Black Knight
Unveiling Stellar Chemistry: Kim Woo-bin, Song Seung-heon, Kang You-seok & Esom Shine at Black Knight Press Conference
Thursday, May 11, 2023
The highly anticipated Korean drama "Black Knight" held its press conference on May 10, creating a buzz among fans and media alike. The event not only showcased the gripping storyline and unique universe of the series but also shed light on the exceptional chemistry among the ensemble cast. With renowned actors Kim Woo-bin, Song Seung-heon, Kang You-seok, Esom, and director Cho Ui-Seok in attendance, the press conference revealed the strong bonds and camaraderie that have developed among the cast members during the filming of this enthralling series.
"Black Knight" takes place on the Korean peninsula, which has transformed into a desert wasteland. In this desolate landscape, a brutal social hierarchy has emerged, dividing the city into four districts: the Refugee District, General District, Special District, and Core District. Against this backdrop, a captivating story unfolds, centered around deliverymen who have assumed the vital role of delivering oxygen and supplies to the surviving population. By day, these deliverymen serve as lifelines for the people, ensuring their survival. However, as night falls, they transform into the Black Knights, a group determined to challenge the unfair system and assist the refugees. The series explores their relentless efforts to upend the social order and bring justice to a society ravaged by desperation and injustice.
Director Cho Ui-Seok, acclaimed for his tightly-knit narratives and high-octane action set pieces in previous works such as "Master" and "Cold Eyes," brings his expertise to "Black Knight." Building upon the already compelling storyline based on a recognized webtoon, director Cho infuses the series with new setups and twists, creating a strikingly new universe for viewers to delve into.
The press conference provided a platform for the cast members to share their excitement and enthusiasm for the project. Kim Woo-bin, Song Seung-heon, Kang You-seok, and Esom all expressed their intrigue and appreciation for the series' innovative concept and unique worldview. As the cast members took turns sharing their experiences and thoughts, it became evident that their chemistry extended beyond the screen. Kim Woo-bin, known for his charismatic presence, expressed his gratitude for his co-stars, particularly Song Seung-heon and Kang You-seok. Woo-bin highlighted Seung-heon's leadership and consideration on set, which made him feel at home while acting alongside him. He further emphasized the enjoyable and effortless process of collaborating with You-seok, praising his upbeat and tenacious performance that transcended the conventional.
Song Seung-heon, a veteran actor in the industry, reciprocated the admiration for his fellow cast members. He commended Kim Woo-bin for not only being a talented actor but also a wonderful person with great manners. He was moved by Woo-bin's genuine character and professionalism, adding to the overall positive working atmosphere. Seung-heon also appreciated the hard work put in by Kang You-seok, who seamlessly adapted to the physically demanding action scenes without a single complaint. Furthermore, he acknowledged Esom's transformation from a shy girl behind the camera to a dedicated military officer when filming commenced.
The "Black Knight" press conference showcased not only the remarkable chemistry among the ensemble cast but also offered a glimpse into the captivating storyline and distinctive universe of the series. With its gripping narrative, fast-paced action, and a cast brimming with talent, "Black Knight" promises to captivate audiences with its exploration of survival, social hierarchy, and the indomitable spirit of those fighting for justice. As fans eagerly anticipate the series' premiere on May 12, the bond and camaraderie among the cast members serve as a testament to the exceptional quality viewers can expect when they embark on this thrilling journey with the Black Knights.
Don't forget to catch Black Knight on Netflix on May 12!
K-dramas are best known for their heart-fluttering dramas, especially romantic comedies that entertain its viewers with comical lines and quirky gestures. While the protagonists have charmed us with their humorous acting, some of these gifted actors have also gone the extra mile to establish their talent with a variety of works across a wide range of genres. Versatility is key, and their ability to transform into different characters is what sets them apart.
With that said, here are five Korean actresses who are perfectly capable of pulling off a warm, endearing image as well as a cold, indifferent one with ease!
1. Jeon Do-yeon
Jeon Do-yeon’s most recent rom-com drama, Crash Course in Romance, has everyone swooning over the sweet awkwardness of two people falling in love in their late thirties. While the love story between a celebrity maths tutor and a single mother running her own store may have warmed your heart, she’s about to make your blood run cold in action film Kill Boksoon where she trades the apron for knives and guns as a top assassin in a contract killer agency. 2. Song Hye-kyo
Song Hye-kyo has been dominating the industry for decades with her grace, beauty, and her superb acting skills. The same woman who gave us a fairytale romance in Full House and a heart-wrenching love story in Descendants of the Sun is tapping into her dark side with a revenge persona in The Glory. As Moon Dong-eun, she takes matters into her own hands and shows that revenge is a dish best served cold. Just thinking about how she meticulously mapped out her master plans is giving us the chills!
3. Shin Hae-sun
If you’re an avid fan of rom-com drama, then you’re no doubt familiar with the name Shin Hae-sun. Her most iconic role is probably Jang Bong-hwan in Mr. Queen, which landed her a nomination for Best Actress (TV) at the 2021 Baeksang Arts Awards. However, her portrayal as the strong-willed but tragic real-life soprano Yun Sim-deok in Hymn of Death will make you forget about the cheeky Jang Bong-hwan. Based on true events, the historical miniseries revolves around a forbidden love story in which the actress plays a woman in pain, living in a hopeless era where women were not allowed to be active or independent.4. Jang Na-ra
Jang Na-ra has quite a long list of romantic comedies in her resume thanks to her girl next door image, such as her notable role as “post-it girl” Kim Mi-young in You Are My Destiny and as a workaholic single mother in Oh My Baby. On the flip side, her role in VIP is a far cry from the usual bubbly characters she portrays on screen. In the series, her life turns upside down after discovering that her husband is having an affair, thus awakening the sleeping dragon within as she seeks to make him feel some of the pain that he has inflicted on her. 5. Kim Se-jeong
Known for her bright and smiley personality, singer-actress Kim Se-jeong, who rose to stardom as a member of K-pop girl group I.O.I, is a perfect match for romantic comedies like Business Proposal. What fans of the idol never expected was to see her transform into a lean, mean, fighting machine in The Uncanny Counter. Her personality as a fierce demon hunter in the series demonstrates that she is not someone to be messed with as she defeats bullies, criminals, and evil spirits. Pulling off just about any role thrown their way, catch these ladies who have proven that they are more than just a pretty face on Netflix!
The five years of training before the debut made TRENDZ a high-quality group full of talent. The releases proved to be more than special for the music industry and fans worldwide. With the debut in 2022, the boy group ended the [BLUE SET] saga with the release of ‘NEW DAYZ’, the septet’s most recent single.
Still considered a rookie group (a word used to refer to new groups in the K-pop industry), TRENDZ breaks patterns by building a strong narrative, elaborated through four releases: BLUE SET Chapter 1 - TRACKS; BLUE SET Chapter 2 - CHOICES, BLUE SET Chapter UNKNOWN CØDE, and the most recent BLUE SET Chapter ‘NEW DAYZ; two mini-albums and two single albums, respectively.
The title song of the second release, ‘WHO [吼]’, plays by using sound references to wolves and representing force through this figure of speech. The soundtrack helps build the main message of the releases by reinforcing the importance of courage to live.
The checkmate of the saga came soon after, with the most recent release: ‘NEW DAYZ’. With an urban beat, the song represents the narrative of breaking the status quo, facing your fears, and overcoming the city of dreams already sung by the seven members.
[BLUE SET] Chapter - ‘NEW DAYZ’ Tracklist:
With a saga worthy of the Chungmuro (the name of the South Korean cinematographic industry), the group began its story with the debut song TNT (Truth&Trust), part of the mini-album TRACKS. The song shares a powerful message with the world: truth, confidence, and perseverance are the keys to success.
Part of the chapter UNKNOWN CØDE, o single “Vagabond” says out loud “You can say I’m lost, but I’ll never give up on my path”. Besides the references to Neverland as something which must be overcome, courage and authenticity are synonyms that reflect the song. The geniality of the song belongs to the producer LEEZ, famous for his work with other K-pop artists such as ATEEZ and DREAMCATCHER.
The songs released until now cross their paths and are part of a story about dilemmas and humanity issues. How to make choices, be loyal to one’s path, but also have space to get lost and have the courage to face life are some of the messages approached by the group.
Besides the songs, the members also exchange important issues with fans. For example, HAVIT points out that, for him, the memory he has about himself is more important than how others see him.
Despite the different tones, all releases echo the same idea: TRENDZ is a different group that conveys the necessary messages through its music videos, songs, and thunderous performances.
TRENDZ translated in high-quality poetry the issues that are inspiring and relevant to anyone, anywhere in the world. And this is the differential of the group that since its debut is a synonym of fresh air in the industry.
- Nightmare
- NEW DAYZ
- Fantasy
About TRENDZ
TRENDZ (represents trends and innovation) is managed by Global H Media and consists of seven members: HAVIT, LEON, YOONWOO, HANKOOK, ra.L, EUNIL, and YECHAN. The group debuted on January 5th, 2022, with the single ‘TNT (Truth&Trust)’. Only a year later, the group released two mini-albums and is preparing to release the second single album, NEW DAYZ. In every release, TRENDZ shows its trendsetter position in the musical industry and conquers more fans and admirers worldwide.
disney+ hotstar
Workplace K-Dramedy 'RACE' Coming to Disney+ Hotstar This 10 May
Monday, May 08, 2023
What Park Yoonjo (starring Lee Yeon-Hee) lacks in qualifications and experience she more than makes up for in tenacity and drive, but when everyone in the company discovers that several recent hires were made as part of a newly created diversity program, Yoonjo will have to overcome the insurmountable to win their approval in RACE, a new Korean workplace dramedy coming May 10 exclusively to Disney+ Hotstar.
Park Yoonjo has spent her entire career trying to prove that she belongs. Born into a family without means, she was unable to secure a university degree or lean upon her family connections to get ahead, but what Yoonjo lacks in formal education she more than makes up for in work ethic. In RACE, viewers follow along as Yoonjo battles against a stacked deck to secure her dream job at Seyong, a huge Korean conglomerate. Although it appears Yoonjo’s luck has finally taken a turn for the better, reality quickly steps in to prove her wrong, forcing Yoonjo to work harder than ever to overcome the seemingly insurmountable and prove to everyone that she belongs where she is. Set in modern-day Seoul, RACE perfectly captures the nuanced dramas of the modern day workplace in a fun and entertaining way.Starring Lee Yeonhee (New Year Blues, Welcome to Wedding Hell) as “diversity hire” Park Yoonjo; Moon Sori (The Handmaiden, Seoul Vibe) as Goo Yijung, the leading voice in the PR industry, Hong Jonghyun (Moon Lovers) as Yoonjo’s friend Ryu Jaemin and Jung Yunho (Dating On Earth) as CEO of Earth Communication Seo Donghoon, RACE is written by acclaimed screenwriter Kim Roori (Hyena, The Ace) and directed by Lee Dongyoon (She Would Never Know, 20th Century Boy and Girl).
Park Yoonjo has spent her entire career trying to prove that she belongs. Born into a family without means, she was unable to secure a university degree or lean upon her family connections to get ahead, but what Yoonjo lacks in formal education she more than makes up for in work ethic. In RACE, viewers follow along as Yoonjo battles against a stacked deck to secure her dream job at Seyong, a huge Korean conglomerate. Although it appears Yoonjo’s luck has finally taken a turn for the better, reality quickly steps in to prove her wrong, forcing Yoonjo to work harder than ever to overcome the seemingly insurmountable and prove to everyone that she belongs where she is. Set in modern-day Seoul, RACE perfectly captures the nuanced dramas of the modern day workplace in a fun and entertaining way.Starring Lee Yeonhee (New Year Blues, Welcome to Wedding Hell) as “diversity hire” Park Yoonjo; Moon Sori (The Handmaiden, Seoul Vibe) as Goo Yijung, the leading voice in the PR industry, Hong Jonghyun (Moon Lovers) as Yoonjo’s friend Ryu Jaemin and Jung Yunho (Dating On Earth) as CEO of Earth Communication Seo Donghoon, RACE is written by acclaimed screenwriter Kim Roori (Hyena, The Ace) and directed by Lee Dongyoon (She Would Never Know, 20th Century Boy and Girl).
First announced as part of an expanded slate of local APAC content at the 2022 Disney Content Showcase, RACE joins a whole host of incredible Korean titles now available on Disney+ Hotstar, including: Call It Love about a girl driven to revenge but who falls in love with her potential victim; Soundtrack #1 about two friends who are secretly in love with each other; and Big Bet about a serial entrepreneur whose life is turned on its head when he is arrested for murder.
Enjoy RACE from May 10, only on Disney+ Hotstar.