Tag: IU

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‘IU Concert: The Golden Hour’ Film to Premiere in September

IU during her 'The Golden Hour' concert in September 2022. Credit: Twitter/IU

Uaenas, it’s your chance to relive the magic of attending IU’s concert! The singer-songwriter is releasing her first concert film titled IU Concert: The Golden Hour globally. 

According to the AMC Theaters’ website, the film will feature IU’s  The Golden Hour: Under the Orange Sun concert. Held in September 17-18, 2022, the two-day concert served as the singer’s first solo concert in three years following her Love, Poem show. 

Additionally, it was also the concert that made IU the first Korean female singer to perform at the iconic Olympic Main Stadium in Seoul, the largest stadium in South Korea. 

In that concert, the K-pop superstar drew a total of 85,000 attendees. Even celebrities like BTS’ Jungkook, TWICE’s Nayeon, and actors Kim-Soo-hyun, Lee Joon-Gi and Kang Han-na, didn’t miss the chance to watch the remarkable show.

What to expect in ‘IU Concert: The Golden Hour’ film 

Based on the trailer, the film will highlight the concert’s magical scenes. During the show, it featured a huge production, including a hot air balloon act, a live orchestra performance, a drone show, fireworks, and enormous stage set-ups.

The singer was also seen leaving a heartwarming message to her fans; “Later on when you reminisce about me, I hope you can remember this moment as the brightest moment,” IU said. 

 

Given that the concert spanned for four hours each day and featured around 25 songs, attendees were treated with hits from IU’s long-spanning career. However, the concert film will only have a total running time of 2 hours and 51 minutes.

But what makes IU Concert: The Golden Hour even more special is that its release falls under the celebration of the singer-songwriter’s 15th anniversary in the industry.

The film will have its initial release in South Korea this September 13. It will be released across 38 countries around the world on September 28 and 30. 

On her social media, IU also left a message for her global fans who’d like to watch the concert film. “Global UAENA can also watch this movie. I’ll go see you in person next time. Love you, thank you always.” 

 

As per EDAM Entertainment, the film will be available in IMAX theaters worldwide. “The big screen and surround sound from cinemas will recreate the concert experience from last year.”, the company said in a press release. 

IU’s 15th year in the industry

Dubbed as the “Nation’s Little Sister”, IU debuted at the age of 15 with her song “Lost Child.” Since then, she has continually created masterpieces such as “Celebrity”, “Palette”, and “Good Day”, more popularly known for its three octave high note trademark.

Aside from a successful career as a soloist, IU excels in the world of acting as well. She has starred in numerous beloved dramas including Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, and Hotel del Luna.

The 2011 series Dream High marked her debut as an actress. Meanwhile, her most recent work is Dream with Park Seo Joon.

In December 2022, it was confirmed that she’s dating actor Lee Jong Suk. 

Featured image: IU during her ‘The Golden Hour’ concert in September 2022. Credit: Twitter/IU

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SULLI Short Film ‘Persona 2’ To Be Released on Netflix

The story of the late SULLI is coming soon to a major streaming giant. Netflix has confirmed that the short film “Persona 2” which focused on the late idol will stream on the service.

SULLI’s Short Film ‘Persona 2’ Added To Netflix Brazil Catalogue

A recent social media post revealed that “Persona: Sulli”, also referred to as “Persona 2”, was added to Netflix Brazil’s catalogue. The short film is reportedly scheduled to premiere on June 16, 2023.

Since then, fans have expressed excitement about the film. The project is SULLI’s final work before her unexpected passing in 2019. Originally intended to be a five-part series, SULLI was only able to shoot the first two episodes before her death in October 2019.

So is it true that “Persona 2” will air on Netflix? The source from the streaming service issued a statement regarding the film.

“‘Persona: Sulli’ is a project produced by Mystic Story,” they said. “Currently, general discussion is underway including on whether to stream [the film] on Netflix along with the final release date.”

“Persona 2” is the sequel to the successful 2019 anthology series starring South Korean superstar and SULLI’s friend IU. The original series featured four different stories with Lee Ji-eun in the lead.

The sequel was intended to have five episodes. However, Mystic Story decided to suspend filming after SULLI’s passing. She was only able to film two episodes of the series by the time of her death.

SULLI made her debut as a child actress in the 2005 series “Ballad of Seodong”. After signing a record deal with SM Entertainment, she debuted in the girl group f(x) in 2009. Despite her success in film and music, Choi Jin-ri suffered from health issues leading to her departure from f(x) in 2015.

In June 2019, SULLI released her solo debut single “Goblin”. It would become her last musical project prior to her passing.

On October 14, 2019, SULLI’s brother found her dead in her house in Seongnam. The “Real” actress had reportedly committed suicide by hanging herself. She was 25 years old.

“Persona: Sulli” aka “Persona 2” has not yet been officially announced by Netflix. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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Taiwanese Influencer Apologizes for Grabbing IU at Gucci Event

Molly Chiang has issued an apology for her recent behavior at a fashion event. The Taiwanese influencer apologized after experiencing backlash over her rough treatment of IU.

Taiwanese Blogger Molly Chiang Apologizes To IU For Rough Behavior At Fashion Event

On May 16, Vogue Taiwan posted a video of Molly Chiang roughly grabbing South Korean superstar IU at the Gucci Cruise 2024 fashion show. Although the clip was deleted, netizens had already seen it and began criticizing the Taiwanese influencer.

Molly Chiang has since addressed the controversy. She shared an apology on Instagram for the way she treated IU at the fashion event.

“I want to sincerely apologize for this,” Chiang wrote. “I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for the fans who support me, and I’m again sorry for disappointing them.”

Chiang further explained that she had sent the apology to IU.

“With the help of a friend who speaks Korean, I translated the apology to IU,” the Taiwanese blogger wrote. “I sent it to IU’s agency along with the English version.”

She added, “My action was not appropriate. I should have been more careful, as everyone comes with a different personality, individuality, and culture.”

Chiang concluded, “I brought this controversy on myself. I’ve learned that I shouldn’t touch people I don’t know. I will make sure to correct this behavior.”

In related news, the people who have worked with IU are defending the “Dream” actress in the face of plagiarism allegations. Mystic Story president Jo Young Chul, who produced IU’s early albums, pointed out that the plagiarism claims have no clear basis.

“While I’ve monitored all the songs that continue to claim plagiarism on YouTube and were recently accused, I was unable to discover any suspicion of plagiarism,” Jo wrote.

On May 10, a Korean citizen filed a lawsuit alleging that IU plagiarized the works of other artists. The suit claimed that the “Blueming” singer had plagiarized a total of six songs. Since then, IU’s agency EDAM Entertainment has denied the allegations and the company is planning to pursue legal action.

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Mystic Story Producer, IU’s ‘Boo’ Composer Address Plagiarism Claims

People are coming to IU’s defence amidst the recent plagiarism allegations. Mystic Story president Jo Young Chul, who produced IU’s albums, slammed the complaint against the soloist. In addition to that, the composer behind the solo artist’s hit “Boo” defended the song’s composition.

Mystic Story Boss Hits Back At IU Plagiarism Claims

Mystic Story president Jo Young Chul released a statement regarding IU’s recent plagiarism accusations. Jo, who is also a music producer, pointed out that the plagiarism claims have no clear basis.

“While I’ve monitored all the songs that continue to claim plagiarism on YouTube and were recently accused, I was unable to discover any suspicion of plagiarism,” Jo wrote.

“Just because you’ve taken one part of a song and think there’s a song that has a similar melody or chord progression to it does not make that plagiarism. This is not my personal opinion as this is the court precedent,” Jo added. “The parts of the songs being accused do not even have the same melody or chord progression.”

Jo Young Chul added that “the copyright dispute is basically an issue between copyright holders.”

“I question whether a third party has the right to make accusations, and they must be held legally responsible if this is [an attempt of] malicious defamation,” he stated.

‘Boo’ Composer Explains How IU Was The Only Inspiration For His Song

The Mystic Story president is not the only one defending IU. Han Sang Won is the composer behind the hit “Boo”. He explained in an Instagram post how IU herself inspired the song.

“After seeing IU, who was a young student at the time, I thought of ‘a dance track about a bright and cute love story.’ I first created the key lyric ‘You’re my boo,’ inspired by the word ‘boo,’ and the hook’s ‘image melody,’ and then made the song by implementing the arrangement method and common beat of “’80s female dance-pop,'” Han wrote.

Han further pointed out that the melody in “Boo” was “borrowed” from another IU track.

“The melody of the chorus lyric ‘You’re my boo’ is borrowed from IU’s other song ‘Merry Christmas Ahead,’” Han wrote.

“I believe this is the biggest reason why this song received so much love, to the point where this part was left and remade into a rap song by Geeks,” he added.

Han Song Won went on to explain the influences of the song and then challenged the complainant.

“What was the intention of the person who accused IU when I, the composer of ‘boo,’ am right here?” he wrote. “I am ready whenever to discuss with ‘the composer who wrote the song’ who claims plagiarism regarding my song, so if you are that song’s ‘composer,’ please contact me.”

Korean Citizen Files Plagiarism Complaint Against IU

On May 10, a Korean citizen filed a lawsuit alleging that IU plagiarized the works of other artists. The suit claimed that the “Blueming” singer had plagiarized a total of six songs. Since then, IU’s agency EDAM Entertainment has denied the allegations and the company is planning to pursue legal action.

Songwriter Lee Min Soo, who wrote “The Red Shoes” and “Good Day”, explained that he didn’t reference other songs. “BBIBBI” composer Lee Jong Hoon also pointed out that the artists of the plagiarized songs are the only ones who can make plagiarism allegations.

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IU Songwriter Addresses Plagiarism Allegations on ‘Good Day’ and ‘The Red Shoes’

The songwriter behind IU’s greatest songs has finally addressed the recent plagiarism allegations. Lee Min Soo spoke up against the accusations against the songs “Good Day” and “The Red Shoes”.

IU Songwriter Lee Min Soo Addresses Plagiarism Accusations

On May 10, a Korean citizen filed a lawsuit alleging that IU plagiarized the works of other artists. The suit claimed that the “Blueming” singer had plagiarized a total of six songs. Since then, IU’s agency EDAM Entertainment has denied the allegations and the company is planning to pursue legal action.

But what does the songwriter behind the songs have to say about the accusations? Lee Min Soo, who worked on “The Red Shoes” and “Good Day”, addressed the allegations in an Instagram post.

“My heart is heavy that my first greeting after a long time is the start of such a difficult topic,” Lee wrote. “Yesterday afternoon, I read an article that ‘Good Day’ and ‘The Red Shoes,’ IU’s two songs that I wrote, were being accused of plagiarism.”

Lee continued, “I refuted the issue of ‘The Red Shoes’ through a press release when it was released in 2013 and have refrained from commenting further as it would be pointless. However, due to the recent criticism beyond reason towards the artist, I am carefully leaving this message.”

“I didn’t reference or have anyone else’s songs in mind when working on ‘Good Day’ and ‘The Red Shoes’,” Lee added. The post also expressed concern for IU and her fans.

“As the songwriter of ‘Good Day’ and ‘The Red Shoes,’ I hope this does not leave a scar on anyone’s heart, especially on IU’s heart and the hearts of those who love IU,” Lee concluded.

‘BBIBBI’ Composer Hits Back At Plagiarism Claims

Lee Jong Hoon, who wrote “BBIBBI”, also spoke up on the recent plagiarism accusations. The composer pointed out that the accuser should have targeted him instead of IU. Lee also stated that the artists of the plagiarized songs are the only ones who can make such allegations.

“Lastly, I did not plagiarize any other work while working on ‘BBIBBI’,” Lee wrote. “After listening to the ‘various’ songs in YouTube videos that ‘claim’ similarities, aside from the genre characteristics of hip hop/r&b, I was instead able to confirm differences and individuality in a lot of aspects, from chord progression, song structure, instrument arrangement, and more.”

IU’s latest film “Dream” also stars Park Seo Joon. The movie has been topping the Korean box office since its release in April.

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IU and Park Seo Joon’s ‘Dream’ Movie Tops South Korean Box Office

Park Seo Joon and IU are proving that they are a pairing made in box office heaven. “Dream”, the duo’s sports comedy feature, just topped the South Korean box office. The Lee Byeong Heon movie is now the first film to manage the feat in less than 50 days.

‘Dream’ Wins Big At The South Korean Box Office

Korea JoonAng Daily reports “Dream” is the first South Korean movie to land at the top of the box office in 50 days. The comedy-drama premiered on April 26, 2023, and was attended by 93,417 people on its first day alone.

By April 29, the movie reached 484,491 admissions and grossed USD$3,467,888. It is currently the sixth highest-grossing South Korean film in 2023. With that in mind, “Dream” is well on its way to becoming the biggest movie of the year.

https://youtu.be/hkB2hONVv2o

“Dream” is directed by Lee Byeong Heon and follows Yoon Hong-dae (Park Seo Joon), a football player who receives a disciplinary provision. As punishment, he is tasked with coaching the national football team of homeless people for the Homeless World Cup. Yoon meets Lee So Min (IU), an aspiring director working on a documentary about the team.

IU Discusses Working On New Film With Park Seo Joon

IU previously opened up about working on the film, admitting she wanted to play a different character.

“It was about four years ago when I first received the script. At that time, I had a strong thirst for [taking on] a bright character because I had done a few dark characters with lots of backstories in a row. I couldn’t help but be attracted to the character So Min,” IU said.

 

She also opened up about working with Park Seo Joon.

“I had high expectations for filming together [with Park Seo Joon],” IU said. “Park Seo Joon is a flexible and quick-witted actor. We started filming with some nervousness without having talked much in private, but it was rather comfortable once filming started. Since the relationship between So Min and Hong Dae is not so good, I think a little bit of nervousness helped.”

“Dream” is currently screening in theaters across South Korea.

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IU Opens Up About Lee Jong Suk as a ‘Supportive’ Boyfriend

IU is finally opening up about her relationship with Lee Jong Suk. The “Strawberry Moon” singer confirmed that the “Big Mouth” actor is a supportive boyfriend. She also discussed the true reason why she chose to work on her new film “Dream”. In addition to that, the multi-hyphenated artist spoke about filming scenes with co-star Park Seo Joon.

IU Discusses Her Relationship With Lee Jong Suk

Lee Ji-eun is currently promoting “Dream” ahead of its premiere. During one interview, she addressed photos taken during her recent concert where Lee Jong Suk was wearing IU merchandise. The 29-year-old actress revealed that her boyfriend got the same merchandise as other concert-goers.

“He came to the concert, and those items are what we distributed to all those who came to the concert. It wasn’t a special gift for Lee Jong Suk or anything, but it got a lot of spotlight,” she said.

IU confessed her surprise that people were so interested in her relationship with Lee Jong Suk.

“I’m surprised that [so many people] show interest in my relationship and cheer me on a lot. I think fondly and quietly keeping this relationship going is the best way to repay that love,” she said.

Here’s Why IU Chose To Work on ‘Dream’

The “Eight” singer also revealed why she accepted her latest project.

“It was about four years ago when I first received the script. At that time, I had a strong thirst for [taking on] a bright character because I had done a few dark characters with lots of backstories in a row. I couldn’t help but be attracted to the character So Min,” IU said.

She then discussed how Park Seo Joon made it easy to work on “Dream”.

“I had high expectations for filming together [with Park Seo Joon],” IU said. “Park Seo Joon is a flexible and quick-witted actor. We started filming with some nervousness without having talked much in private, but it was rather comfortable once filming started. Since the relationship between So Min and Hong Dae is not so good, I think a little bit of nervousness helped.”

“Dream” is directed by Lee Byeong-heon and follows Yoon Hong-dae (Park), a football player, who receives a disciplinary provision. As punishment, he is tasked with coaching the national football team of homeless people for the Homeless World Cup. The film hits theaters on April 26, 2023.

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