Melting Hearts: "SKY Castle" & "A-Teen" Actor Kim DongHee Is Back Even Cuter With "Itaewon Class"
Rookie actor Kim DongHee is back even cuter with "Itaewon Class".
Laure, Kpopmap Editor 3 min to read ·
Published : Feb 11, 2020
· Updated : Mar 4, 2020
JTBC
Kim DongHee is a rising rookie actor who has a soft image. He gained fame in the drama "SKY Castle" (2018-2019) and web-drama "A-Teen" (season 1 and 2- 2018 and 2019).
JTBC / Playlist Studio
He is part of the supporting roles of the popular drama “Itaewon Class” based on webtoon who tells the story of Park SaeRoy (Park SeoJoon) who opens a food-related business in Itaewon after numerous hardships. For more about the drama and original webtoon, you can check our cast and summary here.
Kim DongHee has a major supporting role. It has not been long since he appeared in the drama (as an adult) but his character -Jang KeunSoo- garners excitement surrounding his complicated relationships with his family and one-sided love for the lead female character acted by Kim DaMi.
His character is kind and cute. In the first episodes, he already portrayed various emotions and especially love. He had various scenes with Kim DaMi with who he has great chemistry.
Especially this scene of episode 3 made an impression on us. Be aware of spoilers of episode 3.
Kim DongHee was clubbing with a friend and Kim DaMi. When his friend was on his way to seduce her, he stopped him and said: "Wait. There's nothing going on between us. We are not dating. We are really just friends. But I like her." His sudden confession made his character look even cuter.
Netflix
Kim DongHee was born in 1999, he debuted in the season 1 of the web drama "A-Teen" in 2018. He entered JYP Entertainment as an actor trainee and signed with the agency later in the year. He is currently under JYP Entertainment and npio entertainment like actress Shin YeEun.
In 2020, he will also appear in the teenage crime Netflix Original drama "Extracurricular" as the lead actor along Jung DaBin.
NYLON
For more about him, you can follow him on his Instagram here @kim_d.he.
Do you also find his "Itaewon Class" character cute?
Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)
Find out the top best school/college romance K-Dramas to have on your watchlist. (Updated with 2023 dramas)
Laure, Kpopmap Editor 10 min to read ·
Published : Nov 7, 2023
· Updated : Dec 26, 2023
JTBC
For new K-Drama fans, it is often hard to make a great watchlist from scratch. You most probably ask your friend’s opinions or read online reviews to make your selection, but that is probably not enough to decide on your next drama.
K-Dramas have plenty of genres. This time, we listed romance dramas set in school and university. We made a selection of the best teen romance and campus romance. If you are a K-Drama beginner, look out for the dramas we have selected to find which ones suit your taste! For K-Drama addicts, you probably have watched all the dramas listed below, if not, it is time to add them to your watchlist.
Summary: The story of a woman living a new life through plastic surgery. She ends up meeting Do KyungSuk at college orientation, and while everyone thinks that appearance is important, he thinks differently. She will learn what real “beauty” is.
For: Viewers looking for a campus romance questioning what is "beauty" with a swoon-worthy main couple.
Why watch?: This campus romance has an interesting theme on “what is real beauty”. The plot mainly focuses on romance and other issues of university students, making the whole story very interesting. The main couple's chemistry is one of the best. It is a must-watch!
Summary: It tells the dreams and love stories of students who are in pursuing a career in sports.
For: Viewers looking for the sweetest and the most hilarious campus romance.
Why watch?: This drama is just too good to miss! The female lead is a bubbly weightlifting athlete and the male lead is a soft swimmer. This true OTP created this perfect romantic comedy with their perfect chemistry! This drama gave birth to one of the legendary K-Drama lines, "Do you like Messi?".
Summary: A youth drama that tells the story of an 18 year old high school girl who's life completely changes as well as the students surrounding her.
For: Viewers looking for a mysterious and exciting teen story.
Why watch?: This drama is a must for young viewers. Kim SoHyun's acting is perfect in this teen drama. The plot and the love triangle also made it worth watching. There is no wonder why this 2015 drama of the "School" series was popular.
4. "Dream High"
KBS
When: 2011
Cast:Suzy, Kim SooHyun, 2PM's Ok TaecYeon, Ham EunJung, Jang WooYoung, IU
Summary: It tells the love story and dreams of young people who desire to become stars by attending an Art High School.
For: Viewers looking for a heart-fluttering high-school romance with a music theme.
Why watch?: It might be an old drama, but the story is easy to watch and completely addictive. If you like K-Pop and dramas about singers, this drama might be for you. Suzy and Kim SooHyun couple's chemistry is unforgettable.
5. "Boys Over Flowers"
KBS
When: 2009
Cast: Ku HyeSun, Lee MinHo, Kim HyunJoong, Kim Bum, Kim Joon
Summary: The love story of a girl from a poor family and a boy from one of the largest conglomerates family who attends the same private high school.
For: Viewers looking for a hit high school love story.
Why watch?: There are many reasons why this drama is worldwide popular (and not only the Korean version). Even after all these years, "Boys Over Flowers"'s plot and cast are still worth watching. The handsome F4 and the fierce female character created this memorable drama with famous scenes.
Summary: It tells the love and friendship stories of wealthy high school students.
For: Viewers looking for an addictive cliché teen K-Drama.
Why watch?: There are two types of "The Heirs" viewers: those who loved it and those who hated it. "The Heirs" is entertaining and filled with K-Dramas clichés but that is for the best. If you are looking for an emotional rollercoaster and cheesy drama, don't miss this one.
Cast: APRIL's Lee NaEun, Kim DongHee, Golden Child's BoMin, Kim SooHyun, Ryu EuiHyun, Kang MinAh, Shin YeEun, Shin SeungHo
Summary: The web drama is about the worries and love stories of teens. The changes that the main characters are going through by changing from 18 to 19 years old. They are going through a lot with the preparation of the CSAT (college entrance exam) and this comes with a lot of choices to be made.
For: Viewers looking for a cute teen love story reflecting Korean students' worries.
Why watch?: It is a web drama of excellent quality. The story is engaging and has a slow pace. The love story and school worries of the characters are interesting (feat. handsome actors). All in all, the drama is definitely worth watching.
8. "To the Beautiful You"
SBS
When: 2012
Cast:Sulli, SHINee's MinHo, Lee HyunWoo
Summary: It tells the story of a girl pretending to be a guy who entered an all-boys physical education high school.
For: Viewers looking for a funny and easy-to-watch teen story.
Why watch?: The drama is a bit old. However, the whole drama's light-hearted atmosphere and laughable circumstances make it likable. You will find yourself falling for the characters and laughing out loud. SM Entertainment stan might want to look at this drama as various idols appear.
Summary: An emotional fantasy romance drama taking place in a world where vampires and humans co-exist.
For: Viewers looking for a high school story with vampires.
Why watch?: If you like dramas with vampires and cute school love stories, "Orange Marmalade" might be for you. There are few K-Dramas about vampires, and this one stands out. Even if the script was a bit unorganized, the interesting overall plot took over.
10. "Cheese in the Trap"
tvN
When: 2016
Cast:Park HaeJin, Kim GoEun, Seo KangJoon, Lee SungKyung
Summary: A romance thriller that tells the story of a female college student who is the only one who saw the real true self of her sunbae. This perfect guy is hiding his dangerous nature behind a sweet smile.
For: Viewers looking for an unusual campus story.
Why watch?: Many have divided opinions about this drama. The two main male characters are quite unusual because of the way they think. They are different from other dramas' characters and make viewers try hard to understand them. That is the charm of this drama making you curious until the end.
Summary: It tells the story of a girl who realizes that she is a supporting character inside a romance manga named "Secret". She tries to change the fixed story for her love and life.
For: Viewers looking for a swoon-worthy couple with fantasy and mysterious elements.
Why watch?: If you are looking for one of the best romance dramas with a high school background, this is for you! The drama has eye-candy leads and a fun lead female character in a story full of fantasy and mysteries. You will get quickly addicted and captivated. If you like cute and innocent love stories, this is even more recommended for you.
Summary:"Love Revolution" tells the love story of the couple Gong JuYoung and Wang JaRim while also depicting the teen's lives realistically with their love, friendship, studies, and dream.
For: Viewers looking for a hilarious plot and an innocent love story of high school students.
Why watch?: The main reason to watch this Kakao TV web drama is the lead character Gong JuYoung, the cutest and cheesiest boy in the world. He is crazy in love with Wang JaRim, a cold high school girl, and will do everything to win her heart. As you can expect from such a storyline, their love story will be full of unexpected and funny events. Moreover, all their friends have an essential part in the fun of the drama. It is light and hilarious.
Summary: It tells the romantic comedy story of JuGyeong, who is bullied for her appearance and then turns into a goddess through makeup with the help of her friend SuHo who keeps hidden scars. The two met and by sharing their secrets, they grow and restore their self-esteem.
For: Viewers looking for a heart-fluttering high school romance and a focus on self-esteem.
Why watch?: It is a must-watch! This school story is relatively light with an addictive love story (feat. tons of heart-fluttering scenes) and numerous entertaining scenes. However, it also has its darkness. The female lead is harshly bullied for her looks, and she lost her self-esteem (to mention just a few of the issues in this drama).
Summary: It tells the real struggles of people in their 20s and the issues of university students. At a distance, their youth seems beautiful, but if you look at it closely it is harsh. University students' lives would've been a little easier if they utilize guides to exams (like IT exam dumps & practice tests online).
For: Viewers looking for friendship and romance stories with characters with painful and sad stories.
Why watch?: This drama perfectly mixes two opposite feelings in its plot. It is sad because the drama highlights the painful wounds of each of its characters and the real hardship of university students (it is realistic). Despite having an overload of darkness, the drama isn't all gloomy and dark. At the same time, it is bright with an adorable romance, cute friendships, and likable characters who grow together.
Summary: It tells the stories of students of SeoYeon University who try to find "M", the anonymous main character of a story posted on the school community that turned the school upside down. The characters' romantic lines will change as they are looking for "M".
For: Viewers looking for a friends-to-lovers campus love story with interesting characters.
Why watch?: If you like campus romance, this is for you! Between the heart-fluttering main love line, rivalry in the second couple, diverse characters, and busy campus life, this drama has filled up all the requirements. It is sweet and addictive. You will not be able to stop yourself from watching the next episode.
Summary: A campus romance about the inflexible SangWoo and his encounter with the campus’ most popular student, JaeYoung.
For: Viewers looking for the addictive love story of two opposite university students.
Why watch?: It might just be the most heart-fluttering short campus romance of the century. BL newbies or experts alike, it will keep you away from your sleeping schedule (you're warned). The story of SangWoo and JaeYoung who go from enemies to lovers is played with amazing chemistry. This drama has been acclaimed left and right for good reasons.
Summary: "Twinkling Watermelon" focuses on Ha EunGyeol (RyeoUn), a model student who aims to make his parents proud. However, he's a natural-born, gifted guitarist who harbors a desire to pursue music instead. When this leads to an argument with his father, EunGyeol ends up discovering a strange yet enticing music store. After leaving the store, he finds himself in the year 1995 where he meets the teenage version of his father, Ha YiChan (Choi HyunWook). What ensues next is a story of youth, romance, family bonds, and music that gets everyone clapping along to its rhythm.
For: Viewers looking for a youthful drama full of emotions.
Why watch?: The drama has a good mix of heart-pounding youthful romance, family setting, bromance, a bit of mystery, and music. You will love the unexpected plot twist in the beginning, the handsome actors, and a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
You can also recommend to readers through the poll and the comments. (Note that "Dear. M", "Semantic Error", and "Twinkling Watermelon" were added later than other dramas in the poll)
What is the best school/college romance K-Drama according to you?
※You can vote multiple times without sign in.
Twinkling Watermelon
My ID Is Gangnam Beauty
Weightlifting Fairy Kim BokJoo
Who Are You: School 2015
Dream High
Boys Over Flowers
The Heirs
A-Teen 2
To the Beautiful You
Orange Marmalade
Cheese in the Trap
Extraordinary You
Love Revolution
True Beauty
At A Distance, Spring is Green
Dear.M
Semantic Error
Please do not refresh any more. Press the "VOTE" button below.
20 Best Korean Netflix Original Shows To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)
Netflix is full of some incredible Korean original shows, some of which are definitely hidden gems! Check them out here!
Ishani Sarkar, Kpopmap Editor 8 min to read ·
Published : Nov 3, 2023
· Updated : Dec 15, 2023
Netflix
OTT platforms have brought the world a little closer with their roster of incredible entertainment from every part of the world, facilitating a whole new wave of globalization in the new digital age. In the absence of the restrictions of cable TV, a viewer in one part of the world can consume and appreciate art and entertainment from another. One of the biggest contributors to this has been the OTT giant Netflix and its Korean original shows.
In recent times, Netflix has upped its game in the arena of Korean entertainment with the huge and still rising popularity of the same. Besides bringing numerous classics on board, Netflix has also been churning out some incredible original content for fans worldwide.
If you’re a fan of K-Pop, K-Dramas, variety shows, and more, here are our picks for the best Korean shows, movies, and more that you can watch now on Netflix!
Let us know which of these you’ve already watched, which ones you’d like to watch next, and which ones you’d advise your K-entertainment-loving friends to watch!
Note: We are using the official summaries of the shows mentioned, as seen on Netflix.
Summary: A college student navigates life and school while dealing with a unique predicament — he's living with a beautiful former K-Pop idol.
For: Fans of idol-related stories and melodramas.
Why Watch?: If you've always wondered what it must be like to live the glamorous life of a K-Pop idol, take a dive into the dark side with "Doona!" and you'll leave with renewed empathy for your favorite K-Pop stars. As for the romance at the centre of the drama, it is truly warm and healing yet painful in a way that leaves a deep impression. The chemistry between Suzy and Yang SeJong is electric, making for some heart-fluterring scenes that will definitely give you butterflies.
Summary: Three friends working for a benevolent moneylender band together to take down a ruthless loan shark who preys on the financially desperate.
For: Fans of action and suspense.
Why Watch?: "Bloodhounds" is not just an action drama. It is a story of friendship, family, perseverance, and resilience. Woo DoHwan, Lee SangYi, and Kim SaeRon deliver stellar performances, and their dynamic is simply off the charts. The comedy peppered in throughout the series is refreshing, while the action scenes are cathartic, to say the least.
3. "The Devil's Plan" - Variety Show
When: 2023
Cast: Ha SeokJin, SEVENTEEN's SeungKwan, Lee SeeWon, Park KyeongRim, Suh DongJoo, Kwak JoonBin, Orbit, Guillaume Patry, Lee HyeSung, Cho YeonWoo, Suh YuMin, Kim DongJae
Summary: 12 contestants face off in games of wit, strategy, and wisdom over 6 nights and 7 days. Who will be crowned the ultimate victor?
For: Fans of brain/strategy games and reality shows.
Why Watch?: If you enjoy reality shows like "Big Brother", you will love "The Devil's Plan". Contestants live together for seven days, within which time they must compete against each other in intricately designed games to win the ultimate prize. From teamwork to betrayal, twists and turns, eliminations, penalties, and more, this show is filled with entertainment that you do not want to miss.
4. “Kingdom” Seasons 1 and 2; “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” - Drama & Special Episode
Summary: While strange rumors about their ill king grip a kingdom, the crown prince becomes their only hope against a mysterious plague overtaking the land.
For: Fans of horror, thrillers, and political dramas.
Why watch?: "Kingdom" is one of the best Korean Netflix original shows to date. This brilliant show takes modern fears and socio-political issues and plants them in Joseon, using the motif of the zombie to address important issues in society. There’s not a single dull moment in this entire show, over two seasons and one special episode and it’s definitely worth the sleepless nights.
Summary: New friends, new loves and new experiences mix together inside a colorful college dormitory in Korea that's home to students from around the world.
For: Fans of lighthearted slice of life dramas, campus romances, and sitcoms.
Why watch?: “So Not Worth It” is Netflix’s first Korean sitcom and features a star studded cast of actors, idols, foreign actors/variety show stars and more.
Summary: A model high school student who's steeped in a world of serious crime finds his double life upended when a classmate takes an interest in his secret.
For: Fans of psychological thrillers and realistic portrayals of society.
Why watch?: “Extracurricular” was a turning point for Korean dramas as it opened up a whole new arena for dark, gritty, and unconventional narratives based on some iota of truth in society.
Summary: In a world where an app alerts people if someone in the vicinity likes them, Kim JoJo experiences young love while coping with personal adversities.
For: Fans of bubbly campus romances who do not mind a bit of cheesiness.
Why watch?: “Love Alarm” is one of the most popular Korean Netflix original shows and for good reason too. Its novel concept, amazing cast, and story development will leave you hooked.
Summary: Finding life in all that’s left behind, a detail-oriented trauma cleaner and his estranged uncle deliver untold stories of the departed to loved ones.
For: Viewers who are looking for something different from the usual sweetness of Korean dramas and do not mind darker themes.
Why watch?: Despite being based on a rather grim theme, at the end of the day “Move To Heaven” is a heartwarming coming-of-age drama about family, friendship, and love. If you're looking for memorable Korean Netflix original shows, this one will be right up your alley.
Summary: Wielding a light-up sword through the dark corners of a high school, a nurse with an unusual gift protects students from monsters only she can see.
For: Fans of supernatural and fantasy dramas.
Why watch?: This drama is full of adventure, action, mystery and thrill. Its bite sized format allows for it to be the perfect weekend binge.
Summary: As humans turn into savage monsters and wreak terror, one troubled teen and his apartment neighbors fight to survive — and to hold on to their humanity.
For: Fans of horror and webtoon-based dramas.
Why watch?: This drama is based on an incredibly popular webtoon and does complete justice to the same. Each actor’s performance is strikingly brilliant, which contributes to the hard-hitting impact of the drama.
Summary: An exploration of different personas in an eclectic collection of four works by critically acclaimed Korean directors.
For: Fans of slow-burn stories that culminate to a more than satisfying conclusion.
Why watch?: Fans of intellectual storylines will definitely appreciate this work for its subtle nuances and gripping narratives. The cast is just the cherry on top!
Summary: Hiding out in Jeju Island following a brutal tragedy, a wronged mobster with a target on his back connects with a woman who has her own demons.
For: Fans of action thrillers.
Why watch?: This film will have you at the edge of your seat from start to finish as you find yourselves rooting for the unlikeliest characters.
Summary: With prayer beads in one hand and an ax in the other, a monk hunts down a millennia-old spirit that's possessing humans and unleashing hell on Earth.
For: Fans who love all things gore, horror, and some jumpscares.
Why watch?: We cannot talk about the best Korean Netflix original shows without this horror masterpiece. This film will satisfy all horror fanatics with its chilling storyline, incredibly well-made scenes, and especially amazing CGI work. Remember to cancel out the scare with a comedy later because this film will haunt you in your nightmares.
14. “Time To Hunt” - Film
When: 2020
Cast: Lee JeHoon, Ahn JaeHong, Choi WooShik
Summary: Wanting to leave their dystopian world behind for a faraway paradise, three outlaws plot a money heist — and draw the attention of a vicious killer.
For: Fans of thrillers and action films.
Why watch?: Remember to breathe while watching this film because danger lurks at every corner. “Time To Hunt” is the very definition of a film that will have you nervously rocking back and forth until the end.
Summary: Connected by phone in the same home but 20 years apart, a serial killer puts another woman’s past — and life — on the line to change her own fate.
For: Fans of thrillers and murder mysteries.
Why watch?: This film is a rollercoaster of twists and turns that will leave you trying to patch hints together until the bigger picture is revealed.
Summary: Chasing after space debris and faraway dreams in year 2092, four misfits unearth explosive secrets during the attempted trade of a wide-eyed humanoid.
For: Fans of space adventure stories with a tinge of deep emotions.
Why watch?: This film will give you laughter, tears, excitement, and warm your heart with the sweetest tale of a chosen family, up in space.
Summary: Faced with real-world opportunities and challenges, a couple endures the highs and lows of trying to make a long-distance relationship survive.
For: This film is for everyone!
Why watch?: This film is a mind-blowing piece of solid writing, amazing acting, and perhaps the most intriguing plot twist ever that is sure to leave you thinking about it for the rest of the day.
18. “BLACKPINK: Light Up The Sky” - Documentary Film
Summary: Record-shattering Korean girl band BLACKPINK tell their story — and detail the hard-fought journey of the dreams and trials behind their meteoric rise.
For: This is for BLINKs (of course) and K-Pop fans in general as well as those who are interested in the inner workings of the K-Pop industry.
Why watch?: This docu-film is an enlightening glimpse into the world behind the glitz and glamour that comes from being the world’s biggest K-Pop group. Even if you’re not a BLINK, you need to watch this.
Summary: Tackling different mysteries in each episode of this game show, seven sleuths get closer to solving the biggest one of all: What happened to Project D?
For: Variety show fans, K-Drama fans and K-Pop fans alike!
Why watch?: This variety show features your favourite K-Drama stars, variety show experts and K-Pop idols all in one fun investigative show that will brighten up your day with laughter and entertainment.
20. “Twogether” - Variety Show
When: 2020
Cast: Lee SeungGi, Jasper Liu
Summary: Paired together for an unforgettable trip across Asia, stars Lee Seung-gi and Jasper Liu become buddies as they connect with fans and local cultures.
For: This show is for everyone who’s trying to cope with the quarantine blues.
Why watch?: Go on a virtual vacation with your favourite K-Drama and C-Drama stars Lee SeungGi and Jasper Liu from the comfort of your own home. Not only is this a travel reality show but it is also full of love and laughter that will rejuvenate you and leave you feeling all sorts of happy feelings. “Twogether” is a must-watch.
Which of these Netflix original shows is your favourite?
※You can vote multiple times without sign in.
Doona!
Bloodhounds
The Devil's Plan
Kingdom
So Not Worth It
Extracurricular
Love Alarm
Move To Heaven
The School Nurse Files
Sweet Home
Persona
Night In Paradise
The 8th Night
Time to Hunt
The Call
Space Sweepers
Sweet and Sour
BLACKPINK: Light Up The Sky
Busted!
Twogether
Please do not refresh any more. Press the "VOTE" button below.
Note: This poll was first opened in August 2021. "Doona!", "Bloodhounds" and "The Devil's Plan" have been added to the poll in November 2023.
Celebrity Search: Korean Celebrities With The Same Zodiac Sign As You - Gemini ♊
Find out all the Korean celebrities who are Gemini ♊
Song, Kpopmap Editor < 1 min to read ·
Published : Feb 10, 2023
· Updated : Aug 31, 2023
Lee SooHyuk's Instagram
Are you a believer of Zodiac Signs? If you are, you might be interested to find out the Zodiac Sign of your favorite Korean Celebrities!
Get to know which Korean celebrities share the same Zodiac Sign as you!
May 21 - Jun 21
Those who are of Gemini star sign is known to be a fun person who is not only highly adaptable but also outgoing. Many enjoy spending time with Gemini as they are always interesting and in the center of attention. However, they can also be indecisive and nosy at certain time.
We referred to Wikipedia in Korea for the period of constellations.
Let's check Here! You can go into the link and check the "회귀황도대의 날짜 (Tropical date)".
Comments