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  • Disney+ ‘Fate War 49’ Apologizes for Segment Involving Fallen Police Officer, Firefighter
    Disney+ ‘Fate War 49’ Apologizes for Segment Involving Fallen Police Officer, Firefighter The producers of Disney+’s “Fate War 49” apologized Tuesday after the show drew backlash for a mission that asked contestants to guess the causes of death of a fallen police officer and firefighter. In a statement, the “Fate War 49” team said that while a shaman contestant was performing a reading without knowing the deceased, “inappropriate language and descriptions” were used. The producers said they “sincerely apologize” to those who died in the line of duty, their bereaved families, colleagues and others who were distressed by the segment. They added that staff are listening to the families, apologizing for failing to consider their feelings in advance, and working to resolve the issue. The producers also said they will take greater care across production and strengthen internal review and production processes going forward. “Fate War 49” is a survival variety show in which 49 fortune-tellers carry out missions to test their fate. In Episode 2, released Feb. 11, a mission asked contestants to guess the cause of death of the late Senior Police Officer Lee Jae-hyeon, who died in 2004 while apprehending a suspect in a violent crime case. During the segment, one shaman said, “People commonly call getting stabbed a ‘kalbbang,’ don’t they? I can see being stabbed, too.” The National Police Officers’ Workplace Council, described as an alternative organization to the police union, protested in a statement, saying it was “deeply angry and devastated” by what it called the cast and producers’ “senseless behavior” in belittling a public servant’s sacrifice with a crude slang term and turning it into entertainment. In the same episode, some contestants also discussed possible causes — including fire, collapse and being crushed — in connection with the death of the late Fire Sergeant Kim Cheol-hong, who died in 2001 at a fire scene in Hongje-dong, Seodaemun District, Seoul. The family and a firefighters’ union also raised objections.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-24 14:54:15
  • Panic Duo Lee Juck and Kim Jin-pyo to Hold First Solo Concert in 20 Years
    Panic Duo Lee Juck and Kim Jin-pyo to Hold First Solo Concert in 20 Years Singer Lee Juck and rapper Kim Jin-pyo, the duo known as Panic, will stage a solo concert for the first time in 20 years. According to Music Farm Entertainment on the 24th, Panic will perform “2026 Panic Concert - Panic Is Coming (PANIC IS COMING)” from April 16-19 at the LG Signature Hall of LG Arts Center Seoul in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Panic debuted in 1995 and released four albums, producing songs including “Snail,” “Left-Handed,” “UFO” and “The Sea in My Old Drawer.” The group built a lasting reputation in Korean pop music with experimental yet widely popular tracks. Ticket sales begin at 4 p.m. on the 25th through the LG Arts Center Seoul website and NOL Ticket. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-24 13:48:17
  • The Kings Warden takes box office by storm with 6 million viewers
    'The King's Warden' takes box office by storm with 6 million viewers SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - Director Jang Hang-jun's "The King's Warden" has attracted over 600 million viewers since its release earlier this month. The period film surpassed 6 million in cumulative ticket sales as of Monday, three weeks after its release on Feb. 4, the film's distributor Showbox said on Tuesday. It reached the milestone faster than the 2005 hit period film "The King and the Clown," which took 29 days, raising expectations that "The King's Warden" could become this year's first film to draw over 10 million moviegoers. The 117-minute film starring Park Ji-hoon, Yoo Hae-jin and Yoo Ji-tae, tells the story of Danjong, the sixth king of the Joseon Dynasty, who was exiled to Yeongwol, Gangwon Province. 2026-02-24 10:21:47
  • Jung Hae-in to Hold March Fan Meeting in Seoul; Fan Club Presales Open Today
    Jung Hae-in to Hold March Fan Meeting in Seoul; Fan Club Presales Open Today Actor Jung Hae-in will meet fans at a March fan event in Seoul, his agency said. FNC Entertainment said on its official social media channels on Feb. 23 that it released an additional poster for the 2026 Jung Hae-in fan meeting, titled ‘Jung Hae-in Chwihyangin Gathering.’ The poster shows Jung smiling beside a teddy bear wearing a hat that reads “HAPPY BIRTHDAY,” marking the fan meeting ahead of his April 1 birthday. The 2026 fan meeting will be held March 28-29 at Ewha Womans University’s Grand Auditorium in Seoul. It will be his first in-person meeting with domestic fans in about a year. Fan club presales open at 8 p.m. today (24) through Melon Ticket. General sales begin at 8 p.m. on the 27th.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-24 08:49:21
  • Seoul Police Step Up Ticket Fraud Crackdown, Crowd Plans for BTS Gwanghwamun Show
    Seoul Police Step Up Ticket Fraud Crackdown, Crowd Plans for BTS Gwanghwamun Show Police are tightening measures to prevent ticket scams and manage crowds ahead of BTS’ concert set for March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. With as many as 260,000 people — including foreign tourists — expected to gather, authorities said they will focus on safety. Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Park Jeong-bo said at a regular news briefing on Feb. 23 that police are “continuously monitoring” crimes that could arise around ticket sales. He said police have asked platforms to delete or block 34 posts so far, including listings for proxy purchases and resales. Police said offers online for ticket proxy buying or high-priced resales are likely to be scams. Park warned of possible secondary harm, saying scammers may steal and misuse personal information under the guise of proxy purchasing, and urged consumers to be cautious. Police also plan to prepare for illegal bookings using macros and scalping, as well as potential crimes on the day of the event, including sex crimes and theft. For crowd control, police will use a “stadium-style” approach. The event area will be divided into four zones by risk level — core, hot, warm and cold — and density will be managed through 29 entry routes. Crowd-control lines will also be installed by zone based on expected movement. Traffic restrictions are also being finalized. The agency has asked Seoul Metro to consider having trains pass through three nearby stations — Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung and City Hall — without stopping. On the day of the concert, phased traffic controls will be imposed on major roads including Sejong-daero, Saemunan-ro, Jongno, Sajik-ro and Yulgok-ro. Park said a midterm safety review meeting on Feb. 20 rechecked overall preparations. “We will concentrate available personnel with public safety as the top priority,” he said. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-24 08:03:09
  • Jang Hang-jun’s ‘The Man Who Lives With the King’ Tops 6 Million Moviegoers in 20 Days
    Jang Hang-jun’s ‘The Man Who Lives With the King’ Tops 6 Million Moviegoers in 20 Days '왕과 사는 남자' has drawn more than 6 million moviegoers. Showbox said on the 24th that the film passed 6 million in cumulative admissions on its 20th day in theaters, on the 23rd. It reached the mark faster than '왕의 남자' (29 days) and '사도' (26 days), and matched the pace of the hit '광해, 왕이 된 남자.' Set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo, the historical drama follows a village chief who chooses exile to revive his community and a young deposed king sent into exile. The film is directed by Jang Hang-jun and stars Yoo Hae-jin, Park Ji-hoon, Yoo Ji-tae and Jeon Mi-do. '왕과 사는 남자' is now playing in theaters.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-24 07:57:15
  • IVE’s Leeseo Says All Members Are Adults This Year as Group Returns With ‘REVIVE+’
    IVE’s Leeseo Says All Members Are Adults This Year as Group Returns With ‘REVIVE+’ IVE’s youngest member, Leeseo, shared her thoughts on turning 20. On the afternoon of the 23rd, IVE held a comeback showcase for its second full-length album, “REVIVE+,” at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul’s Gwangjin District. “The biggest change is that, starting this year, all IVE members are adults,” Leeseo said, adding that fans can expect a wider range of sides from the group. Leeseo, born Feb. 21, 2007, said returning with a second full-length album after becoming an adult makes “each day feel like a dream.” “But honestly, I don’t think much has changed,” she said. “I want to stay happy as the youngest in IVE forever. Since this is my first comeback as an adult, I really want to do well.” Member Rei said she noticed a shift during the group’s second world tour last year. “It was the same songs, but compared with debut, Leeseo’s vibe, expressions and gestures naturally changed,” Rei said. “As an older member, it felt amazing to see.” IVE’s second full-length album, “REVIVE+,” is set for release at 6 p.m. on the 23rd. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-23 17:33:16
  • BTS to Open Ticketing for Free Gwanghwamun Square Comeback Live at 8 p.m.
    BTS to Open Ticketing for Free Gwanghwamun Square Comeback Live at 8 p.m. 그룹 방탄소년단(BTS)이 오는 3월 21일 서울 광화문 광장에서 여는 무료 공연 ‘BTS 컴백 라이브: 아리랑(BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG)’의 예매가 23일 시작된다. 소속사 빅히트뮤직은 예매가 23일 오후 8시부터 온라인 예매처 ‘놀(NOL) 티켓’에서 진행된다고 밝혔다. 약 1시간 동안 열리는 이번 공연은 방탄소년단이 3년 9개월 만에 선보이는 새 앨범 무대다. 예매 대상은 메인 무대 오른쪽 스탠딩석과 이순신 장군 동상 앞까지 배치된 지정석이다. 돌출 무대 주변의 핵심 스탠딩석은 정규 5집 ‘아리랑’ 예약 구매자 중 이벤트 응모로 선정된 2000명에게 우선 배정된다. 티켓은 1인 1매로 제한되며, 예매 수수료는 관객이 부담한다. 주최 측은 일부 지정석은 무대 연출과 안전 구조물로 시야가 제한될 수 있지만, 현장 대형 스크린으로 관람할 수 있다고 밝혔다. 이번 공연은 온라인동영상서비스(OTT) 넷플릭스를 통해 전 세계에 생중계될 예정이다. 주최 측은 “매크로 등 자동 프로그램을 이용한 부정 예매는 관련 법령에 따라 엄격히 처벌될 수 있다”며 주의를 당부했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-23 17:03:44
  • IVE Expands Its Story With Second Full Album REVIVE+
    IVE Expands Its Story With Second Full Album 'REVIVE+' IVE said it is moving beyond the self-assured, “me”-centered narrative it has built so far and expanding its focus to “us.” A comeback showcase for the group’s second full-length album, “REVIVE+,” was held Monday afternoon at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul’s Gwangjin district. Rather than a declaration of change, the album is framed as a rekindling — widening IVE’s perspective from “me” to “us.” Leader An Yu-jin introduced the album by saying, “'REVIVE+' carries the meaning of rekindling — lighting the fire again,” adding, “It’s not just about starting over; it reflects our strong ambition to spread the flames that burn under the name IVE even further.” Liz said, “This album includes a lot of new attempts. We took on a range of challenges in both performance and music, so I hope the public will see us with fresh eyes.” The title track “BLACKHOLE” is a shuffle-based song with a cinematic mood inspired by the film “Interstellar.” With expansive sound and film-like textures, it aims for immersion and a strong hook, using the image of a black hole — where disappearance and birth coexist — to symbolically express IVE’s view of the present and a point of change. The album includes 12 tracks. Along with the double title tracks “BLACKHOLE” and “Bang Bang,” it features “Hide-and-Seek (Hush),” “Malware (Stuck In Your Head),” “Fireworks” and “HOT COFFEE.” It also includes solo songs from all members: Jang Won-young’s “8,” Gaeul’s “Odd,” Leeseo’s “Super ICY,” Liz’s “Unreal,” Rei’s “In Your Heart” and An’s “Force.” Gaeul said the decision to include many solo tracks came as the group prepared for concerts. “We thought a lot about how to show new and diverse sides of IVE,” she said. “We believed the impact — and fans’ anticipation — would be big if we showed solo songs that capture each member’s charm. I’m happy so many people seem to be listening and loving them.” Jang added that the group’s concept has broadened. “If our previous albums focused on the subjectivity of ‘me,’ this time, as IVE has grown, we expanded into a worldview of ‘us,’” she said. “It’s a story of ‘us’ that includes not only the members but also listeners. I hope people feel positive energy from it.” Gaeul also pointed to “rekindling” as a key word. “We really wanted to show how we’ve changed and grown,” she said. “We chose the word ‘rekindling’ because we wanted to connect not only with ourselves but also with the public and listeners — and to offer comfort through that shared feeling.” Asked about future goals, Liz said she is prioritizing how the group is seen as artists over numerical achievements. “There’s a phrase I want to hear more than a record I want to beat: ‘an artist that makes you curious about what’s next,’” she said. “We’ve shown a princess-like image each time, but we tried something new this time. If people love these challenges, I think we can try even more in the future.” On measurable goals, Jang said it was too early to speak in detail before full promotions for “BLACKHOLE,” but added, “I want to fully feel the support and love that DIVE sends us. Since this album was made with fans in mind rather than numbers, we’ll promote it with a positive mindset.” IVE’s second full-length album “REVIVE+” will be released at 6 p.m. Monday on major online music platforms.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-23 15:48:06
  • IVE Returns With Second Full-Length Album Revive+; Promotes Title Track Black Hole
    IVE Returns With Second Full-Length Album 'Revive+'; Promotes Title Track 'Black Hole' IVE is making a comeback with its second full-length album, 'Revive Plus.' A comeback showcase for the album 'REVIVE+ (Revive Plus)' was held Monday afternoon at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul’s Gwangjin district. The title track, 'Black Hole,' is a shuffle-based song with a cinematic feel, featuring a wide sense of space and film-like sound textures meant to heighten immersion and deliver a strong hook. Using the image of a black hole—where disappearance and birth coexist—the group said it expresses how IVE views the present and change. Member Gaeul said it felt special to return with a full-length album after three years, adding, “We worked hard to show an evolved IVE that doesn’t stop at change.” She added, “We seem to be getting a lot of love starting with the pre-release track 'Bang Bang,' which makes me happy. Riding that momentum, we’ll promote 'Black Hole' as well.” Member Rei said, “I’m proud that we captured what we’ve built under the name IVE in a full-length album in a cooler, more IVE-like way. We’ll show our diverse charms, like our identity, so please give this album lots of love, too.” IVE’s second full-length album, 'Revive Plus,' is set for release at 6 p.m. Monday. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-23 14:42:16