Disney focuses on Asian content in showcase Luke Kang, president of the Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, opens the Disney Content Showcase in Singapore, Wednesday. Courtesy of Walt Disney Company By Lee Gyu-leeSINGAPORE ― The Walt Disney Company showed it is increasingly focusing on content creation and distribution in the Asia Pacific region during a two-day showcase in Singapore from Wednesday to Thursday.The company unveiled at the event, which drew 400 people from the international press and media industry, the upcoming lineups of its major studios, as well as Disney+ original series in the Asia Pacific region.“Today's showcase will bring to life how we are serving viewers in every market with globally branded content like Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar, as well as locally produced stories that resonate, while taking the best of those stories global,” Luke Kang, president of the Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific, said in an opening speech at the Disney Content Showcase APAC 2022, held at the Marina BDec 2, 2022By Lee Gyu-lee
Netflix's 'The Glory,' starring Song Hye-kyo, to be released in December The poster for "The Glory" / Courtesy of NetflixBy Kwak Yeon-soo“The Glory,” a series about a woman who experiences severe bullying in high school and seeks revenge against her tormentors after graduating, will premiere on Netflix on Dec. 30.The streaming giant said, Thursday, it will unveil all eight episodes of the Korean original series, starring Song Hye-kyo in over 190 countries.Directed by Ahn Gil-ho, whose other works include “Stranger” (2017) and “Memories of the Alhambra” (2018), the series follows the story of Moon Dong-eun, who plans an elaborate revenge scheme against the perpetrators and bystanders after surviving horrific abuse in high school. This marks Song's return to the small screen after “Now, We Are Breaking Up” (2021) and star scriptwriter Kim Eun-sook's new project after the fantasy romance “The King: Eternal Monarch” (2020). Song and Kim previously collaborated on the hit drama, “Descendants of the Sun” (2016).Lee Do-hyun, who appeared in “Hotel Del Luna” (2019) and “SweeDec 2, 2022By Kwak Yeon-soo
Jung Hae-in on his first sci-fi series with Disney+, 'Connect' From left, director Takashi Miike and actors Jung Hae-in, Ko Kyung-pyo and Kim Hye-jun pose during a press conference for Disney+'s upcoming Korean crime thriller original series, “Connect,” at the Disney Content Showcase in Singapore. Courtesy of Walt Disney Company By Lee Gyu-leeSINGAPORE ― Actor Jung Hae-in offered a peek into his role as an immortal human in the first sci-fi genre series in his career, Disney+ original series “Connect.”“This is the first sci-fi project I've taken part in and there were more computer graphic-made scenes than I expected. I came to realize how impressive those actors in the Marvel superhero projects that have a lot of CGI scenes are,” the actor said during the Disney Content Showcase APAC 2022 held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, Thursday. “Shooting for a CGI scene is very hard. You have to act with your imagination and it feels awkward and uncomfortable. But we had such a great working environment and the staff, the director andDec 2, 2022By Lee Gyu-lee
Disney+ unveils upcoming Korean originals, 'Soundtrack #2,' BTS' new docu-series and more BTS will have another docu-series on Disney+, “BTS MONUMENTS: BEYOND THE STAR,” in 2023. Courtesy of Walt Disney Company By Lee Gyu-leeSINGAPORE ― Disney+ announced a list of upcoming Korean original series, from the sequels of its hit series to documentaries of K-pop stars BTS and Super Junior, during Disney Content Showcase APAC 2022 held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, Wednesday.The second season of three originals ― the romantic series “Soundtrack #2,” the thriller suspense series “Shadow detective 2,” and the reality show “The Zone 2” ― are set to hit the platform in the coming months. A string of new original series, starring star-studded cast members, are also slated for next year. The romance series, “Call It Love,” led by the web series “No, Thank You” director Lee Kwang-young, will have actors Kim Young-kwang and Lee Sung-kyoung as the leads. It will revolve around a woman who faces a whirlwind of crises after finding out about her father's affair. “The Nov 30, 2022By Lee Gyu-lee
Korean actor Lee Jung-jae says 'happy' to be Disney family with Star Wars series Korean film director, actor and cast member Lee Jung-jae arrives for the screening of the movie 'Hunt' during the 47th annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Toronto, Canada, Sept. 15. EPA-YonhapKorean actor Lee Jung-jae said Wednesday he is happy to become part of the Disney family with his new role in the upcoming Star Wars series "The Acolyte," which will be streamed on Disney +. The star of Netflix series "Squid Game" has been cast for new Star Wars series directed by Leslye Headland, along with Amandla Stenberg and Dafne Keen.Lee shared the news of his joining the highly anticipated series by Lucasfilm during a press and partner event, called Disney Content Showcase, held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. This image provided by The Walt Disney shows the logo of the new Star Wars series "The Acolyte." Yonhap"I star in Lucasfilm's original series 'The Acolyte,' I am happy to become a member of Disney family," Lee said in a video message. "I want you to look forward to 'The Acolyte.'"The major studio under Disney said the new series will focus on the emergence of darkNov 30, 2022
INTERVIEW Kim Young-kwang satisfied with his psychotic killer role in 'Somebody' Actor Kim Young-kwang plays the role of a serial killer in Netflix's new series “Somebody.” Courtesy of NetflixBy Lee Gyu-leeActor Kim Young-kwang has spent most of his career as a heartthrob, starring in romantic comedies like the 2018 film “On Your Wedding Day” and the 2021 series “Hello, Me!”Actor Kim Young-kwang / Courtesy of NetflixBut with Netflix's latest Korean original series “Somebody,” the actor steps out of his comfort zone to broaden his repertoire, playing a psychotic serial killer.“When I joined 'Somebody,' it felt like a challenge. I really wanted to complete this mission successfully,” Kim said during an interview with The Korea Times, Thursday, at a cafe in Jongno District, central Seoul. “I've always wanted to play diverse roles and take part in different genres … And I'm pleased to show a new persona with 'Somebody.'”Led by filmmaker Jung Ji-woo, whose previous work includes the romance film “Eungyo” and “Tune in for Love,” the eight-part suspense series releasedNov 30, 2022By Lee Gyu-lee
'Pachinko' wins this year's Gotham Awards Actress Kim Min attends this year's Gotham Awards in New York, Nov. 29. YonhapApple TV+'s "Pachinko" took home a prize at this year's Gotham Awards, becoming the second Korean TV series to win at the American awards ceremony for independent films and series.The eight-part drama series won in the "Breakthrough Series ― Long Format (over 40 minutes)" category at the 32nd awards ceremony held in New York City on Monday (U.S. time).But its lead actress Kim Min-ha failed to be awarded Outstanding Performance in a New Series. Instead, Ben Whishaw in "This is Going to Hurt," a British medical comedy-drama TV series, took the honor. This image of Apple TV+'s Korean original series "Pachinko" was provided by the global streaming service. YonhapBased on the namesake novel written by Korean American author Min Jin Lee, "Pachinko" depicts the life of Sunja, born to a poor family in Busan in the early 1900s. The 1910-45 Japanese colonial rule forces her to move to Japan, and she and her family have to go through a tough life there even after World War II. Last year, Netflix's megahit Korean serieNov 29, 2022
Disney to showcase new movies, streaming content in Singapore The official website of Disney Plus / Screencaptured from Disney Plus websiteEntertainment giant Disney is set to unveil an expansive list of new films and shows in Singapore this week, with a focus on original content from the Asia-Pacific region to be streamed exclusively on Disney+. Set to take place at the MBS Convention Center on Wednesday and Thursday, Disney Content Showcase will present some big films by the Walt Disney Company's subsidiaries and new originals coming to Disney+ globally. Among them are highly-anticipated Korean original series, including "Connect" and "Big Bet," set for release on Dec. 7 and Dec. 21, respectively. Directed by the iconic Japanese director Miike Takashi, "Connect" features the kidnapping of Ha Dong-soo (Jung Hae-in) by a gang of organ harvesters who remove one of his eyes, which is later transplanted into the socket of a serial killer, Oh Jin-seop (Ko Kyung-pyo). The poster of Disney+ original "Connect" is seen in this image provided by Disney's streaming platform. YonhapLeft alive, the one-eyed Dong-soo begins to experience visions of horrificNov 29, 2022
'Squid Game' actor O Yeong-su indicted for alleged sexual misconduct "Squid Game" actor O Yeong-su has been indicted on charges of sexual misconduct, judicial officials said Friday. Yonhap"Squid Game" actor O Yeong-su has been indicted on charges of sexual misconduct, judicial officials said Friday.The Seongnam branch of the Suwon District Prosecutors Office indicted the 78-year-old O without detention Thursday over an allegation that he inappropriately touched the body of a woman in mid-2017, the officials said.The case dates back to December last year, when the alleged victim filed a complaint against O with police.Police then closed the case without filing any charge against the actor in April but the prosecution later reopened the investigation at the request of the victim.The actor reportedly denied the charges during the prosecution's investigation.O won best TV supporting actor at the 2022 Golden Globe Awards for his role in "Squid Game." (Yonhap)Nov 25, 2022
INTERVIEW Park Ji-hoon, Choi Hyun-wook share how 'Weak Hero Class 1' became turning point Actors Park Ji-hoon, right, and Choi Hyun-wook, center, play lead characters in Wavve's new original series, “Weak Hero Class 1.” Courtesy of WavveTwo actors play high schoolers who form unlikely friendship By Lee Gyu-leeActors Park Ji-hoon and Choi Hyun-wook, the lead characters of Wavve's new original series, “Weak Hero Class 1,” have said that taking part in this recent series has been a life-changing experience. Actor Park Ji-hoon / Courtesy of WavveBased on the webcomic of the same name, the teen action series revolves around a smart, model high schooler, Si-eun (Park), who devotes his time to studying rather than socializing with his classmates.One day, a laidback, athletic classmate, Ahn Su-ho (Choi), who is also an outsider himself, comes into Si-eun's lonely life. Along with a transfer student, Oh Beom-seok (Hong Kyung), the three form an unlikely friendship and together, cover each other's backs against bullies and violence during the trials and tribulations of school life.The eight-part series is created by Han Jun-hee, who is known for leading the Nov 24, 2022By Lee Gyu-lee
