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Rowoon Discusses New Drama ‘The Matchmakers’

Rowoon is taking on an interesting new role this year. The new stills featuring the former SF9 member in “The Matchmakers” have been released. In addition to that, Rowoon discussed why he chose to work on the new drama and shared some intriguing details about his character Shim Jung Woo.

Former SF9 Member Rowoon Talks About His New Drama

The new stills from “The Matchmakers” were shared by KBS2 along with an interview with the show’s lead star. In the interview, Rowoon revealed that he was drawn to the new drama because he was looking for a challenge.

“I wanted to take on the challenge of the comedy genre. Actually, I think comedy is the most difficult genre,” he said.

Rowoon also spoke about his character, sharing some unexpected details about the young widower. “[Shim Jung Woo] seems to be a child-like character whose time has stopped. I think he is a person who could be seen as rude due to his honesty,” he said.

Interestingly, the “Extraordinary You” star spoke about the challenges of playing the character.

“There are parts where Shim Jung Woo’s words [coming] from the historical or situational background may feel a little different from [sentiments of] the current times. I tried to express those parts without making him seem hateful,” Rowoon said.

“The Matchmakers” chronicles the tale of a fateful encounter between Shim Jung Woo, a young widower portrayed by Rowoon, and Jung Soon Deok, a fellow young widow played by Cho Yi Hyun. Together, they embark on a challenging journey to unite unmarried individuals in the Joseon era, particularly those who fall outside the conventional prime age range.

Experience the compelling narrative of “The Matchmakers” when it makes its debut on October 30th at 9:45 p.m. KST. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch it, as the series will be readily accessible on Viki for your viewing pleasure.

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SEVENTEEN’s Jun Wins ‘Rising Star of the Year’ at ACA & Global OTT Awards

SEVENTEEN's Junhui shares photo from the awarding ceremony. Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

The 2023 Asia Contents Awards and Global OTT Awards was held on Sunday, October 8, at the Busan Cinema Center. And in the midst of well-renowned actors in the industry, one idol shone remarkably bright— and that’s Moon Junhui, or also known as Jun of SEVENTEEN.

During the ceremony, Jun was announced as the winner of the “Rising Star of the Year” award. He was recognized for his portrayal of Ling Chao in the Chinese drama Exclusive Fairy Tale. 

In the romcom series, he starred alongside Taiwanese actress Zhang Miao Yi, as they played the characters of two childhood sweethearts. 

After the ceremony, the singer posted photos of him holding the trophy. “It’s an honor that Carats brought me, I’ll keep working hard,” he said in his caption.

In addition, Jun also shared his thoughts to fans through a Weibo Live. There, he expressed his gratitude for having won the “Rising Star of the Year” award. “Thank you for letting a little actor from Shenzhen whose biggest hobby is acting, grow little by little,” he stated.

For those unaware, Jun first debuted as a child actor before being a member of SEVENTEEN in 2015. At the age of two, the multi-talented idol has already been casted in a commercial and has appeared in numerous television series since.

Although he has appeared in various projects before, SEVENTEEN’s fans, also known as Carats, were thrilled to watch Exclusive Fairy Tale as it is Jun’s comeback as an actor and his first lead role in a Chinese drama.

SEVENTEEN members and CARATs congratulate Jun

Upon hearing the news, SEVENTEEN members were the first to praise the singer. In the community platform Weverse, members Dokyeom, Dino, Mingyu, Wonwoo, Joshua, Woozi, and S.Coups all sent their congratulatory messages for Jun.

“Actor Moon is so cool. Moon Junhui, congratulations a lot. You’ve worked very hard”, Dokyeom said. Meanwhile Dino posted: “Jun hyung is so cool. Sincerely congratulations”.

Aside from his bandmates, CARATs were also proud of Jun’s achievement. Moreover, they also have high hopes to see more acting projects for the idol in the future.

“I’m rooting for you, my actor Jun! Here’s to more acting opportunities soon,” one fan wrote.

 

While the fandom is celebrating Jun’s award, CARATs are also excited for one more thing: the group’s nearing comeback. On October 23, SEVENTEEN is set to release their 11th mini album Seventeenth Heaven.

Featured image: SEVENTEEN’s Junhui shares photo from the awarding ceremony. Credit: Twitter/SEVENTEEN

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Girl’s Day’s Sojin, Actor Lee Dong Ha to Wed in November

Girls' Day's Sojin shares prenuptial photo with actor Lee Dong Ha. Credit: Instagram/Sojin

Sojin of K-pop girl group Girl’s Day is set to tie the knot with actor Lee Dong Ha, their respective agencies announced on Friday, October 6. 

Sojin’s agency Noon Company and Dong Ha’s label 51K released a joint statement to confirm the two stars’ relationship. 

Moreover, Noon Company added that the private wedding will be held in November. And it will only be in the presence of the couple’s families, relatives, and close acquaintances. 

 

“We ask for your warm support and blessings for the future of the couple,” the agency added. 

Meanwhile, Sojin also personally confirmed the news as she penned a letter to her fans on Instagram. Along it were photos from the couple’s pre-wedding shoot. 

“This coming November, I will promise to spend the rest of my life with the person I love most on Earth, Lee Dong Ha,” the Girl’s Day lead vocalist wrote. “Yes, I have become a bride about to get married.”

Furthermore, she continued to describe her fiancée as a person “who filled the empty space in [her] heart with love.” 

“And he is the person who gave me a place to rest while I was busy living life. Also, he is someone I respect and love who made me realize that I am a precious person in the world,” she added. 

 

Additionally, the idol-turned-actress assured fans that she will continue to share snippets and milestones of her life with them. 

“I am sincerely grateful to fans who have supported and loved me for a long time,” she said. 

As for her future plans, Sojin promised fans that she will do her “best to repay the love and support with great projects and better acting.”

So much love for Sojin and Dong Ha

In the comments section of her Instagram post, several of Sojin’s celebrity friends showed their support and happiness for the couple. Among those who congratulated them were Girl’s Day’s Hyeri, actors Yoon Bak, Bae In Hyuk and Lim Se Mi. 

Following the news, several fans also sent their well-wishes for the couple through social media posts. Some were even surprised that the two were in a relationship.

The two previously worked together on the 2021 horror film Grotesque Mansion. 

Featured image: Girls’ Day’s Sojin shares prenuptial photo with actor Lee Dong Ha. Credit: Instagram/Sojin

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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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