Category: K-DRAMA

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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 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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Look: Rowoon, Cho Yi Hyun at ‘The Matchmaker’ Script Reading

Rowoon and Cho Yi Hyun will lead the series 'The Matchmaker.' Credit: Twitter/KBS Drama

KBS2 has shared photos from the script reading of its upcoming historical romantic drama The Matchmaker starring Rowoon and Cho Yi Hyun. 

What we know so far about The Matchmaker

Set in the Joseon dynasty, the series will follow the lead cast members as they struggle to marry off the young maidens in their town. 

Rowoon will play Shim Jung Woo, a brilliant scholar who was the youngest person to pass the Civil Service Exam. However, his life was turned upside down when his bride, a princess, suddenly died during their wedding ceremony.  

Meanwhile, Cho Yi Hyun will portray Jung Soon Deok, a daughter-in-law of the first vice-premiere’s family. But, she also pretends as Mrs. Yeo Joo to serve as a matchmaker in Hanyang City. 

The two will be joined by Park Ji Young as the powerful Mrs. Park and Jo Han Chul as the King. Other cast members also include Jung Shin Hye and Park Ji Won.  

In a statement, the producers of The Matchmaker promised the viewers that it will bring “comfortable laughter.” Additionally, they shared that the series will be “enjoyed by people of all ages and genders.” 

“It’s a unique historical rom-com that will transform the vibes of late fall when the cold wind begins to blow into heart-fluttering excitement,” they added. 

The Matchmaker is set to premiere on October 30. 

Actor Rowoon

The announcement about the premiere date of The Matchmaker came days after lead star Rowoon announced his departure from K-pop boy group SF9. 

On September 18, Rowoon announced that he’s stepping back from his role as member of SF9, his group of seven years. Additionally, he explained that he’d rather focus on his acting career since he’s having a hard time juggling both. 

Since Rowoon’s announcement, only leader Youngbin has spoken about it. He said that he’s “conflicted” about Rowoon’s exit but asked their fans to continue to support his former bandmate. 

Currently, Rowoon stars in the fantasy-romance series Destined With You alongside Jo Bo Ah. Moreover, he also made a special guest appearance in the Netflix series A Time Called You. 

The 27- year-old is best known for starring in Extraordinary You, The King’s Affection, and Tomorrow.

Featured image: Rowoon and Cho Yi Hyun will lead the series ‘The Matchmaker.’ Credit: Twitter/KBS Drama

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EXO’s Suho in Negotiations For Historical Drama ‘The Crown Prince Has Disappeared’

EXO member Suho could be set for his first historical drama role

Suho could be gearing up for his next dramatic role. The EXO member is reportedly in negotiations to appear in a new historical drama. If Kim Jun-myeon accepts the role, he is set to play a missing Crown Prince from the Joseon era!

EXO Member Suho in Talks To Take on Lead Role in New Historical Drama

EXO’s Suho has reportedly received an enticing offer for a new role in a fictional historical romance drama. The show’s working title is “The Crown Prince Has Disappeared” and it is going to be set in the Joseon era.

The new series is penned by the acclaimed duo Kim Ji Soo and Park Chul who are known for their work on MBN’s “Bossam: Steal the Fate.” It will also explore the serendipitous encounter between a crown prince and a young woman who was originally intended to be his bride. “The Crown Prince Has Disappeared” is set against the backdrop of the traditional Joseon era marriage custom known as “bossam”.

This practice involves the clandestine abduction of brides or grooms by wrapping them in a blanket and spiriting them away in the dead of night. Considering that the title refers to the prince, there is a good chance that the future ruler will be the one who is kidnapped.

But will Suho work on the show? The EXO member is currently in the stage of “positive consideration” for the lead role of the story. Should he accept the role of the crown prince of Joseon, it will also mark Suho’s debut in a historical drama series.

In the meantime, Suho is actively engaged with viewers in his portrayal of Kim Seon Woo in the JTBC drama “Behind Your Touch”. He has also been confirmed to attend the Asia Artist Awards 2023, which will be held in the Philippines at the Philippine Arena on December 14, 2023.

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Look: Go Yoon Jung, Shin Si Ah to Star in ‘Hospital Playlist’ Spin-off

Go Yoon Jung updates fans with new photos from recent shoot. Credit: Instagram/Go Yoon Jung

K-Drama lovers, you’re in for a treat! Hit drama Hospital Playlist is getting a spin-off series and actresses Go Yoon Jung and Shin Si Ah are the first actors confirmed to be part of it. 

On Thursday, September 21, TVN announced that both Go Yoon Jung and Shin Si Ah will play the role of a first-year Obstetrics and Gynecology resident in Yulje Medical Center. 

Titled A Life of a Resident That Will be Wise Someday, the spin-off will depict the relatable lives and exciting friendships of doctors and residents at a university hospital. 

For those unfamiliar, the Hospital Playlist series was well-loved by local and international fans that it spawned a second season. Starring Jo Jung Suk, Yoo Yeon Seok, Jung Kyung Ho, Kim Dae Myung and Jeon Mi Do, it followed the day-to-day lives of a group of doctors. 

Moreover, Hospital Playlist  won the Best Drama at the 2020 Brand of the Year Awards. Additionally, its second season also set the highest premiere ratings in TVN’s history with its pilot episode scoring a solid 10% viewership.

With the series’ success’, fans until now are still clamoring for a third season. But with the confirmation of a spin-off series, viewers are thrilled to see a set of new faces to play the story of the original five characters in the prequel.

Furthermore, director Shin Won Ho, the creator behind the Hospital Playlist and Reply series, will still be participating in the drama.

Meanwhile, A Life of a Resident That Will be Wise Someday is set to be released in the first half of 2024. As of writing, a final release date has yet to be announced. 

Go Yoon Jung and Shin Si Ah’s previous dramas

With the confirmation of Go Yoon Jung and Shin Si Ah’s appearance in the spin-off, fans are even more thrilled to watch the show.

Currently, breakthrough star Go Yoon Jung has gained worldwide recognition through her portrayal of Jang Hui Soo in the recently concluded hit drama Moving. Before that, the 27-year old actress also showed her versatility in the 2022 drama Alchemy of Souls and its second season Light and Shadow. Additionally, she also played notable roles in the dramas Law School, Sweet Home, and He Is Psychometric.

On the other hand, rookie actress Shin Si Ah wrote her name in the film industry with her role in the 2022 movie The Witch: Part 2. The Other One.  A Life of a Resident That Will be Wise Someday will be her first lead role in a drama project.

Featured imag: Go Yoon Jung updates fans with new photos from recent shoot. Credit: Instagram/Go Yoon Jung

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First Look: Blackpink’s Jisoo in the Film ‘Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman’

BLACKPINK's Jisoo will portray a fairy in 'Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman' movie. Credit: Article/Naver

Watch out, BLINKs! Jisoo of the global girl group BLACKPINK attracts attention once again but this time, for her special appearance in the film Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman. 

Directed by Kim Sung Sik, the film will tell the story of Dr. Cheon, played by actor Kang Dong Won, and his fake exorcism rituals. Here, Jisoo appears as a traditional fairy, captivating the viewers with her exceptional beauty.

During the film’s press conference, the director shared that while looking for an actress who would fit the image of a fairy, he thought of Jisoo after watching her in Snowdrop. Notably, the action-romance series marked Jisoo’s acting debut. There, she gained recognition for her performance in her first ever main role.

Meanwhile, her cameo appearance in Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman would serve as her first participating in a movie. Despite it only being a brief stint, fans are eager to see Jisoo  for her acting comeback. 

The Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman  is set to hit theaters on September 27.

All praises for actress Jisoo in Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman

Since the news of Jisoo’s cameo was revealed, she has since earned praises from numerous big names in the industry.

Upon watching the special premiere, award-winning director Park Chan Wook gained attention for his remarks on Jisoo. The director was quite impressed with the singer. He is known to have created the masterpieces Oldboy, The Handmaiden, and Decision to Leave,

According to Park Chan Wook, he was shocked by the singer’s appearance. “Since it’s a small role, I thought a minor actor would take on the role. But while watching, I thought, “Was there such a beautiful minor actor?” and was shocked for a second, he said.

Meanwhile, Esom, Jisoo’s fellow co-star in the Snowdrop drama,  also expressed approval of the idol. “I wondered who could portray the fairy character if it were not Jisoo. That’s how beautiful she was,” the actress said in an interview. 

Other reviews from several Korean media outlets also showered Jisoo with positive comments.

“Jisoo is a character that cannot help but catch your attention, and the moment you meet her, the atmosphere in the theater is buzzing, raising expectations”, television network JTBC mentioned.

 

To no surprise, BLINKs, BLACKPINK’s fandom, also complimented Jisoo for her work as well. 

While the group is in the midst of their contract renewal process, fans are speculating that Jisoo will sign with an acting agency. As of writing,YG Entertainment reiterates that there’s still no final details about the group’s contract renewal.

Featured image: BLACKPINK’s Jisoo will portray a fairy in ‘Dr. Cheon and Lost Talisman’ movie. Credit: Article/Naver

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