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“The Auditors” Cast Bid Farewell to Viewers

With just one episode left, the cast of “The Auditors” is saying goodbye to viewers, offering heartfelt thanks and reflecting on the drama’s journey. The drama aired on July 6 and will air its final episode tonight, completing 12 episodes on its entire run.

The Auditors cast share thoughts and bids goodbye to viewers

Shin Ha Kyun, who led the series, recalled the efforts everyone put in from the cold winter to the scorching summer. He teased an exciting finale, asking fans to stay tuned to see if the true villain at JU Construction will be caught. “I hope that you’ll look forward to seeing whether we’ll be able to catch the true rat bastard who has been gnawing away at JU Construction for a long time,” he shared.

Lee Jung Ha, reflecting on the experience, humbly thanked fans for their support and love throughout the series. “Thank you so much for watching ‘The Auditors’ and giving us so much love,” Lee said. “I hope that you’ll watch with us until the very end to see what the future of our JU Construction holds.”

Jin Goo also shared his gratitude, thanking the director and his fellow actors for their dedication. He also urged viewers to stay tuned to see who will team up with Shin Cha Il to bring justice. “As we enter the final chapter of the story, there will be an excitement in watching the conflict between Hwang Se Woong and Hwang Dae Woong,” he noted. “I hope you’ll stay tuned to find out who will team up with Shin Cha Il to achieve justice.”

Jo Aram and Lee Jung Ha take a photo on the set of “The Auditors.” Photo via @tvN_drama on Instagram.

Jo Aram, who portrayed Yoon Seo Jin, described “The Auditors” as her career’s crucial stepping stone and expressed honor at working with many talented senior actors. “I was able to grow through ‘The Auditors’ and the character of Yoon Seo Jin. I’m sincerely grateful for this drama, which has become a sturdy stepping stone for me as I move forward,” she shared.

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Hyeri Shares Personal Challenges in New Film “Victory”

On August 5th, a press screening for the film Victory took place at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul. The event saw the attendance of director Park Beom-soo and cast members Lee Hyeri, Park Se-wan, Lee Jung-ha, and Jo Ah-ram, who shared their thoughts about the film.

Hyeri opens up about her journey and the demands of her role in the nostalgic cheerleading drama

Victory tells the story of the “Millennium Girls,” a passionate rookie cheerleading club. Set against the nostalgic backdrop of 1999, the film uniquely blends cheerleading with girl’s hip-hop, broadcast dance, and soccer, creating a new visual experience.

Lee Hyeri, who stars as Pil-seon, an aspiring dancer, took on significant challenges for this role. Known for her dancing and acting, she learned hip-hop dance, cheerleading, and a regional dialect to portray Pil-seon accurately.

At the press event, she was moved to tears by the positive reception of the film. She spoke about her deep connection to Pil-seon, describing the role as particularly challenging. The actress credited the director and production team for helping her embrace Pil-seon’s passion and innocence.

Reflecting on her experience, Lee Hyeri said that Victory allowed her to return to dance after a long time. However, she found the hip-hop style and cheerleading physically demanding, likening cheerleading more to a sport than a dance. Despite these challenges, she felt proud of performing all the scenes with her co-stars without using doubles.

Additionally, co-star Lee Jung Ha, who plays a pivotal role in the film, recently won Best Rookie Actor at the Blue Dragon Series Awards. The actor is quickly emerging as one of the most promising actors in the industry. His dedication to his craft and ability to bring depth to his characters have garnered him a growing fan base and critical acclaim.

Victory is scheduled for release in theaters on August 14th.

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Lee Jung Ha and Go Youn Jung Are Best Rookie Actors at the 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards

The 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards celebrated outstanding talents in the television and film industry on July 19 at Paradise City, Incheon. Hosted by Jeon Hyun-moo and Yoona, the event was broadcast live on KBS2. The event hall was filled with stars, directors, writers, and other figures in the industry. During the most-awaited awards event, Lee Jung Ha and Go Youn Jung were awarded for their performances in “Moving.”

Lee Jung Ha and Go Youn Jung won Best New Actor and Best New Actress at the prestigious 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards

Lee Jung Ha took home the Best New Actor award. In his heartfelt acceptance speech, he expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you for giving me a wonderful award. I want to thank director Park In-je, mom Hyo-joo, dad In-sung, my friend Heesoo, class president Do Hoon, writer Kang Pool, the ‘Moving’ family, my company, and my family for raising me as a wonderful son.” His speech drew laughter and warmth as he recreated a line from his drama, showcasing his charm and connection with his role.

@oldsoultamsy

Congratulations Lee Jungha Best New Actor #bluedragonseriesawards2024 #leejungha #bongseok #movingkdrama #koreanactor #foryou #fyp #kdramalover

♬ original sound – oldsoultamsy – oldsoultamsy

@nefretiriangeles

Best New Actress Award – MOVING GO YOUNJUNG goyounjung moving #bdsa #bluedragonseriesawards2024

♬ original sound – Nefretiri Angeles – Nefretiri Angeles

Similarly, Go Youn Jung was honored with the Best New Actress award. She reflected on her journey with the drama “Moving,” saying, “I think of ‘Moving’’s director, Kang Pool, the seniors that played my mom and dad, Bongseok, his mom and dad, and Kang Hoon, and I had a lot of fun while filming. Thank you to my family and the staff of the agency. I will do my best, thinking that it’s an award given to me to work hard. Thank you.” Her words resonated with many, highlighting her dedication and the support she received throughout her career.

Additionally, the drama “Moving” itself is the major highlight of the night, winning the Best Drama award. Its gripping storyline, exceptional direction by Kang Pool, and stellar performances by the cast captivated audiences. Furthermore, both actors’ acknowledgments emphasize their gratitude towards their colleagues, family, and mentors. The event serves as an important milestone for both Lee Jung Ha and Go Youn Jung.

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“Moving” Wins Best Drama at 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards

Disney+ series “Moving” clinches the grand prize at the prestigious Blue Dragon Series Awards

Disney+ series “Moving” has achieved another milestone by winning the grand prize for Best Drama at the 3rd Blue Dragon Series Awards held last Friday. This prestigious recognition follows closely on the heels of its triumph at the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards just two months ago.

The Blue Dragon Series Awards, established to recognize excellence in Korean series and entertainment shows, focuses on content distributed via streaming platforms. The awards show acknowledges platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Watcha, Wavve, Kakao TV, Coupang Play, and Tving. The competition this year was fierce, with nominees spanning from June 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024.

In the ceremony, “Moving” stood out among its peers, reinforcing its status as a critically acclaimed series. The series has not only caught the attention of the Korean audience but also of the broader global audience.

Additionally, Lee Jung Ha and Go Young Jung have recently been honored with the Best Rookie Actor and Actress awards, respectively. Their standout performances in Disney+’s hit drama “Moving” touched a lot of viewers over its run. Their exceptional portrayals of characters with extraordinary abilities navigating the complexities of adolescence resonated deeply with audiences.

With the two actors’ recent performances, they are solidifying their status as rising stars in the entertainment industry. Their fans are also eagerly anticipating more future projects. Currently, Lee Jung Ha stars in ‘The Auditors’ with Shin Ha Kyun and has a movie coming up with Girl’s Day Hyeri. Meanwhile, Go Youn Jung has an upcoming Netflix project with Kim Seon Ho.

“Moving” plot and cast

Disney+’s latest hit drama, “Moving,” has captivated audiences worldwide with its compelling storyline and stellar performances. Based on a popular webtoon, combines supernatural elements with a touch on family, friendship, and the struggles of adolescence.

“Moving” centers around a group of high school students who possess extraordinary abilities inherited from their parents. As they navigate their teenage life, they must also learn to harness their powers and protect themselves from those who seek to exploit their gifts. The series is a blend of action, suspense, and heartfelt moments. For the general audience, the drama offers fresh premises that have not yet been seen on the small screen.

The drama includes an ensemble cast starring Han Hyo Joo, Jung In Sung, Ryu Seong Ryeong, and Cha Tae Hyun. 

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‘The Auditors’ Debuts Pilot Episode at Top of Ratings

On July 6, the highly anticipated drama “The Auditors,” starring Shin Ha Kyun and Lee Jung Ha, premiered to top ratings. According to Nielsen Korea, the first episode scored an average nationwide rating of 3.5%, placing it first in its time slot across all cable channels.

This success comes as SBS’s “Connection” concluded with its highest viewership ratings ever, achieving an average nationwide rating of 14.2%. “Connection” also became the most-watched program of the week among viewers aged 20 to 49, earning an average rating of 4.8%. Meanwhile, MBC’s two-part drama “The Pork Cutlets,” airing at the same time, ended with a respectable nationwide average of 3.3%. JTBC’s “Miss Night and Day,” which hit a peak last Sunday, saw a dip to an average nationwide rating of 5.7% for its latest episode.

Episode 1 recap

The pilot episode of “The Auditors” captivated audiences with a gripping storyline. Shin Cha Il, played by Shin Ha Kyun, begins as the new audit team leader at JU Construction and immediately investigates a tower crane accident at the company’s construction site. The episode concluded with a tense encounter between Shin Cha Il and JU Construction’s vice president, Hwang Dae Woong, portrayed by Jin Goo.

Hwang Dae Woong tries to cover up the accident by labelling it a natural disaster, knowing that any corruption uncovered would implicate him. Undeterred, Shin Cha Il proceeds with his investigation despite Hwang Dae Woong’s attempts to thwart him. Newly released stills for the second episode hint at further confrontations as Shin Cha Il meets with JU Construction president Hwang Se Woong, a displeased Hwang Dae Woong, and Seo Gil Pyo to discuss his findings.

The promising debut of “The Auditors” has set the stage for a thrilling series, drawing viewers into its complex narrative and strong performances. It airs every Saturday and Sunday, 9:20 PM KST on tvN, and is expected to conclude at 12 episodes.

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Lee Jung Ha Plays Goalkeeper with Eyes Only for Hyeri in Victory

Lee Jung Ha brings humor and charm as Chi Hyeong in the new youth film “Victory”

Lee Jung Ha’s rising popularity takes another leap as he stars in the upcoming youth movie “Victory.” Directed by Park Beom Soo, “Victory” is set in 1999 and revolves around the cheerleading team Millennium Girls from Geoje Commercial High School. The film features Hyeri, Park Se Wan, and Lee Jung Ha, depicting the heartfelt journey of best friends Pil Seon (Hyeri) and Mi Na (Park Se Wan) as they form a cheerleading team to pursue their passion for dance.

In “Victory,” Lee Jung Ha plays Chi Hyeong, a sincere and somewhat awkward high school student who has secretly admired Pil Seon for ten years. As the goalkeeper of Geoje Commercial High School’s soccer team, Chi Hyeong is dedicated to protecting Pil Seon and his goal. His character’s untidy hair, yellow uniform, and determined gaze add to his charm, often bringing humor to the story. Lee Jung Ha shared his excitement about the role, saying, “I enjoyed it because it felt like a movie that delivers a message of support. The script captivated me, and I felt empowered throughout.” He also trained extensively for the role to portray the physicality of a goalkeeper convincingly.

Director Park Beom Soo praised Lee Jung Ha’s performance, noting, “When I saw Lee Jung Ha, he already embodied Chi Hyeong. Lee Jung Ha’s natural charm significantly shaped the character of Chi Hyeong.” With his endearing portrayal of Chi Hyeong, he is set to captivate audiences and further establish himself as a versatile actor in the industry.

Lee Jung Ha’s rise in the industry

The actor’s performance in Disney’s “Moving” has brought him into the limelight, earning widespread acclaim. Starting his career in minor web drama roles, the actor’s dedication and acting abilities quickly garnered attention. His breakthrough came with a supporting role in a popular TV drama, but his portrayal in “Moving” solidified his rising star status. Critics and fans praised his versatility and emotional depth, making him one of the most promising actors in the industry.

Despite his rapid rise to fame, Lee Jung Ha remains grounded and grateful for his journey. He attributes his success to early lessons and support from industry veterans. As his popularity grows, the actor is committed to taking on diverse and challenging roles, further establishing his place in the K-drama world. 

Currently, he has a series with Shin Ha Kyun called ‘The Auditors,’ which will be every Saturday and Sunday on tvN, starting July 6.

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‘Apartment 404’ Featuring BLACKPINK’s Jennie, Yoo Jae Suk Drops Teasers

Attention, tvN’s newest variety show Apartment 404 is getting ready for its much-awaited release!

In the 15-second trailer posted on Wednesday, December 20, the show’s full cast lineup has been unveiled.

Notably, the variety program will feature Jennie of girl group BLACKPINK, and veteran host Yoo Jae Suk. Moreover, Moving actors Cha Tae Hyun and Lee Jung Ha, Alchemy of Souls actress Oh Na Ra and Yang Se Chan of Running Man.

With Jennie confirmed to be a part of the show, fans, especially BLINKs, are even more excited! Especially as this will be the idol’s first variety show appearance as a mainstay in five years. In 2018, she was part of the show Village Survival, the Eight. 

In Apartment 404, the cast will play as the six residents of an apartment who will trace the truth behind extraordinary events. What makes the storyline more exciting is that these events are based on the real-life experiences of people.

Moreover, the program will also be led by director Jung Chul Min, known for his work Sixth Sense. Set in different locations and periods each episode, the viewers’ investigative skills and memory will be put into test as they try to solve mysteries with the cast.

Get to see the chemistry between the cast of ‘Apartment 404’

With the announcement of the final cast lineup, fans are anticipating how the members will work their way together.

Known as an entertainment show veteran, Yoo Jae Suk is expected to show his leadership and wisdom in solving cases in the show. As seen in his previous shows such as Busted! and The Zone: Survival Mission, Jae Suk proved that he also has an edge in mystery variety shows.

Meanwhile, Jennie, who’ll be having her return on variety programs, will act as the mascot for Apartment 404. Her fans are already looking forward to her adorable appearance in the show. 

They will be joined by actors Cha Tae Hyun and Lee Jung Ha who both gained recognition for the hit 2023 drama Moving. In particular, Tae Hyun who has two-decades experience in the industry is also expected to show his wits in the table. On the other hand, Jung Ha will be showing his charm as the youngest member in the group. 

And the chemistry between the cast is even made powerful with actress Oh Na Ra’s bubbly personality. But the lineup is made complete by comedian Yang Se Chan, who’s known for his unique and fun tactics.

Apartment 404 is set to premiere in the first half of 2024.

Featured image: tvN releases the first teaser for new variety show ‘Apartment 404.’ Credit: YouTube/tvN

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BLACKPINK’s Jennie, ‘Moving’ Actor Lee Jung Ha to Participate in ‘Apartment 404’

A new team-up of celebrities is gearing up to delight fans in a new variety show. TVN announced on Thursday October 5, that Jennie of girl group BLACKPINK and actor Lee Jung Ha from the drama Moving will appear in Apartment 404, alongside “Nation’s MC” Yoo Jae Suk and veteran actor Cha Tae Hyun.

According to the network, Apartment 404 will be a reality variety program that will take place in an apartment complex. The real-action show is created by PD Jeong Cheol Min, known for his popular programs Running Man, and Village Survival, the Eight, and Sixth Sense.

Interestingly, Apartment 404 will be a reunion program of Jennie and Yoo Jae Suk. In 2018, the two celebrities previously worked together in the first season of Village Survival, the Eight. Now that five years have passed, fans are thrilled to see the two stars interact again.

On the other hand, Apartment 404 will be Lee Jung Ha’s first variety show in his career. The breakthrough actor previously gained recognition for his portrayal of Kim Bong Seok in the hit superhero drama Movin. With the success of the series, the creators are now in talks for a second season. There, Jung ha starred alongside Cha Tae Hyun, who will also take part in the upcoming variety show. 

Along with the confirmation of Jennie and Jung Ha’s appearance, TVN also announced that the production team is currently in the process of recruiting guests. Though broadcast details are yet to be finalized, Apartment 404 is expected to premiere in the first half of 2024.

Jennie and Jung Ha’s current activities

While there are no official confirmations yet regarding Jennie’s contract, YG Entertainment has revealed that the singer will be making a solo comeback.

On October 6, Jennie returned with the official release of her track You & Me.” Said song was performed by the K-Pop idol during BLACKPINK’s Born Pink World Tour.

Actor Jung Ha, meanwhile, is set to star in the new drama One: High School Heroes. As per his agency, Namoo Actors, the filming for the show has already been completed and is now in its post-production process.

Apart from that, Jung Ha has been selected as the new MC of MBC’s Show! Music Core. He will be with The Boyz’s Younghoon and NMIXX’s Sullyoon in the program.

Even before the confirmation of their appearances in Apartment 404, Jennie and Jung Ha have already given a brief sneak peak of their friendship. The two previously posed in a photo together when the actor attended BLACKPINK’s Born Pink Finale in Seoul, giving a hint of their upcoming project.

Featured image: Lee Jung Ha shows support for Jennie during BLACKPINK’s Born Pink concert. Credit: Instagram Story/Jung Ha

 

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