BVNDIT, CHUNG HA, CRAVITY, EVERGLOW, GFRIEND, (G)I-DLE, GOLDEN CHILD, ITZY, IZ*ONE and more

NCT World 2.0

Airs every Tuesday, 11pm on tvN HD (CH 395), On Demand & Astro GO

A brand-new multiverse reality show featuring NCT members trapped in time and space within multiple dimensions in which they will have to go various challenges to escape. The show features a trendy and exciting game-show concept with all 23 NCT group members including new additions Shotaro and Sungchan.

New Journey to the West 8

Airs every Wednesday, 11pm on tvN HD (CH 395), On Demand & Astro GO

Variety favourites New Journey to the West returns with season 8, a Korean traditional fairytale game-show featuring Kang Ho Dong, Lee Soo Geun, Eun Ji Won and Song Min Ho. They have to fulfil different missions and win dragon balls that make their dreams come true.

Traveler Season 2

Airs every Saturday, 10.30PM on K-Plus (Astro GO CH 396) & On Demand

The three new travelers Kang Ha-neul, Ahn Jae-hong and Ong Seong-wu team up for the first time to explore the natural landscape of Argentina. Visiting majestic landmarks like the Iguazu Falls, Perito Moreno Glacier, and the vast wilderness of Patagonia, the trio become true travelers as they lose themselves in nature.

K-Ocean Pathfinders

Airs every Friday, 11pm on tvN HD (CH 395), On Demand & Astro GO

Kim Nam-gil and his guests, including Park Sung-Woong and Go Gyu-pil travel across Korea Strait from the Yellow Sea to the East Sea during a yacht voyage.

Don't forget to tune into Astro to watch your favourite Korean drama and Korean variety show.