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  • Film Review: Lee Dong-hwi’s ‘Method Acting’ Finds Pathos Beneath the Laughs
    Film Review: Lee Dong-hwi’s ‘Method Acting’ Finds Pathos Beneath the Laughs “It feels romantic — this lighting, the temperature, the humidity …” a guest once said on a variety show. The point was that place, weather and even how you feel can combine to create a mood. Movies are no different. Your mood that day, and your own experiences, can become part of how you judge what you see. “Choi’s Review” introduces films through the writer’s perspective and lived experience, in a more relaxed, everyday tone. There is a clear gap between the craft of making people laugh and the humiliation of becoming the joke. If a planned laugh is a professional win, being laughed at by accident can feel like a private defeat. The comedy film “Method Acting” follows a man determined to be seen as a serious actor, even as everyone around him keeps consuming “funny Lee Dong-hwi.” Lee Dong-hwi plays an actor who built a name on the mega-hit comedy “Algae-in.” Loved for comedy, he stops working because he no longer wants to be remembered only as “the funny actor,” and waits for a chance to break out. When he is finally cast in the traditional historical drama “Gyeonghwa Suwol,” he treats method acting — total psychological identification with a role in pursuit of extreme realism — as both an escape hatch and his last line of proof. The reality of serious drama, however, does not cooperate. From the first day of shooting, mistakes pile up. His older brother Dong-tae (Yoon Kyung-ho), filling in as a stand-in manager, creates new problems with unpredictable moves. Tensions also rise with Taemin (Kang Chan-hee), a younger top star whose status has overtaken his senior’s, turning their relationship into a contest for control as the set slides toward chaos. Director Lee Gi-hyeok, himself an actor, expands his short film of the same name into a feature, widening the lens to the private life behind the idea of “method acting.” The film’s strength lies beyond the slapstick of a man trying to shed a comic persona. It is in his decision to face his limits head-on, and in the isolation that pushes him toward a truth he can live with. The performance he reaches at the edge of collapse is, ironically, not fully captured by the camera. What follows is a quieter daily life — and only after accepting ordinary reality does he return, on and off set, to his own version of “method acting.” The family life shown beyond the unruly shoot provides the film’s firmest foundation. Against the noisy struggle in front of the camera, the film lingers on small, plain images — a mother’s back, a silent living room — to show loneliness without forcing it. Those moments make clear this is not a comedy aimed only at laughs. The characters’ growth invites viewers to recognize pieces of themselves and draws empathy and comfort from that recognition. Performances complete the film’s tone. Lee Dong-hwi uses his own name and image, turning himself into the target while pulling pathos from behind the jokes. Yoon moves between easy humor and heavy sincerity as the brother, steering the audience’s emotions. Kim Geum-soon, as the mother, anchors the film’s emotional center as a grounded parent who loves her son’s comedy more than anyone. Kang, as top star Jeong Taemin, stands out with a character who is irritating but not easy to hate, showing a broader acting range than before. Viewers may enter expecting familiar Lee Dong-hwi comedy, but what they leave with is the idea that everyone has a kind of “method acting” that holds up daily life. On the stage of life, the film suggests, people wear their masks and endure the roles they have been given. By playfully twisting the line between reality and fiction, “Method Acting” highlights the comedy and tragedy behind laughter and offers a quiet pat on the back to anyone who made it through the day. It opens in theaters March 18. Running time is 92 minutes. The rating is for ages 12 and up. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-18 00:05:03
  • BTS comeback project turns Seoul into citywide THE CITY ARIRANG festival
    BTS comeback project turns Seoul into citywide 'THE CITY ARIRANG' festival Ahead of BTS’ comeback, Seoul is set to be washed in what organizers call a “purple Arirang.” Beyond a standard album release, the plan is to turn the capital into a monthlong, citywide festival space tied to the group’s return. HYBE on March 16 released details on Weverse for its urban project “BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL.” The events will run from March 20, the release date of BTS’ new album “ARIRANG,” through April 19 across central Seoul. “THE CITY” is HYBE’s in-house format that layers exhibitions, pop-up stores, hotel packages and other tie-ins around concerts or album releases. BTS previously staged “THE CITY” in Las Vegas and Busan. Organizers said the Seoul edition expands the concept with comeback messaging, large-scale media displays and hands-on programs spread across the city. The biggest concentration of events is planned for March 20. At 7 p.m., media facade shows are set for landmarks including Sungnyemun and N Seoul Tower. At 8:30 p.m., a 15-minute drone light show is scheduled over Ttukseom Hangang Park. Gwanghwamun Square will also be filled with comeback content. From 7 p.m. March 20 to midnight March 21, related videos will run on large screens around the square. Music-and-light shows tied to the new album are planned at Dongdaemun Design Plaza and at Banpo Bridge’s Moonlight Rainbow Fountain. The DDP program is scheduled to continue through April 12. Beyond watching, fans will be able to take part in experience-based programs, including a “stamp rally” linking major sites such as Yeouido, DDP and Shinsegae Square. Participants collect stamps at each location while moving through the city. An event plaza at Yeouido Hangang Park will be turned into a “Love Song Lounge” for three days starting March 20, featuring busking and photo zones tied to the album campaign phrase, “WHAT IS YOUR LOVE SONG?” Beginning April 6, DDP Exhibition Hall 1 will be decorated as “ARMY Madang,” and media installations using light and video are planned for areas including Cheonggyecheon and Yongsan Station under the name “Love Quarter.” Organizers said the project is also designed to connect with commercial and tourism spaces. HYBE said it is partnering across sectors including mobility, finance and food and beverage, as well as the hotel industry. Major hotels in Seoul will offer BTS-themed packages aimed at demand from global fans. HYBE described “BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL” as a test and showcase of how BTS’ intellectual property can combine with a city’s tourism offerings. It said areas stretching from Gwanghwamun to Cheonggyecheon and the Han River are being repositioned as places to see, hear and experience the group’s music, not simply pass through. Detailed information is available on Weverse and the project’s official website. Some programs will operate by advance reservation. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-18 00:03:29
  • Netflix to Release BTS Comeback Documentary BTS: The Return on March 27
    Netflix to Release BTS Comeback Documentary 'BTS: The Return' on March 27 Netflix said it will release a feature-length documentary, “BTS: The Return,” chronicling the group’s comeback journey on March 27. Netflix on the 17th unveiled an official poster and trailer to launch promotion. The documentary follows BTS as the seven members reunite after a 3-year, 9-month hiatus and complete their fifth full-length album, “Arirang (ARIRANG).” The film looks back on the group’s rise since its 2013 debut and focuses on the members’ struggles and growth as they prepare their next chapter. It includes behind-the-scenes footage of the members reuniting in Los Angeles and continuing their music work while reflecting on what the team means to them. Netflix positioned the documentary as a key follow-up to “BTS Comeback Live: Arirang,” which will be streamed exclusively live on Netflix at 8 p.m. on March 21. Bao Nguyen, director of “The Greatest Night in Pop History,” directed the project. It was co-produced by global production company This Machine and HYBE. In the trailer, the members share candid reflections on the past, present and future, alongside the message, “We came back to where we naturally belong.” “BTS: The Return” is set for a worldwide simultaneous release on Netflix at 4 p.m. on March 27.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-17 08:43:44
  • BTS to Stage Drone Show, Citywide Events in Seoul for Arirang Album Release
    BTS to Stage Drone Show, Citywide Events in Seoul for 'Arirang' Album Release BTS will turn Seoul into a citywide celebration around the release of its new album, ‘Arirang,’ with media facade displays, a drone light show and hands-on fan programs planned across major sites. The group on Monday posted details on the global fan platform Weverse for ‘BTS THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL.’ The city project, branded ‘THE CITY SEOUL,’ will run from March 20 to April 19 across central Seoul, aiming to offer experiences available only during the limited period and at specific locations. On March 20, the album’s release day, large-scale events are scheduled back-to-back. Media facade shows will run from 7 p.m. at sites including Sungnyemun and N Seoul Tower. A drone light show is set for the sky over Ttukseom Hangang Park from 8:30 p.m. for about 15 minutes. The area around Gwanghwamun Square, where ‘BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE｜ARIRANG’ will be held, will also be filled with related programming. From 7 p.m. March 20 to midnight March 21, comeback content will be shown on large outdoor screens near the square. Music-themed light shows are also planned at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, or DDP, and at Banpo Bridge’s Moonlight Rainbow Fountain. The DDP program will run March 20 to April 12, and the Banpo Bridge fountain production will continue March 21-22. Interactive events include a ‘stamp rally’ mission at key hubs such as Yeouido, DDP and Shinsegae Square, where visitors collect stamps by checking in at locations around the city. From March 20-22, a ‘Love Song Lounge’ will operate at the event plaza of Yeouido Hangang Park, tied to the album’s global campaign phrase, “WHAT IS YOUR LOVE SONG?” Organizers said the space will feature music-based activities, busking and photo zones. From April 6-12, DDP Exhibition Hall 1 will be set up as ‘DDP ARMY Madang.’ From April 6-19, a ‘Love Quarter’ program will run around Cheonggyecheon and the Yongsan Station area, using light and video to project the album’s message onto settings such as stone walls, stairs and street trees. Organizers also plan tie-ins with mobility, lodging, finance and food-and-beverage partners to improve visitor convenience and extend the project into everyday settings. They said collaborations with new business areas will broaden the experience compared with earlier ‘THE CITY’ projects. Detailed schedules and program information are available on BTS’ Weverse channel and the official website. Some programs will require advance reservations. ‘BTS THE CITY ARIRANG’ is to roll out sequentially in major cities worldwide, starting in Seoul.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-16 14:57:15
  • BLACKPINK Tops 3.6 Billion Streams on Melon Across Group and Solo Tracks
    BLACKPINK Tops 3.6 Billion Streams on Melon Across Group and Solo Tracks BLACKPINK has logged about 3.6 billion streams on Melon, South Korea’s major music platform, combining group and solo releases. The tally highlights results built over the past decade through both team and individual activities, as the group recently returned as a full lineup after 3 years and 5 months. Kakao Entertainment’s music platform Melon said March 16, citing its Melon Data Lab big-data analysis, that BLACKPINK’s group songs have reached 2,567,050,000 streams, while members’ solo songs have totaled 1,031,690,000. Combined, that is 3,598,680,000 streams. Among group tracks, “As If It’s Your Last” led with 260,900,000 streams. “DDU-DU DDU-DU” and “Playing With Fire” each surpassed 200 million. Other songs with more than 100 million plays were “Lovesick Girls,” “How You Like That,” “Forever Young,” “Whistle,” “Kill This Love,” “Pink Venom,” “Shut Down” and “Boombayah.” Melon noted that the list includes non-title tracks such as “Forever Young.” “BLACKPINK is a leading K-pop act that continues to be loved not only for group releases but also for members’ solo songs,” Melon said, adding that the group has 10 songs that have exceeded 100 million streams on Melon through group activities alone. Album performance was also strong. For releases with at least two tracks, “SQUARE UP” recorded 500,300,000 streams, “THE ALBUM” 336,200,000, “SQUARE TWO” 303,700,000, “BORN PINK” 288,200,000, “SQUARE ONE” 259,200,000 and “Kill This Love” 253,200,000. Melon said every track on the full-length album “BORN PINK” entered Melon’s Top 100 chart. Chart results showed similar momentum. BLACKPINK placed 12 songs in Melon’s daily Top 10, and those songs spent a combined 916 days in the Top 10. “Lovesick Girls” stayed in the Top 10 the longest at 159 days. “JUMP,” released last year, logged 142 days, followed by “How You Like That” with 109 and “DDU-DU DDU-DU” with 108. Those four were the only songs to remain in the daily Top 10 for more than 100 days. Members’ solo streaming totals were led by Jennie with 437,060,000, followed by Rosé with 418,590,000, Jisoo with 119,330,000 and Lisa with 56,720,000, for a combined 1,031,690,000. Among solo tracks, Jennie’s “SOLO” was the most-streamed at 179,590,000. Rosé’s collaboration with Bruno Mars, “APT.,” recorded 133,150,000. Melon said “APT.”, released in October 2024, surpassed 100 million streams quickly despite being a relatively recent release. Solo chart presence was also notable. By days in Melon’s daily Top 10, Rosé’s “APT.” recorded 200 days and Jennie’s “like JENNIE” logged 122. By member, Rosé spent a total of 329 days in the daily Top 10, Jennie 322 and Jisoo 98, for a combined 1,071 days. Catalog listening extended beyond title tracks. Among group B-sides, “Forever Young” recorded 180,510,000 streams and “Pink Venom” 123,760,000, while “Don’t Know What To Do” had 69,360,000 and “Pretty Savage” 53,830,000. Among solo B-sides, Rosé’s “Gone” led with 43,690,000 streams. Lisa’s solo track “MONEY” drew attention for a seasonal listening pattern. Melon said the song is known as a “New Year’s Day money-attracting song,” and that on Jan. 1 this year, streams rose 306% from the previous day while listeners increased 267%. “MONEY” has accumulated 22,440,000 streams, Melon said. BLACKPINK recently returned with its third mini album, “DEADLINE.” Melon said the full Data Lab feature on BLACKPINK is available through the Melon app’s magazine section and Melon’s official social media channels. 2026-03-16 14:00:20
  • Netflix’s ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ wins Oscars for animated feature and original song
    Netflix’s ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ wins Oscars for animated feature and original song Netflix’s animated film “K-Pop Demon Hunters” swept two awards at the 98th Academy Awards, winning animated feature and original song. At the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, the film was first announced as the winner of the animated feature prize. Director Maggie Kang, who beat out nominees including “Arco,” “Elio” and “Zootopia 2,” said, “I’m sorry it took so long to make a movie with a protagonist who looks like me,” adding, “The next generation won’t have to long for movies like this. This award is for Korea and Koreans around the world.” Co-director Chris Appelhans added, “Music and stories connect us across borders,” offering encouragement to artists. The film’s momentum continued when its soundtrack song “Golden” won the original song Oscar. The song’s creators — Lee Jae, Mark Sonnenblick, Kwak Jung-gyu and Lee Yu-han — became emotional onstage after beating nominees including “Dream of a Train” and “Sinners: Sinners.” Lee Jae, who also sang and wrote lyrics for the track, said, “When I was young, I was teased for liking K-pop, but now everyone is singing along to Korean lyrics,” adding, “This award isn’t about success. It’s about the strength to endure and recover.” The show’s highlight was the celebratory performance of “Golden.” For what the article described as the first K-pop performance in Oscar history, a pansori singer and percussionists opened with traditional Korean dance alongside 24 dancers. Lee Jae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, dressed in white, then took the stage. The article said Hollywood stars waved light sticks and joined in a Korean-language singalong. “K-Pop Demon Hunters” is an action fantasy about girls who are K-pop singers by day and heroes who fight evil spirits by night. Since its release last June, the film surpassed 300 million views on Netflix, and “Golden” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, the article said. Other major awards were also announced. Best picture went to Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” and Anderson also won best director. Michael B. Jordan won best actor for “Sinners: Sinners,” and Jessie Buckley won best actress for “Hamnet.” 2026-03-16 13:33:24
  • ‘Golden’ From ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Wins Oscar for Best Original Song, Lee Jae Says ‘Everyone Sings in Korean’
    ‘Golden’ From ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Wins Oscar for Best Original Song, Lee Jae Says ‘Everyone Sings in Korean’ Netflix’s animated film ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ won the Oscar for best original song for its soundtrack track ‘Golden,’ giving the film two Academy Awards on the night. The 98th Academy Awards were held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, at 7 p.m. local time on March 15. ‘Golden’ beat other nominees including ‘Dream of a Train,’ ‘Viva Verdi!’ and ‘Sinners: Xenus’ to take the prize. Lee Jae, Mark Sonnenblick, Kwak Jung-gyu and Lee Yu-han went onstage together to accept the trophy for ‘Golden.’ Holding the award and tearing up, Lee Jae said, “Growing up, people teased me if I said I liked K-pop, but now everyone is singing lyrics in Korean.” Lee added, “Like this song, this award isn’t just about success — it’s about the strength to endure and recover.” The film had earlier won the Oscar for best animated feature, adding best original song to cap a standout night. ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ is an action-fantasy animation about a K-pop idol group that uses music to defeat evil spirits and protect the world. Since its release last June, it has drawn more than 300 million views — a first for Netflix — and ‘Golden’ reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100, fueling a global craze. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-16 11:21:18
  • Netflix’s ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Wins Oscar for Best Animated Feature
    Netflix’s ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Wins Oscar for Best Animated Feature Netflix’s animated film ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ won an Oscar on Sunday night, taking the Academy Award for best animated feature at the 98th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. The film beat fellow nominees ‘Arco,’ ‘Elio,’ ‘Little Amelie’ and ‘Zootopia 2.’ Director Maggie Kang thanked fans and said, “I’m sorry it took so long to make a movie with a protagonist who looks like me.” She added, “The next generation won’t have to long for movies like this. This award is for Korea and Koreans around the world,” drawing applause. Co-director Chris Appelhans said music and storytelling can connect people across cultural borders, adding that he wanted artists and musicians to “sing in your own voice.” The Netflix action-fantasy centers on a K-pop idol group that fights evil spirits and protects the world through song. Released last June, it set a new Netflix record for most views, according to the report. The soundtrack song ‘Golden,’ performed in the film by the girl group Huntrix, topped Billboard’s main singles chart, the Hot 100. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-16 08:48:06
  • Oscar Winners to Be Decided as Sinners Faces One Battle After Another in Top Races
    Oscar Winners to Be Decided as 'Sinners' Faces 'One Battle After Another' in Top Races The 98th Academy Awards will be held at 7 p.m. local time Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. This year’s ceremony has drawn added attention as films with strong Korean elements landed nominations in major categories alongside traditional Hollywood contenders. One of the most closely watched titles is Netflix’s animated film “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” nominated for best animated feature and best original song. The film has already won major prizes at the Golden Globes and the Grammys, making it a leading Oscar contender. Its song nominee, “Golden,” was made with heavy participation from Korean producers and writers, including producer 24 (Seo Jeong-hun) and the songwriting team Idio. Korean-heritage artists Lee Jae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami are scheduled to perform a special stage on the day of the ceremony. Also in the spotlight is “Bugonia,” directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and backed in production by CJ ENM. The film reinterprets the Korean movie “Save the Green Planet!” with a Hollywood sensibility and is nominated in four categories, including best picture and best actress for Emma Stone. The best picture race is expected to pit two high-profile directors against each other. Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners: Sinners,” which leads the field with a record 16 nominations, gained momentum after winning the Screen Actors Guild Award for best ensemble. Challenging it is Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” which tackles refugee issues and racism. The film is seen as timely, with its themes intersecting with immigration policies under the second Trump administration, and is viewed as a strong draw for voters. The best actor category is also crowded. Leonardo DiCaprio is nominated for “One Battle After Another” for what the article described as a manic performance, while Timothee Chalamet is in contention for “Marty Supreme” and could win his first best actor Oscar. Michael B. Jordan (“Sinners: Sinners”) and Ethan Hawke (“Blue Moon”) are also in the mix, leaving the outcome uncertain. In best actress, Jessie Buckley (“Hamnet”) and Emma Stone (“Bugonia”) are in a close contest, setting up a race likely to remain tight through the end of the ceremony.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-16 08:12:36
  • Police, Seoul and Culture Ministry Roll Out Heavy Security for BTS Gwanghwamun Comeback Live
    Police, Seoul and Culture Ministry Roll Out Heavy Security for BTS Gwanghwamun Comeback Live Police, the Seoul city government and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism are preparing what they described as an unusually high-intensity joint safety operation for “BTS Comeback Live: Arirang (ARIRANG),” set for March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. Organizers expect 22,000 audience members and as many as 260,000 people to gather that day, prompting authorities to mobilize broad anti-terror measures, including deploying police special forces, and to tighten on-site controls. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said it will move to a special alert posture, citing tense international conditions and the possibility of attacks driven by unclear motives targeting the public. Police plan to deploy 4,800 officers on the day of the event, use as much available special forces manpower as possible, conduct detailed pre-event searches across the venue and run an analysis-and-response team to address bomb threats. Police said they will pursue detention-based investigations as a principle in cases of public intimidation such as false bomb threats that waste police resources, and will also seek civil liability for damages. Police buses and barricades will be installed around the site to prevent vehicle-ramming incidents, and door-frame metal detectors will be placed at 30 entry points to block dangerous items from being brought in. BTS’ agency, HYBE, said it is also focusing on safety and security. Citing the risk of crowding at Gwanghwamun Square, the company decided to hold rehearsals in a separate, undisclosed location rather than at the venue. The move is intended to prevent crowd crush incidents during rehearsals and to reduce the risk of leaks of performance details, including the new-song set list. HYBE plans to deploy about 4,000 of its own crowd-control staff on the day of the show, bringing the total security and safety workforce to about 9,000 when combined with police. Seoul officials are also preparing traffic measures. Depending on congestion, the city is considering having trains pass through Gwanghwamun, City Hall and Gyeongbokgung stations without stopping. It also plans to reroute some bus lines and temporarily suspend the public bike service, Ttareungi. The culture ministry said it views the concert as a major test of efforts to curb ticket scalping and will deploy eight joint undercover enforcement teams with police at the site. Authorities also plan to request investigations into accounts suspected of using macros to trade tickets, and to block unauthorized entry through measures including QR-code tickets that cannot be captured and tamper-resistant wristbands issued after identity checks. The government said it will maintain an emergency duty posture through the end of the event on March 21.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-16 06:03:20