Rugal
Police officer Kang Ki-beom lost his eyes and his wife and was set up for the whole thing after he put all his efforts into taking down the large criminal organization Argos. Now recruited to the super-secret NIS special task force known as “Rugal”, where the members are given biotechnology implants to replace their missing body parts and thus gain the equivalent of superpowers, Kang Ki-beom, and his teammates set out to really take down Argos, and bring his wife’s killers to justice!
The show is full of kick-ass fight scenes, fun Robocop-like scenes courtesy of Kang’s bionic eyes and his co-worker’s replacement parts, and all the Korean cop drama you can shake your kim-chi at!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZtgPv3LjrI
Mystic Pop-Up Bar
Mobile outdoor tent pop-up bars known as pojangmacha are a staple in Korea, but this one is special! Run by sharp-tempered proprietress Weol-ju and her stoic partner Chief Gwi, Mystic Pop-up Bar actually solves their client’s issues through a supernatural method of dream incubation. Both Weol-ju and Chief Gwi are spirits sent back to the Living Realm as a punishment; Weol-ju has to settle the grudges of 100,000 souls to be forgiven for her crimes in a past life and Chief Gwi has sworn to help her.
Han Kang-bae is a kind young man who was cursed since he was little with the ability to make anyone pour out their innermost truths to him through physical contact. And when Weol-ju meets hapless Han Kang-bae, it’s a match made in the supernatural realm, and ripe for all kinds of nefarious shenanigans!
Full of heart and snark and the continual reminder that people really need to just talk to each other instead of keeping it all in, Mystic Pop-up Bar boasts shades of the beloved Japanese anime Xxxholic and is a great supernatural jaunt for a Korean drama.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0RfpPHksRA
100 Days My Prince
The first of a few saeguk (Korean historical drama) entries, this one begins with an unusual premise – a prince suffering amnesia who finds love amongst the common people.
So Lee Yul is the crown prince, whether he likes it or not, after a successful coup completely rearranges the power and King of the Court. From a devastated boy who loses his beloved mother at a tender age too, he grows into a bitter and cold young man who seems to delight in pegging-down everyone around him. Resentful and angry, during a drought plaguing the kingdom and everyone else plaguing him about consummating his marriage to the crown princess, Lee Yul commands for all unmarried people under a certain age to wed.
And then en route to the rain ritual, a botched assassination attempt sends the crown prince with a head wound amongst the common folk, to be taken care of by Hong-shim, her adoptive father, and a cadre of other very-common peasant friends. Facing arrest if she doesn’t obey the new law, Hong-shim ends up marrying the newly-arrived and rechristened amnesiac Won-deuk, and hilarity ensues!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LxsJGR7DgU
Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung
A fictional story of one of the first four female historians of the Korean Joseon period to ever be involved in compiling the Veritable Records of the dynasty.
Goo Hae-ryung is plucky and smart, but also young and undeniably female, which of course means everyone thinks she’s destined for an arranged marriage with a stranger, a passel of children, and likely young death from overwork. Instead, Goo Hae-ryung takes her destiny in her own hands and determinedly joins the testing for female historians, passing the challenge and joining a highly exclusive formerly mens-only club of historians that compile the Veritable Records for future generations.
As she struggles to work on the same level as the men, Hae-ryung meets the throwaway prince Yi Rim, himself an frustrated and overlooked soul who loves to write romance novels, of all things, and that earns him arrogant sniffs from his peers too.
Workplace romance shenanigans ensue, the constant struggle for the stability of the Joseon dynasty leads to life-threatening political entanglements, and through all this, Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung is there to fearlessly endure and record it for the precious historical records.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqaGhUJ9Vgs
My Country The New Age
Another saeguk entry, this one focuses more on military battles and aristocratic political mongering, though there is a small, sweet romance laced throughout the bloody business; a pretty pair of pink shoes abandoned on the battlefield as Korea fights its blood-soaked way from the Goryeo dynasty to the new Joseon dynasty.
A pair of friends begin the story by taking the state military exam together – Seo-hwi is a blacksmith and the disgraced son of a man wrongly executed for embezzlement, while Seon-ho is technically an aristocrat but still looked down upon as his mother was a concubine. Seon-ho commits an unforgivable act of betrayal against Seo-hwi at the exam, setting off a downward spiral that pits the two brothers at odds with each other, set against the backdrop of epic dynastic changes as one era ends and a new one attempts to rise from the ashes.
Lavish with well-made fight scenes and the kind of drama and tragedy that Korean shows are famous for, My Country The New Age is a tear-jerker of the finest quality.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khANmq-3Too
Bonus entry – Kingdom
Yet another saeguk entry, Kingdom is of course set in the Korean Joseon period and is full of your standard political and social strife, but with one significant addition – zombies!
Three years after the fictional Unpo Wetland Battle, where 500 Korean soldiers and the governor-turned-general defeated an invading Japanese army of 30,000 using some terrible secret methods, Kingdom skillfully weaves a horrific storyline of the unquiet dead through an already-epic tale of dynastic betrayal and manipulation. Featuring a starring role from Bae Doona (Sense8, The Host, Cloud Atlas) as the physician’s assistant turned war medic Seo-bi, Kingdom boasts two whole seasons available on Netflix now!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l-yByZpaaM
Movie
Top 5 Ryan Reynolds Movies You Need to Watch Right Now
Ryan Reynolds has become one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors, known for his quick wit, charm, and ability to effortlessly switch between comedy, action, and heartfelt moments. With a career spanning multiple genres, Reynolds has delivered some truly iconic performances. Here’s a rundown of the top five Ryan Reynolds movies that every fan should watch, filled with SEO keywords to help you discover them easily.
1. Deadpool (2016)
Ryan Reynolds found his career-defining role as the wise-cracking antihero Deadpool, and the movie became a game-changer for superhero films. With its R-rated humor, brutal action sequences, and Reynolds’ perfectly timed one-liners, Deadpool is a must-watch for fans of comic book movies. Reynolds’ portrayal of Wade Wilson/Deadpool is the perfect blend of his trademark sarcasm and heart, making it one of his most beloved performances.
2. The Proposal (2009)
In this romantic comedy, Ryan Reynolds stars alongside Sandra Bullock as Andrew Paxton, an assistant who agrees to a fake engagement with his demanding boss to help her avoid deportation. The Proposal showcases Reynolds’ comedic timing, and his chemistry with Bullock elevates the film to one of the best romantic comedies of the 2000s. Reynolds’ charm and humor make it a standout in his filmography, and fans of rom-coms shouldn’t miss it.
3. Free Guy (2021)
In Free Guy, Reynolds plays Guy, a non-playable character (NPC) in a video game who gains self-awareness and decides to take control of his own destiny. The film combines action, comedy, and a surprisingly heartfelt story about finding your purpose. Reynolds’ performance is both funny and endearing, making Free Guy one of his best films in recent years. Fans of video games, action-comedies, and feel-good films will love it.
4. Buried (2010)
Buried is a tense thriller that features Ryan Reynolds in a solo performance, trapped in a coffin with only a cell phone and lighter. The film is a masterclass in suspense, and Reynolds’ gripping portrayal of a man fighting for his life showcases his dramatic acting chops. Buried is a must-watch for fans who want to see Reynolds in a more serious, intense role.
5. 6 Underground (2019)
In Michael Bay’s action-packed 6 Underground, Reynolds leads a team of vigilantes who fake their own deaths to take down notorious criminals. The film is pure adrenaline, filled with high-octane action sequences and Reynolds’ signature humor. If you’re looking for a fun, explosive action movie with witty banter, 6 Underground is the perfect choice for a thrilling movie night.
Honorable Mentions:
Deadpool 2 (2018): Reynolds continues to shine in this hilarious and action-packed sequel, cementing his role as the ultimate antihero.
Detective Pikachu (2019): Ryan Reynolds voices the adorable Pikachu in this family-friendly adventure, bringing humor and heart to the beloved Pokémon character.
The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017): An action-comedy where Reynolds teams up with Samuel L. Jackson for a wild, thrilling ride.
Ryan Reynolds’ versatility as an actor shines through in each of these films, whether he’s playing an action hero, a romantic lead, or tackling more serious roles. From Deadpool to Buried, his unique blend of charisma and talent keeps audiences coming back for more. Make sure to add these top five Ryan Reynolds movies to your watchlist!
TV
Top 5 Performances of John C. McGinley: A Versatile Actor with Unforgettable Roles
John C. McGinley has built a career filled with dynamic, memorable performances across film and television. With his sharp comedic timing, intense dramatic prowess, and remarkable versatility, McGinley has earned a loyal fan base. From iconic TV roles to scene-stealing film appearances, this talented actor has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Here’s a look at the top five performances of John C. McGinley that every fan should revisit.
1. Dr. Perry Cox – Scrubs
No list of John C. McGinley’s best roles is complete without mentioning Scrubs and his portrayal of the no-nonsense, cynical, yet oddly lovable Dr. Perry Cox. Over the course of the show’s nine seasons, McGinley brought depth to what could have been a one-dimensional, sarcastic character. His performance fluctuated between gut-wrenching monologues on the realities of the medical profession and rapid-fire insults delivered with razor-sharp precision. Fans loved his dynamic relationship with J.D. (Zach Braff), especially the heartwarming moments that showed Cox’s mentor-like role.
2. Bob Slydell – Office Space
In Mike Judge’s cult classic Office Space (1999), McGinley plays Bob Slydell, one half of “The Bobs,” two management consultants brought in to downsize the company. His dry, deadpan delivery as he calmly discusses firing employees is both hilarious and cringe-worthy. Though McGinley’s screen time is limited, his performance remains one of the most quoted and memorable aspects of the film, contributing to Office Space’s enduring popularity in pop culture.
3. Sergeant O’Neill – Platoon
McGinley’s role as the tough and morally conflicted Sergeant O’Neill in Platoon (1986) earned him critical acclaim. In Oliver Stone’s Oscar-winning Vietnam War film, McGinley stands out among a stellar ensemble cast, including Charlie Sheen and Willem Dafoe. His portrayal of O’Neill, who shifts between opportunism and fear as the war intensifies, is powerful and haunting. This role marked McGinley’s breakout in Hollywood, showcasing his range in serious, dramatic parts.
4. Stanley Miller – Stan Against Evil
In this underrated horror-comedy series, McGinley plays Stanley Miller, a retired small-town sheriff reluctantly pulled back into battling demons after his wife’s death. Stan Against Evil blends humor with supernatural elements, and McGinley’s comedic timing is on full display. His character is gruff and often surly, but the way McGinley balances Stanley’s grumpiness with heartfelt moments of vulnerability makes this performance a standout in his career.
5. FBI Agent Ben Harp – Point Break
In Point Break (1991), McGinley plays the by-the-book FBI Agent Ben Harp, who’s tasked with overseeing the young undercover agent Johnny Utah, played by Keanu Reeves. McGinley’s role is small, but his performance is unforgettable as the humorless, hard-nosed superior who has no patience for Utah’s laid-back, surfer persona. His iconic line “Young, dumb, and full of…” has become a classic in action movie history.
Honorable Mentions:
Dr. Cox’s Real Talk Moments in Scrubs: Some of McGinley’s best scenes come from his character’s vulnerable, often brutally honest speeches. Fans of Scrubs will recognize his mix of humor and emotion, which made Dr. Cox unforgettable.
John C. McGinley in The Rock: His role as Captain Hendrix in The Rock (1996) shows his ability to stand out in action-packed, ensemble casts.
John C. McGinley’s career is a testament to his versatility and talent. Whether playing a grumpy doctor, a slick FBI agent, or a worn-out war veteran, McGinley commands attention every time he’s on screen. His ability to switch between comedy and drama with ease is what sets him apart, and it’s why fans continue to revisit his best performances. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his work for the first time, these five performances are the perfect way to appreciate the incredible range of John C. McGinley.
Streaming
What to Expect from the New Season of Squid Game: Thrills, Twists, and High Stakes
The highly anticipated new season of Squid Game is set to deliver even more nail-biting suspense and shocking twists that fans of the global phenomenon have come to love. As the series returns, viewers can expect an escalation in the deadly games, with new challenges that push participants to their physical and psychological limits.
In this season, the stakes are higher than ever as a new group of contestants enters the arena, each with their own desperate reasons for participating. The games are more dangerous, the alliances more fragile, and the betrayals more heartbreaking. With the introduction of new characters and deeper insights into the shadowy organization behind the games, Season 2 promises to expand the *Squid Game* universe in unexpected ways.
The creators have teased that the upcoming challenges will be more complex and terrifying, testing not only the contestants’ physical endurance but also their moral boundaries.
Expect to see returning characters facing new dilemmas, as well as fresh faces whose backstories will tug at viewers’ heartstrings.
The new season is rumored to feature shocking revelations about the origins of the games and the true motivations of the game’s organizers, ensuring that fans remain on the edge of their seats.
Squid Game has captivated audiences with its unique blend of suspense, drama, and social commentary, and Season 2 is poised to take these elements to the next level. Fans can brace themselves for a roller-coaster of emotions as the game continues with even more at stake.