GOKPOP | Exclusive K-News in Malaysia & Singapore

Vengeance Comes This 23 July with a Special Episode Kingdom: Ashin of the North

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Catch 'At A Distance, Spring Is Green' Starring Park Ji Hoon, Bae In Hyuk and Kang Min Ah on iQiyi

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

iQiyi on-going Korean drama 'At a distance Spring is Green' is based on popular webtoon and the concept is based on a quote from Charlie Chaplin "Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot." The storyline surrounds young people who live in their brilliant 20s. Yet, after a deep look, their lives are tough and uneasy. Starring Park Ji-hoon, Bae In Hyuk, Kang Min Ah, Na In Woo and Cha Chung Hwa, 'At A Distance Spring is Green' is set to stream on iQiyi International app every Monday and Tuesday at 8.30PM (MYT), exclusively simulcast streaming with Korea.

At the press conference on June 14th, director Kim Jong-Hyun expressed his satisfaction with having Park Ji-Hoon in the show, since Ji-Hoon has perfectly matched the main character's image from the original comic.

Park Ji-Hoon said the character "Yeo Jun" he played might look cheerful but is also afraid of getting hurt on the inside. He's happy to receive this role because he believes the audience would feel related when watching the show. However, Ji-Hoon doesn't think himself in real-life relates to the original character at all. He wouldn't be so cheerful and kind, but he's willing to give everything to who he gets along with. Ji-Hoon also frankly talked about how difficult it is to not let the audience feel the difference between the role he plays and the original role in the comic.

Bae In-Hyuk plays the role of "Nam Soo Hyun", who lost his father at a young age. That requires him to work part-time jobs to make a living. He intentionally lost a bunch of weight to fit in his role. Bae In-Hyuk is well-known from the hot streaming k-drama My Roommate is Gumiho. By finally getting so much attention, he felt grateful that he could receive these opportunities right after his debut. He also gives positive comments about working with Kang Min Ah and agrees that all three of them have good chemistry, which leads to an amazing outcome.

Bae In Hyuk joined the crew late. It was super awkward when he first met Park Ji-Hoon, but once they get along, they become good friends. Park Ji-Hoon felt the same way, yet he thinks the interaction between them matches the development of the plot, which is also very helpful in acting. During the press conference, three of them constantly make eye contact and laugh. As we can tell, they are truly getting along with each other.

Highlights of At a distance Spring is Green including Park Ji-Hoon's role "Yeo Joon", as a popular student at school, get to know Kang Min Ah's role "Kim Soo Bin" who accidentally fell into his arms when they first met! "Kim Soo Bin" asked "Yeo Joon" if he would pass her the Part-time TA opportunity, without expecting his response: "I'd consider if you could be my friend." Later, "Yeo Joon" carried her in his arms for a terrifying bungee jumping!

While the show is streaming, Park Ji Hoon will be online with the Korea Entertainment platform "UNIVERSE" and having live chats with fans! He also shared that he did the bungee Jumping scene with only one take! It has also become the most classic scene voted by fans. iQiyi International App At a distance Spring is Green will be exclusively simulcast streaming with Korea at 8PM (MYT) every Monday and Tuesday.

Image courtesy of iQiyi

Hospital Playlist Season 2

Hospital Playlist Season 2 Catch-up Guideline You Need to Know

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

The long-awaited hit series Hospital Playlist is finally back with its second season, and we could not be more excited. If you haven’t seen the first season or need a quick recap of what you need to know before watching the second season, check out this catch-up guide. Find out what’s going on with the main five doctor friends of the series and what we’re looking forward to for each of them with the new season.

Lee Ik-jun

Our resident social butterfly and hepatologist Lee Ik-jun (Cho Jung-Seok) is always busy being an amazing doctor, doting single father, and befriending everyone in the hospital. At the end of the first season, he confessed his feelings to his long-time friend and first love Chae Song-hwa (Jeon Mi-do). We’re dying to find out if Song-hwa feels the same way and whether they’ll become a couple or not. We also can’t wait to see more of his adorable son U-ju and hear more of his sweet singing.

Ahn Jeong-won

The pediatric surgeon loves children, loves God, and loves helping out people in need. While Ahn Jeong-won (Yoo Yeon-seok) was torn over the decision to become a priest in the first season, he ended up deciding against it and confirmed his feelings for Jang Gyeo-ul (Shin Hyun-been). With their cute couple nickname “Winter Garden,” fans are super excited to see more of their romance in the new season. Here’s hoping we can see some cute antics from Jeong-won as they navigate their new relationship.

Kim Jun-wan

Cardiothoracic surgeon Kim Jun-wan (Jung Kyung-Ho) appears prickly on the outside but is just as warm-hearted as his friends on the inside. A fan of golf and sweets, Jun-wan turned into quite the romantic as he delved into a romance with Ik-jun’s sister Ik-sun (Kwak Sun-young). At the end of the first season they became a long-distance couple when Ik-sun left to study abroad. He mailed her a couple ring, but got the package returned to him. The second season should provide us with a much-needed update on their relationship status.

Yang Seok-hyeong

The introverted obstetrician-gynecologist enjoys spending his time alone, with his friends, or with his mother. After Chu Min-ha (Ahn Eun-jin) confesses her feelings for him, Yang Seok-hyeong (Kim Dae-Myeung) tells her he’s not interested in dating. Respectfully undeterred, Chu Min-ha continues to show her interest and spend more time with him. At the end of the previous season, he turned down Min-ha’s invitation for Christmas dinner and received a call from his ex-wife. Will Seok-hyeong experience romance in season 2?

Chae Song-hwa

Neurosurgeon Chae Song-hwa (Jeon Mi Do) is a true lover of camping and she’s perfect at everything except for singing. At the end of the first season, Song-hwa moves to Sokcho to work at a hospital branch there for a year in order to improve her health. After moving, Ik-jun confesses his feelings for her and tells her to take her time and tell him how she feels when he gets back from the symposium in Spain. We’ll see whether she’s back in Seoul for the new season and what her answer for Ik-jun will be.

Now that you remember all the reasons to love Hospital Playlist, you’re all caught up just in time for when Season 2 launches on Netflix tomorrow, 17 June. New episodes will be released every Thursday at 10PM MYT, only on Netflix.

Image courtesy of Netflix.

Lifestyle

'So Not Worth It', Netflix First Ever K-sitcom About Youths' Friendship, Hardships and Love

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Cast of 'So Not Worth It' and Director Kwon and Director Kim

The wait is over! Netflix’s first ever K-sitcom, ‘So Not Worth It’ will be available on 18 June 2021! The 12-episode sitcom, starring Park Se-wan, Shin Hyeon-seung, Choi Young-Jae, Minnie of (G)-IDLE, Han Hyun-min. Joakim Soresen, Carson Allen and Terris Brown, ‘So Not Worth It’ will depict the chaotic, bittersweet life of college students living in an international dorm.

Present at the virtual press conference today was Park Se-wan, Shin Hyeon-seung, Choi Young-Jae, Han Hyun-min. Joakim Soresen, Carson Allen and Terris Brown, together with Directors Kwon Ik-Joon and Kim Jung-Sik. Although Minnie was not able to attend the press conference physically as she is in Thailand, she sent videos over prior to the event! The cast and directors of ‘So Not Worth It’ shared about what viewers can expect for the K-sitcom ahead of its release.

The cast were to introduce their 'So Not Worth It' characters through a presentation, like students doing an assignment!

Check out what the cast had to share about their characters below:

Although #Minnie of #GIDLE was not physically present at the #SoNotWorthIt press conference today, she sent in her assignment a day before! 👍🏻#Youngjae plays Sam, who is a character that is immature yet funny and has a pure heart! 💕 pic.twitter.com/S6zCsrxQEU
— GOKPOP (@goKPOP) June 16, 2021

#JoakimSoresen plays Hans who is passionate about korean culture and a student who sticks by the rules in the dorm! 💯#TerrisBrown will play Terris who is a smart, outstanding and warm-hearted person! 💝

We simply can’t wait to see the unique characters in #SoNotWorthIt! 🤩🥳 pic.twitter.com/dpfuBPg5SO
— GOKPOP (@goKPOP) June 16, 2021

G-IDLE's Minnie as Minnie in 'So Not Worth It'

Minnie gave a more in-depth description of her character! She came to Korea to study K-Beauty, drama and fashion. She is a sophomore in K-Contents major, who straight-forward and enjoys school life to the fullest! Minnie is also obsessed with the k-drama 'Crash Landing On You' and can fall in love with other dramas as well! We believe that many of us can relate to Minnie in 'So Not Worth It'!

Actress Park Se-wan as Se-wan in 'So Not Worth It'

Director Kwon shared that although the title of the sitcom 'So Not Worth It' appears to seem negative on the outside, the series will bring laughs to viewers and it is a sitcom with a positive vibe. The message of the sitcom is to not think about tomorrow and just enjoy today! The sitcom will bring light to the troubles of the young generation these days, who are afraid and insecure about their future. In 'So Not Worth It'.

During the press conference conveyed that Sewan is the only serious character amongst the other friends who are just living their lives happily. Director Kwon revealed that the character, Sewan, symbolises the young generation that carry worries about their future and how friendships change Sewan. 'So Not Worth It' aims to be a show that everyone in the world will be able to relate to.

Shin Hyeon-Seung as Jamie in 'So Not Worth It'

Rising actor Shin Hyeon-seung will be a familiar face to those who have watched the webdrama, 'Be My Boyfriend'! It was also disclosed that Hyeon-seung was offered the role of Jamie, against 5000 other actors who auditioned for the role! We cannot wait to watch the sitcom and we look forward to the bright future of the rising actor!

Choi Youngjae as Sam

When asked about how Youngjae feels being a former idol from the global K-POP group GOT7, having musical gigs and now in the acting scene, he replied, "As I had been an idol for sometime, I am nervous to have the title of an 'actor' but I am grateful for all the opportunities for musicals and the sitcom 'So Not Worth It'. I will do my best to live up to everyone's expectations!"

Youngjae also revealed that his former group member, Jinyoung, who is a more experienced actor, provided him with some advice for his new start to an acting career! "He told me that I should do whatever I want and to follow my heart."

We love friends supporting each other and we hope to see Youngjae in more shows as well!

Han Hyun-min as Hyunmin in 'So Not Worth It'

Han Hyunmin, who is originally a model, has taken up other variety gigs and was even the MC for K-POP music broadcast show, Mcountdown, previously, what a versatile entertainer! He also revealed that Hyunmin is the funniest character in the sitcom and the actor himself laughed a lot during filming as the show was just way too much fun!

Terris Brown as Terris in 'So Not Worth It'

During the press conference, the cast was asked about what food they would like to recommend their foreign friends if they come to Korea! Terris suggested that he will recommend bulgogi as it is widely accessible everywhere to those new to Korea! We miss Korea and we cannot wait to be back there!

Director Kim and Director Kwon

Q: There was a lot of hype on the sitcom, was there pressure and what did you focus on that to bring out to the audience who will be watching ‘So Not Worth It’?
Director Kim: Although I do feel pressure now, I did not feel pressure on set as everyone was as if they were not acting but being themselves! Because of this, everyone was comfortable on set.

Q: What is the difference between people in their 20s in the past and people who are in their 20s now?
Director Kwon: The young generation these days face a lot of hardships. It is heartbreaking seeing how they seem to have a tough life. Sitcoms are funny but in 'So Not Worth It', viewers will be able to see and learn that everyone is hiding their pain somehow.

Producer Kwon Ik-Joon, the hitmaker of top Korean sitcoms such as Three Guys and Three Girls and the Nonstop series, helms the production as the creator and director. Producer Kim Jung-sik of High Kick, Potato Star 2013QR3 and more serves as the episode director. ‘So Not Worth It’ is also produced by Mystic Story, a company led by Yoon Jong-shin who will also be involved in producing the show’s original soundtrack. The legendary members of the production team will bring together a sitcom that not only delivers laughs but also comfort and empathy to young people who face the realistic hardships in life.

The original soundtrack of 'So Not Worth It', beautifully sung by fellow cast, Youngjae, will be released on 19 June 2021, a day after the release of the sitcom!

Cast of 'So Not Worth It'

Q: How do you feel about the show’s release to audiences around the world through Netflix?

Se-wan: ‘So Not Worth It’ is scheduled for simultaneous release to fans around the globe. I am so excited about it but also very nervous. I hope the story about multinational students is fun and entertaining to the viewers.

Shin Hyeon-Seung: I worried a lot in the beginning, but in retrospect, I don’t know why I worried. It was such a fun and happy experience. I know there is still more to be desired. But we all worked very hard, and I hope the viewers enjoy the fruits of our labour.

Youngjae: I watch Netflix frequently, I am so happy and amazed that I get to be on a Netflix show. I really gave my all to the filming of the show like everyone else. I am sure our efforts will pay off. It is a very entertaining show, and I hope the viewers will like it!

Minnie: I watch a lot of Netflix, and it’s such an honor to be a part of a Netflix sitcom. As a newcomer, I know I have a long way to go. I hope the viewers are understanding of this journey I’m on and be a witness to my learning and growth.

Han Hyun-min: I’ve watched Netflix since high school and to be on the other side, to be part of a show seems unbelievable. I’m so excited. The show is the result of our hard work, so I hope the viewers appreciate it.

Carson Allen as Carson in 'So Not Worth It'

Carson: I’m honored to be a part of such a great show. There hasn’t been a Korean sitcom for young people in a while, so I was thrilled to be included. We worked very hard to live up to the viewers’ expectations, so I hope they enjoy the show.

Joakim Soresen as Hans in 'So Not Worth It'

Joakim Soresen: It hasn’t hit me yet. I had a blast being an exchange student and international student in Korea. The Swedish city I come from has a population of less than 10,000, and it’s amazing that I’m in Korea to appear in a Netflix sitcom. Through the vicarious experiences and thrills of the show, I hope the viewers will develop an interest in this country. Maybe even visit here someday. I hope they really enjoy the show.

Terris: I grew up watching Netflix so it’s hard to take it all in, but I’m thrilled. It’s a huge honor. Having a multinational cast will likely set us apart from the other Korean sitcoms, and due to our diversity, viewers may find common ground no matter where they tune in from. We gave it our all, so I’m confident that the show will live up to expectations.

‘So Not Worth It’ tells a story of an international dorm where multinational college students live together. The sitcom gathers characters with unique personalities from Korea, America, Australia, Thailand, Sweden and more! From the unsettling realities college students face to the meaningful friendships forged, ‘So Not Worth It’ will portray the stories of the eight individuals into light-hearted amusement.

Watch the trailer below and be sure to tune in to ‘So Not Worth It’ on Netflix, 18 June 2021.