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Veteran Sequel Featuring Hwang Jung Min and Jung Hae In

Veteran sequel “I, the Executioner” continues the thrilling story with Jung Hae In joining as a detective

Directed by Ryoo Seung Wan, known for “The Battleship Island” and “Escape from Mogadishu,” “Veteran” is a crime action film that follows a seasoned investigation team as they pursue an arrogant third-generation chaebol. The highly anticipated sequel, “I, the Executioner,” previously titled “Veteran 2,” continues the riveting narrative with detective Seo Do Chul (Hwang Jung Min) and his team, now joined by the new detective Park Sun Woo (Jung Hae In).

Recently released posters tease action-packed scenes where Seo Do Chul and Park Sun Woo confront an adversary under pouring rain. The chemistry between the veteran detective and the newcomer promises to be a highlight of the film.

The original “Veteran,” released in 2015, achieved outstanding success at the box office and with critics alike. Starring Hwang Jung Min and Yoo Ah In, the film grossed over $90 million domestically, ranking among the highest-grossing films in South Korean cinema history. Its gripping storyline, energetic action sequences, and timely humor captivated millions, solidifying its status as a box office phenomenon.

Critics praised “Veteran” for its tight direction, strong character development, and incisive social commentary. The film’s depiction of the conflict between law enforcement and corporate corruption resonated with many, earning widespread acclaim. Hwang Jung Min’s relentless detective and Yoo Ah In’s unscrupulous heir were particularly lauded for their performances. The movie’s blend of intense action, levity, and societal critique garnered numerous awards and nominations, marking it as a standout success in Korean cinema.

“I, the Executioner” premiered globally in May at the 77th Cannes International Film Festival’s Midnight Screening, where it received applause from both local audiences and international media. The film is set to hit theaters on September 13, offering fans another dose of high-stakes drama and action.

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ALL(H)OURS Debuts Drift Phonk In “WITNESS”

ALL(H)OURS is poised to captivate the K-pop scene with their first comeback, demonstrating remarkable growth and creativity. After overcoming challenges, the group feels confident to reveal their full potential. On July 2nd at Ilji Art Hall in Gangnam, Seoul, ALL(H)OURS unveiled their second mini-album, “WITNESS,” describing it as an album that “witnesses their possibilities.”

The rising K-pop group ALL(H)OURS makes a bold statement with their new album and innovative sound

Since their debut in January, ALL(H)OURS has shown a passion for becoming the next generation’s performance idols. Their debut album “ALL HOURS” showcased their fresh energy, but “WITNESS” highlights their artistic evolution and maturity.

The title track, “SHOCK”, is a bold venture into drift phone, a genre gaining traction in the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) club scene. This track stands out with its captivating cowbell synth lead, merging the unique sound of drift phonk with K-pop, marking a significant milestone in their musical journey.

Initially recognized as the “cousin group of Stray Kids,” ALL(H)OURS benefits from strong industry connections. Eden Entertainment’s CEO Jo Hae-sung, formerly a vice president at JYP Entertainment, managed successful groups such as 2PM, TWICE, Stray Kids, and ITZY. JYP Entertainment invested around 3 billion KRW in Eden Entertainment, and JYP’s producer and singer Park Jin-young sent a congratulatory video for their showcase.

Park Jin-young also provided valuable guidance. Member On shared, “CEO Jo and producer Park Jin-young are longtime friends who supported us immensely during our debut and this comeback. As a live performance-focused group, they taught us how to express ourselves better on stage.”

With Stray Kids’ comeback on the horizon, fans are eager for potential collaborations. On expressed, “It’s an honor to be associated with Stray Kids. We’ve admired them since our debut. A collaborative challenge would be a dream come true.”

The group reflects on their professional journey

ALL(H)OURS’ journey has been surreal. Masami reflected, “Visiting a broadcast station for the first time was incredible. Taking photos at iconic spots like the ‘Music Bank’ stairs made our debut feel real.” On added, “Performing with Taemin of SHINee, my role model, was a highlight. His words, ‘I need to work harder too,’ were inspiring.”

The second album aims to showcase their professional growth. On emphasized, “We want to be recognized for our live performance skills.” Yumin added, “We hope our performances and vocals will capture the public’s attention, proving that only ALL(H)OURS can deliver this unique experience.”

ALL(H)OURS’ rookie spirit drives their determination to succeed. Jaden stated, “We’ve committed to live performances since our debut, practicing tirelessly. This sets us apart.”

Hyunbin confidently noted, “Our live skills have improved significantly. We’re ready to prove it with this comeback.”

Gunho concluded, “We’ve dedicated ourselves day and night to prepare. Please look forward to our performance.”

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Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won Dating Rumors Surface

Kim Soo Hyun recently posted three photos on Instagram, only to quickly delete them, leaving fans puzzled. Now, rumors suggest these deleted photos were part of a lovestagram (couple pictures) with actress Kim Ji Won, sparking speculation about a possible romance between the two.

The actors’ recent Instagram activity has fans speculating about a possible romance

The deleted posts quickly went viral, capturing Kim Soo Hyun in various poses that showcased his charm and style. The first image, a black-and-white shot, exuded a classic, sophisticated aura. The second photo, in vibrant color, showed a cheerful Kim Soo Hyun smiling and waving at the camera. The third image highlighted his playful side as he took a selfie with a cute expression. Fans were left wondering about the sudden removal of these photos, speculating if it was to maintain a specific aesthetic on his feed or for other reasons.

On July 2, Sports Chosun reported that Kim Soo Hyun’s deleted photos bore a striking resemblance to a post uploaded by Kim Ji Won around the same time. This similarity led netizens to speculate that the photos were meant to be lovestagrams with Kim Ji Won. Lovestagram refers to a couple of pictures that are similar or matching. This isn’t the first time the two co-stars have been involved in dating rumors, but this latest incident has further fueled the speculation.

Kim Ji Won and Kim Soo Hyun gained widespread acclaim and a devoted fan base following their roles in the K-drama “Queen of Tears.” The romantic-comedy series revolves around two individuals with contrasting perspectives who unexpectedly fall in love. Their relationship takes an emotional turn when one of the characters is diagnosed with a chronic illness, adding a dramatic twist to their story and reigniting their deep affection for each other.

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Kim Jaejoong Reveals Shocking Sasaeng Encounters

Former TVXQ member Kim Jaejoong recently shared his terrifying experiences with intrusive sasaeng fans. On June 26, Jaejoong released his 20th-anniversary album, which includes the song “Don’t,” directly addressing the issue of these obsessive fans. During an appearance on SBS Power FM’s ‘Cultwo Show’ on July 1, he discussed how sasaengs frequently invaded his dormitory and even broke into his home.

Kim Jaejoong recounts terrifying experiences with obsessive fans invading his privacy

One particularly disturbing incident involved a sasaeng fan who entered his house and stood over him while he slept. Jaejoong recounted, “One night, I dreamt of being kissed by a woman. It felt too real to be a dream. When I opened my eyes, a woman was standing over me with her hair covering her face except for her eyes.” He pleaded with fans to respect his privacy, saying, “Please, don’t do such things.” His candid revelations highlight the severe and often frightening invasions of privacy that K-pop stars endure due to sasaeng fans.

Previously, on June 25, Jaejoong appeared in an interview with Inkode Entertainment. He shared his struggles with paranoia and the mental toll these invasions have taken on him. He described feeling like a prisoner in his own home after receiving a photo of himself taken inside his house from an unknown number. “I became paranoid, constantly looking around like a prisoner,” he admitted. Despite the harassment, Jaejoong found strength through these experiences, though he confessed that he considered escaping to another world to find peace. His story underscores the need for stronger protections for artists against such extreme invasions of privacy.

He also shared how he resonated with singer and actress IU, who had taken a firm stance against obsessive fans by pursuing legal action. “IU once stated that such individuals aren’t fans, and she’s absolutely right. Liking someone doesn’t excuse criminal behavior. IU was a pioneer in changing this perception.”

He added, “Even if you admire someone, you must be held accountable for any criminal actions. We now live in an era where we can address this issue confidently. Thank you, IU,” he concluded gratefully.

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Lovelyz Reunion Performance After 3 Years

On June 29, Lovelyz made a heartwarming return as a complete group for the first time in three years. They performed in part two of “Our Festival” on MBC’s ‘Hangout with Yoo.’

Lovelyz returns to the stage after three years, delivering heartfelt performances that moved fans to tears

Dressed in school-uniform-inspired outfits, the Lovelyz members brought their beloved hits “Hi~,” “Destiny,” and “Ah-Choo” back to the stage. Their performance was met with enthusiastic responses from their dedicated fans.

Despite their long hiatus, Lovelyz captivated the audience with their signature lovely vocals and flawless performances. The stage was filled with explosive cheers and heartfelt sing-alongs from the crowd. After the performance, the members greeted the audience in unison. The sight of Lovelyz reunited moved fans to tears, and the members themselves were visibly emotional.

In April 2022, Lovelyz leader Lee Su Jeong (Baby Soul) shared insights into the group’s disbandment and her solo debut plans on the YouTube channel “Recent Olympics.” She disclosed, “Lovelyz’s last activity was around August 2020. It’s been over a year and a half,” noting that she spent this time with her family.

Reflecting on the difficulties faced early in her career, Lee Su Jeong admitted, “The promotion of our first full album was the hardest time. I was mentally devastated by the shock and hurt from malicious comments.” She clarified that the disbandment stemmed from different individual aspirations rather than conflicts or discord among the members. “The members had been discussing disbandment for a long time,” she added.

During the show, a supportive message from Yoon Sang, known as the “father of Lovelyz’s music,” was shared. He encouraged the group, saying, “I hope it will be a wonderful stage where you can showcase the various sides you’ve kept hidden.”

Know more about the girl group

Lovelyz formed by Woollim Entertainment, debuted on November 12, 2014, with the release of their first album, “Girls’ Invasion.” The group quickly gained attention for their pure, innocent image and impressive vocal abilities. Their debut title track, “Candy Jelly Love,” became a hit, establishing Lovelyz as a rising star in the K-pop industry. The unique blend of their harmonious melodies and captivating choreography endeared them to a wide audience, marking the beginning of their journey to stardom.

Lovelyz’s popularity surged as they released hit songs and albums, consistently showcasing their musical versatility and growth. Songs like “Ah-Choo,” “Hi~,” and “Destiny” not only cemented their reputation in the industry but also garnered a loyal fanbase both domestically and internationally. Their ability to convey deep emotions through their music and charming personalities made them favorites among K-pop enthusiasts. Lovelyz’s impact on the industry is reflected in their numerous awards and accolades, solidifying their status as one of the leading girl groups of their generation.

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Kim Jaejoong and Jin Se Yeon As Fake First Love In New Drama

MBN’s new Friday-Saturday miniseries “Bad Memory Eraser” has released a teaser, revealing an intriguing romance drama featuring Jin Se Yeon and Kim Jaejoong. The series explores the impact of memory manipulation on relationships and personal growth.

Jin Se Yeon and Kim Jaejoong star in a new romantic drama that explores memory manipulation and unexpected love

Kim Jaejoong stars as Lee Kun, a former tennis player who loses confidence and self-esteem after a career-ending injury. His life takes a dramatic turn when a memory eraser wipes away his past, allowing him to start anew with renewed self-esteem and presence.

Jin Se Yeon plays Kyung Joo Yeon, a neuropsychiatrist at a neurological research center. Known for her cold personality and nicknamed the “ice princess,” she struggles to express her feelings due to a painful incident from her past. Through memory manipulation, she becomes Lee Kun’s fabricated first love.

The teaser opens with the narration, “This man has finally erased the pain he wanted to forget for 15 years.” Lee Kun, looking at Joo Yeon with affection, asks, “Can I recover the memories I’ve lost?” to which Joo Yeon responds, “It’s okay if you can’t remember. Because I remember.”

In another scene, Kyung Joo Yeon asks Lee Kun, “Is there anything you want to do? I’ll do everything you want,” highlighting their growing bond as they gaze at the starry night sky together. Lee Kun tenderly tells Joo Yeon, “You are so pretty that I want to protect you.”

As Lee Kun’s persistent and bold flirting continues, Kyung Joo Yeon is drawn to him. She murmurs, “He’s handsome,” and later reflects, “Why am I like this all day? I need to check with my heart,” indicating her developing feelings.

The teaser concludes with a romantic moment as Lee Kun and Kyung Joo Yeon lean in for a kiss, setting the stage for a captivating drama filled with emotional twists and heartfelt moments.

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Yeo Jin Goo Shares Heartfelt Letter From IU

In a recent interview, actor Yeo Jin Goo shared a heartfelt handwritten letter from IU, his co-star in the popular drama Hotel del Luna. The letter was part of a special feature on the YouTube channel B-Siders, where former co-stars sent messages expressing their thoughts on Yeo Jin Goo.

Yeo Jin Goo received a touching handwritten note from his Hotel del Luna co-star, expressing deep admiration and support

The idol-turned-actress, IU, cheered on her Hotel del Luna co-star with warm and encouraging words. She described Yeo Jin Goo as “always refreshing like a green leaf” and likened him to “the deep roots of a great tree—strong and substantial.” Despite Yeo Jin Goo’s self-reliant nature, IU emphasized that those who support him can see how firmly he has anchored himself.

In her letter, IU also expressed her hope that Yeo Jin Goo leans on his friends for support when needed, including herself. She shared her concern about his self-reliance, noting that as his “noona” (an older sister or an older female friend), she sometimes worries about him. IU expressed both apologies and gratitude, recalling how his compliments had lifted her spirits on low-confidence days.

IU thanked him for showing her strength, coolness, and kindness. She cherished the time they spent acting together, their conversations behind the scenes, and the moments they shared outside of work. IU conveyed her support for the warmth, uniqueness, and other qualities he brings as an actor.

Clearly touched by IU’s words, the actor responded, admitting that he lacked the writing skills to match her heartfelt letter. He reflected on IU’s endless charm and talent, expressing equal gratitude for her caring nature. He also admired the actress’ multifaceted personality and ability to inspire others.

This exchange between the two actors reveals their deep bond and mutual respect. It showcases the warmth and camaraderie that exists behind the scenes, highlighting the genuine connections formed in the entertainment industry.

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Ji Chang Wook Takes on a Villainous Role in “Revolver”

The upcoming film “Revolver” has shared a sneak peek of Ji Chang Wook’s new transformation! This intense thriller follows the story of Ha Soo Young, a female police officer wrongfully imprisoned for crimes she did not commit. After her release, she expects compensation for her time behind bars but receives nothing. She soon discovers that a man named Andy is behind it all and sets out on a path of revenge to reclaim what was hers.

Ji Chang Wook takes on a dark and intense role as the villain in “Revolver”

Ji Chang Wook plays Andy, nicknamed “Mad Dog,” a character who promises Ha Soo Young a large compensation if she takes the fall for something she didn’t do and goes to prison. Andy, who has lived his entire life without caring about responsibilities or promises, makes a meaningless promise to Ha Soo Young. Even when Soo Young confronts him to keep his promise, Andy ignores her, prompting her to seek revenge.

In the newly released stills, Andy is seen wearing expensive glasses and clothes, with facial expressions that highlight his villainous nature. Ji Chang Wook shared that he focused on understanding the narrative between Andy’s past and present while developing his character. He also experimented with various outfits to make his character more distinct.

The film also stars Jeon Do Yeon, renowned for her role in Kill Boksoon, and Lim Ji Yeon, who was recognized for her performance in The Glory. Additionally, legendary actor Lee Jung Jae from Squid Game joins the cast.

Ji Chang Wook’s portrayal of Andy promises to be a gripping performance, adding depth and intensity to this highly anticipated film. Fans are eager to see him in this dark and complex role, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Directed by Oh Seung Uk, “Revolver” is set to premiere on August 7, 2024.

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Fanpage Master Gets Attacked Over Unedited Photos of (G)I-Dle Shuhua

A fansite master of (G)I-DLE’s Shuhua faced severe criticism from Chinese fans after posting candid, unedited images of the idol

Recently, a dedicated Homma (fan page master) for (G)I-DLE Shuhua found themselves at the center of a heated controversy after sharing unedited photos of the idol. The incident unfolded when the fan page master uploaded candid shots from a recent fan meeting, aiming to showcase Shuhua’s natural beauty.

However, these unedited images quickly drew intense backlash from the Chinese fanbase. Accusations ranged from claims of the photos not accurately representing Shuhua to allegations of the fan page master being an anti-fan. The criticism seemed contradictory, especially since these same fans frequently praise Shuhua for her natural beauty in “unedited” pictures that are often subtly edited.

One fan shared their sentiment: “Shuhua’s Chinese fans were furious after seeing these photos. They complained, saying that Shuhua doesn’t look like that and accusing the fan page master of being an anti-fan. Consequently, the Homma who posted the pictures deleted them and posted an explanation tweet instead.”

Some fans, however, rallied to defend the fansite master, arguing that Shuhua looks stunning in both edited and unedited pictures. Comments in defence include: “Calling someone ugly just because their face bloated for one day out of 365 days is so petty, lol,” and “Seriously, did you lose your mind leaving a comment on mobile? Shuhua is pretty even in just random press photos.”

A fan adds, “The person commenting seems to enjoy criticizing others, lol. When they criticized Chungha, Miyeon, and Shuhua before, it was quite malicious. It seems like they’re probably the ones writing these comments themselves, lol.”

This incident underscores the complexities of image management within the K-pop industry, highlighting the ongoing tension between authenticity and idealization. As K-Pop continues to captivate global audiences, the debate over the ethics of image editing and its impact on fan perceptions is poised to persist.

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Shin Ha Kyun and Lee Jung Ha discuss synergy in “The Auditors”

In a recent interview with Allure Korea, actors Shin Ha Kyun and Lee Jung Ha, who star together in the upcoming drama “The Auditors,” shared their thoughts on their working relationship and mutual respect.

The stars of the upcoming drama discuss their teamwork and mutual respect in a recent interview

The pictorial for the interview was themed around a staycation with a senior co-worker, a concept Shin Ha Kyun humorously found challenging, saying, “How horrible that sounds. Going on a staycation with a senior co-worker? I can’t understand that because I never use the same room, not even with my manager.”

Reflecting on his co-star, Shin Ha Kyun praised Lee Jung Ha’s character and work ethic. “Jung Ha is kind, genuine, and works really hard. Since we met as fellow actors, we are in equal positions. We have our own roles. I share my thoughts when he asks them, but ultimately, acting is something you learn independently rather than being taught by someone else. I just guide him,” he explained.

Lee Jung Ha, who won Best New Actor at the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards, expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he has had since then. “I realized that I am shyer than I thought. I didn’t know this before because I hadn’t had many opportunities to stand in front of large groups. I’m trying to be more confident. I also want to change my disorganized speech. My ambitions are growing,” he shared.

He also admired Shin Ha Kyun’s sense of humor and professionalism, noting how he lightens the mood during long shoots. “He makes us laugh to lighten the mood when the shoots get long. Even then, he does it as that character, which is cool.” Lee Jung Ha added that Shin Ha Kyun is a great mentor who is always available to provide guidance. “No matter what opinions I offer, Shin Ha Kyun always suggests ways to approach it.”

“The Auditors,” featuring Shin Ha Kyun and Lee Jung Ha, will premiere on July 6 at 9:20 p.m. KST and be available on Viki.

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