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 lifelong singles with zero dating experience, to the 'first' series directed by a world-renowned master, to 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 even more enjoyable.
Better Late Than Single – The Struggles of Lifelong Singles Challenging the Impossible of Love!
Streaming: Netflix
Release Date: July 8 (Tuesday) / Rated 12+
Running Time: 10 Episodes
Cast: Seo In-guk, Kang Han-na, Lee Eun-ji, Car the Garden, and others
#KoreanVariety #Reality #NetflixOriginal #Love #LifelongSingle
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 lifelong singles who are clumsy at dating embark on their first romantic journey. Everything is awkward, but that makes the challenges of these dating novices even more endearing, 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 appear, adding 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, clumsy yet sincere, move the hearts of viewers. The program even adds a 'makeover' concept. Various events are prepared to transform the appearance and inner selves of the lifelong singles, allowing viewers to witness their amazing transformations. Can the inexperienced dating novices of <Better Late Than Single> turn the impossible of love 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. <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 much attention as Wong Kar-wai's first series direction, representing Asia. With unique narratives and captivating visual styles in films like <Chungking Express>, <Happy Together>, and <In the Mood for Love>, Wong Kar-wai captures the lonely inner lives of characters behind the success story of an ordinary young man in <Flowers>. 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 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) / Rated 15+
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 to the Seocho-dong legal town every day. Directed by Park Seung-woo and written by Lee Seung-hyun, who have created intriguing worlds in <Kairos>, <Amadas>, and <W>, they join forces for this project. Notably, Lee Seung-hyun, a real-life lawyer, will incorporate various stories from their experiences in the legal field into the drama.
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, who has delivered great 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 workforce. Kang Yu-seok from <Socks of the World> and <Someday, the Wise Resident'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, enriching the stories of associate lawyers. <Seocho-dong> is filled with intense legal battles as well as the subtle humor of an office drama, and it is set to premiere on tvN at 9:20 PM on July 5, followed by releases 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)~6 (Sunday) / Rated 15+
Running Time: 104 Minutes
Cast: Yoo Hae-jin, Lee Je-hoon, Son Hyun-joo, Choi Young-jun, and others
#KoreanFilm #BasedOnTrueStory #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 giant soju company on the brink of bankruptcy. In this process, the conflict between Jong-rok, who wants to protect the company, and In-beom, who seeks to exploit the situation for profit, intensifies. Based on real events, the film excels in its realism and descriptive power. Additionally, the bromance between the trusted actors Yoo Hae-jin and Lee Je-hoon, who become complete adversaries, enhances the immersion. The film skillfully weaves the sweet yet bitter taste of soju into its narrative structure. 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
