The War Called Election 〈Running Mate〉 and Other New OTT Releases for the Week of June 3rd, 2025 (6/18~6/25)

The new OTT releases for the third week of June feature the election war of high school students, which is fiercer than college entrance exams, and the double life of a K-pop star turned exorcist. Don’t miss the chance to watch the hit films from theatres at home. A dazzling one-man show by Kang Ha-neul in a Korean film, and an epic inviting you to the fierce Colosseum of Rome are landing on OTT. With the ongoing monsoon raising the discomfort index, how about blowing away the accumulated stress through these new releases? Here are the new OTT releases for the third week of June.

It is read as war when written as election. The election war of high school students, fiercer than college entrance exams, unfolds on OTT. The Tving original <Running Mate>, releasing on June 19, tells the story of No Se-hoon, who becomes the target of ridicule from the entire school due to an unexpected incident, being nominated as the vice-presidential candidate in the student council election. Although he seems to be a victim of all sorts of political machinations, the protagonist's struggle to overcome this and run towards victory naturally garners support and interest.

<Running Mate> has attracted much attention as it is directed and written by Han Jin-won, co-writer of <Parasite>. Although it is about high school students' elections, it realistically portrays fierce and precarious competition comparable to any political drama, enhancing the viewing experience. The confrontations and interests of candidates rivaling established politicians, along with political machinations, create twists that make viewers eagerly anticipate the next episode. Rising stars like Yoon Hyun-soo, Lee Jeong-sik, Choi Woo-seong, Hong Hwa-yeon, Lee Bong-jun, and Kim Ji-woo appear in large numbers, and their passionate performances cannot be missed. Having been pre-released at the Busan International Film Festival two years ago, showcasing immense popularity with a 5-minute sell-out cut, can <Running Mate> capture the hearts of Tving subscribers this time? If you are curious about the ‘red politics of blue kids’, don’t forget to binge-watch on June 19.

The heat of K-pop extends beyond the world to Netflix Originals. However, fans are unaware of the extraordinary double lives that should never be known. <K-pop Demon Hunters>, releasing on June 20, tells the story of K-pop superstars ‘HuntRix’ Lumi, Mira, and Joy, who record sell-out performances every time they perform. When the dazzling spotlight goes out, the actions of these K-pop stars, unlike any others, unfold. They use their secret abilities to defeat evil forces. One day, an idol group called ‘Lion Boys’, which aims to capture human souls, appears, threatening the position of HuntRix...

Produced by Sony Pictures, known for the <Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse> series, <K-pop Demon Hunters> promises a powerful spectacle with the glamorous performances of K-pop stars and exorcism action that transcends time and space. Additionally, the participation of superstars like Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Yoon-jin, Ken Jeong, Lee Byung-hun, and Daniel Dae Kim adds to the charm of the work. True to its theme of K-POP, the songs that keep the atmosphere lively throughout already excite the audience. TWICE’s Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung participate in the OST, hinting at an animation that is already pleasing to the eyes and ears.

Kang Ha-neul’s one-man show shines in <Streaming> which will be ‘streamed’ on Netflix. The film is a fake documentary that live-streams the every move of a famous streamer chasing a serial killer case while uncovering the truth of the incident. Kang Ha-neul stars as a streamer who runs a crime channel online, leading the story throughout the runtime. As he uncovers clues to the unresolved serial killer case, he finds himself in life-threatening situations due to unexpected events.

<Streaming> is mostly shot in one take. True to the concept of an internet live broadcast, it offers significant realism, continuously giving viewers the effect of witnessing an actual event. In many ways, it is a work that highlights everything about Kang Ha-neul. It allows us to see various sides of Kang Ha-neul that we have not seen before. The virtue of the work lies in glimpsing his energy as he races towards the truth without hesitation and sometimes goes on a rampage. A twist upon a twist is essential in such a film. It not only provides the thrill of the thriller genre but also sharply critiques the light and shadow of internet broadcasting and the various issues that arise from it.

Meet the legend that returns after 24 years on OTT. <Gladiator 2> is a film depicting the story of Lucius, who engages in a duel that determines the fate of Rome in the Colosseum, over 20 years after the death of ‘Maximus’. Although Russell Crowe, the protagonist of the first film, unfortunately does not appear, Ridley Scott is back at the helm, promising another epic while continuing the story of the first film.

Paul Mescal, who moved the hearts of global film fans with <Aftersun>, takes on the lead role in this work. He makes a stunning debut as a gladiator slave in the Colosseum, showcasing his true worth. The delicate emotional performance of the protagonist, who is unable to act due to the wheel of fate, as well as the brutal action that is unafraid of bloodshed, is vividly portrayed. Joining him are Pedro Pascal from <Fantastic Four> and Denzel Washington, who needs no introduction, adding weight to the film. Connie Nielsen from the first film reprises her role as Lucilla, maintaining the continuity of the series. The highlight of this work is undoubtedly the battle scenes in the Colosseum. The heat and realism make the audience feel as if they are actually there. Let’s meet the world of gladiators prepared by <Gladiator 2>, which has everything except aerial combat, on OTT.

Editor of Taylor Contents, Hong Seon