A golden holiday of up to 9 days for the Lunar New Year. It's an opportunity to binge-watch well-made hit works that you might have missed in your busy daily life. Here are the 'Best 6 Binge-Watch Recommendations' from the reporters at Star Today, who are at the forefront of the broadcasting and entertainment industry.
Reporter Han Hyun-jung recommends ‘Substance’, which awarded Hollywood star Demi Moore her first Golden Globe for Best Actress after 45 years of debut. Although it has been over a month since its release, it is gaining momentum through word of mouth.
This is a work imported by So Ji-sub himself, and his insight is once again becoming a hot topic. Fans of the film are praising So Ji-sub's choice, as he has previously imported many overseas masterpieces such as ‘Person of Interest’ and ‘Talk Show with the Devil’.
The film is a nonstop bloody thriller depicting a fierce battle between 'me and a better version of me'. In the film, Demi Moore goes all out, even performing full-body nudity and intense fight scenes. She has received acclaim for her shocking performance, which has also led to awards.
In particular, the theme of 'appearance obsession' resonates with the main audience of young women, attracting over 170,000 viewers in South Korea. The number of screening venues is also increasing due to word of mouth.
There is growing anticipation among fans worldwide as to whether Demi Moore, who plays the lead role of Elizabeth, will win the Academy Award for Best Actress following her Golden Globe win. Don’t miss the chance to see this film in theaters during the holiday.
Coupang Play's ‘Family Planning’ is centered around the unique theme of brain hacking. Comprising a total of 6 episodes, the viewership surged by 225% within a week of its release, and it recorded the highest viewer count and viewership for any Coupang Play series during the same period.
Above all, it offers immersion with its distinctive worldview and unpredictable story. The story of the Yang family, revealed layer by layer like peeling an onion, from their special police life in childhood to the present, keeps viewers glued to the screen.
Reporter Yang So-young explains, “Utilizing the unique theme of brain hacking, the Yang family delivers a brutal yet exhilarating parade of merciless retribution against criminals,” adding, “The addition of black comedy elements creates a peculiar charm.”
The chemistry and passionate performances of Bae Doona, Ryu Seung-beom, Baek Yoon-sik, and Lee Soo-hyun, who play a suspicious family with no blood ties, are also noteworthy. Kim Guk-hee, Yoo Seung-mok, Kwak Ja-hyung, and Bae Jae-young also fulfill their roles as heinous villain characters.
‘Blood Game 3’ is a survival intelligence competition where survival legends and newcomers battle over what to protect or take away. It features survival legends Jang Dong-min, Hong Jin-ho, Kim Kyung-ran, Lim Hyun-seo, Seo Chul-goo, MJ Kim, Yuri Sa, and Joo Eon-kyu, along with unpredictable newcomers like Pani Bottle, Chungju Man, Crocodile, Choi Hye-sun, Heo Seong-beom, Kim Min-ah, Lee Ji-na, Kim Young-gwang, Si-yoon, and Steve Ye.
This hot topic has become the number one content driving new paid subscriptions on Wavve in 2024, sparking heated discussions in communities and on social media every time a new episode is released.
Reporter Shin Young-eun states, “'God Dong-min' proves why he stands at the pinnacle of survival entertainment,” adding, “The charm of the participants, who showcase their brilliant intellect despite the meticulous arrangements of the production team, captivates viewers.”
Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, known for the movie ‘Train to Busan’ and the drama ‘Hell’, ‘Parasyte: The Gray’ is a spin-off based on the manga ‘Parasyte’, which won the Seiun Award in the comic category in Japan in 1996.
It deals with the events that unfold as mysterious parasitic creatures dominate human bodies. Actress Jeon So-ni plays Jeong Soo-in, who is partially controlled by a parasite, while Koo Kyo-hwan plays Seol Gang-woo, a member of a violent organization searching for his missing brother.
As parasitic creatures appear, aiming to expand their power by taking humans as hosts, the operations of the dedicated team, The Gray, begin, focusing on the story of a human who has come to coexist with a parasite (played by Jeon So-ni).
Lee Da-gyeom notes, “Although the protagonist's gender and the parasitic creature's host area differ from the original, the actors' performances and the intriguing story enhance immersion,” adding, “However, there are many grotesque scenes, and it is rated for ages 19 and over, so viewers should keep that in mind.”
‘Trigger’ tells the story of relentless investigative reporters who grab a camera to expose the wrongdoings of bad guys in this beautiful world.
With just the release of the first two episodes, ‘Trigger’ has continued its global popularity, not only showcasing intense characters but also providing fantastic teamwork and refreshing catharsis.
Kim Hye-soo's transformation and depth stand out. Playing the team leader Oh So-ryong, who possesses both a fierce temper and venom, she grabs the gun aimed at her and even goes paragliding for her investigation, delivering a refreshing experience.
Reporter Ji Seung-hoon highlights, “Kim Hye-soo, with nearly 40 years of acting experience, along with the flawless performances of Joo Jong-hyuk and Jung Sung-il, shine brightly,” adding, “The characters feel like they could exist in real life, and there are relatable points for any office worker in South Korea.” He further emphasizes, “The solid storyline makes it clear why Disney chose this as their first release of the year. It won’t be boring.”
Despite the COVID-19 situation, the movie ‘Hitman’, which attracted 2.4 million viewers, is back with Season 2.
Released on the 22nd, ‘Hitman 2’ is a comic action film that unfolds as ‘Jun’, a once-great hit writer who quickly falls to the status of a ‘brain-dead writer’, faces a terror incident mimicking his new webtoon, becoming a suspect overnight.
In the sequel, the former National Intelligence Service assassin turned webtoon writer returns to action as a failed webtoon writer. The original cast, including Kwon Sang-woo, Jung Joon-ho, Lee Yi-kyung, and Hwang Woo-seul-hye, reunites, with new villain Kim Sung-oh joining the team. Actions that cannot be performed in real life are animated.
For those with a headache from heavy news during impeachment times, this film is perfect for killing time.
Kang Young-guk explains, “It’s a movie that allows you to laugh without thinking about the current situation,” adding, “Many around me have also reacted positively, saying it was fun.”
All eyes are on whether Kwon Sang-woo's earnest promotion will pay off.
