New Korean stories coming to Netflix include: Extracurricular, The King: Eternal Monarch, Rugal, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, Twogether, The School Nurse Files, Sweet Home and Time to Hunt

Netflix today announced a new slate of best-in-class Korean shows - from reality to crime and sci-fi to romance, dramas and more. 

 “From K-pop and K-food, to K-zombie and K-content, we’ve seen how much people in different parts of the world love Korean cultures and stories. So we’re excited to announce these new best in class Korean stories for our members,” said Minyoung Kim, Vice President of Korean Content at Netflix. “It’s amazing to see how these Korea films and TV resonate with audiences around the world - from Korea to South-East Asia and the Americas. By making it easy for people to watch films and shows from other countries, we can help them build empathy and develop a shared understanding of the world”. 

In 2019, ‘Crash Landing on You,’ a romance story about a couple from the two Koreas showed the popularity of K-content making the top 10 list in the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. 

This year we’ll have even more best in class K-stories with ‘Kingdom’, which returned with its second season on March 13th. The K-zombie series has again become one of the Top 10 titles in almost every Asian country, and millions of people globally have already chosen to watch its second season - including many people who’ve never tried a show like this before. And that is just the beginning:

Rugal

Kang Gi-beom, once a promising police detective in the violent crimes unit, is suspected of murdering his own wife. His eyes are slashed with a razor after he witnesses her murder at the hands of the terrorist group ARGOS. Just when he thinks he has lost everything, he is approached by Choi Geun-cheol, the chief executive director of Rugal, a special organization dedicated to the sole purpose of eradicating ARGOS. Choi requests that Gi-beom receives an artificial eye transplant and joins Rugal. After miraculously surviving the risky transplant operation, Gi-beom is born again as a human weapon. He begins to take revenge on ARGOS for everything they have done to him.

PREMIERE DATE: 

●      Korea/APAC/All English Speaking Countries/Latin America - 03/28/2020

●      Japan/Rest of the World - 05/24/2020

MAIN CAST: Choi Jin-hyuk, Park Sung-woong 

Time to Hunt

In a hopeless dystopian city, Jun-seok is released from prison and plans his next step in life in order to start anew with his friends Jang-ho, Ki-hoon and Sang-soo. But their excitement for the plan is short-lived as an unknown man chases after them. Can these best friends get away from the hunt?

Time to Hunt was invited to the 70th Berlin International Film Festival for a special gala screening. It is one of the most anticipated Korean films of 2020, and marks the return to the screen of Yoon Sung-hyun, winner for Best New Director at the 32nd Blue Dragon Awards for Bleak Night. The film also brings together some of the hottest actors of the Korean film industry, including Lee Je-hoon (Architecture 101, Signal), Ahn Jae-hong (Be Melodramatic, Reply 1988), Choi Woo-shik (Okja, Parasite), Park Jeong-min (Svaha: The Sixth Finger, Dongju: The Portrait of a Poet) and Park Hae-soo (Prison Playbook, Persona). 

PREMIERE DATE: 04/10/2020

MAIN CAST: Lee Je-hoon, Ahn Jae-hong, Choi Woo-shik, Park Jeong-min, Park Hae-soo

Extracurricular

Extracurricular is a story of high school students who have chosen a life of crime - and extreme risk - to earn money. Oh Jisoo ends up committing a serious crime because of his desire to apy for his college tuition on his own, whatever the means. Seo Minhee gets caught up in Jisoo’s crime, while Jisoo’s schoolmate Bae Gyuri also becomes involved in the same crime. Their bad choices come with irreversible consequences. There is no turning back. A life of crime and violence awaits them.

PREMIERE DATE: 04/29/2020

MAIN CAST: Kim Dong-hee, Jung Da-bin, Park Joo-hyun

The King: Eternal Monarch

The King: Eternal Monarch is a romantic fantasy drama that takes the genre to a whole new level. The series revolves around the relationships of people from two parallel universes. King Lee Gon seeks to seal the gateway between dimensions, while Jung Tae-eul, a police inspector, simply wants to protect other’s lives and their loves. The King: Eternal Monarch is written by Kim Eun-suk (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, Mr. Sunshine, Descendants of the Sun), and directed by Baek Sang-hoon (Secret, Who Are You: School 2015 and Descendants of the Sun) and Jeong Jee-hyun (Search: WWW). 

PREMIERE DATE: April/2020

MAIN CAST: Lee Min-ho, Kim Go-eun, Woo Do-hwan, Kim Kyung-nam, Jung Eun-chae 

It's Okay to Not Be Okay

It's Okay to Not Be Okay is about an unusual romance between two people who end up healing each other’s emotional and psychological wounds. Moon Gang-tae, played by Kim Soo-hyun (My Love from the Star, The Moon Embracing the Sun), is a caretaker working at a psychiatric ward who does not even bother to believe in love. He seems to be carrying all the weight and pain in life, and devotes himself only to looking after his disabled older brother. Go Moon-young, played by Seo Ye-ji (Save Me, Lawless Lawyer), is a children’s book writer who is clueless about love. She is popular among all age groups, yet very antisocial and indifferent to others.

PREMIERE DATE: June/2020

MAIN CAST: Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Ye-ji

-- What’s In Production -- 

Twogether

Two top celebrities from Seoul and Taipei go on a trip to several cities in Asia to meet their fans and become friends.

PREMIERE DATE: To be announced later / In Production

MAIN CAST: Lee Seung-gi, Jasper Liu

The School Nurse Files

A newly appointed high school nurse discovers secrets and mysteries with her supernatural abilities for chasing ghosts.

PREMIERE DATE: To be announced later / In Production

MAIN CAST: Jung Yu-mi, Nam Joo-hyuk

Sweet Home

Hyun-soo, a reclusive high school student, moves into an old apartment complex called Green Home after the tragic death of his entire family. Feeling unable to make a living on his own, he realizes the residents at Green Home residents, including himself, are trapped and surrounded by monsters in various forms of distorted human desires, which are about to sweep away mankind.

PREMIERE DATE: To be announced later / In Production

MAIN CAST: Song Kang, Lee Jin-wook, Lee Si-young

-- What’s Streaming Now -- 

(*NOTE: In some countries, the titles mentioned below are coming soon)

Itaewon Class

Park Saeroyi bends to no one. He is determined to live his life, getting everything he set his eyes on. Jo Yi-seo is a sociopath with an IQ of 162. Her goal in life is already crystal clear until she meets her complete opposite Saeroyi. A group of youths, held together by their mutual stubbornness and bravado, start a “cool” revolt against an irrational world. Their story unfolds in Itaewon, a small neighborhood centered around a single street that seems to be a compact version of the entire world. 

PREMIERE DATE:

●      Korea/APAC/All English Speaking Countries/Latin America - Now Streaming

●      Japan/Rest of the World - 03/28/2020

MAIN CAST: Park Seo-jun, Kim Da-mi

Hyena

Jung Geum-ja is like a weed. A twisted thing in this garden of lawyers. She will use every last sexy trick in the book to make money, no matter how evil the means can be. Yoon Hee-jae was born into the elites. He's a world-class lawyer with an ego to match. He is an orchid in full bloom. These two could not be more different, but they transform into hyenas at the service of their upper-class clients.

PREMIERE DATE:

●      Korea/APAC/Japan/All English Speaking Countries/Latin America - Now Streaming

●      Rest of the World - 04/18/2020

MAIN CAST: Kim Hye-soo, Ju Ji-hoon

Hi Bye, Mama!

Cha Yu-ri has been a ghost since she died 5 years ago. She left behind her husband Cho Gang-hwa and their child. To become a human again, Cha Yu-ri carries out a reincarnation project for 49 days. Cho Gang-hwa works as a chest surgeon. He got remarried after his wife passed away. Now his ex-wife Cha Yu-ri reappears in front of him, and he’s shocked and clueless.

PREMIERE DATE:

●      Korea/APAC/All English Speaking Countries/Latin America - Now Streaming

●      Rest of the World - 04/19/2020

MAIN CAST: Kim Tae-hee, Lee Kyu-hyung

Hospital Playlist

Hospital Playlist explores the chemistry between five friends who have stayed close to each other since they attended medical school together 20 years ago. They can practically read each other's mind just by looking into their eyes. The day-to-day lives of the people living, dying and just passing through the hospital where they all work is a microcosm of the world beyond. Song-hwa is the de-facto spiritual leader of the quintet. Seok-hyeong is a reclusive loner while Ik-jun is a self-described 'inside operator' who has excelled academically as well as socially. Jun-wan is an outstanding surgeon but is a miserable person. Jeong-won is always polite and caring at work, but in private he is a rather edgy character.

PREMIERE DATE:

●      Korea/APAC/All English Speaking Countries/Latin America - Now Streaming

●      Japan/Rest of the World - 06/04/2020

MAIN CAST: Cho Jung-seok, Yoo Yeon-seok, Jung Kyung-ho, Kim Dae-Myeung, Jeon Mi-do

Century Pacific Food Inc. assures enough food supply

The country’s biggest canned food maker, Century Pacific Food, Inc. (CPFI) assures the public of adequate supply of its products to meet the heightened demands of consumers during this period of Expanded Community Quarantine

“Thanks to the support of the Department of Trade & Industry and the Inter Agency Task Force, we are able to maintain a smooth flow of goods. Our factories are continually operating with enough capacity despite the use of a skeletal workforce. Thus, we currently have sufficient stock of products in our warehouses so there is no need to panic or worry that supply might run out,” says Ted Po, CPFI President. 

“There is enough raw materials and ingredients to sustain production. Our trade partners, distributors and retailers also have enough supply.” Ted Po says.

CPFI food products include such brands as Century Tuna, Argentina, 555, Swift, Birch Tree Fortified Milk, Angel Milk, Fresca, Wow Ulam, Hunt’s and Coco Mama. 

“Let us all do our share in beating COVID19 by not panic buying,” Po added.

Ben&Ben launches online event to raise funds for COVID-19 relief

Ben&Ben is set to hold a massive fundraising online showcase entitled, “Puhon: A Ben&Ben FB Live Event for the COVID-19 Efforts.” 

The nine-piece collective will be performing some of their biggest hits for a one-hour live stream show while staying in their respective homes. The Facebook Live Jam will happen on March 27, 2020 (Friday) at 7:00 PM. It will serve as a launch pad for the band’s community-initiative website, www.puhon.ph, which aims to inspire, uplift and boost the collective morale of all the key stakeholders of the COVID-19 response through uplifting stories, music, art, and more. 

The platform will also provide an opportunity for people to contribute to the ongoing efforts in helping the frontliners and urban poor community affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“As artists, we believe that in a crisis like this we are called to do what we can to help—may it be by sending messages of hope, making efforts in raising funds for this crisis, or others,” shares the band in a statement. 

All proceeds from this project are to raise funds for COVID19 test kits, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and nutrition support for frontline healthcare workers, and relief goods for daily wage earners. The upcoming online concert is in partnership with YSEALI, Limitless Lab, and the Asian Institute of Management - Team Energy Center For Bridging Leadership.

Landers Superstore holds online benefit concert

Here’s a convenient way to help others during the enhanced community quarantine: Landers Superstore, together with the Philippine Army, will be holding an online benefit concert named ONE VOICE PILIPINAS on March 22, 2020 at 12NN onwards, to provide food to the families in need.

Simply visit Landers Superstore’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/LandersPH/) to catch ONE VOICE PILIPINAS hosted by Matteo Guidicelli with live performances from your favorite artists such as Kean Cipriano of Callalily, Jed Madela, Joey Generoso of Side A, Jason Dy, Hashtag CK, Kyle Echarri, and more surprise guests. As you sing and dance along to these exciting performances, you can also help bring relief to fellow Filipinos in need by sending donations to www.onevoicepilipinas.landers.ph.

Join Landers Superstore and the Philippine Army in bringing hope, kindness, and cheer to one another while helping others during these difficult times through ONE VOICE PILIPINAS.

#OneVoicePH

#COVID19

#fightCOVID19

#FlattenTheCurve

#LandersSuperstore

#PhilippineArmy

#landersph

#LandersBalintawak

#LandersOtis

#LandersCebu

#LandersAlabangWest

#LandersArcoViaCity

Dethroning the "Corona"

With the enhanced community quarantine in effect, social platforms, like TikTok, provide a great avenue to stay connected with the rest of the world. 

Here are digital ways you can do to fight the new coronavirus:

Get Informed

Access to accurate and timely information is our first line of defense. TikTok created a special page within the platform for you to know the Things About About Coronavirus. These include advisories and preventive measures to protect yourself with the help of the World Health Organization. There’s also a special section called Mythbusters to debunk fallacies about the virus and fight misinformation.

Wash Hands Properly

Because Singing “Happy Birthday” twice for handwashing is pretty much outdated, users and creators on the platform are using their favorite songs for the full, clinically-approved 20 seconds of handwashing! 

Earlier this March, the Ghen Cô Vy (English Version) was released in response to a recent PSA from Vietnam which has turned coronavirus caution into a grooving choreography to inspire hand sanitation.

TikTok users are joining the #HandwashTunes challenge to encourage people across the globe to wash hands the right way.

@tjmusicmonterde ##HandWashChallenge ##handwashtunes
♬ original sound - TJ Monterde

It is safe to assume that sinks will now be the new stadium for 20-second concerts!

Spread the Good

In these challenging times, the things that we should spread right now are Love, Hope and Positivity! TikTok users from around the globe is taking part in the hashtag challenge #LoveInTheTimeOfCorona and you should, too! Get inspired with this video.

Also, music brings hope and peace along with the message of love and compassion. In your TikTok videos, you can use the new collaborative song titled “Forever Beautiful: All for One Version” featuring our very own Ben&Benalongside Eric Chou and 13 artists across Asia.

Stay Social and Connected While Keeping the Distance

Take advantage of your time at home to catch up on your friends and family through your inbox.

Try new things for self-improvement. Perhaps, learn a new language or try a new dish.

You can also share  good vibes and entertain people. This is the best time to create tons of TikTok videos to save in Drafts for future uploading.

@kuyaching ##loveinthetimeofcorona Good deeds should be done with intention, not for attention.@Swerab Smith @Keanne Go ##chingsters ##teamramen ##laughingjackz
♬ Someone You Loved - Lewis Capaldi

Together, we can fight the virus while maintaining our social interactions through the aid of social platforms. Just always remember that like  all trials and tribulations in human history,

this too shall pass.