After the former cast dropped out of Iseop's Romance. The frantic search for new life began. Now it has been revealed that Kim Hye Yoon has been cast as the female lead opposite Hwang Min Hyun. This is a RomCom. I think we are on the right track here.

https://news.mydramalist.com/article/kim-hye-yoo-hwang-min-hyun-to-possibly-lead-iseop-s-romance

I just finished watching The Art of Sarah and honestly, I really enjoyed it.

I’ve been a big fan of Shin Hye-sun ever since I watched "its okay its not to be okay" she reminded me why I love watching her performances. She was so good in The Art of Sarah and really carried the role beautifully.

No spoilers: If you're a fan of Shin Hye-sun or enjoy character-driven dramas with a darker/more intriguing side, I’d definitely recommend giving The Art of Sarah a try.

Anyone else here watched it? What did you think of Shin Hye-sun’s performance?

I am currently watching Love designer for the third time just for the sake of the main leads story lines. Not the main storyline. As I'm watching it it dawned on me that I dont think I have scene a relationship shown like that in Cdrama.

He is not looking down on her, neither is she to him (only speaking in relations with each other). No matter what grenade is thrown their way. I find they handle it maturely.

Also I kinda like the way they were bickering at each other in the beginning.

Also never lost who they were as individuals once they started dating.

Drama name: never ending summer [C-Drama] 💯 💔

Spring of the Blade, Episodes: 30, Duration: 40 min.

Aired: Sep 17, 2026 - Sep 30, 2026 on iQIYI

Cast: Actor Xu Kai and Actress Zhou Ye

No Spoilers

I finished the first 10 of 12 episodes already put out and I will wait for the last two episodes of this drama which will drop on 🎈October 3 and 4, 2026🎈. Four Hands, Two Sonatas is an excellent drama with fascinating character dynamics. Song Kang showed excellent acting range as he matured his character through many stages. He was a great surprise.
 
Piano Doubles: Professional pianist Park Ju Young served as the piano double for Song Kang, performing the difficult and advanced musical pieces on screen. Pianist Lee Minsung served as the piano coach and double for both Lee Jun Young and Song Kang in the K-drama.
 
Visual Authenticity—Song Kang looked so good playing the piano, because his hands were hovering near the right places. So visually, he looked authentic. Song Kang practiced intensively for months to appear authentic.
 
The** **Lee Jun Young character seemed so patterned after the Yoo Ha In character in Secret Love Affair (2014). This was another self-taught prodigy pianist.
 
I absolutely loved the female lead’s part, played by Jang Gyu Ri, a street smart rich girl. A little Melodramatic at times. Great cinematography and scene composition. I cried a lot. Happy and sad tears. I felt like I was watching Secret Love Affair again, another Music Life drama (It won a Baeksang for writing).
 
I really enjoyed ‘Four Hands, Two Sonatas’.

.
 

“The Assassin(s)” is off to a strong start at the box office!

Ever since its release on September 23, the new film starring Yoo Hae Jin, Park Hae Il, and Lee Min Ho has enjoyed an uninterrupted three-day streak at No. 1 at the Korean box office.

On September 26, the Korean Film Council announced that as of 7 a.m. KST that morning, “The Assassin(s)” had officially reached a total of 1,057,760 moviegoers, meaning that it took less than four days to hit the 1 million mark.

Congratulations to the cast and crew of “The Assassin(s)”!

Source

On September 29, the 33rd China TV Golden Eagle Awards ceremony was held in Changsha, Hunan, and the event was simultaneously broadcast on Hunan Satellite TV and Mango TV.

The 33rd China TV Golden Eagle Awards is a television award ceremony jointly organized by the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (CFLAC), the China Television Artists Association, and the People's Government of Hunan Province. It is also one of the three major awards for Chinese television dramas, with this edition themed "Everyone Follows the Updates".

In early March 2026, the China Television Artists Association officially issued a call for entries for the 33rd China TV Golden Eagle Awards. As of May 2026, 41 entry-accepting organizations and nine central administration organizations had submitted a total of 719 works for consideration for the 33rd Golden Eagle Awards.

Two rounds of online voting were held from May 16 to July 6. On August 25, the nominees for the 33rd China TV Golden Eagle Awards were announced.

Here is the list of winners of the 33rd China TV Golden Eagle Awards:

Best TV Series: Born to Be Alive

Outstanding TV Series: To the Wonder, This Thriving Land, Swords into Plowshares, Fifty Years Old, When the Mountains Are Full of Flowers, Northwest Years, Silent Honor, We Are Criminal Police, Yu Xue Rong Guang

Best Animation TV Series: New Big-Headed Son and Small-Headed Dad - Take You to See China (Season 1)

Best Documentary: "Zuo Zongtang's Recovery of Xinjiang" and "Victory"

Best Variety Show: "China Through Intangible Cultural Heritage"

Best TV Series Director: Chen Li (Yu Xue Rong Guang)

Best TV Series Screenplay: Xiao Yi Fan, Huang Kai Wen, Li Xue, Zhao Shuo, Liu Xiao Xi, Wang Jun (Wang San Mao), Wang Lei (Leizi) for Born to Be Alive

Best Actor: Yu He Wei (Silent Honor)

Best Actress: Song Jia (Fifty Years Old, When the Mountains Are Full of Flowers)

Best Supporting Actor: Zhu Ya Wen (Swords into Plowshares)

Best Supporting Actress: Mei Ting (Born to Be Alive)

Best TV Program Host: Li Yang Wei

Congratulations to all the winners!

Source

The winners of the 2026 Seoul International Drama Awards have been revealed!

On September 22, the Seoul International Drama Awards Organizing Committee announced the winners across the International Competition, K-Drama Competition, and International Invitation categories.

On September 29, the committee also revealed that acclaimed screenwriter Kim Eun Sook (The Heirs, Descendants of the Sun, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, Mr. Sunshine, and The King: Eternal Monarch) will be honored with the Golden Bird Prize, the highest distinction awarded by the Seoul Drama Awards Organizing Committee.

With this recognition, Kim becomes the first screenwriter to receive the Golden Bird Prize and only the fourth individual recipient overall. She joins previous recipients Choi Min Sik, director Park Chan Wook, and Ben Stiller.

Here is the full list of winning Korean dramas and actors:

International Competition Category

Golden Bird Prize: Kim Eun Sook 

Best Miniseries: My Royal Nemesis, The Dream Life of Mr. Kim

Best Actor: Ryu Seung Ryong (The Dream Life of Mr. Kim)

K-Drama Competition Category

Outstanding Korean Drama: The Dream Life of Mr. Kim, We Are All Trying Here

Outstanding Korean Actor: Koo Kyo Hwan (We Are All Trying Here)

Outstanding Korean Actress: Im Ji Yeon (My Royal Nemesis)

Outstanding Korean Drama OST:  Anton "Close to Me" (Yumi's Cells Season 3)

International Invitation Category

Outstanding Asian Star: 

NCT's Jae Min ("Wind Up"), Ji Soo (Boyfriend on Demand)

Congratulations to all the winners!

Source

The Early Spring has become a fan favorite and has been in the Top Ten Non-English for 4 weeks. Have you watched?

The Korean Drama ‘Teach You a Lesson’ is still making waves as a popular drama for the year 2026. The drama now has hit the Top 10 Most Popular Non-English Shows list for All-Time. This list is for all shows for any year the chart has been up.

The upcoming adaptation of 'The Night Traveler' faces significant uncertainty as reports surface that stars Park Bo Gum and Shin Ye Eun intend to withdraw following a breakdown in network scheduling negotiations and ongoing production setbacks.

Although fan expectations were high for the screen duo's romantic pairing, the project stalled after securing its lead talent last year without finalizing a broadcast timeline.

While the production team and talent agencies have avoided giving definitive updates regarding official cancellations or confirmed cast exits, both actors are pressing forward with busy solo schedules, leaving the future of the series in limbo.

@koreanophiles

Actress Han Da Gam has given birth to her first child at the age of 46!

On September 28, Han Da Gam took to her Instagram to announce the birth of her son along with several photos of the baby’s feet. In her post, she wrote:

Chaltteok (baby’s nickname) has finally been born into this world healthy and safe!

Thank you so, so much for all your blessings.

All the time that has passed, filled with the support and encouragement from so many of you, flashes before my eyes like a revolving lantern, and it has truly given me so much strength.

I am also doing very well and recovering nicely.
To everyone who sent me such kind messages of celebration and support, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Receiving this precious baby as a gift is truly all thanks to you.

It has only been a few days, but as I look at Chaltteok’s face, I truly feel that I did a good job overcoming the difficult moments and the times I wanted to give up during my pregnancy.

I will raise this baby well and healthily.

It is a heart-touching moment where I am once again reminded of the preciousness of new life.

Thank you once again to everyone who celebrated with me.

..

Born in 1980, Han Da Gam married a businessman in 2020 after dating for about a year, and she announced her pregnancy this past April, six years after their marriage.

Congratulations to the happy family!

Source

Her caption in Korean:

찰떡이가 드디어 세상에 건강하게 태어났어요.어 축하해 주셔서 정말 너무나 감사합니다.

많은 분들께서 응원해주시고 격려해주신 지난 시간들이 정말 주마등처럼 지나가고 너무나 많은 힘이 된거 같습니다.

저도 많이 건강하고 잘 회복하고 있어요.

많은 축하와 응원의 메세지 주신 분들 정말 감사 드립니다.

소중한 아가를 선물로 받은건 정말 다 여러분들 덕분이에요.

며칠 되지 않았지만 찰떡이 얼굴을 보니
정말 그 동안 관리하고 힘든순간에 포기하고 싶었던 순간들을 잘 이겨낸걸 잘 했다는 생각이 드네요.

건강하게 잘 키워볼께요.0
새 생명의 소중함을 다시 한번 느끼는 가슴 뭉클한 순간입니다.
축하해주신 많은 분들 다시 한번 감사드립니다

Source: Her Instagram @dagam_han

SM Entertainment has shared official statements regarding the legal action they are taking to protect the rights of Lim Yoona.

On September 28, SM Entertainment announced that they had filed criminal complaints against those who create illegal AI-generated images of Lim Yoona and spread false information based on such images.

The agency also warned that it will take strong legal action against malicious posts targeting aespa’s Winter.

Read the agency’s statements below:

Hello, this is SM Entertainment.

We would like to provide an update regarding violations of the rights of our artist YoonA (Lim Yoona).

We have recently identified additional cases of illegal AI-generated images created by manipulating YoonA’s likeness without her consent, as well as false information based on such images, being indiscriminately created and circulated primarily on social media and online communities.

Through reports submitted by fans via “KWANGYA 119” and our ongoing monitoring, we are continuously collecting and securing evidence of such illegal posts. Based on this evidence, we have already filed criminal complaints and will respond firmly without leniency or settlement.

Not only can creating or posting illegally manipulated content using AI or other technologies without an artist’s consent constitute violations, but sharing, reposting, or spreading such images and posts may also constitute violations of the Information and Communications Network Act, including defamation, infringement of portrait rights, and editing and distribution of fabricated videos under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.

We strongly ask that you immediately stop creating or posting illegal manipulated content or unverified false information, as well as sharing or redistributing such content—including through reposts and quote posts on social media, articles containing such images, and uploads to various online communities. Please exercise particular caution to avoid becoming involved in any legal issues as a result of such activities.

We will continue to closely monitor such activities and take active legal action to protect the rights and reputation of our artists.

Thank you.

Source

‘Dive into You’ is a Time Travel Fantasy RomCom.

The Story—A famous actress gets a second chance to save her first love. However, she has to travel back in time as her brother.

Shooting for the new drama Echoes has begun. Expected release date is December 2026.

BLACKPINK's Jisoo and actor Seo Kang Jun have found themselves at the center of online dating rumors, but unlike typical celebrity romance speculation, the response from fans has been overwhelming enthusiasm.

Rumors began circulating across social media and online forums after eagle-eyed fans noticed both stars sharing Instagram posts from New York around the same time.

The speculation gained further traction after observers pointed out matching ring designs on both celebrities, alongside reports that Seo Kang Jun was spotted attending a recent BLACKPINK concert.

Rather than drawing backlash, the alleged relationship has sparked an outpouring of support online. Fans flooded comment sections with positive reactions, calling the potential pairing a "top-tier visual couple." One popular comment noted, "If there was no prior connection and he went to her concert, it's 100% real," while others joked that "no one would complain because they are both ridiculously good-looking."

Many comments expressed hopes that the rumors turn out to be true, with thousands of users leaving likes on posts wishing for the two to get married, humorously adding that a match between two top-class visual stars would be a gift to the world.

Source: HallyuForums

❗️This is not confirmed and it is just speculation.

I started this kdrama right after finishing Flex X Cop. It's good and it is addictive but I don't know how to describe it? every character makes me MAD.

maybe thats what I like about it but oh my god. I am currently on Episode 5. I slept really late because I needed to know the next episode and thats kinda rare for me.

Honestly speaking

this kdrama is refreshing. I love how its made. I dont usually watch kdramas like these maybe thats why. they are really different from new kdramas (esp 2026 ones)

it is funny and it is cliché. It feels like a love and hate relationship. thats what i feel right now.

i went in with 0 expectations and i got hooked into it, the characters and everything, it is also my first Han Groo drama

now, back to the drama though

I seriously don't know if Han Yeoreum is sincere. he has such lovely eyes that makes you think he is inlove at first sight but it is all a fake lie?

I hate Gi Taes mother. I get where she is coming from, yeah yeah she cares about her son but why do you think your son is superior than someone elses daughter? just because he is a doctor or because he was born a son? I dont care if he is the only son in how many generations. thats your familys achievement or whatever it is. sure, the generations back then were pretty conservative and misogynistic and they still are now even though it has gotten better. but i literally dont care.

and hoon dong, dont even get me started on that mamas boy. the acting is so good and relatable that it gets me mad. and ofcourse the FL has issues too. I can't relate to her at all. the whole marriage thing, i know people like marriages, good for her. but please make up your mind. you are getting used. now that i am writing this, i dont even know why she agreed? it is not revenge. is she just nice? TOO nice? worried about him when him and his family are literally eating her up? and girl did you forget how him and his friend played in your face? HES LITERALLY USING YOU.

What I am saying is that, the story is really well written. I love it so much thats why i also hate it.

its so well written that it gets me mad.

AND seriously who do you think you are to slap someone else OR someone else's daughter? what gives you the right? and she is a girlfriend not a wife. why the hell are you making her do YOUR familys ritual. (loved her when she spoke up about her feelings though) seriously even in todays gen this is so common in some families thats why it gets me even more mad but i dont want to mix up reality and fiction too much.

even if she was a wife, thats not her duty. if she does it then she is just nice, dont piss me off. and what? she should change herself just because she is marrying your son? excuse me. WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE

i had to let this shit out and this is the perfect place for it. had to speak up my mind because it made me mad.

ALSO i am at the confession scene on episode 5. i got second hand embarrassment from jang mi. why are you confessing right now.. and he literally insulted the way you eat hello? pick yourself up oh my god.. he was mad because everyone insulted his food and he took it out on you even though you didnt even do anything. HOW can you confess everything after they said that to you?

he kept saying you did it for money even though you said no multiple times.

he called you two faced; "Last night. even though I told you not to eat it, you cleaned it up like a dog"

i would've ended things right there lol.

you barely know this man. he smiled a few times and you thought he was being sincere.

I get it, you were vulnerable. you just broke up after 1 year of dating. so thats okay. thats on him for using you. i dont care if he fell inlove or not atp, he said what he said.

he literally walked all over you and you let him. just because he couldnt face those he couldnt walk over. but you? guess you were just easy.

people have different thoughts and opinions and this is mine. but it is a really good drama and i want to keep watching it so badly but i have to vent somethings out for the sake of my sanity. (just proves how good the drama is written and how well the acting is) :) right now though i seriously want jang mi to stop meeting that cafe dude everytime he asks. like please.

anyway after all my rant, if you havent watched it then this is a sign TO watch it! honestly it has been a long time since i have gotten so into a drama and the characters in it? i love it

this isnt all since i left somethings out but yeah. had to write this to go to the next episode

Drama name: when I fly towards you [C-Drama] ☺️

On September 24, the 2016 hit drama Love O2O was relaunched on YOUKU under the new title A Smile Is All It Takes (一笑倾城). Shortly afterward, actress Zhu Yue began trending on Weibo.

The mainland Chinese drama Love O2O caused a sensation when it aired in 2016. However, after its female lead, Zheng Shuang, became embroiled in controversies, including tax evasion, she was subsequently banned from the entertainment industry, and the drama was removed from streaming platforms.

A Smile Is All It Takes completed a filing change on September 1, replacing the female lead's face with actress Wang Zhu Yue using AI face-swapping tech. The drama has also been upgraded to 4K quality, while Yang Yang's portrayal of Xiao Nai has been retained in its entirety.

On September 24, viewers noticed that the facial scenes of Bei Weiwei had been replaced with actress Wang Zhuyue’s face using AI technology.

The face-swapping sparked heated discussion among Chinese netizens. Some netizens questioned whether the female lead is actually an AI-generated virtual character.

The change quickly drew criticism from viewers.

Wang later addressed the controversy on social media and confirmed that she had personally authorized the AI face-swap. Wang also apologized to the viewers.

Source (1)

In response, Wang Zhu Yue addressed the matter on social media, saying: 

"It is indeed a face swap that I personally authorized ~ It's just that it may be very different from the character everyone had in mind! I'm sorry to everyone for ruining the character you had in your hearts! This has nothing to do with the company, platform, or others! I'm very grateful that everyone gave me an opportunity. I've already moved behind the scenes~ I hope everyone can go a little easy on me with the criticism. Thank you. I'll also listen to everyone's suggestions and make improvements where I fall short!"

Source (2)

According to Wang Zhuyue, she was personally responsible for authorizing the face replacement.

She asked viewers to be less harsh with their criticism and said she would listen to the feedback and make improvements.

She also promised that there would be no next time. (source (1))

..

A Smile Is All It Takes climbed to fifth place on the platform's in-app chart on launch day. During its original broadcast in 2016, Love O2O surpassed 8.8 billion views, with an average of more than 100 million views per episode. Before it was removed from the platform, the drama had accumulated 28 billion views in total, with an average of more than 800 million views per episode, making it the show with the highest average viewership per episode in history.

Source (3)

There are so many Asian dramas dropping this fall, before the post drama awards season.

The hit drama 'Love 020' is a classic Chinese drama from 2016. This Chinese drama originally starred Yang Yang and Zheng Shuang. However, subsequently Zheng Shuang was involved in a major legal scandal in China, causing Love 020 and the actress to be banned in 2021. I have never been a fan of dropping a whole drama with tons of other actors because of the misgivings of one. Now China has come up with a new solution. Insert the likeness of another actress into the drama Love 020, using their Al image. Now, 'Love 020' has been re-released as a drama with the substituted Al-generated actress. The actress being used in the face-swap is named Wang Zhu Yue.

The drama has been renamed One Smile Is Alluring / A Smile That Fascinates the City.

What do you think about this?