Netflix's Better Late Than Single is back to bring another dose of fresh air into TV's dating show landscape. The Korean reality show debuted last year, with a refreshing concept centered on the 모태솔로 (which the show translates as an "eternal single"). Cast members in search of their first love story underwent makeovers ranging from wardrobe overhauls to communication coaching, before arriving at the "Solo Village" on Korea's Jeju Island. There, dates and challenges pushed them out of their comfort zones, resulting in clumsy-yet-earnest attempts at finding connections. (Like in Single's Inferno, their ages and professions are kept secret.)

Now, Better Late Than Single is back, with hosts Seo In-guk, Kang Han-na, Lee Eun-ji, and Car, the Garden returning. For the show's highly anticipated sophomore season, producers chose several earnest singles to watch after more than 17,000 people applied. Debuting on July 7, season 2's cohort skews older than the average dating show, with singles in their late 20s and early 30s ranging from workaholics ready to prioritize love over career to fangirls ready to swoon IRL to shy homebodies working through their social anxiety.

With season 2 airing weekly up to the July 28 finale, read on to meet the cast of Better Late Than Single season 2, from their Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to their hobbies and what they're looking for in a relationship.

Who are the original singles on 'Better Late Than Single' season 2?

Kim Jae-seo

Age: 32

MBTI: ENTJ

Hobby: Playing games

Kim Jae-seo is a game developer and KAIST graduate who was part of the founding team of the globally popular game PUBG: Battlegrounds. He admits that he essentially lived at work for eight or nine years, which "pulled [him] away from dating."

Before the show, he says he stood out for his gray facial hair, which he thinks made people assume he wasn't interested in dating. After his makeover, which included dying his hair black and waxing his beard, the hosts noted his resemblance to Jeon Hyun-moo. (He also says his ideal type is actress Park Bo-young.)

Jeon Seo-yoon

Age: 29

MBTI: INTJ

Hobby: Fangirling

Jeon Seo-yoon is a longtime fan of the K-pop boy group NCT DREAM. (Her bias is Jisung.) She says that she applied for the show because she has to start thinking about marriage as she approaches her 30s. Though she's nervous, she remarks that "the fangirl muscle and the dating muscle are essentially the same." Her goal is to find a boyfriend to bring to her faves' next concert.

Yoon Jung-yun

Age: 26

MBTI: ISFP

Hobby: Games (League of Legends) and piano

Yoon Jung-yun is a shy homebody who'd never even been on a blind or group date before the show. He admits that he has trouble maintaining eye contact with strangers and that his hyperhidrosis makes his palms sweat. His makeover consisted of several mock blind dates in which he worked through his nerves.

Choi Hyun-seo

Age: 27

MBTI: INTJ

Hobby: Reading, gaming, and watching anime

Choi Hyun-seo describes herself as a major otaku (an anime and manga fan); her favorite character is Toushirou Hijikata from Gintama. Since she went to arts school, she says she hasn't had a chance to meet men in real life, but she became interested in dating in her mid-20s after meeting a man who resembled one of her favorite characters. But she also says that guys don't tend to like her mellow, low-energy personality, and that guys have considered her a dongsaeng, or little sibling. She describes her "ideal 2D man" as someone with dark hair, cat-like eyes, and a serious personality.

Lee Han-ju

Age: 27

MBTI: ISTP

Hobby: Concerts and baseball games

Lee Han-ju is a Korean medical doctor who uses acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Chuna Manual Therapy. She passed on applying to Better Late Than Single season 1, but she changed her mind after a year of failed blind dates and group dates. Though she enjoys drinking with friends, she admits that she has been rejected before due to her bluntness, such as a time she called a date a "man-whore" after he kept trying to brush her hair back. She also says that she's into pretty boys who look like K-pop idols, with a slight bad-boy edge.

Ahn Seung-hyun

Age: 30

MBTI: ISFP

Hobby: Hiking

Ahn Seung-hyun applied for the show after watching season 1 with a friend. He says that he feels he's falling behind because his friends are getting married. He also tends to ramble and trip over his words when nervous, so he works with a communication coach before entering the Solo Village.

Kim Soo-hyun

Age: 28

MBTI: ESTJ

Hobby: Watching K-dramas

Kim Soo-hyun is at the age where her family is pestering her about dating and marriage. (Her mother even briefly hijacked her call with the producers.) Though her mother and sisters are quite nosy, Soo-hyun is confident that she'll be able to meet someone through the show.

Choi Hyuk-joon

Age: 31

MBTI: INTJ

Hobby: Hiking, watching movies, and visiting cafés

Choi Hyuk-joon admits that he may be over-cautious about dating, after having his heart broken by an unrequited first love in college. His makeover consists of meeting with a dating coach, who encourages Hyuk-joon to be more proactive and drop the "dismissive-avoidant mask" he uses as a defense mechanism. Hyuk-joon also undergoes voice training to make his voice a bit deeper.

Who are the game changers on 'Better Late Than Single' season 2?

Lee Jin-woo

Age: 26

MBTI: ISTP

Hobby: Exercising

Lee Jin-woo isn't technically an eternal single. He met someone on an anonymous chat app during COVID; they dated for about a year but never met in person. After a weight-loss journey, he's confident about entering the dating world IRL.

Han Su-ji

Age: 26

MBTI: INTP

Hobby: Collecting merch and ballet

Han Su-ji is a potter who studied illustration overseas. Growing up between the U.K. and Korea, she learned to be independent early and now has a solitary job. She admits that she can seem unapproachable, but she's determined to leave the Solo Village with a boyfriend.

An Jeong-eun

Age: 30

MBTI: INFP

Hobby: Watching movies and documentaries

An Jeong-eun has been recruited by other dating shows, but she chose Better Late Than Single after her family watched season 1. Since she was picked on as a kid, she expects to be judged by new people and struggles to make connections. She says that she does not want to run away, and instead hopes to be truthful and give this experience her full effort.

Kim Tae-hoon

Age: 29

MBTI: INTJ

Hobby: Cooking and playing soccer

Kim Tae-hoon dated someone in middle school, but his friends say it doesn't count towards his dating history. He also got a bad reputation for speaking with no filter and often arguing with girls in high school. As a game changer, he promises to "stir the pot with all my might."

Who are the hosts on 'Better Late Than Single' season 2?

Seo In-guk

Seo In-guk is a familiar face to Netflix K-drama fans; earlier this year, he co-starred with BLACKPINK's Jisoo in the hit rom-com Boyfriend on Demand. The 38-year-old actor and singer-songwriter is best known for his roles in shows like Reply 1997, The Master's Sun, Hello Monster, The Smile Has Left Your Eyes, Doom at Your Service, Café Minamdang, and Death's Game. He's also currently starring in Prime Video's workplace rom-com See You at Work Tomorrow!.

Seo In-guk's Instagram: @seo_cccc

Lee Eun-ji

Lee Eun-ji, 33, is a former dance sports athlete turned comedian and entertainer. She's best known as a main cast member in producer Na Young-seok's popular variety show Earth Arcade, alongside rapper Lee Young-ji, OH MY GIRL member Mimi, and IVE member An Yu-jin. In 2023, Lee was one of Korea's most in-demand entertainers, taking home the Best Female Variety Entertainer award at the Baeksang Arts Awards.

Lee Eun-ji's Instagram: @happy._.ej

Kang Han-na

Actress Kang Han-na, 36, earned a Baeksang Arts Award nomination in 2017 for her breakout role playing a villainous princess in the historical K-drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. Since then, her best-known K-drama roles have included the shows Just Between Lovers, Familiar Wife, Start-Up, My Roommate is a Gumiho, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, and Cashero. She has also guest-starred in over 20 episodes of Running Man, making her the guest with the most appearances in the variety show's history.

Kang Han-na's Instagram: k_hanna_

Car, the Garden

Cha Jung-won, 34, is an indie-rock singer-songwriter better known by his stage name, Car, the Garden. (His surname "cha" translates to "car" in English, while "jung-won" means "garden.") Since his debut in 2013, Cha has appeared on soundtracks for dramas including True Beauty, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Alchemy of Souls, Taxi Driver season 2, and Marry My Husband. He's also an entertainer who has appeared on dozens of variety and YouTube shows.

Car, the Garden's Instagram: @carthegarden

If you ever wanted to know who is on your favorite singer's playlist, or what albums inspired the latest “it girl” the most, tune in for Marie Claire’s resident music franchise Listen Up. In this interview series, we ask musicians about their listening habits and the specific records that informed their taste—and inherently their journey as an artist.

Hearts2Hearts may be K-pop rookies, but they’re eager to dominate your “song of the summer” debates. That may sound like a lofty goal for a girl group that just debuted 16 months ago, but they’ve already climbed up the charts, landing on the Billboard Global 200 with their infectious, bratty bop “RUDE!” two weeks after their first anniversary. Now, they’re back with their second mini-album, Lemon Tang, which is filled top to bottom with feel-good summer-soundtrack contenders.

“Summer Queen” is an ambitious title to vie for, especially in K-pop. Members Jiwoo, Carmen, Yuha, Stella, Juun, A-na, Ian, and Ye-on (whose ages range from 16 to 20) grew up on the bubbly, crisp earworms that became inescapable in the warmer months, sung by girl groups like their own SM Entertainment labelmates Red Velvet and Girls’ Generation. In recent years, idol music has trended toward a more industrial, bass-heavy sound, leaving behind the electro- and bubblegum-pop of the 2010s. But Heart2Hearts stands out among the young groups leading the charge to bring carefree euphoria back into K-pop.

“In this hot summer, it’s going to be the best way to refresh yourself through music,” Ye-on says of Lemon Tang's title track, as the group speaks with Marie Claire over Zoom. Stella adds, “The lyrics have a really cute meaning of how it's sweeter when everyone's together…When I first heard the song before we recorded it, I just thought, ‘Oh, this is the perfect summer song.’”

While the group has leaned toward a sleek R&B-influenced sound on previous tracks like “The Chase” and “FOCUS,” “Lemon Tang” cements that the best Hearts2Hearts releases are full of youthful pep. Each song transports listeners back to their own teenage days, with sugary songs full of metaphors about the innocent drama of a first love. Flirting is like a tennis game; romantic advice becomes a secret recipe. Loneliness can make thoughts as sour as a lemon, but when someone new captures your attention, that mysterious tang is irresistible and you may not feel so alone after all.

“Even if we speak different languages and are different, we hope that through our music and through the performances, we can build a connection from our heart to their heart,” Juun says as her groupmates nod in agreement.

With Lemon Tang out now, the members share which 2010s pop anthems informed their music taste and what they’re listening to now.

Stella: When I was younger and growing up, I really loved listening to Ariana Grande. Her Yours Truly album was my favorite. I would listen to it every single day after school.

I-an: The first album I bought with the pocket money my parents gave me was aespa sunbaenim's Girls.

Carmen: The first album I bought with my own money was Justin Bieber’s—the “Boyfriend” one, [Believe].

Carmen: Bruno Mars’s newest album, The Romantic. My favorite song is “Risk It All.”

Jiwoo: The 2000s when there was a lot of pop and dance-pop. If you look at the melodies of songs of that time, they’re really catchy, bouncy, and high-energy. It fits the overall brightness and feel that we look for with Hearts2Hearts.

Stella: I've definitely been really into “Midnight Sun” by Zara Larsson, but I really loved her music before that as well.

Jiwoo: Red Velvet sunbaenim’s “Red Flavor.” It's a really cute song, and very high-energy.

I-an: Girls’ Generation sunbaenim’s “Holiday.” We covered this song as trainees, and it’s very happy and bright.

Yuha: I had an opportunity to go to a Taeyeon concert. Needless to say, she was a really good singer, but the way that she interacted with fans between songs was very impressive. That was a performance that I really remember.

I-an: The first fan meeting that we had. It was the first event in which we had the full audience of just fans only. So, of course, before going on stage, I really wanted to do well. I was totally nervous. I think that it was something like when we were first debuting, and so, therefore, that made me totally focused. After it was over, I was so happy. I got a feeling of accomplishment, and that's something that I really remember.

Carmen: When we did a fan meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia. [Ed. note: Carmen is the first Indonesian K-pop idol under SM.] My mom, my dad, my grandmother, and my big family were all watching me perform, so it made me feel so nervous and happy at the same time.

Stella: “RUDE!” It received a lot of love, so I feel like it would be a good starting point for people who are interested in us or want to get to know us.

Stella: One of the groups that we've really looked up to was Girls’ Generation. If we were ever to do a collaboration or share a stage with them, that would be a big honor.

Stella: I like to listen to really loud electronic music to get me distracted. I search "electro music one hour" on YouTube.

Jiwoo: Girls’ Generation’s “PARTY.”

MC: What song describes the stage in life you’re at right now?

Yuha: aespa’s “Live My Life.”

Carmen: “Rock With You” by Michael Jackson.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Netflix's rom-com K-drama My Royal Nemesis has become the latest Korean series to catapult a rising actor into global fame. Written by Kang Hyun-joo, the weekly SBS series stars former The Glory villain Lim Ji-yeon as Kang Dan-shim, a Joseon-era commoner-turned-royal consort who finds herself transported into the body of a modern-day actress named Shin Seo-ri. Soon, she crosses paths with Cha Se-gye (Heo Nam-jun), a third-generation chaebol heir born out of wedlock who's determined to prove himself to his family. Thus begins the pair's enemies-to-lovers romance, a connection shown to span 300 years thanks to some past-lives plot twists.

Since its premiere on May 8, the time-travel romance has grown into one of the year's most popular K-dramas so far, catapulting Heo Nam-jun into the spotlight. After flying under the radar on acclaimed shows, the actor has doubled his Instagram following as fans have fallen for Dan-shim and Se-gye's swoon-worthy love story. Below, read on to learn more about Heo Nam-jun, from his own humble roots to his other shows to watch after My Royal Nemesis.

Heo Nam-jun grew up on a farm and first pursued music before becoming an actor.

Heo Nam-jun, 33, grew up on a farm in Korea's Gangwon province. (His birthday falls within My Royal Nemesis's run, on June 9.) According to The Korea Herald, he initially wanted to major in applied music for college; when it didn't work out, he turned to acting and decided to pursue it as a career.

"I realized in high school that no matter how hard I worked, music just wasn't going to work out for me," Heo explained in 2024. "That was the point where I realized that some things simply don't work out no matter how hard you try. It was the first time I really ran into a wall."

Before 'My Royal Nemesis,' Heo Nam-jun was best known for playing a sadistic villain.

After graduating from Sungkyunkwan University's Department of Acting Arts, Heo eventually made his acting debut in 2019. His first roles included supporting parts in dramas like Missing: The Other Side, Snowdrop, and The Impossible Heir; and movies including Double Patty and Night in Paradise. Netflix fans may also recognize him from his role playing soldier Kang Seok-chan in seasons 2 and 3 of Sweet Home.

In late 2024, Heo caught the attention of the K-drama industry in back-to-back roles. He played ruthless villain Kim Sang-hyuk in the Korean thriller adaptation of Your Honor, and warm second-lead Ji Sang-woo in When the Phone Rings. For the former, Heo received one of Korean television's biggest honors, a Blue Dragon Series Award nomination for Best New Actor.

Heo was lauded for giving great performances of the very different characters, and soon landed both a supporting role in Netflix's space drama When the Stars Gossip. He later got his first lead role, in the historical coming-of-age drama A Hundred Memories.

In a November 2025 interview, he told Forbes, "The past year was filled with both pressure and happiness. Being able to continue acting with great people in good projects is truly a blessing. For me, being able to do what I love for a living is already a success."

He's a fraternal twin and a loving uncle.

Though Heo mostly keeps his personal life private, he recently opened up about his bond with his sibling. While appearing on the popular YouTube show Salon Drip, hosted by Jang Do-yeon, the actor revealed that he's a fraternal twin and the elder of the brothers.

"We don't look alike at all," he explained. "My brother is totally a T [a Thinking type in MBTI] and a planner. He's taller than me and has darker features. My brother grew much faster than me so even though I'm the older brother in name, I was treated like the younger one. I ended up inheriting all the clothes."

When asked who was more popular with girls when they were young, Heo added, "My brother was more popular. I've never really been popular. I've received [love] confessions before, but not many."

Nam-jun's brother is also a new dad. Last January, the actor posted a sweet Instagram picture holding his nephew. Per Zapzee, he also mentioned the newborn in his acceptance speech at the 2024 MBC Drama Awards. "“Father, Mother, my brother and my nephew born just a few days ago, I love you," he said at the time.

He called starring in an IU music video the "biggest credit of his life."

Before My Royal Nemesis and A Hundred Memories, Heo starred in his first lead role alongside one of Korea's biggest stars. In May 2025, he played the romantic lead opposite IU in her nostalgic music video for the ballad "Never Ending Story."

A few months later, during his appearance on his former cast mate Yoo Yeon-seok's YouTube channel, Heo opened up about the video's filming, calling the video the "biggest credit of [his] life" so far.

"When the offer first came in, this thought hit me: 'IU knows I exist in this world.' I could say that I've made it. I want no more but to just work hard like how I did," he said. "Because I adored her when I was young. I really enjoyed her song and I was a big fan. I went up with my hands shaking and said hello, and couldn't say anything else. Even meeting her felt like a dream."

"I got more messages than ever in my life," he added. "They all said the same thing: 'You made it.' My parents said it was their happiest moment."

Long before it arrived on Hulu, Perfect Crown was set to become the biggest K-drama of the year (so far). MBC and Disney+'s fantasy-romance series stars two of Korea's most famous stars—When Life Gives You Tangerines alum IU and Lovely Runner's Byeon Woo-seok—in a reimagining of the country as a 21st-century constitutional monarchy. (Think the British royals but with modern hanboks.)

Perfect Crown centers on two second children who defy societal expectations to make their own destiny. Seong Hui-ju (IU) is a successful businesswoman whose ambition is curtailed by her status as a commoner and an illegitimate child. Grand Prince I-AN (Byeon) is the most powerful man in the country, but he also lives under the most restrictions. When the pair strikes up a marriage of convenience, their growing romance challenges multiple hierarchies.

Since its April 10 premiere, Perfect Crown has become a smash hit across the globe, with the rom-com earning Disney+'s biggest K-drama premiere to date and trending in over 40 countries. This is thanks in large part to its talented cast, with rising stars like Gong Seung-yeon and Lee Yeon becoming quick fan favorites. With Perfect Crown airing on Fridays and Saturdays up to its May 16 finale, read on to learn more about the stars bringing the Disney+/Hulu hit to life.

IU as Seong Hui-ju

Seong Hui-ju is the CEO of Castle Beauty and the second child of Castle Group, the country's top conglomerate. Her ruthless and competitive nature comes from a lifetime on the margins: Though she's wealthy and successful, her status as a commoner and illegitimate child means nobles look down upon her. Since marriage is necessary for her standing, she decides to aim for the top.

IU (real name Lee Ji-eun), 32, is a singer-songwriter and actress who's one of the most popular stars in South Korea. She made her singing debut at the age of 15 and rose to fame with hit songs including 2010's "Good Day," 2017's "Palette," 2020's "Eight," and 2024's "Love Wins All." On the acting side, she has starred in award-winning dramas and films, including My Mister, Hotel del Luna, Broker, and When Life Gives You Tangerines. She also hosts the YouTube interview series IU's Palette.

Instagram: @dlwlrma

Byeon Woo-seok as Crown Prince I-AN

I-AN is the second son of the royal family and the younger brother of the late king. He was raised to be quiet and obedient, hiding his fiery temper and ignoring his ambitions. But everything changes when the king unexpectedly dies, leaving his toddler son as the only heir. Three years after becoming regent, I-AN must choose between supporting his young nephew and his hidden ambition for the throne.

Perfect Crown is Byeon Woo-seok's first K-drama since he rose to global fame with his role as Ryu Sun-jae in the time-travel romance Lovely Runner. The 34-year-old model made his acting debut in the 2016 drama Dear My Friends and went on to star in shows and movies like Search: WWW, Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency, Record of Youth, Strong Girl Nam Soon, 20th Century Girl, and Soulmate. He's also an award-winning singer; his contribution to the Lovely Runner soundtrack, "Sudden Shower," won multiple Best OST prizes.

Instagram: @byeonwooseok

Steve Sanghyun Noh as Min Jeong-u

Jeong-u is one of the country's most popular nobles; he followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather to become prime minister. Unpredictable and influential, the political heir is also I-an's closest friend and confidant. All that changes when I-an becomes interested in Hui-ju, Jeong-u's old friend.

Noh Sang-hyun (English name, Steve Noh) spent his childhood living in Vancouver, Canada, and attended college in Boston. He made his acting debut in Korea with small roles in films like Bad Man and Seoul Searching, before landing his breakout roles as Isak in Apple TV's adaptation of Pachinko, and Heung-soo in the 2024 LGBTQ+ movie Love in the Big City. Next up, he'll reunite with his Pachinko co-star Kim Min-ha for the Netflix rom-com Messily Ever After.

Instagram: @steveshnoh

Gong Seung-yeon as Yun I-rang

Yun I-rang was raised from childhood to be the perfect queen, valuing grace and decorum over her own desires. In the years since her husband's death, the now-Queen Dowager will do anything to guarantee her son's eventual place on the throne. Her tight control over the royal family is threatened when Hui-ju enters the picture.

Gong Seung-yeon, 33, spent seven years as an SM vocal trainee before pivoting to acting in 2012. (Her younger sister is TWICE's Jeongyeon.) She's best known for her roles in the dramas Six Flying Dragons, Introverted Boss, Bulgasal: Immortal Souls, The First Responders, and Karma. In 2021, she won Best New Actress at the Blue Dragon Film Awards. In Perfect Crown, she reunites with Byeon Woo-seok, her co-star in the 2019 period drama Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency.

Instagram: @0seungyeon

Yoo Su-bin as Choi Hyeon

Choi Hyeon, aide to the Crown Prince, is played by Yu Su-bin. Since his debut in 2016, the 33-year-old actor has starred in several hit K-dramas, including Crash Landing on You, Prison Playbook, Special Labor Inspector Jo, Start-Up, Lost, D.P., and Tastefully Yours. He also played Choi Hyo-man in Netflix's thriller K-drama Weak Hero Class 2.

Instagram: @subinyu1106

Lee Yeon as Do Hye-jeong

Lee Yeon plays Hui-ji's loyal assistant Hye-jeong. The 31-year-old actress rose to fame with roles in the 2020 LGBTQ+ movie Take Me Home and the 2022 drama Juvenile Justice; the latter earned her a Best New Actress nomination at that year's Baeksang Arts Awards. Since then, she has also appeared in shows and films like Weak Hero Class 1, Crash Course in Romance, Duty After School, D.P., and Kill Boksoon.

Instagram: @kiteleeflying

Lee Jae-won as Seong Tae-ju

Hui-ju's only competition in inheriting Castle Group is her half-brother Tae-ju. Though he's older, Tae-ju has come up second to Hui-ju in every way but two: He's a legitimate child, and he's married to a noblewoman.

Lee Jae-won, 39, has played supporting roles in dozens of K-dramas. Some of his notable credits include Doctor Stranger, The Legend of the Blue Sea, Stranger, Record of Youth, Mr. Queen, Dr. Brain, Welcome to Samdal-ri, and The Tale of Lady Ok.

Chae Seo-an as Han Da-yeong

Tae-ju's wife, Da-yeong, is the eldest daughter of the former Minister of Justice. Though many think their marriage was a strategic alliance, the couple actually married for love.

Chae Seo-an (birth name Byeon Seo-yun), 29, made her acting debut in 2020 and has since appeared in dramas like Police University, Hellbound, and Pro Bono. She also had scene-stealing roles in two Netflix K-dramas. She played scheming teacher Han Ji-soo in Hierarchy, and the young version of Bu Sang-gil’s long-suffering wife, Young-ran, in When Life Gives You Tangerines.

Instagram: @serenity__an

Jo Seung-yeon as Seong Hyeon-guk

Hui-ju and Tae-ju's domineering father, Seong Hyeon-guk, is determined to have his son take over Castle Group, no matter how much better Hui-ji is for the role. Hyeon-guk is played by Jo Seung-yeon, a prolific TV and film actor who's appeared in dozens of projects. Some of his most notable K-dramas include Six Flying Dragons, Suspicious Partner, Arthdal Chronicles, Hospital Playlist, Little Women, Blind, The First Responders, My Dearest, and Bon Appetit, Your Majesty.

Netflix's latest weekly K-drama Sold Out on You is a sweet opposites-attract romance for fans of rom-coms like Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha or Brewing Love. The SBS TV series, streaming on Wednesdays and Thursdays on Netflix, centers on an unlikely city-meets-country couple. When a workaholic home-shopping-network crosses paths with a grumpy mushroom farmer, their initial bickering gives way to a surprising connection.

The new romance K-drama has plenty of fans watching, thanks in large part to its cast, led by rising newcomers and beloved Korean stars. Read on for everything to know about the Sold Out on You cast, including their connections to hits like Boys Over Flowers and KPop Demon Hunters.

Ahn Hyo-seop as Matthew Lee

Matthew Lee (known to his neighbors as mechuri, or "Quail Lee") is a grumpy-yet-helpful farmer in the rural town of Deokpung Village. He farms the white-flowered nuri mushroom, a popular ingredient for skincare brands, and supplies them to a raw materials company called Gojeuneok Bio. When he terminates his contract with a French cosmetics brand L’Etoile, the mysterious farmer is soon bothered by a very persistent home-shopping host.

Ahn Hyo-seop, 31, is a Korean-Canadian actor and singer who made his K-drama debut in 2015 and went on to star in shows including Still 17, Abyss, Dr. Romantic, Lovers of the Red Sky, and A Time Called You. He's best known among rom-com fans for playing Kang Tae-moo in the 2022 Netflix K-drama Business Proposal. In 2025, he made his English-language acting debut as part of the voice cast of Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters, providing the speaking voice for Saja Boys leader Jinu.

Instagram: @imhyoseop

Chae Won-bin as Dam Ye-jin

Dam Ye-jin is a successful host at the fictional home-shopping network HIT. Though she's one of the top sellers at the network, she's an insomniac who's obsessed with work to the point that her boyfriend dumps her for neglecting her social life. Her mission to recruit L’Etoile to HIT puts her on a collision course with the mysterious Matthew Lee.

Chae Won-bin, 25, made her acting debut in 2019 and went on to appear in K-dramas like When My Love Blooms, Voice, Secret Royal Inspector & Joy, My Lovely Boxer, and Sweet Home. In 2024, she won four awards for Best New Actress awards for playing Jang Ha-bin in the psychological thriller Doubt. She has also been nominated for a Baeksang Arts Award for playing Uhm Soo-jin in the 2025 Korean movie Yadang: The Snitch.

Instagram: @w0nbeen

Kim Bum as Eric Seo

Eric Seo is the executive director at L’Etoile. He has been living in France, but he returns to Korea to get Matthew to resume selling the nuri mushrooms to the company. Eric also has a prior history with Ye-jin, though she doesn't remember him.

Kim Bum, 36, rose to fame with his role as F4 member So Yi-jung in the classic teen drama Boys Over Flowers. He has since starred in shows like That Winter, The Wind Blows; Law School; and Ghost Doctor; as well as Tale of the Nine-Tailed and its follow-up prequel Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938.

Instagram: @k.kbeom

Yoon Byung-hee as Kang Mu-won

Matthew's brother Kang Mu-won, the co-CEO of Gojeuneok Bio, is played by Yoon Byung-hee. The 44-year-old actor has appeared in supporting roles in dozens of K-dramas, including The Heirs, Signal, Love in the Moonlight, Mr. Sunshine, Vincenzo, All of Us Are Dead, Our Blues, Unlock My Boss, and Tastefully Yours.

Instagram: @choorobh

Goh Doo-sim as Yang Sang-geum

Mrs. Yang, a Deokpung Village elder who works at Matthew's farm, is played by prolific film, K-drama, and theater actress Goh Doo-sim, 74. The Jeju-born performer made her acting debut in 1972 and is known for portraying the "sacrificing mother" in award-winning dramas like Ode to the Han River and More Beautiful Than a Flower. Her most-recent television roles include dramas like Dear My Friends, My Mister, When the Camellia Blooms, Our Blues, and Twinkling Watermelon.

For the second season of Netflix's acclaimed drama Beef, creator Lee Sung-jin recruited rising and veteran stars from Korea to tell a cross-cultural tale. Among the standout K-drama actors, one star is better known in the music world: Matthew Kim, a.k.a. K-pop rapper BM.

Kim makes his acting debut as Woosh, a mysterious tennis coach who arrives at the central country club alongside its new chaebol owner, Chairwoman Park (Youn Yuh-jung). Instead of being attached to the chairwoman's side like her assistant Eunice (Seoyeon Jang), Woosh is busy hawking K-beauty products and procedures to the club's wealthy clientele. Still, the seemingly harmless himbo is hiding some major secrets (though he may or may not be aware of it).

"[Beef] was acting school for me. The most prestigious acting school," Kim told Marie Claire on the red carpet for the Beef season 2 L.A. premiere. "The information [I learned] through working alongside these actors is, wow. I feel so much different now than I did before Beef."

Read on to learn more about Matthew Kim, from his career as a K-pop producer and meme generator to how his personality differs from Woosh.

Matthew Kim is a Korean-American rapper known by his stage name, BM.

Matthew Kim, 33, was born in October 1992 in Southern California. After growing up in and around Los Angeles, Kim relocated to Seoul in 2011 to take part in the first season of the singing competition K-pop Star. Though he didn't win, he was subsequently recruited by DSP Media and spent five years there as a trainee.

In 2016, Kim debuted under the name BM (a.k.a. Big Matthew) as a rapper in the co-ed K-pop group KARD. The quartet—featuring BM, J.Seph, Somin, and Jiwoo—quickly stood out as one of the rare mixed-gender groups in an industry full of boy and girl groups. Kim later made his solo debut with the single "Broken Me" in 2021; he has also served as composer, songwriter, and producer for his solo work, as well as KARD songs like "Dumb Litty" and "Break Down." Most recently, he produced several songs on Somin's solo EP, Unveil.

In addition to K-pop, Matthew Kim is a podcaster and entertainer.

Kim is known throughout the K-pop world for his personality as much as his music. Since 2020, Kim has worked with Eric Nam's DIVE Studios as a longtime co-host of the English-language podcast "GET REAL," alongside BTOB member Peniel, former Ladies' Code member Ashley Choi, and singer-songwriter JUNNY. The chat podcast discusses "the ups and downs of work, love, and adulthood," often featuring English-speaking celebrities who moved to South Korea from countries like the U.S. and Canada to pursue careers in entertainment.

Kim is also well known as the creator of the Big Tiddie Gang meme, which originated from a viral March 2019 livestream where he said he prefers chest workouts. The following October, during a KARD tour stop in L.A., Kim met a fan of the group who said their music comforted her as she was going through chemotherapy for breast cancer. Per Refinery29, this inspired Kim to sell Big Tiddie Gang (BTG) merch through his parents' clothing brand Staydium LA, with over $20,000 from the proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Speaking to the outlet in late 2020, Kim reflected on becoming known for his candor as a K-pop idol. "I’m just too blatantly honest. It’s the L.A. in me—I was born and raised around people who are very open with their opinions. I’ve got nothing to hide. If you ask me something, I’m going to tell you exactly how it is and how I feel about it," he said. "There are obviously rules and standards that are placed on idols and other public figures since they're looked at as role models, so they’re careful with what they say. I understand why things are the way they are. I’ve been told why, but...I just don’t listen. And I guess it worked out for me."

Matthew Kim says he's "a little less greedy" than Woosh in real life.

In his first-ever acting role, Kim plays a former tennis pro who now teaches tennis at Monte Vista Point, selling expensive K-beauty products to housewives on the side. Speaking to Marie Claire at the show's L.A. premiere, Kim compares Woosh's traits to his real-life personality. "[We're both] attention hungry, [but] Matthew is a little less greedy. Woosh is very hungry still."

In a TV Guide interview, Kim discussed the similarities between acting and his creative background as a K-pop idol. "While there's a lot of differences, I think there's an honesty and authenticity in your emotions when you convey something in both music and acting," he said. "Acting, you're just not doing it in a set time, in a set rhythm—you have your own rhythm. Having been able to for so long convey an emotion through music, definitely that energy was brought to acting and it was pretty helpful to have done that for such a long time."

Three years after its Emmy-winning debut, Netflix's anthology Beef is back for a new star-studded exploration of love and hate. Among the cast of Oscar winners and superstars, Seoyeon Jang is having her breakout moment.

When she first appears in the series, Jang's character Eunice seems unassuming, the dedicated assistant to the central country club's new owner, Chairwoman Park (Youn Yuh-jung). But Eunice quickly steps out of the shadow of her chaebol boss, thanks to her surprising connection with himbo trainer Austin (Charles Melton). By the end of the eight-episode season, the fate of Chairwoman Park—a woman who represents 2 percent of South Korea's GDP—is in Eunice's hands.

"This was one of my dream roles," Jang told Marie Claire on the red carpet for the Beef season 2 L.A. premiere. "I [have] primarily worked in Korea, so I knew I wanted to bring the Korean elements into this world as well, and I believed that I could offer it. When I first encountered this audition, I was praying so hard. I'm just so grateful that it all worked out."

Read on to learn more about Seoyeon Jang, including where to watch her shows and movies before Beef, as well as her K-drama and K-beauty recommendations.

Seoyeon Jang is a British-Korean actress who has appeared in several K-drama rom-coms.

Seoyeon Jang, 31, grew up between South Korea and England. She trained in both acting and classical dance at the secondary school ArtsEd in London, before relocating to Korea. In 2024, she earned a graduate degree from Korea University.

Speaking to Marie Claire at the Beef season 2 premiere in L.A., Jang explained that she related to her character's multicultural roots. "I related to Eunice because I had an upbringing in London, and my family is very Korean. So I think I had the best of both worlds by growing up."

Jang made her acting debut in 2019, with a role on the Korean web series One Fine Week. She went on to appear in supporting roles in romance K-dramas like Stock Struck, Love Is for Suckers, and Heartbeat, as well as the thrillers Doctor Lawyer, Snowdrop, and Good Partner. She also had a small role opposite her Beef co-star Song Kang-ho in the 2021 film Emergency Declaration.

Before 'Beef,' she played a secretary in another Korean-English thriller series.

Beef season 2 isn't Jang's first time starring in a joint production between the U.S. and South Korea. Last year, she played Moon, the polished secretary to spy boss Juno Lund (Piper Perabo) in Prime Video's Butterfly. (Unfortunately, the Daniel Dae Kim-led thriller was cancelled after one season.)

In an interview with The Chosun Daily released around Butterfly's finale, Jang shared her thoughts on acting in English-language scenes on a major show. "I’ve always wanted to act in English, but opportunities were rare. I’m relieved to receive positive feedback. This project has opened doors overseas and allowed me to introduce myself to many, making Butterfly a truly meaningful work."

Seoyeon Jang has strong opinions on K-dramas and K-beauty.

When asked for her K-drama recommendations on the Beef season 2 red carpet, Jang listed off some of the most acclaimed Korean series on Netflix. She listed the 2019 romance Crash Landing on You, the 2018 melodrama My Mister, and the 2014 workplace drama Misaeng: Incomplete Life among her favorites.

She also broke down part of her K-beauty routine. "I love serums. I'll use a serum with a skin-boosting device. I like to really push it in as far as I can and hope for the best. And then [I use] a nice hydrating serum," she explained, before adding that she could go on "for hours" about skincare.

Just a few months after gracing the Grammys stage, KATSEYE's future is unclear. The girl group, whose formation was documented in the Netflix docuseries Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE, shot to global fame last year, with the release of their hit tracks "Gnarly" and "Gabriela." On April 10 and April 17, the group will make their Coachella debut with a primetime slot on the main stage, right before headliner Sabrina Carpenter. However, not all of the members will take part in this monumental achievement.

The day before their set, KATSEYE's label HYBE x Geffen confirmed that Manon Bannerman, the Swiss-Ghanaian eldest member of the group, will not be joining Sophia Laforteza, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung at the festival. In fact, Manon is currently on hiatus from the group—and many fans are wondering when, and if, the singer will return. Read on for everything to know about Manon's uncertain future with KATSEYE below.

What happened to Manon in KATSEYE?

On February 20, 2026, HYBE announced that Manon would begin a temporary hiatus from KATSEYE due to health reasons. The full statement reads: "After open and thoughtful conversations together, we are sharing that Manon will be taking a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and wellbeing. We fully support this decision. KATSEYE remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us. The group will continue scheduled activities during this time, and we look forward to being together again when the time is right. Thank you to our EYEKONS [Katseye's fanbase] for your continued love, patience, and understanding."

Later that day, Manon shared a personal message on the social media platform Weverse. "Hi friends. I want you to hear this from me. I’m healthy, I’m okay, and I’m taking care of myself. Thank u for checking in!" she wrote. "Sometimes things unfold in ways we don’t fully control, but I’m trusting the bigger picture. Thank you for standing by me. I love you endlessly and can’t wait to see you again."

Fan speculation about Manon's potential departure from KATSEYE rose in the first days of April, when the 23-year-old removed mention of the group from her Instagram bio. According to Teen Vogue, on April 2, Manon also posted a second message on Weverse, thanking fans for their continued support.

"Thank you so much for all the love and support you've been sending my way," she wrote. "I'm really grateful for the patience and kindness everyone has shown during this time. HxG [HYBE and Geffen Records] and I are having positive conversations and I feel supported. I'm happy and I'm healthy. I'll share more soon. Thank you for always being there for me."

Coincidentally, April 2 was the same day that HYBE released the first music-video teaser for KATSEYE's latest single, "Pinky Up." The full music video for "Pinky Up" dropped on April 9, and Manon is missing from both the video and the studio recording of the track. This is despite a rehearsal clip leaked online in late March, which showed Manon practicing the single's choreography with the rest of the group.

Finally, on April 9, HYBE also confirmed that Manon would not be performing at Coachella with KATSEYE. The company confirmed to The Korea Herald, "Manon remains on hiatus."

Is Manon leaving KATSEYE?

As of April 10, Manon is still on a temporary hiatus from KATSEYE. Neither she nor HYBE x Geffen has given any hint of when the hiatus will conclude.

Her bandmates, however, have spoken out. Ahead of Coachella, Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae discussed Manon's absence during an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe. "Manon has been on hiatus, and we love her so much! We know she’s doing well, and she got to talk to the fans about it. We’re just really excited and rooting for all of us and each other," Sophia said. "You know, we’ve gotten through so much together, so at the end of the day, we all just want each other to win, be okay, and feel good."

Lara added, "I also want to say that she’s our sister forever, and we love her so much! We built this together, so we want to give her all the space, whatever she needs."

Fan speculation has continued in the hours leading up to KATSEYE's Coachella debut, with some fans calling for a boycott of the group until they receive transparency regarding the sudden hiatus. Manon's alleged treatment has also reignited discussion about the plight of Black girl group members, who often face rampant racist criticism, as well as the "twice as good" mentality that Black women face in the workplace. In KATSEYE's February 2026 interview with The Cut, Manon notably addressed criticism she received from both fans and future members during Pop Star Academy, due to her reputation for missing rehearsals due to illness.

"It’s the way I grew up. America has a very different culture when it comes to work-life balance. You guys are all about grind and hustle," she said. "In Switzerland, if you’re sick, you take a day off. No one’s going to expect you to work."

She continued, "Being called lazy, especially as a Black girl, is not fair. Now I feel like I always need to put in extra work to prove something, even though I really don’t."

At the end of the interview, which took place before her hiatus was announced, Manon expressed her hopes for the group's longevity. "When One Direction split, that was really hard,” she recalled. "I don’t want our fans to go through that. I don’t want to be responsible for breaking so many hearts....KATSEYE is going to stay KATSEYE for a while."

The documentary BTS: The Return had a high bar to reach from the outset: How do you show a new side of the world’s biggest musical group? While their Netflix pop-doc debut may be the first time passive listeners become more familiar with the group, for many members of BTS’s dedicated (at times overprotective) fan base, ARMY, it follows their 11 HYBE-produced docs, long-running variety shows, and countless livestreams on the fan platform Weverse. It's no easy feat to present fans of the most-documented band of all time with something unique.

Still, the seven-piece is at an unprecedented moment in their career. The group has been on hiatus for four years; after all the members completed their mandatory military service last year, they moved to L.A. for two months to work on what would become their comeback album, ARIRANG. The matured boy group faced a crossroads at a moment when they were also at their most visible: Where does “a global emotional support system, a cultural juggernaut…[and] a multibillion-dollar economic ecosystem” go from here?

BTS: The Return follows that journey, while introducing both new fans and old to the K-pop phenomenon at their most personal and experimental. Produced by Martha and Marc and Sofia producer Jane Cha Cutler and helmed by The Greatest Night in Pop director Bao Nguyen, the film captures RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook in both domestic settings in L.A. and the studio, continuing through to their comeback preparations upon their return to Seoul. Throughout, viewers are placed in the band's POV, as they get candid about the pressures of the album's fast-tracked release schedule and debate with their label on making their music relatable and accessible to a global audience.

Though BTS has already filmed over 100 hours of content since their debut in 2013, Nguyen and Cha Cutler’s documentary marks the first time the group has worked with a production team outside their label/management HYBE. Nguyen tells Marie Claire how essential it was to establish a vulnerable trust with the members, in a private interview at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, hours before the band’s highly anticipated performance at BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG. “It's important: that relationship that we have to build together, and the trust that they instill in me and our team to tell the story…I always say I'm not trying to make films about people. I'm trying to make films with people.”

With BTS: The Return out on Netflix now, Nguyen and Cha Cutler chat with Marie Claire about being a fly-on-the-wall in the band’s recording sessions, bringing their relationship with fans to the screen, and how they’ve reacted to the film.

Marie Claire: What was your first reaction when you heard about the opportunity to make this documentary?

Bao Nguyen: I had originally talked to some people at the label previously during their SoFi [shows in 2021] and had this idea of it being this sort of Homeric myth, like The Odyssey. That didn't work out, but when they came back, I was like, Oh my gosh, this is the craziest opportunity. I was surprised and honored that they had reached out about it. To be honest, I was super busy with other projects, but I was like, We’ve got to find a way to make this work. It worked out perfectly because it's such a specific moment in their next chapter.

Jane Cha Cutler: I had actually talked to HYBE America soon after [the members] went into military service, and tried to stake my flag in the ground, like, "I really want to do the documentary when they come back." So I would just check in every so often. And then it turned out great because Bao and I knew each other from working together and developing together.

MC: How long did it take for you to establish that comfort with the group where they were able to be super vulnerable on camera?

BN: I think because they are used to being on camera and have had many documentary crews with them, they were easier than a lot of other film participants and previous projects I've worked on. But at the same time, you're letting these strangers into your world that's really intimate, that's really personal. So it was over time that they opened up, in terms of what they were going to talk about.

At the beginning, I like to have a process where I'm not intervening at all. I'm just a fly on the wall and observing, not trying to interrupt the creative process in any way. But as they're getting used to our faces and our presence there, then I'm possibly asking questions that are slightly deeper.

We didn't [want to do] sit-down interviews because we wanted to be in the present moment of the story. But [one day] we were driving to the beach with Jin. I was hoping to capture him being driven to the beach and looking out at the Westside [of L.A.], but then he started talking to us. [The members] had so much on their minds that they wanted to get off their chests, and these car rides became confessionals for them. I knew when they started opening up voluntarily, then we had gained their trust, and they would let us into the room. That scene with Jungkook and Jin [saying goodbye before Jin returned to Korea] was really interesting too because it's the youngest member and the oldest member. I thought that was really special to see how they interacted with each other at that moment.

MC: You mention being a fly on the wall, but the film includes a lot of very close, intimate shots. How did you capture that while also staying inconspicuous?

BN: We shot mostly on zoom lenses because, especially in the recording studio, they're very small spaces, and I didn't want to move the camera around to get the shot too much. With moments like on the beach, we would use these zoom lenses as well to be there and capture these close-ups without intruding on this beautiful moment that they were sharing together as a band.

JCC: I also think it helped that half of the movie was shot in L.A., where things are a bit more relaxed generally, but also for them in particular. I feel like they could kick back a little. Even though there was this stress of having to finish the album, it's not their home. There was a little bit of an ah, okay [feeling], not as much chaos around.

MC: Media coverage about K-pop groups tends to focus on how passionate the fans are—there’s that cliche image of a bunch of screaming girls—but this film only includes brief nods to BTS’s ARMY. How did you decide when to mention the fans and when to leave them out?

BN: For me, it's always looking at POV and whose perspective each scene is from. In the moment where [the members are] doing a Weverse live, they're very front-facing, so you can see how the fans interact with them. Starting the film at that moment was really important for me, because it's this anchor that most people, and obviously ARMY, recognize. We show the interaction with the fans, and then we cut to Jungkook's hand holding the camera, seen through our own lens. It shows that this film is about something intimate and behind the scenes of what the fans are interacting with publicly. And I know that the livestream was recorded and dissected by the fans. ARMY freeze-framed it and showed our boom operator's foot, and I was like, 'Oh, no.'

For me, that's when the group's personal lives and the story of the film collide with the fan reaction. And another moment was when V was at Dodger Stadium. But for the most part, they were there recording the album with themselves, with each other. So it was important for me to keep that perspective on our story. They talk about how much they owe to the fans and how much they're inspired to create something great because they don't want to let the fans down. I thought having their intimate conversations about what they were doing in relation to the fans was different than necessarily cutting back to fan reaction all the time.

JCC: For that question of, like, ‘Why didn't you show K-pop fans as like the screaming group of girls?’ I think that's because the members don't look at their fan base that way. They don't think of ARMY that way. There are moments like during the Weverse live, when the comment, "Miss you husband," comes up and RM replies, "Miss you wife." That's the playful interaction. But then it's more serious or a touching emotional moment when they're watching the old videos of themselves, and they see the Busan concert, and it's like, "Oh, I miss them." I think that's a beautiful thing. That's a genuine reaction to their fans, whom they love.

MC: I found it interesting that, after the documentary focuses on the behind-the-scenes, day-to-day lives of the members, it ends with just a preview of this massive, global cultural event comeback performance for Netflix. Was that a decision from the beginning to save those big rockstar moments for the film’s conclusion?

BN: I wanted the film to ramp up. The L.A. chapter and them recording is very unique and different from their image in Korea, right? You recognize these images of them in photo shoots and being huge celebrities coming back to Korea at the airport, but these quieter moments where they're interacting with each other at the dinner table or riffing on the direction of the songs and albums. I think that progression was really important. For audiences that don't understand the scale of BTS, we had to show that, but we knew we weren't going to have this big concert scene. How do you negotiate showing the scale, but it has to be in relation to what the story of the film is? That's why the [Yet to Come] screening scene where they could reminisce was really important, because you're seeing them react in real time to the fans and what they miss.

MC: How has the band reacted to the film?

BN: I haven't seen them since they've seen it, but we've gotten messages where everyone's like, "They love it. It's so different. They're really grateful for us." That warms our hearts. I mentioned earlier that I like making films not about people, but with people, and this felt like they were part of this journey with us. It's hard seeing yourself onscreen even if you're used to it. So them being generous with their time and them showing us gratitude for making this film means a lot to me.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

BLACKPINK’s Jisoo steps into her most high-profile acting role yet in Netflix’s Boyfriend on Demand. The rom-com K-drama follows Jisoo’s Seo Mi-rae, an overworked webtoon producer who gets sucked into the immersive world of the titular virtual-reality dating program. Inside the VR dreamscape, Mi-rae lives out some of the romance genre’s most-popular tropes, all without having to leave the comfort of her Seoul apartment. But when Mi-rae’s socially awkward colleague Park Gyeong-nam (Seo In-guk) confesses that he likes her, Mi-rae’s carefully constructed balance is thrown into chaos.

While Jisoo and Seo In-guk lead the cast of Boyfriend on Demand, it is also filled with cameos from some of the K-drama industry’s most popular actors. Ahead, see who pops up in the real-world and virtual-world shenanigans of Seo Mi-rae.

The Main Cast of 'Boyfriend on Demand'

Jisoo as Seo Mi-rae

Jisoo, 31, rose to fame as one-fourth of superstar girl-group BLACKPINK. Born as Kim Ji-soo in Gunpo, South Korea, Jisoo lived with her parents, sister, brother, and grandparents before debuting as the eldest member of Blackpink in 2016. Alongside Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, Jisoo would go on to become one of the most popular K-pop idols in the world. A vocalist, she made her solo debut in 2023 with the single album Me and the single “Flower.”

Simultaneously, the singer has slowly been building her acting resume. She made cameo appearances in 2015’s The Producers and 2019’s Arthdal Chronicles, and made her K-drama lead debut in 2021’s Snowdrop. Jisoo played university student Eun Yeong-ro amidst the political upheaval of late 1980s Korea, in the controversial historical romance. In 2025, she tried out a wildly different genre as the female lead in zombie comedy Newtopia.

Boyfriend on Demand is arguably the idol-turned-actress’s biggest role yet. As protagonist and audience surrogate Mi-rae, Jisoo must walk a fine line between aspirational and relatable. “Boyfriend on Demand is a story about the personal growth of Mi-rae, who longs for love and the dopamine rush it brings, but finds dating challenging,” she told Netflix. “It is a bubbly romantic comedy [that] will be a particularly delightful treat for anyone who feels worn down by the monotony of the daily grind.”

Instagram: @sooyaaa__

Seo In-guk as Park Gyeong-nam

In Boyfriend on Demand, seasoned K-drama actor Seo In-guk, 38, plays Mi-rae’s seemingly detached colleague at Naemo, named Park Gyeong-nam. Like Jisoo, Seo started out as a singer, winning the first season of Mnet talent show Superstar K in 2009. He made his acting debut in 2012’s Love Rain, and had his breakout role as the brooding Yoon Yoo-jae in Reply 1997 that same year.

Other drama-lead roles Seo is known for include 2021’s Doom at Your Service, 2022’s Cafe Minamdang, 2023’s Death Game, and 2025’s Twelve. He is also a host and mentor on Netflix’s dating show Better Late Than Single.

Instagram: @seo_cccc

Gong Min-jeung as Yun Song

Gong Min-jung, 39, plays diva-like webtoon author Yun Song in Boyfriend on Demand. As Mi-rae’s chief responsibility at Naemo, Song often acts as a foil to the protagonist’s own goals. At the beginning of the series, Mi-rae blames Song’s over-the-top demands for her breakup with her college boyfriend.

Korean drama fans probably recognize Gong from supporting roles in series like Hometown Cha Cha Cha, Marry My Husband, and Little Women. She played a lead role in 2024’s Sorry Not Sorry.

Instagram: @greengreen_j

Ha Young as Lee Ji-yeon

Ha Young, 32, plays Mi-rae’s faithful friend Lee Ji-yeon. While much of Ji-yeon’s role in Boyfriend on Demand sees her acting as an emotional support and/or blind date setter-upper for Mi-rae, Ji-yeon gets a subplot in her own right in the second half of the series, when she becomes an enthusiastic user of the subscription virtual-reality dating program.

Ha Young has previously appeared in The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, Doona!, and The Good Detective season 2.

Instagram: @havv_y

Jo Han-chul as Hwang Byeong-hak

Mi-rae’s boss at Naemo may not be the best at interpersonal dynamics, but he makes up for it by scheduling mandatory office events that force Mi-rae to spend more quality time with Gyeong-nam. Jo Han-chul, 52, is a familiar face in Korean dramas. He has previously appeared in Romance is a Bonus Book, Kingdom Season 2, Vincenzo, Hometown Cha Cha Cha, Love Next Door, and Mercy For None.

Instagram: @1season73

Lee Hak-joo as Min Jun-young

Min Jun-young, the gaming rep who recruits Mi-rae to beta-test Boyfriend on Demand, is played by Lee Hak-joo.

Lee, 37, previously starred alongside Jisoo in the Prime Video K-drama Newtopia; he played Alex, a celebrity CEO. He has also starred in hit dramas like The World of the Married, My Name, Shadow Detective, My Dearest, and Beyond the Bar.

Instagram: @imcokecolor

Kim Sung-cheol as Kim Se-jun

When Boyfriend on Demand starts, Mi-rae is still not over the heartbreak from her first love. She and Kim Se-jun met in college and shared a sweet, coming-of-age romance that fell apart once they grew into adults.

Se-jun is played by Kim Sung-cheol. The 34-year-old actor is known for his roles in Sweet Home, Our Beloved Summer, and Hellbound season 2.

Instagram: @sungcheol2

Choi Seo-eun as You-mi

Fans of Korean reality shows will notice a few Single's Inferno alumni among the show's supporting cast, including season 2's Choi Seo-eun. The Pratt Institute grad and former Miss Korea 2021 plays You-mi, Mi-rae's college classmate who had a crush on Se-jun. In episode 1, Mi-rae learns that Se-jun and You-mi are getting married.

Choi, 30, is best known for her sweet romance with finance manager Jo Yoong-jae, 35; the pair was one of the rare Single's Inferno couples to continue dating after the show, though their relationship status is currently unknown. Since season 2, Choi has been acting, appearing in TV shows like Butterfly and Typhoon Family.

Instagram: @4x4ischoi

The Virtual Boyfriends of 'Boyfriend on Demand'

Lee Soo-hyuk as Choi Si-woo

Choi Si-woo has the honor of being Mi-rae’s first Boyfriend on Demand boyfriend. Based on the male lead in Yun Song’s popular romance webtoon, Si-woo is the entitled heir to a chaebol conglomerate who falls in love with his female lead after she rescues him from drowning.

Lee Soo-hyuk, 37, is known for his roles in Doom At Your Service, Tomorrow, Queen Woo, and S Line.

Instagram: @leesoohyuk

Seo Kang-jun as Seo Eun-ho

Arguably the most memorable of Mi-rae’s VR boyfriends, Seo Eun-ho is a handsome upperclassman who all the girls are crushing on. Though their college romance is cut short, Mi-rae time with Eun-ho has the deepest impact on her.

Seo Eun-ho is played by Seo Kang-jun. The 32-year-old is known for his roles in Cheese in the Trap, Entourage, and Undercover High School. (Yes, that's his natural eye color.)

Instagram: @seokj1012

Lee Jae-wook as the Doctor Boyfriend

Have we mentioned the gaggle of K-drama boyfriend cameos? Boyfriend on Demand tapped some of the industry’s hottest actors to fill out the ensemble of Mi-rae’s VR dates. This includes Lee Jae-wook, who drops in as a doctor in the program’s medical-drama scenario. Lee, 27, is known for his roles in Extraordinary You, Alchemy of Souls, and Dear Hongrang.

Instagram: @jxxvvxxk

Ong Seong-wu as Bae Hyeon-woo

In the most high-stakes of Mi-rae’s VR dating plots, Ong Seong-wu plays a secret agent trying to take down terrorists mid-flight. Ong, 30, is known as a member of the K-pop group Wanna One. As an actor, he has appeared in Moment at Eighteen and Strong Girl Nam Soon.

Instagram: @osw_onge

Kim Young-dae as the Joseon-Era Boyfriend

As part of a VR boyfriend montage, Kim Young-dae stops by to play a Joseon-era man breaking into a saeguk romance. Kim, 30, is known for his roles in Extraordinary You, The Penthouse: War in Life, Sh**ting Stars, No Gain, No Love, and Dear X.

Instagram: @youngdae0302

Lee Hyun-wook as the Judge Boyfriend

In one of the shortest boyfriend cameos, Lee Hyun-wook pops in as a sexy judge in Mi-rae’s VR dating life. Lee, 40, is known for his roles in Search, Song of the Bandits, and The Queen Who Crowns.

Instagram: @wook0617

Jay Park as himself

Jay Park is a Seattle-born singer who rose to fame in Korea as a member of K-pop group 2PM, and went on to influence the Korean hip-hop scene as a solo artist. More recently, the rapper and singer, 38, founded his own music company, More Vision, and launched the rookie K-pop group LNGSHOT. Known as a musician, it is rare for Jay Park to show up in acting roles, but he appears in Boyfriend on Demand as a VR boyfriend version of himself.

Instagram: @moresojuplease

Lee Sang-yi as the Firefighter Boyfriend

In one of the most entertaining cameos of the series, Lee Sang-yi drops in during episode 4's end credits to play a firefighter after Mi-rae’s heart. Lee, 34, is well-known for his roles in Hometown Cha Cha Cha; Bloodhounds; No Gain, No Love; and Good Boy.

Instagram: @leesangyi_

The Virtual Cast of 'Boyfriend on Demand'

Yoo In-na as Kang Ho-i

Navigating the virtual reality of Boyfriend on Demand can be confusing, which is why the program offers Mi-rae a guide in the form of dating manager Kang Ho-i. In addition to explaining the limitations of the program, Ho-i is also there to upsell Mi-rae.

Kang Ho-i is played by K-drama legend Yoo In-na, 43, who is known for roles in Secret Garden, My Love From the Star, Goblin, and Snowdrop.

Instagram: N/A

Kim Ah-young as Choi Min-ju / Su-ji / Yu-ra

As Mi-rae gets to know her virtual beaus, Boyfriend on Demand builds out its virtual worlds with a couple of supporting non-playable characters (NPCs). Across several episodes, Kim Ah-young plays Choi Si-woo's personal secretary Choi Min-ju, Mi-rae's college bestie Su-ji, and yogi traveler Yu-ra.

Kim, 31, is a former Saturday Night Live Korea cast member who won the Blue Dragon Series Award for Best New Female Entertainer in 2023. She has also appeared in the dramas Welcome to Samdal-ri, The Judge from Hell, The First Night with the Duke, and Genie, Make a Wish.

Instagram: @aoung__

Ko Kyu-pil as Driver Ko / Jeong-pil / Bartender Ko

Ko Kyu-pil also plays several NPC roles, including Choi Si-woo's driver, a sunbae (or senior) in the kumdo club, and a Cebu beach bartender.

Ko, 43, has played supporting roles in dozens of movies and K-dramas, including The Fiery Priest, Crash Landing on You, The King's Affection, Queen of Tears, and Genie, Make a Wish.

Instagram: @gyupil

Park Hae-lin as Ye-rin

Single's Inferno season 4's Park Hae-lin also plays one of Mi-rae's romantic rivals in the series. The former idol trainee plays Ye-rin, the president of the college kumdo club who's close with Seo Eun-ho.

Park, 25, was already a working actress before she appeared as a "game changer" on Single's Inferno. She has played supporting roles on dramas including Tarot, When the Silver Bell Rings, and Nice to Not Meet You.

Instagram: @qkrgofls

Heated Rivalry has taken the world by storm, but it’s far from the first example of queer romance on TV. Thailand, in particular, has built a robust industry of boys love—or BL—dramas over the last decade, expounding on the Japanese yaoi culture that emerged in the 1970s. Other national TV industries are taking note. In 2020, Korea released what is considered the country’s first “mainstream” BL K-drama, Where Your Eyes Linger. Since then, the BL corner of the industry has been churning out stories of queer life and love (mostly centered around cis male characters).

As with many nascent formats, the Korean BL dramas produced so far tend to follow certain tried-and-true formulas. You’ll notice a high representation of student romance and enemies-to-lovers set-ups—both romance trope classics. To help fans find their next binge-watch and series to swoon over, we’ve rounded up the best Korean BL dramas to watch right now, organized by subgenre.

The Best Classic BL K-Dramas

'Where Your Eyes Linger' (2020)

With only eight episodes, each running at roughly 10 minutes, the drama is on the slight side. But what Where Your Eyes Linger lacks in runtime, it makes up for in yearnful chemistry—and in the drama’s role pushing queer storytelling forward in the South Korean TV industry. Typically considered Korea’s first BL drama (although shout out to short-form 2017 BL Long Time No See!), Where Your Eyes Linger follows teen chaebol heir Han Tae-joo (The Wedding Banquet’s Han Gi-chan) and his live-in bodyguard Kang Gook (Jang Eui-soo). The two have been friends for a long time, but when their connection turns romantic, they must figure out how to navigate these new feelings amidst family disapproval, a love triangle, and the confusion of young love. Where Your Eyes Linger was written and directed by Hwang Da-seul, who would go on to direct several entries on this list.

Episode count: 8 (10 minutes each)

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'To My Star' (2021–2022)

When charismatic actor Kang Seo-joon (Son Woo-hyun) stumbles into the restaurant of introverted chef Han Ji-woo (Beyond the Bar’s Kim Kang-min), he isn’t looking for romance. The only thing he cares about is hiding from a recent scandal that has put his entire career in jeopardy. But when the two become temporary roommates, opposites attract. Hwang is back, elevating a relatively straightforward set-up with meaningful cinematography and insightful direction. Helmed by Hwang, To My Star is the rare Korean BL drama to get a second season, giving this story more time to breathe and for the central relationship to develop in complex ways.

Episode count: 9 episodes in season 1 (about 15 minutes each); 12 episodes in season 2 (about 25-40 minutes each)

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'Semantic Error' (2022)

One of the first Korean drama BLs to get longer episode runtimes, Semantic Error used the additional storytelling space to build to its epic, enemies-to-lovers conclusion. The series follows two feuding university students who initially clash over a group project. Chu Sang-u (Check in Hanyang’s Park Jae-chan) is a rule-following computer science major, and design student Jang Jae-yeong (Our Universe’s Park Seo-ham) prioritizes the social aspects of college. As the vendetta between the two students grows, so does an attraction, building towards a conclusion that is among the best in Korean BL drama format so far. As funny as it is sweet in its well-rounded execution, Semantic Error marked a jump forward in the Korean BL industry.

Episodes: 8 (25 minutes each)

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The Best Student Romance BL K-Dramas

'Blueming' (2022)

After To My Star, Hwang directed Blueming, which centers on two film students. Since he was young, Si-won (Kang Eun-bin) has strived to be handsome because he sees how differently the world treats someone based on their looks. When he meets the effortlessly beautiful Hyung Da-un (Jo Hyuk-joon), he initially prickles at how easily things seem to come to him. But as the two begin to work together on group projects, romance blooms.

Like other projects from this director, Blueming is relatively low-key in its setup. The drama comes not in drastic melodramatic twists, but rather in its lived-in groundedness and central relationship. Unlike some entries on this list, homophobia is not a major plot point here. Rather, Blueming is a simple, straightforward friends-to-lover romance, beautifully executed.

Episodes: 11 (14 minutes each)

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'The Eighth Sense' (2023)

When small-town kid Kim Ji-hyeon (Oh Jun-taek) moves to the big city for college, he immediately feels out of his element. Luckily, he meets campus heartthrob Seo Jae-won (Lim Ji-sub) and finds the surfing club. The two grow closer—until, after sharing a kiss during a surf trip, Jae-won pretends as if nothing happened. Ji-hyeon begins to realize just how much Jae-won, who has recently completed his mandatory military service, is struggling with his mental health. A moving portrait of romantic connection amidst mental illness, The Eighth Sense is thematically ambitious compared to many of the other entries on this list.

Episodes: 10 (36 minutes each)

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'Jazz For Two' (2024)

Come for the K-pop connection, stay for the angst! When jazz-loving homeschooler Yoon Se-heon (Kim Jin-kwon) enrolls at a prestigious arts academy, he’s excited to make friends who love music as much as he does. However, Han Tae-i (Ji Ho-geun) is not interested. The severely depressed teenager is struggling to find the will to go on following the death of his older brother. When Se-heon, whose music stylings remind Tae-i of his jazz pianist brother, comes into his life, Tae-i is actively hostile. When the two are put in the same arts academy group, they’ll have to figure it out—right?

Jazz For Two is a BL drama that has two queer couples. The second couple is played by Song Han-gyeom and Kim Jung-ha, the former of whom is a member of K-pop idol group Omega X, giving this drama an interesting K-pop connection. Though the first half of Jazz For Two is stronger than the latter, the BL drama is worth it for those who like angst and can tolerate some red-flag behavior in their romantic fiction.

Episodes: 8 (32 minutes each)

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The Best Slice of Life BL K-Dramas

'Love Tractor' (2023)

For all you farm-set romance fans out there: Love Tractor follows Seon-yul (Do Won), a law student overwhelmed by his father’s expectations and the city lifestyle, who escapes to the countryside. Once there, Seon-yul meets Suh Ye-chan (Yoon Do-jin), a friendly farmer who loves his rural home. When the two begin to fall for one another, Seon-yul has to decide what he truly wants for his future. If you’re looking for a low-stakes romance with beautiful scenery and a classic small-towns-solve-everything set-up, check out Love Tractor.

Episodes: 8 (25 minutes each)

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'Love in the Big City' (2024)

I hesitated to put Love in the Big City on this list. Not because it isn’t great—in my opinion, the adaptation of the popular Sang Young Park novel of the same name is one of the best Korean TV dramas in recent years. But because it is not necessarily an example of BL drama, which firmly falls into the romance genre. While Love in the Big City includes its fair share of romantic storylines, its interests as a coming-of-age, slice-of-life drama differ from the other series on this list.

Still, the eight-episode series features great LGBTQ+ representation—following a decade in the life of queer man Ko Yeong (The King’s Affection’s Nam Yoon-su) as he moves from college kid to published writer. This includes a series of romantic relationships, as well as depictions of his friendship with roommate Choi Mi-ae (When Life Gives You Tangerines’s Lee Soo-kyung), a complicated mother-son dynamic, and life in a homophobic society. If you’re looking for a romance with a happy ending, Love in the Big City may not be for you right now. But if you’re interested in queer-centered storytelling outside of BL drama format, give Love in the Big City a try.

Episode count: 8 episodes (50 minutes each)

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The Best Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Supernatural BL K-Dramas

'Choco Milk Shake' (2022)

Isn’t it weird when your pets turn into humans? Or maybe that’s just a thing in Choco Milk Shake, a unique BL drama that tests the limits of the romance format. When two mysterious men show up at Jeong-u’s (Ko Ho-jung) front door claiming to be humanoid versions of his childhood dog and cat, Choco and Milk, the man just has to deal. Choco Milk Shake soon settles into a cozy, albeit quirky slice-of-life format that is surprisingly complex in its exploration of grief and learning to live past loss. And, yes, Jeong-u does fall in love with one of his pets. Choco Milk Shake is proof that execution is everything, and of the kinds of experimentation that formats can get away with when they have yet to break into the mainstream.

Episodes: 11 (15 minutes each)

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'Love For Love's Sake' (2024)

From Lost in Austen to Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, protagonist-falls-into-storyscape is one of my favorite drama set-ups. Love For Love’s Sake is a BL twist on the rich concept. In it, we see Tae Myung-ha (Lee Tae-vin) unexpectedly thrust into a high-school-set virtual game in which he is tasked with making track star teen Cha Yeo-woon (Cha Joo-wan) happy. As the game progresses, it becomes clear that this A) is not going to be easy and B) may lead to romance. Love For Love’s Sake uses video game mechanics to add additional stakes to a straightforward teen romance.

Episodes: 8 (34 minutes each)

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'My Secret Vampire' (2025)

Do vampires exist? Yes, and they want to be your roommate so they can suck your blood! This is the basic premise behind My Secret Vampire, a BL drama about four vampires and their new human roommate. Initially oblivious to his roomie’s supernatural secret, sweet and sheltered Han Dong-ha (Park Dong-ju) is excited to get to know Ju-won (Yu Sin), Eun-ho (Lee Ju-young)​​, Seon-jae (Lee Tae-hyung), and Gyu-min (Lee Dong-yeol). But, as the vampires work to fatten up Dong-ha to make him a better snack, at least one of them becomes conflicted about their vampiric intentions. Funny and fluffy, My Secret Vampire is for BL drama fans looking for a supernatural plot without the stakes. (No pun intended.)

Episodes: 8 (16 minutes each)

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The Best Dark Romance BL K-Dramas

'Color Rush' (2020)

Color Rush is set in a fictional world where some people are born with a neurological condition that allows them only to see black, white, and grey. These “monos,” as they are known, will live their lives without color unless they meet their “probes,” their soulmate who brings with them a rush of color. When teen “mono” Choi Yeon Yoo (Yoo Jun) meets his “probe” in Go Yoo Han (Hur Hyun-jun), he thinks he will have color for the rest of his life. However, when it becomes clear that the color only lasts when Yu-han is physically near, Yeon Yoo must figure out how much of his desire to be close to Yu-han is a genuine connection and how much is wanting to see in color.

Color Rush is ambitious in its exploration of some pretty dark topics, including abandonment, self-harm, loneliness, and obsession. Given its short runtime, the series isn’t always able to pull it off, but this early example of Korean BL drama is worth a watch.

Episodes: 8 (15 minutes each)

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'Secret Relationships' (2025)

If you’re looking for a BL drama that isn’t afraid to go toxic with its potential love lines, look no further than Secret Relationships. The series follows emotionally fragile Kim Jun-seo (Jung Da-on), an office worker with big plans for his future—both romantically and professionally. However, when he gets caught up in a chaotic love square involving new colleague Ju Seong-hyeon (Cha Sun-hyung), manipulative former tutor Shin Jae-min (Kim Ho-young), and wealthy blast from the past Kim Su-hyeon (Cha Jung-woo), things get messy. Secret Relationships is a red-flag rollercoaster in the most entertaining of ways.

Episodes: 8 (35 minutes each)

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While The Traitors US is beloved for casting stars from across reality TV’s many genres, there are always a couple of cast members who elicit a “Who?” from even the most pop-culture-savvy viewer. In season 4, Peacock’s Mafia-style competition introduced viewers to Eric Nam, a 37-year-old Korean-American entertainer who’s best known among fans of K-pop’s 2nd Generation. Since the show’s January 8 premiere, Nam has been an entertaining if clueless faithful. But everything changed in episode 8, when the sole remaining Traitor, Love Island USA alum Rob Rausch, recruited Nam to join him in the turret.

Eric Nam, the Traitor, made his debut on February 12, with episode 9 following his first day navigating his and Rausch's tentative alliance. Though Faithfuls like Kristen Kish and Maura Higgins suspected him, Nam stayed in the game all the way to the Final Roundtable, when Rausch betrayed Nam and Higgins to take home the entire $220,800 prize.

Despite the shocking loss, Nam did succeed in making a name for himself in Traitors history. If you didn't get a chance to read up on the singer's substantial lore before the February 26 finale, read on for everything you need to know about Eric Nam, including where to watch him next after Traitors.

Eric Nam is a K-pop soloist who began his career on Korea's answer to 'The X-Factor.'

Eric Nam, 37, was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to a family of Korean immigrants. Though he dreamed of being a musician as a kid, he chose to major in international studies at Boston College while uploading singing covers to YouTube in his free time. After graduating in 2011, Nam landed a consulting job at Deloitte, but he deferred his start date to "pursue microfinance initiatives in India," per Boston College Magazine.

Soon after starting at Deloitte, Nam's YouTube covers got the attention of a scout for the Korean singing competition Star Audition: Birth of a Great Star. He joined the show's second season and eventually finished in the top five. He debuted as a solo artist on January 13 with his first EP, Cloud 9.

Over the next 13 years, Nam continued to release music, including solo tracks and O.S.T.s, or songs on K-drama soundtracks. He has collaborated with both Korean stars, like Red Velvet's Wendy, Epik High's Tablo, and DAY6's Young K, as well as Western artists such as Gallant and Timbaland. In 2022, Nam became an independent artist; his most recent album, the English-language release House on a Hill, debuted at No. 66 on Billboard‘s Top Album Sales chart.

Eric Nam had a long career in Korean reality TV before arriving on 'The Traitors.'

Though Nam's main gig is singing, the multi-hyphenate was a staple of Korean reality TV for several years. In the same year as his debut, he became an inaugural host of Arirang TV's After School Club, an interactive talk show conducted mostly in English. During his three-year tenure as MC, he interviewed many future superstars, including then-rookies BTS, GOT7, Red Velvet, and TWICE.

In 2016, Nam joined the main cast of season 4 of the controversial series We Got Married, in which actors and K-pop singers paired off in simulated onscreen marriages. Nam was coupled with Solar, the main vocalist of the girl group Mamamoo, with the show following their fictional home life together. Though We Got Married was subsequently cancelled due to low ratings, Nam and Solar were a popular couple with both viewers and the show's producers.

After We Got Married, Nam went on to appear on reality shows including Saturday Night Live Korea, Law of the Jungle in Mongolia, Yang and Nam Show, and Grandma's Restaurant in Samcheong-dong. He has also featured in several U.S. shows beyond The Traitors, including episodes of Somebody Feed Phil, Doing the Most with Phoebe Robinson, Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi, and The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy.

Eric Nam has interviewed some of K-pop's biggest stars on his podcast.

In August 2019, Nam founded the podcast company DIVE Studios with his younger brothers and co-founders Brian and Eddie Nam. Eric also hosts one of the network's inaugural podcasts, "Daebak Show w/ Eric Nam,: where he gives candid, in-depth interviews with K-pop stars. Since its founding, DIVE has expanded to both English- and Korean-language podcasts, including the chat podcast "Get Real," hosted by Ashley Choi, BM, Junny, and Peniel.

DIVE expanded into a digital media company with the release of Mindset, a mental health app that posts audio collections featuring both Korean and Western musicians discussing their personal journeys with issues like stress, anxiety, and depression. In 2023, Nam won a TIME 100 Impact Award for his work on the app and mental health advocacy.

"Nobody has perfect mental health," Nam told the outlet. "I have my ups and downs and I'm sure I have my flaws and faults, but I just have to give myself like the grace to say, 'Well, at least you're talking about it and trying to improve the situation for so many people.'"

Eric Nam first met his 'Traitors' co-stars Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski long before season 4.

Though Nam arrived on The Traitors season 4 solo—without a built-in allyship like the Housewives or the Survivors—he did have a surprising history with some of his co-stars. Specifically, Nam had a little-known connection to former Olympians Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski, via the 2018 Winter Games.

Nam served as an honorary ambassador for the games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. As part of the role, he appeared on an NBC segment where he taught long-time commentators Lipinski and Weir about the world of K-pop. (Unfortunately, the four-minute clip does not come up on NBC's Olympics website, but Reddit has a recap.)

Eric Nam reunited his 'Traitors' cast for his latest music video, "How the Fire Started."

Five days after the Traitors season 4 finale, Nam reunited his reality TV castmates in the music video for his latest single, "How the Fire Started." In the Western-themed clip, Nam plays a cowboy who arrives at season 4 winner Rob Rausch's ranch to get revenge and free his captive crew. Said crew includes Nam's (former) fellow faithfuls Maura Higgins, Ron Funches, Natalie Anderson, and Yam Yam Arocho.

Speaking to PEOPLE, Nam revealed that the celebs filmed the video the day after they recorded season 4's reunion special, several weeks ago in L.A. He explained, "I called Rob, and Rob was like, 'This is the least I can do for you. Absolutely.' Then I called Maura, and she was like, 'We have to do this.' And then we rounded it out with our cast. I think it's just a great way to wrap up this experience and put a bow on it."

Nam and the Faithfuls do get their revenge in the video, where they beat Raush, cut off his overalls(!), and tie him to a post set to catch on fire. However, everyone makes it out alive, thanks to Funches having a change of heart and saving his castle BFF.

As for his time on the show, Nam told PEOPLE that there's no hard feelings about how it ended. "I played as true as I could, as honorably as I could," he said. "I don't have any regrets. Do I wish Rob had made a different decision? Yeah, but whatever, that's on him. People were like, 'Oh, would you share $100,000 with someone you met three weeks ago?' I was like, 'Yeah, I would.' But we're just different in that way. I don't fault him for that. It's just the way it happened."

Still, he did jokingly add, "If Maura gets a Birkin, Eric should get a Rolex."

Next up, Eric Nam will star in a major Hollywood blockbuster.

In recent years, Nam has increasingly focused on his acting career. In October 2024, he made his acting debut in the indie thriller Transplant, playing a Korean-American surgical resident navigating an intense training program. The film played the festival circuit and received an honorable mention at the 2024 Philadelphia Film Festival.

After The Traitors, Nam has three big acting projects coming out. First, he'll voice an adult Aang in Paramount+'s Avatar: The Last Airbender sequel film, The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender. Then, he'll appear alongside Angourie Rice and Julia Fox in the time-travel thriller Loser.

He's also set to star alongside Ji-young Yoo in the untitled K-pop movie from Paramount and HYBE. The film, which will take place amid a fictional K-pop survival show, is set to be the first major American studio movie filmed entirely in South Korea.

Five years after its debut, Single's Inferno has reached new heights. Netflix's longest-running Korean reality show returned with its largest cast ever in season 5, who immediately won over fans with their captivating personalities and divisive moves in the dating competition. By the February 10 finale, the can't-miss season had logged the most views of the run so far, landing at No. 2 on Netflix's non-English shows chart.

To celebrate its success, Netflix is gifting fans a new batch of episodes. The day after the finale, the streaming giant announced the first-ever Single's Inferno Reunion, which brings back the viral cast months after filming ended. Read on for everything to know about Single's Inferno Reunion, including the exact date and time it lands on streaming.

When does 'Single's Inferno Reunion' come out?

Per Netflix, Single's Inferno Reunion will arrive on the platform on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2026. The new episodes are expected to drop at the show's typical time, at 12 a.m. PT/3 a.m. ET/5 p.m. KST.

How many episodes will 'Single's Inferno Reunion' have?

Fans who plan to binge the Single's Inferno Reunion this weekend may need to rearrange their plans. According to the show's production arm, Shijak Company, the reunion will consist of six episodes, all dropping at once on February 14.

The episode lengths are currently unknown, but K-drama and K-variety fans know that Korea loves their hour-plus episodes. And based on the trailer, there may be a lot of footage to go through.

Which cast members will return for 'Single's Inferno Reunion?'

Based on the trailer and preview photos, the entire season 5 cast will return for the reunion, including finale couples Park Hee-sun and Lim Su-been, Kim Jae-jin and Lee Joo-young, Kim Go-eun and Woo Sung-min, Mina Sue Choi and Samuel Lee, and Kim Min-gee and Song Seung-il. Rounding out the reunion cast are Ham Ye-jin, Lee Ha-eun, Youn Hyun-jae, Shin Hyeon-woo, and Jo I-geon.

What will 'Single's Inferno Reunion' be about?

The trailer for Single's Inferno Reunion teases a multi-day affair where the cast can hash out lingering questions and bring the spirit of Inferno to winter in Korea. First off, groups of contestants gather at Netflix's Korea office to react to season 5, including a seemingly emotional conversation between Min-gee and Mina Sue. Then the group heads to a winter MT, where they hang out and play games as sparks seem to fly between some of the couples.

Most importantly, the reunion is expected to give the official word on whether any of the season 5 couples stayed together past filming. The question of Single's Inferno's real-life couples—known as "hyunkers" in Korean dating-show slang—has apparently been on the producers's minds. According to The Korea Herald, producer Kim Jae-won responded to fan criticism about the shortage of "hyunkers" over the series' run. (Of the first four seasons, only Choi Seo-eun and Jo Yoong-jae from season 2 publicly dated after the show's filming.)

"One response I've always wanted to address is the claim that Single's Inferno never produces real-life couples," said Kim. "What I want to state clearly is that, including this season, there actually are quite a few real couples. The issue is that many of them are very hesitant to go public with their relationships."

"(This time), we decided to ask the questions openly and seek honest answers through a spin-off program. We asked every couple whether they were a real-life couple, and viewers can see those confirmations directly through the broadcast," he added.

Spoilers for the Single's Inferno season 5 finale ahead. While it may be Single's Inferno’s more dramatic moments that go viral on social media, Netflix’s dating hit has long been known for its relative sweetness. Compared to the steaminess and conflict of most American romance reality series, the Korean reality show can make a fleeting hand touch or a brief moment of eye contact feel monumental.

In season 5, those small moments of impactful tenderness were arguably the most meaningful in the connection between Kim Jae-jin and Lee Joo-young. The two left Inferno together in the final episode, and they felt like the couple with the best chance at dating in the real world. Ahead of the Single’s Inferno Reunion on February 14, let’s look at how Jae-jin and Joo-young fell for one another and if they are still together months after filming.

What are Kim Jae-jin and Lee Joo-young's ages and jobs?

Both Kim Jae-jin and Lee Joo-young have creative vocations. Jae-jin, 28, is a contemporary dancer and teacher. From the get-go, he made the other Single’s Inferno contestants laugh with his quirky behavior—but intimate conversations revealed that he's a sincere person who can be serious or silly, depending on the situation.

Joo-young, 26, is a craft designer who started making home decor while studying furniture design in college. In her Single’s Inferno intro, Joo-young says that she was dubbed her school's "goddess" as a teenager. She has gained attention in Seoul’s ceramic art scene for her exhibitions that highlight her resin-made vases and pressed-flower resin pieces.

What happens between Jae-jin and Joo-young on 'Single's Inferno' season 5?

Easily the most low-drama couple of Single’s Inferno season 5, Jae-jin and Joo-young shared an organic chemistry that seemed grounded in their interests off the island. From the season’s start, Jae-jin was a favorite with the female contestants, who were curious about the dancer’s self-assured eccentricity. It was Joo-young, however, who would form a deeper connection with Jae-jin. The two matched in the second episode, going on a date to Paradise together and bonding over their artistic yet pragmatic sensibilities.

While the two were steadily building a romantic understanding, their connection seemed to solidify in episode 7, when Jae-jin returned from his Paradise date with “game changer” Lee Ha-eun. Though Jae-jin seemed to have a good time with bubbly Hae-eun, he still thought of Joo-young when he was away from her. While at Paradise, he took a photo of a vaseless bouquet to share. The flowers reminded Jae-jin of Joo-young’s artistic interests, but they also spoke of an absence. Like the vase, Joo-young was missing from the moment, and Jae-jin’s experience was the poorer for it. When he shared the photo with Joo-young, she seemed to understand exactly what Jae-jin was trying to communicate.

The two went on a second date to Paradise in episode 9, sharing a romantic dinner on a Seoul river cruise and then getting cute and cozy at the hotel. While Joo-young also had a connection with IT office worker Youn Hyun-jae, she seemingly only had eyes for Jae-jin, and vice versa. The two chose each other in the final episode, walking off the island together following a cheesy inside joke from Jae-jin that made Joo-young laugh.

Are Kim Jae-jin and Lee Joo-young still together after 'Single's Inferno' season 5?

While Single’s Inferno contestants are asked to keep clues about their possible love connections off of social media before the show’s release on Netflix, there have been murmurs suggesting an ongoing relationship between the two. There were internet rumors that Joo-young attended one of Jae-jin’s dance performances during the season’s airing.

In the promo for Single’s Inferno Reunion, the two exhibit some seriously lovey-dovey behavior. Joo-young tells Jae-jin that his eyes have changed as she gazes into them with a dimpled smile. In a later shot, Joo-young feeds Jae-jin food while they sit at a table with the rest of the season 5 cast. Could Jae-jin and Joo-young be one of the rare Single’s Inferno couples that stay together long-term? Given their sweet, meaningful connection, they have a better chance than most.

Whether you're a romance fanatic or a dating show devotee, everyone loves a "she fell first, but he fell harder" story. When Single's Inferno season 5 premiered last month, it was clear that Park Hee-sun had fallen for Lim Su-been at first sight. Though Su-been initially had his eye on Mina Sue Choi, it was only a matter of time before he noticed Hee-sun's charms.

In the February 10 finale, the Korean reality show ended with Hee-sun and Su-been leaving Inferno together with plans to continue their relationship. So, several months later, have the pair become one of Single's Inferno's longest-lasting couples? With the Single's Inferno Reunion out on Netflix, read on for everything to know about Hee-sun and Su-been's time on Single's Inferno season 5.

What are Park Hee-sun and Lim Su-been's ages and jobs?

Though she's the youngest of the season 5 cast, Park Hee-sun has a very impressive resume. The 22-year-old is a student in the prestigious information systems department at Carnegie Mellon University. According to her LinkedIn, she recently took a leave of absence from college, during which she did a CRM internship with L'Oreal in Seoul and placed as first runner-up in the Miss Korea 2024 pageant.

Meanwhile, Lim Su-been is also a pageant alum. The 24-year-old competed in Mr. International Korea 2022, where he placed as a finalist and won the Best Model award. Beyond being a professional model, Su-been is also a former baseball player who ended his 10-year pitching career due to a shoulder injury.

What happened between Hee-sun and Su-been on 'Single's Inferno' season 5?

As soon as Su-been arrived on Inferno in the season 5 premiere, Hee-sun was interested in him. Even he noticed that she only seemed to have eyes for him, since she was eager to talk to him. However, Su-been was more interested in Choi Mina Sue at the start, and they chose each other for Paradise in episode 3.

Things began to look up for Hee-sun when she got to choose Su-been for the photo shoot challenge in episode 4. The pair have good chemistry during their shoot, and Su-been begins paying more attention to Hee-sun over the next few days. Unfortunately, the photo shoot also inspires toxic jealousy between Mina Sue and Su-been, leaving Hee-sun wondering whether Su-been's actually interested.

Su-been and Hee-sun finally go to Paradise together in episode 8. Though they have to get through an awkward double date with Mina Sue and Song Seung-il, the pair also get some much-needed quality time together. However, their relationship takes another twist when they end up on Paradise dates with other people in episode 9: Su-been with Kim Min-gee, and Hee-sun with Lee Sung-hun. Though Su-been and Min-gee spend the night drunk-cuddling in bed (and Hee-sun finds out about it from Seung-il), Su-been apologizes to Hee-sun and promises to get better at expressing his emotions. He also tells her that he wants to keep dating her after the show, and asks her to call him "oppa."

When it's time for the finale ceremony, Su-been steps up to leave with Hee-sun, telling her, "Because you were here, Inferno felt like Paradise." Hee-sun seems a bit hesitant, but despite the hosts wondering if she'll stay solo, she chooses to leave Inferno with Su-been. "I think you were the first person I ever actually pursued and showed my feelings to," she told him, before repeating that he made Inferno feel like Paradise.

Are Park Hee-sun and Lim Su-been still together after 'Single's Inferno' season 5?

Per the Single's Inferno reunion, Hee-sun and Su-been are still an item! During the special, which was filmed six months after season 5 wrapped, Su-been revealed that they went on several dates in the month immediately following filming, before Hee-sun had to return to the U.S. for school. Though they had some difficulty with the long distance at first, they eventually began to talk on the phone "almost five days a week."

"We started to rely on each other more," Hee-sun added. "I haven't been back in Korea for too long, so we're still learning more about each other. But my feelings for him have continued to grow from our time on set."

Even before the reunion came out, the couple dropped some big hints that they're still going strong! The pair made their Instagram accounts public ahead of the finale, and in one November post, Hee-sun appears to wear the same hoodie Su-been lent her on Inferno. Also, on the day of the finale, an acquaintance of Su-been's posted an Instagram story of the couple reacting to the finale together.

Now that Single's Inferno season 5 is officially over, it seems Hee-sun and Su-been are keeping their relationship private, as many Korean celebrities do. However, the reunion also revealed that Hee-sun is back in Seoul for the time being, as a visiting student at one of the SKY universities. With how close they were throughout the reunion, it seems like we can add them to the list of Single's Inferno's post-show couples.

For a Singles Inferno installment that was arguably at its most entertaining as Mina Sue Choi was being indecisive mid-season, the season 5 finale ended up being relatively low-key. This was perhaps most apparent in the final choice of Kim Go-eun, the female contestant who had her pick between three suitors: Woo Sung-min, Jo I-geon, and Shin Hyeon-woo.

Ultimately, Go-eun left the island with Sung-min, shocking the Netflix dating hit's hosting panel of hosts who were sure the model’s sizzling on-screen chemistry with I-geon would win out. Instead, Go-eun prioritized the more stable connection she had with Sung-min. But did that connection survive once off the island? With the Single's Inferno Reunion out on Netflix, here’s what we know about Go-eun and Sung-min’s relationship.

What are 'Singles Inferno' season 5 stars Go-eun and Sung-min's ages and jobs?

When Kim Go-eun (not to be confused with the You and Everything Else actress of the same name) took part in the episode 4 couples photo shoot challenge, the panel of hosts commented on how well she knew how to take a photo. This is because Go-eun does it professionally; the 26-year-old is a model for beauty and fashion brands. As the second runner-up of 2022’s Miss Korea pageant, she also has experience expressing her charms in front of an audience. The Single’s Inferno season 5 cast included many already-known figures, but being the daughter of former national-team soccer player Kim Hyun-soo and a rumored ex-girlfriend of BIGBANG member G-Dragon, Go-eun’s identity off the island would have been known to at least some of the other contestants.

In comparison, Woo Sung-min was a relative unknown heading into Single’s Inferno. While the 30-year-old had previously tried his hand at acting, Sung-min’s main job is as an optician at his family’s business.

What happened between Kim Go-eun and Woo Sung-min on 'Single's Inferno' season 5?

Go-eun and Sung-min formed a connection early in Single’s Inferno season 5. Though Sung-min was whisked away to Paradise by track star Kim Min-gee in episode 1, he had chosen Go-eun for his “first impression” vote. When the two were randomly paired together for the dodgeball game in episode 2, Sung-min had a chance to get to know Go-eun over iced americanos and watermelon. The pair clicked and chose one another for a Paradise date in episode 3.

The Paradise date made a lasting impression that Go-eun and Sung-min held onto for the rest of the season—and eventually survived both Hyeon-woo and I-geon’s attempts to woo Go-eun away. For those of us watching at home, “game changer” I-geon in particular seemed to have a chance at being Go-eun’s final pick. The two knew each other before coming to Inferno and shared a charming chemistry. When I-geon won the Trench Tug-of-War challenge and chose Go-eun as his Paradise partner in episode 10, the pair had the season's hottest pool date.

Go-eun seemed to be considering I-geon as her final choice. However, his flirting with female game changer Lee Ha-eun in front of Go-eun upset her. Ultimately, she chose Sung-min's companionship over the sparks of I-geon, surprising the panel of judges and many viewers at home. “[Sung-min] took care of me in these subtle ways,” Go-eun said of the final choice. “He always found little ways to show how he felt about me.”

Are Kim Go-eun and Woo Sung-min still together after 'Single’s Inferno' season 5?

In the February 14 reunion, which was filmed six months after season 5, Go-eun and Sung-min revealed that they weren't still together. Though they did hang out a few times, Go-eun recalled that articles about her rumored casting came out a week after filming wrapped, so they couldn't meet in public due to spoilers. Sung-min added, "I think things like [work] got in the way quite often. So we did try, but sadly, it turned out that way."

Go-eun explained, "We had clicked really well because we were so similar, but spending time with him outside, I felt that we might also argue a lot because we were so similar. As of now, we're just good friends."

Are Kim Go-eun and Jo I-geon now dating after 'Single’s Inferno' season 5?

However, it seems that the door isn't fully closed on Go-eun and I-geon. The pair were extremely flirty throughout their reaction screening, as they reflected on their Paradise dates. Even Sung-min kept saying that, upon looking at the footage, he wondered why Go-eun chose to leave with him. When they got to the scene where I-geon kept flirting with Ha-eun in front of Go-eun, he showed obvious regret, even yelling at his on-screen self to stop.

Watching the show back, Go-eun and I-geon both said they wished they had shown more initiative and been more communicative about their feelings on Inferno. When they got to talk alone, I-geon admitted that he had thought about Go-eun a lot after filming, and Go-eun revealed that she and Sung-min weren't dating. Since I-geon didn't have plans to go to the cast trip, they went out to dinner instead; the entire date makes up episode 4 of the reunion.

By the end of episode 4, it's still unclear whether Go-eun and I-geon are on track for a relationship. Though I-geon asked her out and they agreed to have lunch, she also admitted that she didn't really want a relationship since she wanted to focus on work. Any more updates about the couple's relationship status are very unlikely, since Korean celebrity couples tend to be very private—but at least the couple's time on Single's Inferno concluded with a second-chance happy ending.

Spoilers for Single's Inferno season 5 finale ahead. The buzziest cast members on dating shows tend to be the most unpredictable; this year on Single's Inferno, no one kept viewers on their toes like Mina Sue Choi. The former Miss Earth became season 5's most divisive cast member for juggling her interest in nearly all the men on the show and her alleged "pick-me" attitude. As she went through the emotional rollercoaster of televised dating, one person was always by her side: Samuel Lee, a.k.a. Lee Sung-hun.

After the pair bonded due to their shared affinity for English, fans began wondering whether they could get out of the friend zone. With all 12 episodes out now, read on for everything to know about Mina Sue and Samuel's time on Single's Inferno season 5, including whether they continued dating post-filming.

What are Mina Sue Choi and Samuel Lee's ages and jobs?

Like several other Single's Inferno alumni, Mina Sue Choi was already well-known before arriving on the series. The 26-year-old became the first South Korean winner of the Miss Earth pageant in 2022 and went on to appear in Korean TV shows like Battle for Tenancy: Penthouse and Law in the City. As of season 5's filming, she was a communications student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Meanwhile, season 5 marks Samuel Lee's (Korean name Lee Sung-hun) first time on Korean television. The 27-year-old Berkeley grad and former Google engineer currently works as a quantitative trader at an N.Y.C. hedge fund.

What happened between Mina Sue Choi and Samuel Lee on 'Single's Inferno' season 5?

Upon arriving on Inferno, Mina Sue quickly became season 5's main character. One of the men who showed immediate interest in her was Samuel; he couldn't wait until after their arrival ceremony to talk to her. The pair formed a quick friendship once they realized they were both more comfortable communicating in English. Still, Samuel made it clear early on that he was also romantically interested in her. At times, like during the photo shoot challenge in episode 4, Mina Sue said she was also attracted to him.

However, Samuel had competition for Mina Sue's attention. During the show's early episodes, Mina Sue expressed interest in several of the men, including Samuel, model Lim Su-been, fashion marketer Song Seung-il, optician Woo Sung-min, and even (though briefly) handball coach Shin Hyeon-woo. Her fans have argued that playing the field is the entire point of a dating show, but Mina Sue has been steadily criticized for being indecisive and seemingly catty towards the other women.

In the first seven episodes, as Mina Sue's connections with the other men (mostly Su-been) sent her into an emotional spiral, Samuel was there to comfort her. Still, neither of them completely closed off a possible romantic relationship. Things drastically changed for Mina Sue in episode 8, when she went to Paradise with Seung-il and spent the whole time being jealous of Su-been and his date, Park Hee-sun. Both Seung-il and his eventual pick, Kim Min-gee, gave Mina Sue a reality check about her unclear feelings. Soon after, Mina Sue apologized to Su-been for her behavior and told him that she was leaning towards Samuel.

In a truly surprising twist, in episode 9, Hee-sun chose to go to Paradise with Samuel. They had a nice time on the date, discovering that they shared an IT background, as Mina Sue was left snooping around Samuel's bed in Inferno. At the start of episode 11, he told Mina Sue he missed her during the date and admitted he chose Mina Sue for every single Paradise date. She admitted that after exploring other connections, she had realized her feelings for him. Though it was too late for them to go to Paradise, they got to share a special meal date and then learned each other's jobs and ages during the final night on Inferno.

When it's Mina Sue's turn for the finale ceremony, Samuel quickly stands up for her. "Be it Korea or America, I'll come and see you anywhere," he says. Mina Sue responds in English, "I think out of all the people here, you brought the version of myself that I liked the most. I can’t imagine leaving this place unless it's Sam."

Are Mina Sue Choi and Samuel Lee still together after 'Single's Inferno' season 5?

Neither Mina Sue nor Samuel has spoken publicly about their relationship status since the season 5 finale, but fans believe that the pair remained on good terms after the show's airing. According to Mina Sue's Instagram, she visited N.Y.C. last fall, where she could have hung out with Samuel. Of course, we won't know whether the pair are just friends or something more until we hear it from their mouths.

If this is your first year tuning into the Netflix dating hit Single's Inferno, odds are there's one viral clip that brought you here. (Welcome.) Kim Min-gee and Song Seung-il were early favorites on the Korean reality show, with viewers loving their easy chemistry on their first Paradise date. By the time Min-gee made her interest in Seung-il clear during the bonfire in episode 4, fans around the globe were rooting for the couple.

Of course, reality TV love stories don't always run smoothly, and the pair had to deal with love triangles and miscommunication on the way to the Single's Inferno season 5 finale. Now that all 12 episodes are out (as well as the Single's Inferno Reunion), read on for everything to know about Min-gee and Seung-il's time on Single's Inferno, including whether they're still together post-filming.

What are Kim Min-gee and Song Seung-il's ages and jobs?

Though Single's Inferno has built a reputation for casting already-famous singles, Song Seung-il arrived on season 5 completely unknown. The 25-year-old works in fashion marketing; per his intro, he runs advertising and brand consultations at his company.

Meanwhile, Kim Min-gee is a 29-year-old. (in international age) track star who had already appeared on reality TV. The competitive runner, known as "Athletics Goddess" and "Karina of Track and Field," won Korea's National Sports Festival three years in a row, from 2017 to 2019. She has since appeared alongside Physical: 100 alums on shows like King of Survival: Tribal War and Kick a Goal (a.k.a Shooting Stars).

What happened between Min-gee and Seung-il on 'Single's Inferno' season 5?

From the season 5 premiere, both Min-gee and Seung-il were among the most popular members of the cast. They spent the first day on Inferno apart, but once they started talking, they realized they both thought having compatible personalities is important in a couple. They both seem to give off a strong or tough image but have gentle, playful personalities underneath, so when they went to Paradise together, they seemed like a perfect match.

Once they arrived back in Inferno, Min-gee seemed to be all in on Seung-il; she made it clear during the bonfire Truth Game, in the now-legendary moment. However, Seung-il was also curious about pageant queen Mina Sue Choi. He revealed to Min-gee that he planned to choose Mina Sue for Paradise, but he still showed his interest in Min-gee, including a sweet moment in episode 6 where he won a wrestling challenge and chose Min-gee for the fried-chicken date prize.

In episode 8, Seung-il got his chance to go on a Paradise date with Mina Sue...which happened to include a double date with Carnegie Mellon student Park Hee-sun and model Lim Su-been. Mina Sue and Su-been had previously gone to Paradise together, so the double date quickly got awkward with Mina Sue getting jealous of Su-been and Hee-sun. Even when Mina Sue and Seung-il got time alone, the conversation stayed on Su-been, and Seung-il ended up giving her advice on being clear with her emotions.

Back in Inferno, Seung-il told Min-gee that he was now only interested in her, which clearly meant a lot to her. However, when she won a Paradise date in episode 9, she chose Su-been, both to give Seung-il a taste of what she'd been through and to see if she'd still miss him. Min-gee and Su-been ended up getting along really well, and they even slept in the same bed, but the hosts just saw it as some drunk cuddling. When she returned to Inferno, Min-gee was honest with Seung-il about the night prior and told him she truly missed him.

Min-gee is the first woman up during season 5's finale ceremony, and Seung-il is the only man to step up to leave with her. Though he plays it cool in the moment, saying, "Let's go eat something good," he shares that he felt most at ease and most like his authentic self with her. As Min-gee giggles and fidgets with nerves, she makes an acrostic poem with his name, saying that she likes to win (seung-ri in Korean) first place (il-deung in Korean). "That must be why I like you, Seung-il," she adds. Before choosing to leave with him on piggyback, she confesses, "I have feelings for you. I like you."

Are Kim Min-gee and Song Seung-il still together after 'Single's Inferno' season 5?

Before the February 14 reunion, fans had their own theories on whether the pair were still dating months after season 5 wrapped. In late January, Korean outlet eyesmag shared several clips from a season 5 cast reunion, where eagle-eyed fans noticed that Min-gee and Seung-il seemed to be wearing matching bracelets. (Couple items are a big thing in South Korea.) However, Min-gee's finale tribute post mentioned "difficult times after filming ended," leading to speculation that they didn't work out.

In the reunion, Min-gee and Seung-il shared their noticeably different takes on why they didn't continue dating past filming. When asked whether they went out and kept in touch, Seung-il said that they "only kept in touch a little bit." A visibly sad Min-gee then answered, "Not at all."

Then, while Seung-il said that the pair were now "close friends," Min-gee stated, "I don't know how to describe how we're doing. It's a bit complicated. Because things were cut off from his end. The person I liked is still stuck in Inferno."

Despite Seung-il seemingly ghosting Min-gee after filming wrapped, Min-gee was wistful when she looked back on her time on Inferno. "I don't regret my final decision," Min-gee said. "If I went back in time knowing what I know now, I would still choose Seung-il. I would choose him, but I wouldn't say those exact words. I just feel kind of bad."

Spoilers for Single's Inferno season 5 episodes 1-10 ahead. With less than a week left until the Single's Inferno season 5 finale, it's safe to say that Netflix's Korean reality series has reached new heights. Thanks to the season 5 cast, the hit dating show has broken viewing records, and fans around the world haven't been able to stop talking about stars like Kim Min-gee and Choi Mina Sue. But ahead of the February 10 finale, the contestant that has everyone guessing is fan-favorite Kim Go-eun.

The model (unrelated to the Goblin actress of the same name) must make a monumental choice in the finale, considering three men are interested in leaving Inferno with her. Long before the dating show, Kim was already famous based on her alleged dating history. Read on for everything to know about Kim Go-eun heading into the Single's Inferno season 5 finale.

Kim Go-eun is a former pageant queen who hails from a famous family.

Kim Go-eun, 26, is a model for fashion and beauty brands, who grew up the daughter of a national sports legend. Her father, retired soccer player Kim Hyun-soo, played for Korean club teams from 1995 to 2008, and was part of the team that won the AFC Champions League in 2006. He's also a former member of the Korean national team.

Go-eun first entered the spotlight when she placed as second runner-up at the 2022 Miss Korea pageant. Single's Inferno has a long history of casting pageant queens; in season 5, both Choi Mina Sue and Park Hee-sun are also Miss Korea alums.

Kim Go-eun was rumored to be dating one of Korea's biggest K-pop stars.

Single's Inferno isn't the first time Kim's love life has been the subject of public discourse. In July 2024, Kim was spotted watching a soccer match in Osaka, Japan, with K-pop soloist and BIGBANG member G-Dragon, 37. Around that time, fans also noticed that the pair had mutual friends on social media. As dating rumors grew, both faced the public scrutiny that Korean celebrities often receive when they have public relationships.

In March 2025, G-Dragon denied the rumors through his agency, per JTBC. His statement read, "I am not dating Kim Go-eun. She is just a younger sister who shares overlapping acquaintances. It is a rumor that originated in China, but it is not true."

She has to choose between three men in the upcoming 'Single's Inferno' finale.

Throughout season 5, Kim Go-eun caught the eye of several of the male contestants. Both optician Woo Sung-min and handball coach Shin Hyeon-woo show their interest early, and Go-eun and Sung-min end up choosing each other for her first trip to Paradise. By the Truth Game in episode 6, there's a clear love triangle between Go-eun, Sung-min, and Hyeon-woo.

The triangle becomes a square when the male Game Changer, actor Jo I-geon, arrives in episode 7 and chooses Go-eun for a Paradise date. It turns out that the pair already have a mutual acquaintance, and their date goes well. But when Go-eun gets back to Paradise, it's clear that Hyeon-woo and Sung-min's heads haven't turned.

In episode 8, Hyeon-woo finally gets a chance to go to Paradise with Go-eun, but he comes on strong and seemingly makes her feel uncomfortable. In episode 9, all three of Go-eun's suitors compete in Trench Tug of War. I-geon comes in first place and chooses Go-eun to come to Paradise. Since she's not an option, Hyeon-woo forefeits his Paradise date instead of choosing another date—a first for the show.

During their second date in Paradise, Go-eun and I-geon seemed to have a more relaxed time together, leaving fans wondering if he was now the frontrunner. However, Go-eun 's feelings have been a bit of a mystery, so it's hard to predict which of the three men she'll end up with in the finale. Viewers will have to wait until February 10 to see.

Spoilers for Single's Inferno season 5 episodes 1-7 ahead. Every year on Single's Inferno, there's one contestant that viewers cannot stop talking about. The buzziest alumni of the Korean reality show—from Song Jia to Lee Gwan-hee to Lee Si-an—are the ones who explore several flirtations and spend more nights in Paradise than the deserted Inferno. How they spend their time on the dating reality show—and who they eventually choose—drives most of the discourse among the show's fans. Among the Single's Inferno season 5 cast, no one fits this role better than former pageant queen Mina Sue Choi.

Even before she arrived on Inferno, the 26-year-old communications student and former Miss Earth drew buzz as one of season 5's already-famous cast members. She quickly became a divisive figure among viewers, with countless fans both calling out and defending her time on the show. Read on for everything you need to know about Mina Sue Choi, from her pre-Single's Inferno entertainment career to her roster of love interests on the reality hit.

Mina Sue Choi is a world traveler studying communications in the U.S.

Mina Sue Choi, 26, was born in Sydney, Australia, and grew up across several countries, including South Korea, the U.S., Canada, and China. According to her Single's Inferno intro, she attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she majored in communications.

She also interned with a Korean beauty startup around the time of season 5 started filming, using her fluency in English to work with international buyers.

Mina Sue Choi was the first-ever South Korean winner of the Miss Earth pageant.

In November 2022, Choi won the 2022 Miss Earth competition, a Philippines-based pageant that highlights environmental awareness, conservation, and social responsibility. With the win, she became the first South Korean winner of a Big Four pageant. (The other three are Miss World, Miss Universe, and Miss International.)

At the time, Choi was praised for her answer to the final question: "What is one thing you would want to correct in this world and how would you correct it?"

"We often mistake kindness as being empathetic, but what being empathetic [means] is really putting yourself in someone else’s shoes," she answered. "And when it comes to climate issues and other issues in this world, one has to be empathic."

Single's Inferno has a long history of recruiting pageant queens. Following season 5's premiere, fans found footage of Mina Sue appearing at a Miss Korea pageant alongside season 2's Seoeun Choi and season 3's Cho Min-ji. Of the season 5 cast, Mina Sue was the runner-up for Miss Korea 2021, Kim Go-eun was the second runner-up in 2022, and Park Hee-sun was the first runner-up in 2024.

She appeared on several K-dramas and Korean variety shows before 'Single's Inferno.'

After her Miss Earth win, Choi began a career as a TV personality. In 2022, she became a contestant on the survival game show Battle for Tenancy: Penthouse. She came in seventh place in the social-strategy game, where the contestants competed for up to 400 million won.

Since then, Choi has appeared in small guest roles on several K-dramas, including the rom-com DNA Lover. Notably, her appearance alongside Lee Jong-suk in the Viki K-drama Law in the City has gone viral during Single's Inferno's run. In the clip, after Choi and Lee's characters part ways after a blind date, Lee immediately deletes her contact from his phone.

Her flirtatious behavior on 'Single's Inferno' season 5 has fans split.

From the moment she walked onto the beach in her viral yellow dress, Mina Sue Choi became one of the most popular women on Inferno. Several of the men quickly expressed interest in her, including fellow English speaker Lee Sung-hun (a.k.a. Samuel Lee), former baseball player/model Lim Su-been, and fashion marketer Song Seung-il. Though Mina Sue gave her first-impression rose to Seung-il, she became interested in Su-been after they won the couple dodgeball game together. She then chose Su-been to take to Paradise.

Things started getting messy with Mina Sue in episode 4, when she was chosen last for a couple-photoshoot challenge. Both Su-been and Seung-il were already chosen (by Park Hee-sun and Kim Min-gee, respectively) by her turn, so her mind was blank about who to pick. She eventually went with Sung-hun and Woo Sung-min, and sparks seemed to fly between them. During Truth or Dare that night, Mina Sue gave a secret heart to Sung-hun, told Sung-min she wanted to go to Paradise with him, chose Seung-il as her top pick, and was jealous of Su-been getting close to Hee-sun.

Of course, this is a dating show, and playing the field is encouraged. But the host panel pointed out the hypocrisy of Mina Sue telling Su-been that she doesn't like him flirting with other people in front of her when she'd been getting to know other guys. They decided to get to know other people and see how they feel at the end of Inferno, but Mina Sue continued to get upset when she saw him with Hee-sun.

Throughout episodes 5-7, her constantly-changing feelings seemed to confuse the host panel and cast members, especially Min-gee and Sung-hun. Sung-hun and Mina Sue were quick friends since they both were more comfortable speaking in English, but it's unclear whether they would make it out of the friend zone. Meanwhile, Mina Sue and Min-gee were both interested in Seung-il, and each made the other nervous.

Episode 7 ended with Mina Sue about to choose someone for a Paradise date, but with so many men on her mind—notably Su-been, Seung-il, and Sung-hun—it's anyone's guess who she'll choose on February 3.

Spoilers for Single's Inferno season 5 episodes 1-7 ahead. Over the past five years, Netflix's hit dating series Single's Inferno has made its cast into global reality stars. Whether they arrive on the Korean reality show as complete unknowns or already famous in their home country, the show's standout cast members quickly win over fans around the globe. This year is no exception, with women like Kim Min-gee becoming fan-favorites as soon as the season premiered.

Kim Min-gee is no stranger to Korean television, as she was the most famous member of the Single's Inferno season 5 cast before arriving on the island. Now, her blunt, laid-back personality has garnered even more fans, who have lots of thoughts about her love triangle with Song Seung-il and Mina Sue Choi.

Read on to learn more about Kim Min-gee, including her surprising connection to a past Single's Inferno star.

Kim Min-gee is a competitive athlete known as Korea's "Track and Field Goddess."

Kim Min-gee is a 29-year-old (in international age) professional track-and-field athlete who has competed in the sport for 17 years. Both a runner and a hurdler, her specialties are the 400-meter sprint and 400-meter hurdles.

Kim first rose to fame in 2014, when she won the 400-meter hurdles at the 43rd Spring National Middle and High School Athletics Championships. The Changwon National University grad has won the top prize in Korea's National Sports Festival several times, placing first in both the 400-meter flat race and hurdles in 2017 and 2018. She also won the 400-meter race at the festival in 2019.

Thanks to her successful track career, she is known by several nicknames, including "Athletics Goddess," "Goddess of the Track," and "Karina of Track and Field." The latter references her resemblance to the K-pop idol and aespa member.

Kim Min-gee has appeared in several sports-based Korean reality shows.

In 2022, Kim began pursuing a career as a commentator and TV personality, with an appearance at the 2022 Chuseok Special Idol Star Championships (a.k.a. the ISACs). The next year, Kim joined the regular cast of the soccer variety show Kick a Goal, a.k.a Shooting Stars, starting with season 4.

Kim also competed on the first season of King of Survival: Tribal War as a member of Team National Athlete. During her time on the show, she competed against Physical: 100 alums like Amotti, Kim Dong-hyun, Park Ha-yan, Jung Ji-hyun, and Choo Sung-hoon, as well as actor Lee Seung-gi.

Other shows Kim has appeared on include Knowing Bros., King of the Mask Singer, and Baseball Queen.

She's close friends with 'Single's Inferno' season 3 standout Lee Gwan-hee.

Single's Inferno is not immune to the reality TV practice of casting within a limited field. (See all the pageant queens who have graced the series.) Still, it surprised fans to learn that Kim is friends with another athlete and Single's Inferno alum: season 3's Lee Gwan-hee.

In a watch-along posted on Netflix Korea's YouTube channel, the basketball player appeared alongside season 4 alum Park Hae-lin to comment season 5's first episodes. When Kim showed up on Inferno, Lee revealed that they were close, but quickly added that she was not his type. In fact, his comments throughout the video made it seem like they have a brother-sister-like friendship.

"I was shocked to see that Min-gee was on the show. I wasn't sure if she'd be the type guys would like. I'm just worried about her," he said. He later added, "As a close friend, I feel like she [should go] to Paradise with a man who's strong enough to take charge. Someone like that would be a much better match for her."

Kim Min-gee's love triangle with Song Seung-il and Mina Sue Choi is a major storyline of 'Single's Inferno' season 5.

In the first seven episodes of season 5, the biggest highlight has been the saga between Kim Min-gee, Song Seung-il, and Mina Sue Choi. Min-gee and fashion-marketer Seung-il were among the first group to arrive on Inferno, where they immediately had to vote in a first-impressions popularity contest. Min-gee won the vote among the women, but although Seung-il voted for her, she chose to go to Paradise with optician Woo Sung-min instead.

Right after Min-gee left, four more cast members arrived, including pageant queen Mina Sue. On their first night together on Inferno, Seung-il and Mina Sue became interested in each other. However, Min-gee and Seung-il got to talk once she returned to Inferno, and they chose each other for the second Paradise date.

After their night in Paradise, Min-gee seemed to be all in on Seung-il. In the episode 4 Truth Game, she answered Seung-il when asked who she wanted to go to Paradise with next. However, Seung-il admitted that he was interested in both Min-gee and Mina Sue. Right after, Mina Sue chose Seung-il as her top pick, and Seung-il admitted he wanted to go to Paradise with someone new...as he sat right next to Min-gee. Finally, when Min-gee was asked for her top pick, she grabbed Seung-il by his ear, in a now-legendary scene.

In episodes 5 and 6, Seung-il and Mina Sue went off for a private talk and discussed their interest and curiosity about each other. Min-gee seemed upset, but she still told both him and Mina Sue to explore their options, since that's part of the show. Still, Seung-il couldn't seem to get his mind off Min-gee. After winning the Fight for the Ball challenge in episode 6, he surprised Min-gee when he chose her for the special meal date.

Throughout episode 7, Seung-il's affections are still split. As he and Min-gee shared fried chicken, he revealed that he chose her for the date because she had said she was craving fried chicken the previous night. However, he also admitted he would've chosen Mina Sue if the prize were Paradise. The second week of episodes ends with Mina Sue choosing which man to take to Paradise, but it's unclear whether she'll choose Seung-il. She had spent the past three episodes confusing Min-gee (and the host panel), as her interest seemed to constantly shift between the men. Viewers have to wait until February 3 to see whether Seung-il and Mina Sue will end up in Paradise.

2026 is just getting started, but K-drama fans already have a global hit in Undercover Miss Hong. TvN and Netflix's latest K-drama is a fun office comedy set amid South Korea's bustling finance industry in late 1997. Hong Keum-bo (Park Shin-hye) is a determined investigator in her 30s, who roots out corruption in the country's biggest banks. When she sets her sights on Hanmin Investment & Securities, she decides to go undercover as "Hong Jang-mi," an entry-level assistant in her 20s. If aging herself down isn't complicated enough, the company's new CEO happens to be her ex.

In addition to Park Shin-hye in the starring role, Undercover Miss Hong has gathered an ensemble cast of award-winning acting veterans and talented young actors. Read on to learn more about the cast of Undercover Miss Hong, including where to follow your new favorite stars.

Park Shin-hye as Hong Keum-bo (a.k.a. Hong Jang-mi)

Hong Keum-bo is a 35-year-old employee of the Financial Supervisory Service, a watchdog that investigates companies for stock-price manipulation, embezzlement, fraud, and corruption. Known as the "Witch of Yeouido" to her co-workers, Keum-bo's ruthless and dogged determination has helped her excel in her all-male office. Safe to say, it'll be difficult for her to pretend to be a fresh high school graduate, "Jang-mi."

Park Shin-hye, 35, is one of South Korea's most famous actresses. Since her breakout in 2003's Stairway to Heaven, the former child actress has starred in dramas including You're Beautiful, The Heirs, Pinocchio, Doctors, Memories of the Alhambra, Doctor Slump, and The Judge from Hell. In 2022, Park married and welcomed a baby with her longtime partner, Suspicious Partner actor Choi Tae-joon.

Go Kyung-po as Shin Jung-woo

Shin Jung-woo is the new CEO of Hanmin, whose first day at the company falls on the same day as Keum-bo's. He's also Keum-bo's ex; the pair were college classmates and worked together before he moved overseas. In addition to his full-time job and his suspicions about "Jang-mi," Jung-woo is also tasked with training Pil-beom's grandson to inherit the company.

Jung-woo is played by Go Kyung-po, a 35-year-old actor who's best known for playing Sung Sun-woo in Reply 1988. His other notable dramas include Don't Dare to Dream, Chicago Typewriter, Strongest Deliveryman, Cross, Private Lives, Love in Contract, Connect, D.P., and Frankly Speaking. In 2022, he received a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Blue Dragon Film Awards for his role in Park Chan-wook's Decision to Leave.

Ha Yoon-kyung as Go Bok-hee

Go Bok-hee is the 29-year-old assistant to the CEO at Hanmin, who also happens to be Keum-bo's roommate in a dorm for single female workers. Though she holds one of the top positions in Admin, she's seen as an outcast due to her lack of a college degree and a rough childhood. Still, she's scrappy and loyal once she calls someone a friend.

Ha Yoon-kyung, 33, is best known for her breakout roles as neurosurgery resident Heo Seon-bin in Hospital Playlist and rookie lawyer Choi Soo-yeon in Extraordinary Attorney Woo. She has also appeared in the dramas She Would Never Know, Dr. Romantic, See You In My 19th Life, Flex X Cop, The Frog, and Gangnam B-Side. Last year, she briefly reprised the role of Seon-bin in the spinoff Resident Playbook.

Cho Han-gyeol as Albert Oh

Albert Oh is the 25-year-old grandson of Hanlim chairman Pil-beom and son of Oh Deok-gyu. Though he leads the risk-management department, he's a cinephile who spends all day watching VHS tapes. He has no idea Jang-mi's true identity, which makes it a bit awkward when they meet at a video store, and he falls in love with her at first sight.

Cho Han-gyeol, 23, is a rising K-drama actor who previously appeared in the shows Jinxed at First, Connection, Romance in the House, The Haunted Palace, The Winning Try, and My Youth. He also starred in the 2023 Korean BL series Love Mate.

Choi Ji-su as Kang Nora (a.k.a. Kang Eun-ju)

Kang Nora, Pil-beom's 25-year-old daughter, returns to Korea after growing up in America. When she gets the chance to inherit Hanlim shares if she becomes a full-time employee, her mother (played by Byun Jung-soo) forces her to accept. She and Keum-bo become fast friends and roommates when they begin working at Hanmin.

Choi Ji-su, 28, made her acting debut in the 2017 K-drama adaptation of Criminal Minds. She has since appeared in shows including Hanging On, Convenience Store Fling, Move to Heaven, Juvenile Justice, Behind Every Star, High Cookie, and Crushology 101. She also previously appeared in the 2024 Korean cheerleading movie Victory.

Kang Chae-young as Kim Mi-sook

Mi-sook, the fourth roommate at the dorm, is a 28-year-old teller at one of Hanmin's branches. She's played by Kang Chae-young, 29, a Korean actress who studied music at New York University and made her debut in the 2019 musical Thérèse Raquin. Since her breakout role in the Korean romance movie 20th Century Girl, she has appeared in the K-dramas Juvenile Justice, Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born, Trigger; Genie, Make a Wish, and Love Me.

Lee Deok-hwa as Kang Pil-beom

Kang Pil-beom, the chairman and founder of Hamnin Investment and Securities, is played by veteran actor Lee Deok-hwa. The 73-year-old is best known to Netflix viewers for playing a different Chairman Kang, Tae-mu's grandfather, in the 2022 rom-com Business Proposal. Lee has also recently appeared in the dramas One Dollar Lawyer, Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born, and Brewing Love.

Kim Hyung-mook as Oh Deok-gyu

Oh Deok-gyu, Pil-beom's scheming son-in-law, is played by Kim Hyung-mook, a 51-year-old screen and stage actor. His most notable K-drama roles include The Crowned Clown, The Fiery Priest, Vincenzo, Again My Life, My Lovely Boxer, and Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.

Park Mi-hyun as Song Ju-ran

Song Ju-ran is the Chief of Staff at Hanmin; in addition to running the admin department, she's Pil-beom's closest confidant. She's played by Park Mi-hyun, a 54-year-old actress who has held supporting roles in dozens of K-dramas, including The World of the Married, Flower of Evil, Law School, D.P., Our Beloved Summer, Dear Hongrang, and The Price of Confession. Song also had a small role as Sae-byeok's mother in seasons 2 and 3 of Squid Game.

Jang Do-ha as Lee Yong-gi

Lee Yong-gi, a quiet manager in the Risk Management department who holds a PhD in computer engineering, is played by 30-year-old actor Jang Do-ha. Before Undercover Miss Hong, Jang had a notable minor role alongside Park Shin-hye in the thriller K-drama The Judge from Hell. He has also appeared in My Country: The New Age, Youth of May, Sh**ting Stars, and We're Not Trash.

Kim Won-hae as Yun Jae-beom

Director Yun, Keum-bo's doting boss who develops the undercover plan, is played by Busan-born actor Kim Won-hae. The 56-year-old has appeared in dozens of Korean movies and shows; in the past twelve months, he has appeared in the Netflix K-dramas The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, The Divorce Insurance, Trigger, As You Stood By, Idol I, Cashero, Can This Love Be Translated?, and Undercover Miss Hong. As one Redditor notes, "You know a drama is gonna be good when he’s involved."

Shin Yu-na as Hong Jang-mi

ITZY's Yuna makes her acting debut in Undercover Miss Hong, playing the real Hong Jang-mi. The 22-year-old K-pop singer debuted with the group in 2019, and will reportedly release her first solo project this year. She's also set to appear in the upcoming tvN romance drama Favorite Employee.

Choi Won-young as Kang Myeong-hwi

Nora's brother Kang Myeong-hwi is Chairman Kang's son and the CEO of Hanmin, who wants the company to take responsibility for its crimes. He's played by Choi Won-young, 50, a prolific actor who has appeared in beloved K-dramas like SKY Castle, While You Were Sleeping, Kill Me, Heal Me, Twenty Again, Doctor Prisoner, Mystic Pop-up Bar, Under the Queen's Umbrella, and Twinkling Watermelon. He's next set to appear in the Netflix series We Are All Trying Here.

Just about anyone who has logged into Netflix or turned on the radio in the past year has heard EJAE’s voice. Whether K-pop stans, animation enthusiasts, or every kindergartener on the planet and their unsuspecting parents know her name or not, they're certainly familiar with the 34-year-old songwriter's performance as Rumi, the leader of the titular KPop Demon Hunters. But beyond playing HUNTR/X's charismatic leader, EJAE was also instrumental in turning the musical into a full-blown phenomenon, serving as a co-writer on three of the Billboard-topping songs from the soundtrack.

In the months since KPDH became Netflix’s most-watched movie of all time, EJAE has gone from working behind the scenes in studios to gracing the world’s biggest stages and red carpets. Her anthem "Golden," which she co-wrote with Mark Sonnenblick, 24, Ido, and Teddy, is up for four Grammys, including Song of the Year. And it's already started to rake in awards and break records: In early January, she became the first Korean-American woman to win Best Original Song at the Golden Globes. With "Golden" nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars, she also made history, as the track marks the first K-pop song recognized.

Even as "Golden" started exploding, EJAE couldn't fathom just how much her life was about to change. "My publicist was like, 'You’re going to have no life for six months,' but I was like, Whatever," she recalls, speaking to Marie Claire over Zoom in early December. "I genuinely have no life right now," she adds with a laugh.

Long before KPop Demon Hunters, EJAE, born Kim Eun-jae, had accepted that fame wouldn’t be coming her way. Growing up between Seoul and Fort Lee, New Jersey, the aspiring singer joined K-pop juggernaut SM Entertainment’s training program in 2003, at age 11. She spent 12 years putting in “literal blood, sweat, and tears” in hopes of being chosen to debut as a solo artist. But when other trainees were chosen for groups like Girls' Generation, the singer-songwriter turned her attention to her education—fast-tracking her degree in music and psychology at New York University, expecting to make her debut after graduation. Instead, SM dropped her in 2015, and she faced an uncertain future.

But—just as EJAE put it herself while accepting her first-ever Golden Globe—she turned her rejection into redirection. The would-be music therapist pivoted to music production; two years after she was dropped, she returned to SM for a songwriting camp and penned the topline melody that would become Red Velvet’s platinum hit “Psycho.” She went on to write for artists like TWICE, aespa, LE SSERAFIM, NMIXX, and Billlie, and was also tapped to work on early demos for an in-the-works animated film about otherworldly idols.

“When you don't use that muscle of making decisions on your own, and suddenly you have to do it, it's scary,” she says of her early songwriting days. “Moving to the States, not wanting to live with my parents, and figuring it out on my own really did help me find the beauty in my voice.” It's safe to say that leaning into her unique voice as an artist is exactly why EJAE became "the heart and soul of HUNTR/X," as director Maggie Kang has called her.

Below, EJAE chats with Marie Claire about establishing herself outside of the trainee system, bridging K-pop songwriting with musical theater, and the importance of exploring every side of your artistry.

MC: During your trainee years, you got the opportunity to join a ballad group at 18, but you chose to go to college instead. What informed that decision?

EJAE: Honestly, that decision wasn't that hard because I took my studies very, very seriously at a young age. I feel like I was more mature then than now. I knew that K-pop idol life wasn't forever. Also, being in the industry, I've noticed that a lot of my friends around me were depressed, and seeing that, music therapy was something I really wanted to do and pursue.

On top of that, I had sacrificed so much of my youth—essentially my childhood. I am not kidding when I say I practiced my ass off: “Blood, sweat, and tears” is quite literal blood, sweat, and tears. I wanted to be a solo artist, and that's always been my main goal. I didn't want to be in a girl group. So I think those two combined gave me the confidence to be like, “No.”

MC: Even as a K-pop fan, I had to watch a couple of documentaries to really understand how intense training is.

EJAE: I really went above and beyond as a kid. When everyone was leaving after class, I stayed and kept practicing. I would book studios and stay there for six hours, for eight hours, just dancing by myself. It was brutal, and the fact that there's a lot of critiquing and certain ways you have to eat or look or be. We couldn't chew gum because that would make our jaws bigger. We couldn't do a kimchi squat 'cause that would ruin the knees. It's very difficult to get used to, and obviously, there's a lot of showcases and competition. It was quite rigorous in what we had to learn, but I did work my butt off for it all.

MC: Looking back on your trainee days, did you ever feel like you struggled to fit your natural vocal tone into the kind of sound K-pop companies tend to make?

EJAE: Well, I'm not going to lie. At that time, I wasn't that good at singing. Finding your voice on your own terms and finding your voice because someone's telling you what you need to sound like are two very different things. I think you find more strength and confidence, and you become a better singer when you find your voice on your own.

During that time, SM had a very specific brand or sound. I was definitely told to push my voice to sound cleaner, even though, naturally, I have a low-toned singing voice. I was trying to sound like Ariana Grande—she has a very clean, beautiful voice—but my voice is a little bit husky, kind of Alicia Keys, Adele vibes. Confidence is an important part in singing, and in selling the lyrics and story. When you're confused about your voice, it's really hard to do. So I think that's where I was at that time.

MC: How would you describe K-pop/idol-music songwriting to someone only familiar with Western pop?

EJAE: Being a K-pop idol is about a whole package and a whole experience. When I write for K-pop, it's a very different strategy than for pop. I'm thinking about whether the creative director would have more inspiration from this song concept. Choreography, music video ideas, makeup ideas, those things are very important when writing for K-pop.

I actually got better at singing because of songwriting for K-pop, because it challenges you to do different genres. Sometimes I would do rock. Sometimes I would have to do diva vocals. Sometimes I have to do the prettier NewJeans or TWICE-style vocals, or Rihanna girl crush vocals. I would rap. It made me realize, Oh, I actually like my voice when I do this. Oh, I like it when I do that. Experimenting with my voice is what helped me get to where I am right now, so I don’t regret any of the whole experience I had.

MC: You and your KPDH co-songwriter Mark Sonnenblick have said you had to bridge the worlds of theater and pop to make songs that could be storytelling devices, but also hits. What was that like?

EJAE: It was so, so hard. I remember talking to Mark, like, “Damn, if we figure this out, we're freaking geniuses.” I've never worked on a song for K-pop where it's not just me and the producers or other co-writers. For KPop Demon Hunters, it's me, co-writer, producers, studio execs, music director. We had to fit Maggie [Kang]'s specific vision of the storyline and her taste, but also the studio's taste, Sony's taste, Netflix's taste. It's a lot of layers that we have to go through. Thank goodness Mark is the nicest person in the world. We had no ego. It was all about the song that was really important, the collaborative energy.

And on top of that, it's a movie, but it also has to be a pop song. We really worked hard in making it commercially acceptable and catchy, have the melody still be enough where we can put in lyrical words that fit the storyline of the characters. I love musicals, but they can get very wordy. A lot of people can say it sounds corny because it's quite literal. Whereas with pop music, simplicity is the thing. It was really important to me as a pop writer that the concept not only works for the movie, but works for everyone. If a random person heard it, they can relate to it too.

MC: “Golden” is obviously the biggest hit, but “How It’s Done” is probably my favorite song of the movie. How did you approach HUNTR/X’s take on the girl-crush sound?

EJAE: “How It's Done” was the hardest song I worked on. There were so many different passes, trying to find a hook that’s hook-y. We were given this massive track, and we needed a melody that's good enough that can pierce through it. If a melody was too busy, then it wouldn’t work. When we got that dun-dun-dun, we were like, “Yes! But what do we say?” [One day], I think I was watching a TikTok, I said, “That's how it's done.” I was like, “Wait, ‘done, done, done…How it's done, done, done.’ Oh shit. That works really well.” I think that was an inspiration too: trying to find sentences that people use every day that can work as a pop song, but also, it works in the film. HUNTR/X shows how it's done.

The raps were where we took full advantage of K-pop writing, which worked really well with theater. All the verses had rap, so we could put all the storyline in there, and the chorus could be as simple as possible. So everything was just really strategic. It was a hard song, but super fun.

MC: You released your debut solo single, “In Another World,” in October, as “Golden” was starting to gain awards-season buzz. Why did you choose an emotional ballad for your first release?

EJAE: “In Another World” was just exactly how I felt at the time. Everything happening right now is so weird. I thought this would all happen in another world, so I wanted to talk about that. I’m sure a lot of people are going through times when things don't happen the exact way they want it to happen. I don't know what life is going to give me, especially right now when there's so much attention and spotlight on me. So “In Another World” helps me deal with that pressure. Being like, You know what? If it doesn't work, okay. Maybe in another world, it would be fine, but right now it's not meant to be in this lifetime.

“Golden” and all these K-pop songs were very high energy, very performative melodies. “In Another World” is a different side of me, a little chill. I wanted to show that personal side.

MC: You’ve mentioned that you’re glad fame came at this stage in your life. As you craft your solo music, what do you want to explore? What does the music that EJAE makes in her 30s sound like?

EJAE: My core is a songwriter, so my core is always working with artists and writing great music. Taking whatever we're feeling, trying to find a universal emotion that we can express in a different, creative way, that's songwriting. I want to continue that and transition into the pop world as well. I mean, pop has always been my thing. It's just that K-pop was so near me. I was living in Korea, and I'm clearly Korean. But I want to be able to show that K-pop is more than just Korean pop. It can go everywhere. With KPop Demon Hunters, I wasn't thinking, Oh, it has to be K-pop sound. I was using a hybrid of everything. So I’m very interested in bringing some K-pop elements into the pop world and constantly growing as a songwriter.

I think that being me as an artist, for me, is finding honest concepts. I love that “Golden” helped unite people and heal a wound that people sometimes didn't know they had needed to heal. I want to continue being that kind of vessel for the songs to be famous, not really me. That's where my headspace is at. EJAE is a platform for these songs that've just been gathering dust, that have potential, that I love. I want to release them and continue to keep writing great songs.

MC: Why is the freedom to work in different genres important to you as an artist?

EJAE: Because I feel like that's how everyone is. We're not this or that. I'm Korean American; I'm not just Korean or just American. I'm a hybrid of both. I don't like it when people are like, “Oh my God, she's so Korean here. Oh, she chooses when she's Korean, when she's American.” No, that's just who I am. I'm not just always feminine; I also have a masculine side to me. I don't always just sing low notes; I can also sing high notes. It just comes in different ways. I could be silly and goofy, but also hella sensitive. You're not just one thing.

The beauty of KPop Demon Hunters is loving all sides of yourself. That's what makes you grow as a person, not when you're boxed in. I mean, fish literally cannot grow bigger if they're in a fish tank. I think it’s very important for people to understand that binary thinking can sometimes be very limiting. Having the freedom to do a lot of things in different ways really helps you to grow, and also not just for yourself. It will also inspire others to open up and to explore and do things. And that's KPop Demon Hunters in a nutshell, right?

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Spoilers for all episodes of Single's Inferno season 5 ahead. Netflix's hit dating show Single's Inferno has returned for its biggest season yet. For the uninitiated, the streamer's longest-running Korean reality show is the country's version of Love Island, where beautiful, anonymous singles gather on a deserted island called Inferno to fight for a chance at love. If couples pair up, they can escape to Paradise, A.K.A. date nights at luxury hotels, where they can reveal their ages and professions and get to know each other in private.

Ahead of the show's January 20th premiere, hosts Hanhae, Dex, Hong Jin-kyung, Lee Da-hee, and Kyuhyun teased that season 5's cast—the largest in the reality show's history—were "shockingly honest and expressive" during filming. Now that the season has concluded, it's clear that the new group of pageant queens, models, and athletes lived up to the hype. Read on to learn more about Single's Inferno season 5, including how to follow them on Instagram, and their ages and professions.

The Women of 'Single's Inferno' Season 5

Park Hee-sun

Park Hee-sun, 22, is a college student studying information systems at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania. At the time of season 5's filming, she was also interning at a global cosmetic brand, working in customer relationship management. She says that her role involves analyzing customer data and creating marketing strategies.

Hee-sun also has a history in pageants; she was the first runner-up for Miss Korea in 2024.

In her premiere intro, Hee-sun describes herself as an "enthusiastic" former cheerleader who loves dancing. Though she says that guys approach her every time she goes out, "until today, I've never really fallen head over heels for a guy."

Instagram: @heesunrose

Kim Go-eun

Kim Go-eun (not to be confused with the You and Everything Else actress of the same name) is a 26-year-old model for beauty and fashion brands. Like previous Single's Inferno contestants, Kim is best known as a beauty queen; she won the 66th Miss Korea pageant in 2022, per ChosunBiz. She's also well-known as the daughter of former national-team soccer player Kim Hyun-soo, as well as her previous dating rumors with BIGBANG member G-Dragon.

In her intro, Kim counts her cat-like eyes, nose, and mouth as her favorite features. However, she describes her personality as more puppy-like. "I may look cold on the outside, but once you get to know me, you'll see that I'm cute and warm-hearted," she says. She explains that she's not used to being single, and wants someone to steal her heart and "end this single life."

Instagram: @goxnniee

Ham Ye-jin

Ham Ye-jin, 30, is a freelance announcer who works for news stations and corporations, and also hosts events.

Ham says that once people get to know her, they find that she's "quirky and honest" with a cute side. Instead of flirting, she says, "I just look people in the eye when I talk to them, and everything just works out."

Instagram: @x_jinii__

Kim Min-gee

Kim Min-gee, 30, is a professional track-and-field athlete who specializes in the 400-meter race, with and without hurdles. She says her biggest achievement is winning Korea's National Sports Festival for four years in a row. Her nicknames include "Goddess of the Track" and "Karina of Track and Field."

As the hosts point out, Kim arrived on Single's Inferno already a public figure. She has previously appeared on variety shows, including King of Masked Singer, Shooting Stars, and King of Survival: Tribal War.

In her intro, she describes herself as someone who looks cold on the outside but is really "bubbly and cutesy." She also says she "might even be better than most male contestants" when it comes to athletics, but she'll "try to hide that." She also admits that she's persistent when it comes to getting someone she likes to open up.

Instagram: @arb0r_day

Lee Joo-young

Lee Joo-young, 26, is a craft designer who started making home decor while studying furniture design in college. Her specialty is resin-made vases and pressed-flower resin pieces, and she also holds exhibitions of her work.

Lee is used to being popular with guys; in her intro, she says that she was dubbed her school's "goddess" as a teenager. She describes herself as a "smart cookie" who has a "bubbly personality."

Instagram: @2zzoo0

Choi Mina Sue

Choi Mina Sue is a 27-year-old communications student at the University of Illinois. At the time of Single's Inferno filming, she had returned to South Korea for summer break and was interning at a beauty startup working with international buyers. (She also runs an adorable Instagram for her dog, Summer.)

Born in Australia, Choi has lived in South Korea, Canada, and the U.S. In 2022, she became the first Korean woman to win one of the Big Four beauty pageants after winning the 22nd Miss Earth. She also appeared on the Korean competition show Battle for Tenancy: Penthouse in 2022.

She describes herself as a "ball of fire," who loves "high-energy sports" like scuba diving. She admits that she can be a bit self-centered and tends to prioritize herself, even in a relationship. She says that her ideal date is eating chicken feet.

Instagram: @minadori222

Lee Ha-eun

Female game changer Lee Ha-eun, 22, arrives on Inferno in episode 5. She's a model for skincare and makeup brands who used to be an idol trainee. She was formerly a member of the pre-debut girl group HOWZ.

Lee, who describes her personality as "positive energy," says that she's happy to join the show halfway through. "I'll go and shake things up," she adds.

Instagram: @haeun_1224_

The Men of 'Single's Inferno' Season 5

Youn Hyun-jae

Youn Hyun-jae, 26, is a Chung-Ang University grad who now works at an IT company. He describes his work as modeling and designing user interfaces for apps and websites, as well as conducting market research to stay up-to-date with trends

Hyun-jae is another member of the season 5 cast with pageant experience. He was the first runner-up for Mister International Korea 2024 and went on to represent Korea at the 2024 Mister Global pageant, where he placed in the Top 11.

In his intro, Hyun-jae says that he joined Single's Inferno because he hasn't "felt butterflies in [his] stomach" for a while. He's competitive in both sports in love; fans get a glimpse of his athletic side when he's shown practicing the Korean martial art kundo. He says that if he sees his ideal type, a woman with a "pure and innocent look," he'll "probably pursue her until the end."

Instagram: @presentuhee

Song Seung-il

Song Seung-il works at a fashion marketing company, where he's in charge of advertising and brand consultations. Despite his mature demeanor, the marketer is among the youngest cast members at 25-years-old.

Song is also an athlete, though jiujitsu seems to be his sport of choice. "I hate losing, and when I do, I can't even sleep at night," he admits in his intro. He adds that he doesn't fall for people easily, but when he does, he usually ends up dating them.

Instagram: @thdtmddlf

Shin Hyeon-woo

Shin Hyeon-woo, 27, is a former athlete who's now a handball coach. His work focuses on training elite teams with an emphasis on conditioning and competitive strategy.

In his intro, Hyeon-woo is confident in himself, saying, "I never fall behind when it comes to my physique or aura." He also notes that older women call him cute, but they've never told him why. He adds, "I believe in fate, so I look forward to meeting someone I'm meant to be with here on Single's Inferno."

Instagram: @sh1nhyunwoo

Kim Jae-jin

Kim Jae-jin, 28, is a professional dancer and dance teacher who majored in modern dance in college.

The jokester introduces himself as a guy who's capable of being immature and mature at the same time. He describes his "surprising charm" as being how he's "sweet and funny," despite his cold looks. "I promise to spend every moment with honesty and sincerity here," he adds.

Instagram: @jae________jin

Woo Sung-min

Woo Sung-min, 30, is an optician who took over his family business and now runs an optical shop. He also worked as an actor before appearing on Single's Inferno.

He says in his intro that, instead of fiery romance, he prefers "relaxed, easygoing relationships, like those between good friends." He explains that he wants to meet "someone [he] can banter with" and someone who "gives off the same vibe" as him.

Instagram: @tjd_min1230

Lim Su-been

24-year-old Lim Su-been is a model and former baseball player. He was a pitcher for 10 years, but he had to quit due to a shoulder injury.

Like Youn Hyun-jae, Lim also has a history in male pageants. He competed in Mr. International Korea 2022, where he placed as a finalist and won the Best Model award.

Lim says that he joined the show looking for someone who would "steal [his] heart instantly. He says people describe him as "mature" with "golden retriever energy." He says his ideal type is a tall woman with the same allure as Single's Inferno host Lee Da-hee.

Instagram: @0_chabeen

Lee Sung-hun

Lee Sung-hun, A.K.A. Samuel Lee, 27, works as a quant trader at an N.Y.C. hedge fund. He studied math and computer science at Berkeley, and before his current job, he worked as an A.I. engineer at Google for two years.

In the season 5 premiere, Sung-hun shares that he can express himself more clearly in English. He says that he attracts people with his "warmth, confidence, and hidden charm," and that his ideal type is someone with "cat-like" looks, who's very genuine and kind.

Instagram: @snhgnl

Jo I-geon

Male game changer Jo I-geon, 34, is a rookie actor, singer, and dancer. Netflix K-drama fans may recognize him: He had a supporting role as Yun Ji-oh (Seo-yeon's husband) in Gong Yoo's 2024 thriller K-drama The Trunk. Before his acting debut, Jo was also a cast member on season 2 of the Viki dating show EDEN.

In his episode 5 intro, Jo describes his dating style as "very passionate, almost to the point where I'm crazy." He adds that he's used to women making moves on him, and that his appeal is "physique, sexiness, and [a] laid-back personality."

Instagram: @igeon_jo

Can This Love Be Translated? is Netflix's first must-see Korean drama of 2026. The romance series follows Joo Ho-jin (Kim Seon-ho), a multi-lingual interpreter at the top of his field, and Cha Mu-hee (Moving’s Go Youn-jung), an actress who is thrust into the global spotlight overnight. When the two are paired professionally for a TV show, a deep intimacy begins to grow. K-drama fans have long anticipated the series, as it marks the return of both the legendary writers, the Hong sisters, following the success of fantasy-romance Alchemy of Souls, as well as actor Kim Seon-ho in his first romantic lead role since Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.

All 12 episodes of Can This Love Be Translated? dropped on Netflix on January 16th, drawing viewers into a love story that takes place across Korea, Japan, Canada, and Italy. Kim’s steady performance as a polyglot interpreter who values his comfortable routine over taking chances grounds the globetrotting romance, especially in comparison to the much more effusive and unpredictable Mu-hee. For anyone unfamiliar with the leading man’s rich filmography or personal background, read on to learn more about Kim Seon-ho and how Can This Love Be Translated? fits into his life so far.

Kim Seon-ho’s nickname is "theater idol" because of his start on the stage.

Kim Seon-ho, 39, was a stage actor before he made a name for himself onscreen. Born in Seoul in 1986, he grew up as an introverted kid in the capital’s Gwanak district. Though he started acting as a way to work through lingering childhood trauma following a home robbery, it would eventually turn into a vocation. He studied theater at Seoul Institute of the Arts and made his professional stage debut in a 2009 adaptation of the French play New Boeing Boeing. His time as a theater actor would earn him the nickname “theater idol” following his transition to the screen.

Kim made his TV debut in 2017’s Good Manager, but his turn in 2020’s Start-Up is considered his breakout role. In the tvN romantic dramedy set in “Korea’s Silicon Valley,” Kim stars as second male lead Han Ji-pyeong, an orphan who uses his determination and brain to earn his reputation as “the Gordon Ramsay of investments.” Though Ji-pyeong didn’t get the girl in the end, Kim’s on-screen charisma had many viewers hoping he would.

Kim Seon-ho stepped into the international spotlight with 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.'

For many international K-drama fans, 2021’s Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha was where they first fell in love with a Kim Seon-ho performance. One of the highest-rated dramas in Korean history, the tvN series was distributed by Netflix internationally and became one of the streamer’s most-watched international shows of the year.

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha follows Shin Min-a as uptight dentist Yoon Hye-jin, who decides to open a dental office in the fictional seaside town of Gong-jin only to almost immediately get on the wrong side of the local community. Kim plays Hong Du-sik, a low-key jack-of-all-trades who grew up in Gong-jin and takes pity on Hye-jin. The two, of course, fall in love in a classic tale of opposites attracting. For his performance as Du-sik, Kim was named Gallup Korea's Television Actor of the Year.

A personal "scandal" almost ended Kim Seon-ho's career.

Shortly following the finale of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Kim’s career was temporarily derailed when an ex-girlfriend posted on the internet alleging that the actor was emotionally abusive and had threatened her during their relationship. Kim issued a public apology and stepped down from his permanent role on the variety show 2 Days & 1 Night, as well as his upcoming roles in the films Dog Days and Pretty Crazy. His advertising campaigns were also halted.

However, public opinion soon shifted when Korean celebrity gossip outlet Dispatch published KakaoTalk conversations between Kim and his ex-girlfriend, differing drastically from initial characterizations of Kim’s behavior and of the couple’s relationship and breakup more generally. Kim’s ex-girlfriend also apologized publicly for the “misunderstanding,” and Kim has since continued his career.

Kim Seon-ho played IU's love interest in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines.'

In 2025, Kim made a surprise Netflix comeback as a romantic interest to IU’s Geum-myeong in the slice-of-life epic When Life Gives You Tangerines. In the celebrated drama, Kim plays Park Chung-seop, an artist who helps Geum-myeong get a part-time job at the Seoul movie theater where he paints movie posters. The two start as friends, eventually becoming something more.

Kim told W Korea that he took the When Life Gives You Tangerines role because of director Kim Won-seok, who previously helmed dramas Misaeng and My Mister, but became a fan of scriptwriter Kim Lim Sang-choon after coming on board. “I've never shed so many tears while reading a script,” Kim said. “Even before filming began, I said, ‘I have no regrets about taking part in this project.’”

Kim Seon-ho speaks four languages in 'Can This Love Be Translated?'

To play Joo Ho-jin in Can This Love Be Translated?, Kim speaks Korean, English, Japanese, and Italian. “It wasn't as easy as I thought,” he told W Korea of acting in multiple languages. “I conveyed the nuances of my acting in Korean, while my teachers meticulously taught me the pronunciation and vocalization details of each country. It was almost like training.” He joked that co-star Go Youn-jung said she wouldn’t have been able to do it.

“I spent a lot of time with the language teachers, going through thick and thin, and became close with them,” continued Kim. “The moment filming was over, I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride, my tension melting away, and my legs gave out. I thought, ‘This is the kind of acting I want to do.’”

Netflix's Culinary Class Wars is must-watch reality TV, as an innovative cooking competition that features brutal challenges and diabolical twists, similar to the likes of Physical: Asia and Squid Game. Hosted by Paik Jong-won and Ahn Sung-jae, the Korean reality show gathers 100 chefs vying for a 300 million won (roughly $203,000) prize. There's even a built-in underdog story, as 20 of the chefs are legendary celebrity chefs, known as White Spoons, face off against the other 80, who are up-and-comers looking to prove their skills against their idols and mentors.

Culinary Class Wars returned for season 2 in December 2025, bringing back iconic challenges like Infinite Cooking Hell while introducing complex new themes, such as "Just One Dish For Myself." After the January 13 season finale, in which Choi Kang-rok defeated Culinary Monster to claim the win, fans are hoping that Netflix is prepping another season. Below, read on for everything we know about Culinary Class Wars season 3 so far.

Has 'Culinary Class Wars' been renewed for season 3?

Netflix is already cooking on season 3! Just days after the season 2 finale, the streamer confirmed on January 15, 2026, that the reality hit is renewed for more, and the latest series to join its extensive upcoming Korean entertainment slate.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the news, noting that it was all but inevitable, given the show's popularity and consistency ranking in the streamer's Global Top 10 Non-English TV list.

Producer Kim Eun-ji shared a statement about the show's renewal. "Thanks to the incredible support from viewers around the world through season 2, we’re grateful to move forward with season 3," he said, per THR. "We’ll do our best to deliver an even more exciting format and entertainment that lives up to expectations."

When will 'Culinary Class Wars' season 3 be released?

Netflix has yet to announce the Culinary Class Wars season 3 premiere date. However, a casting call went out on Netflix Korea's social media as soon as the show was renewed. So, it's safe to say the team is already moving ahead on production.

We can also look at the Korean reality show's first two seasons for a guess as to when it might return. After season 1 debuted in September 2024, season 2 reportedly began filming in late March 2025 before premiering that December. If season 3's production schedule is similar, new episodes could arrive in early 2027.

What changes is 'Culinary Class Wars' making for season 3?

When Culinary Class Wars season 3 was confirmed, Netflix also unveiled a new vision for the competition. In the forthcoming episodes, rather than individual chefs going head-to-head, there will four-person restaurant teams facing off, as reported by THR.

Culinary Class Wars is already known for being high stakes, but this change is meant to up the ante. As Netflix has billed season 3, it's intended to create "a collective battle for pride, reputation, and survival," now that teamwork is just as important as the chef's individual skills in the kitchen.

Who will be in the cast of 'Culinary Class Wars' season 2?

The upcoming cast of Culinary Class Wars season 3 is impossible to guess at this point, especially since the casting call only began in January. But, with the show's new format, we can be sure that the series will recruit a new cohort of talented Korean chefs and their restaurant teams from around the globe.

While nothing is confirmed, the new installment may bring back fan-favorites from the past. After Choi Kang-rok's redemption story—he returned to season 2 as a Hidden White Spoon after being eliminated in season 1—fans are already campaigning for their favorite season 2 contestants to return for season 3. Popular choices include Son Jong-won, Jun Lee, Witch With a Wok, and even season 1 runner-up Edward Lee. Those names or others could potentially return, along with their staff, to fit the show's new theme.

Meanwhile, there is also the question of whether judges Paik Jong-won and Ahn Sung-jae would return for a third installment. Paik Jong-won's casting in particular has been a subject of debate among the Korean public, considering he faced several public scandals in early 2025. While season 2 was already filmed before the scandals, and Paik was cleared of false-labeling allegations in early January, it's unknown whether he will eventually return to TV.

If you ever wanted to know who is on your favorite singer's playlist, or what albums inspired the latest “it girl” the most, tune in for Marie Claire’s resident music franchise Listen Up. In this interview series, we ask musicians about their listening habits and the specific records that informed their taste—and inherently their journey as an artist.

While some K-pop idols establish themselves in a lane and stay in it, SEVENTEEN has built a reputation transcending boundaries. Since their debut in May 2015, the 13-member boy band has leveraged their unique group structure to draw inspiration from countless genres and musical influences, from bass-heavy beats and uplifting anthems to R&B-tinged bops and emotional power ballads.

Ballads make up the most beloved deep cuts in SEVENTEEN’s discography. They’re the tracks that the group's passionate fanbase, known as CARATs, turn to for comfort, with relatable lyrics about navigating the journey from youth to adulthood and sweet melodies, thanks in large part to members DK and Seungkwan. The two main vocalists are considered among Korea’s best singers, and together—DK, with his clear and bright voice, and Seungkwan, known for his huskier tone—their complementary tones make the songs all the more moving. So when the duo announced that they would become the latest members to release an EP as a sub-unit, named DxS, the fandom exploded.

For the joint effort, the duo chose to make a concept album. “Since the album was set for a winter release, we spent a lot of time thinking about what kind of music would suit the season, and the idea of theming the album around love was brought up along the way,” Seungkwan explains, speaking to Marie Claire over email via translator. “As we talked more about it, we found ourselves reflecting on how many different meanings and forms love can take, and that naturally became the structure of the album—exploring different stories of love through each song.”

Released on January 12, Serenade’s six tracks chart the course of a romance, from infatuation to temptation to discontent to grief, while showing the many forms a ballad can take. After years of contributing soundtrack songs, or O.S.T.s, to K-dramas, the two vocalists have leaned into a cinematic style that intends to evoke complex feelings. As often goes with K-pop, Serenade’s storytelling isn’t just sonic; their lead single, “Blue,” is accompanied by a music video starring Squid Game’s Yoo-mi Lee and Pachinko’s Steve Sanghyun Noh as lovers faced with a lingering trauma. Listening to Serenade all the way through is a similar experience to bingeing a K-drama; a range of emotion, both specific and universal, sweeps over you.

“I think Serenade may feel quite different depending on who is listening,” Seungkwan notes. “Each track carries its own emotion—like the lead single “Blue” can be experienced in very different ways depending on the listener or even their mood that day. So rather than wanting to deliver certain feelings through our music, I hope CARATs can leave some space for themselves as they listen and focus on the flow of emotions the music brings. If those emotions can become a quiet comfort for them, that would mean a lot to me.”

Below, DK and Seungkwan open up to Marie Claire about their music taste, including the Korean ballads that inspired them growing up and the songs that power their lives now.

DK: My dream of becoming a singer slowly grew while I was listening a lot to YB’s album Why Be? back when I was a student.

SEUNGKWAN: Birdy’s Birdy. When I was a trainee and going through a difficult time, I remember finding a lot of comfort through this album.

DK: SEVENTEEN’s debut album.

SEUNGKWAN: I can’t clearly remember the first album I purchased myself, but the first album I ever owned was Wonder Girls’s 2 Different Tears.

DK: Our first mini-album, Serenade.

SEUNGKWAN: BSS’s Second Wind, with “Fighting (Feat. Lee Young Ji),” along with the other tracks [is] incredibly well-balanced as a whole. Also, CxM’s HYPE VIBES—I was honestly surprised by how many different sides of their charm were captured in that album.

DK: I especially loved Tim’s “As Much As I Love You,” so I naturally listened to a lot of ballads during that time.

SEUNGKWAN: There are so many great songs out there, but I personally loved Big Mama’s “Year.” It was on my sister’s MP3 player, and I ended up singing that one song every single day.

DK: I tend to enjoy winter love songs that feel warm and soothing.

SEUNGKWAN: Urban Zakapa’s “You’re The Reason.” The lyrics and melody are so beautiful that scenes of love naturally start playing in my head like a drama.

DK: I would say “Go!” from the drama Twenty-Five Twenty-One. The fans seemed to love it, and it’s also one of the songs I personally feel attached to.

SEUNGKWAN: There’s a song of mine called “The Reason” from the drama Lovestruck in the City, and it happens to be a nice song to listen to in this kind of weather.

DK: I felt the opening of our concert NEW_ was particularly refreshing. It showcased a new dimension of our group that the audience hadn’t seen before, which I think made the whole experience even more unique and memorable.

SEUNGKWAN: It’s “Fix You” by Coldplay. Whenever I watch their live performances and hear the audience singing along, it’s incredibly moving. Seeing Chris Martin running around the stage with so much energy is always such a great sight.

DK: I really like the part in “Prelude of love” where SEUNGKWAN and I co-wrote, “The petals that bloom along the light steps on my way to see you are telling me it’s love.” It really highlights that feeling of excitement and fits naturally within the overall mood of the song.

SEUNGKWAN: I personally love witty lyrics. For example, the line “I should have studied hard like this” from “Pretty U” really stayed with me.

DK: YB—I truly respect them!

SEUNGKWAN: Harry Styles—he’s one of the artists that I admire.

DK: I listen to “First Love” by Hikaru Utada! Especially in winter, when it’s snowing, it somehow brings your emotions to the surface.

SEUNGKWAN: Choi Yu-ree’s “Your name.” I feel like the strength in her voice is incredibly powerful.

DK: I often listen to “Lilac” by Mrs. GREEN APPLE, as I love its guitar sound, giving off an exciting energy.

SEUNGKWAN: Lately, I’ve been listening to Younha’s “Point Nemo” and really letting myself enjoy the vibe of the song.

DK: “Fighting (Feat. Lee Young Ji)” by BSS! I think the reason speaks for itself, right? It really gives you strength!

SEUNGKWAN: I usually put on a playlist of upbeat K-pop songs and either run or work out while listening to it.

DK: I don’t think I’d usually be the one playing music at a party. I tend to feel a little awkward in party settings.

SEUNGKWAN: I’m honestly so introverted and shy that I don’t think I could play music in front of other people.

MC: What song describes the stage in life you’re at right now?

DK: Rain’s “30 SEXY.” As I’ve turned 30 (in Korean age) I want to explore showing a more mature side of myself.

SEUNGKWAN: Harry Styles’s “Sign of the Times.” It's a song that tells you you’re doing your best and encourages you to make it through tough moments, and these days, I want to become someone who can offer comfort to others.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Netflix's cooking competition Culinary Class Wars came to an end on January 13, with two chefs facing off for a prize of 300 million won (roughly $203,000). After four weeks of intense battles, the Korean reality show came down to celebrity White Spoon Choi Kang-rok vs underdog Black Spoon Culinary Monster, real name Hasung Lee.

From the first moment he arrived on screen, the season 2 chefs clocked Lee as the one to beat, based on his impressive fine-dining résumé and quiet confidence. With his elevated fusions of Korean and Western cuisine often impressed the judges and natural leadership ability, he quickly became a standout among fans. Eventually, Lee became one of only two Black Spoons among the show's top 7 finalists, along with traditional barkeep Brewmaster Yun.

When Lee and Choi Kang-rok faced off in the final round, under the theme "Just One Dish For Myself," he chose to make sundaeguk, a blood-sausage stew he described as his "comfort dish." Though Choi's sesame tofu claimed the win, Lee still said of his time on the show, "Personally, I had a really fun time."

"As a chef, I want to be someone who's really good at cooking. I want to rise to the level where I can say to myself that I'm a pretty good chef," he said in the season 2 finale. "And through this profession and ability to cook well, I want to make the people around me happy, including myself."

Read on to learn more about Culinary Class Wars season 2 runner-up Hasung Lee, including when he hopes to open his upcoming restaurant.

Hasung Lee, a.k.a. Culinary Monster, is a fine-dining chef who has worked at the world's best restaurants.

Before arriving on Netflix, Hasung Lee studied culinary arts at both a Korean university and the esteemed Culinary Institute of America. According to The Chosun Daily, during his university days, he and some friends ran a food truck serving meals like "tomato backbone stew, quesadillas, and clam soup" for under 10,000 Korean won (about $7).

"I attended classes during the day, sold food from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., and prepared for the next day until 4 a.m," he told the outlet. "I didn’t even feel tired back then. Looking back, the food and business were absurd, but this experience made me fearless in taking risks. It also made moving between cities abroad smoother."

After graduating, Lee went on to work at restaurants like N.Y.C.'s Gramercy Tavern and Copenhagen's Geranium. He was also a founding member of the N.Y.C. restaurant Atomix; the restaurant earned two Michelin stars during his tenure as chef de cuisine. His last full-time position was sous chef at The French Laundry, a three-star restaurant in Napa Valley. (Culinary Class Wars judge Ahn Sung-jae is also an alum.)

Hasung Lee, a.k.a. 'Culinary Monster,' is preparing to open his first restaurant, Oyatte, in N.Y.C.

During season 2's run, Lee has stayed in his home base of N.Y.C., where he is preparing to open his first restaurant, Oyatte, this spring. Lee's team has confirmed to Marie Claire that "the fine-dining venture—shaped by a philosophy of restraint, clarity, and deep respect for ingredients—will offer a highly seasonal tasting menu, and is rooted in close partnership with a single farm in upstate New York."

Speaking to The Chosun Daily last year, Lee explained, "It will be a restaurant that blends everything I’ve learned through my Western-focused career. I don’t want Oyatte to be confined to the category of Korean cuisine. I’ll use fresh vegetables from my own farm to create Lee Ha-sung’s unique dishes. I want to compete with Chef Thomas Keller."

Lee had worked with 'Culinary Class Wars' chefs Son Jong-won and Hidden Genius before he appeared on season 2.

In an interview posted by Netflix Korea (via Chosun Daily and TopStarNews, translated by Papao), Lee opened up about his connections to other Culinary Class Wars stars and his time on the show. He said that his close friend, season 1 chef Kim Taesung, A.K.A. Hidden Genius, encouraged him to go on the show. (The pair had previously worked together at sister restaurants Atomix and Atoboy.) Lee recalls Kim saying, "Ha-sung, go out here. I hope it will be an opportunity to gain confidence on your own."

Lee also spoke on his one-on-one battle with fan-favorite White Spoon Son Jong-won. The two fine dining chefs share a similar background and previously worked together, so they chose to collaborate in the Alliance round. However, after they failed to advance, the duo had to compete in a one-on-one match for a spot in the Top 7.

Lee said of the match, "First, I thought, 'Wow, the Netflix production team is really amazing. To think of turning the cooking stations back around—that's vicious.' That was my first thought, and second, then as now, he's a chef who is very skilled and currently very on form, so I also wondered, 'Can I win?' At the same time, if I climb higher, there will likely be another time when we meet again, so I felt I should prepare well as given."

Lee says that he felt "desperate and eager" while filming 'Culinary Class Wars' season 2.

In the Netflix interview, Lee also took the chance to address backlash he's faced from the Korean public, for speaking harshly at times during the show. When asked if he had a message for the viewers, he explained that he had been doubting himself at the time, as he was in the midst of preparing his own restaurant.

"I felt really desperate and eager during the filming," he explained. "I had been fortunate to work at good restaurants, and I thought that would smoothly connect to opening my own restaurant without much difficulty. But the constant thought that it wasn’t the case kept eating me up inside. I kept thinking, 'Should I have worked harder? Did I not put in enough effort?'"

The pressure of thinking that if I didn’t achieve good results in this filming, everything I had done so far might go to waste made my actions and words come across a bit more harshly. For that, I sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable."

The second season of Culinary Class Wars has come to an end, and Netflix has crowned its big winner. After a season of epic cooking challenges and blind taste tests, Choi Kang-rok, a White Spoon chef and the only returning contestant from Culinary Class Wars season 1, has clinched the title.

“I’m not someone who makes food that’s exceptional,” Choi says during the finale, which dropped on Netflix on January 13, 2026. “I’m just like all the unseen chefs across the country who quietly and diligently work in their kitchens, and like all the people who simply cook for a living. I’m just one of them. I’ll keep your words close to my heart, and I’ll cherish the relationships I made here, and I’ll continue to devote myself and my thoughts to food.”

The final, 90-minute showdown of the Korean reality show required Choi and fellow finalist Black Spoon chef Lee Ha-sung, A.K.A. “Culinary Monster,” to create a dish around the theme “Just One Dish For Myself.” Considering the two contestants are trained to cook for others, they both admitted to finding it challenging.

Lee made a sundaeguk, or blood sausage soup, inspired by the meals he would eat after going to the bathhouse with his dad as a child. But, ultimately, it was Choi’s soup with sesame tofu, served alongside a bottle of soju, that won him the competition and 300 million won (roughly $203,000) in prize money. Judge Ahn Sung-jae called Choi’s creation “a really honest dish,” and voted unanimously with Judge Paik Jong-won to give Choi the win.

Read on to learn more about Culinary Class Wars Season 2 winner Choi Kang-rok, including where you can see the celebrity chef next.

Choi Kang-rok had an unconventional, manga-inspired start to cooking.

Choi Kang-rok, 47, didn’t start as a cook. He wanted to be a drummer. He originally saw his part-time kitchen jobs as a means to pay for music gear, instead of a vocation. But after reading Mr. Sushi King, a manga about a teenage boy who becomes a sushi chef, he began to wonder. Two failed sushi shops later, he enrolled at Japan’s prestigious Tsuji Culinary Institute, and a future began to take shape.

He became a public figure in Korea in 2013 when he won the second season of MasterChef Korea. Before the competition, he was working in an office as a tuna trader, trying to pay off debts accumulated from several failed restaurant ventures. He applied for the show after seeing a commercial and during a night of drinking. He would go on to win the entire competition.

He is a celebrity chef in Korea.

Choi Kang-rok’s TV resume goes beyond MasterChef and Culinary Class Wars. He was a guest on the short-lived series What Shall We Eat Today - Delivery in 2016 and became a regular cast member on Please Take Care of My Refrigerator in 2024. Last year, he hosted the Netflix cooking show The Blank Menu For You. Each episode, Choi makes a meal with the help of kitchen assistant Moon Sang-hoon for a different Korean celebrity based on their open-ended request. Famous guests have included Love Next Door’s Jung Hae-in, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, and SHINee’s Key.

Choi is also the author of two books: 2023’s recipe collection Choi Kang-rok’s Cooking Notes and 2025’s essay collection Cooking For Life. While promoting the latter at the 2025 Seoul International Book Fair, he said of his writing: “I wasn’t sure if it was okay to put those trivial stories out there. But I ended up writing down the small, everyday things from the life of an ordinary working person.”

He came onto 'Culinary Class Wars' season 2 as a "Hidden White Spoon" after losing season 1.

In Culinary Class Wars season 2, Choi was a unique contestant because he was the only one who previously appeared on the Netflix series. Choi also competed as a White Spoon chef in season 1 of the reality hit. He was eliminated in the third round as part of the losing team in the “Black vs. White Team Challenge.” Though he had a chance to save himself in the subsequent Consolation Round, the hot peppery saury he created in under 40 minutes from convenience store items wasn’t enough to save him.

Heading into season 2, Choi was one of only two “Hidden White Spoon” contestants. The new game mechanic featured two losing White Spoon chefs from season 1 as they returned during the opening “Black Spoon Elimination Challenge” for the chance to join the season 2 White Spoon chefs. Michelin-starred chef Kim Do-yun did not make it through the challenge, but Choi secured both judges’s approval with his braised eel and vegetables. "They say if you do nothing, nothing will happen,” he said of his return. “And it did seem like nothing would happen, so I decided to come back."

He doesn't currently have a restaurant, but does have a new cooking show.

Choi’s most recent restaurant, a Japanese restaurant called Neo, located in Seoul’s Songpa district, closed in early 2025, despite a surge in bookings following the conclusion of season 1. Presumably, Choi closed the restaurant to focus on other activities. In addition to Culinary Class Wars season 2 and helping to create one of the historical dishes in the hit Netflix K-drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, Choi is starring in a new YouTube travel series called Food Otaku. The series will see Choi traversing across Japan in search of the nation’s best ingredients. The first episode is already available to watch on YouTube.

Whatever’s next for Choi, it will probably look different from what’s come before. Speaking at the Seoul International Book Fair in August, he told listeners that he dreams of opening a library/kitchen space that allows for cooking, but also houses his vast collection of cookbooks. “As I approach my 50s, I’m thinking about how both my body and cooking will naturally change with age,” he said. “I’m preparing for a kind of cooking that evolves with these changes.”

Since its debut in September 2024, Netflix's Culinary Class Wars has turned South Korea's most talented chefs into global stars. The Korean reality show is a cutthroat cooking competition that pits acclaimed culinary masters, dubbed the White Spoons, against lesser-known rising chefs, known as the Black Spoons. After appearing on the smash-hit first season, several Black Spoons have become global stars in their own right, from winner Napoli Matfia to fan-favorites Cooking Maniac and Auntie Omakase.

I'm a lifelong supporter of underdogs, so when Black Spoon Brewmaster Yun made me cry in the qualifying round, I knew I'd found my season 2 favorite. The soft-spoken chef made a strong impression with her introduction, where she revealed that she's not a professionally-trained chef, but a Korean barkeep who employs traditional methods while cooking and brewing alcohol. Though she had visible nerves while preparing her meal—and distilling soju on the spot, a first on the show—judge Ahn Sung-jae sent her through, complimenting her "special chef's touch."

Throughout the season, Yun's delicious takes on common Korean comfort foods have passed multiple rounds, including the consolation match among the Black Spoons in episode 8. In episode 9, she made it to season 2's Top 7, joining as the only female Black Spoon still standing.

With the final three episodes of Culinary Class Wars arriving this January, read on for everything to know about Brewmaster Yun, including how to visit her restaurant on your next trip to Seoul.

Brewmaster Yun, real name Yun Na-ra, is the chef-owner of the tavern Yunjudang.

Yun Na-ra, a.k.a. Brewmaster Yun, is a Korean chef and barkeep who has been brewing alcohol for 10 years. She's best known for brewing makgolli, a traditional rice wine made by fermenting the grain with water and a nuruk starter.

For the past seven years, Yun has run Yunjudang, a traditional Korean tavern (or jumak), located in Yongsan Haebangchon Village in Seoul. There, she serves home-brewed traditional alcohol with Korean dishes. As she shared in her intro, both the local and foreign visitors call her "jumo," the traditional term for a female tavern owner.

In December 2025, Yunjudang closed for a brief hiatus. Yun explained in an Instagram post (translated by Papago), "As much as we've been working so hard this year, I'm taking a break and spending time with my family. I'm taking care of my health and charging it."

Brewmaster Yun also runs a liquor studio that offers brewing classes.

In addition to the main pub, Yun also owns Yunjudang Brewery, a traditional liquor studio and brewery located near the Unhyeongung Royal Residence in Seoul's Jongno neighborhood. There, Yun hosts makgolli-making classes for both Korean and English speakers. According to Visit Seoul, "Participants can see the entire chain of brewing, and learn about the process Korean rice goes through to become fragrant liquor."

Earlier this year, Yun published the cookbook Makgeolli Recipes for All Four Seasons, a comprehensive guide to traditional Korean brewing. In an Instagram caption posted after the book's release, Yun wrote (translated by Papago), "From makgeolli to soft drinks to distilled soju to anywhere in the world. We will guide you from the basics of drinking to the deepening process so that you can try it yourself."

Brewmaster Yun shares her recipes and reunions with the 'Culinary Class Wars' cast on Instagram.

Viewers who've binged Culinary Class Wars and want to see more content with Brewmaster Yun can turn toward the chef's Instagram. She often shares updates from her life on the platform, from pictures of the seasonal meals offered at Yunjudang to behind-the-scenes clips from the liquor studio to her visits to other Seoul restaurants and her collaborations with other chefs.

Since the hit reality series premiered, Yun has also posted about reuniting with her season 2 co-stars, and she shared one of her viral recipes from the show, the dried pollack hangover soup. She has also shared lovely updates with her former Round 4 partner, Im Seong-keun. In a post shared after episode 9 (translated by Papago), Yun revealed that she had been a fan of Im since his season of the cooking show Hansik Battle, and called Round 4 the first round of the show where she had fun.

Brewmaster Yun applied to 'Culinary Class Wars' soon after giving birth to her son.

Amid all the cooking content, Yun has also shared posts about her life as a new mom. She welcomed an infant son in October 2024; according to a recent Instagram post, she applied for Culinary Class Wars soon after giving birth. In a sweet tribute for his first birthday, she wrote (translated by Papago), "It's been exactly a year since I met my treasure....Every moment with you is beautiful."

If you have a Netflix subscription, odds are you've fallen head over heels for at least one must-watch K-drama or Korean movie. Since 2023, the streaming giant has invested $2.5 billion into building its Korean slate, following the success of shows like Kingdom, All of Us Are Dead, The Glory, and, of course, Squid Game.

2025 marked the streamer's biggest year yet for Korean entertainment, with shows like When Life Gives You Tangerines, Bon Appetit, Your Majesty, Better Late Than Single, Physical: Asia, and Culinary Class Wars becoming global hits.

With 2026 underway, Netflix has revealed the dozens of original K-dramas and variety shows head to our screens this year. Plus, streaming deals with domestic networks like tvN and SBS mean that even more soon-to-be-faves will make their way to the platform. Below, we've rounded up the best K-dramas and reality shows heading to Netflix in 2026. (Once you're done, check out our round-up of the best Netflix K-dramas of 2025.)

The Best Netflix K-Dramas and Korean Reality Shows Coming Winter 2026

'Physical: Welcome to Mongolia'

Release date: January 1

Following the success of fall 2025's Physical: Asia, Netflix began the year with a travel spinoff starring finalists Team Korea and Team Mongolia. The four-part series follows Physical: 100 alums Amotti and Kim Dong-hyun (along with a surprise guest) as Mongolian fan-favorites Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan and Lkhagva-Ochir Erdene-Ochir lead them on a curated tour of Mongolia's capital, Ulaanbaatar.

WATCH IT

'Can This Love Be Translated?'

Release date: January 16

Famed screenwriting duo the Hong Sisters (Alchemy of Souls, Hotel del Luna) are behind this much-anticipated romantic K-drama, starring Moving's Go Youn-jung and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha's Kim Seon-ho. According to the description, "an unexpected romance blossoms between multilingual translator Ju Ho-jin and global celebrity Cha Mu-hee, as their professional relationship takes unpredictable and heartwarming turns."

WATCH IT

'No Tail to Tell'

Release date: January 16

For SBS's first weekly drama of the year, Lovely Runner's Kim Hye-yoon and All of Us Are Dead's Lomon will star in Korea's latest love story based on the legend of the gumiho. In a fresh twist, Eun-ho (Kim) is a gumiho who doesn't want to become human and instead enjoys her eternal youth. But her carefree life is changed when she meets Kang Si-yeol (Lomon), a narcissistic soccer player.

WATCH IT

'Undercover Miss Hong'

Release date: January 17

Fans of the classic '90s movie Never Been Kissed may be delighted to know that adult-disguises-themselves-as-teenagers is a growing K-drama trend (see last year's Undercover High School). In this comedy, Park Shin-hye plays an auditor who goes undercover as a 20-year-old high-school grad to investigate a suspicious money trail at Hanmin Securities. However, she's surprised when she runs into her former love, Sin Jeong-u (Go Kyung-pyo), who's Hanmin's new CEO.

WATCH IT

'Single's Inferno' season 5

Release date: January 20

Netflix's longest-running Korean reality show returned in January for its fifth year in a row. The slow-burn dating series has gotten more intense with each installment, as the cast—singles stuck on a deserted island who must couple up to escape to "paradise"—gets more competitive in going after what they want. Creator Kim Jee-won promised that season 5 would raise the bar with "fascinating dynamics between participants, unlike anything you’ve seen"—and it definitely delivered.

(Once you're done watching, don't forget to check out the first-ever reunion.)

WATCH IT

'The Art of Sarah'

Release date: February 13

Mr. Queen and Welcome to Samdal-ri star Shin Hye-sun returns to Netflix in this thriller set in the world of high fashion. When Mu-gyeong (Love Scout's Lee Jun-hyuk) sets out to investigate Sarah Kim (Shin), the enigmatic CEO of a popular luxury brand, the detective discovers that she's "a woman whose multiple names, ages, and careers make her identity almost impossible to pin down."

WATCH IT

'Agents of Mystery' season 2

Release date: February 27

In 2024, The Devil's Plan producer Jeong Jong-yeon premiered a new adventure-mystery show for fans of series like Busted! and The Zone: Survival Mission. For the second season, dancer and content creator GABEE will join the all-star cast as they investigate bizarre and unpredictable cases.

WATCH IT

'Boyfriend on Demand'

Release date: March 6

After a long wait, this rom-com starring BLACKPINK's Jisoo arrives on Netflix early this year. Seo Mi-rae (Jisoo) is a webtoon producer with no time for dating amid her hectic schedule. When she receives the titular virtual dating simulation, she "encounters unrealistically perfect boyfriends, awakening her dormant desires for romance." Seo In-guk costars as Mi-rae's IRL work rival, who's "sure to stir emotions in Mi-rae."

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Still Shining'

Release date: March 6

This weekly drama promises a sentimental love story about childhood sweethearts (played by K-pop idols-turned-actors) who reunite as adults. Yeon Tae-seo (GOT7's Jin-young) is a subway driver who focuses on living in the present. Mo Eun-a (Iz*One's Kim Min-ju) is a former hotel employee who now runs a traditional Korean guest house. According to the description, the estranged pair "become each other’s confidants and the light that illuminates their lives."

WATCH THE TRAILER

'Phantom Lawyer'

Release date: March 13

When the Phone Rings star Yoo Yeon-seok returns to Netflix, leading this workplace drama with a spectral twist. Shin Lee-rang (Yoo) is determined to become a star lawyer when he opens his own practice in the home of a former shaman. When he begins to see ghosts, he decides to get justice for them, even if it means they temporarily possess his body. Joining Lee-rang is ace lawyer Han Na-hyeon (Taxi Driver's Esom), who helps him represent the deceased clients.

'Ready or Not: Texas'

Release date: March 24

This new show from Na Yeong-seok (of 2 Days & 1 Night, New Journey to the West, The Game Caterers, Jinny's Kitchen, and more) will bring some of Korea's biggest celebrities to Dallas, Texas. Real-life besties Na and actor Lee Soo-jin (plus some surprise guests) will "set off like locals...ready to discover what surprises this laid-back road trip across America has in store."

WATCH THE TEASER

The Best Netflix K-Dramas and Korean Reality Shows Coming in Spring 2026

'Better Late Than Single' season 2

Release date: Spring TBA

The first season of Better Late Than Single was a breath of fresh air in the dating-show landscape in 2025, so it's no surprise that a second installment is in the works. Season 2 will bring back the "relatable excitement and occasional heartache of experiencing love for the first time," per Netflix, featuring "even more raw, authentic moments and emotional journeys."

'Bloodhounds' season 2

Release date: Spring TBA

Three years after its premiere, Netflix's original thriller Bloodhounds is set to return for a second season, with besties Gun-woo (Woo Do-hwan) and Woo-jin (Lee Sang-yi) going up against a new criminal enterprise. This time, the pair will face "a global underground boxing league led by Baek-jeong (Jung Ji-hoon, a.k.a. Rain)." Also reportedly appearing in season 2 are Reply 1997's Lee Si-eon, DEX, and Park Seo-joon.

'If Wishes Could Kill'

Release date: Spring TBA

This high-school-set horror drama (previously known as Wish Your Death) follows five students (Jeon So-young, Kang Mi-na, Baek Sun-ho, Hyun Woo-seok, and Lee Hyo-je) whose lives become wrapped up in a mysterious wish-granting app. "Using the app is simple: upload a video of your wish and wait for it to come true—at a cost. What shocking truths will they uncover as they grapple with the consequences of their wishes?"

'Jae-seok's B&B Rules!'

Release date: Spring TBA

Legendary Korean entertainer Yu Jae-seok will lead this new entry in the popular subgenre of hospitality variety shows. According to Netflix, "audiences can expect laughter, empathy, and genuine connections as Yu, his camp keepers, and guests share heartfelt moments in this one-of-a-kind setting." Two of the confirmed guests so far: Running Man alum Lee Kwang-soo and Lovely Runner star Byeon Woo-seok.

'Notes From the Last Row'

Release date: Spring TBA

Acclaimed veteran actor Choi Min-sik (Oldboy) and rising star Choi Hyun-wook (Weak Hero) star in this suspenseful adaptation of the Spanish play El Chico de la última fila. Heo Mun-oh (Choi Min-sik) is a miserable literature professor who never got over his failed writing career. One day, he realizes that Lee Kang (Choi Hyun-wook), a quiet student in his class, has prodigy-level talent. According to the description, the pair begin "secret one-on-one sessions that soon spiral into dangerous territory."

'Sold Out on You'

Release date: Spring TBA

Also known as Sold Out Again Today, this healing rom-com stars Doubt's Chae Won-bin and Business Proposal and KPop Demon Hunters star Ahn Hyo-seop. Matthew "Quail" Lee (Ahn), a farmer and natural beauty CEO, meets Dam Ye-jin (Chae), a home-shopping host with severe insomnia. As their paths cross, these dedicated workers help each other heal the holes in their hearts, per MyDramaList.

'Teach You a Lesson'

Release date: Spring TBA

The controversial Naver webtoon Get Schooled gets a live-action adaptation this year, bringing the fictional Educational Rights Protection Bureau (ERPB) to life. In an "era of unruly students, demanding parents, and struggling schools," the government task force seeks to "restore teacher's authority." The thriller's main cast includes Kim Moo-yul (Juvenile Justice) as ERPB inspector Na Hwa-jin, Lee Sung-min (No Other Choice) as the bureau's founder Choi Gang-seok, and Jin Ki-joo (Undercover High School) as ex–special forces inspector Im Han-rim.

'We Are All Trying Here'

Release date: Spring TBA

This highly anticipated drama from the My Liberation Notes writer is expected to hit fans right in the feels. Per MyDramaList, it will depict "a story of the struggles and journey of people tormented by envy and jealousy, while trying to find their own peace." Koo Kyo-hwan (D.P.) and Go Youn-jung (Can This Love Be Translated?) lead the all-star cast, which includes Oh Jung-se (Sweet Home), Kang Mal-geum (Divorce Attorney Shin), and Park Hae-joon (When Life Gives You Tangerines).

'The WONDERfools'

Release date: Spring TBA

Expect this comedic superhero story to be one of the biggest K-dramas of 2026, thanks to its all-star cast led by Extraordinary Attorney Woo's Park Eun-bin and True Beauty's Cha Eun-woo. Here's the description: "In a world where super-powered beings exist, those with flawed superpowers are also known as 'defective superhumans.' These individuals may possess superhuman abilities, but cannot fully control them or use them at will."

The Best Netflix K-Dramas and Korean Reality Shows Coming in Summer 2026

'The East Palace'

Release date: Summer TBA

In this historical fantasy-thriller, Gu-cheon (Nam Joo-hyuk) is a ghost hunter tasked with investigating the mysteries at a cursed palace. There, he meets Saeng-gang (Roh Yoon-seo), a court lady who's been plagued by her ability to hear ghosts. "As Gu-cheon and Saeng-gang answer the King’s (Cho Seung-woo) call to unearth the palace’s curse, what kind of deep secrets will surface?"

'Kian's Bizarre B&B' season 2

Release date: Summer TBA

After its popular premiere season featuring actress Ji Ye-eun and BTS member Jin, Kian's Bizarre B&B will return to Netflix later this year. Per Netflix, season 2 "takes viewers to a fresh locale, where Kian84’s inventive hospitality and offbeat charm reshape what a guesthouse can be."

'Mousetrap'

Release date: Summer TBA

This thriller adaptation of the Kakao Entertainment webtoon Field Mouse follows an unlikely alliance between two desperate people. A reclusive novelist named Moon-je (The 8 Show's Ryu Jun-yeol) recruits No-ja (Kill Bok-soon's Sul Kyung-gu)—a loan shark who once pursued him—to hunt down the mysterious "Rat" that has taken everything away from him. The pair begins "an intense pursuit of hidden truths as the boundary between reality and deception collapses."

'Our Sticky Love'

Release date: Summer TBA

This rom-com from My Demon director Kim Jang-han has a perfectly trope-y premise. Go Eun-sae (Trauma Code: Heroes on Call's Ha Young) is an ambitious prosecutor on a high-stakes case, while Jang Tae-ha (Love Next Door's Jung Hae-in) is a boxing prodigy-turned-gangster who wants to leave the criminal world. When Eun-sae loses her memory, she finds herself living under the same roof as Tae-ha, who claims he's her boyfriend.

'The Scandal'

Release date: Summer TBA

E J-yong's Untold Scandal is considered one of the best of the many, many adaptations of Dangerous Liaisons made around the world. In this new series, also set in 18th-century Joseon, Lady Cho (Son Ye-jin) makes a bet with her playboy admirer Cho Won (Ji Chang-wook) that he can seduce Hui-yeon (NANA), a widow who has vowed to remain chaste after her husband's death.

The Best Netflix K-Dramas and Korean Reality Shows Coming in Fall 2026

'Culinary Class Wars' season 3

Release date: Fall TBA

Netflix has confirmed that the smash-hit cooking competition Culinary Class Wars will return for a third season with a new format. This time, the chefs will compete in four-person restaurant teams, in "a collective battle for pride, reputation, and survival."

'Dead-End Job'

Release date: Fall TBA

A Killer Paradox director Kim Da-min and Weak Hero creator Han Jun-hee have teamed up on a new mystery-horror-fantasy series. When Hyuk-jun (Alchemy of Souls's Lee Jae-wook) discovers "a strange employment agency offering 'perfect' part-time jobs that pay 50 times the usual hourly wage," he's soon "thrown into a terrifying, hellish workplace with horrors he could’ve never imagined." Rounding out the main cast are Sweet Home's Go Min-si, Pachinko's Kim Min-ha, and A Killer Paradox's Lee Hee-jun.

'Road' (working title)

Release date: Fall TBA

Korea meets Japan in this adaptation of Keisi Edogawa and Kwan Ga Ya's hit web comic Blue Road. Directed by Weak Hero creator Han Jun-hee, the crime series follows a Korean detective (played by Son Suk-ku) and a Japanese detective (Eita Nagayama) as they "track a series of gruesome cross-border murders, characterized by twisted bodies and mysterious dying messages." Also starring are Tastefully Yours's Kim Shin-rok, Beyond Evil's Choi Sung-eun, and Jung Jae-young.

'Take Charge of My Heart'

Release date: Fall TBA

Rom-com queen Chae Soo-bin returns to Netflix with an adaptation of Haebeon's Naver web novel Charge Me Up. Baek Ho-rang (Kim Young-kwang) is a chaebol heir facing power struggles within his company, who lives with an artificial heart. When he meets Na Bo-bae (Chae), a screenwriter with electrical currents coursing through her body, he sees a solution to his dying battery. "Together, they ignite a high-voltage romantic comedy set to send hearts racing," per the description.

'Tantara'

Release date: Fall TBA

The Glory's Song Hye-kyo and Squid Game's Gong Yoo are set to lead this historical K-drama from Our Blues writer Noh Hee-gyoung and Coffee Prince director Lee Yoon-jung (formerly known as Show Business). "Set against the backdrop of the gritty and intense 1960s and 80s Korean entertainment industry, [Tantara] follows the journey of individuals who, despite having little, dreamed of glimmering success and gave it their all," reads the description.

'The Devil's Plan' season 3

Release date: Fall TBA

Netflix's ultimate battle of wits, The Devil's Plan, is confirmed to return for a third season after last year's controversial installment. In the Squid Game-style competition, Korea's smartest celebrities and civilians from various fields face off in sophisticated mental games, with one winner taking away a 250 million won (approximately $172,000) prize.

The Best Netflix K-Dramas and Korean Reality Shows Coming Soon

'All of Us Are Dead'

Release date: 2026 TBA

January 2026 marks four years since All of Us Are Dead became a surprise smash hit, so fans are keeping their fingers crossed that season 2 will finally make it to our screens before 2026 comes to an end. The thriller K-drama began filming new episodes last July, with the surviving students (and even one who was presumed to be dead!) returning to face a new world post-zombie outbreak.

Spoilers for episodes 1-12 of Culinary Class Wars ahead. After a year's wait, Netflix's Culinary Class Wars returned to introduce the world to a new set of famed chefs. In September 2024, the Korean reality show debuted as the streamer's answer to a Physical: 100-style cooking show. In the intense competition, renowned White Spoon chefs compete against underdog Black Spoons, who are only known by nicknames unless they become the last chef standing. (Black Spoon chef Napoli Matfia rose above the season 1 chefs to win it all, so it is possible!)

For the second installment, led by returning judges Ahn Sung-jae and Paik Jong-won, Culinary Class Wars raised the bar even higher after season 1's all-star cast. This time, several of the Black Spoons are already local culinary celebrities, and the White Spoons are among the best chefs in the world. Plus, the December 16 premiere introduces the new Hidden White Spoons, two returning chefs who were White Spoons in season 1. The familiar duo competed in the qualifying round with the Black Spoons, which ended with 19 White Spoons and 19 Black Spoons continuing on.

After several weeks of intense challenges, the January 6 drop brings viewers into the final stretch, as season 2's Top 7 begin their fight for the 300 million won (roughly $205,000) prize. For anyone who needs a refresher on the contestants, read on for everything to know about the cast of Culinary Class Wars season 2, from the famed White Spoons and standout Black Spoons, to the seven remaining finalists.

The Hosts

Ahn Sung-jae

Ahn Sung-jae is the chef-owner of Mosu, South Korea's only three-star Michelin restaurant. Born in Korea, Ahn moved to Southern California when he was 13 and briefly served in the U.S. Army before attending culinary school, per The New York Times.

Before opening Mosu in San Francisco, he trained at several famed restaurants, including L.A.'s Urasawa and San Francisco's French Laundry and Benu. In addition to running Mosu, which focuses on French haute cuisine incorporating Korean fermented ingredients, Ahn also runs a popular YouTube channel.

Instagram: @sungmosu

Paik Jong-won

Chef Paik Jong-won (sometimes spelled Baek Jong-won) is an acclaimed restaurateur and TV personality whose YouTube channel has over 6 million followers. Before Culinary Class Wars, he also hosted the Netflix cooking shows Paik's Spirit and the Rhapsody series (i.e. Korean Pork Belly Rhapsody, Hanwoo Rhapsody, etc.).

Paik is the CEO of TheBorn Korea, which sports dozens of restaurant franchises, including Paik's Noodle, Paik's BBQ, and Hanshin Pocha in the U.S. Earlier this year, Paik was "cleared of allegations that he was involved in his company’s alleged false labeling of ingredient origins," per The Korea Herald.

Instagram: @paikscuisine_official

The Finalists

Brewmaster Yun

Brewmaster Yun (real name Nara Yun) is the owner of both Haebangchon Yunjudang, a jumak (or traditional tavern) serving home-brewed traditional alcohol and Korean dishes, and the liquor studio Yunjudan Brewery. Per her intro, she has been brewing alcohol for over 10 years, and patrons at her pub call her "jumo," a Joseon-era term for a female barkeep. Earlier this year, she published the cookbook Makgeolli Recipes for All Four Seasons.

Instagram: @yunjudang

Choi Kang-rok

Chef Choi Kang-rok is a celebrity chef and TV personality who won the second season of MasterChef Korea in 2013. His Japanese eatery Neo, which specialized in Japanese cuisine, closed in December 2024, and it was rumored that he was working on a new restaurant. Earlier this year, he hosted the Netflix cooking show The Blank Menu For You; he was also a featured chef on Chef & My Fridge, and he published the essay collection Cooking for Life.

In his reintroduction, Choi explains his decision to return to Culinary Class Wars as a Hidden White Spoon. "They say if you do nothing, nothing will happen. And it did seem like nothing would happen, so I decided to come back."

Instagram: @roi_choi

Culinary Monster

Culinary Monster is one of the few Black Spoons whose real name (Hasung Lee) is immediately mentioned by another chef, due to his fame. He's the former head chef at the N.Y.C. restaurant Atomix, which earned two Michelin stars during his tenure; he is also a former sous chef at The French Laundry, and he previously worked at Geranium and Gramercy Tavern.

According to Chosun Daily, he's currently preparing to open his own restaurant in New York, called Oyatte.

Instagram: @hasunglee

Hou Deok-juk

Hou Deok-juk has been a master chef of Chinese cuisine for over 57 years. He's referred to as "a legend of Korean culinary history" and "Chinese cuisine god" on Culinary Class Wars. He's currently the executive chef of Haobin, a one-star restaurant that serves the signature soup dish Buddha Jumps Over the Wall. In 2024, Hou received the MICHELIN Mentor Chef Award.

Im Seong-keun

Im Seong-keun is the winner of the third season of the cooking show Hansik Battle (a.k.a. Korean Food War). He also runs a YouTube cooking channel called Imjjang TV. Following the season 2 premiere, he revealed that he's preparing to open a restaurant in Paju City, around 20 miles northwest of Seoul.

Instagram: @imchef00

Jung Ho-young

Jung Ho-young is a popular chef of Japanese cuisine and a television personality who's a longtime cast member on Chef & My Fridge. He's also the chef-owner of the Kaden restaurant group, which includes the restaurants Udon Kaden and Izakaya Kaden, as well as "udon and shabu-shabu restaurants in Hapjeong, Jeju, Apgujeong, and Bucheon."

Instagram: @jung_hoyoung_caden_

Venerable Sunjae

Venerable Sunjae is Korea's first master of temple cuisine, a cooking style that doesn't use meat, onion, garlic, chives, green onions, or leeks. She became a Buddhist monk in the 1980s and went on to spread awareness about Buddhist cuisine and healthy eating. During her intro, one of the Black Spoons says, "The White Spoons all look like Black Spoons next to her."

White Spoons

Cheon Sang-hyun

Cheon Sang-hyun is the former executive chef at the Blue House (a.k.a. Cheong Wa Dae), the residence of the president of South Korea. According to the show, Cheon worked at the residence for 20 years and cooked for five different presidents.

Instagram: @chunsang_chef

Choi Yu-gang

Choi Yu-gang is the chef-owner of Kojacha, a one-star Michelin restaurant "where Korean ('Ko') chefs serve Japanese ('ja') and Chinese ('cha') cuisine," per its description. Before opening Kojacha, Choi worked in the kitchen of the esteemed Shilla Hotel for 16 years.

Instagram: @choi.yoogang

Jennie Walldén

Jennie Walldén is a famed Korean-Swedish chef who previously won MasterChef Sweden in 2013. She's also one of Sweden's best-selling cookbook authors and a mainstay of Swedish cooking shows. She's also a successful entrepreneur who owns NAMU, specializing in modern Korean-Scandinavian fine dining; Gaji, a "Korean meets Sweden" cocktail bar; and the condiment brand Uma.

According to her bio, Walldén grew up in Korea and moved to Italy in her teenage years before living in London and Sweden.

Instagram: @jenniewallden

Kim Do-yun

Chef Kim Do-yun is the chef-owner of two restaurants: YUN, a fine-dining eatery that has received a 1-star Michelin designation for four years in a row, and Myeon Seoul, a casual noodle spot that holds a Bib Gourmand designation. "His culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in traditional Korean fermentation and aging techniques," per Michelin.

In season 1, Kim became known for wearing headphones while cooking and keeping his eyes closed on camera to help manage his panic disorder. "I approached season 1 like it was a game," Kim said in his re-introduction as a Hidden White Spoon. "However, this time, I came with determination. I'm going to go for the win."

Instagram: @projectsyun

Kim Geon

Kim Geon is a powerhouse chef of contemporary Japanese cuisine who owns and operates the one-star seafood restaurant Goryori Ken. Per the Michelin Guide, the chef "showcases highly seasonal ingredients in creations inspired by the freshness of the produce and his own creative intuition." Kim also owns Ichie, a popular Japanese izakaya.

Instagram: @ichieseoul

Kim Hee-eun

Kim Hee-eun is the chef-owner of SOUL, a fine-dining restaurant that has held one Michelin star since 2023. SOUL is the brainchild of Lee, who specializes in Korean cuisine, and her husband, Western cuisine chef Yoon Dae-hyun. The couple also runs the fresh-pasta eatery Egg & Flour, which has been included on Michelin's Bib Gourmand guide for the past three years.

In an Instagram post ahead of season 2's premiere, Kim reminisced on her career, which began when she supported herself through culinary school "against [her] father's wishes." She's now a renowned chef who "focuses on the value of transmitting heartfelt emotion through food."

Instagram: @chef.heeeun

Kim Sung-woon

Kim Sung-woon is the chef behind seafood restaurant Table for Four, which held a Michelin star from 2018 to 2022. There, Kim serves seasonal ingredients from his hometown, Taean, "spun into delicate dishes that transport the diner from the busy city to the seaside."

Instagram: @tableforfour_chef

Lee Geum-hee

Lee Geum-hee is the first woman to be head chef at the luxury Mayfield Hotel in Korea. According to Namuwiki, the trailblazing chef of Korean cuisine "overcame fierce competition [and] gender discrimination" over her 30-year career, which included several years cooking at the renowned Lotte Hotel. In the show, the standout Black Spoon Boss in the Kitchen says that he fears Lee the most.

Lee Jun

Lee Jun is the chef-owner of Soigné, one of only nine restaurants in South Korea to have two Michelin stars. Since it opened in 2015, Soigné has focused on seasonal menus that change every three months, which "present a mixture of American cuisine, European cuisine, as well as Korean cuisine, memories and habits," per Michelin.

Before opening the restaurant, Lee studied at the Culinary Institute of America and trained at famed restaurants like N.Y.C.'s Per Se and Lincoln. According to the show, Lee is a trailblazer who's considered "the first to bring bar-style restaurants to Korea."

Instagram: @soignejunlee

Park Hyo-nam

Park Hyo-nam is an esteemed pioneer of French cuisine in Korea with over 47 years of experience. Over the course of his career, he has been the executive chef at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, the Millennium Seoul Hilton, and the Sejong Hotel; he was also the first Korean Star Chef for Lufthansa Airlines.

He also received the Medaille du Merite Agricole, a prestigious decoration awarded by the French government, in 2006, and became a national culinary master of Western cuisine in 2014. On the show, the Black Spoons refer to Park as "the chef of chefs" and "basically part of culinary history."

Raymon Kim

Raymon Kim is a Korean-Canadian chef and television personality specializing in cooking with pork. He's another long-time Chef & My Fridge cast member who has also appeared on shows like Convenience Store Restaurant and Half-Star Hotel in Lost Island. He currently has a YouTube channel, which often features his wife, actress Kim Ji-woo, and their 10-year-old daughter.

Instagram: @raymonkim

Sam Kim

Sam Kim (Korean name Kim Hee-tae) is a famous chef who has been a regular cast member on Chef & My Fridge since its first season in 2014. He owns the restaurant group Samkim Company, which includes the Italian eateries Trattoria Sam Kim and Osteria Sam Kim.

Instagram: @chefsamkim

Shim Sung-chul

N.Y.C.-based chef Shim Sung-chul is currently the owner of several eateries in the city. Kochi and Mari are one-star Michelin restaurants specializing in skewers and hand rolls, respectively. He also owns Don Don Korean BBQ, Marine Handroll Bar, and recently opened a steakhouse called Gui.

According to Resy, Shim began his career in Korea and rose to working in the prestigious Park Hyatt Hotel kitchen before deciding to move to the U.S. to study at the Culinary Institute of America.

Instagram: @sung.shim

Song Hoon

Song Hoon is a legend on the Korean fine-dining scene. Like many other White Spoons, Song studied at the Culinary Institute of America; he went on to become a sous chef at Eleven Madison Park, per The Chosun Daily.

Currently, Song runs Crown Pig, two casual restaurants in Seoul and Jeju that specialize in Nanchukmatdon, a Korean-native pork. Outside of his culinary career, Song is also a TV personality, best known as a judge from MasterChef Korea season 4.

Instagram: @chefhoonsong

Son Jong-won

Song Jong-won is the only chef in South Korea to own and operate two separate one-star Michelin restaurants simultaneously. During his introduction, the Black Spoons point out that he's especially impressive because the eateries are very different: L'Amant Secret focuses on French cuisine, while Eatanic Garden serves Korean cuisine.

Like Lee Jun, Son also attended the Culinary Institute of America and trained at restaurants like Copenhagen's Noma and San Francisco's Benu, Quince, and Coi. Also, in addition to Culinary Class Wars, Son is also a regular cast member on Chef and My Fridge!.

Instagram: @jw.sson

Black Spoons

Annyeong Bonjour

Annyeong Bonjour (real name Mathieu Moles) is the chef-owner of Chez Nou Private Kitchen in Seoul. In his introduction, the chef shares that he was adopted at the age of six and grew up in France; he now incorporates Korean influences into his classic French cuisine. According to the Michelin Guide, Chez Nou focuses on "French home-style cooking prepared by a French chef and his Korean wife."

Instagram: @machef75

Barbecue Lab Director

Barbecue Lab Director (real name Yoo Yong-wook) is the chef-owner of both Imok Smoke Dining, an award-winning restaurant specializing in wood-fired cooking, and Yoo Yong-uk Barbecue Lab. In his intro, he says that Imok has been fully booked ever since they opened, and that Pharrell Williams once ate there.

In addition to appearing on Culinary Class Wars, he's currently collaborating with Starbucks Korea on the special food item, "Yoo Yong-uk barbecue two-cut beef sandwich," per Chosun Biz.

Instagram: @yooyongwook

Culinary Innovator

Culinary Innovator (real name Shin Dong-min) is a well-known chef beloved by even the White Spoons, who reveal his name quite early in the show. He's a Japanese cuisine chef with over 25 years of experience; as stated in his introduction, he helped introduce molecular gastronomy into Korea in 2006. He also revealed that he purposely applied to be a Black Spoon.

Instagram: @chef.shindongmin

Dweji-Gomtang in NY

Dweji-Gomtang in NY (real name Chef Ok Dong-sik) is the chef-owner of his self-titled restaurant chain, which has locations in N.Y.C., Seoul, Tokyo, and Hawaii. After opening the initial Seoul location—which has held a Bib Gourmand designation since 2018—in Seoul, Ok popularized dweji gomtang, a comforting stew with pork (dweji), in New York. He says in his intro that the waitlist once had a thousand people.

Instagram: @okdongsik

French Papa

French Papa (real name Tommie Lee) is the chef-owner of the renowned Parisian-style bistro Bistrot de Yountville, which first opened in 2009.

In an emotional Instagram post shared ahead of the premiere, he wrote, "I chose to live as a father rather than a chef for my child's treatment, and during that time, I lived with the fear that I might never be able to cook again....Through [Culinary Class Wars], I realized that I still truly love cooking."

Instagram: @tommie.d.lee

Iron Arms

Iron Arms (real name Park Ju-sung) is the chef-owner of Sobajuu, a Seoul restaurant that "offers creative Japanese dishes using buckwheat as the main ingredient," per the Michelin Guide. He lives with a rare and incurable condition that causes muscle loss in his right hand, but when he begins cooking, his arm becomes "tough as iron," per his intro.

Instagram: @jusunggggg

Knife Omakase

Knife Omakase (real name Shin Hyun-do; above, far left) is the chef behind Monologue, a Japanese restaurant that serves omakase-style dining focusing on seasonal ingredients and sake pairings. He opened Monologue in 2018 and recently moved the eatery to a new location.

Instagram: @monologue_seoul

Little Tiger

Little Tiger (real name Kim Si-hyeon) is a chef at Solbam, a one-star Michelin restaurant that specializes in Korean contemporary fine-dining. She has a special connection on season 2: White Spoon chef Kim Hee-eun is her long-time mentor.

Instagram: @_hyeonsi

Loner in a Hole-in-the-Wall

Loner in a Hole-in-the-Wall (real name Kim Sang-heun) is the owner of the Korean pub Dokdo 16 Celsius. He specializes in juansang, a table setting that pairs alcoholic drinks with small plates of traditional Korean food.

Instagram: @ssh.cook

Perfect Match

Perfect Match (real name Park Ga-ram) is the executive chef at Dresden Green, a fine-dining restaurant focused on Western cuisine. Per her bio, she's a Culinary Institute of America grad who previously worked at N.Y.C. Michelin-starred restaurants including Restaurant Daniel, Le Bernardin, and Eleven Madison Park.

Instagram: @chef.garampark

Rebellious Genius

Rebellious Genius (real name Lee Chan-yang; seen above, right) is the head chef of the fine-dining restaurant Original Numbers. He was formerly a sous chef at Soigné; his former boss Lee Jun says that the chef's rebellious nature was apparent even back then.

Instagram: @chan_yanggg

Seoul Mother

Seoul Mother (real name Woo Jung-wook) is a famed chef specializing in Seoul-style comfort food and the owner of a popular restaurant called Superpan. Her bio explains she was a cooking teacher for wealthy families for over 20 years before writing the acclaimed cookbook Anju and Banju.

Instagram: @superpan_woo

Three Star Killer

Three Star Killer (real name Jinho An) has an impressive fine dining resume. The Culinary Institute of America grad worked at N.Y.C.'s famed three-star restaurant Per Se for six years before moving on to become a chef de cuisine at Monsieur Benjamin Seoul. He is also a former sous chef at Mosu, judge Ahn Sung-jae's three-star restaurant.

Instagram: @comfortrueshine

Witch With a Wok

Witch With a Wok (real name Lee Moon-jung) is a chef of Chinese cuisine with over 25 years of experience. She was formerly a chef at Geumryong, a contemporary Cantonese restaurant located in the Grand Walkerhill Seoul resort.

Instagram: @witch_chef

Netflix's global strength competition Physical: Asia may have aired its season finale last month, but the international celebration of sportsmanship isn't over yet. The Physical: 100 spinoff brought together eight teams of elite athletes from different countries, resulting in the November 18 finale face-off between Team Korea and Team Mongolia. In the weeks since, reality fans have kept the hype going for the fan-favorite Mongolia team, following the cast on social media and cheering on the members as they return to competing in their respective sports.

Thankfully, the team behind the Korean reality series has heard global fans's call for more of Team Mongolia. On December 3, Netflix Korea announced that the Physical: Asia team would head to Mongolia's capital, Ulaanbaatar, for a travel spinoff, making good on the team's promise to show their former rivals around the country. Below, read on for everything to know about Physical: Welcome to Mongolia.

When does 'Physical: Welcome to Mongolia' come out?

If you're in Korea, you'll be able to watch Physical: Welcome to Mongolia a little earlier than the rest of the world. When Netflix announced the series, it confirmed it would premiere in Korea on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, with two episodes, followed by the final two on Wednesday, December 31. The streamer didn't announce a worldwide release date at the time.

However, about a week later, it was revealed that the first two episodes of the reality show would stream internationally on Thursday, January 1, 2026, including in the U.S. Episodes 3 and 4 are expected to arrive on the platform on Thursday, January 8, 2026, a week after the show's global premiere.

Netflix teased the international premiere day on Instagram by sharing an official poster with the stars goofing off outside in a snowy landscape. We can't wait to see that silly energy back on our screens!

Which cast members will return for 'Physical: Welcome to Mongolia?'

Based on Netflix's Instagram teaser, the main cast of Physical: Welcome to Mongolia will be Team Korea captain Kim Dong-hyun, Physical: 100 season 2 winner Amotti, Team Mongolia captain Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan, and standout acrobat Lkhagva-Ochir Erdene-Ochir.

It's expected that most of Team Mongolia—including judo athlete Adiyasuren Amarsaikhan, basketball player Dulguun Enkhbat, and volleyball player Khandsuren Gantogtokh—will also appear. It's unknown whether MMA fighter Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu will be able to appear; during filming, he was away in Thailand becoming the ONE Banterweight MMA World Champion.

It also seems that a fan-favorite Physical: Asia star made the trek from Australia to Mongolia for filming to serve as the surprise guest mentioned in the teaser. In photos from the Physical: Welcome to Mongolia cast's meeting with the country's prime minister, Team Australia strongman Eddie Williams is also in attendance.

What will 'Physical: Welcome to Mongolia' be about?

According to The Chosun Daily, Physical: Welcome to Mongolia will chronicle a tour of the country organized by Bayarsaikhan, to show Dong-hyun and Amotti his "hometown Mongolia." The show promises "an authentic Mongolian-style journey, featuring not the typical scenes often seen in Mongolian content, but the actual places locals visit for leisure and popular eateries they frequent," per the outlet.

In addition to traditional highlights, including a visit to the Mongolian grasslands, archery, and horseback riding, Team Mongolia will reportedly organize personal activities. The outlet mentions a look at "Orkhonbayar’s exclusive training methods," and a "homemade Mongolian family meal" prepared by Ochir.

After four weeks of brutal sports competition, Netflix's Physical: Asia has come to an end. The new spinoff of the hit Korean reality series put a global spin on its quest for the "perfect physique," this time pitting eight countries against each other in a team battle for national pride. Throughout the first nine episodes, the competitors were narrowed down to only four countries—Team Korea, Team Mongolia, Team Japan, and Team Australia—who were fighting to enter the finals.

On November 18, fans tuned in to see which set of elite athletes would conquer the final round to win national bragging rights, as well as a prize pot of one billion Korean won (around $700,000). Below, read on for a breakdown of the Physical: Asia finale, including how to follow the winning team.

What happens in the 'Physical: Asia' finale?

The final episodes of Physical: Asia featured competitions between Teams Korea, Japan, and Mongolia, after the latter knocked out Team Australia in Quest 4's 1,200-kg Pillar Push Death Match. The three remaining teams began with a preliminary game in episode 10: a two-person relay race on manual treadmills. Korea came in first, traveling the most distance and getting a map that previewed the next arena.

Quest 5 began in episode 5 with a Record Match that immediately knocked out the team with the lowest score, with no death match to save them. In Castle Conquest, each team had one hour to tug a 2.2-ton cart across a sandy arena that included obstacles like a castle gate and a drawbridge. While Korea and Mongolia both completed the strength-based challenge in under half an hour, the Japan team struggled to knock down the castle gate with a battering ram and to move the loaded cart across the sand.

Korea won Quest 5 with a time of 17 minutes and 53 seconds, while Mongolia came in second with 25 minutes and 15 seconds. Japan, who couldn't get the drawbridge gate to close, crossed the one-hour mark and was eliminated.

For the Final Quest, Korea and Mongolia competed in a six-on-six team match comprised of three games. The first game, the Wall Pushing Match, was three rounds of a reverse tug-of-war in which each team attempted to push three moving walls (weighing 100 kg, 200 kg, and 300 kg) across the line into the opposing team's territory. Mongolia quickly developed a strategy and won the first round, but Korea won the second after Yun Sung-bin and Kim Min-jae began coordinating their pushes to overpower Mongolia. Sticking with this strategy, Korea also won the third round, claiming the Wall Pushing Match.

As the losing team, Mongolia chose the Iron Ball Dragging Match next. All six members of each team were tethered to iron balls and had to take turns dragging the balls forward to reach their team's flag in under three minutes. For each of five rounds, a new iron ball would be added relative to the team's combined weight. (Korea had a slightly higher combined weight than Mongolia, at 537 kg to 518 kg.)

Both Korea and Mongolia completed all five rounds; in the final round, both teams tied at just 35 seconds remaining at the highest weight. The tie-breaking round had both teams pull the highest weight simultaneously, in a race to reach the flag. Korea grabbed their flag first, winning the Final Quest with two out of three matches without needing to complete the Infinite Tail Tag Match.

Who are the members of the winning team of 'Physical: Asia?'

Four of the six members of Team Korea had previously competed on Physical: 100 seasons 1 and 2. Team captain Kim Dong-hyun, a former MMA fighter who's now a popular TV personality, competed against Amotti on season 2 before his team was eliminated in Quest 3 (the mine challenge). Amotti, a popular CrossFitter and YouTuber, then went on to win Physical: 100 season 2 after defeating Hong Beom-seok in the final.

Meanwhile, former national team wrestler Jang Eun-sil competed in Physical: 100 season 1, and became a fan-favorite underdog before her team was eliminated in Quest 3 (the ship-moving challenge). Yun Sung-bin, an Olympic gold medalist in skeleton racing, made it to the semifinal round before he was knocked out in Quest 4's Punishment of Sisyphus challenge.

The two newcomers on Physical: Asia's Team Korea were Choi Seung-yeon, Korea's top female CrossFit athlete, and Kim Min-jae, a 23-year-old champion of traditional ssireum wrestling.

Since their respective seasons, Kim Dong-hyun, Amotti, Jang Eun-sil, and Yun Sung-bin have primarily worked as entertainers, influencers, and/or content creators, with some competing on other survival shows, including King of Survival: Tribal War and the Iron Squad franchise. It's expected that Choi Seung-yeon and Kim Min-jae will follow similar paths, and both still actively compete in CrossFit and ssireum, respectively.

Netflix's reality competition Physical: 100 is finally back...with an international twist. The Korean reality series has debuted Physical: Asia, the first of several intense spin-offs coming our way (including Physical 100: USA).

Premiered on October 28, Physical: Asia follows a new, brutal tournament where teams of legendary athletes test their strength and endurance with national pride on the line. Only one of the eight national teams—representing their home countries of South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, Indonesia, Türkiye, Australia, and the Philippines—will walk away with bragging rights and one billion Korean won (about $703,000) during the November 18 finale.

For this new team battle, creator Jang Ho-gi has once again gathered contestants ranging from Olympic medalists to super-fit celebs. Physical: Asia's international scope also includes spotlights on heritage sports, including Korean ssireum, Mongolian Bökh wrestling, Turkish oil wrestling, and Muay Thai. And of course, fans from Physical: 100 seasons 1 and 2 will recognize some very familiar faces on Team Korea.

Below, read on to meet the contestants of Physical: Asia, including all the captains and members of each six-person team.

Team Korea

Kim Dong-hyun (Captain)

"Stun Gun" Kim Dong-hyun, 43, rose to fame as the first South Korean MMA fighter to win in the UFC. As he says on Physical: Asia, he competed in the UFC's welterweight class, only losing four matches before retiring. He has since become well-known in Korea's entertainment industry, appearing on variety shows, including Amazing Saturday, Law of the Jungle, Master in the House, The Return of Superman, The Great Escape, and The Iron Squad.

Instagram: @stungunkim

Amotti

CrossFit athlete Amotti (real name Kim Jae-hong), 32, competes in Physical: Asia after winning Physical: 100 season 2. Since winning the original competition, the Lululemon ambassador has continued to run his own fitness and lifestyle YouTube channel, which has featured many former Physical: 100 stars, including his new teammates. (He also got married last year.)

Instagram: @amottivation

Choi Seung-yeon

Choi Seung-yeon, 26, is a CrossFit athlete who became the first-ever athlete from South Korea to compete in the International CrossFit Games more than twice. As she explains on Physical: Asia, she has ranked in the top 3 female CrossFit competitors from the Asia region in 2021, 2022, 2024, and in 2025, after Physical: Asia filmed. She currently coaches at one of Korea's most well-known gyms, CrossFit Limelight.

Instagram: @seungyeon_choi_

Jang Eun-sil

Jang Eun-sil, 34, is a former member of the South Korean national wrestling team, who previously competed on Physical: 100 season 1. Since the show, the Adidas ambassador has continued to run her YouTube channel and TikTok, where she tries out different sports and shares her active lifestyle.

Instagram: @sillllling

Kim Min-jae

Kim Min-jae, 23, is a traditional Korean ssireum wrestler who earned the nickname "Monster of the Sand Pit." He made his tournament debut in 2022 and won the Grand Festival that year, becoming the first college student to become a grand champion since 1985. According to his Physical: Asia intro, he currently has the most wins in his weight class among active fighters.

Instagram: @minjaebull

Yun Sung-bin

"Iron Man" Yun Sung-bin, 31, is a skeleton racer who won gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, becoming the first Asian medalist in an Olympic sliding sport. He competed in Physical: 100 season 1 and made it to the semifinal round. Since then, he has continued growing his career as a YouTuber and TV personality and is reportedly crossing over into acting. According to Chosun Biz, he will have a major role in the Korean-Japanese fantasy romance The Ghost House, out next year.

Instagram: @top.physical

Team Japan

Yushin Okami (Captain)

Yushin Okami, 44, is one of Asia's renowned MMA fighters with 23 years of professional experience. He currently holds the record of the most UFC wins by an Asian fighter. (His rival, Kim Dong-hyun, held the record before Okami surpassed him.) He was also the model for Eren's Titan form in the world-famous anime Attack on Titan.

Instagram: @_yushin_okami_

Kana Watanabe

Kana Watanabe, 37, is an MMA fighter who has competed in the flyweight division of Bellator MMA and the Professional Fighters League. Her professional record includes 13 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw.

Instagram: @kana_0821

Katsumi Nakamura

Katsumi Nakamura, 31, is an Olympic swimmer who represented Japan at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A member of Japan's national swim team since 2015, Nakamura is the country's national record holder for the men's 100-meter freestyle. Like many of his other competitors, he now runs a fitness YouTube channel.

Instagram: @katsumi.221

Nonoka Ozaki

Nonoka Ozaki, 22, is a wrestler on Japan's national team, who won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 68kg women's freestyle division. She is also a two-time gold medalist at both the World Wrestling Championships and the Asian Wrestling Championships.

Instagram: @nonoka_ozaki

Soichi Hashimoto

Soichi Hashimoto, 34, is the captain of Japan's national judo team. He competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Japan's team won a silver medal, and he won a bronze medal individually. According to his Instagram, he's the oldest Japanese male judo athlete ever to win a medal at the Olympics, for his 2024 win at the age of 32. He also recently started a YouTube channel.

Instagram: @soichi_hasimoto

Yoshio Itoi

Yoshio Itoi, 44, is a legendary baseball player and athlete known by his nickname "Superman." He was a nine-time all-star in the Nippon Professional Baseball League, where he played as a pitcher for 18 years before retiring in 2022. Earlier this year, he came in first place on Netflix's first-ever Japanese survival show Final Draft.

Instagram: @itoiyoshio_7

Team Thailand

Superbon (Captain)

Superbon, 35, is a legendary Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer. He's currently the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion, and he was previously a four-time IFMA champion with four consecutive wins. He's a high-kick specialist; he says in his intro, "As a fighter, I'm known for knocking out my opponents with a kick to the neck."

Instagram: @superbon_banchamek

Anucha Yospanya

Anucha Yospanya, 31, is a Thai wrestler who specializes in the Greco-Roman style. He competed in the 31st SEA Games in 2021, winning silver in the men’s 97kg division.

Instagram: @anucha_104

James Rusameekae Fagerlund

James Rusameekae, 39, is a former professional volleyball player turned actor, model, and TV personality. Rusameekae, who has Senegalese, Thai, and American ancestry, grew up between Thailand and Sweden. In addition to playing on the Diamond Food volleyball team, he won a celebrity boxing competition 10Fight10 . In his intro, Rusameekae says that he calls himself "Thai King Kong," but he's also a "joyful, cheerful, fun-loving person." He married his longtime boyfriend in 2019.

Instagram: @rusameekae

Jar Uracha Teerawanitsan

Jar Uracha Teerawanitsan is a famed CrossFit athlete who helped popularize the sport in Thailand. She was the first Thai athlete to be invited to the World CrossFit Games, and has been ranked first in Thailand's CrossFit ranking from 2017 to 2023.

Instagram: @coachjarjarbinks

Ploy Nuannaree Olsen (Muay Thai coach)

Ploy Nuannaree Olsen is a Muay Thai coach and professional bodybuilder. She recently won fourth place at the 2025 IFBB Chicago Pro in the Wellness division.

Instagram: @nuannaree

Sunny Kerdkao Wechokittikorn

Sunny Kerdkao Wechokittikorn, 24, is a member of Thailand's national rugby team. He graduated from Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University in 2023.

Instagram: @sunnysun.rs

Team Mongolia

Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan (Captain)

Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan is a champion wrestler who practices bökh, a traditional Mongolian folk style said to have originated from ancient warriors. Per his intro, he has competed in the national Naadam festival five times, ranking high each time. He also won the President's Cup in 2022.

Instagram: @b.orkhonbayar

Adiyasuren Amarsaikhan

Adiyasuren Amarsaikhan, 25, is a judo athlete who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics as part of Mongolia's national team. She has won silver and bronze medals at the Asian Championships, as well as multiple silver and bronze medals at Grand Slam/Grand Prix competitions throughout her career.

Instagram: @amarsaikhan_adiyasuren

Dulguun Enkhbat

Dulguun Enkhbat, 33, is a professional basketball player and a member of Mongolia's 3x3 national team. His team won the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup in both 2017 and 2023.

Instagram: @dulguun_enkhbat

Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu

Enkh-Orgil "The Tormenter" Baatarkhuu, 36, is a featherweight MMA fighter who currently competes in the ONE Fighting Championship league. His career record includes 13 wins.

Instagram: @enkhorgilmma

Khandsuren Gantogtokh

Khandsuren Gantogtokh, 28, is a professional volleyball player who has been playing on Mongolia's national team since 2015. She has also played in Japan for eight years; she's currently on the Tokyo Sunbeams team in Japan's V League.

Instagram: @pandayo___

Lkhagva-Ochir Erdene-Ochir

Lkhagva-Ochir Erdene-Ochir is an acrobat, circus artist, and actor who performs with Cirque du Soleil. They specialize in acrobatic stunts, including one where they balance on an 11-meter stack of chairs. They also founded the training company AcroMongolia.

Instagram: @ochir_ub

Team Indonesia

Igedz Executioner (Captain)

Igedz is Indonesia's heavyweight bodybuilding champion, who's undefeated in his country. He says in his intro, "If you try to confront me head-on, I'll slaughter you."

Instagram: @igedz_executioner

Fina Philippe

Fina Phillipe, 35, is an actress, Brazilian Jiujitsu athlete, and TV personality. In her bio, she says that she often competes in mixed-gender fighting and isn't intimidated by the men in the competition.

Instagram: @lafinaa

Glenn Victor

Glenn Victor Sutanto, 35, is a former competitive swimmer who competed in the men's 100-meter butterfly at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In 2024, the now-swimming coach competed in the Mister International pageant as Mister International Indonesia.

Instagram: @glennvictor

Jeremiah Lakhwani

Jeremiah Lakhwani is a hybrid sports athlete and influencer.

Instagram: @jeremiahlakhwani

Marcus Gideon

Marcus Gideon, 34, is a former badminton player who, alongside his teammate Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, was ranked no. 1 in the world in men's doubles by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) in 2017. Upon his retirement in 2024, Gideon had won 30 championship titles total in his career. He now runs a badminton academy.

After sustaining an injury during the Territorial Conquest round, Gideon leaves Team Indonesia. He's replaced by alternate Isai Kesek in episode 4, "Desperate Prayer."

Instagram: @marcusfernaldig

Maria Selena

Maria Selena, 35, is an Indonesian actress and TV personality who formerly played professional basketball in the WNBL Indonesia league. She was also Miss Puteri Indonesia 2011 and represented Indonesia in Miss Universe 2012.

Instagram: @mariaselena_

Isai Kesek (alternate)

Bodybuilder Isai Kesek, 27, joins Team Indonesia after Marcus Gideon sustains an injury in the Territorial Conquest round. In October 2025, Kesek placed 14th in the world in Men's Physique at the IFBB Olympia.

Instagram: @isai_kesek

Team Türkiye

Recep Kara (Captain)

Recep Kara, 44, is a four-time champion of the Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Tournament, Türkiye's ancient oil-wrestling competition. He's also a former medalist as part of the national mat-wrestling team. In 2002, he won the Kirkpinar for the first time and became the youngest winner in Türkiye's history. For the past two years, he has held the title of "Chief Wrestler," the highest ranking in the sport.

Instagram: @kararecep52

Ali Sofuoglu

Ali Sofuoglu, 30, is a karate fighter on Türkiye's national team. Over his career, he has won seven gold medals at the European championships, four team and three individual. He also took home a bronze metal in the men's individual kata at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In 2023, he won gold in the men's individual kata at the World Karate Championships.

Instagram: @alisofuoglu_

Anil Berk Baki

Anil Berk Baki, 34, is a sailor, actor, and TV personality who also does in CrossFit and extreme sports. He competed on Survivor Türkiye in 2018, 2021, and 2022.

Instagram: @anilberkbaki

Nefise Karatay

Nefise Karatay, 25, is a former national-champion runner who competed in the 60-meter and 100-meter hurdles. She also competed on Survivor Türkiye in 2023 and 2024.

Instagram: @nefiseekaratayy

Ogeday Girisken

Ogeday's Girisken, 33, is a rower and actor who won Survivor Türkiye in 2017 and Survivor Türkiye: All-Stars in 2022 and 2024.

Instagram: @ogedaygirisken

Yasemin Adar Yiğit

Yasemin Adar Yiğit, 34, is a former Turkish national team wrestler in the freestyle 76 kg category. She's a seven-time European champion and a two-time world champion, as well as winning the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Instagram: @yasemin.adar

Team Australia

Robert Whittaker (Captain)

Robert "The Reaper" Whittaker, 34, is a world-famous MMA fighter with 16 years in the UFC. In 2017, he became the first Australian fighter to win a UFC championship after winning the middleweight belt. He also previously competed in 97 kg freestyle wrestling, winning the gold medal at the Australian National Wrestling Championships in May 2017.

Instagram: @robwhittakermma

Alexandra Milne

Alexandra Milne is a fitness coach, influencer, and former competitive cheerleader.

Instagram: @alexandramilne_

Dom Tomato

Dom Tomato (full name Dominic Di Tommaso) is a parkour and freerunning athlete and content creator. Per his bio, he has a background in figure skating and ballet and began training in freerunning in 2007. He currently has over four million followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Instagram: @domtomato

Eddie Williams

Eddie Williams, 35, is a two-time winner of Australia's Strongest Man competition, and a four-time World's Strongest Man competitor. He currently holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest time to pull a tank over 10 meters, at 36.65 seconds. He has also appeared on both Australia's Got Talent and America's Got Talent, where he showed off both his strength and singing talent. He says in his Physical: Asia intro that playing rugby growing up "helped [him] be able to move quicker and be different from everyone else."

Instagram: @eddiejowilliams

Eloni Vunakece

Eloni Vunakece, 38, is a Fijian-Australian former rugby player who played on Fiji's national rugby league team. Since his retirement in 2018, he has competed on several seasons of Australian Ninja Warrior, and one season of The Celebrity Apprentice Australia.

Instagram: @elonivunakece

Katelin van Zyl

Katelin van Zyl is a former professional hockey player who now competes as a CrossFit and Hyrox athlete. In 2024, she ranked 13th among female CrossFit athletes worldwide. She also competed as the Raven on Gladiators: Australia.

Instagram: @katelin_vanzyl

Team Philippines

Manny Pacquiao (Captain)

Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao, 46, is a boxing legend and the only fighter to ever become the world champion in eight different weight divisions. With a career spanning from 1995 to the present day, he is also the only boxer to hold world championships across four decades. This year, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Outside of boxing, Pacquiao is a singer, actor, TV personality, philanthropist, and Evangelical preacher who was a player-coach for the Philippine Basketball Association from 2014 to 2017. He also served as a senator of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022.

In Physical: Asia's fifth episode, "Mysterious Village," Pacquiao leaves the competition due to "another obligation in [his] home country.

Instagram: @mannypacquiao

Justin Coveney

Justin Coveney is a Filipino-Australian rugby player. He has been a member of the Philippine national rugby team since 2010, and he was part of the team's golden era, winning two gold medals at the Southeast Asian Games. He's also a lawyer and a certified World Rugby Level 1 & 2 Strength Coach.

Instagram: @justin_coveney

Lara Lorraine Deang Liwanag

Lara Liwanag is a CrossFit athlete who has ranked first among women in the Philippines.

Instagram: laraliwanag

Mark Mugen

Mark "Mugen" Striegl, 37, is an MMA fighter and a gold medalist in sambo, a Russian martial art that incorporates judo, jiujitsu, and wrestling. He made his UFC debut in October 2020.

Instagram: @markmugen

Ray Jefferson Querubin

Ray Querubin was the Philippines' Strongest Man for three years in a row, from 2016 to 2019. In 2017, he ranked 9th in a world strongman competition.

Instagram: @strongman_ray06

Robyn Lauren Brown

Robyn Lauren Brown, 31, is a Filipino-American hurdler who grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She has won six career medals representing the Philippines, including winning the gold for the 400-meter hurdle at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships.

Instagram: @runrobyn_

Justin Hernandez (alternate)

CrossFit athlete Justin Hernandez, 31, joins Team Philippines after Manny Pacquiao exits the competition. Hernandez is a fitness coach and former champion bodybuilder; in 2019, he became the first male to represent the Philippines at the CrossFit Games.

Instagram: @justigas

Calling all K-drama and J-drama fans—Romantics Anonymous is the next must-watch romance series to check out. Netflix's latest love story is a joint Korean-Japanese production, starring two of the country's top actors in the sweetest pairing. Sosuki Fujiwara (Shun Oguri) and Hanna Lee (Han Hyo-joo) are two candy-sellers struggling with intense phobias. When they meet, they discover that they're instantly comfortable with one another, paving the way for a growing bond as they work to overcome their social anxiety and past trauma.

To tell the emotional story, Romantics Anonymous gathered acclaimed actors and filmmakers from both of the countries—including legendary film actors and some of the creative team behind Parasite. Below, read on for everything you need to know about the stars of Romantics Anonymous.

Shun Oguri as Sosuke Fujiwara

Sosuke is the heir of the sweets empire Futago Confectionery, which is known for its low-quality chocolate. To improve the company, Sosuke buys Le Saveur and insists on managing the shop personally. He soon meets Hana, whom he can touch despite his intense germophobia and fear of physical contact.

Shun Oguri, 42, is a famed Japanese actor and director who began his career at age 13 and has starred in over 100 projects since. He's best known for his roles in the Japanese remake of Boys Over Flowers, Rich Man, Poor Woman, Lupin the Third, Let Me Eat Your Pancreas, and the Gintama live-action franchise. After making his U.S. film debut in 2021's Godzilla vs. Kong, he's next set to star alongside Lily James in the upcoming Takashi Miike film Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo. (He shares four children with actress and model Yu Yamada, whom he married in 2012.)

Han Hyo-joo as Hanna Lee

Hanna is a master chocolatier who makes gourmet candies for Le Saveur, a beloved confectionery shop. However, she has an extreme fear of eye contact, so she anonymously delivers her chocolates daily. When a major company buys the shop, she's forced to go in person, and she's surprised to find that she can look Sosuke in the eyes.

Han Hyo-joo, 38, is one of South Korea's most acclaimed actresses. She's known for starring in hit K-dramas, including W, Happiness, and Blood Free, as well as beloved Korean romance movies like Always, Love 911, and The Beauty Inside. She has also won Best Actress at all three of Korea's most prestigious film awards—the Baeksang Arts Award (Dong Yi), the Blue Dragon Film Award (Cold Eyes), and the Grand Bell Award (Moving). Before Romantics Anonymous, the trilingual actress spoke Japanese for films including 2014's Miracle Devil Claus' Love and Magic; 2016's Love, Lies; and 2020's The Sun Stands Still.

Jin Akanishi as Hiro Takada

Hiro is a jazz pianist who runs Bar Brush, which Hana can see from her window. (She's never actually talked to him.) Her long-distance crush on the musician isn't the only connection Hiro has to Le Saveur; it turns out that he's Sosuke's best friend.

Jin Akanishi, 41, is an actor, singer, songwriter, and producer. In 2001, he rose to fame as a vocalist in the J-pop group KAT-TUN, before leaving to pursue a solo career in 2010. Since making his acting debut in 1999, Akanishi has starred in J-dramas including Gokusen, Anego, and Yukan Club, as well as the films Bandage and 47 Ronin. (He was previously married to actress and model Meisa Kuroki from 2012 to 2023; they share two children.)

Yuri Nakamura as Irene

Irene is a renowned psychologist and an old friend of Sosuke's, who also happens to be Hanna's counselor.

Yuri Nakamura, 43, is a Japanese-born Korean actress who began her career as a singer; she passed the televised audition Asayan in 1996 and performed as a member of YURIMARI until 1999. She later made her acting debut in 2003. She's best known for films and J-dramas, including Pacchigi! Love & Peace, Love Letter from Heaven, Tonight Is U-Shaped, and Netflix's Beyond Goodbye.

Ryo Narita as Takashi Fujiwara

Ryo Narita, 31, plays Takashi, Sosuke's loyal cousin who works at Futago. Since his debut in 2015, the actor and model has appeared in acclaimed films including the Stolen Identity series, Just Only Love, Farewell Song, Chiwawa, Talking the Pictures, Weathering With You, and Convenience Story, as well as the J-dramas Ochoyan and Love Is for the Dogs.

Ayumi Ito as Motomi Kawamura

Ayumi Ito, 45, plays Motomi, the chief chocolatier at Le Sauveu. At age 16, the Tokyo-born screen and voice actress won Newcomer of the Year at the Japanese Academy Awards for her role in the 1996 crime film Swallowtail Butterfly. Her other notable roles include the films All About Lily Chou-Chou, Bandage, and Labyrinth of Cinema, as well as streaming TV shows including Netflix's Beyond Goodbye and HBO Max's Tokyo Vice.

Eiji Okuda as Kenji Kuroiwa

Kenji, the owner of Le Saveur, is the only person who knows the identity of the shop's anonymous chocolatier. He deeply cares about Hanna and understands her phobia.

Eiji Okuda, 75, is a renowned actor and film director best known for his roles in drama movies. His best-known performances include Death of a Tea Master, Like a Rolling Stone, Pride, Yamato, and A Long Walk. He has also appeared in the 2011 Japanese-Brazilian co-production Dirty Hearts.

Kōichi Satō as Shuntaro Fujiwara

Sosoke's father and the chairman of Futago Confectionery is played by acclaimed Japanese actor Koichi Sato, 64, son of film legend Rentarō Mikuni. Sato has won Japan's highest film honors for movies including The Gate of Youth, Crest of Betrayal, Gonin, Whiteout, KT, When the Last Sword is Drawn, What the Snow Brings, 64: Parts I and II, Okiku and the World, and Masked Hearts. In 2024, he became the first performer to win Best Newcomer, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor at the Blue Ribbon Awards since his father.

Calling all fans of political dramas like The Diplomat and The Night Agent: Hulu's new K-drama Tempest is your next must-watch show. The genre-bending series follows Seo Mun-ju (Gianna Jun), South Korea's former ambassador to the U.S., who resigned to support her husband's presidential run. When he's assassinated, she teams up with a mysterious mercenary (Gang Dong-won) to investigate a conspiracy involving the reunification of North and South Korea and the nuclear arms race between North Korea and the United States. (And, of course, since this is a K-drama, there's some steamy tension between the diplomat and her new bodyguard.)

For this blockbuster thriller K-drama, Hulu recruited an all-star team, including writer Chung Seo-kyung (Decision to Leave), and co-directors Kim Hee-won (Queen of Tears) and Heo Myeonghaeng (The Roundup: Punishment). As for the actors, K-drama fans will tune in to find award-winning actors from the past three decades of Korean entertainment, as well as familiar faces from American TV. Below, read on for everything you need to know about the cast of Tempest.

Gianna Jun (a.k.a. Jun Ji-hyun) as Seo Mun-ju

Seo Mun-ju is a South Korean diplomat who was formerly the country's ambassador to the UN; now, she stands by her husband's side as he runs for president. When her recurring assassination nightmare becomes prophetic, she's thrown into the political spotlight and decides to run for president herself.

Gianna Jun, Korean name Jun Ji-hyun, began her career as a model before making her acting debut in 1999. Since then, the 44-year-old has starred in iconic projects including the Korean romance movies Il Mare and My Sassy Girl, the romantic K-dramas My Love from the Star and Legend of the Blue Sea, and Netflix's historical K-drama Kingdom. She has been married to her husband, private equity manager Choi Jun-hyuk, since 2012.

Gang Dong-won as Paik San-ho, a.k.a. Mark

Paik San-ho, also known as Mark, is a Korean-American mercenary who offers to protect Mun-ju after her husband's death. It turns out that the ex-soldier was sent to become Mun-ju's bodyguard, hired by a mystery backer who knew that she was in danger.

Gang Dong-won, 44, is also a model-turned-actor who rose to fame with his breakout role in the 2004 film Temptation of Wolves. Since then, he has starred in blockbuster Korean movies including Duelist, Secret Reunion, The Priests, A Violent Prosecutor, Master, Peninsula, and Broker. Tempest is his first K-drama since 2004.

Park Hae-joon as Jang Jun-ik

Assemblyman Jang Jun-ik is a chaebol politician and advocate against the reunification of North and South Korea. At the start of Tempest, he's the presidential candidate for the New Republican Party, the opposition to the current president...and his wife Mun-ju. After his death, Mun-ju is left to unfurl her estranged husband's secrets.

Earlier this year, Park Hae-joon played the older version of Gwan-sik in the acclaimed Netflix K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines. After starting as a theater actor, the 48-year-old rose to fame with his supporting roles in the 2014 K-dramas Doctor Stranger and Misaeng: Incomplete Life. He has also starred in the shows My Beautiful Bride, My Mister, Arthdal Chronicles, The World of the Married, and The 8 Show.

Lee Mi-sook as Lim Ok-seon

Jun-ik's mother, Im Ok-seon, is the chairwoman of shipping company Aseom, and a political power broker aiming to make her son president. Ok-seon has never been a fan of Mun-ju; she disparages her daughter-in-law for coming from a poor family and choosing to pursue a career rather than a family. However, when Jun-ik dies and bequeaths his entire estate to Mun-ju, Ok-seon switches her political ambitions to her daughter-in-law.

Lee Mi-sook, 65, was one of the most famous actresses in 1980s Korean cinema, with acclaimed films including Mulberry and The Winter That Year Was Warm. In 1987, Lee retired from film after getting married, though she would still appear on TV. She rejoined the industry with 1998's An Affair, and went on to star in other popular projects, including Untold Scandal, Cinderella's Sister, Love Rain, Jealousy Incarnate, The Law Cafe, Perfect Marriage Revenge, and Queen of Tears.

Oh Jung-se as Jang Jun-sang

After Jun-ik's death, his brother Jun-sang makes the questionable (and suspicious) announcement that he plans to run for president in his place. When Mun-ju refuses to fund his run, the prosecutor becomes her enemy.

Jun-sang is played by Oh Jung-se, 48, a prolific actor who has starred in dozens of Korean movies and K-dramas. He's best known for shows including Hot Stove League, It's Okay to Not Be Okay, The Good Detective, Jirisan, Revenant, Sweet Home, Mr. Plankton, When the Stars Gossip, and Good Boy.

Kim Hae-sook as President Chae Gyeong-sin

Chae Gyeong-sin, the current president of South Korea and a humble but determined politician, is played by Kim Hae-sook. The 69-year-old actress has appeared in nearly 100 series and over three dozen movies, according to MyDramaList. She should be very familiar to fans of Netflix K-dramas; she has previously starred in Hospital Playlist, Start-Up, Tomorrow, Under the Queen's Umbrella, Strong Girl Namsoon, My Demon, Gyeongseong Creature, and Mr. Plankton.

John Cho as Anderson Miller

Anderson Miller is the U.S. deputy secretary of state, who gets wrapped up in the international conspiracy behind Jun-ik's murder.

Tempest is John Cho's first-ever appearance in a K-drama. The 53-year-old Korean-American actor has made history as the first Asian-American actor to lead a mainstream, contemporary Hollywood thriller (2018's Searching) and to play a romantic lead in a network rom-com series (ABC's Selfie). His best-known works include the American Pie films, the Harold and Kumar films, the 2010s Star Trek reboot trilogy, and the 2017 drama Columbus.

Lee Sang-hee as Yeo Mi-ji

Yeo Mi-ji, Mun-ju's chief of staff, follows her from the U.S. to South Korea to remain by her side. The former ambassador's right-hand woman is also her closest confidant and steadfast friend.

Lee Sang-hee, 41, began her career in nursing before she discovered her love of acting in her late 20s. She rose to fame in 2014 with the film End of Winter and won a Baeksang Arts Award for Best New Actress two years later, for her performance in Our Love Story. She won a second Baeksang last year for the Netflix Korean movie My Name is Loh Kiwan. On the K-drama front, she has appeared in Mr. Sunshine, Life, One Spring Night, All of Us Are Dead, Daily Dose of Sunshine, and Mercy for None.

Joo Jong-hyuk as Park Chang-hee

Park Chang-hee, Jun-ik's head of security, who joins Mun-ju's campaign, is played by Joo Jong-hyuk. Since his acting debut in 2018, the 34-year-old has appeared in K-dramas including D.P., The Veil, Yumi's Cells, Frankly Speaking, Unmasked, and his best-known work Extraordinary Attorney Woo. In addition to Tempest, he's also currently starring in the Prime Video K-drama Confidence Queen.

Yoo Jae-myung as Yoo Un-hak

Yoo Un-hak is the director of Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS). He's played by Yoo Jae-myung, 52, a prolific film and TV actor known for starring in popular K-dramas like Reply 1988, Hwarang, Strong Woman Do Bong-soon, Stranger, Life, Confession, Itaewon Class, Song of the Bandits, and Uncle Samsik. Last year, he won a Baeksang for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film Land of Happiness.

Won Ji-an as Kang Han-na

Kang Han-na, a mysterious woman who knew Jun-ik before his death, is played by Won Ji-an, 25. The rising actress is best known for playing Se-mi (Player 380) in seasons 2 and 3 of Squid Game. Since her acting debut in the Netflix drama D.P., she has also starred in Hope or Dope, If You Wish Upon Me, Heartbeat, and A Year-End Medley. She has also signed on to star in the upcoming Disney+/Hulu K-dramas Made in Korea and Pleasant Outcast.

Christopher Gorham as Ethan

Ethan, a mercenary, is played by Christopher Gorham, 51. The longtime television actor's best-known roles include Harrison John on The WB's Popular, Henry Grubstick in ABC's Ugly Betty, Auggie Anderson on USA Network's Covert Affairs, and Trevor Elliot on Netflix's The Lincoln Lawyer.

Spencer Garrett as U.S. President Hauser 

U.S. President Hauser is portrayed by Spencer Garrett, a 61-year-old actor whose mother Kathleen Nolan was a former president of the Screen Actors Guild. In addition to appearing in movies like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Bombshell, he is best known for shows like Insecure, The Legend of Korra, Survivor's Remorse, The Magicians, For All Mankind, Bosch, and Winning Time. Most recently, he played Wally Glick on Netflix's miniseries The Residence.

Alicia Hannah-Kim

Also appearing in the series is Korean-Australian actress Alicia Hannah-Kim (above, right), who served as a producer and helped recruit Western actors for the K-drama. The 38-year-old is best known for playing sensei Kim Da-eun in Cobra Kai, and she has appeared in General Hospital, Alone Together, Hawaii Five-0, and Minx. (Fun fact: Kim's husband Sebastian Roché and her Cobra Kai co-star Jacob Bertrand also appear in Tempest.)

Just months after Netflix broke and healed our hearts with When Life Gives You Tangerines, the streamer brings us a new generational tearjerker in You and Everything Else. The K-drama follows the complex trajectory of a lifelong friendship, formed in childhood and later challenged by resentment and jealousy over the span of 30 years. As Eun-jang (Kim Go-eun) and Sang-yeon (Park Ji-hyun) weave in and out of each other's lives over the years, they discover the true depth of love and the fragile line between admiration and hatred.

To tell this emotional story, director Jo Young-min and writer Song Hye-jin recruited some of South Korea's most lauded actresses, who have been open about how much the show moved them during filming. (Seriously, grab your tissues for this one!) Below, read on for everything you need to know about the cast of You and Everything Else.

Kim Go-eun as Ryu Eun-jang

Ryu Eun-jang grew up poor with a single mother and often feels self-conscious about her financial means. Still, she has an extroverted and sociable personality. As Kim Go-eun described to press, "She’s honest with her emotions but carries a quiet shame about her circumstances."

Kim Go-eun, 34, is one of South Korea's most acclaimed actresses. In 2012, she catapulted to fame by winning eight Best New Actress awards for her first-ever film role in A Muse. She has since had a successful career in Korean films and K-dramas, including starring alongside Gong Yoo in Guardian: The Great and Lonely God (a.k.a. Goblin) and leading the K-drama adaptation of the popular webtoon Yumi's Cells. Last year, she won the Baeksang Arts Award for her performance in the highest-grossing Korean film of 2024, the occult horror Exhuma.

Park Ji-hyun as Cheon Sang-yeon

The opposite of Eun-jang, Sang-yeon is the daughter of a wealthy family that didn't express much love, so she's more reserved with her feelings. According to Park Ji-hyun, Sang-yeon is "a person full of wounds and pain," who begins to feel "as if everything she valued [is] slipping away because of Eun-jung."

Park Ji-hyun, 30, rose to fame with her breakout role in the 2018 Korean horror movie Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum, which earned her a Rookie of the Year nomination at the Blue Dragon Film Awards. She's also known for the dramas Your Honor, Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung, Do You Like Brahms?, Love All Play, Reborn Rich, and Flex X Cop. Before You and Everything Else, she worked with Kim Go-eun on Yumi's Cells, where Park played Yumi's season 1 romantic rival Seo Sae-i.

Kim Gun-woo as Kim Sang-hak

When Eun-jung signs up for a photography club at her university, she meets the club's secretary, Kim Sang-Hak. A sweet, sensitive boy, he reminds her of her first love, and the two form a connection. Later, when Sang-yeon also joins the club, their relationship becomes more complicated.

Kim Gun-woo, 33, made his debut with the 2017 slice-of-life drama Fight For My Way, and went on to appear in the shows Live, Less Than Evil, Catch the Ghost, and Record of Youth. You and Everything Else is his first role since his breakout turn as bully Son Myeong-o in the thriller K-drama The Glory.

Seo Jung-yeon as Yun Hyeon-suk

Yun Hyeon-suk, Sang Yeon's mother, introduced in the girls's teenage years, is played by Seo Jung-yeon. The 49-year-old actress began her K-drama career in the early 2010s and has appeared in popular shows including Descendants of the Sun, Love in the Moonlight, Something in the Rain, One Spring Night, Do You Like Brahms?, Our Beloved Summer, Reborn Rich, My Demon, and Good Boy.

Kim Jae-won as Cheon Sang-hak

Rising star Kim Jae-won, 24, plays Cheon Sang-hak, Sang-yeon’s older brother, who also befriended teenage Eun-jung. Since his acting debut in 2021, Kim has appeared in several popular dramas, including Our Blues, King the Land, Hierarchy, The Tale of Lady Ok, and Trauma Code: Heroes on Call. Next up, he's set to join Kim Go-eun in the third season of the romance K-drama Yumi's Cells.

Lee Sang-yoon as Kyung Seung-ju

Kyung Seung-ju, who works with Eun-jang and Sang-yeon in their adult years, is played by Lee Sang-yoon. The 44-year-old stage and screen actor previously appeared in the dramas Life is Beautiful, Twenty Again, About Time, V.I.P., and Pandora: Beneath the Paradise. He was also an original cast member of the Korean variety show Masters in the House.

If you're a fan of period dramas that fill both your heart and your stomach (or if you're on your third rewatch of Mr. Queen), Bon Appétit, Your Majesty is your next must-watch K-drama. Based on the web comic Surviving as Yeonsangun’s Chef, the new genre-bending series follows a virtuoso cook who's magically transported from 2025 to the Joseon era when she comes upon a mysterious ancient cookbook called "Mangunrok." She lands in the crosshairs of one of Korean history's cruelest tyrants; lucky for her, the show's version is more misunderstood dreamboat than unrelenting despot.

Since its premiere on August 23, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty has become appointment viewing, earning the highest domestic ratings of any tvN drama this year and a firm spot in Netflix's Top 10 for non-English shows. With the romance K-drama airing weekly through September, it's time to learn more about the global superstars and acclaimed actors bringing the time-bending court intrigue to life. Below, learn everything you need to know about the cast of Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.

Lim Yoon-a as Yeon Ji-yeong

When we first meet Yeon Ji-yeong in 2025, she's an acclaimed chef who has just won the grandest cooking competition in France. After crash-landing in Joseon, she utilizes her anachronistic cooking skills and knowledge of history to keep the favor of the king and survive until she can find a way home.

Lim Yoon-a (a.k.a. Yoona), 35, is an actress and K-pop singer who debuted in 2007 as a member of the legendary girl group Girls' Generation. She made her K-drama debut in the same year, and has appeared in dramas including You Are My Destiny, Cinderella Man, The K2, The King in Love, Big Mouth, and King the Land. She has also starred in movies including the Confidential Assignment franchise, Exit, A Year-End Medley, and Pretty Crazy.

Lee Chae-min as King Yi-heon

Joseon's monarch Yi-heon is an erratic tyrant who's despised for his practice of abducting women and bringing them to the palace as "entertainers," known as "chaehong" (This is inspired by the real-life ruler Yeonsangun.) We soon learn that all his cruelty (including the chaehong) is part of his single-minded mission to get revenge for his mother's murder. As each of Ji-young's meals reminds him of his late mother, his heart starts to soften toward the cook.

Lee Chae-min, 24, has had a meteoric rise as an actor and TV personality since his debut in 2021. He's best known for the romance dramas Crash Course in Romance, See You in My 19th Life, Hierarchy, and Crushology 101. He also co-hosted Music Bank (one of Korea's music shows, similar to TRL) alongside LE SSERAFIM member Hong Eunchae from September 2022 to May 2024. (Fun fact: He's publicly dating his Crash Course in Romance co-star Ryu Da-in.)

Kang Han-na as Kang Mok-ju

Seven years ago, Kang Mok-ju was imprisoned for killing the nobleman who had bought her from her mother. Prince Je-san freed her and installed her as Yi-heon's junior consort, to aid in the prince's plots. When the mysterious Ji-yeong begins winning Yi-heon's favor, Mok-ju becomes determined to get her out of the picture.

Kang Han-na, 36, earned a Baeksang Arts Award nomination in 2017 for her breakout role as the villainous princess in the historical romance Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. Her best-known roles include the dramas Familiar Wife, Start-Up, My Roommate is a Gumiho, Bloody Heart, and Frankly Speaking. As for Korean reality shows, she has made the most guest appearances in the history of the variety show Running Man, and she recently served as a host/mentor on Netflix's dating show Better Late Than Single.

Choi Gwi-hwa as Prince Je-san

Prince Je-san, Yi-heon's uncle and the half-brother of the previous king, holds the position of head of the Royal Kitchen. On the surface, Je-san's a hedonistic playboy who's criticized for his scandalous life, but he's secretly been plotting to seize the crown.

Choi Gwi-hwa, 47, is a familiar face to Netflix fans; earlier this year, he had a featured role as Player 203 in Squid Game season 3. The veteran actor is best known for his film roles—including in iconic Korean horror movies like The Wailing and Train to Busan—though he also had a main role in the 2018 Korean remake of Suits.

Seo Yi-sook as Queen Dowager In-ju

Queen Dowager In-ju is the matriarch and the highest authority in the royal family, after losing both her husband and her son. Though she's the one who placed her biological grandson Yi-heon on the throne, they butt heads due to his mood swings (and the monumental secret she's hiding).

Seo Yi-sook, 58, started her career as a stage actress before making her film debut in the 1998 drama Spring In My Hometown. Since 2010, she has appeared in dozens of dramas, including The Heirs, Empress Ki, Mother, Hotel de Luna, The World of the Married, Start-Up, Under the Queen's Umbrella, Queenmaker, The Good Bad Mother, and Melo Movie.

Oh Eui-shik as Im Song-jae

Im Song-jae is the king's Chief State Councilor, a cunning strategist and trusted advisor. Sick of being ordered around by Mok-ju, he enlists Ji-young to slip him the information she learns from her meals with Yi-heon.

Oh Eui-shik, 41, began his career as a child actor in stage musicals. In 2015, he made his K-drama debut in the rom-com Oh My Ghost. He has since appeared in beloved romance dramas including Love in the Moonlight, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, While You Were Sleeping, Familiar Wife, Romance is a Bonus Book, True Beauty, Crash Course in Romance, and Undercover High School.

Yoon Seo-ah as Seo Gil-geum

Soon after Ji-young arrives in Joseon, she meets Seo Gil-geum, an orphan whose home had been seized as part of the prince's hunting ground. Surprisingly, Gil-geum immediately believes that Ji-young is from the future, and the Joseon girl becomes the modern cook's closest confidant.

Yoon Seo-ah, 24, began working as a teen actress before her breakout role as Ji-wan, an art student who falls in love with her female best friend, in Nevertheless,. She has since appeared in supporting roles in dramas like Bloody Heart, Today's Webtoon, Goodbye Earth, and The Tale of Lady Ok.

Lee Joo-ahn as Gong-gil

Gong-gil is a member of the "namsadang," a group of all-male entertainers who serve as jesters for the king. The agile performer is enlisted for several nefarious jobs from both sides of the Yi-heon/Je-san power struggle. (Fun fact: Gong-gil is a real historic figure who was Yeonsangun's "favorite clown," even depicted in the 2005 film The King and the Clown.)

Lee Joo-ahn, 29, made his acting debut in 2018 as an orthopedic resident in the hit thriller K-drama SKY Castle. He has since appeared in supporting roles in popular dramas, including Save Me season 2, Chief of Staff season 2, True Beauty, Youth of May, Snowdrop, and Love Song for Illusion.

As K-pop continues to grow as a global phenomenon and reign over charts around the world, Apple TV+ is riding the hallyu wave with the release of KPOPPED. The new reality series, out August 29, highlights rising K-pop groups as they craft special performances alongside Western pop stars, reworking their hit songs with K-pop’s experimental flair.

Among the groups is Billlie, a seven-member girl group that is split into two teams to perform alongside vocal legend Patti LaBelle and rapper Megan Thee Stallion, who pulls double-duty as an executive producer on the series. In fact, the Grammy-winning rapper hit it off with Billlie so much so that five months after filming wrapped late last year, she took to TikTok to tell her 16 million followers to give them a listen.

They're sure to get even more exposure on KPOPPED, where they kick the series off with a standout first episode. Since their debut in November 2021, the seven-member girl group composed of Moon Sua, Suhyeon, Haram, Tsuki, Sheon, Siyoon, and Haruna has drawn in fans with their viral powerhouse performances and chameleonic range. The group has been widely lauded for taking on and perfectly embodying new genres of music with every comeback—from EDM to rock to bubblegum pop to jazz—according to their concept, bridging dreams and reality.

“To us, a performance isn’t just about the act itself; it’s about sharing a story and emotions,” Haram tells Marie Claire, in an emailed interview with the group. “I felt that [KPOPPED’s] theme of ‘connection beyond borders and generations’ perfectly matched Billlie’s identity. While preparing the stage, we tried to convey how much we love music and how sincerely we want to connect with people.”

Below, the members of Billlie chat with Marie Claire about rehearsing with Western artists, their dream collaborations, and the Billlie songs that new fans need to check out.

Marie Claire: What was your first response when you heard about the opportunity to be part of KPOPPED?

Moon Sua: I felt both excited and honored. It wasn’t just about having the chance to perform on a new stage—it was the significance of participating as a representative artist on a global platform like Apple TV+. Naturally, thoughts like, ‘What kind of performance can we show?’ and ‘How can we tell Billlie’s story?’ kept running through our minds, and the excitement grew day by day. Above all, having a stage with respected artists, exchanging our music with them, brought us so much joy. Just the idea of showing Billlie’s energy to a wide audience made us happy, and I felt that this project would become another important chapter in our journey.

MC: You’re the only group in KPOPPED who got the chance to work with star/executive producer Megan Thee Stallion. What was that process like?

Sheon: Every moment was so enjoyable. Megan wasn’t just energetic on stage—her honesty and vitality throughout the preparation process inspired us tremendously. Especially as we rehearsed together to perfect the performance, her confidence and free-spirited approach reminded us that enjoying the stage is the greatest strength.

We put a lot of effort into bringing out Megan’s energy while staying true to Billlie’s unique style. I feel this stage wasn’t just a collaboration, but a display of teamwork that drew out the best in both sides.

Siyoon: As a rapper, Megan has always been a huge inspiration to me. Her flow, the power in her lyrics, and the way she owns the stage felt even more special in person. During recording and rehearsal, Megan paid close attention to our ideas and tone, which gave us the confidence to really bring the performance to life. It also strengthened my desire to collaborate with her officially in the future.

MC: Siyoon and Moon Sua, was it nerve-wracking at all to perform your new rap verses for “Savage” for Megan?

Siyoon: Rather than feeling nervous, I felt motivated by the overwhelming confidence and energy I’d seen in Megan’s performances. So I practiced tirelessly, paying attention to every detail, from live performance to English pronunciation, and carefully adjusted the tone and breathing for the rap.

Moon Sua: I felt the same way. Of course, there was a pleasant sense of nervousness, but my desire to make the stage with Megan a success was even stronger. From the very beginning of practice, we focused on aligning every little detail together. I was more focused on enjoying the moment, and performing in sync with the members created a memory I’ll always treasure.

MC: One of the sweetest moments on the show is Tsuki tearing up hearing Patti LaBelle’s voice. What was it like rehearsing and performing with a vocal legend?

Tsuki: I’ve danced countless times to Patti LaBelle’s music since I was very young, so hearing we would perform together was unbelievable. Preparing alongside her and hearing her voice in person was overwhelming in the most wonderful way, and I couldn’t help but cry. Her voice carries not only technical perfection but genuine emotion, and each phrase on stage fills the space with resonance.

Suhyeon: It was truly an honor. Patti LaBelle is widely recognized as a legendary artist, but being close to her voice and performance showed me why. It’s not just skill—it’s how her voice can dominate a stage while warmly embracing the audience. Performing alongside her was a moment we felt really proud of as a team, and that feeling will stay with us for a long time. It was an experience that made me think deeply about the music and performances I want to create as an artist.

MC: Haram mentions in the show that “Lady Marmalade” is a song she's wanted to cover since she was a trainee. What are some other songs that have been on your wishlist to cover?

Haram: We even have videos from when we were trainees practicing “Lady Marmalade,” learning the choreography, and singing along. It was always a song we dreamed of performing on stage. Getting the chance to perform it with the legendary Patti LaBelle made the experience even more meaningful for me and the members.

Sheon: Our wishlist also included songs like [Megan’s] “Mamushi,” but the one that drew me the most was “Savage.”

Suhyeon: I’ve long admired Tori Kelly, so as a trainee I spent a lot of time singing her songs. “Confetti” and [her cover of Stevie Wonder’s] “Don’t You Worry ’Bout A Thing” were songs that accompanied me through my growth and training. Performing songs I once sang only in practice in front of fans, as an artist, would feel truly special.

MC: If you were to have another K-pop/Western pop crossover moment, who would you want to collaborate with?

Haram: I really admire Jorja Smith, and if I had the chance, I would love to work with her. Her music has depth while feeling very contemporary.

Sheon: I’d love to collaborate with my musical role model: Daniel Caesar. His soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics have always inspired me. Listening to songs like “LOVE AGAIN” [featuring Brandy] or “Best Part” [featuring H.E.R.] makes me imagine what it could be like with Billlie.

MC: What songs would you recommend to someone who just discovered Billlie and wants to dig in deeper?

Haram: “RING ma Bell (what a wonderful world).” Its hard rock-driven energy and powerful band sound showcase the force of our performance and our passion for the stage. It’s also one of the stages that helped shape Billlie’s powerful image, so I definitely recommend it.

Haruna: “trampoline” from our fifth mini album. With a nu-jazz foundation and warm melody, it highlights our vocals delicately and lets listeners naturally feel Billlie’s colors. Inspired by childhood memories of bouncing on a trampoline, it conveys freedom and hope. The song has been well-received on jazz charts both domestically and internationally, so I hope new fans give it a listen.

Suhyeon: “remembrance candy,” the title track from the same album. With lyrics written by IU, it’s a truly precious song that reflects on reclaiming lost memories and moving forward. It is important to understanding Billlie’s story and contains emotions everyone can relate to, so I think it resonates well with fans discovering us for the first time.

Tsuki: “GingaMingaYo (the strange world).” This song is especially meaningful to me, as it’s when I started receiving recognition for my expressive facial performance. Beyond the choreography, it expresses the confusion and questions everyone experiences growing up through bold sounds and unique moves. It showcases Billlie’s experimental and daring style, making it a perfect introduction to our diverse musical charms and stage presence.

MC: As you approach the group’s fourth anniversary on November 10, what goals do you have for the future as Billlie?

Moon Sua: Looking back, every moment wasn’t easy, but I know better than anyone that we’ve come this far because of the love and support from our fans. Looking ahead, we want to return that energy on even bigger stages. We hope to meet fans directly through various domestic and international performances and tours, while continuing to share music that carries our own stories and colors, expanding the world of Billlie. Our team has always aimed to push past our own limits through new challenges, and we want to carry that spirit forward—growing into artists who, five or ten years from now, will still be remembered for deep storytelling and powerful performances.

Suhyun: One of my biggest goals for the future is to expand Billlie’s musical boundaries through collaborations with artists from around the world. We’ve always enjoyed taking on new challenges and experimenting, and working with artists from different cultures and musical backgrounds is itself a huge source of inspiration. If we can use these encounters to express Billlie’s story and colors in new ways, we can share our music in fresh ways with even more people. Continuing Billlie’s story alongside diverse global artists is one of our major goals for the future.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Netflix's reality dating shows are known for offering tons of sun, skin, and drama, but its new series Better Late Than Single offers a refreshing reset this summer. The Korean reality show, which premiered on the streamer on July 8, centers on "the first love stories of people who have been single since birth," known in Korea as 모태솔로 (which the show translates as an "eternal single").

Before filming, nine "eternal singles" were given six-week makeovers, during which the show's hosts/Cupids, Seo In-guk, Kang Han-na, Lee Eun-ji, and Car, the Garden, advised them on how to gain more confidence while dating. After receiving coaching in the area of their choice—from beauty to fitness to speech to therapy—the cast spent nine days together at a resort on Jeju Island, for a dating bootcamp where they can look for love among each other. (Like in Single's Inferno, their ages and professions are kept secret.)

In an age when reality show casts are mostly compiled of rising influencers, Better Late Than Single chose nine everyday people out of 4,000 applicants, who are all determined to start their romantic lives with style. Below, get to know the sweet cast, including their dating goals and where to follow them on Instagram (for those whose accounts are public).

Singles

Noh Jae-yun

Noh Jae-yun, 27, is a VFX artist and 3D designer for TV, film, and video games. Though others describe him as handsome and caring, Jae-yun is extremely timid. In the show, a colleague says the anime fan is "hard to approach because he seems to be in his own world."

Jae-yun tells his Cupid, Seo In-guk, that his goal is to become more comfortable talking to women and to be seen as sincere. The artist works with a speech coach during his makeover to practice speaking with a more confident voice. "I'd like to feel more proud of myself and get used to talking people so I can start a relationship," he adds.

Kang Ji-su

Kang Ji-su, 26, is a ballet teacher and self-described homebody who insists she's never had a crush. She says she's uncomfortable around men, partly because she has attended all- or mostly-female schools as a teenager. She adds that once she didn't leave her apartment for a month, after which she thought, "At this rate, I really won't be able to get married."

"I want to have natural, comfortable relationships," Ji-su says. "I'm ready to go out and flirt."

Kim Seung-li

Kim Seung-li, 27, was born in South Korea and moved to Brazil at age 8, living there for 12 years before moving back after graduation. He works in international marketing and speaks four languages. In his intro, Seung-li says that he was bullied when he was younger, and gained more confidence after getting fit. He also felt more conservative than Brazilians when it comes to skinship and dating.

Kim Yeo-myung

Kim Yeo-myung, a 26-year-old college student studying business administration, is a bubbly, outgoing woman described as "the sunny bulldozer." She was never originally interested in dating, but when her friends turned 26, everyone got boyfriends except her, and she felt like she "had no one to hang out with."

For her makeover period, Yeo-myung focused on fitness with Physical: 100 alum Shim Euddeum while "working really hard on my glow-up." She says that if she gets a crush on a guy, she'll confidently tell him that she likes him.

Kim Sang-ho

Kim Sang-ho, 27, is an engineer who went from an all-boys high school straight to mandatory military service. His hobbies include going out to drink with friends and singing karaoke daily, but all of his friends are guys.

Sang-ho's looking for a fashion makeover, to shift to a neater style than his graphic T-shirts featuring cartoon characters. He also focuses on his fitness and taking better care of himself. After losing almost 20 kilos, he says that he's "in his prime," adding, "I think I'll be able to get a girlfriend."

Lee Min-hong

Lee Min-hong, a 28-year-old who works in fashion marketing, arrives at Better Late than Single after going on 20 to 30 blind dates over the past seven months, after her mom set her up with two matchmaking services. Though she's confident in her looks, she admits that she can be blunt, and she has high standards regarding everything from how a person walks to whether they hold chopsticks weirdly.

Kang Han-na encourages Min-hong to be more open to the possibility that someone who may seem stubborn can change in a relationship. "I think it'll be good for me to try opening up more, at least until I see the other person's strengths," Min-hong says.

Yi Do

Yi Do, 27, is a current student focusing on geography education at Seoul National University (Korea's version of Harvard). She's also the youngest tutor at her company, teaching geography and integrated social studies to high schoolers studying for the CSAT. Though she's very busy, she has been approached for reality TV before. She was recruited for the popular series EXchange, but she needed an ex-boyfriend to apply.

As her Cupid Lee Eun-ji points out, Yi Do tends to talk at double speed due to her work. During her makeover, she works with a speech coach to practice listening to people more carefully and having better conversations. "The lesson gave me courage," Do says.

Ha Jeong-mok

Ha Jeong-mok (above, right), a 26-year-old college student studying biochemical engineering, was encouraged by his twin brother to come on the show; they used to do everything together until his brother got a boyfriend. The producers find him funny and charming, but he comes across as awkward on his first impression.

For his glow-up, Jeong-mok wants to find his own style, instead of always buying the same clothes as his brother. After working with Seo In-guk's styling team, his confidence appears to rise. "My number-one goal is to start my first relationship. I'll escape the single life," he says.

Park Ji-yeon

Park Ji-yeon, 26, is a music producer who grew up attending all-girls schools for middle school, high school, and university. She says she has avoided dating because she didn't have an ideal father figure. "I'm always thinking, 'Oh, he must always be like that. Or, eventually, he'll become like that," she admits.

Ji-yeon worked with a therapist during her makeover period. "I want to show people how I can overcome the biases and stereotypes I feel toward men and move forward with my life," she says. "I'm arriving single, but when I leave here, I won't be."

Kang Hyun-kyu

Kang Hyun-kyu, 26, is a medical student at Chung-Ang University and a part-time mixologist. He says he's been so busy studying throughout his childhood and young adult years that he didn't socialize much. "When I'm interested in a girl, my brain completely stops working," he admits. Still, he's determined to try his best to find a girlfriend.

Lee Seung-chan

Lee Seung-chan, 31, is a surgeon who graduated from Korea University and trained at Samsung Medical Center’s surgery department. Unlike the rest of the singles, Seung-chan is not technically an eternal single, since the "game changer" previously had a 100-day relationship. However, as he points out, 100 days only counted for "less than 1 percent" of his life, and his friends treat him as if he's been single from birth anyway.

Kim Mi-ji

Kim Mi-ji, a 27-year-old Japanese teacher who prepared for her Better Late Than Single interview by binge-watching dating shows in search of flirting tips. Upon arriving in episode 4, she says she joined the show because she wants to date before she turns 30, and that she plans to express her feelings honestly and smile a lot.

Hosts

Seo In-guk

Seo In-guk, 37, rose to fame when he won the singing competition show Superstar K in 2009, before making his acting debut in 2012's Reply 1997. The actor and singer-songwriter is best known for his roles in the K-dramas The Master's Sun, Hello Monster, The Smile Has Left Your Eyes, Doom at Your Service, Café Minamdang, and Death's Game. Next year, he's set to star alongside BLACKPINK's Jisoo in Netflix's rom-com K-drama Boyfriend on Demand.

Kang Han-na

Kang Han-na, 36, is an actress who made her debut in 2009 and earned a Baeksang Arts Award nomination in 2017 for playing the villainous princess in the historical K-drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. Her best-known roles include the K-dramas Just Between Lovers, Familiar Wife, Start-Up, My Roommate is a Gumiho, and Bloody Heart. She has also guest-starred in over 20 episodes of Running Man, making her the guest with the most appearances in the variety show's history.

Lee Eun-ji

Lee Eun-ji, 33, is a former dance sports athlete who debuted as a comedian in the 2014 season of the sketch show Comedy Big League. She's best known as a main cast member in producer Na Young-seok's popular variety show Earth Arcade, alongside rapper Lee Young-ji, OH MY GIRL member Mimi, and IVE member An Yu-jin. In 2023, Eun-ji won the award for Best Female Variety Entertainer at the Baeksang Arts Awards.

Car, the Garden

Cha Jung-won, 34, is an indie-rock singer-songwriter better known by his stage name, Car, the Garden. (His surname "cha" translates to "car" in English, while "jung-won" means "garden.") Since his debut in 2013, Cha has appeared on soundtracks for dramas including True Beauty, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Alchemy of Souls, and Taxi Driver season 2. He also won the singing competition show The Fan in 2018.

Whether you're a K-pop stan or just love some great animated action, everyone's loving KPop Demon Hunters. Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the Netflix/Sony Pictures Animation film brings Korean mythology to a modern-day setting, in a world where generations of Hunters have protected the mortal plane from the demon king Gwi-ma. Hunters and K-pop stars Rumi, Mira, and Zoey use their voices and the love of their fans to strengthen the barrier between Earth and the underworld, but when a demon boy band threatens to steal their fans, the trio become locked in a fan battle to save the world.

Since its premiere on June 20, 2025, KPop Demon Hunters has become Netflix's most-watched movie ever, remaining in the streamer's Global Top 10 list for 20 weeks straight. HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys have received co-signs from TWICE and BTS, topped the Billboard charts, and even gained attention from the Academy Awards. And naturally, millions of fans worldwide are begging for a continuation of the hilarious and heartfelt story. Below, we're keeping track of any news of whether KPop Demon Hunters will return.

Has 'KPop Demon Hunters 2' been announced?

It's official: KPop Demon Hunters 2 is happening! On November 5, multiple outlets reported that Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation had finalized a deal for a KPDH film sequel, with co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans returning.

The big news comes after months of speculation, during which the streaming giant has capitalized on the film's status as a word-of-mouth sensation, from sharing plenty of social media posts and an ever-growing selection of merch (including lightsticks!) to releasing a theatrical sing-along run that made $17-18 million in one August weekend.

Also, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos went on record praising the global phenomenon during a July 2025 earnings call, according to a report from TheWrap. The mogul highlighted KPDH as "a phenomenal success out of the gate…And the fact that people are in love with this film and in love with the music from this film, that will keep it going for a long time. So we’re really thrilled. And now the next beat is, where does it go from here?"

Netflix is also reportedly working on expanding KPop Demon Hunters into a franchise. According to TheWrap's late July report, the streamer is considering multiple options, including two(!) animated sequels, a live-action remake, a TV series, and a stage musical. A week later, after a fair share of fan criticism unfolded online, sources told The Hollywood Reporter that the live-action film was no longer being considered.

In the meantime, expect to see KPDH everywhere, from merch and partnerships dominating in-person stories to a huge awards campaign for the film ahead of the 2026 Oscars.

Long before they officially signed on, Kang and Appelhans both made it clear that they're interested in returning to the world of KPDH, and that the creative team already has thoughts on what could come next. "There are always side stories, and there are things we've thought of while making this one. There are a lot of questions that are answered, but not fully. I think there are a lot of pockets that we can explore," she said at the time.

When will 'KPop Demon Hunters 2' come out?

Though the KPop Demon Hunters sequel is now official, fans still have a long wait ahead of them. Netflix and Sony reportedly plan to release the sequel in 2029, which reflects the average time it takes to produce an animated feature film. Still, as Variety points out, "release date plans could change depending on the film’s production schedule."

For anyone wondering about the first film's timeline, Kang has said that she began pitching KPDH seven years ago, and Variety first reported on its development in March 2021. Executive music producer Ian Eisendrath began working on the film in 2022. So the 2029 release window is the same length as the original production timeline (though fingers crossed that KPDH 2 could be fast-tracked).

What would 'KPop Demon Hunters 2' be about?

As fans have pointed out, the ending of KPop Demon Hunters leaves plenty of unanswered questions. The animated action-musical ends with Rumi, Mira, and Zoey defeating Gwi-ma and creating a new Honmoon, with all demons expelled from Seoul. Though the new barrier appears strong, it wasn't golden, the color that signaled that HUNTR/X had banished demons from the world once and for all. This itself leaves room for the sequel, if another demon breaks through and threatens the world.

Unfortunately for Saja Boys fans, there's little chance that the boy group would make a comeback. In the final fight, Mira and Zoey killed Abby and Mystery (and presumably Romance and Baby offscreen), while Jinu sacrificed himself and gave his soul to Rumi. Still, many fans have theorized that Jinu's spirit lives within Rumi's new sword, which would give the sequel a chance to bring him back and continue his romance with Rumi. (For what it's worth, Kang has been tight-lipped about Jinu's fate.)

In addition to the return of Jinu, plenty of fan theories have been dedicated to the characters's backstories, especially the love story between Rumi's Hunter mother and demon father. Speaking to Variety, director Maggie Kang revealed that she is interested in exploring their origins in a possible sequel, and not only Rumi's.

"We’ve set up so much for potential backstory. Obviously, there’s a lot of questions that are left unanswered and areas that are not explored, and we had to do that because there’s only so much movie you could tell in 85 minutes," she told the outlet. "This was Rumi’s story, and we have backstories for Zoey and Mira – ones that we actually put in the movie, but it just kind of rejected it. It just wasn’t the movie for those stories."

Spoilers for the Squid Game season 3 ending ahead. Four years after its debut, Squid Game has far outlived its original length. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk's thriller K-drama was only planned to last one season, but after the Emmy-winning phenomenon became Netflix's most-watched show ever, the powers that be at the streaming giant ensured that the Korean series would continue for two more seasons. The third and final installment arrived on June 27, 2025, but its final moments seem to imply that Squid Game as a global franchise is far from over.

After an explosive conclusion that leaves protagonist Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) dead and the Korean island facility up in flames, Squid Game season 3's final scene shows Korea's Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) making a concerning discovery. In the streets of L.A., he spies a woman (Oscar winner Cate Blanchett) in a suit playing slap-ddakji, the same game that his Recruiter (Gong Yoo) used to find competitors. Hwang has confirmed that this character is an American Recruiter, meaning that Squid Game has jumped continents and will live on in the fictional world.

In an interview with Tudum, Hwang described Blanchett's cameo as a "short but gripping and impactful ending to the story." However, anyone alive in the era of the Marvel end-credits scene knows that the American Recruiter will likely be back on our TV screens. Below, we're keeping track of everything we know about a possible American Squid Game spinoff.

Has Netflix announced 'Squid Game: USA?'

As of June 30, 2025, Netflix has not revealed whether it will release an American version of Squid Game. Following season 3's debut, sources told Variety that the streamer "has no plans to announce a Squid Game spinoff at this time," while The Hollywood Reporter wrote that season 3's ending "is not intended to set up any future stories 'at this time.'"

However, rumors of a Squid Game spinoff being in development have surfaced even before season 2 was released. In October 2024, Deadline reported that Oscar-winning filmmaker David Fincher—who worked with Blanchett on 2008's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button—was considering an English-language scripted Squid Game series. There have been no official updates since, though What's on Netflix has reported unconfirmed rumors that the new series is "reportedly set to begin production in Los Angeles as early as December 2025."

For what it's worth, Hwang has confirmed that the American Recruiter was not shown primarily to set up a future spinoff. Instead, the cameo was meant to show that the end of the Korean game did not mean the end of the societal problems that brought it about.

"Because this story started out with me wanting to tackle issues about the limitless competition and the system that’s created in late capitalism, I wanted to leave it on a note highlighting the fact that these systems, even if one comes down, it’s not easy to dismantle the whole system—it will always repeat itself," Hwang told The Hollywood Reporter. "That’s why I wanted to end it with an American recruiter. And I wrote that scene wanting an impactful ending for the show, not in order to open rooms for anything else."

Will there be a 'Squid Game' season 4?

Though the future of the franchise may be in question, the original Korean series Squid Game is over. Both Hwang and Netflix have made clear that Squid Game will not return for season 4, since season 3 wraps up Gi-hun's story.

Still, there is a chance that characters like the Front Man and Gong Yoo's Recruiter could return, however. In interviews following season 2, Hwang teased that he would be interested in "filling in the gaps" of their lives during the three years between season 1 and season 2.

Following season 3's release, Hwang told The Hollywood Reporter, "If I were to do a spinoff someday, I think I would rather choose to go back and see what happened during that time gap [between seasons one and two]. But this is something that we are just tossing around, so as for when or how a spinoff might come about, it’s still up in the air."

Spoilers ahead for all episodes of Squid Game season 3. On June 27, 2025, Squid Game, the thriller K-drama that became a global phenomenon, concluded with the release of season 3. (Or, if we're being real, season 2, part 2.) The death-game series, created by Hwang Dong-hyuk and originally intended to be just one season, ends with six episodes that stretch its brutal realism to absurd lengths in favor of shocking the audience with the depths of human depravity, as all the characters we became acquainted with in season 2 meet their inevitable deaths.

By the end of the Korean drama, most of its questions are wrapped up, before a surprise cameo, ensuring that Netflix's biggest IP could make its way to familiar shores. Below, read on for our breakdown of the ending of Squid Game season 3.

Does Jun-hee (Player 222) die in 'Squid Game' season 3?

Gi-hun might have been the linchpin of Squid Game season 2, but the most pivotal character of season 3 is a literal newborn. After Jun-hee (Player 222, played by Jo Yu-ri) entered the game pregnant in the previous installment, her baby is born during the homicidal Hide and Seek game that opens season 3. (Who else got war flashbacks when they realized it was the same arena from Marbles?) In Squid Game's biggest suspension of disbelief across all three seasons, Geum-ja (Player 149, played by Kang Ae-shim) can deliver Jun-hee's healthy baby as Hyun-ju (Player 120, played by Park Sung-hoon) guards them. Between Jun-hee's screams not luring out more attackers and the absence of a placenta, it's a medical miracle. (And it's a girl!)

Women never last long in Squid Game, so all three of my favorite characters soon meet their deaths. Right after Hyun-ju discovers the way out of the Hide and Seek maze, she's stabbed from behind by none other than the baby's father, Myung-gi (Player 333, played by Yim Si-wan). Geum-ja dies by suicide the next day, largely due to guilt after she killed her own son, Yong-sik (Player 007, played by Yang Dong-geun), to protect Jun-hee and the baby. And Jun-hee's as good as dead even before Hide and Seek ends, since she injured her ankle and can barely walk.

The second game of season 3 is Jump Rope, and Jun-hee can barely hop once, let alone down a bridge over a cavern. Gi-hun and her baby are the first to make it to the other side; Geum-ja had begged the former victor to help Jun-hee and the baby. Though both Gi-hun and Myung-gi want her to live, Jun-hee knows that carrying a grown person across the bridge is impossible. She ends the Jump Rope round by begging Gi-hun to take care of the baby, and then sacrifices herself, stepping off the ledge.

However, Jun-hee's death doesn't mean the end of Player 222's game. In a twist that instantly made me emotionally check out of the season, Front Man (In-ho, played by Lee Byung-hun) and the sadistic VIPs (yes they're back and the acting didn't get much better) decide that the less-than-a-day-old baby will take her mom's place and play as Player 222 in the final round. (Maybe I've just reached my overload on cruelty, but this was the point where I would've stopped watching if I weren't preparing to write this very piece.)

Does Myung-gi (Player 333) die in 'Squid Game' season 3?

After Myung-gi kills Hyun-ju, any love Jun-hee had left for her baby daddy promptly leaves her body. (Understandable.) He already proved in season 2 that his self-preservation can win out over well-meaning intentions, and she was never cool with him letting other people die to save her. (Remember Young-mi/Player 095's death during Mingle?) Before Hide and Seek, Jun-hee switched teams with Myung-gi and put herself in the more vulnerable Key team because he promised to protect her, but instead, he went on a murder rampage with Nam-gyu (Player 124, played by Roh Jae-won) that ended with him killing the person who did protect her. So it's no surprise when her last words to him before her Jump Rope sacrifice are, "That baby has nothing to do with trash like you."

At first, it's unclear how Myung-gi feels when his baby becomes Player 222. It's still a secret that he's the father, and every remaining player besides Gi-hun—and maybe high-as-a-kite Min-su (Player 125, played by Lee David)—wants to kill the infant and increase the pot. However, in season 3, Squid Game's final game, called Sky Squid Game, has different rules. Instead of just one victor, whoever's left standing will split the pot amongst them. After hearing that, and sneaking a glance at his baby, Myung-gi votes to continue the competition.

Sky Squid Game takes place across three massive pillars shaped like a circle, a triangle, and a square. One player must die for the remainder to progress to the next tower; after all three, the survivors split the pot. Myung-gi quickly teams up with the rest of the circle voters; however, they immediately want to eliminate the child, so he manipulates them into targeting another player for the first round. (R.I.P. Min-su.)

He tries to do the same in the second round, coming up with a plan to get the baby away from Gi-hun and then push Gi-hun off, but once he breaks the circle pact by pushing one of the men off instead of Gi-hun, he finally reveals to everyone that he's the baby's dad. For a brief moment, it seems to be Gi-hun, Myung-gi, and the baby versus everyone else, but then all of the remaining circle men attacked them. Gi-hun stabs one to protect the baby, and Myung-gi and his pole kill Player 100 (finally) out of greed. By the end of episode 5, Myung-gi, Gi-hun, and the baby are the only players left standing, with one round remaining.

Does Gi-hun (Player 456) die in 'Squid Game' season 3?

In season 3's finale, Myung-gi goes full neutral-evil and turns against his child. He tries to stop Gi-hun from crossing the bridge to the final pillar, so he can kill the baby and take the entire pot in the final round. The younger man assumes that Gi-hun plans to kill him and the baby and take all the money, not knowing that Gi-hun is the last person to screw the baby over. He also accuses Gi-hun of knowing Jun-hee before the game (or maybe even hooking up with her), not understanding how Gi-hun could care about her so much after just meeting her in the facility. (Chivalry is dead.)

Gi-hun acts like he's accepting death, giving the baby to Gi-hun, but he instead jumps off the pillar to the last bridge with a knife. The finale becomes another showdown between Gihun and an inherently selfish man (shout out to Sang-woo/Player 218), which ends with Myung-gi falling to his death as a dangling Gi-hun holds on to the ledge of the pillar. There's a beat when you wonder if Gi-hun has fully succumbed to the dark side, as he starts the final round and holds the baby while standing on the edge of the pillar, but instead Gi-hun remains the hero. He kisses the baby, puts her down, and looks directly into the camera, at both us and the Front Man and soldiers. "We are not horses. We are humans. Humans are..." He trails off as he leans back, dropping to his death.

Who is the winner in 'Squid Game' season 3?

So, that's it: Player 222, Jun-hee and Myung-gi's newborn baby girl, wins the Squid Game. She gets out of the facility alive and her rightful winnings of 45.6 billion won (about $33.5 million). Her parents (both biological and surrogate) may be dead, but she ends season 3 with a very familiar guardian.

Two non-game subplots continued in season 3: Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) searching for the island, and pink guard No-eul (Park Gyu-young) trying to escape with Gyeong-seok (Player 246, played by Lee Jin-wook). At the start of the finale, Jun-ho finds Gyeong-seok's escape boat and summons the coast guard before finally returning to the Front Man's facility. (Reminder, Front Man's real name is In-ho, and he's Jun-ho's brother.) Right as the game ends, In-ho evacuates the facility and goes to collect the baby. Jun-ho finds him in the arena and confronts his brother, but he can't bring himself to shoot him, and In-ho just leaves with the baby without even a look.

After everyone escapes the facility alive—In-ho, Jun-ho, the workers, and, assumedly, the VIPs—all the buildings on the island explode. There's a rather poetic shot of the explosions in Gi-hun's dead eyes. After all, he succeeded. He brought the end of the games. We also see the coast guard ship pulling up as every bit of evidence explodes, so all the people in charge will get off scot-free. (Of course they will.)

Sometime after the end of the competition, Jun-ho gets home to his apartment and finds a gift waiting: Jun-hee's baby, tucked into the Player 222 hoodie, and the bank card with all her winnings. Since Jun-ho isn't terrible, it seems that he'll become the baby's new dad, which will give him a new purpose after the game hunt. (We're wishing them all the best.)

Who survives in 'Squid Game' season 3?

First off, No-eul and Gyeong-seok survive! While the latter was getting patched up by the coast guard, the former had returned to the facility to kill her boss (not the Front Man, the guy directly under him) and destroy the player files so no one could come after Gyeong-seok or his daughter, Na-yeon. No-eul had planned to shoot herself after torching the files, but she ends up seeing Gi-hun's sacrifice. It reminds her of her daughter back in North Korea, and in the scene following the explosion, we see that she got out in time.

No-eul returns to the theme park where she used to work. Gyeong-seok is drawing her portrait; he has no idea who she is, but he senses that he knows her. She also sees that Na-yeon is healthy now. As she leaves the park, the broker from season 2 calls her and tells her that they may have found her daughter.

As previously stated, Jun-ho and the baby are alive and rich. Former mob lackey Woo-seok (Jeon Seok-ho) gets out of prison and takes over the Pink Hotel. (Earlier in the season, he had been arrested for breaking into Captain Park's house and discovering that he was the Front Man's spy.) Also, in a lovely tie-in from season 1, Sae-byeok's (Jung Ho-yeon) brother and Sang-woo's mother return! The broker brings Sae-byeok's mom to South Korea, and she reunites with her son on the same day that No-eul departs the country to find her daughter. It is a bit sad to think that over three seasons of a show with such a big ensemble, the surviving major characters can be counted on two hands.