Director Hwang Dong Hyuk, the genius behind Squid Game, recently expressed his disappointment about the mixed reactions from Korean viewers toward the much-anticipated Squid Game 2.

The Netflix hit has topped global TOP 10 charts for two weeks straight, hitting #1 in 93 countries and gaining worldwide praise. But in Korea, opinions remain divided, leaving Hwang with bittersweet feelings.

In an interview with Herald POP, Hwang reflected on the global success of his series, saying, "I’m incredibly thankful.

Seeing how Squid Game continues to receive so much love worldwide is a miracle. A Korean-language series becoming #1 in 93 countries feels extraordinary. I often wonder if I’ll ever create something like this again."

He also shared how the worldwide reception brought both joy and pressure: "I devoted 5–6 years solely to Squid Game. The overwhelming attention is a heavy crown to wear, but it’s also brought me many happy memories. With that comes the responsibility to endure criticisms too."

However, Hwang admitted that the reactions at home have been tough to handle. "Even a stray dog gets 50% of what it needs at home, but in Korea, evaluations feel the harshest," he said. "Coming back home, it doesn’t feel as supportive as it should. I just wish for a little more encouragement from my own country."

Despite the domestic divide, Squid Game 2 has captivated global audiences with its intense storyline. The season follows Gihun (Lee Jung Jae) as he returns to the deadly games with revenge in his heart and faces off with the Front Man (Lee Byung Hun) in a new wave of danger.

Fans worldwide are eagerly watching the series unfold, and while the mixed Korean reception weighs on Hwang, the international love for his masterpiece is undeniable.

Source: [1]

Park Bo Gum and Go Youn Jung’s unexpected meeting from five years ago is making waves again online!

As Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines and tvN’s Resident Playbook continue to rise in popularity, fans are rediscovering a hidden gem from the past — a music video where Park Bo Gum and a rookie Go Youn Jung played a couple.

On the April 18 episode of KBS 2TV’s The Seasons – Park Bo Gum’s Cantabile, legendary singer Lee Seung Chul appeared and showed his close bond with Bo Gum, warmly introducing himself as “Bo Gum’s hyung, Seung Chul.”

While chatting with Bo Gum, Lee Seung Chul shared, “I’ve been pulling all-nighters watching When Life Gives You Tangerines. I even copied Gwan Sik’s hairstyle!”

He went on to praise Bo Gum, saying, “Bo Gum once appeared in my music video. I was so thankful I promised him a meal. I’ve met many people over the past 40 years, but Bo Gum is truly different. He’s a blessing.”

The song he was referring to was “I Will Give You All”, which was part of his single album and also an OST for the webtoon The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor.

In the music video, Park Bo Gum starred as the male lead — and the female lead was none other than a then-rookie Go Youn Jung.

After the episode aired, fans quickly rushed to find the music video, and it started gaining attention again.

Viewers were shocked to realize the actress beside Bo Gum was Go Youn Jung, now widely recognized for her role as Oh Eun Young in Resident Playbook.

Comments began flooding the video on platforms like 1theK and Kakao Page, with people saying:

• “I came back after watching Bo Gum sing — wait, that’s Go Youn Jung?!”
• “I saw this after watching his talk show!”
• “Didn’t know who the female lead was before, but she’s a total star now.”
• “Their visuals together? Unreal.”
• “Why am I only seeing this now?”
• “Please let them reunite in a drama!”
• “This duo was ahead of its time.”

With fans begging for a future drama project featuring the two, many are now hoping that this newly resurfaced video could lead to a real on-screen reunion.

Have you seen the music video yet?

Source: [1]