Category: FEATURES

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Jun Hyo Sung to Lead New True Crime Film

Jun Hyo Sung is reportedly gearing up to take on her first film lead role. This comes 15 years into her career since debuting with the girl group SECRET. According to reports, she has been offered the lead in the true crime-based film “Bound to be a Devil” (literal title). The story centers around a real-life notorious case from Busan, South Korea.

Jun Hyo Sung is set to star in a gripping movie based on a notorious Busan crime case

On August 1, the Korean media outlet OSEN reported that Jun Hyo Sung had been offered the lead role. Her current agency, Alien Company, confirmed the casting offer. They stated, “It is true that she has received a casting offer and is currently positively reviewing it.”

If she confirms her appearance, this will be her first lead role in a film. She has been approached to play a victim, a role different from her previous works in “Celebrity” and “Memorist.”

The film “Bound to Be a Devil” is based on a notorious crime called the “Busan roundhouse kick case.” The incident occurred on May 22, 2022, and it shook the nation.

This true crime event took place at the victim’s apartment in Busanjin District. A man in his 30s, identified as Lee, followed and attacked victim B. He knocked her down with a roundhouse kick at her apartment entrance. He continued to stalk her until she lost consciousness.

According to reports, there was no prior relationship between the assailant and the victim. The crime gained public attention when CCTV footage was released. The footage showed the man dragging the unconscious woman to a blind spot. Lee was later sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The film will unfold this shocking true crime narrative. The actual victim will reportedly take part in the film’s making, raising anticipation. Director Lim Young Jae will helm the project. He is known for “Yellow Dog,” “I Can Only See,” “Black Hand,” and more.

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Squid Game Season 2 Premier Date Announced

On August 1, Director, Writer, and Executive Producer Hwang Dong Hyuk announced the release of Squid Game Season 2. The highly-anticipated Netflix hit series will premiere on December 26 of this year. This announcement came via a letter and included exciting news about a third season set to arrive in 2025.

The highly anticipated Squid Game Season 2 is set to return on December 26, with exciting new developments

“Squid Game” follows the gripping story of a mysterious survival game with a grand prize of 45.6 billion won (approximately $33 million). Season 2 will continue the journey of Seong Gi Hun, played by Lee Jung Jae. The last frame of the previous season’s finale shows him deciding whether to pursue the deadly game or not.

The new teaser released by Netflix features Seong Gi Hun, the sole surviving contestant from Season 1, donning the iconic green tracksuit once more. Fans are eager to discover why he has re-entered the game and what new challenges await him.

The teaser also introduces the return of key characters and some intriguing new faces. Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun, and Wi Ha Joon, will reprise their roles. The second season shows newcomers such as Im Siwan, Kang Ha Neul, Park Gyu Young, Jo Yu Ri, Won Ji An, Park Sung Hoon, Yang Dong Geun, T.O.P, Lee Jin Wook, David Lee, Noh Jae Won, Kang Ae Sim, and Oh Dal Soo.

In the teaser, the frontman poses a chilling question, “It’s been three years. Do you want to play again?” This line, coupled with the ominous statement, “The real game begins,” has fans buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming season.

As “Squid Game” continues to captivate audiences worldwide, the return of this thrilling series promises more intense drama. Season 2 is set to deepen the mystery and challenge the characters in new and unforeseen ways.

Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches, and prepare for another heart-pounding adventure in the world of “Squid Game.”

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Jung Hae In is a National Swimmer Turned Successful Architect in “Love Next Door”

tvN’s highly anticipated drama “Love Next Door” has unveiled new stills featuring Jung Hae In in his latest role. This romantic comedy brings together the creative talents of director Yoo Je Won and writer Shin Ha Eun, known for their previous collaboration on the hit series “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.”

Jung Hae In plays a former swimmer who finds success as an architect, navigating unexpected challenges

In the upcoming drama, Jung Hae In stars as Choi Seung Hyo, a former national swimmer who has transitioned into a successful career as an architect. Seung Hyo is portrayed as a man of exceptional qualities—handsome, kind-hearted, and highly skilled in his profession. As the head of an architectural firm, he seems to have it all, but his peaceful life takes an unexpected turn when Bae Seok Ryu, played by Jung So Min, reenters his world.

Bae Seok Ryu, depicted as a woman seeking to reboot her troubled life, brings chaos and new challenges to Seung Hyo’s well-ordered existence. The drama delves into their intertwined lives, exploring themes of growth, resilience, and unexpected romance.

In newly released photos, Choi Seung Hyo captivates viewers with his sharp suit and bright smile, exuding a sense of positivity and health. However, the character’s backstory reveals that he was once a promising swimmer selected for the national team. The drama leaves viewers curious about why he left his swimming career behind to become an architect.

Jung Hae In shared his reasons for choosing “Love Next Door,” expressing his enjoyment of the script and his admiration for Yoo Je Won’s work. He noted, “Choi Seung Hyo is a character with inner strength and a firm resolve. As I immersed myself in the script, I naturally built and imagined the character, which guided my performance.”

The actor also reflected on the experience of filming a romantic comedy, mentioning, “Whenever I take on a new project, there’s always a mix of excitement and fear. This time, since this is a romantic comedy, there were many moments of laughter on set, and I received a lot of positive energy, which I enjoyed.”

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Song Ji Hyo Awaits $7.7 Million After Winning Unpaid Fees Lawsuit

Song Ji Hyo, known for her roles in popular dramas and her participation in the variety show “Running Man,” is currently facing a challenging situation. Despite winning a lawsuit against her former agency, Uzurocks, for unpaid advertising model fees, the actress has yet to receive approximately 10 billion KRW (around $7.7 million USD).

Actress Song Ji Hyo is still awaiting payment from her former agency, Uzurocks, despite winning a lawsuit for unpaid fees

The lawsuit, concluded in December last year, ruled in favor of Song Ji Hyo, awarding her 9.84 billion KRW plus some delayed interest. However, seven months have passed, and the actress has not received the owed amount. Her representative stated, “We have obtained a payment order through a civil lawsuit, but the payment has not been enforced.” They added that efforts to collect the debt from Uzurocks are ongoing through legal procedures.

The actress signed an exclusive contract with Uzurocks in October 2022. However, due to the agency’s failure to pay her fees, she terminated the contract in April of the following year. In May, she filed a criminal complaint against Uzurocks’ former CEO for embezzlement under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes, alongside the civil lawsuit for her unpaid fees.

Despite the final verdict, as Uzurocks did not appeal within the two-week period, Song Ji Hyo’s payment has yet to be fulfilled. The CEO of Uzurocks has not provided any public comment regarding the situation.

Song Ji Hyo has since moved forward in her career, signing a new exclusive contract with Nexus ENM in October of last year. This chapter will mark a new beginning in her professional life.

“As an actor with global influence as well as domestic, we will do our best to support her happily on her acting activities in various areas and showing her charm,” Nexus ENM said in a statement in October 2023. The agency also promises to protect the actress and take legal actions against malicious activities towards the actress.

Post agency shift, her new management confirms her appearance in the upcoming movie “House of Meeting,” which is yet to provide details. Fans are eagerly waiting for her return to both the small and big screen.

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Jung Ga Eun Criticized Over Inappropriate Photo

Jung Ga Eun faces backlash after posting a controversial rehearsal photo on social media

Jung Ga Eun, a well-known actress and single mother, recently found herself at the center of controversy after posting a provocative photo on social media. The image, taken during a rehearsal for her upcoming play Boeing Boeing, shows her touching the buttocks of a male actor. Jung Ga Eun captioned the post with the comment: “Practicing for the play. My hands are living in luxury.”

The post quickly drew sharp criticism, with many netizens labelling it as “inappropriate” and even describing it as “sexual harassment.“ Critics argued that if the roles were reversed, the situation would likely lead to a police investigation. Comments flooded in, accusing Jung Ga Eun of seeking unnecessary attention on social media and urging her to delete the post immediately.

Furthermore, On July 27, two days after the incident, Jung Ga Eun issued a public apology. She stated, “I apologize for posting a scene from the play and writing a comment that made many people uncomfortable. I will be more careful from now on in both words and actions.” Despite her apology, the situation has already sparked significant debate about the boundaries of social media content and professional conduct.

The actress, who married in 2016 and divorced two years later, continues to navigate the challenges of her career while balancing her role as a mother. This latest incident, however, has cast a shadow on her public image and raised questions about what is deemed acceptable in the entertainment industry.

Sexual harassment remains a significant issue in South Korea, with societal and workplace pressures often preventing victims from coming forward. The #MeToo movement 2018 marked a turning point, as numerous survivors began publicly sharing their experiences, leading to high-profile cases and legal reforms.

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ADOR Address CEO Min Hee Jin Covering Up Workplace Sexual Harassment Allegations

ADOR has responded to allegations that CEO Min Hee Jin covered up a workplace sexual harassment incident. These accusations emerged after leaked KakaoTalk messages became public. On July 29, a legal representative from Shin & Kim Law Firm, speaking on behalf of ADOR, directly addressed the situation, emphasizing that the case had already been resolved.

The company defends Min Hee Jin against claims of covering up a harassment case, citing a previous no-charges decision

The representative stated, “The HYBE HR Committee concluded the sexual harassment case with a ‘no charges’ decision on March 16. Since HYBE directly manages legal, HR, and PR matters through a shared service system, we find it perplexing that this issue is being revisited. This sudden reinterpretation to attack CEO Min Hee Jin is unfair.”

The controversy involves an employee who accused an executive of workplace harassment in March. On July 25, the online media outlet Dispatch reported that Min Hee Jin allegedly defended the executive or encouraged counterclaims against the employee, identified as “B.” However, ADOR and their legal team have denied these claims, asserting that she acted impartially and worked to mediate the conflict.

Shin & Kim also clarified that a gathering involving the employee took place after February 1 to help them adjust to the job. They emphasized that the meeting proceeded without issues and that the employee willingly attended.

The law firm further explained that the employee’s departure from the company was unrelated to the harassment incident. They noted that issues arose during the employee’s probation evaluation, which led to a mutual decision for them to leave the company.

In response to the cover-up allegations, Shin & Kim stated, “CEO Min Hee Jin fulfilled her responsibilities by issuing warnings to prevent similar issues in the future and proposing improvements for better HR procedures and transparency to HYBE.”

The law firm also criticized the media for publishing private KakaoTalk conversations, calling it an illegal invasion of privacy. They warned that if such reports continue, ADOR may pursue legal action.

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EXID Hani and Yang Jae Woong in Backlash Ahead of Wedding

EXID Hani and fiance Yang Jae Woong face growing criticism online following a tragic incident linked to a psychiatric hospital

EXID Hani and psychiatrist Yang Jae Woong face backlash as their September wedding approaches. On May 31, the couple announced their wedding plans, receiving warm congratulations at first. Yang Jae Woong even shared on a TV show that Hani proposed to him, while Hani expressed her excitement about spending her life with him. However, the couple’s social media accounts are now flooded with negative comments following a tragic event connected to a psychiatric hospital.

The controversy stems from a May 26 report by SBS about the death of a 33-year-old woman at a psychiatric hospital in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province. The woman, who was hospitalized for addiction treatment, died after being restrained in her room despite showing signs of severe distress. Netizens began speculating that the hospital involved could be linked to Yang Jae Woong, further fueling the backlash against the couple.

The situation escalated after the woman’s family claimed they specifically chose the hospital because it was run by a well-known psychiatrist with expertise in addiction. Although these claims remain unconfirmed, the suspicions have led to an overload on the hospital’s website, which is operated by Yang Jae Woong and his brother.

Comments on social media have become increasingly harsh, with people questioning the couple’s decision to announce their wedding so close to this tragic event. Remarks like, “Announcing your wedding three days after a patient’s death?” and “You should reconsider your marriage after this incident,” emphasize the growing disapproval. As their wedding date nears, it remains to be seen how Hani and Yang Jae Woong will address these criticisms.

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SM Entertainment’s Alleged Approach to Gu Je Yeok for Marketing Strategy

Lee Jin Ho reveals that SM Entertainment allegedly contacted the controversial YouTuber Gu Je Yeok for a viral marketing campaign

YouTube reporter Lee Jin Ho recently claimed that SM Entertainment approached the controversial YouTuber Gu Je Yeok for a viral marketing campaign. The allegations come after SM Entertainment was accused of using viral marketing tactics against HYBE and manipulating public opinion. SM clarified that its marketing was intended to protect management rights and communicate the company’s stance to shareholders.

Although SM Entertainment stated they declined a proposal to involve YouTube cyber “wreckers,” Lee Jin Ho revealed that specific YouTubers, including Gu Je Yeok, were already chosen for the campaign. Gu Je Yeok, known for his threats against Mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang, confirmed that he received such a proposal. After the offer, he released a video with sensitive content about a person not on good terms with SM, which was quickly taken down due to backlash.

Korean netizens reacted with mixed opinions, with some questioning Lee Jin Ho’s credibility, citing his history of supporting HYBE and criticizing GFriend during their disbandment. Others focused on the fact that SM Entertainment was caught using viral marketing, while some worried that the situation might lead to misunderstandings about HYBE’s involvement.

Korean netizens left comments like:

“Lee Jin Ho is at it again, haha. He tries to make HYBE look good, but I remember him beating down GFriend. From then on, his credibility has been zero. It’s so obvious whose side he’s on.”

“The fact is that SM got caught doing viral marketing, right? But looking at the comments, it seems like people might misunderstand and think that HYBE got caught doing it. That’s just baseless speculation without any evidence, isn’t it?”

“Isn’t Lee Jin Ho a well-known HYBE supporter? He even criticized GFRIEND when they disbanded.”

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Kim Woo Seok and Kang Na Eun Star in “0 Period is Social Butterfly Time”

The upcoming teen romance drama features Kim Woo Seok and Kang Na Eun in leading roles as they navigate high school life and social challenges

Kim Woo Seok and Kang Na Eun will take on leading roles in the upcoming teen romance drama 0 Period is Social Butterfly Time. This new series, set to premiere in October, tells the story of high school life through the eyes of a loner who dreams of fitting in with a group of social butterflies. The plot centers around the main character becoming the manager of an anonymous social networking app called “Social Butterfly Time,” which brings unexpected twists to their life.

Kang Na Eun, known for her roles in Crash Course in Romance and Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938, will portray Ji Eun, an outsider in high school who longs to be popular. Meanwhile, Kim Woo Seok, a popular student and trainee at a major entertainment agency, will play Kang Woo Bin. Despite his perfect image and the admiration of his peers, Woo Bin harbors a secret that could shatter his reputation.

0 Period is Social Butterfly Time promises to deliver a captivating story about the struggles of fitting in, the pressures of maintaining a flawless image, and the complexities of teenage life. With Kang Na Eun and Kim Woo Seok leading the cast, this drama is set to be a must-watch for fans of teen romance.

Get to know Kim Woo Seok

Kim Woo Seok, formerly known as Wooshin during his time with UP10TION, is a versatile South Korean artist. He debuted with UP10TION in 2015 and later gained wider recognition by finishing second on the reality show Produce X 101, which led to his involvement in the project group X1. In May 2020, he began his solo career with the EP 1st Desire (Greed), highlighting his individual talents.

Beyond his music career, he has served as a host on SBS MTV’s The Show and earned the New K-Wave Voice Award at the 2020 Soribada Best K-Music Awards. His solo endeavors continued with the release of his fourth EP Blank Page in April 2023, featuring the title track “Dawn.”

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Bang Si Hyuk Reveals to Have Purchased $26.4m Mansion in LA Through HYBE Labels Subsidiary

Bang Si Hyuk, the chairman of HYBE Labels, has recently revealed that he purchased a $26.4 million mansion in Los Angeles through a subsidiary company. The acquisition, which took place in April of last year, involved a HYBE Labels subsidiary known as BEL AIR STRADELLA, LLC. This information came to light after HYBE Labels made corrections to its 2024 state of affairs report.

Bang Si Hyuk used a subsidiary to acquire a luxurious mansion in Los Angeles, sparking shareholder speculation

The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) launched an investigation into HYBE Labels earlier this year, probing into the company’s state of affairs report. The KFTC did not disclose the specifics of what might have been omitted or fabricated in the report, but it was suspected that the omissions involved companies owned by Bang Si Hyuk and his relatives.

On July 26, KST, HYBE Labels addressed the issue by publishing several corrections to the report. Among these corrections was the acknowledgment of BEL AIR STRADELLA, LLC, a U.S. subsidiary fully owned by Bang Si Hyuk and registered in December 2023. Shareholders quickly speculated that this company was created solely to facilitate the purchase of the mansion in the upscale Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.

Additionally, BEL AIR STRADELLA, LLC is registered as a real estate company, leading some shareholders to cynically comment, “Wonder what sort of lofty dreams drove him to open a real estate company…”

This mansion, previously owned by comedian Trevor Noah until 2022, has now become a focal point of discussion among HYBE shareholders. It raises questions about the motivations behind the purchase and the use of a subsidiary to acquire such a luxurious property.

In related news, HYBE and ADOR’s dispute still continues to worsen despite numerous attempts to fix legal hearings. Previously, Min Hee Jin’s Kakao messages were also exposed, sparking huge controversy among its employees and the public.

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