943 King’s Cross Cafe: A Harry Potter-Themed Cafe in Seoul, Korea

Food September 01, 2026

I became a wizard for a day… 🧙‍♀️✨

People know me as a huge enthusiast of Korean culture, but little did they know that I’m also a huge Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and MCU fan. I don’t even know if I’ve ever posted anything about them on this blog, but if you’re reading this now, well… you know!

So, what does that have to do with Korea?

Well, I got to visit a Harry Potter-themed cafe in Seoul, and of course, I had to share the experience with you. So, if you’re a fellow Potterhead who loves Korea, you might want to add this place to your Seoul itinerary!

Note: I visited 943 King’s Cross Cafe in 2024, so some details, prices, opening hours, or other information may have changed since my visit. The photos in this post are also from 2024.

About 943 King's Cross Cafe in Hongdae

943 King’s Cross Cafe is a Harry Potter-inspired cafe located in Hongdae, Seoul. If you’re looking for a Harry Potter-themed cafe in Seoul, this is definitely one of the places you’ll want to check out.

The cafe is designed to give visitors a magical, Hogwarts-inspired experience. What I particularly liked is that each floor has a different theme, so you can explore the cafe and choose an area where you’d like to sit.

It really does give you that Hogwarts vibe!

During my visit in 2024, drinks and desserts were around ₩6,000 to ₩25,000, depending on what you order. It’s definitely on the pricier side compared to a regular cafe in Seoul, but as a Potterhead, I think the experience makes it worth considering.

Address:

서울 마포구 양화로16길 24 B1층~4

Opening Hours:

Weekdays: 11:30 AM-9:30 PM

Friday-Sunday: 10:00 AM-9:30 PM

Magic Show:

Magic performances were held every Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM.

My Experience with 943 King's Cross Cafe

As a Potterhead, I can tell you that I really enjoyed my experience at 943 King’s Cross Cafe, even though it is quite an expensive cafe.

I went there with my friend, Uldana, and we decided to sit in the Common Room-themed area.

I loved the atmosphere because it reminded me of the cozy Hogwarts scenes from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It had that warm, magical feeling that made me feel like I had stepped into the wizarding world for a little while.

And honestly, that's exactly what I was hoping for when I visited a Harry Potter-themed cafe in Korea.

You Can Wear a Hogwarts House Robe

One of my favorite parts of the experience was discovering that there were Hogwarts house robes available for visitors to wear for free.

Of course, I had to try one!

I wore the Ravenclaw robe because, well… that's the house I was originally sorted into. 😂

Although, now that I think about it, I’m not entirely sure if I’m still a Ravenclaw. Maybe I need to take the sorting quiz again.

But for that day, Ravenclaw it was.

Food and Drinks at 943 King’s Cross Cafe

We also ordered some drinks and dessert during our visit. (Of course, it's required to order first before you enter the cafe)

Everything we tried was good and definitely worth trying, although I still remember looking at other cakes and wishing I had enough money to order one. If only I had more money! 😂

But that's okay. It just gives me another reason to come back next time. And maybe next time, I'll finally get that cake.

Is 943 King’s Cross Cafe Worth Visiting?

If you're a Harry Potter fan visiting Seoul, I definitely recommend adding 943 King’s Cross Cafe to your itinerary, especially if you're already planning to explore Hongdae.

The cafe isn't just about getting a drink or dessert. The different themed floors, Hogwarts-inspired atmosphere, and house robes make it feel more like an experience than a regular cafe visit.

Of course, keep in mind that prices can be higher than your typical Korean cafe. But if you're a Potterhead like me, I think the chance to spend a few hours pretending you're at Hogwarts is worth it.

So, if you're visiting Seoul and you're a Potterhead, make sure to drop by 943 King’s Cross Cafe in Hongdae!

And if you visit, don't forget to wear your Hogwarts house robe.

Share |

Being an Idol for a Day: BRH Project Experience

BeautyFashion August 27, 2026

My dream of becoming an idol happened... but not the way you expected it to be.

Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of becoming an idol.

I imagined myself standing on stage, performing in front of thousands of people, and interacting with fans. I loved the idea of performing so much that, for a while, I genuinely thought becoming a singer might be the path I would take.

Well… that didn't exactly happen.

Instead of becoming an idol, I became a fangirl.

But in a more professional take, I ended up going in almost the complete opposite direction. I started working behind the camera instead of in front of it, eventually studying film production and directing short films.

It's funny how life works sometimes. You don't necessarily stop loving your childhood dreams. You just end up finding a completely different way to live them.

But somewhere deep inside me, I still had that little dream of being on stage.

At 30, I figured it might be a little late to pursue an actual idol career. So instead of taking that dream too seriously, I decided to have a little fun with it.

I booked an idol-inspired photoshoot in the Philippines. And honestly? I'm really glad I did.

BRH Project: An Idol Debut Photoshoot in Makati

I discovered BRH Project while scrolling through TikTok. Their account appeared on my For You Page, and I saw that they offered an IDOL Debut Stage concept photoshoot.

Since I was planning to be in the Philippines for my birthday, I immediately thought, "Why not?" I decided to treat it as a little birthday gift to myself.

BRH Project is located in Makati and booking the photoshoot was very easy through their online booking platform. For my photoshoot, I booked their IDOL Debut Stage Package, which was listed at ₱7,000 at the time of my booking.

The package includes edited and printed photos, as well as idol-inspired merchandise such as a mini album and photocards.

Basically, the whole experience is designed to make you feel like you're debuting as an idol which was exactly what I wanted.

What to Expect From the BRH Project Idol Photoshoot

One of the things I appreciated about the experience was that I didn't have to prepare much beforehand.

You don't necessarily need to bring your own clothes or prepare an elaborate concept. BRH Project has outfits available for you to choose from, along with makeup services. Of course, if you already have a specific outfit, styling, or concept in mind, you can also bring your own things.

In my case, I didn't really have a specific concept prepared. I just showed up with my friend, aka my manager. She was very supportive throughout the whole experience, basically doing her job as my idol manager for the day.

When I arrived, I filled out the necessary details and chose my outfit. After that, I sat down for makeup.

And honestly, I loved how the makeup turned out.

I didn't have any specific makeup inspiration to show them, so I mostly let the staff do their thing. I think that was actually the best decision because it allowed them to create the look they thought would work best for the concept.

Once the makeup and styling were done, it was time for the actual photoshoot.

My Experience: Pretending to Be an Idol

This was probably the most interesting part of the entire experience for me.

I'm used to being behind the camera.

As a filmmaker, I'm much more comfortable thinking about the composition, directing actors, checking the framing, and worrying about what's happening on the other side of the lens.

This time, I was the subject.

And I was nervous.

I felt awkward. I wasn't completely sure what to do with my body. And at one point, I was genuinely wondering if booking this photoshoot had been a terrible idea. But eventually, I just decided to stop overthinking it.

I pretended I was an idol. And somehow, that worked.

The staff were also really kind throughout the photoshoot. They encouraged me, gave me directions, and kept hyping me up when I was feeling shy. That actually helped me loosen up and become more comfortable in front of the camera.

And ironically, the experience also taught me something as a director.

I really need to hype my actors more.

When you're directing someone who isn't used to being in front of a camera, they can easily become self-conscious or unsure of themselves. Having someone encourage you and tell you that you're doing well can make such a difference.

So while I went into this photoshoot thinking I was just going to pretend to be an idol, I somehow came out of it with a little lesson about directing too.

Choosing My Photos

After the photoshoot, I got to choose the photos I wanted to have edited. This was honestly harder than I expected. There were so many photos to choose from, and suddenly I had to become my own creative director.

Once I selected my favorites, the photos were edited and printed, and they were turned into the different products included in the package. Seeing the finished mini album, merchandise, and photocards was such a fun experience. It really did feel like I had my own little idol debut. And seeing the final results completely changed how I felt about the photoshoot.

Remember how I said I was questioning my decision halfway through?

Well… I ended up loving the photos.

Was the BRH Project Idol Photoshoot Worth It?

For me, yes.

This wasn't just about getting pretty photos.

I wanted to do something fun and slightly ridiculous for my 30th birthday. More importantly, I wanted to do something for the younger version of myself who once dreamed of becoming a singer.

Maybe I didn't become the idol she imagined. But for a few hours, I got to step into that dream. And I think that's pretty special.

I also found the experience reasonably priced compared with some of the photoshoot experiences I've seen here in South Korea, which made me even happier to see this kind of concept becoming available in the Philippines.

I'm really glad I decided to try it, and I would definitely love to visit BRH Project again the next time I'm back in the Philippines.

Mini Vlog

@annyeongruth POV: you finally got your idol debut… just a few years late 😂✨ I’ve always wondered what I would look like as an idol, so when I saw this concept on my FYP, I took it as a sign. 🤭 No mood board. No elaborate preparation. Just me, my “manager,” and a studio that somehow made me look like I have an actual debut scheduled. 😭 Would you book an idol photoshoot for your birthday? 📍 @BRH Project #BRHProject #KpopPhotoshoot #kpop ♬ cutie - Mofeny

If you're looking for an idol-inspired photoshoot in the Philippines, especially if you want to experience what it feels like to have your own K-pop-inspired debut concept, BRH Project is definitely a fun experience to consider.

And if you're like me and usually spend your time behind the camera…

Maybe it's time to step in front of it for a change. ✨

Share |

KMOVIE REVIEW: Colony (2026)

Entertainment May 23, 2026

What will you do if you're trapped inside a building with zombies that can communicate with each other?

Director Yeon Sang Ho, the mind behind Train to Busan, is back with another zombie film, Colony (군체). I still remember meeting the director during the Creative Asia event presented by Netflix and BIFF, where he talked about how zombies represent anxieties within Korean society. It reminded me that genre filmmaking can still carry deep cultural commentary while remaining entertaining.

The moment Showbox officially announced Colony, I was already excited. I absolutely loved Train to Busan. Although, to be honest, Peninsula was a no-no for me personally. On top of that, this film has a cast lineup that I genuinely love, so my expectations were already high from the beginning.

I also had high expectations because Showbox has been on a roll lately with films like The King's Warden and Salmokji. I honestly expected Colony to become another box-office hit.

Despite the mixed and often negative reactions from viewers who watched the film during the Cannes Film Festival premiere, I still wanted to watch it with my own expectations and opinions instead of relying solely on reviews.

What is Colony?

Title: Colony (군체)

Running Time: 2 hours and 2 minutes

Casts:

Jun Ji-hyun as Kwon Se-jeong

Koo Kyo-hwan as Seo Young-cheol

Ji Chang-wook as Choi Hyun-seok

Kim Shin-rok as Choi Hyun-hee

Shin Hyun-been as Kong Seol-hee

Go Soo as Han Kyu-seong

Plot: Colony is a fast-paced zombie thriller centered around a mysterious outbreak during a biotechnology conference. Unlike traditional zombies, the infected evolve collectively, becoming smarter as more people are infected. It almost feels like a constantly updating network.

My Thoughts About Colony

The “upgraded” zombie concept is honestly brilliant

This film introduces a completely different kind of zombie. Yes, people still turn once they get bitten, but the idea that the zombies can exchange information and be controlled as a collective makes them much more terrifying.

As explained in the film, their behavior closely resembles ants, which communicate through chemical signals called pheromones. But throughout the film, it was revealed also that once the leader or “controller” dies, the others stop functioning in the same way. That concept alone made the zombies feel smarter and more dangerous than the usual zombie films we see.

What made it even more interesting was how these zombies could mimic voices, read messages, and even type on computers. The audience in the cinema was laughing in disbelief at times because of how absurdly intelligent these zombies were, but at the same time everyone was genuinely impressed.

Another fun detail I learned from Na Young Seok’s interview with the cast and director was that professional contemporary dancers, actors, and stunt performers were brought together to create the zombies’ movements. Director Yeon explained that the choreography was inspired by genres like popping and breakdancing.

And honestly, you can really see that in the film. The zombies move in such strange and uncomfortable ways, with twisting bodies and sharp movements that feel very different from ordinary zombie films. Knowing that contemporary dancers were involved makes so much sense now.

I genuinely loved that creative decision.

Definitely a star-studded cast

I’ve always loved Jun Ji Hyun, so I was really happy she accepted this project. The same goes for Koo Kyo Hwan, who has honestly become one of my favorite actors recently, and Ji Chang Wook as well. I already liked most of the cast individually, so seeing them together in one film was exciting enough on its own.

Jun Ji Hyun plays Kwon Se Jeong, a biotechnology PhD who leads survivors using her scientific knowledge instead of relying on typical action-hero tropes. Koo Kyo Hwan portrays the mastermind behind the outbreak, a twisted scientist whose actions trigger the entire disaster. Ji Chang Wook plays a security guard trying to protect his wheelchair-bound older sister, played by Kim Shin Rock, while Shin Hyunbeen plays an outside researcher helping solve the crisis from beyond the quarantined building.

Also… Ji Chang Wook looked ridiculously good in this film.

If you were sitting beside me in the cinema, you probably would’ve heard me whispering “멋지다 (meosjida)” every few minutes. Especially during the hallway fight scene where he was stabbing zombies one by one. I honestly didn’t expect someone covered in zombie blood to still look that handsome, but here we are.

As for Koo Kyo Hwan, he once again proved how good he is even with subtle facial expressions and movements alone. I really, really like him as an actor. If I ever got the chance to work with him in the future, even though I know that’s basically impossible haha, I absolutely would.

I understand the negative reviews, but I don’t think the film is bad at all

Because I was genuinely interested in Colony, I spent a lot of time reading reviews from people who watched it during Cannes. To be honest, many of them were negative, and I started worrying that this would turn into another Peninsula, which I personally did not enjoy at all.

But after finally watching the film myself, I can confidently say this: Colony is definitely not on the same level as Train to Busan, but it is still far better than Peninsula.

Before anything else, I also want to clarify something because I’ve seen misinformation spreading online: Colony is NOT connected to the timeline of Train to Busan or Peninsula. It is a completely separate world and story. I saw some people calling it a prequel, which is simply not true. Please, let’s be more careful with the information we share online lol.

The reason I don’t think Colony reaches the same level as Train to Busan is because this film focuses much more on the zombie concept itself, especially the collective intelligence and information-sharing, rather than fully developing the emotional arcs of the characters.

Train to Busan succeeded because it balanced both the zombie action and the emotional storytelling perfectly. Colony, meanwhile, had several moments that could have become emotionally powerful scenes, but they never fully landed for me.

I’ll be honest: I personally struggled to emotionally connect with most of the characters.

Ji Chang Wook and Kim Shin Rock’s sibling relationship had so much potential to become the emotional heart of the film, but the emotional payoff felt slightly incomplete. I wasn’t heartbroken. I felt more “아쉽다.” Like the film came very close to something amazing but didn’t fully reach it.

Ironically, I found myself more invested in Jun Ji Hyun and Shin Hyunbeen’s relationship, even though they barely shared scenes together. Their connection felt more naturally developed throughout the story.

Overall Thoughts

Despite the criticisms, I still think Colony is worth watching in theaters. It delivers the tension and thrill you expect from a zombie film, and the story itself is easy to follow while still introducing fresh ideas to the genre.

Personally, this is very much my kind of film.

I’m honestly happy that Director Yeon Sang Ho managed to bounce back after Peninsula (yes, I’ll keep mentioning how disappointed I was with that movie haha). This film reminded me again why he became one of Korea’s most recognizable directors in the zombie genre.

I’m also really excited to rewatch Colony during the stage greeting event because I genuinely want to see the cast in person soon. I’ll definitely update this post once that happens.

Share |

Puradak Chicken Review: IU’s Chicken in Perfect Crown

Food April 26, 2026

My Favorite Chicken Place in Korea: Puradak Chicken (Yes, the One IU Ate in Perfect Crown)

If there’s one thing I will never say no to in South Korea, it’s fried chicken.

Korean fried chicken just hits differently and among all the chicken brands I’ve tried while living here in Busan, one of my absolute favorites is Puradak Chicken.

So while watching the K-drama Perfect Crown (formerly known as The 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife), I immediately got excited when I saw IU’s character Huiju eating chicken from a very familiar brand.

The moment it appeared in Episode 1, I already knew exactly what it was. It was Puradak Chicken.

And when it showed up again in Episode 5, I felt even more validated because honestly, if IU is eating Puradak Chicken, then clearly my taste is correct.

Why Puradak Chicken Appears in Perfect Crown

For those who may not know, IU became the model for Puradak Chicken in 2025 as part of the brand’s 10th anniversary campaign.

That’s why many viewers noticed Puradak being featured in the drama. It’s part of the brand partnership and promotion connected to IU.

As someone who already loved Puradak long before this drama aired, seeing it on screen felt like a personal win. Like yes, everyone, please understand my obsession.

What Flavor Did IU Eat in Perfect Crown?

Puradak Chicken has a lot of chicken flavors on their menu, so if you visit, you’ll definitely have plenty of choices.

But my personal favorite - and the same flavor that appeared in the drama - is the Chili & Mayo Chicken (고추마요 치킨).

This is the kind of chicken that makes you think, “I’ll just eat one piece,” and then suddenly half the box is gone. It has that perfect balance of crispy fried chicken, creamy mayonnaise flavor, and a slightly spicy kick. It’s rich, flavorful, and dangerously addictive.

Honestly, this is my comfort chicken meal.

My Order at Puradak Chicken

Because I was craving it so badly, I recently went again with my friend Uldana.

When ordering, you can choose between: Bone-in chicken and Boneless chicken

Personally, I always go for the boneless version because I believe peace, happiness, and convenience come from not fighting with chicken bones.

For the boneless Gochu Mayo Chicken, our order cost 24,900 KRW. If you choose the bone-in version, it costs around 21,900 KRW.

Where to Find Puradak Chicken in Korea

The good thing about Puradak Chicken is that there are many branches all over South Korea, so it’s very accessible whether you’re in Seoul, Busan, or other cities.

The easiest way to find one is simply by searching: 푸라닭치킨 or Puradak Chicken on apps like Naver Map, KakaoMap and Google Maps.

I'm not quite sure if there is Puradak Chicken in the Philippines but if there is then make sure to try!

Final Thoughts

@annyeongruth When you craved for the chicken that Huiju is eating in #PerfectCrown So I went to Puradak Chicken and ordered Chili & Mayonnaise Chicken ✨ #kdrama #21세기대군부인 #puradakchicken #disneyplusph ♬ My Pace - BIBI

There are many chicken brands in Korea, but Puradak Chicken remains one of my top favorites. Maybe it’s because the Chili & Mayo Chicken is just that good. Maybe it’s because IU is now part of the agenda.

Maybe both.

Either way, if you’re visiting Korea and want to try a fried chicken brand that locals genuinely love (not just because of K-drama placement but because it’s actually delicious), Puradak is definitely worth trying.

And if you end up ordering the Chili & Mayo flavor… just know I fully support your life choices.

Share |

Seoul to Busan (and Vice Versa): Best Transportation Options for Every Budget

Lifestyle April 22, 2026

Since a lot of my friends have been asking me about this topic recently, I finally decided to turn it into a full blog post because I also know that a lot of tourists will eventually ask the same question when planning their Korea trip.

Aside from Seoul, Busan is one of the most popular cities that tourists really want to visit. And while most people immediately think of taking the KTX when traveling between the two cities, the reality is that your schedule and budget don’t always match that option perfectly.

So in this blog, I’ll be sharing all the transportation options you can take from Seoul to Busan (and vice versa), including some personal insights so you can decide what works best for you.

🚆 Train Options (Most Popular Choice)

Let’s start with the most common way to travel, which is by train. But here’s something that not everyone knows. There are actually three different types of trains that you can take, depending on your budget and how much time you have.

KTX (Korea Train Express)

Photo from Wikipedia

The KTX is the fastest and most convenient option for traveling between Seoul and Busan, which is why it is the most popular choice among both locals and tourists.

From Seoul Station to Busan Station, the travel time usually ranges from 2 hours and 30 minutes to around 3 hours, depending on the type of KTX train that you book.

You might notice that some trips are slightly faster than others, and that’s mainly because:

- Some KTX trains are direct or semi-direct with fewer stops

- Others make more stops along the way, which adds a bit more time

💸 Price:

Economy: 48,800 – 59,800 KRW

First Class: ~83,700 KRW

If you want to secure your seat ahead of time, especially during weekends or peak travel days, I highly recommend booking in advance through Klook, since tickets can sell out pretty quickly.

Pros:

- Fastest and most convenient train option

- Very comfortable and tourist-friendly

- Frequent schedules throughout the day

Cons:

- More expensive compared to other trains

- Can sell out quickly if you don’t book early

ITX-Saemaeul

Photo from Wikipedia

The ITX-Saemaeul is a great alternative if you want something more affordable than the KTX but still relatively comfortable.

The journey usually takes around 4.5 to 5.5 hours, which is longer, but still manageable if you’re not in a rush.

💸 Price: Around 40,000 KRW

Pros:

- More budget-friendly than KTX

- Comfortable seats and decent travel experience

Cons:

- Longer travel time

- Less frequent schedules compared to KTX

Mugunghwa Train

Photo from Wikipedia

The Mugunghwa is the most budget-friendly train option, making it ideal if you’re really trying to save money during your trip.

However, since it stops at many stations along the way, the travel time can take around 5.5 to 6 hours, which is definitely something to consider.

💸 Price: Around 26,000 KRW

I’ve personally taken this train multiple times, and while the seats are honestly still okay and comfortable enough, the long travel time can feel a bit tiring, especially if you have a packed schedule.

Pros:

- Cheapest train option available

- Good for travelers on a tight budget

Cons:

- Longest travel time

- More stops, which makes the journey feel slower

🚌 Bus (Best for Flexibility)

Photo from Youtrip

Another great option that a lot of people consider is taking the bus, especially if you want more flexibility with your schedule.

There are many buses going between Seoul and Busan, and the price usually depends on whether you choose a standard or premium bus, as well as the time of your trip.

💸 Price: 30,000 – 60,000 KRW

⏱️ Travel time: Around 4 hours (can vary depending on traffic)

One of the biggest advantages of taking the bus is the availability of night buses, which usually depart between midnight to around 2AM, allowing you to arrive early in the morning.

If you’re planning a late night in the city and still want to head back right after, this is actually a very convenient option. You can also reserve bus tickets in advance through Klook, which I recommend because they do get sold out pretty fast.

From personal experience, I often take the bus going to Seoul and back to Busan because there’s a bus stop near my place, and the seats are honestly really comfortable, especially if you choose the premium option.

Pros:

- Flexible schedules, including late-night options

- Comfortable seating (especially premium buses)

- Multiple departure locations

Cons:

- No onboard toilet

- Depends on traffic conditions

- Requires a rest stop break midway

✈️ Airplane (Fast but Overlooked)

Photo from Wikipedia

This is something that a lot of tourists don’t immediately consider, but yes. You can also fly between Seoul and Busan via Gimhae International Airport.

The flight itself takes less than an hour, making it technically the fastest option.

💸 Price: Sometimes as low as 35,000 KRW (with baggage included)

However, flights are usually limited to specific time slots, often early in the morning or later in the evening, so you really have to plan around those schedules.

Personally, if I can get a flight for around 35,000 KRW, I would definitely choose the airplane because it’s fast and sometimes even cheaper than other options. But I really need to keep an eye on the prices since those deals are not always available.

Pros:

- Fastest travel time overall

- Can be cheaper than KTX if you find a good deal

- Includes baggage allowance

Cons:

- Limited flight schedules

- Requires extra time for airport check-in and transfers

- Less flexible compared to trains or buses

💭 Overall Thoughts: Which Should You Take?

At the end of the day, the best transportation option really depends on your priority whether it’s time, budget, or convenience.

If you want the most convenient overall experience, then KTX is still the best choice
If you want to save money but still be comfortable, then ITX-Saemaeul is a good alternative
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind the long ride, then Mugunghwa is the way to go
If you want flexibility, especially for late-night travel, then the bus is a very practical option
And if you’re lucky enough to find a cheap flight deal, then flying can honestly be the best value

For me, I usually switch between KTX and the bus depending on my schedule, but I always check flight prices just in case I can score that 35,000 KRW deal.

No matter which option you choose, traveling between Seoul and Busan is actually very convenient, and each option has its own advantages depending on your travel style.

Share |

KMOVIE REVIEW: Rebound (2023)

Entertainment April 18, 2026

Rebound (2023) Review: A Fangirl’s Take on This Inspiring Korean Basketball Film

Rebound is that kind of film that reminds you that in the end, it’s the determination in your heart that truly matters.

I honestly feel so lucky that I got to watch Rebound during a stage greeting. To be very real, even as a film student, I haven’t been keeping up with the latest releases lately. My mind has just been all over the place.

But then I saw on Twitter that Rebound was having a guest visit while I was in Seoul… and I immediately booked a ticket. No thoughts. No research. Just vibes.

The only thing I knew? Jinwoon from 2AM was part of the cast.

And honestly, as someone who loves basketball and inspirational stories? This was such a perfect match.

About Rebound

Title: Rebound (리바운드)

Running Time: 2 hours and 2 minutes

Casts:

Ahn Jae-Hong as Kang Yang-Hyun

Lee Sin-Young as Cheon Ki-Beom

Jinwoon as Bae Kyu-Hyeok

Kim Taek as Hong Soon-Kyu

Jung Gun-Joo as Jung Gang-Ho

Kim Min as Heo Jae Yoon

Ahn Ji-Ho as Jung Jin Wook

Plot: Based on a true story, a new and inexperienced coach takes over a struggling high school basketball team on the verge of disbandment. With no substitutes and everything stacked against them, he leads six misfit players to the National High School Basketball Tournament.

Thoughts about Rebound

Sports + Inspirational Themes = Always a Win

I love sports films, especially when they’re mixed with an inspirational theme. If you ever ask me about my favorite anime, chances are I’ll say something sports-related.

What I loved about Rebound is how it shows people pushing beyond their limits just to keep doing what they love. Yes, winning is great. Everyone wants that. But this film hits differently because it focuses more on giving your best, even when everything around you feels limited.

Their struggles felt real. Their determination felt earned. And that’s what made them stand out on the court.

The “Wait… This Is Real?!” Moment

Going into this film blindly was actually the best decision ever. I didn’t even know it was based on a true story. And the craziest part? The story is based on a team from Busan… where I currently live. That made everything feel so much closer to me.

The moment they showed the real photos of the players at the end, I literally had a “Woah…” moment in the cinema. That alone made me love the film even more.

I Just Wish There Was More

Okay, here’s my honest fangirl/film student brain talking… I wish they added a bit more depth outside of the games. Maybe make it longer? Or even turn it into a series (lol yes, I’m dreaming big here).

Even though it’s over 2 hours long, it somehow felt short to me. There were characters I wanted to know more about especially the one played by Ahn Ji-ho. His storyline felt a bit underexplored after his injury.

If that cannot be done, I think a good alternative would be developing deeper the characters played by Lee Sin-young and Jinwoon especially since the focus leaned toward them.

That said, this doesn’t take away from how much I liked the film. It just means it could have easily become one of my all-time favorites with a bit more emotional depth.

Same Director as The King’s Warden?!

I later found out that the director of Rebound is also behind The King's Warden which explains why it was re-released in cinemas after that film became such a hit in Korea.

And honestly? I’m so glad it was. Because I got to watch it on the big screen and see the actors in person. Not everyone gets that kind of fangirl moment

Overall Thoughts

Rebound is such a fun and meaningful watch.

It has comedy, sports, and that motivational energy that just hits you at the right time. It reminded me that even if things don’t turn out exactly how you expected, as long as your heart is in the right place and you give your best, something good will come out of it.

The team in the film didn’t win the championship but their journey led them to better opportunities, like being recruited by bigger teams.

And honestly… that’s such a comforting thought. As long as you’re doing your best and enjoying what you do, your efforts won’t go unnoticed.

I think I needed that reminder too.

Share |

Pages

943 King’s Cross Cafe: A Harry Potter-Themed Cafe in Seoul, Korea

I became a wizard for a day… 🧙‍♀️✨

About 943 King's Cross Cafe in Hongdae

My Experience with 943 King's Cross Cafe

You Can Wear a Hogwarts House Robe

Food and Drinks at 943 King’s Cross Cafe

Is 943 King’s Cross Cafe Worth Visiting?

Being an Idol for a Day: BRH Project Experience

My dream of becoming an idol happened... but not the way you expected it to be.

BRH Project: An Idol Debut Photoshoot in Makati

What to Expect From the BRH Project Idol Photoshoot

My Experience: Pretending to Be an Idol

Choosing My Photos

Was the BRH Project Idol Photoshoot Worth It?

Mini Vlog

KMOVIE REVIEW: Colony (2026)

What will you do if you're trapped inside a building with zombies that can communicate with each other?

What is Colony?

My Thoughts About Colony

The “upgraded” zombie concept is honestly brilliant

Definitely a star-studded cast

I understand the negative reviews, but I don’t think the film is bad at all

Overall Thoughts

Puradak Chicken Review: IU’s Chicken in Perfect Crown

My Favorite Chicken Place in Korea: Puradak Chicken (Yes, the One IU Ate in Perfect Crown)

Why Puradak Chicken Appears in Perfect Crown

What Flavor Did IU Eat in Perfect Crown?

My Order at Puradak Chicken

Where to Find Puradak Chicken in Korea

Final Thoughts

Seoul to Busan (and Vice Versa): Best Transportation Options for Every Budget

🚆 Train Options (Most Popular Choice)

KTX (Korea Train Express)

ITX-Saemaeul

Mugunghwa Train

🚌 Bus (Best for Flexibility)

✈️ Airplane (Fast but Overlooked)

💭 Overall Thoughts: Which Should You Take?

KMOVIE REVIEW: Rebound (2023)

Rebound (2023) Review: A Fangirl’s Take on This Inspiring Korean Basketball Film

About Rebound

Thoughts about Rebound

Sports + Inspirational Themes = Always a Win

The “Wait… This Is Real?!” Moment

I Just Wish There Was More

Same Director as The King’s Warden?!

Overall Thoughts

About me

Follow Us

Support the fangirl journey

Like us on Facebook

Twitter

Popular Posts

Blog Archive

KLOOK