Lee Soo Hyuk, Yoo In Na, Gong Min Jung, And More Spark Life Into Jisoo’s Virtual and Real Worlds In New Drama “Boyfriend On Demand”
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Watch: Esom Falls For Yoo Yeon Seok Despite Thinking He's Crazy In "Phantom Lawyer" Teaser
SBS’s upcoming drama “Phantom Lawyer” has shared a sneak peek of the chemistry between Yoo Yeon Seok and Esom! “Phantom Lawyer” is a quirky yet heartwarming legal drama that follows the adventures of Shin I Rang (Yoo Yeon Seok), a lawyer who can see ghosts, and elite attorney Han Na Hyun (Esom) as they resolve the lingering grievances of their very unusual clients—ghosts—through the law. The new teaser begins with the two lawyers meeting alone outside the courtroom, with Han Na Hyun prompting Shin I Rang, “Tell me. What is it?” Shin I Rang then shocks Han Na Hyun by hesitantly replying, “A ghost.” To Han Na Hyun, who doesn’t believe in ghosts, it seems as though Shin I Rang is obsessed with something that doesn’t exist. When it seems like he can’t stop thinking or talking about ghosts, she scoffs in disbelief, “This bastard is crazy.” No matter how much Shin I Rang insists that a new ghost just came to see him, Han Na Hyun refuses to believe him. Eventually, Na Hyun even slaps him out of anger and warns him, “From now on, don’t act like you know me. Got it?” But no matter how much Han Na Hyun tries to push Shin I Rang away, she keeps running into him—and as time goes on, her heart starts to race when she’s around him. As she finds herself increasingly drawn to him, she muses, “Attorney Shin and I are very different people. That’s why I like spending time together with him.” From running hand in hand through falling snow to holding each other tightly at an amusement park, the relationship between the two lawyers takes a decidedly romantic turn. The preview ends with Shin I Rang seemingly about to make a confession to Han Na Hyun, saying, “I want to tell you my feelings.”
Individual Idol Brand Reputation Rankings Announced
The Korean Business Research Institute has revealed this month’s brand reputation rankings for individual idols! The rankings were determined through an analysis of the consumer participation, media coverage, interaction, and community awareness indexes of 1,730 idols, using big data collected from January 24 to February 24. BTS’s Jimin held onto his spot at the top of the list this month with a brand reputation index of 6,805,336. High-ranking phrases in his keyword analysis included “ARMY,” “Who,” and “Like Crazy,” while his highest-ranking related terms included “romantic,” “surpass,” and “record.” Jimin’s positivity-negativity analysis also revealed a score of 92.27 percent positive reactions. BTS’s Jungkook rose to second place with a brand reputation index of 6,499,968, while BLACKPINK’s Jennie came in at a close third with a score of 6,416,329. IVE’s Jang Won Young took fourth place with a brand reputation index of 6,209,151, and BTS’s Jin rounded out the top five with a score of 5,881,552. BTS’s Jimin BTS’s Jungkook BLACKPINK’s Jennie IVE’s Jang Won Young BTS’s Jin BTS’s V BLACKPINK’s Rosé BLACKPINK’s Jisoo Wanna One’s Park Ji Hoon BLACKPINK’s Lisa BIGBANG’s G-Dragon MAMAMOO’s Hwasa IVE’s An Yu Jin aespa’s Karina BTS’s j-hope ILLIT’s Wonhee Red Velvet’s Joy aespa’s Winter BTS’s RM Red Velvet’s Irene BTS’ Suga Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon Red Velvet’s Wendy IVE’s Rei THE BOYZ’s Juyeon EXO’s Baekhyun NU’EST and Wanna One’s Hwang Minhyun Girls’ Generation’s Lim Yoona Red Velvet’s Seulgi Apink’s Son Naeun
Esom Talks About Her Cold Yet Evolving Character And Chemistry With Yoo Yeon Seok In “Phantom Lawyer”
Esom has shared her thoughts on her upcoming drama “Phantom Lawyer”! “Phantom Lawyer” is a quirky yet heartwarming legal drama that follows the adventures of Shin I Rang (Yoo Yeon Seok), a lawyer who can see ghosts, and elite attorney Han Na Hyun (Esom) as they resolve the lingering grievances of their very unusual clients—ghosts—through the law. Esom plays Han Na Hyun, an elite attorney at Taebaek Law Firm, one of the most prestigious law firms in Seoul, known for her perfect 100 percent win rate. Han Na Hyun makes rational decisions strictly within the bounds of the law and has always pursued victory as her sole goal. But behind this perfection lies a deeply hidden story: becoming a lawyer was originally her older sister’s dream. Na Hyun trained herself ruthlessly to shoulder that dream in her sister’s stead. Esom explained that, to understand Han Na Hyun’s present, she first had to imagine the path Na Hyun had walked. She remarked, “She looks cold and rigid, but I wondered what kind of wounds and pain she might have experienced. I thought she might have closed herself off emotionally to protect herself from being hurt.” She continued, “After meeting Shin I Rang, she experiences failure and anger, but gradually, her gaze shifts, and emotions begin to emerge. Through this, she discovers a side of herself she didn’t know existed.” The actress also explained that Han Na Hyun’s transformation drew her to the role. She stated, “I was curious how a cold, rational person like Han Na Hyun, who only cares about winning, would change when she meets Shin I Rang, who is her complete opposite. It was intriguing to see the process of cracks appearing in the life of result-oriented Han Na Hyun when she encounters Shin I Rang.” Esom went on to explain how she prepared for the character. She revealed that since Han Na Hyun doesn’t show emotions in the early stages of the drama, she had to lower her tone to emphasize the character’s cold image. Her styling—flawless suits paired with a smartwatch—helped highlight Han Na Hyun’s rigid and disciplined personality. She also used subtle changes in color tones and atmosphere to visually capture the cracks that appear in Han Na Hyun’s perfectly guarded life later in the drama. Talking about the relationship between Han Na Hyun and Shin I Rang, she shared, “While Na Hyun is all about the law and winning, Shin I Rang genuinely listens to people’s stories. Although the two are clearly polar opposites, feelings develop between them as they work together over time. I think viewers will find that aspect very interesting.” Regarding working with Yoo Yeon Seok, Esom commented, “This is our first project together, but I had faith he would portray Shin I Rang perfectly. Even while I was focused on my lines, he paid attention to the atmosphere on set. I learned a lot from him.” Finally, Esom emphasized that the stories of the ghosts who visit Shin I Rang are the core of the drama. She also stated that she hopes the series naturally conveys how important it is to genuinely listen to someone’s story. She shared, “The various ghost characters appearing in each episode will be one of the biggest highlights of the drama. Please look forward to how Shin I Rang, Han Na Hyun, and these ghost clients form a team, complementing each other, and solving cases in satisfying ways.” “Phantom Lawyer” is set to premiere on March 13 at 9:50 p.m. KST.
Kim Min Ju Reflects On Playing A Pure-Hearted Character Who Grows Through Life’s Challenges In “Still Shining”
Kim Min Ju has shared her thoughts on her upcoming drama “Still Shining”! “Still Shining” is a drama about young people who once shared a world of their own and gradually become each other’s source of trust and the light that guides their lives. Kim Min Ju plays Mo Eun Ah, a former hotelier who is now the manager of an old-house stay, and a character brimming with enthusiasm in everything she does. From the sparkling moments of first love to the hidden pain she has quietly carried, Mo Eun Ah faces life with unmatched sincerity and passion. As “Still Shining” marks her first leading role in a drama, Kim Min Ju explained why she chose the project, saying, “I loved the warmth that ‘Still Shining’ conveys. I was drawn to the way Yeon Tae Seo (Park Jinyoung) and Mo Eun Ah love each other for who they are, cherish one another, and grow together.” Recalling her first impression of Mo Eun Ah, she shared, “What stood out to me was how sincere she is about the people and things she loves, and how she always gives her best. I think that kind of purity makes her very charming.” Given her deep affection for both the project and her character, curiosity is growing over how Kim Min Ju will portray Mo Eun Ah’s journey—from her fresh, youthful teenage years to her more mature adulthood. “To express how her personality changes after going through various experiences, I tried to adjust my tone of voice and the way I spoke. I also experimented with different styling choices,” she explained, revealing the thought she put into the role. She added, “At the same time, I thought a lot about what aspects of ‘Mo Eun Ah’ would remain unchanged even as she grows older.” Lastly, Kim Min Ju shared, “From a fresh and refreshing romance to very realistic stories, I think this is a drama that everyone can relate to. Because of that, viewers will be able to see it from their own perspectives and have many conversations about it. Please show lots of anticipation and interest.” “Still Shining” is set to premiere on March 6 at 8:50 p.m. KST. Until then, watch Kim Min Ju in “Undercover High School”:
Park Jinyoung And Kim Min Ju Rate Their Chemistry 100 Points And Reflect On Their Characters’ Bond In “Still Shining”
Park Jinyoung and Kim Min Ju have shared more insights into their upcoming drama “Still Shining”! “Still Shining” is a drama about young people who once shared a world of their own and gradually become each other’s source of trust and the light that guides their lives. Park Jinyoung stars as Yeon Tae Seo, while Kim Min Ju plays Mo Eun Ah. Ahead of the drama’s premiere, the two actors have shared hints about their characters’ relationship and reflected on their on-screen chemistry. First, Park Jinyoung described the relationship between Yeon Tae Seo and Mo Eun Ah—from when they first met during the summer break of their senior year in high school to when they reunite as fully fledged adults—as one defined by “light and distance.” He explained, “Whether they are together or apart, whether they feel close or distant, it’s a relationship where you can sense where the light is and how far apart they are from each other. Those subtle details are woven into their dynamic.” Kim Min Ju added, “I felt that the relationship between Yeon Tae Seo and Mo Eun Ah is like an ‘old tree.’ They met during their most innocent days, and they remain deeply rooted in each other’s hearts, living on through those memories. That image felt very much like a tree to me.” Regarding their acting chemistry, Park Jinyoung shared, “From the beginning, I felt like Kim Min Ju closely resembles Mo Eun Ah. As we acted together, I could also really feel that she saw me as Yeon Tae Seo.” He added playfully, “Our chemistry is, of course, 100 points. Please give lots of love to ‘Still Shining.’” Kim Min Ju likewise said, “I really enjoyed the process of creating new things together while talking things through on set. Because we went through that process, I think we were able to create even more great scenes.” She also rated their chemistry as “100 points,” further building excitement for the romance they will bring to life. “Still Shining” is set to premiere on March 6 at 8:50 p.m. KST. Until then, watch Park Jinyoung in “The Witch”:
Krystal Shares Why She Joined “Mad Concrete Dreams” And Hints At Her Character’s Intense Journey
Krystal has hinted at her character’s major transformation in the upcoming drama “Mad Concrete Dreams.” “Mad Concrete Dreams” is a thriller drama that follows Ki Soo Jong (Ha Jung Woo), a struggling landlord who becomes entangled in crime to protect his family and property. While he achieves the coveted status of a landlord, mounting debts lead him to participate in a staged kidnapping. However, the plan spirals out of control as the fake kidnapping turns dangerously real. Krystal plays Jeon Yi Kyung, the only daughter of a wealthy real estate mogul, who assists her powerful mother in managing their properties. As a series of unexpected incidents erupt around one of their buildings, Yi Kyung finds herself gradually swept into the eye of a fierce storm. Ahead of the drama’s premiere, Krystal has shared why she chose to join the project and how she approached bringing the character to life. “I was intrigued because senior actors Ha Jung Woo and Im Soo Jung chose this project,” she said. “When I read the script, it was so gripping that I couldn’t put it down—I was instantly drawn into the story.” She added, “I felt that Jeon Yi Kyung would be a new challenge for me, which is why I decided to take the role.” Elaborating on what drew her to Jeon Yi Kyung, Krystal shared, “I felt that she was the most human and pure character in the story. There’s an almost childlike innocence to her, and I found that side of her incredibly charming.” Having lived a sheltered life like a flower in a greenhouse, Yi Kyung undergoes one of the most dramatic transformations in the series. Krystal hinted, “Yi Kyung goes through an incredible amount of turmoil—you’ll see when you watch the drama.” She added, “It’s my first time portraying a character who experiences such a wide and dynamic range of events in a single project, so I gave a lot of thought to how I could convincingly express those layered and complex emotions.” Finally, she encouraged viewers to tune in, saying, “Please look forward to seeing what happens to Yi Kyung. Each episode unfolds with unexpected twists, so you’ll be able to watch without a single dull moment.” “Mad Concrete Dreams” is set to premiere on March 14 at 9:10 p.m. KST.