Journalist

최송희
  • ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Team Returns to Seoul After Winning Two Oscars
    ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Team Returns to Seoul After Winning Two Oscars K-pop’s “K-hunters” returned home with Oscar trophies, as a small story rooted in a Korean diaspora identity and a sincere focus on Korean culture made history for K-content. On the afternoon of April 1, a press conference marking the Academy Awards win for Netflix’s animated film “K-Pop Demon Hunters” was held at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul’s Yongsan district. Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans attended with composer EJAE (Lee Jae) and the producing team IDO (Lee Yoo-han, Kwak Jung-gyu and Nam Hee-dong). Since its release last June, “K-Pop Demon Hunters” has swept major awards, winning the 83rd Golden Globe for animated film and original song and the 68th Grammy Award for OST. At the 98th Academy Awards, it won best animated feature and best original song. Kang said the project began with a desire to see Korean culture reflected in animation. “When I was young, the animations I watched were like ‘Mulan,’ seen through Chinese culture, or Japanese animation. I had never seen a work that contained Korean culture,” she said. “I wanted to give that kind of film to Korea. I needed it, but I felt all Koreans needed it. We love animation, but we felt we didn’t have our own project, so we wanted to make one.” She also spoke about misconceptions surrounding Koreans raised abroad. “I thought there were misunderstandings about people who are called ‘gyopo,’” Kang said. “There are many cases — people born in Korea and those who weren’t — but sometimes gyopo think, ‘I’m not fully Korean.’” She added, “EJAE and I have worked in entertainment and reached global markets. As people who live in both cultures, I thought we could serve as a real bridge. I wanted to represent people like us — that even if you weren’t born and raised in Korea, you are part of Korean culture, and a different upbringing doesn’t diminish being Korean.” EJAE said she grew up split between Korea and the United States and remembered being mocked in the U.S. for loving K-pop. “I really liked K-pop. I liked g.o.d and H.O.T., but in the U.S. I was teased,” she said. “I came to Korea, lived as a trainee and worked on K-pop music, but I never imagined it would spread worldwide.” She said the Oscars stage felt like a reversal of that experience. “I used to be teased as a kid, but when I sang K-pop on the Oscars stage and saw the directors, actors and staff cheering, the lyric ‘unbreakable forever’ (from ‘Golden’) hit me and I cried,” she said. “I felt so proud.” The team also shared behind-the-scenes details from the Oscars opening performance, which featured dancers dressed as grim reapers wearing traditional gat hats and performers in elegant hanbok. The sequence began with “Hunters Mantra,” led by two singers performing pansori in Korean, and transitioned into Huntrix’s “Golden.” EJAE said she knew the stage would include Korean traditional music and pansori before “Golden,” but did not see the full “Hunters Mantra” performance until after the event. “After everything ended, I watched it and cried a lot,” she said. “Ray Ami and Audrey — they grew up in the U.S. and didn’t know much about Korean culture. I thought, ‘Finally, we can do our country’s pansori on a stage this big,’ and I felt proud as a Korean. It was satisfying and moving.” She added that she was too nervous to look into the audience during the performance, but later saw video of Leonardo DiCaprio and Emma Stone enjoying the stage while holding light sticks. “I was really surprised. I didn’t expect that,” she said. “I thought, ‘This is the power of K.’” The team said they decided who would speak onstage by playing rock-paper-scissors. “We decide everything fairly with rock-paper-scissors. It’s completely Korean,” Kwak said. “Going to the Golden Globes and giving the Oscars acceptance speech were decided that way, so Lee Yoo-han went onstage.” Lee Yoo-han said he regretted not being able to say everything because of time limits. “I wanted to say to everyone’s families, to The Black Label producers, and to our members, ‘You worked hard, congratulations,’” he said. “It was a short speech, and I was disappointed I couldn’t say it onstage. But it was an honor, and I really enjoyed it.” Nam said there were no major points left unsaid. “We all discussed what to say, and there’s nothing we didn’t say,” he said. “I enjoyed everything from behind — watching the actors from the stage, and everything unexpected. It was all enjoyable and an honor.” A possible sequel was also discussed. “I still want to keep it secret,” Kang said. “I want to show it without a single spoiler. We have the big idea, but we don’t know the details yet. Like the first film, Chris and I will make the movie we want to see. It will be bigger than the first, with more events.” Appelhans said the relationship between the film and its fans shaped how the team thinks about a second installment. “Our relationship with the fans is special,” he said. “I think the fans found our film, discovered it and introduced it to the world. They feel like family who have been with us from the beginning.” “If we make a second film, we want to bring what we had in the first,” he said. “That doesn’t mean repetition. It means surprising fans, overturning expectations and expanding the limits. Under all of that, I think there has to be ‘Koreanness’ — whether it’s the story, the culture or the mythic elements. Based on that, we want to break new rules and present a new story.” Appelhans said he has come to understand Korean life through his family. “I’ve lived as part of my family, my wife’s family, for 20 years,” he said. “I came to know Korean life by understanding my wife’s life — not by studying or observing, but by becoming part of it. I’ve been surprised watching how Koreans express love and endure pain. I think I’ve lived more than half my life with Korean ways of expression, and that’s how I learned and came to know ‘Koreanness.’” On the scale of a sequel, Appelhans said Netflix has provided strong support and is enthusiastic about the next project, while stressing that story comes first. “As film directors, we feel responsible for how we use the budget we’re given,” he said. “When we write, build the world and design characters, we work with the mindset of delivering the coolest spectacle. If you think of the budget as a ‘box,’ a bigger box can mean something. But what matters most is the story inside it. That foundation has to come first for the spectacle to work.” “K-Pop Demon Hunters” is an action-fantasy animated film about K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira and Joy, who become hidden heroes protecting the world behind their glamorous stage lives. Released last June, it ranked No. 1 in all-time Netflix film viewing hours and recorded 325.1 million views over 91 days after its release. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-01 15:06:31
  • HYBE Adds Isaac Lee and Kevin Mayer to Board to Boost Global Strategy
    HYBE Adds Isaac Lee and Kevin Mayer to Board to Boost Global Strategy HYBE has appointed platform and media specialists to its board as it seeks to strengthen expertise for its global business. The company said it held its annual shareholders meeting on Tuesday and appointed Isaac Lee, chairman and CEO of HYBE America, as an inside director, and Kevin Mayer, a former senior vice president at The Walt Disney Co., as an outside nonexecutive director. Lee currently oversees HYBE’s business across the United States and Latin America. HYBE said the appointment is intended to unify decision-making between headquarters and overseas bases and to improve execution in North America and Latin America. Lee is also expected to help advance the company’s “multi-home, multi-genre” strategy to secure artists and content across genres through regional hubs. Mayer is regarded as a strategy specialist in the global media industry. HYBE said he led the launch of Disney+ while serving as senior vice president and chief strategy officer at Disney, and later built experience in platform and content investment through roles including TikTok CEO and as a co-founder of Candle Media. HYBE said it expects Mayer to provide professional advice on strengthening its global platform business, investments and strategic partnerships. “With key experts from the global platform and media industry joining the board, we expect our decision-making system to become more advanced,” a HYBE official said. “The addition of Isaac Lee and Kevin Mayer will support HYBE’s sustainable growth in global markets.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-01 11:09:53
  • Actor Lee Tae-ri to Marry Non-Celebrity Partner in May
    Actor Lee Tae-ri to Marry Non-Celebrity Partner in May Actor Lee Tae-ri will marry in May, his agency said Tuesday. Y One Entertainment said his fiancee is not a public figure and that the couple decided to spend their lives together based on “deep trust and affection.” The agency said the wedding will be held “quietly and meaningfully” with only family members and close acquaintances in attendance. It asked for understanding that details including the date, time and location will not be disclosed to protect the privacy of the fiancee and both families. “Please send warm congratulations and support to actor Lee Tae-ri as he stands at a new starting line in life,” the agency said, adding that he plans to continue acting with a range of projects and active work. Born in 1993, Lee debuted in the 1998 sitcom “Soonpoong Clinic.” His credits include “The Moon Embracing the Sun,” “The Beauty Inside,” “Extraordinary You,” “Tale of the Nine Tailed,” “The King of Tears, Lee Bang-won,” “Bloody Heart” and “Destined With You.” He recently took on a trot singing challenge through the tvN STORY variety program “Handsome Trot.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-01 10:00:20
  • BTS’ ‘SWIM’ Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 as ‘ARIRANG’ Tops Billboard 200
    BTS’ ‘SWIM’ Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 as ‘ARIRANG’ Tops Billboard 200 BTS swept Billboard’s charts again, led by its fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG,” and the title track “SWIM.” The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while “SWIM” rose to the top of the Hot 100 and other tracks from the album posted strong global results. According to Billboard’s latest rankings released March 31, “SWIM” hit No. 1 on the April 4-dated Hot 100. It became BTS’ seventh career Hot 100 No. 1, following “Dynamite,” “Savage Love,” “Life Goes On,” “Butter,” “Permission to Dance” and “My Universe.” Billboard said BTS now has the fifth-most No. 1 songs among groups since the Hot 100 began. In its first week in the United States, “SWIM” logged 15.3 million streams, reached 25.8 million radio listeners and sold 154,000 digital and physical singles. The song debuted at No. 2 on Streaming Songs and No. 18 on Radio Songs, and ranked No. 1 on Digital Song Sales. The album’s tracks also surged globally. Of the album’s 14 tracks, 13 vocal songs — excluding an interlude — entered Billboard’s global charts at the same time. On the Global Excl. U.S. chart, “SWIM” ranked No. 1, with “Body to Body,” “Hooligan,” “FYA,” “Normal,” “Aliens” and “2.0” also landing high. All 13 songs placed within the top 13. Billboard said it was the first time one artist occupied every spot from No. 1 through No. 13 on that chart. On the Global 200, Luminate data showed “SWIM” at No. 1 with 108.8 million streams worldwide and 221,000 in sales. Nine songs, including “Body to Body” and “Hooligan,” entered the Global 200 top 10 in the same week — the most weekly top-10 entries since Taylor Swift in May 2024. BTS recorded its eighth career No. 1 on both the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts. “ARIRANG” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 641,000 album units, the best weekly total for a group album since Billboard began tracking units in December 2014. It marked the second time BTS topped both the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 in the same week, after 2020’s “BE” and “Life Goes On.” BTS also led several other Billboard charts, including Artist 100, Digital Song Sales, World Digital Song Sales, Top Album Sales, Top Streaming Albums and Vinyl Albums. “ARIRANG” is BTS’ fifth full-length album, with HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk credited as executive producer. The album draws on multiple genres and focuses on broadly relatable emotions. The title track, “SWIM,” centers on pushing forward through life’s hardships. RM participated in writing lyrics across the album, reflecting what BTS wants to convey now.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-01 08:39:58
  • Jeonju International Film Festival Unveils Lineup, Names Opening and Closing Films
    Jeonju International Film Festival Unveils Lineup, Names Opening and Closing Films The Jeonju International Film Festival, a major showcase for independent and art-house cinema, has launched its 27th edition with a theme of pushing beyond traditional boundaries. Organizers named Kent Jones’ “My Private Artist” as the opening film, signaling what they described as a distinctly Jeonju-style program. A news conference announcing the lineup was held Monday afternoon at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul. Attendees included acting organizing committee chair Yoon Dong-wook; co-festival directors Min Sung-wook and Jung Joon-ho; programmers Moon Seok, Moon Sung-kyung and Kim Hyo-jung; and director Byun Young-joo, selected as this year’s “programmer of the year.” This year’s slogan is “We Always Cross the Line” (Beyond the Frame). Organizers said it reflects Jeonju’s efforts to expand its programs and venues beyond conventional film formats, while refocusing on human sensibility and the essentials of cinema amid rapidly advancing technology. “Jeonju International Film Festival has established itself as a valuable platform where creative filmmakers from around the world communicate with audiences, and as a leading film festival in Asia,” Yoon said. Jung, who secured another term as co-festival director, said, “The past three years went by so fast I don’t know where they went,” adding, “Now that I’ve been reappointed after addressing what was lacking, I will prepare for a better three years.” He added, “After spending three years in Jeonju, I realized there are many fun and thrilling works, like hidden local restaurants. I will take responsibility so the festival can shine even more.” Min said he would help create a richer festival through “Jeonju-like” films and programs. The opening film, Jones’ “My Private Artist,” was first unveiled at the Venice International Film Festival. It portrays an artist’s life in allegorical form, depicting a warm world that coexists with everyday pain, organizers said. The closing film is director Kim Hyun-ji’s documentary “Namtaeryeong,” which centers on an incident in Namtaeryeong in December 2024 and examines changes among women and farmers and the broader social impact. Special screenings will include “New York Underground — The Mavericks,” introduced by newly appointed programmer Kim Hyo-jung, focusing on New York underground artists of the 1960s and 1970s and tracing currents in experimental film. The festival will also present “Meeting Ahn Sung-ki, Slightly Anew,” honoring the late actor Ahn Sung-ki and revisiting lesser-seen aspects of his work in independent and art films. “Ahn Sung-ki is another name for Korean cinema,” programmer Moon Seok said. Byun, selected for “J Special: Programmer of the Year,” attended in person and said it was “a great joy and honor” to return as a programmer 27 years after attending the first Jeonju festival. “I will watch films diligently in Jeonju,” she said, introducing titles she curated. Organizers said the “Possible Cinema” program, which drew positive response last year, has been expanded into an official section. Audience-participation events, including alley screenings and urban camping-style screenings, will also be strengthened. The 27th Jeonju International Film Festival will run for 10 days from April 29 to May 8 at five theaters with 21 screens, including Moak Hall at the Sori Arts Center of Jeollabuk-do and venues around Jeonju’s Film Street.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-31 18:36:20
  • MONSTA X Wraps Kuala Lumpur Concert, Continues Asia Tour
    MONSTA X Wraps Kuala Lumpur Concert, Continues Asia Tour 그룹 몬스타엑스(MONSTA X)가 말레이시아 쿠알라룸푸르 공연을 성황리에 마치며 아시아 투어 열기를 이어갔다. 몬스타엑스는 지난 28일 말레이시아 쿠알라룸푸르 메가 스타 아레나(Mega Star Arena)에서 ‘2026 몬스타엑스 월드 투어 ‘더 엑스 : 넥서스(2026 MONSTA X WORLD TOUR ‘THE X : NEXUS’)’ 인 쿠알라룸푸르’를 개최했다. The group returned to meet local fans, known as Monbebe, for the first time in seven years and opened with “DRAMARAMA.” It followed with “Love Killa” and “Rush Hour,” then moved into “LONE RANGER” and “Catch Me Now.” Members greeted fans and said the long gap did not dull the connection in the arena. The set also highlighted the group’s range with “MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT,” “Deny” and “AND.” They performed tracks from the mini-album “THE X,” released in September last year, including “Do What I Want,” “N the Front” and “Tuscan Leather.” The show continued with “Beautiful” and “Nobody Else,” with camera-driven staging drawing loud cheers. Midway through, the concert shifted to solo stages: Shownu performed “Around & Go,” Kihyun sang “Howling,” Hyungwon delivered “NO AIR,” and Minhyuk played guitar on “Reaching.” Jooheon performed “STING” and “하늘에 머리가 닿을 때까지.” A solo stage from I.M’s Seoul concert was shown on VCR because he could not join due to military service, and the members and fans watched together. The closing run featured “Autobahn,” “Beautiful Liar,” “Alligator” and “Shoot Out.” The group moved closer to the audience and ended by singing “Fire & Ice” with fans. Through Starship Entertainment, MONSTA X said it was moved throughout the show by the “passion and sincerity” of Malaysian Monbebe after a long time apart. The group said it was glad to make meaningful memories on tour and hoped the concert would remain a good memory for fans, adding that it would prepare diligently to meet more Monbebe with an even better stage. 한편 몬스타엑스는 오는 4월 4일 타이베이 공연을 통해 아시아 투어를 이어간다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-31 15:09:44
  • Stray Kids’ ‘Chk Chk Boom’ music video tops 200 million YouTube views, 8th to hit mark
    Stray Kids’ ‘Chk Chk Boom’ music video tops 200 million YouTube views, 8th to hit mark Stray Kids has logged its eighth music video to surpass 200 million views on YouTube, with “Chk Chk Boom” reaching the milestone. According to its agency on the 31st, the music video for “Chk Chk Boom,” the title track from the mini-album “ATE” released July 19, 2024, exceeded 200 million views on YouTube that morning. The group now has eight videos above 200 million views: “God’s Menu,” “Back Door,” “Thunderous,” “MANIAC,” “S-Class,” “LALALALA,” “CASE 143” and “Chk Chk Boom.” “Chk Chk Boom” was written and composed by Bang Chan, Changbin and Han of the group’s in-house producing unit 3RACHA. The song centers on confidence in aiming clearly for a desired goal, built on a Latin-style hip-hop rhythm, a looping hook and a distinctive topline. The music video highlights polished visuals and powerful choreography, and features appearances by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. Stray Kids also released a new song for its fan community, STAY, titled “Stars, Light (STAY),” marking the group’s eighth debut anniversary on the 25th. Han and Seungmin took part in writing and composing the track, which compares hope for tomorrow—made possible by being together—to the universe and stars. The group opened its sixth official fan meeting, “Stray Kids 6TH FANMEETING ‘STAY in Our Little House,’” at Inspire Arena in Incheon on the 28th and 29th. The event will run for four shows through April 4 and 5.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-31 15:06:57
  • Netflix’s ‘Bloodhounds’ Season 2 Expands Fight to Global Illegal Boxing League
    Netflix’s ‘Bloodhounds’ Season 2 Expands Fight to Global Illegal Boxing League Netflix’s K-boxing action series “Bloodhounds” returns with heavier punches and a broader story line, as the Geon-woo and Woo-jin duo takes on a global illegal boxing league. A production presentation for “Bloodhounds” Season 2, directed by Kim Joo-hwan, was held Tuesday morning at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in central Seoul. Kim and cast members Woo Do-hwan, Lee Sang-yi and Jung Ji-hoon attended and discussed the new season. Season 2 follows Geon-woo (Woo) and Woo-jin (Lee) after they took down a brutal illegal loan-sharking ring. This time, they face a larger opponent: an international underground boxing league ruled by money and violence, expanding the world introduced in Season 1, which premiered in 2023 and found global success for its bare-knuckle action. Kim said he focused on intensifying what viewers liked in the first season. “I thought about how to show the boxing action and bromance that were loved in Season 1 in a stronger way,” he said. “I put the emphasis on making what people already know taste even better.” Woo and Lee, reuniting after three years, said they worked to show their characters’ growth. Woo said he changed his physique to reflect Geon-woo’s drive to become a world champion. “To show that Geon-woo lived for three years with the goal of becoming a world champion, I gained 5 kilograms more than Season 1, for a total of about 15 kilograms,” he said. “If Season 1 showed him as someone just starting out in society, this time I tried to show him as a bit more of an adult,” Woo added. Lee said Woo-jin becomes Geon-woo’s coach and stays with him through every moment, describing the character with the keyword “responsibility.” “You’ll see how his sense of responsibility deepens as he tries to protect his people,” he said. The two described their chemistry this season as “bromelo,” blending bromance and melodrama. Woo said they are “friends who have experienced losing someone precious,” adding that they are “a community of fate and a relationship like a support system.” Kim said, “When we filmed a scene where they cried together, I cried too. It’s the best bromance I’ve made.” A major addition in Season 2 is Jung, who plays Baek-jeong, the ruthless architect of the illegal boxing league. The role marks Jung’s first time playing a villain since his debut. “Playing a villain itself was a burden, but I had a thirst to try an evil role,” Jung said. “It felt good to be ‘trained’ by director Kim again after a long time. From an evil look to bulking up enough to box, I followed the director’s direction thoroughly.” “I only thought about how to make the two main characters miserable,” he said. “You’ll end up hating me.” The cast said the season’s draw is its rough-edged, straightforward action. Woo said that after Season 1 he wondered if there was more to show, “but there’s still a lot we can do with just our two fists.” Lee said that while AI is a trend, “for our project, we made it in an analog way, sweating for real.” Jung also pointed to the dynamic among five members of the villain group. “The ‘bromance within the organization,’ where the bad guys envy and compete with each other, will also be interesting,” he said. “Bloodhounds” Season 2 will be released April 3 on Netflix in more than 190 countries.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-31 13:18:22
  • Actor Jung Woo to Part Ways With BH Entertainment After Eight Years
    Actor Jung Woo to Part Ways With BH Entertainment After Eight Years Actor Jung Woo is ending his eight-year run with BH Entertainment. BH Entertainment said on 31일 that Jung Woo’s exclusive contract will expire. The agency said it will continue supporting him through the release of his first directing project, the film ‘Jjangu,’ until it reaches audiences. “We were happy to be with actor Jung Woo, and that time was a meaningful journey for both of us,” BH Entertainment said. “We will continue our full support until ‘Jjangu’ meets audiences.” The agency added, “We sincerely support Jung Woo so he can expand his activities in more diverse ways, grounded in his own style.” Jung Woo signed an exclusive contract with BH Entertainment in 2019. The agency said the two are maintaining an amicable relationship even after the contract ends, based on long-standing trust. Jung Woo drew public attention with the 2009 film ‘Wish.’ He later gained wide popularity for his role as “Trash” in the tvN drama ‘Reply 1994.’ His credits include the films ‘C’est Si Bon,’ ‘The Himalayas,’ ‘New Trial,’ ‘Heung Boo: The Revolutionist,’ ‘Next Door Neighbor’ and ‘Hot Blooded,’ as well as the drama ‘Mad for Each Other.’ Jung Woo is also moving into directing. ‘Jjangu,’ which he directed and stars in, is scheduled to open April 24. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-31 10:15:16
  • Lotte Cinema Unveils April ‘Lossipic’ Lineup, From ‘Farewell My Concubine’ to ‘Scream 7’
    Lotte Cinema Unveils April ‘Lossipic’ Lineup, From ‘Farewell My Concubine’ to ‘Scream 7’ Lotte Cinema has announced its April lineup for “Lossipic,” its exclusive-release brand. The April slate includes seven films, ranging from re-releases of classics to new titles across genres. Several older films, including “Farewell My Concubine: The Original,” will return in 4K remastered versions. “Farewell My Concubine: The Original,” a signature film of the late Leslie Cheung, will be re-released to coincide with the anniversary of his death on April 1. Marking the film’s 33rd anniversary, it centers on the relationship between two men, Dieyi and Xiaolou, who share a love of Peking opera, portraying love, jealousy and the art form’s beauty. Also included is “Scream 7,” the latest installment in the horror franchise. The film topped the box office after its North American release and brings back Sidney Prescott, the lead from the first film. The story focuses on Sidney and her daughter, Tatum, and the return of a more formidable Ghostface. For family audiences, the animated film “Magic Forest Animal Friends: The Great Adventure” follows a trio of young goats and their friends as they confront a black wolf in a once-peaceful enchanted forest. Audrey Hepburn classics “Roman Holiday” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” will also be re-released in 4K remastered versions, offering audiences a chance to see the films again in theaters. The 1998 film “The Truman Show” will likewise return in a 4K remastered version, telling the story of Truman as he begins to suspect his life is part of a massive show. The action film “Normal” will open first worldwide at Lotte Cinema. Made with participation from the production teams behind “John Wick” and “Nobody,” the film stars Bob Odenkirk and depicts secrets hidden in the seemingly peaceful town of “Normal” through fast-paced action. A Lotte Cinema official said the lineup was planned “to provide the best immersion that can only be experienced in theaters,” adding that the company expects moviegoers to enjoy a broad range of choices from re-releases to new films. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-31 09:06:43