Better Late Than Single (Netflix)
Lee Heewon: There’s a first time for everything. Firsts can be awkward, full of mistakes, and not always cool. But that’s what makes them all the more precious and special. In Better Late Than Single, the participants have never been in a relationship before. Whether it’s because of memories from their school days, bad experiences with the opposite sex, or their picky ideals, each of them has their own reason for having never dated. Still unfamiliar with forming romantic connections and getting to know someone, they don’t freely make plans or engage in spontaneous conversations like those on other dating shows. Instead, they move strictly within the rules of the program. Just like Seo In-guk’s frustrated outburst—“Why do they only do what they’re told?”—the participants often miss opportunities for connection. During a group roller-skating date between three men and three women, some leave behind a struggling partner and leisurely skate off on their own. Some even find it difficult to make eye contact. That’s why Better Late Than Single may not deliver the same thrill or dramatic sparks seen in other dating shows. But instead, the cast members steadily try to understand each other and take small steps toward the ones they like. They study the person they’re interested in by reading about them in the “Five-Minute Library,” a space filled with personal information, and then apply what they’ve learned in real-life interactions. One participant, after reading that someone wished their name would be said with warmth, even goes back to the room to practice saying that name out loud. Their sincerity is undeniable. As singer Car, the Garden puts it, “They may be moving a little slowly, but each in their own way, they’re trying.”

The panelists’ reactions, filled with warmth and genuine affection like that of an older sister or brother, add sincerity to the show. Lee Eun-ji and Car, the Garden offer honest, heartfelt advice that cuts through the awkwardness, while Kang Han-na and Seo In-guk gently express empathy at just the right moments. And as Car, the Garden quips, “Do people usually do this much soul-searching on dating shows?”, the participants gradually come to understand themselves better through the process of preparing for their very first relationship. Min-hong, who initially came across as a bit cold, shows a deeper sensitivity when Ji-soo wonders aloud, “Am I just too picky?” He replies, “Or maybe it’s just not the right one. I hope you won’t feel like you have to cut yourself down and reshape who you are just to be in a relationship.” Like his words suggest, Better Late Than Single ultimately asks a quiet but meaningful question: How do we grow into more mature versions of ourselves, without losing the shape that makes us who we are?

Omniscient Reader: The Prophet
Bae Dongmi (“CINE21” reporter): Omniscient Reader is a film adaptation of the wildly popular web novel of the same name, which has amassed over 200 million views. The original story has also been adapted into a print novel and a webtoon, with a game currently in development—turning it into a highly successful IP. While the film’s VFX doesn’t quite live up to the scale of its source material’s imagination, the cast’s consistently strong performances stand out. Ahn Hyo-seop, who recently voiced a character in the global Netflix hit K-pop Demon Hunters, leads the film with a mix of awkwardness and determination. As Yoo Jung-hyuk, the protagonist of the web novel Ways of Survival who meets Kim Dok-ja, Lee Min-ho has limited screen time but leaves a lasting impression. The supporting cast also delivers. Chae Soo-bin brings quiet strength to her role as Kim Dok-ja’s colleague Yoo Sang-ah, and Shin Seung-ho convincingly portrays Lee Hyun-sung, a soldier with a painful past. Nana, as the action-ready Yoo Hee-won, creates standout moments even among a large ensemble. Finally, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo takes on her second acting role. Compared to her previous appearance in Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman, where she had no lines, Omniscient Reader gives her space to handle both dialogue and action, offering a glimpse of her potential as a full-fledged actress.

“FAMOUS” (ALLDAY PROJECT)
Kim Hyojin (Music Columnist): It was, quite simply, shocking. That was my first reaction upon watching the music video for “FAMOUS.” In any group, harmony is everything. While it’s often assumed that having a member who’s already well-known will help boost the group’s visibility, it’s rarely that simple, because that member also needs to blend in seamlessly. This group has not one, but two members already familiar to the public through the media. I couldn’t help but wonder: Could they truly become part of a cohesive whole? One member, in fact, had become known not for talent, but for their family background. With these kinds of figures coming together in a co-ed group that, at this point, still feels unfamiliar to the public, I found myself asking: What kind of synergy could possibly emerge? Would there even be any? It took less than 20 seconds into the music video for those doubts to be completely shattered.

“FAMOUS” pulls you in with hypnotic guitar riffs and a heavy, thudding bass. Then “WICKED” follows with a more minimal beat, sparking curiosity about what’s next. A co-ed group with gender fluidity, backed by a producer who’s already made waves in the K-pop scene. A hip-hop group with four rappers. And yet, none of these labels fully capture what ALLDAY PROJECT is. The five members bring their own stories to the table, moving freely across the beat with a sense of individuality and ease. But in the chorus, they come together to shout “We,” emphasizing their unity. This isn’t just another idol group. It’s the birth of a creative collective that refuses to be boxed in. We’re witnessing the sunrise of a new era.