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"Twelve" And "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" Both Premiere To No. 1 Ratings

"Twelve" And "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty" Both Premiere To No. 1 Ratings

drama
25.08.24
By E Cha

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First Impressions: "The Immortal Ascension" Navigates Betrayal, Politics, And Deadly Trials in A Gripping Xianxia
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First Impressions: "The Immortal Ascension" Navigates Betrayal, Politics, And Deadly Trials in A Gripping Xianxia

After a two-year break, Chinese actor Yang Yang returns to the small screen with “The Immortal Ascension,” a xianxia drama based on Wang Yu’s acclaimed novel “A Record of a Mortal’s Journey to Immortality.” Premiering in July and still unfolding, the series quickly distinguishes itself from conventional fantasy tales that glorify the “chosen one” narrative. Instead, it offers something far more raw, grounded, and emotionally charged. Alongside Yang Yang, the cast boasts a stellar lineup including Jin Chen, Xu Hai Qiao, Wang Duo, Zhao Xiao Tang, Ireine Song, Zhao Qing, Zhang Xiao Chen, and Guan Yun Peng. Warning: spoilers below. Han Li (Yang Yang) is born into a poor mountain family, where every day is a struggle. His parents work tirelessly, yet there is never enough to eat. A small act — his older brother borrowing a few bowls of flour to make flatbread — sparks something in Han Li: a desire for a life beyond hardship. So, when the Seven Mysteries Sect arrives in their village to recruit disciples, he sees it as a rare chance to change his fate. Against all odds, he is chosen, stepping into a world where strength determines survival. At first, Han Li’s new life seems full of promise. He trains in medicine and martial arts under Physician Mo Ju Ren (Shih Chieh King), a respected figure in the sect. But his teacher’s kindness is only a facade. Mo Ju Ren treats his disciples as tools rather than students, using them to serve his ambitions. The harsh truth hits when Han Li’s closest friend, Zhang Tie (Hu Yu Xuan), is turned into a lifeless puppet during one of Mo Ju Ren’s experiments. Han Li quickly realizes that in this world, trust is risky and compassion can be dangerous. Amid these challenges, Han Li discovers a secret advantage: a small Green Vial that can accelerate the growth of herbs. In a world where spiritual medicines can mean life or death, this could be invaluable. But he knows it must remain hidden, as anyone discovering it could threaten his life. Han Li’s abilities are tested in the spirit root examinations, which reveal a disciple’s innate talent. While most see it as a chance to rise in status, Han Li’s mediocre roots mark him as ordinary, unworthy of attention. Just when hope seems lost, fate intervenes. He comes into possession of an Ascension Token, a rare relic with the power to bend the rules. This forces the sect’s elders to admit him into Yellow Maple Valley and grant him the coveted Foundation Pill. What could have been a moment of triumph instead thrusts him into a web of envy, rivalries, and sect politics, showing him that power often comes with danger as well as reward. Inside Yellow Maple Valley, Han Li quickly learns that surviving is just as much about patience and observation as it is about strength. Fellow disciples mock him, elders largely ignore him, and rivals like Lu Ming Yuan (Li Yue) see him as easy prey. But Han Li does not react with anger. Instead, he relies on what he has, which is his medical knowledge, careful planning, and the ability to remain unnoticed. When he cures an elder’s illness, he quietly earns respect and gains opportunities others overlook. Though he may lack flashy talent, his real strength lies in resilience, strategy, and adaptability. Yet the world of the sect is far bigger and more dangerous than he imagines. Powerful figures like Nangong Wan (Jin Chen), a grandmaster of the Moonshadow Sect, oversee critical events such as the spirit root examinations and intervene when Lu Ming Yuan nearly harms another disciple. Her presence reminds Han Li of the vast gap between novices and the true elites, setting the stage for even tougher challenges ahead. Meanwhile, darker forces are at work behind the scenes. Wang Chan (Wang Duo), the young master of the Ghost Spirit Sect, schemes around the Blood Spirit Flower and the Yan Clan. While his plots have yet to directly touch Han Li, their effects ripple into the dangers he will face. Closer to home, Chen Qiao Qian (Zhao Xiao Tang), once a friend who protected him, suffers at the hands of Lu Ming Yuan, who poisons and humiliates her. Han Li saves her but erases her memory, knowing that personal attachments and open confrontations can be deadly in this harsh world. All these tensions culminate in the infamous Bloody Trial Ground, a brutal test where many disciples never return. For most, it is a chance to show off strength and earn glory; for Han Li, it is simply about survival. Unlike his reckless peers, he prepares carefully, gathering tools, medicines, and knowledge to give himself even the smallest advantage. Lu Ming Yuan’s true cruelty is exposed as he betrays those around him for selfish gain. Han Li, in contrast, survives through caution, intelligence, and self-restraint. He emerges alive but deliberately avoids drawing attention, understanding that in cultivation, being noticed can be deadlier than any monster. By the end of episode 10, Han Li is no longer the naive boy who dreamed of escaping poverty. He has faced betrayal, humiliation, and harsh lessons, yet he carries quiet victories: his secret Green Vial, newfound wisdom, and the instincts to endure and survive in a world that tests everyone to their limits. Looking ahead, Han Li’s journey is set to become even more perilous. The Bloody Trial Ground is only the beginning. It’s a harsh introduction to a vast world of cultivation where every decision can mean life or death. Future challenges won’t just test his strength or cunning; they will demand that he navigate shifting alliances, hidden enemies, and powerful figures who see him as either a threat or a tool. With the series spanning 30 episodes, it’s clear that “The Immortal Ascension” is setting the stage for bigger trials, deeper secrets, and higher stakes. If the first 10 episodes focused on survival, the upcoming chapters promise to explore the true cost of power, the weight of secrets, and just how far Han Li is willing to go to keep moving forward. Are you watching Yang Yang’s new C-Drama? Let us know in the comments below! mon.y is a devoted connoisseur of Asian dramas and pop culture, with a deep-rooted love for storytelling that spans K-dramas, C-dramas, J-dramas, and everything in between. A longtime entertainment addict turned passionate writer, she brings heartfelt enthusiasm and a sprinkle of sass to every review and deep dive. Currently watching: “Love, Take Two” and “My Lovely Journey.” Looking forward to: “Twelve”

8/24/2025
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Hong Soo Hyun Is A Top Anchor Accused Of A Violent Crime In "Beyond The Bar"
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Hong Soo Hyun Is A Top Anchor Accused Of A Violent Crime In "Beyond The Bar"

JTBC’s “Beyond the Bar” has shared a sneak peek of Hong Soo Hyun’s upcoming special appearance! “Beyond the Bar” is a legal drama starring Jung Chaeyeon as Kang Hyo Min, a confident and compassionate but inexperienced rookie attorney at the law firm Yullim. Under the mentorship of Yoon Seok Hoon (Lee Jin Uk), a cold but exceptionally skilled partner at the firm, Hyo Min gradually grows into a true lawyer as she navigates the challenges of the legal world. Hong Soo Hyun will be appearing in the next episode of the drama as South Korea’s top anchor Han Seol Yeon, who also happens to be the older sister of Kang Hyo Min’s longtime friend Han Seol Ah (Kwon Ah Reum). Because of her social status and the love she receives from the public, she is the envy of all of her younger sister’s friends. However, Han Seol Yeon’s life is turned upside down in the blink of an eye when she is suddenly accused of a violent crime. With Han Seol Yeon at risk of losing everything she has worked to achieve, Kang Hyo Min steps up to defend her friend’s sister as her attorney. In newly released stills from the drama’s upcoming episode, Han Seol Yeon is locked up in a jail cell, with the polish and glamour of her usual anchor image nowhere to be found. As she sits behind bars, her eyes are full of anxiety and fear, hinting at deep-seated wounds that she has been hiding. Later, Han Seol Yeon takes the stand in court as Kang Hyo Min defends her, piquing curiosity as to whether they’ll be able to secure a not-guilty verdict—and what secrets will be revealed in the courtroom. To catch Hong Soo Hyun’s special appearance, tune in to the next episode of “Beyond the Bar” on August 23 at 10:40 p.m. KST!

8/24/2025
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Watch: Eugene Refuses To Give Up The Position Of "The First Lady" In Intense Trailer For New Drama
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Watch: Eugene Refuses To Give Up The Position Of "The First Lady" In Intense Trailer For New Drama

MBN’s upcoming drama “The First Lady” has released a suspenseful new trailer! “The First Lady” tells the shocking story of a president-elect who suddenly demands a divorce from his wife 67 days before his inauguration. Eugene stars as Cha Soo Yeon, a kingmaker who is about to become the first lady when her husband Hyun Min Chul (Ji Hyun Woo), who has just been elected president, turns her world upside down by asking for a divorce. Ji Hyun Woo will star as Hyun Min Chul, who rises from factory worker to the highest office in the nation, while Lee Min Young will play his closest aide Shin Hae Rin. The new trailer begins with Cha Soo Yeon and Hyun Min Chul triumphantly holding hands on stage after he wins the presidential election. However, their expressions harden immediately after his victory, hinting at trouble in their marriage. Cha Soo Yeon declares in voice-over, “What I want is half of everything that that person obtained because of me.” When someone warns her that she’s going up against the president as her opponent, she confidently replies, “I’m the one who made him president. So half of the presidency should belong to me.” Someone remarks, “I guess divorce is out of the question. Because if you get a divorce, your rights as first lady will disappear.” Determined to protect the life she has worked so hard to build, Cha Soo Yeon warns Lee Hwa Jin (Han Soo Ah), “You shouldn’t touch what belongs to other people. Whether it’s their property or a person.” Meanwhile, Shin Hae Rin vows complete loyalty to Hyun Min Chul, who replies doubtfully, “Can I believe those words?” As someone mentions a secret threatening the president-elect, Cha Soo Yeon angrily tells her husband, “I’m not asking you to be perfect. I’m just asking you not to get caught, no matter what you do and to whom.” Later, Cha Soo Yeon asks, “Are you trying to go up against me?” and Shin Hae Rin responds, “But in order for the president-elect to win now, one of us has to lose.” The trailer then cuts to Cha Soo Yeon bleeding after getting into a car accident. Finally, Hyun Min Chul says, “I made this choice, so I have to do things my way. I can’t turn back now.” Watch the full trailer below! “The First Lady” will premiere on September 24 at 10:20 p.m. KST.

8/24/2025
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Park Min Young Is A Woman Of Many Faces In New Drama "Confidence Queen"
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Park Min Young Is A Woman Of Many Faces In New Drama "Confidence Queen"

TV Chosun’s upcoming drama “Confidence Queen” has unveiled a sneak peek of Park Min Young’s countless transformations! A Korean adaptation of the 2018 Japanese drama “The Confidence Man JP,” “Confidence Queen” will tell the story of three talented con artists who pull off elaborate scams targeting villains from all walks of life. Park Min Young stars in the drama as Yoon Yi Rang, a genius con artist who boasts an IQ of 165, a wealthy background, and stunning beauty to boot. As the brilliant leader of the team, Yoon Yi Rang takes joy in giving the bad guys a taste of their own medicine through exceptionally creative methods. In the first two episodes of the drama, Yoon Yi Rang will prove herself a woman of many faces by pulling off a variety of professions, including casino dealer, flight attendant, and yogurt delivery person. In one set of stills that highlights her versatility, Yoon Yi Rang dons an elegant hanbok and neat bun for an event, then later changes into an evening gown and wields a money gun at the afterparty with her teammates. She also exudes different auras when wearing a white collared shirt versus a jumpsuit with sporty goggles and a helmet. “We’re confident that when viewers watch the drama, they’ll find themselves saying, ‘Park Min Young pulled a Park Min Young,’” said the “Confidence Queen” production team. “Park Min Young’s diverse array of looks will be one of the fun elements of ‘Confidence Queen’ that viewers can enjoy.” “Confidence Queen” will premiere on September 6 at 9:10 p.m. KST.

8/24/2025
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2 Happy And 2 Sad Moments That Happened In Episodes 5-6 Of "My Lovely Journey"
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2 Happy And 2 Sad Moments That Happened In Episodes 5-6 Of "My Lovely Journey"

Episodes five and six of “My Lovely Journey” continued to deliver an emotional rollercoaster, balancing heartwarming growth with heartbreaking revelations. As Yeo Reum (Gong Seung Yeon) takes bold new steps toward independence, viewers also witness deeper stories unfold around those closest to her. From the touching reunion between Genie and her owner (Jin Goo) to CEO Oh’s (Yu Jun Sang) tragic past, here are two happy and two sad moments that stood out the most. Warning: spoilers ahead! Sad: the reason why Genie refused to walk One of the biggest mysteries of episode four of “My Lovely Journey” centered on why Genie, despite being a well-trained dog, suddenly refused to walk. Yeo Reum’s second substitute travel client has requested her to bring Genie along for the trip, and while Genie generally behaved well, her actions are unexpectedly puzzling at times. For example, during a walk around the town they are visiting, Genie abruptly sits down in front of different shops every few minutes. At first, this frustrates Yeo Reum, who assumes it is a matter of discipline. Later, she suspects Genie’s refusal to walk is due to her declining health, which seems to prevent her from walking for long stretches. The audience is also led to believe the same. However, the reality turns out to be far sadder. After carefully reviewing the clips she has recorded, Yeo Reum notices a striking pattern: Genie has not been stopping randomly. Every shop she pauses at displays a photo of the same man, a famous actor, who turns out to be her real owner. Genie is simply longing for him. What makes this revelation truly heartbreaking isn’t that it’s just a dog missing her owner – that part is natural – but it’s the owner’s own attitude. Despite Yeo Reum’s repeated attempts to contact him, he shows no concern for Genie’s deteriorating health and coldly asks her to continue following the itinerary he has set. The painful contrast between Genie’s unwavering devotion and her owner’s indifference moved many viewers to tears. Happy: Genie reunites with her owner This week’s episode tugs at viewers’ heartstrings as the truth behind Genie’s separation from her owner is finally revealed. At first, it seems as though Genie has been abandoned, with many believing her owner has left the country for good. However, the bittersweet reality paints a much deeper picture. Genie’s owner has lost his sight, and Genie is not just his beloved pet but also his loyal guide dog. Despite cherishing her deeply, he carries a heavy burden of guilt. Watching Genie’s health decline, he blamed himself, believing that if he hadn’t relied on her so much, she wouldn’t have fallen ill. His heartbreak grows as Genie develops serious health issues, including lumps in her chest, leading him to believe that keeping her close would only cause her more suffering. But in a moving twist, the episode concludes on a hopeful note. Genie’s owner realizes that what his faithful companion truly needs isn’t distance or rest away from him, but simply to be by his side. In the end, the two are reunited, reminding viewers of the profound bond between humans and their animal companions and leaving hearts warmed with hope. Sad: CEO Oh’s tragic past The latest episodes shed heartbreaking light on CEO Oh’s past, adding depth to his character and explaining his special bond with Yeo Reum. After Yeon Seok (Kim Jae Young) questions him about the origin of a photo showing him at the beach, viewers are taken on an emotional journey through a flashback. The truth is revealed when CEO Oh’s ex-wife (Yang Seon A) shares that the picture was taken shortly after the devastating loss of their young daughter. This revelation not only explains the lingering sorrow that has shaped CEO Oh’s life but it also highlights why he treats Yeo Reum like family. When he first saw her in Seoul, he felt an instant connection, almost as if fate had brought her into his life to fill the void left behind. The heartbreaking backstory also sheds light on why his marriage ultimately ended, deepening the emotional layers of his character arc. Happy: Yeo Reum’s first solo international trip “My Lovely Journey” continues to capture Yeo Reum’s coming-of-age arc in her late 20s, and episode six marks one of her biggest milestones yet. While earlier episodes showed her taking small steps of independence such as traveling alone to a nearby town, this time she makes a much braver leap. Yeo Reum boards a plane all by herself for her very first solo international trip. This moment not only highlights her personal growth but also reflects the drama’s central theme of self-discovery and resilience. For Yeo Reum, the journey is more than just about exploring a new destination; it’s about embracing independence, conquering fears, and proving to herself that she is capable of taking on the world. Her courage and determination left viewers cheering for her next chapter. Amid all these touching and heartbreaking moments, viewers also saw Yeo Reum and Yeon Seok’s relationship quietly deepen. While in Japan, Yeo Reum found herself messaging him about her emotions regarding the trip. Especially now that she has already gotten over Siwan, her heart seems ready for something new. Though she may not realize it yet, she is slowly falling for Yeon Seok, adding a tender layer of romance. Hello Soompiers! Did Genie’s journey also get you teary-eyed? Let us know in the comments section below! Javeria is a binge-watching specialist who loves devouring entire K-dramas in one sitting. Good screenwriting, beautiful cinematography, and a lack of clichés are the way to her heart. As a music fanatic, she listens to multiple artists across different genres and stans the self-producing idol group SEVENTEEN. You can talk to her on Instagram @javeriayousufs. Currently watching: “My Girlfriend is the Man!” and “My Lovely Journey“

8/24/2025
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Lim Yoona Overpowers And Manhandles Lee Chae Min In "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty"
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Lim Yoona Overpowers And Manhandles Lee Chae Min In "Bon Appétit, Your Majesty"

Girls’ Generation’s Lim Yoona is about to land in hot water on tvN’s “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty”! Based on a popular web novel, “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” is a fantasy romance drama starring Lim Yoona as Yeon Ji Young, an award-winning French chef who winds up traveling 500 years back into the past. There, she meets despotic king Lee Heon (Lee Chae Min), who is known as the worst of tyrants—and who also happens to be a discerning gourmet. When Yeon Ji Young unexpectedly crash-lands in the past, she doesn’t know where she is—or that she has traveled back in time. As a result, when she runs into King Lee Heon, she doesn’t understand who he is, leading to a series of disasters. Since she doesn’t realize that she’s now in the past and that Lee Heon is really the king, Yeon Ji Young fearlessly manhandles him after managing to subdue him. In one still from the upcoming drama, she arrogantly stares down at him with her hands on her hips as if she were the royal one; in another, she guides him to walk in front of her while tied up like a criminal. To find out how Yeon Ji Young managed to overpower Lee Heon—and what sort of consequences her actions will have—catch the premiere of “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” on August 23 at 9:10 p.m. KST! Source (1)

8/23/2025
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