United News of Bangladesh

Korean dramas hold an irresistible charm that continuously captivates global audiences. The May 2025 lineup, filled with romance, comedy, thriller, action, and fantasy genres, is ready to enrich screens. Each new title promises an unparalleled plot layered with emotion, leaving viewers with feel-good experiences. Let’s unveil the 10 most hyped Korean dramas set to dominate screens this May. 10 Must-See Binge-Worthy K-Dramas Arriving This May . Spring of Youth | Teen Romance | May 6, 2025 Centred on youth and music, this drama series flourishes with Kim Min-cheol as its writer and Kim Sung-yong as the director. Starring Lee Seung-hyub, Ha Yoo-joon, and Park Ji-hu in lead roles, the series boasts a supporting cast that includes Jo Han-chul, Seo Hye-won, and Cha Chung-hwa. The storyline follows Sa-gye, a K-pop singer, unexpectedly forced to enrol at a university campus. Amid the unfamiliar academic world, she forms a four-member coed band. Through music and companionship, Sa-gye discovers both the rhythm of passion and the depth of young love. Read more: Thunderbolts*: The First Non-Sequel Movie Breaking the 13-year Marvel Trend Tastefully Yours | Comedy Romance | May 12, 2025 Created by Han Jun-hee and with a screenplay by Jung Soo-yoon, this comedy series thrives under the direction of Park Dan-hee. Go Min-si, Kang Ha-neul, Yoo Soo-bin, Kim Shin-rok, and Hong Hwa-yeon portray the key characters. This cooking comedy stirs romance into a culinary rivalry between Han Beom-woo and Mo Yeon-joo. One is a tasteless fine-dining heir, and the other is a countryside chef obsessed with flavour. Their clash leads to love while running a small restaurant in Miraek, Jeonju.Viewers can catch this release unfolding on Netflix. Read more: Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible 8 - The Final Reckoning Marks the Longest Film of the Franchise Second Shot at Love | Romantic Comedy | May 12, 2025 Diagnosed with alcohol dependency, Han Geum Ju seeks sobriety and reunites with Seo Ui Jun, her once-kind best friend, now cold and distant. His indifference drives her to uncover the reason behind his change. With this plot, “Second Shot at Love” features Choi Soo Young, Gong Myung, Jo Yoon Hee, and Kang Hyung Suk in central roles. Jang Yoo-Jeong steers the rom-com series as its director, with Myung Soo-Hyun and Jun Ji-Hyun writing the script. Shark 2: The Storm | Action Thriller | May 15, 2025 The crime thriller series is adapted from Shark, a webtoon brought to life with illustrations by Kim Woo Sub and written by Woon. Read more: China's Ne Zha 2 Stays Atop Hollywood's ‘A Minecraft Movie’ at the Worldwide Box Office Kim Geon takes on the directorial seat, and Min Ji serves as the screenwriter. Led by Kim Min Seok and Lee Hyun Wook, the cast includes Lee Jung Hyun, Bae Myung Jin, and Park Jin. Wi Ha Joon, who was one of the lead characters in the first season, Shark: The Beginning (2021), will appear as a guest this time. The first season followed Woo-sol’s youth, shaped by an encounter with mixed martial arts champion Jeong Dohyun inside a juvenile detention centre. The second season explores his life after release, as he faces new battles in an unfamiliar world. Dear Hongrang | Historical Thriller | May 16, 2025 Based on Jang Da-hye’s Tangeum: Swallowing Gold, this thriller series is brought to fruition by the writer Kim Jin-ah and director Kim Hong-sun. Read more: South Indian Films Releasing in May 2025: Must-watch Lineup This melodrama unwraps Jae-yi’s search for the truth behind Hong-rang’s disappearance. The story deepens as she confronts a man who claims to be the missing son of a wealthy Joseon merchant family. Lee Jae-wook and Jo Bo-ah assume the protagonist roles with a supporting cast including Jung Ga-ram, Uhm Ji-won, Park Byung-eun, and Kim Jae-wook. “Dear Hongrang” is scheduled to stream on Netflix.

Korean dramas have earned global recognition for their unique storytelling, powerful acting performances, and deeply emotional connections with audiences. Like every month, the April 2025 releases are going to showcase an exciting blend of romance, fantasy, comedy, crime, thriller, and musical genres. With unparalleled plotlines and life-centric themes, these K-dramas promise to hook viewers worldwide, including Bangladesh. Let's take a look at 10 must-watch K-dramas that are set to premiere in April 2025. 10 Most Hyped Korean Dramas Debuting this April . Way Back Love/Fantasy Romance/April 3, 2025 The romantic drama Way Back Love is inspired by the 2018 novel ‘Naega Jookki Iljooil Jeon’ written by Seo Eun-Chae. This drama is also titled ‘A Week Before I Die'.  Choi Ha-Na takes on the director’s seat, and Jang In Jeong and Song Hyun Ju serve as screenwriters. Gong Myung and Kim Min-Ha assume the protagonist roles. Read more: Pakistani Dramas Taking Over 2025: 10 Top Picks for Your Watchlist The fantasy series follows a young woman who has lost the will to live, only to be confronted by a figure from her past who forces her to reconsider her final days. As they navigate unspoken emotions, a bittersweet journey unfolds in the space between life and death. Karma / Crime Thriller / April 4, 2025 Scheduled to air on Netflix, the crime series Karma reimagines Choi Hee-Sun’s webcomic ‘Akyeon’ (2019-2020). Alternatively titled ‘Ill-Fated Relationship’, this thriller drama thrives under the screenwriting and direction of Lee Il-Hyeong. The thriller series follows six individuals whose lives become entangled by fateful choices, past traumas, and desperate ambitions. As they navigate a web of secrets, debts, and unexpected encounters, their destinies collide in an irreversible chain of events. Park Hae-Soo, Shin Min-A, Lee Hee-Jun, Kim Sung-Kyun, Lee Kwang-Soo, and Gong Seung-Yeon portray the key characters. Read more: April 2025 Hindi Films Lineup: Top 10 Most Hyped Bollywood Releases Crushology 101/Romantic Comedy, April 4, 2025 Based on Ni Eun’s webcomic ‘Bunnywa Obbadeul’ (2019–2023), the romantic drama Crushology 101 is also known as ‘Bunny and Her Brothers’. Kim Ji-Hoon’s directing and Sung So Eun and Lee Seul’s screenwriting elevate the series. At the heart of this drama is a gifted sculptor whose past heartbreak reshapes her views on love and self-worth. When two strikingly different yet equally captivating men enter her life, she finds herself caught between desire, doubt, and the search for genuine connection. The main cast includes Roh Jeong-Eui, Lee Chae-Min, and Jo Joon-Young. Read more: April 2025 South Indian Film Slate: 12 most hyped releases Catch Your Luck / Crime Drama / April 7, 2025 The crime series Catch Your Luck boasts Lee Hae-Woo and Park Man-Young as the directors. Son Ji-Hye is the writer of this series, which also goes by the title ‘Good Luck'.  This story centres on a miserly landlord whose relentless pursuit of wealth comes at the cost of relationships and morality. As fate tests his greed through old friendships and unexpected hardships, he faces a reckoning that forces him to question what truly holds value in life. Son Chang-Min, Sun Woo Jae Duk, and Park Sang-Myeon embody the lead roles. New Recruit 3/Black Comedy/April 7, 2025 Adapted from Studio JBBJ’s hit YouTube animation, the dark comedy New Recruit 3 offers a sharp and satirical look at the lives of young soldiers in their 20s. It unravels the culture, hidden dynamics, and absurd realities of South Korea’s military service. Director Min Jin Gi returns to the directorial role for season 3. Read more: Amazon Prime Video Original Lineup for April 2025: Most Hyped Web Series and Films Their original roles are reprised by Kim Min Ho, Lee Sang Jin, Nam Tae Woo, Jo Jin Se, Kim Hyun Kyu, Lee Chung Goo, Lee Jung Hyun, Lee Soo Ji, and Jeon Seung Hoon. Joining them are new faces like Kim Dong Jun, Kim Yo Han, and Oh Dae Hwan. In Season 3, Park Min-Seok’s journey toward his promotion to corporal takes an unexpected turn as he faces mounting challenges. The reappearance of Kim Hyun-Kyu, a formidable figure from Season 1, sets the stage for new conflicts and chaos.

The global popularity of Korean dramas continues to soar, weaving intricate emotions into mesmerizing storytelling and visual brilliance. The March 2025 lineup brings diverse genres, including romance, comedy, drama, thriller, and fantasy. Unparalleled storylines and intricate suspense keep audiences on edge, blurring the lines between expectation and surprise. Let’s explore the most anticipated K-drama series set to premiere this month. Top 10 Korean Dramas Arriving This March . The Potato Lab | Romantic Comedy | March 1, 2025  Written by Kim Ho-soo, this drama series flourishes with Kang Il-soo as its director. The narrative centers on Kim Mi-Kyung, portrayed by Lee Sun-bin, a dedicated researcher whose life revolves around her work with potatoes. Her routine is disrupted by the arrival of So Baek-ho, played by Kang Tae-oh, a pragmatic director from a large corporation aiming to commercialize the institute's research. Their clashing perspectives lead to humorous conflicts and a budding romance. The supporting cast includes Lee Hak-joo and Kim Ga-eun. Backed by Chorokbaem Media, the comedy series is scheduled to be broadcast globally on Netflix. Read more: 12 Most Anticipated South Indian Movies Releasing in March 2025 Mother and Mom | Family Drama | March 3, 2025 Jointly written by Jo Won-dong and Sung Yoon-ah, and helmed by Kim Chul-gyu, this family show is an adaptation of the novel ‘Riding Life’ by Go Seon-mi. The plot follows Lee Jung-eun, a determined beauty industry marketer played by who strives to balance her demanding career with the education of her seven-year-old daughter. Her life becomes more complex when she seeks assistance from her estranged mother, Yoon Ji-ah, a pediatric art therapist. Starring Jeon Hye-jin, Jung Jin-young, Jeon Seok-ho, and Jo Min-su, the family drama boasts production by Betty & Creators. I Am a Running Mate | School Drama | March 6, 2025  Directed by Han Jin-won, the sports drama is penned by writers Han Jin-won, Hong Ji-soo, and Oh Do-geon. The narrative follows a model student who becomes a running mate for the school student council to improve his image. Read more: March 2025 Bollywood Movie Releases: Top 10 Most-Anticipated Hindi Films to Watch Starring Yoon Hyun-soo, Lee Jung-shik, and Choi Woo-sung, the school drama brings together a talented ensemble cast. The production credit goes to collaboratively Blade Entertainment, Ace Maker Studio, Running Mate Culture Industry Specialty Co., Ltd., and TVING. When Life Gives You Tangerines | Romantic Drama | March 7, 2025  Set against the picturesque backdrop of Jeju Island in the 1950s, this romance slice-of-life drama portrays the intertwined lives of two individuals amidst societal changes. Written by Lim Sang-choon, this romantic series takes shape under the direction of Kim Won-seok. Read more: Top Amazon Prime Originals to Binge-Watch in March 2025 The series features IU as Ae-soon, a spirited young woman aspiring to become a poet despite financial hardships preventing her from attending school. Park Bo-gum co-stars as Gwan-sik, a steadfast and diligent young man deeply devoted to Ae-soon. The supporting cast includes Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon. Bankrolled by Pan Entertainment and Baram Pictures, the show is slated for release on Netflix. The Art of Negotiation | Legal Drama | March 8, 2025  Penned by writer Lee Seung-young, this drama series thrives with Ahn Pan-seok as the director. ‘The Art of Negotiation’ follows Yoon Joo-no, portrayed by Lee Je-hoon, a legendary M&A expert renowned for his unparalleled negotiation skills. He leads a team that includes lawyer Oh Soon-young, played by Kim Dae-myung, and Choi Jin-soo, enacted by Cha Kang-yoon. Their collective expertise is tested as they navigate complex corporate deals and ethical dilemmas. Read more: 10 Must-Watch Netflix English Originals Arriving in March 2025 Starring Sung Dong-il and Jang Hyun-sung in supporting roles, the legal drama features a collaboration of production houses- BA Entertainment and SLL.

The world of Korean dramas unfolds like a vivid tapestry, weaving timeless tales that captivate hearts across borders. The January 2025 releases promise an exciting array of genres, including romance, comedy, thriller, action, and fantasy. With unparalleled storylines and suspense fueling fan anticipation, this lineup is set to leave viewers spellbound. Let’s enter the universe of K-dramas and explore the titles defining the start of a new year. Top 10 Korean Dramas Releasing this January . Love Scout / Romantic Comedy / January 3, 2025 Written by Ji Eun, this workplace drama thrives under the meticulous directing of Kim Jae-hong and Ham Joon-ho. The romance drama unravels the journey of Yoo Eun-ho, who takes on the role of secretary to Kang Ji-Yoon, the accomplished CEO of a thriving headhunting firm. Despite her inability to navigate life beyond her work, their evolving dynamic becomes a poignant tale of mutual growth. Read more: January 2025 Hindi Films Lineup: 10 Most-hyped Bollywood Releases Starring Han Ji-min and Lee Joon-hyuk as leads, the romantic series features a supporting cast that includes Kim Do-hoon, Kim Yoon-hye Lee, Sang-hee, Park Bo-kyung, and Lee Jae-woo. The drama series flourishes with Studio S and EO Contents Group as its production houses. When the Stars Gossip / Sci-fi Romance / January 4, 2025 Created by Studio Dragon, this rom-com series highlights Seo Sook-hyang's writing and Park Shin-woo's direction. The sci-fi series chronicles a serendipitous encounter between a space tourist and an astronaut aboard a space station. Read more: Amazon Prime Video Originals’ List for January 2025: Most Hyped Films, Series, and Shows The science fiction drama stars Lee Min-ho, Gong Hyo-jin, Han Ji-eun, and Oh Jung-se, supported by Kim Joo-hun, Lee El, Lee Cho-hee, and Park Ye-young. Credit for producing the series goes to MYM Entertainment and KeyEast. The Queen Who Crowns / Period Drama / January 6, 2025 Produced by Studio Dragon and JS Pictures, this drama series boasts Lee Young-mi as its writer and Kim Sang-ho as the director. Featuring Cha Joo-young in the title role, the historical series stars Lee Hyun-wook, Lee Yi-dam, and Lee Si-a. Read more: Top 10 Video Games Launching in January 2025: Must-Play Titles for the New Year The political drama delves into the ambitious reign of Queen Wongyeong, who rose to power alongside King Taejong Yi Bang-won, her husband. Against their shared vision for a new era, it unveils the hidden stories between them, navigating power and personal ties. The additional cast includes Park Ji-il, Lee Sung-min, Choi Deok-moon, So Hee-jung, and Hwang Young-hee. Return to the Palace / Fantasy Romance / January 6, 2025 Penned by Yoon Soo Jung, this fantasy drama tells the tale of eight vengeful ghosts harboring grudges against the King, and the courageous shaman who rises to confront him in a battle.  Helmed by Yoon Sung Shik, this romantic comedy series features Yook Sung-jae, Kim Ji-yeon, and Kim Ji-hoon, with a special cameo appearance of Kim Young Kwang. Read more: January 2025 Netflix English Originals Lineup The series production is spearheaded by Studio S and I Will Media. Motel California / Coming-of-age Drama / January 10, 2025 Adapted from the novel Home, Bitter Home by Shim Yoon-seo, this first-love remodeling romance drama is set in the rustic charm of a rural town. It traces a woman's journey, born and raised in a motel, as she returns to her hometown after 12 years to rekindle a romance with her first love. Lee Seo-yoon’s writing and the direction of Kim Hyung-min and Lee Jae-jin bring the romance series to vibrant life. Led by Lee Se-young and Na In-woo, the cast comprises Kim Tae-hyung, Choi Min-soo, and Choi Hee-jin. Bankrolled by HB Entertainment, this drama series boasts a supporting cast including Seo Ye-hwa, Woo Mi-hwa, and Koo Ja-sung. Read more: Most Awaited Films of 2025: Sneak Peek at Hollywood's Biggest Releases

Korean dramas have captivated global audiences with their gripping storylines, emotional depth, and standout performances, firmly establishing themselves in the world of entertainment. Netflix, a leading OTT platform, continues to fuel this cultural wave by bringing fresh K-drama releases to screens worldwide. Here’s a look at the highly anticipated new Korean series and shows coming to Netflix in November 2024. Dive in and find your next binge-worthy favorite! New Korean Dramas Streaming on Netflix This November .Mr. Plankton / Romantic Comedy Series / November 8, 2024 Scripted by Jo-young, this romantic series thrives under the meticulous directing of Hong Jong-chan. The series follows Hae-jo, a man whose life took a strange turn when he was mistakenly given the wrong name at birth. His unusual journey becomes even more chaotic when he's forced to team up with the world’s unluckiest woman. Read more: Top 12 South Indian Movies Releasing in November 2024 Woo Do-hwan, Lee Yoo-mi, Kim Min Seok, Kim Hae-sook, and Oh Jung-se play pivotal roles in the comedy series. The K-drama makes its way to the OTT (Over-The-Top) platform, courtesy of production companies HighZium Studio and Base Story. When the Phone Rings / Mystery Thriller Series / November 15, 2024 Inspired by the hit Kakao Page web novel ‘The Number You Have Dialed’ by Geon Eomul Nyeo, this series boasts Kim Ji-woon as the screenwriter. Park Sang-woo and Wi Deuk-gyu’s direction elevates the thriller series to vibrant life. Read more: November 2024 Bollywood Movies: Top 10 Must-Watch Hindi Films You Can’t Miss The mystery series stars Chae Soo-bin, Yoo Yeon-seok, Jang Gyu-ri, and Heo Nam-jun. In this romantic thriller, a Show Window couple who have been estranged for three years in their arranged marriage. They find themselves pulled into a terrifying situation when a kidnapper’s threatening phone call shatters their silence. The production credit goes to Baram Pictures and Bon Factory. Read more: November 2024 Video Game Releases: Must-Play Titles You Don’t Want to Miss Zombieverse: Season 2 (New Blood) / Horror Reality Show / November 19, 2024 Set in Seoul, South Korea, this survival competition centers on a game show where contestants must outsmart the undead amidst a zombie outbreak. ‘Zombieverse’ returns for a gripping second season, taking the action beyond the streets of Seoul as survivors face an even deadlier post-apocalyptic landscape. Ro Hong Chul, Lee Si-young, DinDin, Dex, Tsuki, and Yiombi Patricia return to their roles from the previous season. New cast members include Cho Saeho, Defconn, Taeyeon, Yook Sung Jae, Code Kunst, Kwon Eunbi, Kim Seon Tae, and Andre Rush. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals List for November 2024: Exclusive Shows, Films and Web Series The horror series excels with executive producers Park Jin-kyung and Moon Sang-don at the helm, who are also directing the new chapter. Bottom Line In November 2024, Netflix is set to release three new K-drama series. ‘Mr. Plankton’ brings a charming blend of romance and comedy, perfect for fans craving lighthearted love stories. ‘When the Phone Rings’ cranks up the suspense as a nail-biting thriller. ‘Zombieverse’ redefines horror reality, plunging participants into terrifying, unscripted thrills with spine-chilling encounters. On the whole, these three unique releases bring a fresh spark to the month’s Korean extravaganza. Read more: Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Watch in November 2024

Popular Bangladeshi OTT platform Bioscope has recently brought famous Korean drama series "Mr. Queen" to stream for Bangladeshi K-Drama lovers. Ananta Jalil‘s ‘Din: The Day' now on digital OTT platform Bongo The drama has been dubbed in Bengali and voiced by celebrity couple Sayed Zaman Shwon and Mumtaheena Chowdhury Toya.  "Bioscope has previously responded to the fans’ budding enthusiasm for Bangla-dubbed K-Dramas by hosting popular dubbed content like “The Tale of the Nine-Tailed” and “Legend of the Blue Sea”; and now the romance comedy in "Mr. Queen," where a modern-day chef unexpectedly finds himself trapped inside the body of an ancient queen, is taking the craze to the next level. Now, audiences can enjoy the series in Bangla through Bioscope," the OTT platform stated via a press release. Alongside Shawon and Toya's unique chemistry behind the dubbing which brings life to the characters and makes it even more exciting, the drama also features Shahnaz Sumi and A K Azad Shetu as the other characters and the Bangla voice actors.  Farooki’s ‘Shonibar Bikel’ to be released on Indian OTT platform Sony LIV The first five episodes of Bangla-dubbed “Mr. Queen” have already been released and are available on Bioscope, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in this enchanting tale. The new set of 5 episodes will be released every Thursday, offering to the individuals who enjoy dramas with plot twists and humour. With the launch of "Mr. Queen," Bioscope is aptly catering to the fans’ need for entertainment. Previously available only on platforms like Netflix, Bioscope now brings these captivating shows to the Bangla-speaking audience at affordable prices for all, according to the press release. Latest Release: Love, Laughter, and South Indian Charm Fans of Korean dramas can indulge in the popular series from any mobile network operator by visiting https://www.bioscopelive.com/ or can download the app on any smartphone from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bongo.bioscope to watch "Mr. Queen" and other amazing content on Bioscope.

When it comes to a Zombie apocalypse, the long-running show “Walking Dead” already set the bar high. But recently Koreans have taken things up a notch by consistently producing some nitty-gritty zombie horror shows. Whether it’s the “Train to Busan” or “Kingdom” on Netflix, Kdrama has a way with zombie storytelling that is equal parts gory and exciting. To make matters more blood splattering and bone-shattering, there is a new zombie apocalypse series on Netflix titled “All Of Us Are Dead”. And moving on from a Train and middle age Korea, we now have zombies running around in a high school. There has been a considerable buzz with the series since its release on January 28th, 2022. So, is the show any good or just another generic zombie gorefest? And more importantly, is it worth watching? Let’s find out. Read Netflix Web Series Decoupled Review Plot Synopsis Before Kpop and BTS became a thing, the world witnessed the first Korean Wave some two decades ago. It started with the romantic drama called “Winter Sonata” which took the then world by storm. But it also largely contrasts to what Korean drama has evolved to over the years, a perfect example being the likes of “Squid Game”, “The Silent Sea” and “All of Us Are Dead”. Each of these shows follows an entirely different route yet somehow excels in their craft with masterful tact. Coming back to the series here, the pilot episode opens in Hyosan High, a suburban school nestled in the mountains. Everything looks straight out of a teenage rom-com set in a high school in the first part of the episode. However, things quickly start to unravel as one girl is bitten by a feisty mouse in the school’s science lab. Read Free Online Movies: Best Netflix Alternatives for Streaming Movies in 2021 What follows is a chain reaction of a mutated virus spreading from one person to the other. And by the time the pilot ends, the entire school is infected. What’s amazing here is how quickly the director changes the pace and hooks the viewer to the plotline. Much of the pilot can be drawn parallel to the current world as it faces the pandemic. The battle to survive a deadly virus as it spreads like a wildfire seems eerily real given the current scenario. What catches up here is the emotional juggernaut and social issues that become prominent from the get-go, another parallel to this world as it dreads the pandemic. Read Bulbbul Netflix Review: Feminist Tale of Revenge and Honor

“Squid Game," a brutal Netflix survival drama about desperate adults competing in deadly children’s games for a chance to escape severe debt hit a little too close to home for Lee Chang-keun. The show has captivated global audiences since its September debut, becoming one of Netflix’s biggest hits. It has struck raw nerves at home, where there’s growing discontent over soaring personal debt, decaying job markets and stark income inequalities worsened by financial crises in the past two decades. In the dystopian horrors of Squid Game, Lee sees a reflection of himself in the show’s protagonist Seong Gi-hun, a laid-off autoworker coping with a broken family and struggling with constant business failures and gambling problems. Seong gets beaten by gangster creditors into signing off his organs as collateral, but then receives a mysterious offer to play in a series of six traditional Korean children’s games for a shot at winning $38 million. The South Korea-produced show pits Seong against hundreds of other financially distressed players in a hyper-violent competition for the ultimate prize, with losers being killed at every round. Read:James Bond Movie 'No Time to Die' is Finally Going to Be Released It is raising disturbing questions about the future of one of Asia’s wealthiest economies, where people who once crowed about the “Miracle of the Han River” now moan about “Hell Joseon,” a sarcastic reference to a hierarchical kingdom that ruled Korea before the 20th century. “Some scenes were very hard to watch,” said Lee, a worker at South Korea’s Ssangyong Motors who struggled with financial difficulties and depression after the carmaker laid him and 2,600 other employees off while filing for bankruptcy protection in 2009. After years of protests, court battles and government intervention, Lee and hundreds of other Ssangyong workers returned to work in recent years. But not before a spate of suicides among co-workers and family members who were plunged into financial misery. “In Squid Game, you see characters scrambling to survive after being laid off at work, struggling to operate fried chicken diners or working as ‘daeri’ drivers,” who get paid for driving drunk people home in their own cars, Lee said. “That reminded me of my co-workers who died.” Lee said he and his colleagues struggled to find work and were backlisted by other auto companies that considered them militant labor activists. A 2016 report by Korea University medical researchers said at least 28 laid-off Ssangyong workers or their relatives died of suicide or severe health problems, including those linked to post-traumatic stress disorder. Squid Game is one of many South Korean shows inspired by economic woes. Its dark tale of inequality and class has drawn comparisons with Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning “Parasite,” another pandemic-era hit with stunning visuals and violence exposing the underside of South Korea’s economic success story. South Korea’s rapid rebuilding from the devastation of the 1950-53 Korean War has been spectacular –- from Samsung’s emergence as a global technology giant to the immense popularity of K-pop and movies that’s expanding beyond Asia — millions of South Koreans now grapple with the dark side of that rise. Read:Scarlett Johansson, Disney settle lawsuit over 'Black Widow' “Class problems are severe everywhere in the world, but it seems South Korean directors and writers tackle the issue with more boldness,” said Im Sang-soo, a film director. In Squid Game, Seong’s troubles trace back to his firing a decade earlier from the fictional Dragon Motors, a nod to Ssangyong, which means “double dragon.” Hundreds of workers, including Lee, occupied a Ssangyong plant for weeks in 2009 to protest the layoffs before being dispersed by riot police who besieged them, assaulted them with batons, shields and water-cannons and dropped tear gas cannisters by helicopter. That violent standoff injured dozens and is woven into Squid Game's narrative. Seong has flashbacks about a Dragon coworker killed by strikebreakers while organizing fellow game participants to create barricades with dormitory beds to block murderous sneak night attacks by more vicious opponents looking to eliminate the competition. Ultimately, it's every person for themselves in Squid Game's cruel battle royale between hundreds of people willing to risk even their lives for a shot at freeing themselves from the nightmare of insurmountable debts. The show features other crushed or marginalized characters, like Ali Abdul, an undocumented factory worker from Pakistan with severed fingers and a boss who refuses to pay him, epitomizing how the country exploits some of the poorest people in Asia while ignoring dangerous working conditions and wage theft. And Kang Sae-byeok, a pickpocketing North Korean refugee who had known nothing but rough life on the streets and is desperate for money to rescue her brother from an orphanage and to smuggle her mother out of the North. Many South Koreans despair of advancing in a society where good jobs are increasingly scarce and housing prices have skyrocketed, enticing many to borrow heavily to gamble on risky financial investments or cryptocurrencies. Read:Tomorrow: Bangladeshi Animation Film on Climate Change at Cannes World Film Festival Household debt, at over 1,800 trillion ($1.5 trillion), now exceeds the country's annual economic output. Tough times have pushed a record-low birth rate lower as struggling couples avoid having babies. Squid Game’s global success is hardly a cause for pride, Se-Jeoung Kim, a South Korean lawyer based in Poland, wrote in a Seoul Shinmun newspaper column. “Foreigners will come to you, saying they too watched Squid Game with fascination, and may ask whether Ali’s situation in the drama could really happen in a country that’s as wealthy and neat as South Korea, and I would have nothing to say,” she said. Kim Jeong-wook, another Ssangyong worker who spent months with Lee perched atop a chimney at a Ssangyong factory in 2015, demanding their jobs back, said he couldn't watch Squid Game after episode one. “It was too traumatic for me,” he said.