For fans of gripping high school dramas packed with mystery, action, and heartfelt moments, this year brings an exciting lineup of K-dramas that promise to keep you at the edge of your seat. Whether you love intense fight scenes, undercover missions, or thought- provoking narratives, Study Group, The Witch, and Undercover High School each bring something fresh to the screen. Here’s why these dramas should be on your must-watch list.
Study Group: When Studying is a Battle Cast: Hwang Min Young, Han Ji Eun
For anyone who has ever struggled to ace their exams, Study Group offers a story that resonates—but with a thrilling twist. Yun Ga Min, a hardworking student at one of the worst schools in South Korea, dreams of getting into college. The problem? He’s only good at fighting, not studying. Despite his dedication, his grades never seem to improve. But when bullies start targeting his study group, Ga Min doesn’t hesitate to use his fists to protect his friends.
Viu Original, The Witch: A Tale of Misunderstood Love and Redemption Cast: Park Jin Young, Roh Jeong Eui
Have you ever wanted to change the past? The Witch dives deep into the weight of unspoken feelings, regrets, and the power of redemption. The story follows Dong-jin, who never confessed his feelings for Mi-jeong, a girl excluded by their classmates and unfairly labeled as a witch after a tragic incident in high school. Haunted by guilt, he dedicates his life to statistical studies in a desperate attempt to rewrite her story.
Viu Original, Undercover High School: Action, Espionage, and Second Chances? Cast: Seo Kang Joon, Jin Ki Joo, Kim Shin Rok
If you enjoy K-dramas with undercover agents, secret missions, and unexpected romance, then Undercover High School is the perfect pick. Jung Hae Seong, a demoted NIS agent, is sent on an unusual mission—he must pose as a high school student at Byeongmoon High School to recover a missing national treasure. But things get complicated when his homeroom teacher, Oh Soo A, starts to notice something eerily familiar about him. Could he be connected to her painful past?
Which one are you adding to your watchlist? Don’t miss out—catch these new K-dramas and experience the best of Korean entertainment!
As a corporate crime suspense thriller, ‘Buried Hearts’ takes an interesting approach to its narrative structure. The show opens with a flash-forward, a man’s body is discovered in the sea, dead, with an emphasis on his watch. We go back in time, to see Seo Dong-Joo (Park Hyung-Sik) attending a government hearing where Heo Il-do (Lee Hae-Young) is being grilled over the possibility of corruption in an energy collaboration between Heo Il-do’s company and the government. Seo Dong-Joo then sends a signal to an assemblyman, who incites chaos into the proceeding. Already, we are told that Dae-san, the company of Heo Il-do and Seo Dong-Joo are not to be trifled with.
The set up shows us the dirty dealings of a chaebol and how you’d never want to mess with their people. Seo Dong-Joo is one of those people, the right-hand man of Cha Gang-Cheon (Woo Hyeon), the CEO of Daesan and the father-in-law of Heo Il-do. In fact, the first episode is quick to show us that Cha Gang-Cheon is much closer to Seo Dong-Joo than Heo Il-do and Heo Il-do is not happy about it, neither is his wife, Cha Deok-Hee (Kim Jung Nam). But Seo Dong-Joo is loyal and is working hard playing the politics of business to try and get a promotion for himself. Keeping him grounded is his lover, Yeo Eunnam (Hong Hwa-Yeon), who is also working at Daesan.
Photo courtesy of Disney+ | Buried Hearts (Park Hyung-sik, Seo Dongju)
From the get-go, the series feels like it’s primarily a suspense thriller set in the messy world of conglomerates. Seo Dong-Joo’s goal seems to be how he’ll navigate raising in the ranks, especially when he’s not part of the family; as chaebol families have a tendency of keeping the highest positions in the business only to family. Seo Dong-Joo had already given up dating Cha Gang-Cheon’s granddaughter for Yeo Eunnam.
But the big twist is that this thriller’s fulcrum, the surprise at the end of episode one, is that this is a love story, and Seo Dong-Joo must contend with Eunnam in ways that was predictable but still shocking when it unfolds.
What makes ‘Buried Hearts’ so interesting is the narrative approach to the story. Director Jin Chang-Gyu (‘Military Prosecutor Doberman’) and writer Lee Myung-hee allows the story to begin right in the middle without taking too much time establishing characters and relationships. The show does that while the plot is unraveling before our eyes. It’s a hit-the-ground-running sort of approach that gives ‘Buried Hearts’ a different energy and pace. It’s exciting because there’s so much, we still don’t know but we are already at the heat of it, most especially by the end of episode one, that there’s very little room to breathe.
While Heo Il-do and his family seem to be an obvious obstacle for Seo Dong-Joo, the big mystery is how Heo Jun-Ho’s Yeom Jang-Sun plays into it. A former prosecutor and what seems like a current-day fixer is trying to create a relationship between himself and the Daesan group. He also has a connection with Seo Dong-Joo (is he Dong-Joo’s mentor?) but the show is setting him up to be the main adversary. This is where the politics and intrigue of the chaebol world will come to play, and I hope it’s as exciting as the first two episodes is making it out to be.
The show is slick and has a distinct and fresh energy that makes it an intriguing watch. It may be bogged down if it leans too heavily on the romance aspect but if it handles it the same way it handles all the other narrative aspects of the first two episodes, this might be a very enjoyable watch.
The game is afoot, and Sherlock has a new address! This February 21st, Lionsgate Play rolls out the red carpet for the world’s greatest detective – and trust us, you won’t want to miss it!
Join Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch), and his steadfast partner, Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman), as they crack impossible cases and go head-to-head with London’s most formidable criminal masterminds. From decoding intricate puzzles to outwitting the dangerously unpredictable Jim Moriarty (Andrew Scott), every episode delivers intrigue, suspense, and razor-sharp wit.
Sharing his first memory of working on the series, lead actor, Benedict Cumberbatch said “Learning the lines for the audition, really. That was the first bit of work I ever did on it. And this is hard, but a lot of fun.”
In an interview with Vogue, Benedict Cumberbatch opened up about his thoughts about Sherlock’s personality,“I thought he should be more – not stiff but like a guy who does a lot of yoga. It’s that strength where people look weak but their core is strong. He’s incredibly poised. Back straight. His head leans to the side.” He further added, “There’s this thing about him being very reserved and austere. I wanted him to be a bit more rock star. There is something almost boyish – a joy about him. I wanted him to smile. “
Created by Doctor Who masterminds Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, Sherlock reimagines the classic detective tales into 90-minute episodes that will keep you guessing until the end. From the chilling murder spree in “A Study in Pink” to the eerie mysteries of “The Hounds of Baskerville”, each case is a puzzle you won’t be able to resist.
Sherlock’s modern reinvention of the classic detective series has earned multiple accolades, including Primetime Emmy Awards for Cumberbatch, Freeman, and Moffat, a BAFTA for Best Television Drama, and a Peabody Award, cementing its status as a TV phenomenon.
Completing a well-loved legacy of 15 years filled with mind bending twists and captivating cases since its 2010 debut, all 4 seasons will now be available exclusively on Lionsgate Play for Philippines audiences. Get ready to dive back into the world of mystery, and genius – because you’re about to be Sher-locked!
Don’t miss this chance to experience the brilliance of Sherlock! Catch all four seasons on Lionsgate Play on February 21.
An Unconventional Love Story with a Hilarious Twist
What if you could insure your marriage against divorce? That’s exactly what Noh Ki-jun (Lee Dong-wook), a top-tier insurance expert, sets out to do. After three costly divorces leave him broke, he’s determined to develop a “divorce insurance” product that protects people like him. But in calculating the cost of love and separation, he and his insurance team discover unexpected truths about relationships, heartbreak, and second chances.
Meet the Cast & Characters:
Noh Ki-jun (Lee Dong-wook) – A brilliant but emotionally shattered insurance expert who’s on a mission to make divorce less painful—at least financially.
Kang Han-deul (Lee Joo-been) – Once a timid wife mistreated by her in-laws, she reinvents herself after divorce and ends up working alongside Ki-jun.
An Jeon-man (Lee Kwang-soo) – Ki-jun’s childhood friend, a safety-first kind of guy who reluctantly gets involved in the divorce insurance project.
Jeon Na-rae (Lee Da-hee) – A fiercely independent woman with no interest in marriage—until she meets Ki-jun and gets curious about his past.
From the Director of Killing Romance
Helmed by acclaimed director Lee Won-seok (Killing Romance, The Royal Tailor) and written by Lee Tae-yoon (Secret Royal Inspector & Joy), The Divorce Insurance delivers sharp humor, heartfelt moments, and undeniable chemistrybetween its lead stars.
Catch new episodes every Monday and Tuesday on Prime Video starting March 31!
Why You Should Watch It:
A fresh rom-com concept – Who knew insurance could be this entertaining?
Top-tier cast – Fan-favorites Lee Dong-wook, Lee Joo-been, Lee Kwang-soo, and Lee Da-hee bring their A-game.
Heartfelt and hilarious – A mix of comedy, romance, and emotional depth.
Disney+ recently announced that FX’s “Dying forSex, ” a new limited series starring Michelle Williams, Jenny Slate and an extraordinary cast, will premiere on April 4 exclusively on Disney+. All eight episodes will be available at premiere.
FX’s “Dying for Sex” is inspired by the story of Molly Kochan, originally shared on a Wondery podcast created with her best friend, Nikki Boyer. After Molly (Michelle Williams) receives a diagnosis of Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, she decides to leave her husband, Steve (Jay Duplass), and begins to explore the full breadth and complexity of her sexual desires for the first time in her life.
Gird yourself, Molly has a lot to accomplish in the little time she has left. There’s no time for pearl clutching or passing judgement, Molly has no interest in what you think about her proverbial bucket list (btw, this phrase will always provoke an eye roll). She gains the courage to embark on this adventure from her ride or die Nikki (Jenny Slate), a woman whose love and devotion will compel you to pick up the phone and callthatfriend already! Also joining the cast are Rob Delaney, Kelvin Yu, David Rasche, Esco Jouléy and Sissy Spacek.
FX’s “Dying for Sex” is written and co-created by Kim Rosenstock and Elizabeth Meriwether, who also serve as executive producers along with Katherine Pope, Kathy Ciric, Wondery’s Hernan Lopez, Jen Sargent, Marshall Lewy and Aaron Hart, Michelle Williams, Nikki Boyer, Shannon Murphy and Leslye Headland. “Dying for Sex” is produced by 20th Television.
Robust parental controls ensure that Disney+ remains a suitable viewing experience for everyone in the family. Subscribers can set access limits on mature content and create PIN-protected profiles alongside the already existing Junior Mode profiles to give parents and guardians peace of mind.
Don’t miss “Dying for Sex,” streaming on Disney+ beginning April 4.
Get ready for an exciting mix of comedy, drama, and luxury! Sosyal Climbers, starring Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings, is set to premiere exclusively on Netflix this February 27. This film marks the first-ever Netflix Original collaboration with ABS-CBN, bringing an engaging story of ambition, deception, and love to the screen.
A Tale of Dreams, Schemes, and High Society
When financially struggling couple Ray (Anthony Jennings) and Jessa (Maris Racal) are mistaken for new residents of an upscale neighborhood, they see an opportunity they just can’t resist. Determined to experience the glamorous life they’ve always dreamed of, the two hatch a bold plan to blend in with the elite.
As they try to fool high society, their scheme turns into a rollercoaster of hilarious twists, unexpected challenges, and heartwarming realizations. But will their love survive the pressure of keeping up the act?
From the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido to the vibrant cityscapes of Tokyo, Japan continues to be a highly popular travel destination for Filipinos. Shangri-La Plaza is giving Filipinos more reasons to visit and love Japan, as it hosts Into the Heart of Japan, a curated selection of exciting events that celebrate and promote Japanese arts and culture, as made possible in partnership with The Japan Foundation, Manila.
Shang’s Into the Heart of Japan is headlined by Journey Through Japan on Screen, a new initiative by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, which aims to introduce essential destinations, goods, and culinary delights as seen in Japanese films. It will be launched first in the Philippines from February 15 to 16 at the Red Carpet Cinemas as a special program of the beloved Japanese Film Festival.
The films to be featured on Journey Through Japan on Screen are My Sunshine, a 2024 coming-of-age film about two young figure skaters in a small wintry town; DitO, a 2024 drama about a Japanese father who tries to revive his boxing career in the Philippines; Komada: A Whisky Family, a 2023 Japanese animated film that documents a small whisky distillery in rural Japan; and The Dancing Okami, a 2023 musical comedy on a young dancer’s journey to becoming an okami or a traditional Japanese inn manager, just like her mom. The mini film fest includes two talk-back sessions with Hiroshi Okuyama, the director of My Sunshine, accompanied by celebrated Filipino director Brillante Mendoza, and Takashi Yuki, the director of DitO, joined by upcoming Filipino director Mikael Joaquin.
Coinciding with the screenings is JAPAN DAY Fair, happening also at the Red Carpet Cinemas. This is where cinephiles can check out the film locations they should visit and browse all the goods and delights featured in the films. Hosted in cooperation with the Japanese local governments and tourism-related organizations, it also offers guests unique giveaways and promotional presentations about the places you should visit next in Japan.
Into the Heart of Japan concludes with Nihongo Fiesta 2025at the Red Carpet Cinemas and the Grand Atrium. This year is extra special as for the first time, the fiesta will run for two days from February 22 to 23. As a celebration of the spirit of collaboration for all Nihongo learners across the Philippines, the fiesta features the much awaited 52nd Nihongo Speech Contest as well as a unique Kobanashi (comic storytelling) performance. Guests must also catch the rare live performance of Japan’s renowned Maiko and Geiko from Gion Higashi, Kyoto, renowned for their graceful interpretations of classical Japanese dances on February 22 at 6:30 PM at the Grand Atrium.
Special booths will also be available on the second day of the Nihongo Fiesta 2025. This includes Kana Art from the Ateneo de Manila University; anime-inspired artists @rinishi_, @bloomerart__, and @haranikala.
With the theme issho ni or togetherness and co-creation, Nihongo Fiesta has become a platform that showcases Japanese language, art, and culture; and more importantly, it fosters and deepens connections and camaraderie within the Nihongojin community in the Philippines.
Get ready for an unforgettable celebration as Saturday Night Live marks its 50th anniversary with a spectacular, star-studded concert! SNL 50: The Homecoming Concertis coming to ROCK Entertainment LIVE next week, bringing the energy of Studio 8H to the iconic Radio City Music Hall for a three-hour musical extravaganza.
Hosted by Jimmy Fallon, this must-watch event features an incredible lineup of performers, including Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus, Backstreet Boys, and Post Malone. Joining them on stage are Mumford & Sons, Jack White, David Byrne, Robyn, Eddie Vedder, DEVO, Brittany Howard, Chris Martin, Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Jelly Roll, The B-52s, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and The Roots, with even more surprise guests to be announced!
📅Catch SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert LIVE 📍 First & Exclusive on ROCK Entertainment 🗓 February 15, Saturday ⏰ 09:00 (GMT+8) | Primetime Encore: 20:30 (GMT+8)
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of music, comedy, and the legacy of SNL!
The adrenaline-fueled survival competition Physical: 100, which ruled Netflix’s Global Top 10 TV Series (Non-English) rankings for two consecutive years, is making a seismic comeback—this time with a thrilling new format. Enter Physical: Asia, set to premiere in the fourth quarter of 2025. The series levels up from individual endurance battles to a high-stakes national showdown, where teamwork, resilience, and national pride take center stage.
From “100” to “Asia”—A Game-Changing Format
Previously, Physical: 100 pitted 100 elite competitors against one another in a grueling test of strength and stamina. Now, Physical: Asia flips the script, transforming the competition into an electrifying team-based warzone. Each team represents a country, and in a heart-stopping twist—if one member falls, the entire squad is eliminated. This means every challenge carries life-or-death stakes for each nation’s representatives, raising the tension and drama to unprecedented levels.
Manny Pacquiao Enters the Arena
In a first for the Physical franchise, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao joins Physical: Asia as the Philippines’ representative. The only boxer in history to claim world titles in eight different weight divisions, Pacquiao brings his unmatched fighting spirit, discipline, and experience to the ultimate test of endurance. His presence not only raises the stakes but also solidifies Physical: Asia as a battle of champions—where Asia’s strongest warriors fight for national glory.
A Bigger Stage, Even Higher Stakes
Since its debut, Physical: 100 has captivated global audiences, marking history as Netflix’s first Korean unscripted series to dominate the Global Top 10 (Non-English) rankings. Now, with Physical: Asia, the spectacle grows even more intense. Contestants of all ages, genders, and weight classes will unite under their national flags, tackling the most grueling physical challenges yet.
Prepare for heart-stopping action as elite athletes from across Asia push their limits in the most extreme test of teamwork, endurance, and raw power.
Stay Tuned for the Ultimate Showdown
Relive the intensity of Physical: 100 by streaming its first two seasons on Netflix. And don’t miss the upcoming launch of Physical: Asia—where the fight for survival is no longer just personal, but national.
Another Spider-man on the screen? Sure, it’s not a movie, but we’ve already had three in the last two and half decades (Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, Tom Holland) on the big screen and we even have Miles Morales in the two brilliant, animated films ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ and ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.’ There are probably even more on streaming networks for series that I’m not aware of. But with Disney+ spending quite a bit on the marketing of their latest release, ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’, there was something about the animation style and the innocence of the trailer that got to me.
Luckily, I was able to catch the first 6 episodes of the first season and I was very much charmed by the whole alternate timeline.
Not set in the “sacred timeline” of the MCU, ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’ shares a different origin story for Peter Parker and how he becomes the web-slinger. As young high school freshman, the show really emphasizes his youth and innocence. The relationships he builds in school and the way that he juggles classes, his internship at Oscorp, and crime-fighting are what makes Peter such an interesting character. Oftentimes, you could get annoyed at how someone so young could put so much unto his plate, but you forget that that is power of youth: the idealism and hope that pervades into their every being. This Peter is the epitome of that.
But all versions of Spider-Man reflect different approaches to this idealism and explores different ways by which Peter Parker is a hero. What is refreshing in this presentation is how Peter Parker is not suffering alone, not completely. As the episodes unfold, we see a surprising number of people who figures out his identity early on – and they are really surprising bunch – and all of sudden, Peter Parker has the support that he needs; something he never really got from the different versions of the story except Tom Holland’s. But while Holland’s support and mentor comes from Iron Man himself, this iteration has him mentored by someone whose story is being rewritten by this alternate timeline. It’s just as complex as Tony Stark but adds a new layer and sheen to the show.
Also, the support cast is quite engaging: from his best friend Nico Minoru and his crush Pearl Pangan (yes, she’s Filipina!) to his surprisingly refreshing jock-lab partner Lonnie Lincoln. The Osborns are definitely in the show – both Harry and Norman – but the way their characters are written here are completely out of type (or so it appears).
The whole DNA of Spider-Man, at least when I was collecting comics back in the 80s and 90s, was that Spider-Man was always the hero who had to support himself. He worked at a job that despised his alter ego (J Jonah Jameson of The Daily Bugle) and he always had to juggle work and surviving while being so powerful and funny and carefree as the Spider-Man. Some of that changed with the MCU version, with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man being given support from Iron Man. But here, seeing the support that Peter Parker gets from his friends and the people who end up knowing about him is quite a different variation that feels more aligned with the times.
The world is so crazy now and the younger generation seem more adaptable to change and to strangeness. The way that Spider-Man seems to interact with this world feels so at pace with where things are now on a social spectrum. Before, Spider-Man was easily defamed by J Jonah Jameson. Here, Jameson is nowhere in sight and Spider-Man seems loved by the people. Again, this feels right up this world’s alley.
I’m excited to see how all of this unfolds, especially knowing how some of these characters are going to be in the future. From their names alone, you know who they are going to end up, if you are savvy with the comic book world. I was expecting to question why the need for another Spider-Man show or movie but this one, much like Miles Morales in the ‘Into the Spider-verse’ Spider-Man, justifies its own existence by showing us what it is that this character can be representative of. That young man who wants to do so much to fix the world that really isn’t his problem to fix.
