Edited by Seo Hayne Translated by Kim Hoyeun
Credit: TVING
Spin-off of ‘No Gain No Love’: ‘The CEO’s Menu’
Credit: TVING
No Gain No Love follows the sham marriage between Son Hae Young ( Shin Mina ) and Kim Ji Wook ( Kim Young Dae ). Hae Young is determined to avoid loss at all costs, while Ji Wook is hesitant to cause any harm. Living by the motto “Life’s just a series of calculations,” Hae Young might come off as materialistic, but her character has been praised for being both realistic and relatable.
Spin-offs from ‘Concrete Utopia’: ‘Concrete Market’ and More
Credit: Lotte Entertainment, Netflix
Released in 2023, Concrete Utopia is based on the popular webtoon Pleasant Bullying , depicting survivors in a building that withstood a massive earthquake. Starring Lee Byung Hun, Park Seo Joon, and Park Bo Young, the film explores their desperate survival in the last standing building.
This chaotic world continues in other works, including the Netflix film Badland Hunters starring Ma Dong Seok, which shares the post-apocalyptic setting but introduces new characters and genres. This “Concrete Universe” will also feature two more series: Pleasant Outcast (literal title), featuring Sung Yu Been and Won Ji An, set in a collapsed school, and Concrete Market , starring Hong Kyung and Lee Jae In, set in an apartment complex. Release dates are still to be announced.
Hong Kyung & Kim Dong Hwi Gear Up for ‘Concrete Market’ on Paramount Plus: The ‘Concrete’ Universe Expands
Spin-off of ‘The Priests’: ‘Black Nuns’
Credit: UAA, management mmm
Director Jang Jae Hyun, who recently has redefined the history of K-occult cinema with Exhuma , first gained widespread support from occult fans with The Priests (2015), a film about priests trying to save a girl possessed by an evil spirit. The movie, which drew in 5.44 million viewers, demonstrated that the occult genre could also be embraced by the mainstream, thanks to its accessible narrative style.
The upcoming spin-off Black Nuns (literal title) features Song Hye Kyo and Jeon Yeo Been as nuns attempting to save a boy possessed by a powerful demon, following the priestly duo of Kim Yun Seok and Kang Dong Won . While not directly linked to The Priests, expectations are high for this female-led continuation. Song Hye Kyo recently expressed in an ELLE Korea interview her excitement about discovering another side of herself through Black Nuns .
‘Spin-off of ‘Kill Boksoon’: ‘The Mantis’
Credit: Netflix
Last year’s Kill Boksoon , an action film about a legendary assassin and mother, Gil Bok Soon (Jeon Do Yeon), captured attention with its gripping narrative. The meeting of The Merciless director Byun Sung Hyun and Jeon Do Yeon drew traction from the start, and as expected, the result met with the expectations.
The assassin universe continues in the spin-off The Mantis (literal title), centered around an A-class assassin mentioned in passing in Kill Boksoon as having been “on vacation.” The spin-off follows “Mantis” Han Wool ( Yim Si Wan ) returning from a long hiatus, his rival Jae Yi ( Park Gyu Young ), and retired legend Dok Go ( Jo Woo Jin ), vying for the top assassin spot. If Kill Boksoon explored the conflict between motherhood and killing, The Mantis zooms in on the action-packed rivalry among the killers.
Spin-off of ‘Hospital Playlist’: ‘Resident Playbook’
Credit: tvN
Hospital Playlist , beloved for its portrayal of a 20-year friendship among doctors at Yulje Hospital, diverges from typical medical dramas by focusing on personal stories and friendships. The real-friend chemistry of Jo Jung Suk , Yoo Yeon Seok , Jung Kyung Ho , Jeon Mi Do , and Kim Dae Myung was particularly loved.
Resident Playbook , set in the same hospital, stars Go Youn Jung, Shin Si A, and Kang You Seok as obstetrics and gynecology residents. Initially set for a spring release, its premiere has been delayed due to intensifying medical disputes in Korea.
‘Resident Playbook’ Faces Uncertain 2024 Premiere With Ongoing Medical Strike
Editor Seo Hayne: I like actors as they faithfully lead through their long running-time. I also like idols who accomplish everything on stage within 3 minutes.
