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Made in Korea

This gripping noir thriller was one that really had me on the edge of my seat. Set in 1970s Korea, it follows Baek Ki-tae (Hyun-Bin) as the ambitious operative of the KCIA, leading a double life, and the principled Jang Geon-young (Jung Woo-sung), a prosecutor determined to bring him down. Loosely based on real-life events, the drama highlights the corruption in the Korean government and the vicious greed for power against the backdrop of fantastic cinematography. I’m looking forward to season 2, which is set to be released later this year, especially after that season finale cliffhanger!

Industry [currently airing]

I’m seated for another season of Harper Stern being her unapologetically, chaotic self in her hunger for success. I won’t pretend that I understand all of the financial dialogue; it really does go over my head. However, I do understand the underlying tone of how dark, addictive, political and cut-throat the industry itself is. I’m looking forward to seeing where this season will take us, with the introduction of a few new characters to the ensemble. It’s also a reminder of how the finance world is and would never be a career for me.

Abbott Elementary

My comfort sitcom is back with season 5 on Disney+. The eight episodes that are available so far (in the UK) gave me all the laughter and joy I needed this month, with its fantastic writing and comedic relief. I will always appreciate how this show brought back television for me, with its special guest appearances and crossover episode with It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I hope this sitcom continues to get renewed, as this representation in the mainstream is still SO important. Every single person involved deserves their flowers for this, especially Quinta Brunson.

Small Things Like These

This was a short yet impactful listen. It was the perfect January audiobook to ease my way back into reading again. The novel, set in a small Irish village in the 1980s, follows Bill Furlong and his mundane life as a coal and timber merchant during the Christmas period. However, his world slowly starts to unravel when he delivers coal to the convent and is faced with the disturbing truth. It’s a powerful, thought-provoking story that highlights morality. I would love to watch the film adaptation later this year, starring Cillian Murphy.

Gokurakugai [up to date]

This manga is definitely carried by the art style and character designs. The first two volumes honestly started off slow for me, with their episodic chapters and focus on world-building. However, the stunning art style and character designs make up for it, building into an overarching plot and character development in the later volumes. For one of the new-gen series, there are some similarities that are reminiscent of Chainsaw Man or Jujutsu Kaisen — something you’d expect from a shōnen manga. However, I do believe it does enough to stand on its own and, if the right studio picks it up, it would make for a great anime adaptation. While the physical volumes does look good on the shelves, I won’t be continuing to collect them but will catch up on the chapter releases online.

In the Clear Moonlit Dusk [up to date]

I honestly enjoyed this one so much. Is it the most groundbreaking plot I’ve ever read? No. Does it follow the tropes of a typical high-school shoujo romance? Yes. And while the plot itself might appear surface-level, it does well in exploring gender, femininity and self-expression. I’d seen the amount of hate this series gets online prior to reading it, but for me it was a good, fluffy read and I understand why it was so popular in the first place. I’m in love with the art style; the covers are stunning and reflect how the mangaka’s art has evolved over time. The anime adaptation is currently streaming on Crunchyroll, and while it doesn’t do the art justice in my opinion, I’m still having a good time. I also feel the anime will struggle to stand out in the line-up against shoujo anime such as Tamon’s B-Side and Hana-Kimi.

The Other World’s Books Depend on the Bean Counter [up to date]

I’m not the biggest fan of isekai, but this surprised me in such a good way. For me, it isn’t just the romance of this fantasy BL but the overarching plot of the overworking accountant understanding the social and political structures of this new world he’s been transported into, and fixing the kingdom’s finances along the way. The art is done so well, the characters have depth, and the story progresses naturally. It’s the perfect balance of escapism, with its light-hearted humour and relatability when it comes to capitalism. The only negative is the grey area of dubious consent as a plot device — so a fair warning if you don’t like that at all. The anime adaptation is also streaming on Crunchyroll this winter ’26 season however, this adaptation also deserved better.

Sentenced to Be a Hero [currently airing]

The first episode was an hour long, but it was a really impactful one, as it instantly pulls you into their world and straight into the action. I do love the unique premise of the series, as it flips the hero trope on its head with a compelling narrative. We slowly understand why the heroes are hated so much, what they have done to deserve their sentences in this dark fantasy, and the political conspiracies that reveal themselves in each episode.

You and I Are Polar Opposites [currently airing]

A very cute and charming series about the blossoming romance between Suzuki, who is an outgoing, social girl, and Tani, who as the title says, is the complete opposite. I’m enjoying the animation in this series; it’s fun, vibrant and expressive. I’m looking forward to seeing the ensemble of high-schoolers as they navigate adolescence and growth, with a lot of laughs along the way.

Jujutsu Kaisen [currently airing]

This is one of the few series where I’m an anime-only watcher, but despite not reading the manga, I’ve already been spoiled on what’s in store for us. The world-building and power systems still confuses me, but I’m still entertained and I’m looking forward to the Culling Game arc this winter season. One standout episode for me was one that was highly anticipated, Perfect Preparation — a poetic reference to the folktale of the goose who holds a reed in its mouth in order to survive migration. I’m all for women massacring their abusers, and the Kill Bill reference was both beautiful and liberating to watch. Maki Zenin, you’ll always be goated, my queen.

Rosalía – LUX

I’ve had this album on repeat from start to finish. It’s what I put on when I’m doing daily tasks, chores or writing. It’s perfect for making the mundane feel much more grand and beautiful. It’s a fantastic body of work from her, especially knowing that she’s singing in 13 different languages. I love how it stands out from what’s commercially mainstream, with its grand orchestral elements that touch on themes such as spirituality, femininity, saints, love, heartbreak and growth. It’s a testament to the creative process, which took more than two years to complete. My top tracks are: Reliquia, Divinize, La Perla, and La Rumba del Perdón.