The Noona Chronicles

 Korean netizens appear to be unwilling to forgive the return of former Big Bang member T.O.P to acting. Netflix made an announcement on June 29 KST, revealing the second cast lineup for the highly-anticipated original series, 'Squid Game 2'. Among the names listed, the most unexpected and surprising one was T.O.P, also known by his given name Choi Seung Hyun. READ: Netflix reveals additional cast members for Squid Game 2 Since 2017, T.O.P has been mostly absent from the Korean entertainment scene. During that time, he was found guilty of using the illegal drug marijuana and received a 2-year probation sentence. In 2019, T.O.P declared on his social media platform that he had no intention of making a comeback to the entertainment industry. However, in April 2022, he surprised fans by participating in the digital single "Still Life" with Big Bang, but shortly after, he departed from YG Entertainment. Recently, he generated headlines by announcing on social media that h...

 See You in My 19th Life is the center of a controversy with Iranian viewers. READ: See You in my 19th Life brought back this KDrama trope There has been criticism directed towards the series for allegedly misrepresenting and distorting elements of Iran's historical narrative. The controversy primarily centers around a particular scene involving the main character, Ban Ji Eum (played by Shin Hye Sun), where she states that she discovered alcohol, particularly "Arak," in one of her previous lives in Saudi Arabia. Apparently "arak" is Iran's most recognized and iconic alcoholic beverage. This depiction earned the drama disapproval and disappointment from Iranian viewers who have expressed their concerns. They point out that, based on well-documented Iranian history and sources, the discovery of alcohol is attributed to the renowned Iranian alchemist, physician, and philosopher, "Abu Bakr al-Razi". Iranian viewers are expressing their discontent and ...

 Netflix has revealed the final line up of Squid Game 2 and it couldn't have been predicted! The cast of 'Squid Game' for Season 2 is expanded with the inclusion of Park Gyu-young (Sweet Home), Jo Yu-ri, Kang Ae-sim (Move to Heaven), Lee David (Law School), Lee Jin-uk (Sweet Home), Choi Seung-hyun (a.k.a. T.O.P.), Roh Jae-won (Ditto), and Won Ji-an (Heartbeat). In addition to the previously announced cast members, such as Lee Byung-hun reprising his role as the Front Man and Wi Ha-jun returning as police detective Jun-ho, several new additions will join the second season. Notably, Gong Yoo will also make a comeback. Joining the game as fellow players are Yim Si-wan (Unlocked), Kang Ha-Neul (Midnight Runners), Park Sung-hoon (The Glory), and Yang Dong-geun ('Yaksha: Ruthless Operations'). #SquidGame2 new faces! #ChoiSeunghyun #WonJian #KangAesim #LeeDavid #RohJaewon #LeeJinwook #ParkGyuyoung #JoYuri #TheNoonaChronicles pic.twitter.com/PcLhtppcnb — Noona #SeeYouinMy...

Just 4 episodes in, See You in My 19th Life is proving to be a success with the love it's getting from viewers. But the drama has gained more attention after bringing back this famous KDrama restaurant which we have not seen in so long. And netizens believe that the Ahn Bo Hyun Shin Hye Sun starter will be a success because of it, as it is considered a KDrama trope because of its regularity in Korean dramas. It's the Subway advertisements. Subway stands as one of the most prominent examples of brand advertising, widely recognized by K-drama enthusiasts. There was a period when it felt like every K-drama incorporated a scene set in the iconic sandwich shop, highlighting the pervasive nature of brand placements in the genre. Goblin Crash Landing On You Its Okay to Not Be Okay Source It's been a while since we saw a Subway scene in the latest Korean dramas, so netizens were excited when they saw the famous restaurant in episode 3 of See You in My 19th Life. Ahn Bo Hyun was see...

 It's very common to see couples huddled under a yellow umbrella in KDramas, and it gives us just the right amount of "kilig" for us to continue watching.  Well, it's said that the yellow umbrella symbolizes the happiness that comes with embarking on a fresh start, dedication, generosity, empathy, and above all, love without conditions. Also, it is believed that people can find true love under a yellow umbrella. Which symbolizes resilience, just enough to s ufficiently withstand the trials of time and distance, and ensures being together for eternity. Yellow is one of the 5 traditional colors of the Korean spectrum, which also includes  white, black, blue, and red. And yellow is the most vibrant and vivid hue visible to the human eye. With its inherent association with positivity and happiness, yellow emerges as an excellent shade for celebrating love. Similarly, when two people share one umbrella, it elicits a profound sense of unity and connection with one another,...

  SBS Star Lim Ji Yeon has set another trend with her mukbang scene in the second episode of Lies Hidden in My Garden. As Park Yeon Jin in The Glory, Lim Ji Yeon's various scenes from the drama went viral before. And now, she has set a new trend with her mukbang scene in her latest series with Kim Tae Hee.  READ: Lim Ji Yeon states how her character in The Glory is different from her real character In the second episode aired last June 20, the actress' character Chu Sang Eun, received a call saying that her husband is dead. Now, this husband is abusive and does not care that Sang Eun is pregnant while beating her up.  After confirming the death of her husband, she went to a restaurant and ate to her heart's content. She ordered 3 dishes, jjajangmyeon (Korean-style Chinese noodle dish with black bean sauce), tangsuyuk (Korean-style Chinese fried pork dish), and gun-mandu (pan-fried dumplings). The widowed woman finally felt the freedom she's been longing for so long and ...

sports korea  The 2nd Blue Dragon Series Awards has announced its final nominees.  READ: Here are the winners of the 1st Blue Dragon Series Awards In 2022, the inaugural Blue Dragon Series Awards took place in Korea, recognizing outstanding original streaming series. The awards ceremony was jointly produced by Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Watcha, Wave, Kakao TV, Coupang Play, and TVING. The nominees for this edition were determined through a survey conducted by industry experts and general viewers, focusing on streaming series content (including domestic drama, entertainment, and culture) released between May 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023. The evaluation process was carried out by Sports Chosun Entertainment reporters to select the final candidates. For this year, in the drama category, 'The Glory' received nominations in five different categories: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Male and Female, and Best New Actress. Similarly, 'Big Bet' garnered nominations in...

 It's just the 4th episode for these 2 new dramas, King the Land and See You in My 19th Life, but their performances continue to improve with every episode.  For their latest episodes, aired on June 25, both have risen to their highest ratings yet.  According to Nielsen Korea, Lee Junho and YoonA's King the Land has achieved an average nationwide rating of 9.6%. The drama has continuously shown an increase in rating from its 1st episode where it reached 5.1%. Meanwhile, Ahn Bo Hyun and Shin Hye Sun's See You in My 19th Life achieved 5.7% average nationwide rating, the drama's personal best yet. It started off with 4.3%. 

naver   The Uncanny Counter 2 shared new stills of actor Yoo In Soo, and the transformation was so dramatic, it's hard to believe he was the same actor in All of Us Are Dead and Alchemy of Souls. READ: The Uncanny Counter 2 main posters for the heroes and the villains released In the second season of the hit drama, Yoo In Soo will join  Jo Byeong Gyu, Kim Sejeong, Yoo Joon Sang, and Yeom Hye Ran as Na Jeok Bong, a harmless and naive country boy. Jeok Bong, a farmer, leads a serene and uncomplicated life, even having a cheerful expression he toils and perspires while handling cow dung. Yoo In Soo confessed to being nervous as a new member of the team. As a viewer who really enjoyed watching Season 1, I worried a lot when I heard that I’d be part of ‘The Uncanny Counter 2.   Although Na Jeok Bong might be unsophisticated, please look forward to seeing him as a new superhero who knows how to fight back. Watch out for the whole team as The Uncanny Counter:...

naver   Lee Jang Woo is said to be in a relationship with actress Jo Hye Won. On June 22, it was reported that actor Lee Jang Woo is currently in a relationship with actress Jo Hye Won. According to Lee's agency, Hunus Entertainment, who just confirmed the dating news, The two stars started out as sunbae-hoobaes after working on the same project, then their relationship gradually developed over time.  Please watch over the two stars who are developing a relationship based on love and loyalty with warmth and encouragement. Meanwhile, Jo's agency, SWMP, also confirmed the reports. Congratulations! 

 Park Seo Joon commented on his dating rumor with YouTuber Xooos. READ: Park Seo Joon Reportedly dating a Youtuber During the press conference for his movie Concrete Utopia, he briefly answered the dating rumor. I heard that there was such news belatedly as there is a project I’m currently filming now. The first thought I had was, ‘A lot of people are interested in me.  I’m grateful for the attention, but in my case, I tend to feel greatly burdened by opening up my private life to the public, and since this is a personal matter, I think it will be difficult for me to particularly comment.   Since today is the first official scheduled event for ‘Concrete Utopia,’ please show lots of interest in the film. Concrete Utopia is a gripping disaster thriller that draws inspiration from Part 2 of the immensely popular webtoon "Joyful Outcast" ("Pleasant Neighbors"). It explores the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake and centers around the survivors who gathered at Hwang ...

  naver Park Seo Joon is reportedly in a relationship with a YouTuber and singer, xooos (Kim Soo Yeon). Last month, an industry insider provided a suggestion to JTBC Entertainment News, stating that Park Seo-Joon is romantically involved with Xooos. Their relationship holds such significance that Park Seo-Joon has introduced her to his closest friends. It is reported that the couple is relishing in simple activities together, such as sharing hobbies and participating in sports, just like any other couple. According to the actor's agency, Awesome ENT, It is difficult to confirm facts related to our artist’s personal life. We’re sorry. Please kindly understand.” xooos’s agency WAVY similarly commented, “It is difficult to confirm.  An online community posted a photo on the 20th featuring the two individuals alongside their acquaintances. Park Seo Joon and Xooos (Hong Soo Yeon) in one frame 🥹🫶🏻 Cute cute! I hope it's true🤍 #parkseojoon pic.twitter.com/SyFGB9Ri6y — sleeping (...

  allkpop Park Seo Joon, Park Hyung Sik, Peak Boy, and BTS V, also known as Wooga Squad, were spotted watching Bruno Mars' concert in Seoul. Check out some photos below: READ: Wooga Squad's cute interactions 📸 New video shows #BTSV / Kim Taehyung with Park Hyungsik and Park Seojoon smiling ear to ear, as Bruno Mars addresses the crowd with "Bogoshippo baby..." at his concert! 😍💕✨ A mini Wooga squad reunion 🥹 pic.twitter.com/a0CS0YdI4I — SK POP (@SKPopCulture) June 18, 2023 taehyung at bruno mars concert he looks ethereal 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/RaD7od2N1o — ^^ (@willynyyn) June 18, 2023 Peakboy, Taehyung's manager, hyungsik, Taehyung & Seojoon vibing together ❤️‍🔥💞😍 #BrunoMars pic.twitter.com/6qHbqAFqZK — Tete* GEN Z IT BOY (@SayaniPramanic3) June 18, 2023

 naver Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun will lead JTBC's new drama, Welcome to Samdari. On June 19, it was officially announced that the two actors will lead the new drama. It tells the story of Samdal,  a protagonist who appears to be like a dragon ascending to heaven in magnificence but one day loses everything and crashes back to earth, trying to catch his breath.  The production team said, We sincerely welcome Ji Chang-wook and Shin Hye-sun,  who believe in showing optimized acting for the role of Samdali's famous 'mate' Yongpil and Samdal, The two actors are bright and cheerful, and their acting is full of energy. We expect to peak the box office success of JTBC's dramas in 2023.

  Insight Right after the ending of Dr Romantic 3, fans have been clamoring for a season 4. The finale episode gathered a 16.8% nationwide, it's highest during the series' run.  The clamor for a 4th season became stronger with the appearance of Yoon Seo Jung going inside Doldam after her arrival from the United States. This excited the viewers as this means all of Kim Sabu's students will be coming together at last. With that being said, Dr. Yoon Areum, played by actress So Joo Yeon, had a recent interview with XSports News. And her statement about a 4th season drew attention. If it happens, I will consider starring in the drama. We are currently not in the situation to discuss that with each other, so I have to be cautious with my words.   It hasn’t been long since the writer and the director worked hard to successfully complete Season 1 and 2. We still need to be careful about the future plan. Whatever happens, fans of the show will be waiting for this to happen, w...