As expected for the first week of July, the new OTT releases this week fit well with the theme of 'firsts'. From the 'first' dating challenge of those who are completely inexperienced in romance, to the 'first' series directed by a world-renowned master, and the adaptation journey of an associate lawyer about to start their 'first' job, viewers will encounter many passionate individuals embarking on their first experiences. Additionally, the chemistry between Yoo Hae-jin and Lee Je-hoon is sure to make the weekend at home even more enjoyable.
Better Late Than Single – The Struggles of Those Challenging the Impossibility of Romance!
Streaming: Netflix
Release Date: July 8 (Tuesday) / Suitable for ages 12 and over
Running Time: 10 episodes
Cast: Seo In-guk, Kang Han-na, Lee Eun-ji, Car the Garden, and others
#KoreanVariety #Reality #NetflixOriginal #Romance #Single
Though they have no experience, those who desperately want to date are given a final chance (?). Netflix's original variety show <Better Late Than Single> is a reality show that helps inexperienced singles navigate their first romantic experiences. Everything may be clumsy, but the heartfelt and earnest challenges of these dating novices are portrayed in an engaging manner, drawing the interest of subscribers. The lineup of those coaching and supporting these dating beginners is impressive. Known as 'veteran matchmakers', Seo In-guk, Kang Han-na, Lee Eun-ji, and Car the Garden will appear, adding to the fun with their over-the-top reactions.
<Better Late Than Single> differs from previous dating programs in several ways. The cast does not include those who flirt incessantly with their partners. Instead, it features those who are painfully shy and unable to utter a word to their crushes. Perhaps that’s why? Their heartfelt confessions, made with all the courage they can muster, resonate with viewers. The program even adds a 'makeover' concept. Various events are prepared to transform the appearance and inner selves of the single participants, allowing viewers to witness their astonishing transformations. Will the inexperienced dating novices of <Better Late Than Single> be able to turn the impossibility of romance into reality?
Flowers – Wong Kar-wai's First Series, An Invitation to 1990s Shanghai
Streaming: Watcha, Wavve, Tving
Release Date: July 8 (Tuesday) / -
Running Time: 30 episodes
Cast: Hu Ge, Mai Li, Tang Yan, and others
#ChineseDrama #PeriodDrama
The first TV series by world-renowned director Wong Kar-wai lands on Korean OTT platforms. <Flowers> is set in 1990s Shanghai, telling the story of a poor young man, A Bao, who dives into the world of capital and grows into a millionaire. Throughout this journey, he becomes entangled with three women: Ling Zi, Miss Wang, and Li Li, exploring themes of love and desire while depicting the character's transformation in depth.
<Flowers> has garnered significant attention as Wong Kar-wai's first series direction. Known for his unique narratives and captivating visual style in films like <Chungking Express>, <Happy Together>, and <In the Mood for Love>, Wong Kar-wai brings the lonely inner lives of characters to life behind the success story of an ordinary young man. The perfect recreation of 1990s Shanghai is also noteworthy. To achieve realism, the set was constructed to be nearly identical in size to the actual locations, with meticulous attention to detail, including neon signs and the patterns of hotel floors. Having won the Best Creative Award at the Asia Content Awards & Global OTT Awards during the Busan International Film Festival, Wong Kar-wai's <Flowers> showcases a level of quality comparable to his films and will be available on various OTT platforms starting July 8.
Seocho-dong – The Wise Lawyer's Life
Streaming: Tving, Disney+
Release Date: July 5 (Saturday) / Suitable for ages 15 and over
Running Time: 12 episodes
Cast: Lee Jong-suk, Moon Ga-young, Kang Yu-seok, Ryu Hye-young, Lim Sung-jae, and others
#KoreanDrama #tvNDrama #Legal #Office
<Seocho-dong> depicts the cheerful and passionate growth of five associate lawyers (lawyers employed by law firms) who commute daily to the Seocho-dong legal town. Directed by Park Seung-woo and written by Lee Seung-hyun, who have previously created intriguing worlds in <Kairos>, <Amadas>, and <W>, this drama promises to incorporate various stories from the real-life experiences of a practicing lawyer.
Lee Jong-suk, returning to drama after a long time since <Big Mouth>, plays the role of Ahn Joo-hyung, anchoring the story as a professional who has worked in the Seocho-dong legal town for nine years. Moon Ga-young, known for her excellent performances in <Understanding of Love> and <True Beauty>, takes on the role of rookie associate lawyer Kang Hee-ji, portraying the relatable struggles of a newcomer in the workplace. Kang Yu-seok, from <Socks of the Heart> and <Someday, the Wise Doctor's Life>, Ryu Hye-young from <Law School> and <Reply 1988>, and Lim Sung-jae from <Hell Season 2> and <Gangnam B-side> also join the cast, enriching the stories of associate lawyers. <Seocho-dong> promises to be filled with intense legal battles as well as the delightful nuances of an office drama, premiering on tvN at 9:20 PM on July 5 before being released on Tving and Disney+.
Soju War – The Alcoholic Chemistry of Yoo Hae-jin X Lee Je-hoon
Streaming: Coupang Play
Release Date: July 4 (Friday) to July 6 (Sunday) / Suitable for ages 15 and over
Running Time: 104 minutes
Cast: Yoo Hae-jin, Lee Je-hoon, Son Hyun-joo, Choi Young-jun, and others
#KoreanFilm #TrueStory #Office #IMF
<Soju War> is set during the 1997 IMF financial crisis, telling the story of Chief Financial Officer Jong-rok, whose life revolves around a soju company, and In-beom, an employee of a global investment firm who only pursues results, as they clash over the fate of soju for the Korean people. Yoo Hae-jin and Lee Je-hoon team up for the first time to lead the film.
Given its IMF backdrop, <Soju War> vividly depicts the fierce survival of a massive soju company on the brink of bankruptcy. The intense conflict between Jong-rok, who wants to protect the company, and In-beom, who seeks to exploit the situation for profit, unfolds dramatically. Based on real events, the film excels in its realism and descriptive power. The evolving bromance between the trusted actors Yoo Hae-jin and Lee Je-hoon, who become complete adversaries, further enhances the immersion. The film skillfully weaves the sweet yet bitter taste of soju into its narrative arc. After its theatrical release, <Soju War> will be available for free to Coupang Play subscribers from July 4 to 6.
Taylor Content Editor Hong Seon
