Category: K-DRAMA

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Jung Hae In in Talks to Star in Rom-Com ‘Some and Shopping’

Jung Hae In updates fans with new photo. Credit: Instagram/Jung Hae In

Haeiness, are you ready for this? Actor Jung Hae In just might finally unleash his comedic skills as he is in talks to star in his first ever romantic-comedy series Some and Shopping.

What we know so far about ‘Some and Shopping’

On Monday, October 2, the actor’s agency, FNC Entertainment, released a statement saying that Jung Hae In received an offer for an upcoming romantic comedy drama.

“Jung Hae In received a casting offer from the production team of the new drama Some and Shopping. It is one of the projects he is currently considering,” the label said.

In Some and Shopping, Hae In might play the role of Lee Hae Seok, a CEO of a cosmetics company and a home shopping host with absolute principles.

If Hae In accepts the role, it will remarkably be the first romantic comedy in his almost-decade-long acting career. 

Prior to the offer, the actor already opened up about his desire to star in a romcom. “I have never done a rom-com before and I want to give it a try,” the actor shared in a previous interview.

A walk through the acting career of Jung Hae In

In 2014, Hae In made his acting debut with a supporting role in the series Bride of the Century. Since then, he appeared in numerous dramas including Blood, Night Light, Prison Playbook, and many more.

In 2017, Hae In gained recognition in the drama While You Were Sleeping starring Lee Jong Suk and Bae Suzy. There, the actor infected fans with the “second lead syndrome” for his role as policeman Han Woo Tak. 

After the success of While You Were Sleeping, the actor finally landed his first lead role in the 2018 melodrama Something in the Rain. There, he starred alongside veteran actress Son Ye Jin. Said drama bagged the Best Drama Series in the Asian Television Awards. 

Furthermore, Hae In continued to establish his versatility as an actor in his next projects. From being a loveable pharmacist in One Spring Night, to being a North Korean agent in Snowdrop, the actor proved that he can ace a variety of roles.

Most recently, the 35 year-old actor returned as a calm soldier in the second season of D.P., which tackled the undesirable nature inside the military.

Although the actor has tried various genres in the past, romantic-comedy is something he is yet to conquer. With his appearance in Some and Shopping currently in talks, fans are already expecting to witness Hae In’s charm in a new light.

Featured image: Jung Hae In updates fans with new photo. Credit: Instagram/Jung Hae In

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‘Taxi Driver’ Star Lee Je Hoon Unable to Host Busan International Film Festival Due to Emergency Surgery

Lee Je Hoon can no longer attend the 28th Busan International Film Festival’s opening ceremony. The “Taxi Driver” star was recently rushed to the hospital for an emergency surgery and is recovering. In addition to that, Lee’s agency confirmed that his other upcoming attendances will be cancelled.

Lee Je Hoon Hospitalized Due to Severe Stomach Pain

A spokesperson from Lee Je Hoon’s talent agency COMPANY ON disclosed that he had been rushed to the hospital on the evening of October 1 due to severe stomach pain. After medical evaluation, Lee Je Hoon was diagnosed with ischemic colitis, a condition characterized by temporarily reduced blood flow to a section of the large intestine. Subsequently, he underwent emergency surgery, which extended into the early hours of the morning. At present, he is in the process of recuperating in the hospital.

“Lee Je Hoon went to the hospital on the night of [October] 1 due to severe abdominal pain, and he was diagnosed with ischemic colitis. He received emergency surgery early on [October] 2,” the company’s statement read.

It continued, “Thankfully the surgery was successful, and he is currently recovering at the hospital. We will have to watch the progress of his recovery, but he will probably have to be hospitalized for about a week.”

Unfortunately, this unforeseen medical situation necessitates his withdrawal from hosting duties at the 28th Busan International Film Festival‘s opening ceremony. Lee Je Hoon was scheduled to co-host the opening ceremony with Park Eun Bin on October 4. In his absence, Park Eun Bin will carry out the hosting responsibilities as the sole MC.

Furthermore, Lee Je Hoon’s health setback will also prevent him from attending the 2023 Buil Film Awards, scheduled for October 5. His dedicated fans are undoubtedly sending their best wishes for his swift and complete recovery during this challenging period.

“We feel very apologetic to the Busan International Film Festival and the Buil Film Awards,” his agency said in a statement.

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Lee Yoo Mi, Ong Seong Wu to Star in ‘Strong Woman Do Bong Soon’ Spin-off

Ong Seong Wu and Lee Yoo Mi will team up for the 'Strong Girl Nam Soon' series. Credit: Instagram/JTBC Drama

Rejoice, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon fans! The popular 2017 drama is finally getting a spin-off, this time starring Lee Yoo Mi and Ong Seong Wu.

Titled Strong Girl Nam Soon, the comedy-drama will tell the story of Yoo Mi’s character Gang Nam Soon, a bubbly and free-spirited girl with superhuman strength. From Mongolia, Nam Soon flies all the way to Korea to look for her real family. But she ends up getting entangled in a drug investigation case which puts her skills to the test.

Then, Nam Soon encounters Gang Hee Shik. Played by Ong Seong Wu, Hee Shik is an upright young detective who carries out his duty to chase down drug dealers. The two become partners in solving crimes later on.

Interestingly, Nam Soon will be joined by her mother Geum Joo and grandmother Joong Gan. It was also revealed that Nam Soon is Bong Soon’s distant cousin. 

In the original series, it was unveiled that their inherited power is only passed down to the women in the family. For the upcoming spin-off, the three generations will now team up to bring down the enemies. 

In the teaser released by Netflix, the women are seen easily pummeling guys into the ground. “The women of this family are formidably strong. Their strength is indeterminable.”, the narration said.

More about Yoo Mi and Seong Wu

Following the success of the original series led by Park Bo Young and Park Hyung Sik, K-Drama fans are eager to see the spin-off with new and fresh lead characters.

First is actress Lee Yoo Mi who stars as the main female lead. She has previously gained recognition in the global hit drama Squid Game.There, she became the first Korean actress to win the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series award in the Creative Arts Emmy Awards for her appearance as Ji Yeong.

Meanwhile, the drama’s male lead is singer-actor Ong Seong Wu, who is widely known as a former member of the boy group Wanna One. Strong Girl Nam Soon is Seong Wu’s first lead in a drama after two years. His most recent drama was Would You Like a Cup of Coffee? in 2021.

When asked about the duo’s experience working together for the first time, Lee Yoo Mi spoke highly of her co-star. “I’m shy so it takes me time to get close to people, but I became friendly and comfortable with Ong Seong Wu instantly,” she said.

The actress further stated:  “On a filming set that could be physically tiring, we joked around a lot. So we developed quite a strong bond.” She added: “We were able to act together with great teamwork up until the end.”

Moreover, the lead stars have shown a sneak peek of their chemistry in a couple of stills released by JTBC. 

Strong Girl Nam Soon will premiere on October 7, via JTBC and Netflix.

Featured image: Ong Seong Wu and Lee Yoo Mi will team up for the ‘Strong Girl Nam Soon’ series. Credit: Instagram/JTBC Drama

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

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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