Dead-End Job: My Review of the First 4 Episodes at BIFF 2026

Entertainment October 18, 2026

Watching Netflix's Dead-End Job Before Its Official Release

Note: This review is based on the first four episodes of Dead-End Job, which I watched ahead of its official release at the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) 2026. I'll try my best not to spoil much, but I'll share my thoughts and experience watching the series early!

One of the highlights of my BIFF 2026 experience was getting to watch the first four episodes of Netflix's upcoming Korean series, Dead-End Job, before its official release!

I actually didn't know much about this series except for one thing: Lee Jaewook was going to play the main character. If you've read my previous blog posts, you probably already know that I'm a fan of Lee Jaewook. So, of course, I was excited to watch it!

Dead-End Job was selected for BIFF's On Screen section, and the first four episodes were screened ahead of its Netflix premiere on October 30, 2026.

BIFF also has a special session called Guest Visit (GV), where the cast and filmmakers meet the audience after a screening. Even though I knew Lee Jaewook was currently serving in the military, I still tried my luck and got a ticket for the screening with the Guest Visit.

And I'm glad I did because this turned out to be one of my favorite series screenings during BIFF!

What Is Dead-End Job About?

Dead-End Job follows Byeon Hyeok Jun (Lee Jaewook), a young man who is drowning in debt and desperately needs money. He eventually accepts a part-time job through a mysterious employment agency that offers an unbelievable salary: 50 times the usual hourly wage!

Sounds like a dream job, right? Well, not exactly.

His new job leads him into strange and frightening situations, combining comedy, horror, fantasy, and dark humor. With eight episodes featuring different jobs and challenges, there's always something new waiting for the characters.

The series also stars Kim Min Ha as Ji-yoon, Lee Hee Jun as the head of the mysterious employment agency, and Yoon Kyung Ho, with Choi Hyunwook making a special appearance.

My Early Thoughts on Dead-End Job

Comedic but Full of Jump Scares

As someone who went into the screening knowing almost nothing about the story, I honestly didn't expect the series to have so many strange and frightening moments!

I knew it would be about a man accepting a part-time job because he needed money, but I didn't expect the supernatural elements that came with it. There were moments when I was laughing at what was happening on screen, only to get startled by a jump scare right after!

Lee Jaewook's expressions were one of my favorite things about the series. His reactions were so funny, and I think he did a great job portraying Hyeok Jun's different emotions. You could really feel what his character was going through!

I also liked how the series combines comedy and horror instead of sticking to just one genre. You never really know what to expect next, which makes watching it even more entertaining.

A Very Interesting Concept About a Part-Time Job

While I was searching for a job here in Seoul, I actually considered getting a part-time job to help cover my living expenses. So, in a way, I could relate to Hyeok Jun's situation.

Of course, my circumstances are different from his, but I understand why someone struggling financially would be tempted by a job that promises an unusually high salary for only a few hours of work.

What I find interesting about Dead-End Job is how it takes something so ordinary, like looking for a job, and turns it into a supernatural story. As someone who enjoys fictional stories, I really appreciate this kind of concept!

There's also a bit of social commentary behind all the fantasy and horror. The story touches on financial struggles and the pressure to find work, which are things many people can relate to. It might be an exaggerated situation, but the reason Hyeok Jun accepts the job feels understandable.

I think this combination of reality and fiction is what makes the series stand out to me. I'm curious to see what other strange situations the remaining episodes will bring!

The Cast Was Amazing!

I honestly think the casting was great! Even though I've only watched the first four episodes, the actors I've seen so far have done a good job with their roles.

Of course, Lee Jaewook was the main reason I wanted to watch the series. But I also enjoyed seeing Kim Min Ha, Lee Hee Jun, Yoon Kyung Ho, and Choi Hyunwook in the story.

I particularly liked the dynamic between Hyeok Jun and his sister, Ji-yoon, played by Lee Jaewook and Kim Min Ha. Their interactions bring a more familiar and relatable element to a story filled with bizarre situations.

During the festival discussions, director Da-min Kim also shared that the actors naturally developed a sibling-like rapport. I think that kind of chemistry helps make their relationship more believable on screen!

Choi Hyunwook also shared that he was drawn to the script because of its unusual combination of genres and unpredictable episodic format. And honestly, I can understand why! It's not every day that you come across a story that mixes workplace struggles with supernatural horror and comedy.

As a filmmaker myself, I also appreciate how the series uses different jobs and settings to keep the story interesting. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how everything unfolds in the remaining episodes.

Will I Watch Dead-End Job When It Is Released on Netflix?

OF COURSE!

To be honest, Dead-End Job was one of the best series I've watched during BIFF 2026. I initially wanted to watch it because of Lee Jaewook, but I ended up enjoying the story and its unusual concept, too.

The combination of comedy, horror, and fantasy made the first four episodes entertaining, and I was left wanting to know what would happen next.

Since I've only watched half of the eight-episode series, I can't give a complete review just yet. But based on what I've seen so far, I'm definitely excited to continue watching!

Dead-End Job is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on October 30, 2026. If you enjoy Korean series with dark humor, supernatural elements, and plenty of unexpected situations, I recommend adding this one to your watchlist.

And if you're a Lee Jaewook fan like me, you'll probably want to check it out, too!

My BIFF 2026 Experience: Seeing Lee Jaewook and the casts of Dead-End Job

Of course, I can't end this post without sharing one of the most exciting parts of my experience!

Remember when I said I tried my luck getting a ticket with a Guest Visit even though Lee Jaewook was in the military?

Well, I actually got to see Lee Jaewook during the screening!

He wasn't able to participate in the Guest Visit or speak to the audience because he is currently serving in the military and couldn't take part in the series' promotional activities. However, he was there watching Dead-End Job with us, and I was seated near him!

As a fan, I would have loved to hear him talk about the series and his character, but being able to watch his project in the same space as him was already such a special experience. I honestly didn't expect that when I got my ticket!

I was also lucky enough to meet Choi Hyunwook during the Guest Visit. On top of that, I got to see both Kim Min Ha, Choi Hyunwook, and a slight of Lee Jaewook during their Open Stage at BIFF. I just finished watching a film when I went out and saw Lee Jaewook saying goodbye already. He did appear for a short period of time to support the casts!

These little moments made watching Dead-End Job even more memorable for me. I went into the screening excited to see Lee Jaewook's new project, and I ended up with not only a series I enjoyed but also some wonderful BIFF memories!

Still cuts and script reading photos were taken from Netflix

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MOVIE REVIEW: Forgotten Island (2026)

Entertainment September 24, 2026

Forgotten Island Movie Review: A Story About Friendship and Decisions I Never Thought I Needed

Note: This review is written by a fan of animation, as well as a film major, and not by a professional film critic. It may also contain spoilers, so read at your own risk.

Before becoming a film major, I used to create animations myself during college, and it even reached a point where I incorporated some animation into my final thesis project during my Master's degree. So what does that mean? It means I love animation so much. So when I found out that there would be a new animated film, Forgotten Island, especially one set in Filipino culture, I got so excited to see how this movie would turn out.

But as someone living here in South Korea, I wasn't so sure if it would be released here since there are a lot of Korean films being released during Chuseok, too. I was just so happy when I checked CGV and found out that they would be releasing it here! So I bought a ticket on the opening day.

About Forgotten Island

Title: Forgotten Island

Running Time: 1 hour and 49 minutes

Voice Cast:

Photo from Mega Asia
H.E.R. as Jo

Liza Soberano as Raissa

Dave Franco as Raww

Lea Salonga as Manang

Jenny Slate as Batiba

Manny Jacinto as Bungi

Dolly de Leon as Lola Fatima

Jo Koy as Datu

Ronny Chieng as King Truffle Wuffle

Kevin McCann as Prince Mermahn

Amielynn Abellera as Raissa's Mother

Plot: Forgotten Island is about two lifelong best friends, Jo and Raissa, who get trapped in a mythical world called Nakali. In order for them to get out, they have to give up their memories of their friendship. As they try to find their way home, they also have to confront the things that have been affecting their friendship and their own personal struggles.

My Thoughts About Forgotten Island

Definitely, Filipinos Can Relate

Aside from the fact that the problem is also universal - friendship, separation, and breakups - the animation itself is based on Filipino culture. From the very start of the film, my friend and I couldn't stop laughing because we could see ourselves in those scenes - the classroom, the bracelet, the folklore - there are just too many to mention. I love Filipinos being represented in movies, and this time, they really did a great job showing those. Not to mention my favorite karaoke scene and the lip-pointing scene. Girl, they nailed it.

Imagery of Emotion

There is this certain scene that, even until the end, I can't forget. It is when Raissa was trying to tell Jo that she was moving abroad to study. And when she did, the chicken behind Jo was burnt and the fire alarm got triggered, which also triggered Jo's tears to flow as seen in her eyeliner. It was a nice way to show how Jo was feeling inside visually, that she was not okay even if she wanted to show Raissa that she was happy for her.

As someone who just finished studying Film here in South Korea, I remember how my professors kept telling me to "show, don't tell." Make the audience know the story even if there are fewer lines. And I believe this particular scene was able to do that pretty well.

The Mixture of 2D and 3D Animation

This isn't the first animation film to do that. A lot of animated films have already done a mixture of 2D and 3D animation. But what I like about this is that it mixed them so fluidly that sometimes I forgot that I was watching a 3D animated film. They were able to put the 2D animations in the right moments, which made the storytelling more fun.

Aside from that, I noticed during the credits that the Philippine team of Snipple Animation seemed to have worked on this film, too. There are a lot of Filipinos in the credits, so I was also happy. This is just proof that Filipinos can also excel in the arts as long as they are given the budget and opportunity. I hope we can also have more animation films in the Philippines.

The Characters

Each character has their own struggles, which are also common in the Philippine setting. Well, maybe it's also universal. Raissa struggles with unexpressed feelings because somehow she is afraid of hurting her friend. Jo struggles with grief after her grandmother's death, a lack of life direction, and a deep fear of abandonment. Manang is feared by everyone, not knowing that she lost something so precious that even she didn't realize was lost. Bungi, who at first struggles to leave his comfort zone, is afraid of leaving his mom and growing up. Batiba doesn't have a memory of her own. Raww struggles to control himself. Prince Mermahn has his need for attention. These characters have their own struggles, but what caught my attention the most is Bungi.

There was a scene wherein the mother said it was time to cut the umbilical cord and that it was time for Bungi to leave and go on an adventure on his own. I was able to relate to this so much. As someone who has been under the intense care of my family as an only child, I really had a hard time going out and creating an adventure for myself. Just like Bungi, I was also telling myself that my family needed me to stay, which is why I didn't want to leave the house. I always used my parents as the reason, but in fact, I was just afraid of the outside world.

But guess what? I have overcome it, just like Bungi, because now I'm living here in South Korea. The real adventure is out there, outside the house, not inside the four corners of our comfort zone.

The Pacing of the Film

I love fast-paced films, my friends know that. I get bored when I watch slow-paced shows. So when I say this film is super fast, it's really super fast. There were so many things happening, especially in the first part of the film, that didn't allow me to process everything as a whole. I had the perk of being a Filipino, so I understood where they were coming from, but for someone who doesn't know Filipino culture, I think it was too fast to let them appreciate the culture itself.

There were slow moments, but they were fewer than expected. Because of the fast pacing of the film, it became so overwhelming. And there were some emotional parts that didn't hit as much as they should have because of how fast the pacing was, which for me was a little bit disappointing. The storytelling would have been much deeper and more impactful if only the pacing was just right.

But from a production perspective, I understand that budget may have played a big role in this, so they had to make sure the running time was less than two hours. But how I wished it would have been a little longer, too, to allow people to breathe at times and give the characters the arc that they needed.

The Sound Design

I actually have mixed feelings about the sound design, too. I like it, to be honest. The use of all those small sound effects, the right BGM used, and the audio cleanups were great. It really gave you the feeling of being in a rush like them. But because it gave me that feeling, my ears got tired, too. Haha. I even reached a point where I sighed in relief when it was on a quiet, slow pace. My ears were able to rest for a short while. And then, boom, back to the intense feels.

I don't know if it's just me getting older, but I really felt tired after, haha. But again, it was nice because it gave me that kind of feeling and emotion needed for the scene.

The Soundtrack

I'll include the soundtrack in this part, too. I love the songs here, whether they are original songs or covers. Everything hits home. And I am also happy to know that Filipino singers got to sing the songs, too.

The Story Itself

The story itself is pretty straightforward about two friends who are about to get separated because of life. There were some parts of the film that hurt so much, especially when Raissa's mom compared Jo to a boulder that weighs Raissa, a rocket, down. If I were to hear that from my friend's mom, I would have gotten hurt so much that I might be the one to let go of the friendship. But that's what I like about Jo: she didn't let what other people think of her ruin their friendship.

But throughout the whole film, I understood the importance of communication in friendship, too. Sometimes, we are too afraid to hurt our friends' feelings, so we hide a lot of things from them. That's the thing: when too many emotions are being hidden and buried, one day they will fire back at us and end up hurting them, too. Just like in a relationship, friendships should also grow together. And one way is through communication.

I'm just happy that through their journey in Nakali Island, they were able to fix all those misunderstandings and were able to become better versions of themselves. At the same time, I also felt satisfied with the ending of the film because they showed how both of them became each other's motivation to achieve their dreams instead of becoming someone who weighs the other down.

One thing I would want to know, though, is what is the memory Manang lost that it reached a point where she hated everyone? I'm very curious about it.

The "Tayo Na" Line

This was the line that kept being repeated throughout the whole film. This is also the line wherein there was such discourse in the online community. Yes, they could have used the phrase "Tara na" because this is the most commonly used in the Philippines. But while watching the film, this "Tayo Na" line somehow gave me a different look.

Maybe they were aiming for a play on words? That "Tayo na," which means "Let's Go," may also mean "Tayo na," which means to stand up - to stand up for their friendship and not let any person or monster remove their memories from them.

This is just my own interpretation, and I'm not saying it is what it means. I just felt like that kind of message hit me.

Watching Forgotten Island in Korean Cinemas

And also, since I watched it in Korean cinemas, there were Korean subtitles in it. As far as I remembered, they just put "Tayo Na" as it is written in Korean. I'm not a pro in Korean, but I just felt like the subtitle somehow was not able to capture it well. There were even parts where they didn't even put a subtitle on it, like the "Tabi-tabi po." Well, I understand it's hard since there's no direct translation to capture the meaning of it, but it's just sad that they won't be able to fully grasp the meaning behind it.

The Credits

I love how they showed photos of the voice actors with their best friends. It really hit hard. As someone who doesn't have one best friend (hi friends, if you're reading this, I love you, you're my friends) I felt teary and hoped that I also have a best friend I can call a best friend. Someone I can share details about everything in my life with and not just a part of it.

Overall Thoughts on Forgotten Island

@annyeongruth Got to watch Forgotten Island here in South Korea 🥹 It was really a nice watch and it's also nice to see the Filipino culture there ✨️ #forgottenisland #koreatravel #cgv #lifeinkorea #seoultravel ♬ A Parallel World (from Forgotten Island) - BINI

I enjoyed watching the film. It's really a refreshing change from all the films I have been watching recently. It's really nice to see how the film's background is in Filipino culture. I feel so represented. I hope there will be more animations about Filipino culture and even more Filipino animators to work on them.

As someone who has studied animation, pursued Film Production, and is also a Filipino, seeing a major animated film embrace Filipino folklore and culture was something I genuinely appreciated. I also loved seeing Filipino artists and performers involved in the project. The film itself was developed around Filipino mythology and culture, and the production included Filipino artists, including the team at Snipple Animation.

Thank you CGV for the gift!

Let's support art and the Filipino community!

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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.

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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.

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KMOVIE REVIEW: Salmokji Whispering Water (2026)

Entertainment April 09, 2026

Salmokji: Whispering Water Review – A Horror Film That Made Me Curious About the Urban Legend

Salmokji is the kind of film that makes you want to know more about the urban legend behind it even after you’ve left the cinema.

I think this is my first time writing about a horror-themed film. If you know me personally, you’d know I actually love this genre. I prefer watching at home, rather than in cinemas, because at home I can pause, breathe, and react freely lol. Watching a horror film in a quiet theater where you’re trying not to scream? That’s a different level of struggle.

One of the main reasons I wanted to watch Salmokji: Whispering Water is because of Kim Hye Yoon.

If you’ve been following my blog or my posts on A Fangirl’s Heart, you already know how much of a Kim Hye Yoon fan I am. I first noticed her in Sky Castle, and my love for her grew even more through Extraordinary You and Lovely Runner. She’s one of those actresses who can completely transform depending on the role, which made me even more curious about how she would perform in a horror film.

I haven’t seen her in person yet for two main reasons: I either failed to secure a ticket to her fan meeting, or my schedule didn’t allow me to attend. So when the stage greeting schedule for Salmokji: Whispering Water was released, and I realized I would already be in Seoul to watch SEVENTEEN’s encore concert… I didn’t even think twice. I bought a ticket immediately.

And that’s how this Salmokji review came to life.

About Salmokji: Whispering Water

Title: Salmokji: Whispering Water

Running Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes

Cast:

Kim Hye Yoon as Su In

Lee Jong Won as Gi Tae

Kim Jun Han as Gyo Sik

Kim Young Sung as Gyeong Tae

Oh Dong Min as Gyeong Jun

Yoon Jae Chan as Seong Bin

Jang Da A as Se Jeong

Plot:

Salmokji: Whispering Water follows a road-view camera crew that encounters supernatural horrors at a haunted and secluded reservoir after a mysterious figure appears in their footage. Led by Su In (Kim Hye Yoon), the team faces deadly, water-based spirits while trying to uncover what happened to their missing colleague, Gyo Sik.

My Thoughts on Salmokji: Whispering Water

The sound design and music made the film more intense

One of the strongest aspects of Salmokji: Whispering Water is its sound design.

I’ve always believed that sound plays a huge role in horror films, but this movie really reminded me of that. While watching, I couldn’t help but focus on how the audio built tension even in scenes where nothing was happening visually yet.

There were moments where I found myself bracing for something to happen simply because of the sound. It made the experience more immersive and honestly more stressful in a good way. For me, this is the highlight of the film.

The characters are frustratingly flawed (but it works)

I’m not sure if this was intentional, but the characters in Salmokji immediately show their flaws from the very beginning.

As someone studying film production, I’m already aware that not everyone on a set is fully committed or professional. But seeing that kind of dynamic portrayed so early in the film made me feel unexpectedly irritated.

I really felt Su In’s frustration when she pointed out that they were there to work and not to treat it like a casual trip.

Because of how flawed the characters were, I didn’t feel much sympathy for them when things started going wrong. But at the same time, it added realism and made the group dynamics more interesting to watch.

This film made me curious about the Salmokji urban legend

One thing I really appreciate about Salmokji: Whispering Water is how it made me want to learn more beyond the film itself.

I’ll be honest. I didn’t fully understand everything. I probably understood around 80% of the film since I watched it without subtitles. I relied heavily on my limited Korean skills and the visual storytelling.

Right after the movie, while I was on my way to SEVENTEEN’s concert, I immediately started searching about the urban legend behind Salmokji.

And honestly? That made the experience even better.

The fact that the story is rooted in an urban legend made everything feel more eerie and intriguing. It even made me want to visit the actual location myself (though maybe not alone 😅).

I was confused about the main conflict

This might just be my “film student brain,” but I tend to analyze things a bit too much while watching.

From the beginning, I kept asking myself: What exactly is the main conflict of this film?

If the central problem is just about fixing strange footage, it feels a bit too simple. It made me feel like there might be something deeper that I wasn’t fully catching.

There were also several points that confused me:

- Why did Gyo Sik go there alone?

- Why did Su In suddenly take the lead?

- What was the full context of their earlier conversation about leadership?

I know this sounds confusing but honestly, I was confused too.

At the same time, I acknowledge that this could be because of the language barrier.

------------

Update: I rewatched this film along with my classmates who are much better in Korean than me.

And after thinking about it more and having talk with my classmates, I started to see the film in a slightly different way.

Maybe the confusion wasn’t just because I didn’t fully understand the language but because the film itself doesn’t want to give clear answers.

Instead of a straightforward conflict, it feels like the characters are trapped in a situation where every action leads them deeper into the same place. The more they try to figure things out, escape, or even help each other, the worse things become. (My classmate even said while watching the film - eyy, they should just sit down and not do anything lol).

Looking back, it doesn’t really feel like they’re making choices that change the outcome. It’s more like they’re following a path that’s already been set.

And that’s what makes it more unsettling.

Because at some point, it stops feeling like a story about escaping something… and starts to feel like escape was never really possible in the first place.

But I still want to rewatch it with subtitles.

Overall Thoughts on Salmokji: Whispering Water

When my friends asked me about Salmokji, I told them this: It’s a solid horror film especially if you enjoy atmospheric tension and urban legend-based stories.

When I did my research, I saw that this film is Director Lee Sangmin's debut commercial feature film. And for a debut commercial feature film, it's really good. It checks the horror elements I personally look for, and it’s definitely worth the time and money.

Also, small confession, if you saw someone in the theater hiding under a cap trying not to react too much… that was probably me. I was trying so hard not to scream because the cinema was way too quiet.

The actors delivered their roles well, and it was really nice to see how the cast worked together to build the tension of the story.

Personally, I’d love to watch it again with subtitles to fully understand the story and appreciate its deeper meaning.

I am also so happy that I got to see the casts during their stage greeting. More photos here.

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KMOVIE REVIEW: The King’s Warden (2026)

Entertainment March 29, 2026

The King’s Warden: A South Korean Film That Broke Me Into Pieces

After all my hectic shooting schedules, I finally had the time to go to a cinema and watch this blockbuster Korean film, The King's Warden.

I actually wanted to watch it earlier, specifically during the stage greeting (because let’s be honest… seeing the cast in person hits different). Unfortunately, tickets were sold out, and to make things worse, I got sick around that time. So yes… no stage greeting for me.

But honestly? Watching it more than a month after its release did not change anything.

This film still broke me into pieces.

The History Behind The King’s Warden

The story behind The King's Warden is based on the tragic life of King Danjong, one of the most heartbreaking figures from the Joseon Dynasty.

He became king at just 10 years old after his father passed away. But because he was so young, powerful adults around him controlled the government. Not long after, his uncle, King Sejo of Joseon, staged a coup and forcefully took the throne. Danjong was dethroned, stripped of his power, and eventually exiled to a remote mountain area in Yeongwol. He lived there in isolation and died at just 16 years old, far away from the palace that once defined his entire world.

What makes this story even more tragic is that no one truly knows how he died.

Some historical records claim he took his own life out of despair. Others say he was killed - either through poison or secret execution. There are even accounts suggesting his body was thrown into a river and later recovered secretly by a loyal official.

Because of these conflicting accounts, the truth about his final moments remains unknown. This gray area is exactly where the film builds its narrative - imagining what could have happened during his final days, and creating a deeply emotional story around the people who stayed by his side.

About The King's Warden

Title: The King's Warden (왕과 사는 남자)

Running Time: 1 hour and 57 minutes

Main Casts:

Yoo Hae Jin as Um Heung Do

Park Ji Hoon as King Dan Jong / Lee Hong Ui

Yoo Ji Tae as Han Myeong Hoe

Jeon Mi Do as Mae Hwa

Plot: A young king is dethroned and exiled to a remote mountain village with his court lady, where the village chief and locals take him in and care for him.

Things I like about The King's Warden

Great chemistry between the casts

One of the highlights of the film is definitely the chemistry between Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon.

Their dynamic feels very natural and not overly dramatic, which fits the tone of the film. It’s the kind of relationship that builds slowly. And because of that, the emotional moments feel more earned rather than forced. It’s subtle, but it works and it stays with you.

The acting will absolutely break you

Let me just say this now… If you’re a cry-baby like me, prepare yourself.

The performances lean more toward being emotionally expressive. There are moments where the emotions feel heightened, especially in key scenes, but it fits the tone of the film and the weight of the story.

Because the narrative itself is tragic, that level of intensity doesn’t feel out of place. It actually helps emphasize what the characters are going through.

And when paired with the cinematography, especially in scenes where the camera lingers, those emotions are given space to fully unfold. It’s the kind of moment where you just sit there, take everything in… and before you know it, you’re already tearing up.

A simple but emotionally engaging story

The story itself is pretty straightforward, and yes, it can feel predictable at times (especially since it’s based on history).

There are also moments where the pacing or flow might feel a bit uneven. But despite that, the film stays engaging because it focuses on the characters and their relationships rather than complicated plot twists.

It’s very much a character-driven story. The small interactions, the quiet conversations, and even the silences carry a lot of weight.

It’s not trying to be mind-blowing. It’s trying to make you feel something.

And it does.

Overall Thoughts

There’s a reason why The King's Warden became such a big hit in South Korea.

It may not be the most complex film out there, but it connects emotionally with its audience through its simplicity and sincerity.

For me, it’s the kind of film that lingers after watching. Not because of shocking twists, but because of how it makes you feel about the characters.

I do want to rewatch it with English subtitles next time. I understood most of it, but I feel like there are deeper nuances in the dialogue that I might appreciate more on a second watch.

And honestly… I already know it’s going to hit just as hard again.

Photos from Hancinema

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KDRAMA REVIEW: Bon Appetit, Your Majesty (2025)

Entertainment October 12, 2025

Bon Appétit, Your Majesty Kdrama Review — A Fun and Flavorful Sageuk I Actually Enjoyed!

If you know me, you really know that I’m not a fan of historical K-dramas. In all my years as a K-drama fangirl, I think I’ve only watched three historical dramas — including this one (or at least that’s what I can remember 😂).

So why did I watch Bon Appétit, Your Majesty (폭군의 셰프)? Simple. It looked funny and interesting — not the usual heavy historical drama. Plus, I’m a huge Yoona fan, so of course, I had to watch it.

And honestly? I didn’t regret it one bit. It’s one of those K-dramas you watch purely for the vibes.

About the Bon Appetit, Your Majesty

Title: Bon Appetit, Your Majesty (폭군의 셰프)

Episodes: 12 episodes (about 1 hour and 20 minutes each episode)

Main Casts:

Photo from Osen

Im Yoon-a as Yeon Ji-yeong

Lee Chae-min as Yi Heon

Kang Han-na as Kang Mok-ju

Choi Gwi-hwa as Prince Je Seon

Plot: A modern-day chef time-slips into the Joseon era and becomes the royal cook for a feared king — using her dishes to melt his heart while surviving deadly palace intrigues.

Things I like about this drama

Lee Chae-min Perfectly Suited the Role

Photo from tvN

As we all know, Lee Chae-min wasn’t the original choice for the lead. The role was first offered to Park Sung-hoon, who dropped out due to controversy. But even with limited prep time, Lee Chae-min absolutely nailed it!

While watching, I even tried imagining Park Sung-hoon playing the character — and it would’ve had a completely different vibe. Lee Chae-min’s mix of charming innocence and intimidating presence fits Yi Heon so well. This role really feels like it was made for him.

Not to mention the part when he cried so much when Jiyeong was taken back.

You’ll Fall in Love with Food All Over Again

Although it’s a rom-com, this K-drama does a great job focusing on the food. Every meal looked mouth-watering, and it made me appreciate how hard it must’ve been to cook during Joseon times without modern tools.

I’m not the best at cooking (actually, I kinda suck at it 😅), but this drama made me want to try recreating those royal dishes!

The Perfect Mix of Comedy, Food, and Romance

I usually avoid sageuk dramas because I’m scared I’ll get bored — but this one kept me hooked until the end.

Even with the noticeable age gap between the leads, Yoona and Lee Chae-min pulled it off. Maybe it’s because Yoona can act younger and Lee Chae-min can easily act older. Their chemistry just works.

Jang Chun-saeng’s Scene — Absolutely Hilarious

One of my favorite moments is definitely Jang Chun-saeng’s fight scene. It happens during the rebellion led by Prince Je Seon, when chaos breaks out in the palace and even Ji-yeong is targeted.

Just when things look hopeless, Jang Chun-saeng arrives right on time — turning the deadly fight into a mix of tension and comedy. His timing, wit, and bravery made the scene both thrilling and hilarious, and honestly, I still laugh whenever I remember it!

A Happy Ending (Thank You, Writer-nim!)

It’s a happy ending! Yi Heon ends up in the present time. Unlike Scarlet Heart: Ryeo (which still hurts me to this day 💔), this one gave us the closure we needed.

Though I admit, the ending felt a bit rushed. Ji-yeong’s explanation about Yi Heon’s time travel was kind of hand-wavy. I wouldn’t mind it… but my film professors probably would.

What I Didn’t Like So Much

The Ming Dynasty Competition Felt Too Long

Don't get me wrong. I actually enjoyed that cooking competition. But for a 12-episode series, it took up too much time. I wish they expanded other storylines instead.

Because of that, the second lead syndrome was almost nonexistent. According to Lee Joo-ahn (who played Gong-gil), his character liked Ji-yeong, but many of those scenes were cut. Such a missed opportunity! As a certified fan of second-lead heartbreaks, I would’ve loved to see that dynamic.

The Mandarin Lines Felt a Bit Off

This became a mini-controversy when the drama aired. And honestly, I understand why. The actors’ Mandarin pronunciation wasn’t great, which made some scenes feel awkward.

Actor Kim Hyung-mook (who played Yu Kang) even shared that he thought it was just a cameo and only had two weeks to prepare — in full Mandarin! Still, I think he did well given the situation.

Overall Thoughts

This drama reminded me why I love watching K-dramas in the first place. Lately, I’ve been so busy that watching felt like a task instead of a hobby. But Bon Appétit, Your Majesty brought the fun back.

If you’re looking for something light, funny, romantic, and food-filled, this is the drama for you. It’s not one of those shows where you need to analyze every theory — just sit back and enjoy the ride.

It gave me the same cozy, heart-fluttering vibes as Lovely Runner and Extraordinary You. I’d totally rewatch it again.

I just wish I had time to visit their pop-up store in Seoul (I only managed to buy the keychain and bookmark online). Hopefully, I can visit their filming location soon — when both my schedule and wallet allow it!

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Dead-End Job: My Review of the First 4 Episodes at BIFF 2026

Watching Netflix's Dead-End Job Before Its Official Release

What Is Dead-End Job About?

My Early Thoughts on Dead-End Job

Comedic but Full of Jump Scares

A Very Interesting Concept About a Part-Time Job

The Cast Was Amazing!

Will I Watch Dead-End Job When It Is Released on Netflix?

My BIFF 2026 Experience: Seeing Lee Jaewook and the casts of Dead-End Job

MOVIE REVIEW: Forgotten Island (2026)

Forgotten Island Movie Review: A Story About Friendship and Decisions I Never Thought I Needed

About Forgotten Island

My Thoughts About Forgotten Island

Definitely, Filipinos Can Relate

Imagery of Emotion

The Mixture of 2D and 3D Animation

The Characters

The Pacing of the Film

The Sound Design

The Soundtrack

The Story Itself

The "Tayo Na" Line

Watching Forgotten Island in Korean Cinemas

The Credits

Overall Thoughts on Forgotten Island

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

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

KMOVIE REVIEW: Salmokji Whispering Water (2026)

Salmokji: Whispering Water Review – A Horror Film That Made Me Curious About the Urban Legend

About Salmokji: Whispering Water

My Thoughts on Salmokji: Whispering Water

The sound design and music made the film more intense

The characters are frustratingly flawed (but it works)

This film made me curious about the Salmokji urban legend

I was confused about the main conflict

Overall Thoughts on Salmokji: Whispering Water

KMOVIE REVIEW: The King’s Warden (2026)

The King’s Warden: A South Korean Film That Broke Me Into Pieces

The History Behind The King’s Warden

About The King's Warden

Things I like about The King's Warden

Great chemistry between the casts

The acting will absolutely break you

A simple but emotionally engaging story

Overall Thoughts

KDRAMA REVIEW: Bon Appetit, Your Majesty (2025)

Bon Appétit, Your Majesty Kdrama Review — A Fun and Flavorful Sageuk I Actually Enjoyed!

About the Bon Appetit, Your Majesty

Things I like about this drama

Lee Chae-min Perfectly Suited the Role

You’ll Fall in Love with Food All Over Again

The Perfect Mix of Comedy, Food, and Romance

Jang Chun-saeng’s Scene — Absolutely Hilarious

A Happy Ending (Thank You, Writer-nim!)

What I Didn’t Like So Much

The Ming Dynasty Competition Felt Too Long

The Mandarin Lines Felt a Bit Off

Overall Thoughts

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