Ha Seok Jin sets up management co.

Actor Ha Seok Jin (36) is setting up his own management company. On May 31st, Maroo Entertainment company rep has mentioned after full discussion with the actor, he has decided to end his contract from the agency. 

        

Ever since Ha Seok Jin debuted in this entertainment industry, he has been together with Manager Lee Yong Gyu for nearly 10 years. Now the actor decided to form a new actor management company with Manager Kim Chang Jin. 

In 2005, Ha Seok Jin debuted in MBC drama Sad Love Story.
He starred in many dramas such as Princess Lulu in 2005, Hello!Miss (2007), The Great Merchant (2010), Can't Lose (2011), Childless Comfort (2012), Thrice Married Woman (2013), The Legendary Witches (2014), D-Day (2015), Drinking Solo (2016), Radiant Office (2017).

He also appeared in various music videos by SG Wannabe and SeeYa in mid-2000.
He has also proven himself to be a rather brainy talented actor since appearing in Problematic Men variety show since he is a graduate in Mechanical Engineering. 

Sweet summer drama- What's wrong with Secretary Kim?

Office romance drama filled with chemistry among the leads... tvN has announced their latest drama What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? at the Amusement Hall in Times Square at Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of 30th May 2018. Among the leads that were present are actor Park Seo Joon (30) and actress Park Min Young (32).

Vice President Lee Yong Jun (played by Park Seo Joon) has everything- education, wealth and looks. He is paired up with Secretary Kim Mi So (played by Park Min Young) who has been the perfect assistant at work. 

Photo courtesy from NEWSIS website.

     
PD Park Jun Hwa has said their drama is a work that reveals a lot of melodies involving family affairs of vice-presidents  with secretaries. It will paint the picture of love, comical scenes with family story in detail based on the original work. It will be rather interesting to see how the relationship progress between the vice president and PA with characters suffering pain as well.

Park Seo Joon is challenging himself in many rom-com dramas lately. His recent work was in Fight for My Way which has gained popularity for the first half of last year. His criteria for choosing project is story line, characters rather than genre. He felt the character Lee Young Jun, is an original homework. 

As for actress Park Min Young is surprising audience by appearing in a rom-com drama for the first time. She has not really prepared anything but been studying to be able to immerse herself in her character as usual. She is also working on her diet regime. She is happy to act alongside Park Seo Joon for this drama.

Shall we expect more laughter and comical scenes from this? Sure we are... 

Skilled acting plays as business cards for Jung Hae In.

Actor Jung Hae In (30) is pretty happy these days. He dreamt being an actor and it has come true. He has received favourable feed backs from the public regarding his recent romantic drama- Something In the Rain.

Photo courtesy from NEWSIS.

                                  
He has earned the nickname as the 'Nation's Boyfriend' from the drama. So how does it feel for the actor himself? 

'I didn't realise the word syndrome at all. It was amazing to see that our drama was well received by the viewers and everyone liked it. We thanked everyone for their support and love."

Jung started his debut drama in 2014's TV Chosun's drama Bride of a Century as Lee Hong Ki's younger brother. He has been acting for past 4 years. His recent character Seo Jun Hee, a working professional who falls for his best friend's elder sister, Yoon Jin Ah played by Sohn Ye Jin has somehow gained so much attention from the viewers.

Just a few months ago, he played as Ha Myeon- a righteous man happens to be Ji Eun Tak (Kim Go Eun) 's first love in the hit drama Goblin: A Lonely Guardian. Then he played the dashing police officer in While You were Sleeping who has a crush on Hong Joo (Bae Suzy).
He has definitely earned the title of nation's boyfriend.

Ever since then, Jung has been leading a happy life with his dramas and works. However he didn't feel much different from the past.
He was pretty satisfied ever since he debuted in the entertainment world and he will continue to do so. 

And for those who remembered when he also starred in the tVN's 2014 drama Three Musketeers as one of a skilled swordsman aiding the Crown Prince. He played a rather serious yet charming role Ahn Min Seo (Aramis) where even the servants and girls were intrigued with his looks. 

BTS renewing K-pop history in Billboards.

Global Hallyu group BTS has rewritten K-pop history. They are the first Korean singers in the Billboard 200 in the USA. Billboard has reported on the 27th May (Sunday) on its homepage that BTS has won the first place in Billboard 200 with their 3rd album "Love Yourself; Tear."

The album Love Yourself; Tear was released on 18th May 2018 has already sold 135,000 copies in the US by the 24th May. Of these sales- 100,000 copies were offline album sales. Billboards wrote 'traditional album sales'.

           

Billboard 200 often ranks popular albums in the United States based on track volume albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). As a result, BTS has renewed their 7th place, which is the highest score of any South Korean singers that have established on this chart with the previous album 'Love Yourself; Her.'

According to Billboard, the album  was released in Billboard 200 in various languages ​​other than English has been in the charts for 12 years. In 2006, the UK poppera group 'Il Divo' won first place on the charts with the album 'An-Cora', which featured songs in Spanish, Italian, French and some English tracks.

Love Yourself; Tear album sales has exceeded 30,000 more than the US and other industries. Originally Billboard had expected 100,000 copies. However, the expectation that this album suddenly emerged on the top spot.

Member Suga (25) said in a press release yesterday, "We heard that you were expecting the first place, but I did not feel it. I can not help but seeing the result. I looked again. Of course we would like to be No.1, but we do not want to be too close to the top."

Onscreen INFINITE L and Go A-Ra.

Miss Hammurabi drama has kicked off well with leads INFINITE L (Kim Myung Soo), Go A-Ra, Sung Dong Il, Lee Elijah and Lee Tae Sung. 

The drama revolves a group of judges working for the government, their daily lives, encountering with citizens and some very difficult cases to decide.

                                
Kim Myung Soo plays as a very elite and intelligent right hand judge Im Ba Reun who not only sticks to rules, excels in his studies but also has all the looks- except he comes from a poor family. Go A-Ra is a happy go lucky rookie judge Parkcha Oh Reum who joins the Division 44 in the panel. The presiding judge Han Se Sang played by Sung Dong Il is just wacky and cool as ever. The first 2 episodes cracked everyone up with Oh Reum's realistic behaviour in the government building. She cannot stand when men are bias towards women and bullying them.

Ba Reun and Oh Reum studied together in the same high school. Somehow Ba Reun has a crush on Oh Reum but somehow they went on separate ways. They two finally were reunited in the world of rules and laws. Somehow their opinions clashed. Ba Reun is working hard to make ends meet while Oh Reum's mother is somehow gone a bit senile living in an old home. As a mentor to Oh Reum, Ba Reun is always on the look out for her. 

                       

Lee Elijah plays the feisty secretary Lee Do Yeon to Division 44 panel judges who hardly speaks nonsense except excel in her daily work. The judges might look too young in their characters but they have pulled it out well. L (Myung Soo) has improved a lot in his acting when he does his cynical looks, his inwards thoughts appear- they do appeal to viewers.
Go A-Ra the usual bubbly person as she is....however she has showed too many emotions as a judge when presiding cases which makes it difficult to read her mind.

Nam Goong Min and Hwang Jung Eum reunited in new drama.

Actor Nam Goong Min (40) and actress Hwang Jung Eum  (33) are reunited once again in a new SBS drama entitled Handsome Guy and Jung Eum. 

Picture courtesy from NEWSIS website.

They last collaborated in the 2011 MBC drama Can You Hear My Heart  and it has been almost seven years. It was a good thing they met up again and press conference went well too.
Actress Hwang was in overseas when she received the script. She was quite excited that Nam Goong Min is part of the cast.

Handsome Guy and Jung Eum is romantic comedy drama where the man refuses to start in any relationship while the woman is eager to tie the knot! Hwang Jung Eum plays a the solo female lead Yoo Jung Eum. Nam is the relationship expert Kang Hoon Nam. His name is literally translated as Handsome Guy.

Oh Yoon Ah plays Coach Yang of the national diving team while Choi Tae Joon plays a clinic doctor Choi Jun Su. 

Three Min-Seok in Dangerous Beyond the Blankets S2.

In the most recent episode of Dangerous Beyond the Blankets Season 2, first homebody to arrive at the rest vacation house is the national speed skater Kim Min Seok. He has recently won a medal at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics 2018. 

Before that rapper Loco was in the house who was rather stunned to see a national athlete in the house. Skater Min Seok was thrilled to know people do recognize him. He admitted he hasn't watch TV for ages...the last drama he watched was Boys Over Flowers (?!What?!)
He has been training all the years to compete in the games. Loco then proudly tells him what are his daily schedules he's been following! What the.. ?

Then came EXO's Xiumin (whose real name is also Kim Min Seok) arriving at the house. Loco is happier than anyone to greet an EXO member.  Xiumin then chose to share the attic room with Loco. As he got downstairs to scout the cleanliness of the kitchen and bathroom, Loco quietly scattered to clean up as Xiumin is known to be a clean and neat freak. Last homebody to arrive that day is actor Kim Min Seok...(for those who will know he was in the drama Descendants of the Sun as the baby soldier)...he's adorable and cute. Loco was familiar with him as he greeted him happily. Actor Min Seok is rather astounded to know there are actually three Min-Seok in the house! He once hosted Music Bank before so he recognised Xiumin and shook his hands...it has been almost a year since they last met at the music broadcast. 

Skater Min Seok is fast asleep in the room while he wrote a bucket list on the notice board. Everyone laughed because it states the athlete wants to build sand castles at the beach! While the three started talking and joked away, they soon tucked themselves to bed. The next morning, skater Min Seok woke up surprised to see a new room mate- actor Min Seok. Hah!
They exchanged greetings in their messy hair...while Xiumin and Loco are already awake at the kitchen area. Loco tries to cook and at the end of the day actor Min Seok stepped in to take the frying pan. Everyone enjoyed the stir fried noodles prepared by Loco and they clapped their hands stating it's unique to cook for three Min-Seok in the house! 



Xiumin finds it amazing that he and Min Seok share the same Chinese characters in their names. Wow! Three Min-Seok and Loco drove to the nearby beach to build sandcastles!
At first it was disastrous as the sandcastle shapes were all out. Soon they mastered the skills and Min Seok wonder why they are doing weird activities because they want to fulfil skater Min Seok's bucket list. Soon Loco left them where the three hoped there won't be another Min Seok celebrity joining them. Decided that Actor Min Seok is the oldest, followed by middle Xiumin and youngest skater Min Seok. That night three men were grilling meat for dinner. Their fourth homebody is WINNER's Song Min Ho arriving with so much baggage! Skater Min Seok thought he was some refugee lugging so many clothes. He shares the attic room with Xiumin.
He was surprised to know there are three Kim Min-Seok in the house and he's Min Ho. Actor Min Seok said it's Big Min Seok, Middle Min Seok (Xiumin), 

What's in K-pop week 21/05/18

BTS's latest released single 'Fake Love' went straight up to number one on six music charts.
Their third album Love Yourself; Tear has swept all the domestic music charts. The title song 'Fake Love' of 'Love You Self' Tear, which was unveiled at 6 pm on May 18th; took the top spot on the real time charts of six major music sources such as Melon, Mnet, and Bugs. Fake Love 'is a song of the Emo Hip hop genre, which brings out the strange darkness of the Grunge Rock guitar sound and the groovy trap beat. One could feel the sadness where emotions of parting with the lyrics and sound of BTS. BTS will unveil their new stage at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on June 20th (local time).

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Super Junior has been awarded the Best Music Prize in Philippines.
The group has won the Music Video of the Year award for 'International Artist Division' at 'MYX Music Awards 2018' held at Cuba's O Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines. The group has released the title song "Black Suit" of theirr 8th album released on November 6 last year.
Super Junior is the only Korean singer to have won the prize of this year's 17 categories.

      
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2PM's Nickhun new film in Thailand was placed first at the box office in his home country.
According to JYP Agency, the Thai movie starring Nickhun titled Brother of the Year was unveiled topped the Hollywood blockbuster 'Avengers: Infinite War' at the box office in Thailand until the13th.

Brother of the Year as achieved an overwhelming performance by earning more than 66 million baht (about 2.24 billion won) for four days after its release on May 10th. Especially, it was the best record of the opening of Thai movie which was released this year- after the release of the movies- Avengers and Black Panther.

Brother of the Year is a romantic comedy genre produced by GDH559, a film company founded by Thailand's largest entertainment group GMM Grammy. Nichkhun plays the role Mochi that captivated the girl.

tvN's The Moment of Love 'About Time' to air on 21st May.

tvN's fantasy romance drama is coming to viewers. 

tvN will present a new drama on stopping the time. 'About Time' press conference was held at Amris Hall in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul on the afternoon of 17th May where it will become a fantastic drama not only for main leads but also for supporting casts as well. 

                     

PD Kim Hyung Shik explains that this drama deals with materials that combine elements of pure melody with fantasy elements. It can be called pure melody but nowadays it is hard to drag 16 episodes drama with just pure melody. It is not too fantastic but it is a realistic love story.

He further explained, "The story of the remaining life, death and the characters who greeted the death of the story before the death of the parties, friends watching the family and friends, learning how to accept it. This is a happy moment and we do not think we want to stop. I wanted to talk about time, so I made this title."

Lead actor is Lee Sang Yun (36) playing as the role Lee Do Ha has considered a lot for this work because it has a mixture of two genres. He described it as bright and cheerful romantic comedy at the start. It felt as if it was a cartoon but at the same time- it's attractive to hear that it would turn into a melody because of the time limit setting of the life clock. 

Lee Sung Kyung plays the lead actress Choi Michaela who lives the life of a dead person, Michaela is stubbornly smiling with her bright style of her own way of life. 

The nine year gap between the two leads is quite an interesting point. Sang Yun pointed out both leads are at 180 cm height so it will overcome the age gap. Michaela is one person who can see the lifespan of a person via clock. Something strange happens when Do Ha appears and he suddenly stops her seeing ability. 

Han Seung Yeon (29) will be playing as Michaela's best friend Jeon Sung Hee while SF9's Kim Ro woon plays as Michaela's brother. Rowoon is excited about acting yet anxious. He has met many seniors in this drama and his senior in music industry Seung Yeon 

PD Lee Chang Dong's Burning in Cannes Film Festival.

"Young people are in a state of helplessness with anger in their minds. I think it's something which is not fair, but the problem is that they do not know the cause of their anger."

PD Lee Chang-dong (64) said at a press conference held at the Palais de Festivals, the headquarters of the Cannes Film Festival in France onThursday 17th May.

Together with actor Yoo Ah In (32), rookie actress Jeon Jong Seo (24) and Hollywood Korean actor Steven Yuen were present. 

     

The director said, "In the past, the objects and reasons for anger were very precise and clear. It is young people feeling that the world is getting better now and that it is in the age of no future."

'Burning' is a new film released by the director in eight years after the film 'Poem'. Burning is a story about part time worker Jong Soo (played by Yoo Ah In) met his childhood friend Hye Mi (played by Jeon) as they grew up in the same neighbourhood. Jong Soo is then introduced to a mysterious man named Ben (played by Steven Yuen). Japanese writer Murakami Haruki (69) was the original writer for the 1983 short story "Burning A Barn". "The NHK proposal was the first start of" Burning".

"At first I gave the chance to direct a young director and I tried to take production, but on various occasions it did not happen. I thought I could expand the mysteries of the original film into other mysteries in movies."

Yoo Ah In has absolute faith in PD Lee for the work. Steven felt it was an honour to work together with PD Lee. Jeon Jong Seo is grateful to receive the role for Hye Mi after audition because this is her first ever big film. 

'Burning' is the only Korean film to be invited to the Cannes Film Festival competition this year. Since its debut on the 16th at the Cannes Lumiere Grand Theater in World Premiere, it has received favourable reviews from all over the world.

The US New York Times (NYT) mentioned 'Burning' as one of the 10 films to watch at Cannes Film Festival in 2018', and American movie variety was sold in eight countries before 'Burning' .

Master in the House butlers learn humble teachings.

Four butlers were instructed to meet at a ground nearby at Gyeongju. First to arrive was Seung Gi who was dressed quite oddly. He looked as if he was sponsored to wear those branded sparkly jacket. Second to arrive is Se Hyung who literally wondered if Seung Gi was trying to show off his branded clothes. Third arrived is big brother Sang Yun who dressed normally and he questioned why Seung Gi's clothes is funny. They scoffed off when Sung Jae arrived laughing at Seung Gi's wardrobe saying he looks like a Power Ranger! Everyone cracked up wondering the designer of the jacket must be very disappointed to hear that comment.

PD tells them their new Master is from Gyeongju. He has 100 million views on YouTube and very influential in some way. As far as they know; some celebrity to have so many views online would be singer PSY but he's definitely not from Gyeongju! Sung Jae gets the chart of the master's daily life. 4 hours of sleep sends a shocking look across their faces! The rest is attending events... oh dear! Is he/she some famous trot singers attending gigs across the country? They received a call from actress Han Ji Min that instantly made all of them smiled happily. Seung Gi and Se Hyung went a bit overboard by asking personal questions...etc.
Sang Yun and Sung Jae being more matured started apologising to Han Ji Min for the other two weird behaviour. She mentioned the master is someone who can give them answers to life and even knows what's best for them. The master is someone Ji Min is very grateful to and he even refused her gift she has prepared. Seung Gi continued asking if she still likes the Master to which she said yes. Quickly Sang Yun thanked her for her time and ended the call. 

PD sees Seung Gi and Se Hyung were very distracted as they started talking about Han Ji Min where Sang Yun and Sung Jae were cracking their brains to figure out the identity of the Master. A truck was instructed to drive the butlers to meet their Master as some farm located in some highland area. They tried pressing answers from the female driver but she didn't budget at all. They saw many people squatting at the ground growing crops, dressed in hats and very grey monk wardrobe. Seung Gi shook his head pointing out that he is not dressed today for farming! Ha ha! His Power Ranger jacket is somehow way too off for farming! Immediately they spotted someone familiar crouching away in glasses. Their new Master is none other than Venerable Pomnyun. 

                  

Pomnyun is a Korean Buddhist monk who is known for his ecological, human rights, world peace. He is trying his best to eradicate famine, disease and illiteracy. He is one who supports aids to North Korean citizens who are suffering. His events and talks are always very meaningful even to celebrities such as Han Ji Min, Shin Min Ah and Jo In Sung. His presentation uploaded in YouTube have often viewed million over times by the public. He quickly tells them the butlers are needed to plant the seedlings in the bed if they want to eat. Ah... the funny look on their faces...if they don't work, no food is given. That's just simple...
Sang Yun and Sung Jae planted the seedlings fast without talking so much. However the two show off brothers struggled with Pomnyun helping them. After planting, the butlers were treated with vegetable bibimbap (no meat) where they enjoyed eating happily too.

Next they changed into comfortable clothes while Pomnyun served them some tea. Seung Gi, Se Hyung and Sung Jae cringed after drinking the tea as it was so bitter- turns out to be Sumac tea. He teaches them nothing comes easy in life. Bitterness is always there in everyone's life.
Sang Yun didn't feel any bitterness after second sip. Se Hyung asked if there was some water some where as Sung Jae was seen scrubbing his tongue as the after taste of bitterness still lingers for a long time. Now time for teachings... was there a time they felt angry or anger bursting out from their feelings? Se Hyung came up with a situation where he bought clothes dryer for his younger brother Se Chan. However the drier leaks because Se Chan doesn't operate it properly and leads to his anger. 

Pomnyun asks if he thinks that's Se Chan's fault? Se Hyung explains further because of his brother, he bought the dryer to make life more comfortable. But he is angry because Se Chan is not operating it properly. Sung Jae reckons it's the dryer's fault that water is seeping out!  
Another incident is where he playfully provokes a child at the elevator but the child shows his anger at him. After that, Se Hyung felt so upset about the child for he is trying to be playful. Seung Gi finds Se Hyung is the one being annoying no wonder the child is pissed off too. Pomnyun advises it'd be best to apologize to the kid regardless if he remembers or not. It's just to get rid of that something lingering inside us otherwise it will stress us out. On Seung Gi, he asked advice on he's trying to show off to people that he has gone to special forces army. He tells everyone what he has done...blah..etc that probably tires everyone out.

Pomnyun advises it is not a big deal that Seung Gi has undergone special army forces as everyone did too. Every Korean men have to enlist for 2 years so whether it's special forces or not, it's a main responsibility. That fact is true! Se Hyung agreed and pointed out that Seung Gi should only speak on his experiences when asked (not whenever he wants to gain attention!) 
Sung Jae laughs that Se Hyung's notes on Pomnyun's teachings are written neatly so he deserves another cup of Sumac tea! Hahhaaha!

Another lesson where the four were seated in a room, cross folded legs- to remain silent for a period of time was pure torture for those who loved to yak. Sung Jae nearly burst into laughter while Sang Yun remained his posture.

PSY terminates exclusive contract with YG Ent.

Singer PSY (41, real name Park Jae Sang) has announced he is leaving YG Entertainment.
He has decided to end his exclusive contract with YG after a deep conversation and they do respect his decision.  

An exclusive contract was signed in between PSY and YG in 2010. It has already been 8 years and even after rising to the rank of world star with his hit single 'Gangnam style' in 2012, the singer has continued through the contract renewal.

YG rep said, "The 'Gangnam Style' has shared the excitement that has gained popularity around the world. YG and PSY's strong relationship will last forever regardless of the contract." 

Park Yoo Chun breaks off marriage.

Group JYJ member, Park Yoo Chun (32) and Miss Hwang (30) have broken up.

According to Park's agency CJES Entertainment, the two have recently ended their relationship and the other part prefers to remain in privacy. They ask for everyone's understanding.

n April last year, Park Yoo Chun announced his marriage to Hwang, a granddaughter of honorary president Hwang Doo Myung, founder of Namyang dairy business.

When the ceremony was scheduled for September last year, it fell apart and remains clueless.


Park Yoo Chun, who made his debut as a member of TVXQ in 2003, has enjoyed massive stardom with hit singles such as 'Hug', 'Rising Sun' and 'Mirotic'. After a big controversial issue with his ex-agency SM Entertainment, he left TVXQ in 2010 and worked in a trio group 'JYJ' with other fellow members Kim Jae Joong (32) and Kim Jun Su (31). 

He starred in various hit dramas such as 'Sungkyunkwan Scandal' (2010), 'Rooftop Prince' (2012), 'Three Days' (2014) and films- 'The Day' (2012) and 'Sea Fog' (2014).

However, in June 2016, four women pressed charges of sexual assault on the singer/actor and created a whole big scandal.


Since then, all four lawsuits have been suspended. Fan meetings are scheduled for next month.

SM Ent. to enter Vietnam market.

SM Entertainment will enter the Vietnam market to promote K-pop music.
On 10th May a signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vietnam's largest retail and lifestyle company IPP Group to advance into the Vietnamese market and joint venture.

    

We will produce a variety of video programs, advertisements and lifestyle projects, starting with the production of V-pop contents through SM's singers' entry into Vietnam and local singers.

The IPP Group, which has signed an MOU with SM, invested and developed over a total of about $ 500 million (about 534.2 billion won) for about 32 years.

At the signing ceremony of this MOU, SM founder Lee Soo Man, General Manager Kim Young-min, General Manager Han Se-min, Group NCT Tae Yong, Mark, Johnny and IPP Group Chairman Jonathan Haing Nguyen were present. 


Kim said, "Business cooperation with the IPP Group will be a great help to advance into Vietnam, one of the most important countries in the Southeast Asian market. We plan to find more local singers and grow them into global stars via SM capabilities."

BTS comeback stage- Billboard Music Awards live broadcast.

It is now possible to watch the new album 'Love Your Self- Tear' comeback stage through the 'Billboard Music Awards' of the Global Group 'BTS' in Korea.

       

Mnet will broadcast the '2018 Billboard Music Awards' (BBMAs) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, USA, at 9:00 am on May 21st. 

BTS has become a K-pop representative group after receiving the "Top Social Artist" category at BBMA last year. BTS were in the same category candidates for this year. Along with this, a new stage is also on display. 

On the other hand, the BBMAs this year also feature the British pop poetry Duo Lipa, which has recently performed in South Korea, as well as BTS, Camilla Kaberoyo who caused Latin pop frenzy around the world. Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, John Legend and other pop star performances. 'Pop icon' Janet Jackson also shows live performance in live broadcasting for 9 years.


Kendrick Rama and Bruno Mars contest again in the Top Artist category with the 'Grammy Awards' for 'Record of the Year'.

INFINITE's Sungkyu enlists | Goodbye Live Album

Group INFINITE's leader Sung Kyu (29) was enlisted in the afternoon of the 14th May 2018 at Gangwon Goseong Army 22nd Army recruits education entrance. After five weeks of basic military training, he will serve as active duty officer for about 20 months.

     

Sungkyu became the first member to join the group of six, INFINITE. He is the eldest member of the group. He has quietly entered the day without any other events. He broke up after a big salute to the fans who were found at the scene.

Sung Kyu has released his debut single solo concert 'Shine' live album 'Kim Sung Kyu Shine Live' on the afternoon music site on the day before enlistment. In this album, Kim Sung Kyu 's "Stay with Me"  was sung at the concert. The single has two live and ending finale versions. Special music videos were also released. 'Stay with me' was featured in Kim Sung Kyu's solo regular 1st album '10 Story' last February. He held his first solo concert at the Hall of Peace in Kyung Hee University on May 5-7 this month.

INFINITE has received a reputation for playing music reminiscent of the UK boy band 'Take That', which was a bit like the 1990's. They have become a popular group with hit songs such as 'Paradise' and 'Be Mine' after their debut in 2010. INFINITE used to be 7-member group but last year,  fellow dancer/member Hoya (27) withdrew and did his own activities.
Since then the rest of the members continued on as 6 member group.


Sung Kyu has released his first solo album in 2012 and has been performing solo activities. He also became a musical actor through musicals such as 'Gwanghwamun Sonata', 'In The Heights' and 'All Shook Up'.

We wish Sung Kyu all the best and will see him in 2 years time.

Lee Jun Ki teams up with PD Kim Jin Min after 11 years.

A lawyer who is fiercely focusing on the law, fighting against absolute power and growing up as a real lawyer, is on his way on the 12th May 2018. 

Photo courtesy from NEWSIS Website

      tvN is introducing its new weekend drama "Lawless Lawyer" whereby PD Kim Jin Min (46) and actor Lee Jun Ki (36) met after 11 years at Amoris Hall on 5th floor of Yeongdeungpo Times Square.

Director Kim said, "It is a drama about revenge, but it is also a drama that solves the story of people's relationship. The new drama is unravelling the core of the heart.". Lee Jun Ki has worked together with PD Kim since the MBC 2007 drama Time of Dog and Wolf. 
When Lee received the phone call from his manager stating PD Kim Jin Min is in charge of the drama, I am confident he will create more synergy to it. 

Actress Seo Ye Ji (27) who is the main lead  mentioned her role is rather different and she is therefore looking forward to it. Fellow veteran actor Choi Min Soo (56) is also part of the casts.
Another veteran actress Lee Hye Young (55) is playing the villain- Cha Mun Suk in the drama who is selfish. It's another challenge as she previously played an ill-person in the drama Mother with Lee Bo Young. 

Lawless Lawyer is a lawyer who uses his fists instead of exercising the law to grow up to be a true lawyer fighting against all. 


The drama is scheduled to air at 9:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday from 12th May.

Kim Guk Jin, Kang Soo Ji marriage without ceremony.

Kim Guk Jin (53) and the singer Kang Soo Ji (51) will be tying the knot on the 23rd May 2018. Kim's agency's Line Entertainment rep said "Kim Guk Jin and Kang Soo Ji have planned to hold their wedding without any grand ceremony but just meals with family members."

In February 2015, the two formed a relationship with a virtual couple in the SBS TV Entertainment program 'Burning Youth'. It was announced in the following year that they were dating.

Kim Guk Jin made his debut in 1991 as the first gangster in KBS, appeared on KBS 2TV 'Happy Sunday - Men's Qualification' and tvN 's Home Meals with Teacher Baek. Currently, he is actively participating in 'Burning Youth' and MBC's Radio Star programs.

"Right Now" for the butlers Master in the House.

The second part of serving their new master Cha In Pyo continues whereby he advises them on the new concept he's been doing- Right Now. What does that mean? Cha believes one needs to do something immediately if he/she hasn't done before. If one sits and do nothing, nothing will ever happen or come to you. One must take action first before he/she regrets in future. Like him, people always wander why an actor need to go through the difficulty of producing and directing films for Ongals. It might be a flop or a success but one will never know until he/she challenges the risk. 

Dinner arrived for the butlers and the master- it's Chinese dishes. Everyone dug in happily as they were hungry too. Cha asked them if there is one thing they would like to do as in Right Now- what would they have done? Nobody could answer it well. Sang Yun raised his hand saying to have all the men go to sauna (jimjilbang) together. In that way most men will get close and know more about each other. When the question popped up stating, there will be beach would be great and suddenly Cha mentioned his wife's current place in US has those beautiful beaches with sunrise and sunset...etc. Four butlers continued to look blank. Seung Gi blurted out his grandmother stays in Sokcho near the beach. It has been almost 4 years since he last seen her and promised to visit her after military services but never got the chance as he's too occupied with work. Without hesitation, Cha announced they can visit Seung Gi's grandma in Sokcho and still attend the hospital charity performance in Seoul! Seung Gi's eyes twitched and everyone just looked shocked. Even the producers and staff were gobsmacked upon hearing Cha's immediate suggestion. He suggested they leave at 4.00 am to travel to Sokcho and see the sunrise. Then by 7.00 am, they can visit Seung Gi's grandma, have breakfast and then come back to Seoul for the 11.00 am performance at the hospital ward for the rehab patients.

It was spur on the moment decision which left everyone in dazed. Seung Gi admitted he has never done such thing before but excited to see his grandma. His grandma cannot travel due to car sickness so it's time for them to visit her. They quickly prepared for bed, Seung Gi rang his grandma. She sounded so happy upon hearing her grandson's voice. Everyone spoke to her and she will cook spicy fish soup and crabs for everyone to eat. Awww...the thought of seafood and wonderful meal makes everyone hungry. By 1.00 am, everyone is fast asleep. Cha got confused with time, he woke up 1 hour earlier, headed off to buy coffee and bagels for breakfast. Everyone was groggy and woke up hastily to eat bagels and coffee. Se Hyung still looked dazed and sleepy. Sung Jae reminded them the master is heading off in a hurry so the staffs scattered to prepare the car and everything. By 4.00 a.m, the butlers and Cha hit the road to travel to Sokcho. Cha rang his wife, Shin Ae Ra and everyone spoke to her on the phone. Seung Gi noted his master is still impatient and quickly ended the call without them saying goodbye. They reached Sokcho beach by 6.30 am and enjoyed seeing the sunrise. Selfies and photos are a must at the beach for them. They loved every moment of it even though they are tired. Next thing, they arrived at grandma's house- which turned out to be big house with doors, garden and quiet place. Grandma was pleased to see everyone as she even knows Cha.

           
   

As they continued deeper in the conversation, Cha asked Grandma if her grandson ever sung for her. She said that was ages ago. Se Hyung suggested to practise their performance later at the hospital in front of Grandma first (except without the props). Seung Gi looked nervous and embarrassed for the first time. Grandma smiled happily upon seeing them enjoying her home cooked meals- steamed snow crabs, plenty side dishes, spicy fish soup...etc. It must have taken her a while to prepare the big feast since dawn! Butlers loved the crabs and Cha envied that Seung Gi still has a grandma who is healthy, can sin and joke yet can cook so well. Cha thanked for his wonderful meal and left hurriedly to prepare for the event in Seoul. Soon it was time for butlers to leave. They bid farewell to Grandma as she smiled happily waving from behind. Butlers arrived at the hospital where staffs and patients greeted them. Wearing their props, Se Hyung announced there will be Ongals performance. The 4 butlers along with Cha dressed in sparkly performance jackets started singing Park Hyun Bin's trot song 'Shabang, Shabang'. Cha and Sang Yun have their straight faced as back-dancers while Seung Gi and Sung Jae belted out well. Ongals continued their non-verbal performance entertaining all from young to old. A male patient requested for them to come back next week for visit. It seems Cha and his wife Shin Ae Ra have been carrying out many philanthropy works.  They have adopted children, organised charity events and giving back to the unfortunate. 

It is a starting point for the Ongals at their home soil but might be a new breakthrough. 
The butlers have also learned a new motivation concept- RIGHT NOW. It's now or never.

Master In the House butlers cracked up with Ongals.

The four butlers in Master In the House celebrated Lee Sang Yun's 100th day in variety show.

They clapped happily while Se Hyung requested Sang Yun to act his cutesy (aegyo) to an extent Sang Yun blew up saying that's all he can do. The four head hike a van to a building whereby they will be meeting their new master (Sabu). Their Master's daily routine is quite hectic. He has meetings, schedules lined up for working, exercising, Right Now (??)

Hints were given to them where the Master was a big celebrity in the 90's. Sang Yun immediately knew who the Master's identity while the rest continued to crack their brains hard.

         

Four white A4 papers were laid on the table requesting the butlers to write their resume. Immediately Seung Gi figured out there must be job requirement for them. As the four continued to doodle on the paper, Se Hyung saw Seung Gi's language skills include Japanese!

Se Hyung tested him out while the rest don't have any clue what Seung Gi has spoken. Not long they saw a shadow of a figure dressed in black shirt walking down the spiral stairs and heading to the office. The four got up and were overwhelmed that their master is actor Cha In Pyo. 

Cha In Pyo was a mega-star in the late 90's when he starred in various hit dramas. He was the icon and idol for all women out there. The roles he have played so far are quite rough, filled with anger and emotions. Remember the brushing teeth in front of mirror angry scene? Everyone laughed when Cha has a striking attitude resemblance as Seung Gi- being rather frivolous and proud of themselves. So Cha went through their resumes closely to choose an Assistant Director. He explained he's currently directing a documentary film on Ongals. Why did he choose to direct instead of acting? Cha looks up to his role model actor/director Clint Eastwood who is doing his work with passion at age 80+. 

Ongals is stand up babbling comedy by South Korean comedians dressed in clown babies suits. The 4 members were so poor but struggled well internationally with their shows. Cha met them when he was in overseas and decided to help them in by directing a docu. film about Ongals. Finally he decided Seung Gi to be his assistant. Feeling proud, they were told to change their clothes and headed to work. Immediately they were introduced to the chief designer of clothes Nicole from USA. Their faces cringe up because of communication problem. Cha assigned Sung Jae and Sang Yun to help out in the wardrobe. Nicole pointed out the worst job was Se Hyung as he hurriedly sew a pattern on the clothes! Sung Jae was then chosen to assist Nicole to the end.

                    

It was quite a culture shock for them as Cha requires 50 push ups every hour when the alarm rings on the phone! They laughed and continued doing the push ups since it's part of the Master's routine. Finally they met the Ongals members and started dressing them up. Seung Gi stayed behind urging Sang Yun and Se Hyung in buying lunch boxes on a tight budget. As usual Sang Yun's expertise in Maths managed to buy some meals with meat for the staffs. They gobbled the food and moved to the next location- rooftop to rehearse the comedy.

The butlers were impressed with the Ongals' performances despite the clothes they were wearing and Seung Gi along with Sang Yun made everyone laugh with their body gags and slapstick comedy. Cha sat there smiling away proud of his butlers who worked hard for the day.

Now resting time, Cha suddenly started brushing his teeth at his office room made everyone giggled. He didn't get it as they remembered the angry tooth brushing scene from the drama!

Sung Jae probably hasn't seen any of Cha's earlier dramas since he was a late boomer but he reenacted those angry emotional scenes from the drama 'Dae-mul'. All cracked up upon seeing Se Hyung doing the shampoo washing CF done by Cha. Sang Yun was creative in terms of drawing the manga character on his eyelids which impressed Cha. Winner of the day was Sang Yun again! He has been winning most of the master's given missions.

Seung Gi asked what is RIGHT NOW in Cha's schedule. He brief them on the story of his bed-ridden younger brother who passed on after 6 months. It was a sad journey whereby he didn't manage to express his love for his brother. So Cha is determined to carry out any projects or say whatever he wants without wasting anymore time. Then he brought up the topic where he has a loyal fan from Taiwan for ages. The lady is a faithful follower until today but recently she started posting other celebrity photos on SNS. Cha discovers that the fan is interested in someone else. So he decided to coolly hand over his faithful fan to this 'other celebrity' while he wanted to remain as friends. The four butlers glanced at each other wondering who is the 'unlucky' one who snatched away the fan's love for Cha In Pyo. LOL!

Se Hyung guessed it must be Seung Gi who has taken over the fan's support and love from Cha. Cha decided to do a video call with the lady fan by the name of Ann Woo. His big plan was having the four butlers hiding under the table while he talks to Ann. The English conversation went well at start and suddenly Cha dropped his pen- an indicator where he will bring out the celebrity who has become Ann's favourite. It turns out to be true- Ann is now Seung Gi's new fan! Seung Gi felt quite awkward while Cha did his hand-over fan ceremony in front of Ann. Ann denies her love and support for Cha and asked if he is coming over to Taiwan again.

Immediately Cha shot down by saying 'I'm not Lee Seung Gi'...aww...he's being sulky. Ha ha!

Secret Forest and 1987 wins Dae-Sang at Baeksang Awards

The well made drama Secret Forest and uprising movie 1987: When the Day Comes were the biggest stars in the recent 54th Baeksang Awards. 

The drama and movie won the Dae-Sang (Grand Prize) awards. It was held on 3rd May 2018 at COEX Convention & Exhibition Center in Seoul whereby hosted by emcees Shin Dong Yub, Bae Suzy and Park Bo Gum. 

Courtesy from NEWSIS website

Secret Forest and 1987: When the Day Comes were the unique drama and movie which took home the grand prize specifically for each division. PD Lee Chan Ho of Secret Forest drama specially thanked actress Bae Doo Na for discovering this work and actor Cho Seung Woo who helped the casts.

The film producer Lee Woo Jung thanked the audience and public for their love and support towards 1987 movie including the current president Moon Jae In. He further added thanks to the enthusiasm that fought for the democracy of this land.

Here are the list of winners 2018:

Dae-Sang Movie: 1987: When the Day comes
Best Movie- The Fortress
Best Director: PD Kim Yong Hwa (Along with the Gods)
Best Movie Actor: Kim Yun Suk (1987)
Best Movie Actress: Na Moon Hee (I Can Speak)
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Best Drama: Mother (tVN)
Dae-Sang Drama: Secret Forest (tVN)
Best Ent. Program: Hyori's Bed and Breakfast
Best Drama Actor: Cho Seung Woo (Secret Forest)
Best Drama Actress: Kim Nam Joo (Misty)
Popular Actor Award: Jung Hae In (Prison Playbook)
Popular Actress Award: Bae Suzy (While You were Sleeping)

Congratulations on all the winners.

Jo Jung Suk and Im YoonA in a summer movie Exit.

Actor Jo Jung Suk (37) and Girls' Generation Im YoonA (28) are confirmed the main casts for the upcoming summer movie 'Exit'. 

Photo courtesy from NEWSIS website.

        According to CJ Entertainment on the 2nd May 2018, distributor CJ Entertainment said that the disaster action packed movie "Exit" is a movie about a young man- Yong Nam (Played by Jo Jung Suk)  in an emergency situation who requires to escape.

Yong Nam is a white collared worker who is unemployed for years. One day there was a party held for Yong Nam's mother's 70th birthday. He stumbles across his junior in college Eui Joo (played by Im YoonA) at the event. Both struggled to escape the place when a poisonous gas gets into the entire city. 


Director Lee Sang Geun, a graduate from Korea National University of Arts is in charge of this film. It will be shot this summer and will be released next summer.

Lee Jun Hyuk surprises Lee Yu Bi in A Poem A Day.

The ship has finally sailed for "Ye-Line"! YES! 
I should be very happy for this couple. They went through laughter, sadness and misunderstandings to get to a point she finally agreed to date him. 

A Poem A Day drama brings us more poetry whereby there was one that captured my attention which is "You are such a Fool 넌 바보다" by Shin Hyeong Gun. The poet talks about the girl who is rather silly and admired everything which is so simple as beautiful. But it does show the other side where the guy can be foolish in rejecting a relationship. 

       

Woo Bo Young gets agitated when Ye Jae Wook harshly tells a teen national soccer player who was injured in an accident to quit the treatments if he doesn't want it. She doesn't understand why Jae Wook was cold towards the patient. The rest of the staff were rather surprised that Jae Wook can be very mean. Meanwhile Min Ho continues to follow Bo Young to shops selling poetry books which is out of his interest. Cameo appearance by Ha Suk Jin who injured his back and was admitted to the hospital. He falls in love at the first sight with Yoon Ju. Kim Dae Bang is annoyed that Yoon Ju agrees to have dinner with Suk Jin even he's a patient. In fact Yoon Ju was doing so to stop Suk Jin from discharging himself from the ward.

Comical scenes with the indecisive Dae bang Dae Bang...and Mr. Decisive Ha Suk Jin who decides everything from A-B until his death! LOL! Yoon Ju finally couldn't stand the two arguing at the car park angrily hissed off that she will neither date Suk Jin nor have dinner with Dae Bang. Nam Woo and Joo Yong advises that timing is the most important for Min Ho to confess his feelings to Bo Young. He is waiting for the right time since she has just been rejected by Dr. Ye. Min Ho rubs more salt on the wound when he announces that he goes to party at the beach with Bo Young. 

Bo Young finds the soccer player coming again for treatments only to realise that it was Jae Wook who motivated him. Jae Wook used to be national player for the baseball team but changed his career path mid-way after he injured himself. His dreams were dashed when told he can't play baseball anymore but he didn't give up after a physiotherapist advised him. Bo Young teared up apologising to Jae Wook for being rude towards him without knowing the real story. He felt bad and couldn't console her further. Min Ho saw from far in the cafe thinking Bo Young is still crying over the past rejection. Jae Wook pondered again while driving knowing he cannot give up. He quickly turned back to ask for second chance from Bo Young. She was so shocked to hear that Jae Wook is agreeing to date her! She laughed happily and nodded.

Indeed love can turn someone different. Jae Wook tells Bo Young to keep their relationship a secret from the staffs at work. Min Ho still doesn't know that Bo Young is seeing Jae Wook. Nam Woo gives him false news thinking Bo Young pines for his attention. Aww... Jae Wook's 360 degrees personality change does surprise everyone at work. His cold demeanour is only towards Dr. Park who bullies Bo Young around. Jae Wook is seen smiling more often, drawing hearts on a notepad and stealing glances at his girl. Dr. Park and Chief Yang wonder who is his mysterious girlfriend...etc. 

Of course we should expect heartaches from Min Ho when he discovers that Bo Young and Jae Wook's ship has finally sailed off before he makes any move. 
And best cameo appearance from A-PINK's Chorong as Nam Woo's girlfriend. Awww...
Everyone has their girl except for Min Ho,Joo Young and Dae Bang... ha-ha-ha!