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K-pop

Prosecution seeks one-year prison term for former K-pop diva

Prosecutors want former idol singer Shoo jailed for a year for habitual gambling. YonhapBy Dong Sun-hwaProsecutors sought a one-year jail term for Shoo, a former member of 1990s girl group S.E.S., on Thursday for alleged habitual gambling. The hearing was held at the Seoul Eastern District Court. “I deeply regret what I did, and I will do so in the future too,” Shoo said during her final testimony. “I would meaningfully accept the punishment given to me ― I am sorry for evoking criticism.” Her legal representative said in a closing argument: “Shoo admits all her faults and has been reflecting on herself. Please consider that she has not been embroiled in any scandal since she kicked off her career in her teens and that she has been enthusiastically involved in community services.”After the hearing, she also apologized to Sea and Eugene, two other members of S.E.S. Shoo allegedly got involved in gambling from August 2016 to May 2018 in countries including Macau, betting about 790 million won ($617,000). She was indicted without detention over the al

Feb 8, 2019By Dong Sun-hwa
Prosecution seeks one-year prison term for former K-pop diva
Films

Ryu first Korean actor to star in four 10-million ticket sellers

Ryu Seung-ryong is the first Korean actor to attract over 40 million moviegoers. Korea Times fileBy Dong Sun-hwaVeteran actor Ryu Seung-ryong is the first Korean to star in four movies that have drawn over 10 million viewers each. The honor comes as his latest comedy movie, “Extreme Job,” surpassed 10 million in ticket sales Thursday, the 15th day of its run. It is the 18th film to reach the landmark for a top-grossing film. The 111-minute movie revolves around five anti-drug cops who set up a fried chicken restaurant as part of sting operation. “It has been highly rewarding for me to see the audiences laughing and feeling happy as they watch 'Extreme Job,'” Ryu said in a recent interview. “I cannot say anything else except for 'thank you.'”In 2014, he featured in the historical movie “Roaring Currents” with A-list actors Choi Min-sik and Cho Jin-woong. It also garnered more than 10 million viewers. His comedy “Miracle in Cell No. 7” and historical movie “Masquerade” reached the milestone in 2012. Ryu's achieveme

Feb 7, 2019By Dong Sun-hwa
Ryu first Korean actor to star in four 10-million ticket sellers
K-pop

Reunited INFINITE to release new digital single 'CLOCK'

By Dong Sun-hwaThe teaser image for K-pop boy band INFINITE's new song “CLOCK” was released on its official Twitter on Thursday. Courtesy of Woollim Entertainment.K-pop boy band INFINITE will release its new digital single track “CLOCK” on Feb. 13, returning as a team after about a year's gap. The teaser image was revealed on the six-piece group's official Twitter on Thursday. “Clock” was first heard in December 2018, when the team held an end-of-year fan meeting in Seoul. During the event, band members said the number reveals their wish to spend eternity with their fans, INSPIRIT.They also hinted at the release on Jan. 30 by posting their photos on Instagram with the letters “c, l, O, c, k.” INFINITE debuted in 2010 with the album “First Invasion” and shot to stardom the following year thanks to smash-hit song “Be Mine.” Since the release of the band's latest album “TOP SEED” in January 2018, five members ― Nam Woo-hyun, Jang Dong-woo, Lee Sung-yeol, L and Lee Sung-jong ― have been forging their own

Feb 7, 2019By Dong Sun-hwa
Reunited INFINITE to release new digital single 'CLOCK'
K-pop

(G)I-DLE to return with new album

K-pop girl band (G)I-DLE will return by the end of this month. Courtesy of Cube EntertainmentBy Dong Sun-hwaK-pop girl band (G)I-DLE will return this month with a new album. The album is “nearly done,” its agency said, but didn't specify the band's comeback date, adding it will happen “by the end of February.”(G)I-DLE released its most recent album, “HANN (Alone),” in August. The band, represented by Cube Entertainment, debuted in May with “LATATA.” It won several Rookie of the Year awards last year. Team leader Soyeon created the two hit songs.

Feb 6, 2019By Dong Sun-hwa
(G)I-DLE to return with new album
Shows & Dramas

'Winter Sonata' sequel in the making

By Dong Sun-hwaActors Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo rose to fame after starring in the melodrama “Winter Sonata” in 2002. Courtesy of KBSIs another “Winter Sonata” storm coming? The sequel of “Winter Sonata” ― a melodrama series that enjoyed Asia-wide popularity in the 2000s ― is set to be filmed. An outsourced production company official said shooting is about to begin but did not reveal cast members. Kim Yong-soo, who directed the famous horror series “Home of the Legends,” is responsible for the work and Yoon Eun-kyung and Kim Eun-hee, who penned the original series, are reunited. “We are discussing with the writers details for the shooting,” the official said. Original series director Yoon Suk-ho refused to participate in the project, citing the death of actor Park Yong-ha, who played a leading role in the first series. Park killed himself in 2010. “Winter Sonata” aired in 2002 and is one of the most successful Korean dramas. It was exported to many countries, including the Middle East, and served as a cataly

Feb 6, 2019By Dong Sun-hwa
'Winter Sonata' sequel in the making
Shows & Dramas

Actor Joo Won ends 21-month military duty, plans comeback

Actor Joo Won was discharged from the military on Tuesday. YonhapBy Dong Sun-hwaActor Joo Won, 32, has returned to civilian life after ending his 21-month compulsory military duty on Tuesday. “I have missed my fans so much and, above all, have wanted to appear in dramas,” he told fans and reporters after walking out of his barracks in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province. “I am delighted to round off my military life safely, thanks to those who have taken good care of me like my family.”Actor Joo Won greets his fans. YonhapTo fans who waited for him from early morning, he said: “I do appreciate them for coming here and waiting for me on the chilly Lunar New Year's Day.” He expressed his gratitude by shaking hands with them. When asked about his plans, he said he would return to the screen. Joo Won, whose real name is Moon Jun-won, debuted in the musical “Altar Boyz” in 2007. He rose to fame after appearing on KBS TV series “King of Baking, Kim Takgu” in 2010. He enlisted in May 2017 and broke up with singer BoA while serving in the ar

Feb 6, 2019By Dong Sun-hwa
Actor Joo Won ends 21-month military duty, plans comeback
K-pop

Which K-pop singers are coming back in February?

By Dong Sun-hwaFebruary is expected to be a month of excitement for K-pop followers, with a myriad of prominent singers gearing up to return. Included in the line-up are Monsta X, SF9 and Loona. 1. Monsta XK-pop boy group Monsta X will return in February with a fresh album. Courtesy of Starship EntertainmentMonsta X, a seven-member K-pop boy band, will return in February only four months after the release of its latest album “Take. 1 ARE YOU THERE” in October. The team had sweet success with the lead track “Shoot Out” last year, winning a music show at Korea's major broadcaster for the first time since the group's debut in 2015.The septet ― Shownu, Wonho, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Jooheon and I.M ― also made history on the music scene by becoming the first K-pop group to stage gigs at iHeartRadio's annual Jingle Ball. They played at concerts in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Boston and Philadelphia last year. 2. SF9K-pop boy band SF9 will also return next month. Courtesy of FNC EntertainmentIt has taken about six months for boy band SF9 to

Feb 3, 2019By Dong Sun-hwa
Which K-pop singers are coming back in February?
K-pop

INTERVIEW Why TWICE doomed, BTS to prosper further

K-pop girl band TWICE rose to stardom thanks to hit tracks including “Cheer Up” and “TT.” Courtesy of JYP EntertainmentBy Dong Sun-hwaThe pan-Asian K-pop girl band TWICE has been making great strides on the music scene, releasing several hit songs and winning dozens of awards since its debut in 2015. But the future of the nine-piece team will not be dazzling if it fails to come up with more durable musical content, according to critic Jung Min-jae, who writes for online music magazine “IZM.”Music critic Jung Min-jae has some strong views on K-pop's future.“I am quite skeptical about the future of TWICE ― the band makes its comeback three to four times a year with cookie-cutter songs and concepts,” Jung said in a recent interview with The Korea Times. “This is 'consumptive' for the artists and wearisome for the listeners.”TWICE is not the only group at risk. In fact, most K-pop teams are in jeopardy. They have fallen prey to extreme commercialism promoted by agencies that mostly pursue short-term benefits, Jung said. “T

Feb 3, 2019By Dong Sun-hwa
[INTERVIEW] Why TWICE doomed, BTS to prosper further
Shows & Dramas

Netflix Korean Zombie series 'Kingdom' grabs attention

By Dong Sun-hwaPoster of drama “Kingdom.” Courtesy of NetflixThe first season of the Korean Zombie series “Kingdom” has successfully frightened Netflix viewers, garnering positive reviews from people worldwide. After its premiere on Jan 25, numerous viewers described the six-episode mystery thriller drama as unique, saying they watched all the episodes in a day. A portion of online users outside Korea also displayed their interest in “Gat,” a Korean traditional hat worn by the characters on the screen. The Koreans wore varying styles of the hat during the Joseon dynasty, depending on their social status and situations. “Kingdom” is about a crown prince who tries to unlock the secrets behind those who turned into zombies due to starvation. A-list actors Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Doo-na and Ryu Seung-ryong star in the drama. Kim Eun-hee, a prominent writer who penned tvN's hit thriller “Signal” in 2016, teamed with director Kim Seong-hun. The second season is coming.

Feb 1, 2019By Dong Sun-hwa
Netflix Korean Zombie series 'Kingdom' grabs attention
Shows & Dramas

Han Ji-min, Jung Hae-in to co-star in drama

Han Ji-min and Jung Hae-in will co-star in an MBC drama. Courtesy of BH Entertainment, FNC EntertainmentBy Dong Sun-hwaProminent actors Han Ji-min and Jung Hae-in will co-star in an MBC melodrama tentatively titled “Spring Night.” The soap opera revolves around the life of a woman in her 30s, who gradually realizes her authentic emotions as she finds new love, although she already has a boyfriend. Han will play a librarian with Jung as her partner, a pharmacist. Producer Ahn Pan-suk and writer Kim Eun, who were behind the hit TV series “Something in the Rain” in 2018, will join forces again. Those behind the new drama describe Han and Jung as a “magical combination” and believe they will shine in a story that touches viewers' hearts. The drama is set to premiere in May.

Feb 1, 2019By Dong Sun-hwa
Han Ji-min, Jung Hae-in to co-star in drama
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