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Im Siwan Rumored to Be Dating a Former IZ*ONE Member

Im Siwan

K-drama actor and member of the K-pop group ZE:A, Im Siwan, recently found himself at the center of dating rumors with an idol-turned-actress. On September 28, a series of photos emerged online, showing a man and a woman in various settings. The post, aptly titled ‘Actor Im Siwan and Kang Hyewon Dating Suspicion,’ quickly became a hot topic. Kang Hyewon, once a member of IZ*ONE, is now making strides in the acting world. Here’s a comprehensive look at the rumors.

Images that surfaced during the day stirred significant attention online, with many speculating that the people in the photos were the Run On actor and Kang Hyewon. One showed a man and a woman leisurely walking in a park, with netizens commenting on the charming difference in their physical proportions. Another showed them signing autographs together. This fueled speculation about their relationship, leading to overwhelming support and affection for the potential couple.

However, the internet community remained split over the authenticity of these viral images. Some suggested that the photos might be from a project the two are working on. As it turns out, that may have a grain of truth because Im Siwan and Kang Hyewon have been cast as the main leads in an upcoming series. Some fans believe that the autograph session at the BBQ restaurant was for child actors, taken during a meal break with the entire crew.

Im Siwan as Byungtae

Upon closer examination, it was revealed that the woman accompanying Siwan in the park was likely not Kang Hyewon but one of their co-stars, actress Lee Sunbin. She was reportedly on set with Siwan while he was filming in Chuncheon. This revelation, supported by various media outlets, suggested that the dating rumors might have been a simple misinterpretation.

Im Siwan will be seen alongside Kang Hyewon, Lee Siwoo, and Lee Sunbin in Coupang Play’s next series, Boyhood. This supernatural thriller takes place in the 1980s at Buyeo Agricultural High School in Chungcheong Province. It tells the story of Byungtae, a shy student whose life takes a dramatic turn after a miraculous event. 

Byungtae, portrayed by Im Siwan, transforms, becoming their school’s most influential student overnight. Kang Hyewon and Lee Siwoo will play pivotal roles as Jung Kyungtae and Kang Sunhwa, respectively. The series is directed and produced by Lee Myungwoo, known for his work on Backstreet Rookie and The Fiery Priest.

All told, while the internet was abuzz with dating speculations, the rumors surrounding Im Siwan and Kang Hyewon were actually based on misunderstandings. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Are they or aren’t they? Find out here! Sources: X/@25Jrp and @wntrult.

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Gong Yoo Opens Up About Anxiety After ‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God’ Success

Gong Yoo revealed that the success of his TV series made him anxious

Gong Yoo might be an accomplished actor but the “Train to Busan” star revealed that the success also made him anxious. The actor, whose real name is Gong Ji-cheol, has just revealed that he suffered from anxiety after the positive response to his drama “Goblin: The Lonely and Great God”.

Gong Yoo Discusses Anxiety Over ‘Goblin’ Success

In the Chuseok special of “Pinggyego”, Gong Yoo was a guest and he discussed his career. When asked about his success, Gong admitted that he experienced anxiety when he was younger.

“Of course,” he said. “I’m not sure how you’ll take this, but I think I experienced it once in my twenties and once in my thirties.”

The “Coffee Prince” actor then added, “I don’t think I can explain clearly why I was anxious.” He then discussed how the success of his famous tvN drama caused his anxiety.

“For example, ‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God’ did very well, but I wasn’t happy,” Gong said. “I was happy it did well, but apart from that, there was a time when I felt so empty and I couldn’t wake myself up. It’s not that the work was hard or that it went well, I wasn’t able to enjoy the spotlight when projects were a success.”

Suffering from anxiety isn’t the only problem he had. Gong admitted that he had some difficulty opening about his situation.

“It’s hard to say this openly,” he said. “It should be a time when other people would be so happy they feel like they’re floating in the clouds, but if I say that my heart felt strange, it feels like I’m not grateful. After going through a hard time like that, the way I look at people around me changed. I felt like I was more nosy in that I didn’t want them to go through the same hurt.”

Gong Yoo is set to reprise his role as the Recruiter in Netflix’s “Squid Game” Season 2 next year.

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Park Eun Bin Returns as an Aspiring Singer in ‘Castaway Diva’

Park Eun Bin stars as Seo Mok Ha in 'Castaway Diva.' Credit: Twitter/NAMOO Actors

From her remarkable role as a lawyer with autism, Park Eun Bin is set to make her TV return. But as an aspiring singer this time.  

On Thursday, September 28, Netflix Korea released the official trailer for its upcoming series Castaway Diva starring the South Korean actress. 

In the drama, Eun Bin plays the role of Seo Mok-ha, an aspiring singer who gets drifted out onto a deserted island while on her way to audition in Seoul. The 48-second trailer showed a glimpse of Mok-ha’s daily life in the island where she got stranded for 15 years.

Still holding on to her dream to become a singer, she narrated: “I saw myself in the distant future. At this moment, my futile 15 years have become meaningful”.

Prior to the teaser, TVN already released posters and stills of Mok-ha. In one of the posters, Mok-ha looked sparkling as the text read: “A story that will save your dream from drifting away”.

The upcoming romantic-comedy drama will be a collaborative work of Director Oh Choong Hwan and writer Park Hye Run. Previously, the duo worked together in the 2017 drama While You Were Sleeping and Start Up in 2020.

Eun Bin will be joined by actors Chae Jong Hyeop, Kim Hyo Jin, Kim Joo Heon, and VIXX member Cha Hak Yeon, who’s also known by his stage name N.

Park Eun Bin’s comeback drama

Interestingly, Castaway Diva will be Park Eun Bin’s comeback drama after the critically-acclaimed Netflix series Extraordinary Attorney Woo. The global hit series was nominated in the Drama Series category of the 2023 International Emmy Awards. 

Earlier this year, the actress also bagged the Baeksang Grand Prize for her portrayal of Atty. Woo Young Woo. 

With the success of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, the production company behind the drama confirmed that they have signed a contract with writer Moon Ji Won to work on a second season. However, there are no confirmations yet on Park Eun Bin’s return in the drama.

For the meantime, fans will be able to see Eun-Bin in a new light as Mok-ha. Castaway Diva is set to premiere on October 28.

Featured image: Park Eun Bin stars as Seo Mok Ha in ‘Castaway Diva.’ Credit: Twitter/NAMOO Actors

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Is ‘Moving’ Getting a Second Season?

Disney releases a photo with all cast members of 'Moving.' Credit: Twitter/Disney Plus Korea

While it has been a week since the drama Moving had its finale, the thrill isn’t over yet as the  cool superheroes just might get another season!

Although there are no confirmations yet, the original webtoon author, the drama director, and even the Disney+ CEO have all expressed their enthusiasm about filming a follow-up season.

Since its release, Moving ranked as the most-watched series in multiple countries worldwide. With the immense success and the fans’ attachment to the characters, fans have high hopes to see the continuation of their stories in another season. 

The beloved superheroes were portrayed by a star-studded cast in the likes of Jo In Sung, Han Hyo Joo and Ryu Seung Ryong, among many others.

What the people behind ‘Moving’ has to say

In the MMTG episode where author Kang Full appeared as a guest, he dished out the possibility of getting a second seaon. “There are stories before and after the main plot. I think the next season might happen. I can’t be sure though,” he said.

There, Kang Full also get candid about how it would be a challenge to create a second season.  Since the universe in the ‘Moving’ webtoon is much more complicated as tthe characters have crossovers with his other works including Timing and Bridge.

In a different interview, director Park In Je also stated that he would definitely work on a second season if given the chance. “I learned a lot while working on Moving, so I will make season two,” he said. Although he’s open to returning for sa second season, he noted that the final decision would not be entirely up to him. 

Moreover, the director also shared that he already has plans for improvement once he receives a go-sign for a part two. If it’ll push through, he plans to use an upgraded screen to show more intense action stunts.

Additionally, Kim So Yeon, the CEO of Disney+ Korea, mentioned that the sequel series for the drama are currently in talks. “We have been discussing it since the beginning because Kang Full’s work has a broad worldview and potential,” the CEO said. 

“We know that Moving would be successful, so have been open [to a Season 2] and discussing it.” 

Kim So Yeon was also thrilled with the success of the drama. According to the CEO, Moving was the platform’s “most successful work among all the content since the launch of Disney+.”

Featured image: Disney releases a photo with all cast members of ‘Moving.’ Credit: Twitter/Disney Plus Korea

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‘Jinny’s Kitchen’ Boss Lee Seo Jin Leaves Hook Entertainment

Lee Seo Jin has been represented by the agency for the past nine years

Lee Seo Jin is parting ways with his long-time agency. The “Jinny’s Kitchen” star has decided not to renew his contract with Hook Entertainment. It’s a surprising decision considering that Lee had been represented by the company for the past nine years.

Hook Entertainment Reveals Lee Seo Jin’s Decision on Contract Renewal

On September 28, Hook Entertainment issued a statement regarding Lee Seo Jin’s decision.

“Hook Entertainment’s contract with actor Lee Seo Jin will come to an end at the end of September,” the statement read. “We would like to sincerely thank Lee Seo Jin for being with us for such a long time, and we hope to always cheer him on in our hearts.”

Lee Seo Jin, who made his debut in the 1999 drama “A House on the Wave”, has also earned a special place in viewers’ hearts as the embodiment of variety PD Na Young Suk’s vision. He recently gained popularity in “Jinny’s Kitchen” for managing a restaurant that also employed Park Seo Joon, Jung Yoo Mi, Choi Woo Sik, and BTS’ V.

In contrast, Hook Entertainment recently found itself entangled in a widely publicized contract dispute with singer Lee Seung Gi in November 2022. The dispute revolved around allegations of deceiving Lee Seung Gi for 18 years regarding his earnings as a singer. Subsequently, actress Youn Yeo Jung also decided to part ways with the label.

The controversy surrounding the contract dispute has had a significant impact on Hook Entertainment’s reputation and relationships with its artists. Lee Seo Jin’s decision to leave the agency may be viewed as another significant development within the context of these recent events.

Lee Seo Jin’s departure from Hook Entertainment marks a new chapter in his career, and fans are eager to see where his journey will lead him next, especially given his strong association with PD Na Young Suk’s variety programs.

In related news, the cast of “Jinny’s Kitchen” have also been confirmed to reunite for a spin-off series “The Communication Caterers”.

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Song Hye Kyo Reveals ‘The Glory’ Brought Back Her Love for Acting

Song Hye Kyo shares behind-the-scenes from 'The Glory' filming. Credit: Instagram/Song Hye Kyo

Renowned South Korean actress Song Hye Kyo opened up about experiencing career burnout. Thankfully, the hit revenge series The Glory has helped bring back her love for craft.

In an interview with the news outlet Sports Chosun, Hye Kyo mentioned that prior to her appearance in the drama, she reached a point where she got tired of doing the same roles that she did not enjoy the craft anymore.

 

“Acting was always fun, challenging, and difficult… But at some point, I felt a bit tired because I wasn’t doing various productions,” the actress shared.

Additionally, Hye Kyo also shared her belief that people’s perception towards her acting has changed since her role in The Glory.

“I was always shown the same way. And I thought people would think I’m boring because even I felt like I was boring,” she disclosed. However, this changed after taking part in the thriller drama.

In the critically-acclaimed series, Hye Kyo played the role of Moon Dong-Eun, a school violence victim who meticulously plotted her vengeance towards her perpetrators.

Despite the challenging role, Hye Kyo bagged the Grand Prize at the 2nd Blue Dragon Series Awards for her outstanding performance.

Actress Song Hye Kyo throughout the years

In 1996, the then-14-year-old Song Hye Kyo entered the world of entertainment as she won a modeling contest. In the same year, Hye Kyo made her acting debut with a small role in the drama First Love.

Four years later, the actress rose to fame when she starred as the lead actress in the popular drama series Autumn in My Heart.

Since then, her career continued to prosper thanks to her appearance in numerous television dramas and films. Some of her notable works include My Girl and I in 2005, Hwang Jin Yi in 2007, and The Grandmaster in 2013. There, she worked with esteemed Hong Kong director Wong Kar Wai.

Marking her 20th year in the industry in 2016, the actress made a triumphant TV comeback with the hit drama Descendants of the Sun. Said drama bagged the Grand Prize in the prestigious Baek Sang TV Awards ceremony, while Hye Kyo took home the Most Popular Actress award.

Ultimately, the success of The Glory also opened up more opportunities for the veteran actress. “The roles I received afterwards have become more diverse than before,” she said.

With the abundant offers coming her way, the actress expressed her desire to try on genres she hasn’t done yet in the past. “I want to try horror, thriller, and I also want to play a villain role,” she said, “Comedy is good. I want to appear in a rom-com too.” Hye Kyo added.

Featured image: Song Hye Kyo shares behind-the-scenes from ‘The Glory’ filming. Credit: Instagram/Song Hye Kyo

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Girl’s Day Yura Talks About Group’s Close Bond, Hints Possible Reunion

GIRL'S DAY Yura shares new photo with fans. Credit: Instagram/Yura

Yura of the K-pop group Girl’s Day has just given DAI5Ys some updates about the members!

On Tuesday, September 26, Yura sat down for an interview following the release of her new film Marrying the Mafia: Returns. There, the singer-actress tackled various topics including Girl’s Day’s close bond.

Yura revealed that the members still regularly meet despite their hectic schedule. 

“I met the Girl’s Day members once at the end of August… Even if we see each other occasionally, there is a very comfortable feeling as if we have met often,” she shared.

Additionally, the singer-actress mentioned that the members are very supportive of each other’s acting projects. Whenever we work, we talk a lot among the members. Soon, Minah’s movie will be released, and Hyeri’s movie will be released when it’s over. I think when we meet, we talk a lot about acting,” she said. 

Yura’s dreams for Girl’s Day in the future

Consisting of Yura, Hyeri, Minah and Sojin, Girl’s Day debuted in 2010,  After the group’s contract with Dream T Entertainment expired in 2019, the members decided to not renew with the agency, putting the group on hiatus. In 2023, they celebrated their 13th anniversary. 

In the same interview, Yura expressed her dreams for a new Girl’s Day album while watching the comeback reunions of other second-generation groups. “Even in my dreams, I dream of standing on the Girl’s Day stage. When I see my fellow singers coming together again, I want to do the same,” she said. 

However, the singer-actress also acknowledged the difficulties they would have to face as they are in different companies now. “Girl’s Day members want to do it,” she emphasized.

Yura’s acting venture

While the Girl’s Day remain inactive with their group activities, Yura has focused on her acting career.

Her most recent film Marrying the Mafia: Returns, is expected to show a new side of Yura. In the movie,  she plays the role of Jinkyung, the youngest daughter of the Jang family. The comedy film will revolve around Jinkyung and writer Daeseo’s grand plans for marriage to retain the Jang family’s glory.

Prior to that, Yura has also starred in multiple dramas including Destined With You, Forecasting Love and Weather, and Radio Romance among others.

Featured image: GIRL’S DAY Yura shares new photo with fans. Credit: Instagram/Yura

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Song Joong Ki Shares Career Ambitions to Act in Hollywood

Song Joong Ki updates fans with new set of photos. Credit: Instagram/Song Joong Ki

Despite being one of the biggest names in South Korean cinema, actor Song Joong Ki shared his ambitions to still try new and diverse genres.

Song Joong Ki, who is currently in the middle of promotions for his new film Hopeless, opened up about his career in a recent group interview with Korean media. 

Interestingly, the actor said that the film served as a new challenge in his acting career. He also mentioned that his appearance in Hopeless is an example of how he still wants to try different genres. “I have a strong desire for it… There is still room for improvement, I’m just giving it a try,” the actor humbly said.

Known for his impressive portfolio including popular dramas Descendants of the Sun, Vincenzo, Reborn Rich, he’s undeniably one of the biggest actors in Korea from his generation. However, Joong Ki mentioned that he still dreams of stepping into the global scene.

“I’ve been going to global auditions for many years to try out more genres in different cultures and styles,” he stated. The actor also shared that his wife, Katy Louise Saunders, shows her support by arranging meetings and auditions for him. Although the results for the actor were unfavorable.

Song Joong Ki in ‘Hopeless’

Directed by Kim Chang Hoon, Hopeless is a neo-noir thriller drama starring Song Joong Ki. He will be joined by singer Bibi and actor Hong Xa-bin. 

In the film, Joong Ki will play the role of Chi-Geon, a big boss of a criminal gang. Chi-Geon encounters the young boy Yeon-Gyu (played by Xa-bin), who wishes to escape his hellish reality of being a domestic violence and school bullying victim. With the big boss’ sympathy for the teenager, he ends up taking Yeon-Gyu into the world of crime.

With the intriguing plot, Joong Ki stated that the grim subject may have captured European audiences, but he was unsure whether the film would be well-accepted in his home country.

“Hopeless is not a kind movie. I am wondering how general audiences would view it, whether it is a compliment or criticism, I am ready to take it,” Joong Ki said. 

While promoting the film, Joong Ki earned the opportunity to walk in the red carpet of this year’s Cannes Film Festival for the first time in his 15-year career. Such film was screened in the prestigious event’s Un Certain Regard, which is the official selection’s largest sidebar of new films. 

Hopeless is set to hit theaters on October 11.

After that, Song Joong Ki is also set to star in two more films. First is the Netflix original My Name is Loh Kiwan,  and another crime drama Bogota: City of the Lost. As of writing, the release date for both films have yet to be announced.

Featured image: Song Joong Ki updates fans with new set of photos. Credit: Instagram/Song Joong Ki

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Son Ye Jin Opens up About Marriage Life With Husband Hyun Bin

Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin tied the knot. Credit: VAST Entertainment

Fans are delighted to see Son Ye Jin again as she made her first guesting appearance since getting married and giving birth. 

The actress appeared in the vlog series of South Korean professional golfer Lim Ji Han, which aired on Thursday, September 20. There, Ye Jin talked about playing golf and her family life with husband, actor Hyun Bin. 

Son Ye Jin and how she’s doing lately 

Previously, Ye Jin hinted that she is currently preparing for a project where she has to play golf. “I’m nervous to meet you after a long time. But I’m filming something where I have to play golf in front of the camera,” she said earlier.

https://twitter.com/sonyejinpics/status/1700346345838788669

Fans speculated it was for her comeback drama. But it turns out, the project the actress was referring to was the vlog series Lim Jin Han Class. In the episode, she happily shared about her marriage life with Hyun Bin.

To start off, host Lim Jin Han opened up about the couple’s marriage two years ago. Being one of the guests in the wedding, the host Lim Jin Han shared how the other attendees thought of how lucky Ye Jin and Hyun Bin are to get married to one another. Upon hearing this, Ye Jin jokingly said “Didn’t they say that he is a tad luckier than I am?”

A glimpse of the couple’s golfing life

As most fans would know, Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin are avid golf players. Prior to her recent appearance, Ye Jin has already been a guest of Lim Jinhan Class two years ago.

After tying the knot, she came back on the show, still with her alluring beauty. When the host asked if the couple played golf together, Ye Jin answered that she asked Hyun Bin to play and give advice to her after deciding she wanted to be on the show again. 

The actress also shared that she encouraged Hyun Bin to appear on the vlog series but the actor refused as he wanted to practice more. “You know he is a perfectionist. He said that he would practice hard and get better,”  she said.

On her personal Instagram account, Ye Jin has also been sharing photos of her in golf outfits. The actress’s captions also entertainingly highlights Hyun Bin’s photography skills.

The couple who developed real-life romance after starring in the globally admired drama Crash Landing On You, welcomed their firstborn in November 2022.

Featured image: Son Ye Jin and Hyun Bin tied the knot. Credit: VAST Entertainment

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Lee Sang Yeob to Marry Non-celebrity Girlfriend

Lee Sang Yeob updates fans with new photo. Credit: Instagram/Lee Sang Yeob

South Korean actor Lee Sang Yeob  is set to marry his non-celebrity fiancée in March 2024. 

On Monday, September 25, Korean outlet Sports Seoul reported that the Eve star will tie the knot with his non-celebrity girlfriend. Moreover, the outlet also included in the report that the actor’s fiancée is younger than him and is known for her beautiful visuals. 

Additionally, the report claimed that the actor initially kept his relationship private since his partner is not a public individual, but has been slowly opening up and letting those around him know of his marriage plans. 

In response to the wedding rumors, Sang Yeob’s agency UB Management Group released a statement to confirm the news. 

“It is true that Lee Sang Yeob is currently preparing for a wedding with his non-celebrity bride-to-be in March of next year,” the label said. 

However, UB Management Group emphasized that the couple have just started their preparations for the wedding. Hence, the agency couldn’t provide more details about the couple’s upcoming marriage. But they assured the media and fans that they’ll notify the public once a specific schedule has been confirmed. 

Following the news, fans on social media have expressed their happiness for the actor. Many of his supporters are congratulating him, while others are wishing for his happiness with his partner. 

The career of Lee Sang Yeob

Sang Yeob made his acting debut in the 2007 series A Happy Woman. Since then, he starred on several hit dramas including The Innocent Man, Jang Ok-jung, Living by Love, and A Little Love Never Hurts. Some of his recent works include While You Were Sleeping, Once Again, Sh**ting Stars, Eve, and My Lovely Boxer. 

The 40-year-old actor also has several acting awards under his belt. Some of his award-winning performances are in Love Affairs in the Afternoon, On the Verge of Insanity, and Good Acting. 

Aside from acting, Sang Yeob also showed his comedic chops in several variety shows. He previously appeared in Law of the Jungle in Samoa, Prison Life of Fools, Three Idiots, and Sixth Sense.

Featured image: Lee Sang Yeob updates fans with new photo. Credit: Instagram/Sang Yeob

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