ktown konnection #7 | "Marry My Husband" tops global hits

This week’s Top 10 “A Killer Paradox” and “Doctor Slump” hit #3 and #9 on Netflix’s top global titles (as of this writing), “Marry My Husband” took the top spot on Amazon Prime Video. FlixPatrol

Unexpectedly explicit If you were shocked at the sudden sex scene in “A Killer Paradox,” you’re not alone. I agreed with some of dramabeans’ first impressions about Lee Tang’s apathy and the gratuitous nature of the series.

Political commentary? The show also faced an online backlash of supposed onscreen commentary of real-life political scandal. The Korea Times

OTT industry watch Paramount made another round of layoffs this week, it’s the latest grim news following a slew of cuts (Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, NBCU, Netflix, Roku, and rumored for Pixar).

The announcement comes after a record-breaking Super Bowl audience for Paramount and on the heels of Amazon’s ad launch, so it’s all pretty sus. Let’s see how each platform continues their approach to international content. TBI

Didn’t partake in any Lunar New Year meals? If you didn’t, here are some familiar faces who did. Rapper Jessi, actor Lee Yi Kyung (“Marry My Husband”), omnipresent host Yoo Jae-seok, and other friends cooked up a storm.

PREMIERES

• February 17 “Grand Shining Hotel” (tvN) (tba)

Premieres are on the light side this week; but rest assured, a bunch of new series and features await us next month. More to come.

CURRENTLY STREAMING AND ON-AIR

Wednesday-Thursday Feb 14-15
“Queen of Divorce” (JTBC) (Viki)

Friday-Saturday Feb 16-17
“Knight Flower” (MBC) (Viki)
“Flex x Cop” (SBS) (Disney+,Hulu)
“Grand Shining Hotel” (tvN)

Saturday-Sunday Feb 17-18
“My Happy Ending” (TV Chosun) (Viki)
“Captivating The King” (tvN) (Netflix)
“Doctor Slump” (JTBC) (Netflix)

Monday-Tuesday Feb 19-20
“Love Song For Illusion” (Viki)
“Marry My Husband” (tvN) (Amazon Prime Video)

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

KDRAMA REVIEWS

I did take a gander at “Branding in Seongsu” and wasn’t feeling the web minidrama. Though lacking in originality, it does look pretty light if you’re looking for a casual watch.

“A Shop For Killers” was kind of a letdown, though slick and buzzy. I got through a handful of eps, but this review underlined what I suspected. SCMP

IN SOUTH KOREA

Northern hostilities North Korea launched a round of missiles into the sea again on Wednesday, the latest in its series of recent provocations. Reuters

International relations In a surprising move, South Korea has opened diplomatic relations with Cuba, North Korea’s longtime ally. The Korea Times

Medical crisis A shortage of doctors, a med student quota, and a strike looms. The Korea Herald

Feeling isolated Social isolation is plaguing young adults in Korea; it’s a complicated and nuanced issue linked to culture, the economy, and mental and physical health. NPR

Dodger dog, anyone? The iconic ballpark hot dog of LA, the Dodger dog is set to accompany the Dodgers to Seoul’s Gocheok Dome next month. In case your fried chicken, squid, and beer, need a friend. KJD

Convention boost Seoul is investing $6.7M USD in meetings, incentive travel, exhibits, and conventions. The Korea Times

Work culture: work less (finally) One study suggests that Korea’s culture of overwork is finally on the decline. The Korea Herald

Less alcohol in your soju Responding to consumer demand, Chamisul Fresh has lowered its alcohol content to 16%. KJD

K-pop crossover Blackpink’s Lisa is set to make her acting debut in “The White Lotus.” Variety 

Korea drinks Starbucks Korea has the 4th largest number of Starbucks stores (1893) in the world. However, more ubiquitous (and affordable) are local chains Ediya Coffee and Mega Coffee. KJD

Half-priced cars In its carbon neutrality goals, the Seoul city government is offering hefty subsidies for hydrogen car owners. KJD

YouTube surpasses Kakao The most used app in Korea (in terms of time spent) last month was YouTube. The Chosun Daily

China’s top shopper Korea has become China’s top overseas online shopping consumer, surpassing the U.S. KJD

VIP webtoon subscribers: Thailand Half of Thailand’s most popular webtoons are from Korea. Not far behind are Vietnam, Thailand, and the U.A.E. - and consumers regularly pay for content. The Chosun Daily

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