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Kim Bo Ra Talks About New Thriller Drama “Black Out”

Kim Bo Ra

Kim Bo Ra enters the world of crime thrillers with the highly anticipated drama Black Out. The upcoming drama is adapted from the best-selling German novel Snow White Must Die. The plot follows Go Jung Woo, played by Byun Yo Han, a man falsely accused of murder in a case where no bodies were found. After 11 years, he returns to his hometown to uncover the truth.

Kim Bo Ra shares her excitement about playing a curious newcomer in the suspenseful drama “Black Out”

In the series, Kim Bo Ra plays Ha Seol, a curious newcomer who recently moved to Mucheon City. While working part-time at a local restaurant, she becomes intrigued when she learns that one of her co-workers is the mother of a convicted murderer. Her curiosity drives her to dig into the case, providing a fresh perspective that eventually helps Go Jung Woo in his search for answers.

Kim Bo Ra, a fan of crime investigation shows, felt an instant connection to the project. “Since I often watch shows related to criminal investigations, I felt an immediate connection to the project when I received the offer,” she said. Ha Seol’s inquisitive nature and her position as an outsider in the town make her a unique and engaging character.

Kim Bo Ra will star alongside Byun Yo Han, Go Joon, and Go Bo Gyeol. The Drama will air on August 16. Photo via Instagram @MBC_Drama.

Additionally, describing Ha Seol, the actress said, “Her habit of digging into things whenever she gets suspicious made me see her as a ‘cute busybody.’” Even as tensions rise in the village after Go Jung Woo’s return, Ha Seol remains a warm, unbiased presence. Her free-spirited nature, often seen as she rides her scooter through town, adds a refreshing contrast to the growing suspense.

Furthermore, Kim Bo Ra shared that she enjoyed a comfortable atmosphere with her co-stars. “Since Ha Seol isn’t directly involved in the incidents, all the other actors treated me comfortably,” she shared. Byun Yo Han felt like an older brother, while Go Joon and Go Bo Gyeol provided supportive, familial roles throughout the filming.

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Song Hye Kyo Talks About “The Glory” and New Film “Dark Nuns”

Song Hye Kyo graces the cover of Elle Korea’s September issue, where she opened up about her journey through The Glory and her excitement for her next project, Dark Nuns. Reflecting on her role in the hit drama, she shared, “Since it was a genre I hadn’t tried before, I had a lot of worries and fears. But fortunately, it received a lot of love, and I had fun.”

Song Hye Kyo reflects on her success during an interview with Elle Korea

She added that The Glory gave her newfound confidence, a stronger desire to improve, and the courage to take on fresh challenges. Fans eagerly await how she will build on this momentum.

Transitioning to her next project, Dark Nuns, Song Hye Kyo expressed her surprise at taking on an occult-themed role. “I’m not a huge fan of the occult genre, but my mother really likes it, so I was familiar with it from a young age,” she said. She mentioned that she specifically wanted to avoid another romantic role post-The Glory, making Dark Nuns an ideal choice.

The actress found the experience refreshing, noting that watching herself in action scenes on the monitor was thrilling. Song Hye Kyo expressed excitement about revealing a different side of herself through this daring role.

Song Hye Kyo sits down for an interview with Elle Korea. The actress shares her thoughts on the recent success of “The Glory” and her upcoming film “Dark Nuns.” Photo via Instagram @ElleKorea.

Beyond her career, Song Hye Kyo shared her perspective on the value of uplifting relationships, particularly with the “good adults” she’s encountered in her life. She explained how these influences have guided her through tough times and inspired her to be a positive role model.

Reflecting on her long and successful career, she remarked, “I have always done my best within the time given. The results may not always be good, but whether in the past, present, or future, I will continue to work quietly and diligently, just as I always have.”

There is no release date for Dark Nuns as of now, but filming has already commenced last February 22.

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Choi Tae Joon is a Protective Brother in New Drama “Iron Family”

KBS 2TV’s Iron Family promises a captivating mix of romance, comedy, and heartwarming family dynamics. The drama centers on the Cheongryeom Laundry family, who have run their business for three generations. Geum Sae Rok stars as Lee Da Rim, the youngest daughter who battles a rare illness that slowly narrows her vision. Alongside her, Kim Jung Hyun plays Seo Kang Joo, a wealthy executive director determined to win his father’s approval.

Choi Tae Joon takes on a caring and protective role in KBS 2TV’s new romantic black comedy “Iron Family”

Choi Tae Joon will portray Cha Tae Woong, a character who has faced a difficult past. Abandoned at birth and raised in an orphanage, Tae Woong struggled to find his place in the world. After becoming an adult, he wandered aimlessly until Go Bong Hee, a member of the Cheongryeom Laundry family, stepped in and helped him find direction. Her support allows Tae Woong to join the family and gain a sense of belonging.

Choi Tae Joon will star in a new drama with Kim Jung Hyun and Geum Sae Rok. He will act as a protective brother to the female lead. Photo via Instagram @laundry_report.

Viewers will notice a significant transformation in Cha Tae Woong after he starts working at the family laundry. Previously, he appeared dishevelled with a vacant stare, but he soon adopts a clean-cut, confident look as he integrates into the family. This change highlights how finding stability and connection positively impacts Tae Woong.

The story delves into the sibling-like relationship between Cha Tae Woong and Lee Da Rim. Tae Woong becomes highly protective of her, especially when Seo Kang Joo begins pursuing her romantically. Their rivalry leads to frequent clashes, with both men engaging in humorous banter that adds to the drama’s appeal.

Stills from the show showcase Cha Tae Woong’s journey from a lost individual to a valued member of the Cheongryeom Laundry family. Fans eagerly anticipate the drama’s exploration of themes like belonging, love, and redemption.

Iron Family will air after the conclusion of Beauty and Mr. Romantic, offering viewers a fresh story filled with laughter and heartfelt moments.

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Former ADOR Employee Continue to Disprove Min Hee Jin

ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin faces accusations of manipulation and verbal abuse. The CEO encounters a new issue among many others, including dispute against HYBE. Photo via her Instagram @min.hee.jin.

A former ADOR employee, identified as B, has reignited the ongoing controversy involving CEO Min Hee Jin. In a recent public statement, B expressed frustration and anger over what she describes as false and defamatory claims made by the CEO, accusing Min of twisting the narrative and perpetuating harm through misleading explanations.

Former ADOR Employee Continue to Disprove Min Hee Jin

Employee B did not hold back in her latest remarks, stating, “Min Hee Jin completely ignored the breaches of neutrality in her role as CEO and the abusive language directed at me.” She further alleged that Min has been using selective explanations to cover up core issues, focusing instead on minor points like performance reviews and salary cuts.

ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin continues to face controversy amid a dispute with HYBE. The CEO’s former employee continues to refute her statements through an anonymous Instagram account. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

The core of B’s accusations centers around sexual harassment claims. B refutes Min Hee Jin’s assertion that the harassment cases were exaggerated, maintaining that her reports were accurate and supported by evidence. According to Min Hee Jin, HYBE’s HR department conducted an investigation that found no wrongdoing. However, B argued that Min failed to remain neutral and protect employees during the process, despite Min’s claim of acting objectively.

B points out, “The duty to address harassment cases lies with the CEO. While HYBE’s HR department can assist, the final decision is legally the CEO’s responsibility.” She also provided evidence, including messages where the accused admitted to some of the behavior.

In her message, B questioned Min Hee Jin’s intentions and demanded answers regarding why certain personal messages were revealed without her consent. Additionally, she challenged the way Min Hee Jin had distorted facts, especially about her resignation. The former employee closed by expressing her frustration at the lack of a sincere apology from her after all the distress caused.

As this situation unfolds, B remains determined to continue pursuing accountability. She is even looking into involving external agencies in her pursuit of justice.

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RED VELVET Debuts on Billboard 200 and Artist 100 with ‘COSMIC’

Red Velvet has achieved an incredible milestone by making their debut on both the Billboard 200 and the Artist 100 charts!

Red Velvet Enters Billboard 200 and Artist 100

On August 12 local time, Billboard announced that Red Velvet’s latest mini album ‘Cosmic’ had officially entered the Billboard 200 chart, which ranks the most popular albums in the United States each week. This marks a significant achievement for the group, as it is their first time ever appearing on this prestigious chart.

Although ‘Cosmic’ was initially released in Korea and on digital platforms back in June, the physical version of the album was made available in the United States on August 2. Despite the gap between its digital and physical releases, the album’s impact was substantial. For the week ending on August 17, ‘Cosmic’ debuted at No. 145 on the Billboard 200, signaling Red Velvet’s growing influence in the global music scene.

In addition to their Billboard 200 success, ‘Cosmic’ also made a strong showing on several other Billboard charts. The mini album debuted at No. 6 on both the Top Album Sales chart and the Top Current Album Sales chart, making it the sixth best-selling album of the week in the United States. Furthermore, ‘Cosmic’ entered the World Albums chart at No. 4 and the Independent Albums chart at No. 20, further demonstrating Red Velvet’s international appeal and solidifying their status as one of K-pop’s leading acts.

Moreover, Red Velvet made their first-ever appearance on the Billboard Artist 100, debuting at No. 44. The Artist 100 chart measures an artist’s performance across various Billboard charts, including the Hot 100, Billboard 200, and Social 50, providing a comprehensive overview of an artist’s impact in the music industry. Red Velvet’s entry into the Artist 100 underscores their growing popularity and influence not only in Korea but also on the global stage.

This series of accomplishments marks an exciting new chapter for Red Velvet, as they continue to expand their reach and captivate audiences worldwide. Congratulations to Red Velvet on these remarkable achievements!

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MADEIN Confirms September 2024 Debut

MADEIN, the latest rising star in the K-pop industry, is all set to make their grand debut! The girl group is currently preparing for a September 2024 debut!

MADEIN Set for September 2024 Debut

On August 14, their agency, 143 Entertainment, officially announced that the group will soon release their debut EP, marking an exciting new chapter for the members and their fans.

https://x.com/nugupromoter/status/1823535956042846485

The debut EP will feature the title track “UNO,” a song that promises to capture the heart-fluttering emotions of the present moment. With its fresh sound and relatable lyrics, “UNO” is expected to resonate with listeners and establish MADEIN as a formidable new force in the music scene.

MADEIN is a unique seven-member group with a lineup that boasts impressive talent and experience. The group includes Mashiro and Yeseo, who are well-known for their time as members of the popular girl group Kep1er. Joining them are MiU, Suhye, and Gaeun, who previously promoted as members of LIMELIGHT, bringing with them a wealth of performance experience and fanbase. Rounding out the group are Serina and Nagomi, who garnered attention as contestants on the popular survival show “Produce 101 Japan The Girls.” The diverse mix of members from various backgrounds adds a unique flavor to the group, making their debut even more anticipated.

MADEIN Finally Ready to Shine

The announcement of MADEIN’s debut has already generated significant buzz among K-pop fans, who are eagerly awaiting the group’s fresh take on the genre. With a lineup that blends seasoned performers with fresh talent, MADEIN is poised to make a strong impression on the K-pop industry. Their debut is highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see how the group will set themselves apart from the competition.

The group’s debut on September 3 is also expected to be a significant event in the K-pop calendar, drawing attention from fans and industry insiders alike. MADEIN’s debut marks not just the beginning of a new group but also the continuation of the journey for members who have already made their mark in the industry.

As MADEIN prepares to introduce themselves to the world, fans can look forward to a debut that is sure to be filled with excitement, emotion, and a whole lot of talent. With their debut EP and the title track “UNO,” MADEIN is also ready to take the K-pop world by storm, and their journey is just beginning.

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RED VELVET Wendy to Return as ‘Young Street’ DJ

Red Velvet’s Wendy is all set to return as the DJ of SBS Power FM’s “Young Street,” bringing her warmth and energy back to the beloved radio program.

Red Velvet’s Wendy Confirmed to Return to “Young Street” Radio Show

On August 13, SBS PowerFM confirmed Wendy’s much-anticipated comeback, which will begin on August 19, marking approximately a year since she stepped down from the role due to conflicting schedules.

https://x.com/wendythread/status/1823161043796799965

Wendy initially took on the role of DJ for “Young Street” in July 2021, where she quickly won the hearts of listeners with her cheerful demeanor and positive energy. For two years, she created a space where fans could connect with her and enjoy her lively interactions, making “Young Street” a popular show. Her departure in July 2023 left many fans disappointed, but her return is set to rekindle the vibrant atmosphere that she brought to the show. The comeback broadcast is scheduled to air on August 19 at 8 p.m. KST on SBS PowerFM, and fans can also tune in via the SBS Gorilla app for live viewing.

An Awesome Year for Red Velvet

Wendy’s return to “Young Street” comes on the heels of Red Velvet’s recent success with their latest EP, “Cosmic,” which was released in June. The mini-album received an overwhelmingly positive response from fans around the world, quickly becoming a global sensation. Upon its release, “Cosmic” soared to the top of iTunes charts in numerous countries, achieving the No. 1 spot on iTunes Top Albums charts in at least 41 different regions by June 25 KST. This remarkable achievement underscores Red Velvet’s strong international appeal and the global anticipation for their music.

The success of “Cosmic” is a testament to Red Velvet’s continued ability to captivate audiences with their distinctive blend of musical styles and engaging performances. Each track on the album showcases the group’s versatility, further solidifying their status as K-pop royalty. The album’s triumph not only highlights Red Velvet’s established presence in the K-pop scene but also emphasizes their growing influence on a global scale.

As Wendy prepares to return to the airwaves and Red Velvet continues to dominate the music charts, fans have much to look forward to. Wendy’s return as the DJ of “Young Street” is sure to bring back the infectious energy that fans have missed, while Red Velvet’s ongoing success continues to shape the global K-pop landscape.

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Moon Sang Min is a Charming Chaebol in “Cinderella at 2 AM”

Moon Sang Min brings to life the perfect chaebol heir who aims to win over a woman skeptical of fairy tale endings

Moon Sang Min will surprise viewers with his role as Seo Joo Won, a charming and kind-hearted chaebol heir, in the upcoming romantic comedy Cinderella at 2 AM. The drama, which also stars Shin Hyun Been as Ha Yoon Seo, explores the dynamics between a woman who has lost faith in fairy tale endings and a man determined to change her perspective.

Moon Sang Min, known for his diverse acting roles and impressive filmography, embodies the epitome of perfection as Joo Won. The newly released stills highlight his irresistible charm, showcased through his impeccably tailored high-end suits and a loving gaze that is directed solely at Yoon Seo. This portrayal promises to deliver an unforgettable romance that is sure to capture the hearts of viewers.

As the chaebol heir, Joo Won’s deep affection and unwavering dedication to the woman he loves reveal a lovable and endearing side of Moon Sang Min’s character, building anticipation for the drama’s release. His portrayal of Joo Won not only highlights his strong physical presence but also his ability to convey deep emotional connections, making Cinderella at 2 AM a must-watch for fans of romantic comedies.

Moon Sang Min and Shin Hyun Been in the poster of “Cinderella at 2 AM.” Photo via Instagram @_sangmxn_.

2024 is turning out as a great year for the actor, with several projects in the line. This year, he starred in the series Wedding Impossible with Jeon Jong Seo. He also starred in Duty After School with Kim Ki Hae, Shin Su Hyun, Lee Yeon, and Shin Hyun Soo. 

Cinderella at 2 AM is set to be a charming and heartwarming drama that will resonate with audiences. The drama will tackle stories of love, transformation, and the magic of unexpected connections.

The Coupang Play Series will air on August 24, every Saturday and Sunday. It will also broadcast on Channel A on the same day.

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Jung Hae In Stars as a Detective for “Veteran” Sequel

Jung Hae In is a young detective in the hit crime film Veteran sequel

Jung Hae In will step into the shoes of a detective in the upcoming sequel to the hit crime film “Veteran,” titled “I, the Executioner.” Directed by Ryoo Seung Wan, known for his work on “The Battleship Island” and “Escape from Mogadishu,” this sequel continues the story of detective Seo Do Chul, played by Hwang Jung Min, and his crime investigation team.

In “I, the Executioner,” Jung Hae In portrays Park Sun Woo, the newest and youngest member of the investigation team. The recently released stills showcase the actor in a police uniform, highlighting his sharp looks and eagerness as a young detective. Fans of the actor will recognize his trend of taking on roles that involve uniforms, from his military portrayal in “Prison Playbook” to his role as a committed police officer in “While You Were Sleeping.”

Jung Hae In’s ability to bring a fresh perspective to his characters has made him a favorite in the K-drama scene. His role as Park Sun Woo promises to add another impressive chapter to his career, as he joins forces with Hwang Jung Min’s seasoned detective to tackle new challenges in this highly anticipated sequel.

Jung Hae In still cut for Veteral sequel, “I, The Executioner.” The actor stars with Hwang Jung Min. Photo via Instagram @CJENMMOVIE.

With his history of standout performances, especially in uniformed roles, Jung Hae In’s portrayal of Park Sun Woo is set to captivate audiences once again. The combination of Ryoo Seung Wan’s direction and Jung Hae In’s acting skills is expected to make “I, the Executioner” a must-watch film for crime drama enthusiasts.

In related news, Jung Hae In will lead the upcoming TVN drama Love Next Door, along with Jung So Min.

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Weverse, YG Plus, SM, and JYP Refund Violation Accusations

The Korea Fair Trade Commission sanctions major K-pop companies for illegal refund practices

The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has taken action against several major companies in the K-pop industry. This includes Weverse Company, YG Plus, SM Brand Marketing, and JYP 360. These companies, which handle the online sales of idol merchandise, faced sanctions for illegal refund practices that unfairly targeted consumers, particularly teenagers.

The KFTC discovered that these companies have been shortening the legally mandated refund period. Under current e-commerce law, customers are entitled to withdraw from a purchase within three months or within 30 days of discovering a defect. However, Weverse Company and others informed customers that even defective products could only be refunded within seven days. Additionally, they imposed unreasonable restrictions, such as requiring video evidence of the unboxing process to qualify for refunds.

This behavior, known in Korea as “gapjil” (abuse of power), effectively shifted the burden of proof onto the consumers, violating e-commerce laws. These practices not only limited customers’ rights but also exploited the loyalty of teenage fans, who are less aware of their legal protections.

   

The idol merchandise shops of the four biggest K-Pop agencies, Weverse, YG Plus, JYP 360, and SM Brand Marketing, have been sanctioned by Korea’s Fair Trade Commission. Photos via Wikimedia Commons.

In response, the KFTC issued corrective orders and imposed fines totalling 10.5 million KRW (approximately 7,740 USD) on the companies involved. Weverse Company was fined approximately 3 million KRW (2,210 USD), while YG Plus, SM Brand Marketing, and JYP 360 each received fines of 2.5 million KRW (1,840 USD). The fines were reduced as the companies voluntarily corrected their practices following the investigation.

A KFTC representative emphasized protecting teenage consumers in the entertainment industry and stated that the commission would continue to monitor for similar violations. They warned that stricter penalties, including business suspensions, could follow if such practices persist.

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