ktown konnection #50 | "Squid Game 2" continues to dominate

IN THIS ISSUE:

• “Squid Game” takes Netflix’s top 2 spots (Global Non-English TV)

• “Tteokbokki,” “noraebang” added to Oxford English dictionary

• Devastating wildfires hit SoCal

• Pres. Yoon’s politicized bodyguards

• Most read issues of 2024

PREMIERES

• January 10 “Motel California” (MBC)(tbc)

• January 14 “Single’s Inferno 4” (Netflix)

Latest premieres “Motel California” gives me “Just Friends” vibes (Ryan Reynolds circa 2005, anyone?) and “Single’s Inferno 4” has the kind of trailer that screams garbage reality TV. (Also: Waiting for a US distrib to be confirmed for “Motel California.”)

What I’m watching next ”When The Stars Gossip.”

Freshly bingeable “When The Phone Rings” (12 eps).

Wednesday-Thursday January 8-9
“Who Is She” (KBS)(Viki)

Friday-Saturday January 10-11
“Love Scout” (SBS)Viki)
“Motel California” (MBC)

Saturday-Sunday January 11-12
“Iron Family” (KBS)(Viki)
“Check-in Hanyang” (Channel A)(Viki)
“When The Stars Gossip” (tvN)(Netflix)

Monday-Tuesday January 13-14
“Namib” (ENA/Genie TV)(Viki)
“The Queen Who Crowns” (tvN)(Viki)

(*Streaming platforms shown are for U.S. only; distributors vary by country.)

KDRAMA/FILM/TV/ETC.

Among Top 10 Global Titles Today (1/9/25) 🌎 Netflix was the only streamer with Korean titles among its Top 10 this week: “Squid Game,” “When The Stars Gossip,” “When The Phone Rings.” FlixPatrol 

(Those top 2 spots tho) Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV (Dec 30-Jan 5): “Squid Game 2” (#1), “Squid Game” (#2), “When The Phone Rings” (#4). Tudum

Korea’s watching: 📺 “Iron Family,” “The Tale Of Lady Ok,” “When The Phone Rings” (Dec 30-Jan 5). dramabeans