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Park Seoham: From Military Service to Historical Drama?

Ex-KNK member and actor Park Seoham is reportedly planning to star in a historical drama upon his return from the military. He gained fame for his star turn in the Boys’ Love drama Semantic Error, alongside DKZ member Park Jaechan. His military service is due to end by December 2023.

However, NPIO Entertainment, Seoham‘s agency, said the actor hasn’t decided what to do after he returns. According to an agency representative, everything remains uncertain at this point.

Seoham started his military service as a public service worker on March 10, 2022. This was shortly after Semantic Error‘s success. In the series, Seoham played Jang Jae Yong, a university senior who initially annoys Park Jaechan‘s character, Cho Sang Woo, but eventually falls in love with him. The drama gained global attention and opened many opportunities for the lead actors. Regrettably, Seoham had to join the military just as his career was taking off.

Seoham and Rowoon in one drama

Takryu, the drama Seoham will reportedly join, is a sageuk set in the Joseon Dynasty. It is penned by Cheon Sung Il, known for The Slave Hunters. The drama revolves around a gangster at the Han River’s Mapo Port, a significant economic and logistics hub in the Joseon Dynasty. He later becomes famous for his body. SF9 member and actor Rowoon is also reportedly in talks to star in the drama.

The role offered to Seoham remains unclear, but fans are excited about his potential return to the screen. His performance in Semantic Error received wide appreciation and the show went viral. The stars also gained a massive fan following after the premiere.

Fans are eagerly waiting for news of Seoham‘s next project. They continue to celebrate Semantic Error‘s success and the opportunities it created for its lead actors. Despite his military service, Seoham‘s popularity remains high, and fans eagerly anticipate his return to acting.

Stay tuned for more updates on Park Seoham’s post-service plans and the latest Hallyu news.

— K-pop News Writer

Featured Image: When “Semantic Error” became a success, Seoham began receiving more invitations to events. Source: Instagram/Park Seoham’s personal Instagram account.

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Jo Byung Kyu Addressed Unresolved Bullying Accusations at Press Conference

Jo Byung Kyu, the actor known for his breakout role in The Uncanny Counter, is still embroiled in a lawsuit against an individual who accused him of school bullying. The case remains unresolved as the accuser, residing in New Zealand, refuses to cooperate with South Korean police for questioning.

The actor reportedly considered filing a lawsuit in New Zealand, even if it meant incurring costs of around 1.2 billion KRW or 940,000 USD. However, due to the lengthy process and lack of guarantee that the lawsuit would prove his innocence in South Korea, he decided against it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixQmeFe62VU&pp=ygUhSm8gQnl1bmcgS3l1IGJ1bGx5aW5nIGFsbGVnYXRpb25z

Jo Byung Kyu has faced school violence allegations four times, one in 2018 and three times in 2021. The first accuser, who claimed to have attended the same school he did in New Zealand, accused him of verbal abuse. This accuser later deleted their post. In 2021, two others accused him of school violence, but one admitted their claim was fake.

Despite these allegations, Jo Byung Kyu maintains that he’s innocent. He expressed his frustration on social media once. “Why did I become a target every time there was a school violence accusation and have to explain myself over and over again?” he wrote.

Jo Byung Kyu returns as So Mun

Amidst these controversies, Jo Byung Kyu is making a comeback through The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch. On July 21, the show’s cast held a press conference before its premiere. Jo Byung Kyu took this opportunity to address the allegations again.

“I’m careful in addressing this issue, but I’d like to say that I put in effort for vindication, that it’s not true. I’m still continuing my efforts now. It has taken much time, as it involves an individual who is overseas, and so I’m now returning with a new project before a conclusion has been reached,” the actor stated.

“I also believe that I approached the filming of this project with that much desperate resolve and gave my best efforts. Please pay attention to The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch,” he added.

The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch will premiere on July 29 at 9:20 PM KST. — K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The actor looked dapper at the press conference. Source: Naver/Kairos’ Naver photo blog.

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Song Hye Kyo Wins Daesang at the 2023 Blue Dragon Series Awards

South Korean actress Song Hye Kyo won the Grand Prize at the 2023 Blue Dragon Series Awards held at Incheon Paradise City on Wednesday, July 19. 

Song was recognized for her portrayal as Moon Dong-eun in the hit Netflix series The Glory. 

“I can’t believe I’d receive this award. I want to praise myself for the first time. Good job, Hye Kyo,” she said in her acceptance speech. 

 

This served as her third Daesang (Grand Prize) in her acting career. Her previous Daesang were from the 2013 series That Winter, The Wind Blows and the 2016 series Descendants of the Sun. 

Meanwhile, Ha Jung Woo of Narco-Saints and Anna’s Bae Suzy won the Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively. 

The Disney+ series Big Bet won the Best Drama award, beating nominees The Glory, Narco-Saints, Weak Hero Class 1, and Bargain. 

The rest of the winners in the drama category are: 

  • Best Supporting Actor: Lee Dong Hwi, Big Bet 
  • Best Supporting Actress: Lim Ji Yeon, The Glory 
  • Best Rookie Actor: Park Ji Hoon, Weak Hero Class 1
  • Best Rookie Actress: Shin Ye Eun, Revenge of Others 
  • OST Popularity Award: Jaechan of DKZ, Our Season 
  • Why Not Award: Choi Hyun Wook, Weak Hero Class 1

For the variety category, Siren: Survive the Island took home the Best Variety Program award. 

Yoo Jae Suk was named Best Male Entertainer for his show PLAYou Level Up, while Joo Hyung Young of  SNL Korea was named Best Female Entertainer. 

The 2023 ceremony marked the second edition of the Blue Dragon Series Awards. This year, the award-giving body added new awards: a Daesang (grand prize), OST Popularity Award, and Why Not Award. 

Blue Dragon Series Awards honors the excellent individuals and projects produced by streaming services. 

Featured image: Song Hye Kyo’s Instagram

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IZ*ONE’s Kim Min Ju Considering Role in “Hear Me”

Rising star Kim Min Ju is reportedly considering a role in an upcoming movie. Industry insiders said on July 19 that she might join Hong Kyung and Roh Yoon Seo in a Korean remake of the Taiwanese film Hear Me.

Kim Min Ju‘s agency, Management SOOP, confirmed the news, stating that the actress received an offer to star in the film and was currently reviewing it positively. The role offered to Kim Min Ju is said to be the younger sister of the female lead character, a part Roh Yoon Seo is also in talks for. In the Taiwanese original, this character is Xiao Peng, the older of two sisters. However, in the Korean remake, the character is the younger sister.

Hear Me is a 2009 Taiwanese romantic comedy featuring Eddie Peng, Ivy Chen, and Michelle Chen. The story is about a hearing man who falls in love with a deaf woman. The original movie was popular in Korea, earning a substantial Korean fan base.

Kim Min Ju’s Career

Kim Min Ju debuted in the project group IZ*ONE through Mnet’s Produce 48 in 2018. She signed with Management SOOP in September 2022 and showcased her acting prowess in The Forbidden Marriage. Her potential involvement in the Hear Me remake could boost her acting career.

Also read: The Power and Legacy of IZ*ONE

The Korean remake of Hear Me is set to start filming in August 2023. Fans of the original film and the actors eagerly await more updates on the project. With the talented trio of Kim Min Ju, Hong Kyung, and Roh Yoon Seo potentially in the cast, the remake promises to be an exciting addition to the Korean film industry. K-pop News Writer

Featured Image: When IZ*ONE disbanded, Kim Min Ju was among the first to post photos like this on SNS. Source: Instagram/Kim Min Ju’s personal Instagram account.)

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Song Hye Kyo Donates 10 Million KRW Following Ice Bucket Challenge

Renowned actress Song Hye Kyo recently participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge, a relay donation campaign aimed at supporting patients with Lou Gehrig’s disease. This participation came after her nomination by former co-star Lee Do Hyun.

On July 14, Song Hye Kyo took to her Instagram Stories to share a heartfelt message alongside a photo of her donation certificate. The certificate showed that the actress donated 10 million KRW (approximately 7,878.17 USD) to the Seungil Hope Foundation.

In her Instagram Story, Song Hye Kyo talked about what’s needed to establish South Korea’s first Lou Gehrig convalescent hospital. She expressed commitment to this cause and encouraged others to join in, saying, “We need the affectionate interest and support of many people. I’ll also take part and give my support so each individual’s precious heart can gather together to achieve meaningful work, and so that this warmth can continue.

Song Hye Kyo also conveyed her heartfelt wishes for the happiness and good health of Lou Gehrig patients and their families. Her message was not only a call to action but also a show of empathy and solidarity with those affected by the disease.

As part of the Ice Bucket Challenge, Song Hye Kyo nominated actor Kim Min Seok, actress Han So Hee, and model Shin Hyun Ji to continue the challenge. Participants are expected to donate or pour ice water all over themselves, then nominate three more individuals to continue the challenge.

So far, plenty of notable K-pop artists and Korean celebrities have participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge. IU, Lee Joo Young, Lee Young Jee, Mimi from Oh My Girl, Park Bo Gum, and Sean from the group Jinusean have done it. Their involvement is proof of the challenge’s positive impact and its ability to gather support for a worthy cause.

Song Hye Kyo‘s participation in the Ice Bucket Challenge and her generous donation highlights her commitment to social causes. Her donation and message have undoubtedly made a significant impact, and it’s hoped that her actions will inspire others to follow in her footsteps. –K-pop News Writer

Featured Image: Song Hye Kyo wears high-end jewelry from Chaumet in her recent Instagram post. Source: Instagram/Song Hye Kyo’s personal Instagram account.

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Here Are the K-Drama and K-Pop Documentaries Coming to Disney+ for the Rest of 2023

Hallyu fans have a lot of things to look forward to in Disney+ as the streaming platform unveiled on Tuesday, July 11, its slate of Asia-Pacific originals for the remaining half of 2023. 

The Korean projects included in Disney’s lineup are: 

  • Moving, a fantasy-action series which follows a group of superpowered individuals as they attempt to run away from government personnel and a mysterious assassin. It is based on the hit webtoon of author Kangfull, and stars Ryu Seungryong, Han Hyojoo and Jo In Sung. Moving will premiere in Disney+ on August 9. 
  • Worst of Evil, an action series starring Ji Chang Wook, Wi Ha Jun, and Lim Semi. It is set in 1990s Seoul where a rural police officer is recruited to track a gang that pushes a new drug in the city’s nightclubs. 
  • Vigilante, a crime drama series that follows a star student at the police academy who uses his knowledge to exact revenge on non-repentant offenders. 
  • Han River Police, a comedy action series starring Kwone Sangwoo and Kim Hiiewon, revolves around the works and antics of Seoul’s Han River Police Force. 
  • Soundtrack #2, a sequel to the 2022 series Soundtrack #1, will feature a new storyline between an ex-couple who got reconnected again after ending their six-year relationship. It stars Keum Saerok and Steve Sanghyun Noh. 

Disney+ has yet to announce the release dates for the other titles. 

Meanwhile, Disney+ also confirmed that they’ll be releasing the much-anticipated BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star in the second half of 2023. Although a final release date has yet to be announced, the docu-series was first teased by Disney+ in November 2022. 

 

BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star will chronicle the idol group’s journey to being pop icons through “unprecedented access to a vast library of music and footage over the past nine years.” 

In the series’ teaser, V teased that it will “share candid stories that have never been told.” “I hope you find new sides of us that are previously unseen,” Jungkook added. 

While BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star is their first docu-series as a full group under Disney+, the streaming platform has previously released several content related to BTS, including Permission to Dance LA stage movie, Suga’s Road to D-Day,and  j-hope’s Jack in the Box documentaries. 

Aside from BTS, Disney+ will also be releasing documentaries for K-pop groups Tomorrow X Together and NCT 127. 

BTS also recently released the memoir Beyond The Story: 10-year record of BTS.

Featured image: BTS’ Facebook

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Look: Rowoon, Jo BO Ah, Yura, and Ha Jun at ‘Destined With You’ Script Reading

JBTC has shared photos from the script reading of its upcoming drama Destined With You, starring SF9’s Rowoon, Jo Bo Ah, Girl’s Day’s Yura, and Ha Jun. 

Destined With You is a fantasy-romance series that revolves around a forbidden book that was thoroughly sealed 300 years ago.

Jo Bo Ah will portray Lee Hong Jo, a civil servant who solves the complaints of Onju City Hall and the one who will obtain the forbidden book and try to solve its curse. The actress has previously starred in Tale of the Nine-Tailed, My Strange Hero, Missing Noir M, and Forest. 

Meanwhile, Rowoon will act as lawyer Jang Shin Yu, who’s under a curse that has been passed down for generations in his family. The idol-actor is best known for his roles in Extraordinary You, The King’s Affection, and Tomorrow. 

Ha Jun will play Kwon Jae Kyung, Lee Hong Jo’s crush, while Yura’s character will be Yoon Na Yeon, Kwon Jae Kyung’s lover and Lee Hong Jo’s former bully. 

Other cast members include Song Young Kyu, Jung Hye Young, Lee Pil Mo, Park Kyung Hye, Lee Tae Ri, Hyun Bong Sik, among others. 

The series will be directed by Nam Ki Hoon, whose previous works include Oh My Baby and Voice 3, and will be written by No Ji Sul of 100 Days My Prince. 

In a press release, the production team teased viewers on what they can expect for the series: “The fate-like narrative and special relationship between Lee Hong Jo and Jang Shin Yu, who are intertwined through the sealed book, is interesting.” 

Destined With You will premiere on August 23.

Featured image: JTBC Drama’s Facebook

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“King the Land” Stars YoonA and Junho’s Dating Rumors: Buzz, Ratings, or Something More?

The dating rumors surrounding YoonA and Junho from the drama King the Land have caused quite a stir. However, there might be a reason behind the sudden emergence of these rumors.

On July 3, fans and the media were taken aback by rumors that the two stars had been dating since before they started filming the drama. A media outlet claimed they only agreed to star in the show because of their alleged relationship.

This news raised suspicions among netizens who believed the dating rumor was a calculated move to generate attention and buzz. Some pointed out that more established outlets, such as Dispatch and Sport Seoul didn’t cover the news. Instead, a relatively new outlet called The Proof reported on it. Interestingly, this outlet was established in March 2023, and its biggest investor is a competitor to JTBC, the network that airs King the Land.

Moreover, the timing of the dating rumors also raised eyebrows. They surfaced after an episode of the drama aired, leading some to speculate that Proof News reported on the dating rumors in a bid to affect its ratings. This theory gained traction because the drama is steadily gaining attention. In fact, after the sixth episode, King the Land achieved its first double-digit rating. Furthermore, the main leads topped the Good Data Corporation‘s Most Buzzworthy Drama and Actor List.

@balitangkpop

King the Land co-stars Yoona and Lee Junho have denied the Dating Rumors #KingTheLand #킹더랜드 #YoonA #leejunho #fyp #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #fypage

♬ original sound – Balitang Kpop – Balitang Kpop

Netizens couldn’t help but express their disappointment in certain media outlets for writing about the rumors without solid proof. They believed the Korean media should’ve been more responsible, as King the Land is currently airing.

YoonA and Junho, idols from two prominent second-generation K-pop groups, Girls’ Generation and 2PM, respectively, gradually transitioned from acquaintances to friends after collaborating on some things. They hosted award shows and performed the Camila CabelloShawn Mendes duet “Señorita” at the 2021 MBC Music Festival, solidifying their bond.

While the dating rumors initially stunned the public, the circumstances surrounding their emergence hint at a possible motive behind the news. Whether it was an attempt to affect the show’s ratings or gain attention, the dating rumors created a buzz around YoonA and Junho, even if their agencies firmly denied the romantic relationship.

(Featured Image: Source)

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Lee Jung Jae’s Agency Clarifies Squid Game Actor’s Involvement in T.O.P’s Casting in Season 2

Did Lee Jung-jae convince the producers of Squid Game Season 2 to cast a good friend? The Star Wars: Acolyte actor’s agency has addressed rumors that Lee helped former BIGBANG member Choi Seung-hyun aka T.O.P land a role in the Netflix series.

Earlier this week, Netflix announced eight more actors who will be joining Squid Game Season 2. The new cast members included Park Gyu-young, Jo Yu-ri, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Lee Jin-uk, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, and Won Ji-an.

Although fans were delighted to learn that T.O.P is returning to acting, others thought that the casting was dubious and were convinced that lead star Lee Jung-jae convinced the producers to cast Choi Seung-hyun in Squid Game Season 2.

Since then, Lee Jung-jae’s agency Artist Company released a statement addressing the rumors.

“Some of the reports that claim actor Lee Jung Jae was involved in the casting of Squid Game 2 are not true,” the statement read. “The casting of a project is the authority of the director and the production company.

“In particular, actor Lee Jung Jae understands more than anyone that due to the great interest in Squid Game 2, many actors work hard to make an appearance, and [the cast members] are decided through audition,” it continued.

“Accordingly, we would like to reiterate that it is not true that actor Lee Jung Jae was involved in the casting of Squid Game 2,” the statement concluded.

It was previously confirmed that ZE:A member Yim Siwan, Park Sung-hoon (The Glory), Kang Ha-neul (The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure), and Yang Dong-geun (Connect) will also join Squid Game Season 2. Their roles in the series are still undisclosed.

Squid Game Season 2 will bring back Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, and Gong Yoo. The second season has not yet been given an official release date but is already expected to premiere on Netflix in 2024

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RED VELVET’s Yeri Opens Up About Her Mean Character in “BITCH X RICH”

Yeri is opening up about her most challenging acting project so far. The RED VELVET member spoke about playing a mean character in the new series BITCH X RICH. In addition to that, Kim Ye-rim discussed the differences between being an idol and an actress.

Yeri Reveals Why She Accepted The Role of A Mean Character in BITCH X RICH

Cosmopolitan Korea recently shared the stunning photos from Yeri’s photoshoot for the magazine’s July issue. In the accompanying interview, the RED VELVET maknae discussed her new show BITCH X RICH where she plays the cruel queen bee Baek Jenna.

When the interviewer commented on Yeri’s cruel acting in the murder mystery, the Dear Diary singer admitted that she wanted to take on a challenge.

“I tried this [drama] as I wanted to expand the spectrum of my acting,” Yeri said. “As it’s a character I haven’t done before, people were very surprised. I did my lines thinking most importantly about my tone, speed, and rhythm.”

“Rather than a kid who just plays around, I had to look like a princess,” she added with a laugh. “An authoritative character who speaks slowly and seeks power over people. Since she’s the complete opposite of me, I worried about how to portray that image.”

Yeri also discussed the differences between being onstage with RED VELVET and acting.

“As RED VELVET, I’ve promoted for a long time, have many hit songs, and am recognized wherever I go,” she said. “But with acting, I’m a complete rookie. But I really like that. Because I can learn a whole lot.”

“Also, since it’s a job where you work really closely with the director, assistant director, filming director, and lighting director, I like that you can work in a friendlier way,“ Yeri added.

“I really like working in that way. Even people I meet for the first time feel like family after filming and being together for two to three months,” she continued.

RED VELVET recently completed their R to V world tour and Yeri shared how she and the members felt about meeting REVELUVs from different countries.

“As this was our first world tour in awhile, it was a tour where you could feel everyone trying hard to enjoy themselves,” she said.

It was fun that the fans’ vibes were different in each city, but the one thing in common was that I could hear them singing along to Korean lyrics in every performance,” Yeri continued. “I got goosebumps. I felt really thankful and it was so meaningful.”

Yeri’s full interview will be featured in Cosmopolitan Korea’s July 2023 issue.

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