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  • Teaser posters for BLACKPINKs upcoming album unveiled
    Teaser posters for BLACKPINK's upcoming album unveiled SEOUL, February 9 (AJP) - Teaser posters for K-pop girl group BLACKPINK's upcoming album were unveiled on Monday, ahead of its release scheduled for late this month. Their management agency YG Entertainment uploaded two posters for "Deadline" on social media, which will mark the quartet's first full-group return in about three years and five months. The posters' vivid contrast in tone and color hints at a wide musical range in the upcoming album, raising excitement among fans. The album, set for release on Feb. 27, contains five songs including the title track "Go." The agency described the album as filled with "the best moments that can't be undone, and BLACKPINK's present at its brightest." 2026-02-09 10:37:04
  • South Korean Film Director Jeong Jin Woo Dies at 88
    South Korean Film Director Jeong Jin Woo Dies at 88 South Korean film director Jeong Jin Woo, who made movies including "Does the Cuckoo Cry at Night" and "The Mugunghwa Flower Has Bloomed," died on Saturday, the film industry and his family said. He was 88. Jeong died at about 8:00 p.m. at a nursing hospital in Seoul’s Gangnam district, they said Sunday. He had been hospitalized after a fall while walking his dog about two months ago and later contracted COVID-19, and he did not recover, they said. Shortly before his death, longtime friend director Im Kwon Taek and Lee Woo Seok, chairman of Dong-A Export Co., visited the hospital to say goodbye. Born in 1938, Jeong debuted at age 24 with the 1962 film "Only Son," starring Choi Mu Ryong and Kim Ji Mi. He went on to direct films including "Betrayal" (1963), starring Shin Seong Il and Eom Aeng Ran, and helped lead South Korean cinema’s resurgence from the 1960s through the 1980s. In the 1980s, he drew critical and popular attention with films rooted in local themes. "Does the Cuckoo Cry at Night" (1980) won nine awards at the 19th Daejong Film Awards, including best actress, best actor and cinematography. "A Parrot Cried in Its Body" (1981) won six awards at the 20th Daejong Film Awards. Jeong also gained international recognition. "Long Live the Island Frog" (1972) was selected for the main competition at the Berlin International Film Festival, and "Janyeomok" (1984) was invited for a special screening at the 42nd Venice International Film Festival. That year, he was also named one of the "world’s 10 greatest directors" at the Venice festival. He directed 54 films through his 1995 movie "The Mugunghwa Flower Has Bloomed" and produced 135 films through his own company, Woojin Film. Jeong also worked as a film administrator focused on welfare and industry development. He helped found the Korean Film Directors Association in 1967, established the Film Welfare Foundation in 1984 and served as chairman of the Korean Film Association in 1985. In 1989, he founded the multiplex Cine House, helping drive changes in theater culture. In 1993, he received France’s Order of Arts and Letters for his contributions. Survivors include his wife, a son and two daughters. A funeral altar will be set up at the mortuary of Samsung Medical Center in Seoul’s Gangnam district.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-09 08:03:00
  • South Korea Women Win First Asia Team Badminton Title Led by An Se Young
    South Korea Women Win First Asia Team Badminton Title Led by An Se Young An Se Young of Samsung Life Insurance led South Korea’s women’s national badminton team to its first title at the 2026 Asia Mixed Team Badminton Championships. South Korea swept host China 3-0 in the women’s final on Saturday at Conson Gymnasium in Qingdao, China. An, who rested in Friday’s semifinal against Indonesia to manage her condition, needed 39 minutes to beat Han Qianxi 21-7, 21-14 in women’s singles. The second game was tied 11-11, but An pulled ahead 15-14 and closed it out by winning the next six points. In women’s doubles, Baek Ha Na (Incheon International Airport)-Kim Hye Jeong (Samsung Life Insurance) defeated Jia Yifan-Zhang Shuxian 24-22, 21-8. Kim Ga Eun (Samsung Life Insurance), ranked No. 17 in the world, then beat Xu Wenjing (No. 127) 19-21, 21-10, 21-17 to clinch the title under the best-of-five, first-to-three format. The men’s team, without ace Seo Seung Jae because of a shoulder injury, finished tied for third after losing 2-3 to China in Friday’s semifinals. Despite missing the final, the men’s team earned a berth in the finals of the BWF World Men’s Team Championship, the Thomas Cup, by reaching the semifinals. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-08 14:30:00
  • Ryu Seung-wan’s ‘Humint’ Tops Advance Ticket Sales Ahead of Release
    Ryu Seung-wan’s ‘Humint’ Tops Advance Ticket Sales Ahead of Release The film ‘Humint’ has climbed to No. 1 in overall advance ticket sales ahead of its theatrical release. According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated box office system, ‘Humint’ ranked first as of 10:24 a.m. on Saturday, with 142,151 tickets reserved. The surge followed the first preview screening, with moviegoers calling it “pure catharsis experienced in a theater.” ‘Humint’ is a term for intelligence work that relies on human networks, meaning an informant. The story is set in Vladivostok, where secrets and truth are buried in an icy sea, and people with different goals collide. Directed by Ryu Seung-wan, the film stars Jo In Sung, Park Jung Min, Shin Se Kyung and Park Hae Joon. It opens in theaters Feb. 11. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-08 11:24:00
  • Actor Kim Seon Ho Says He Paid Additional Income Tax After One-Person Company Questions
    Actor Kim Seon Ho Says He Paid Additional Income Tax After One-Person Company Questions South Korean actor Kim Seon Ho acknowledged he previously received payments through a one-person corporation amid allegations it was used to avoid taxes, and said he has paid additional personal income tax. His agency, Fantagio, said in a statement on Tuesday that Kim established the company in January 2024 for acting work and theater production. It said he received settlement payments through the corporation for activities up to before a new contract with Fantagio began in February 2025. Fantagio said Kim stopped operating the corporation after recognizing it could be misunderstood, adding that there has been virtually no activity through it for more than a year. Since the exclusive contract was signed in February 2025, the agency has paid him directly as an individual, it said, stressing the corporation has no connection to Fantagio’s contract process or his activities with the agency. Regarding the shutdown, Fantagio said Kim returned corporate card records, family salaries and a corporate vehicle as a preemptive step to correct what it described as his earlier lack of understanding about running a corporation. It said he has completed additional personal income tax payments on amounts previously settled through the company, on top of corporate taxes already paid. The agency said the company is in the process of being closed and the administrative steps are expected to be finished soon. Kim had previously said the family corporation, registered at his home address, was created for theater-related work after allegations of tax evasion surfaced. Fantagio issued the new statement after it became known that he temporarily received settlement payments through the corporation during his time with a previous agency. Fantagio said Kim is “deeply reflecting” on establishing and maintaining the corporation for about a year without sufficient understanding, and apologized. The agency also apologized for causing confusion and concern and said it will more closely manage its artists’ overall activities going forward. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-05 09:54:00
  • A Man Living With the King Tops South Korea Box Office With 117,792 on Opening Day
    'A Man Living With the King' Tops South Korea Box Office With 117,792 on Opening Day The film 'A Man Living With the King' debuted at No. 1 at the box office on its opening day. According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing network, the movie drew 117,792 admissions on its first day of release. Its cumulative total reached 147,547, putting it atop the overall box office. The film had held the top spot in advance ticket sales before release and moved straight to No. 1 upon opening. It also posted a 99% Egg Score shortly after release, continuing a run of positive audience response. Set in Cheongnyeongpo in 1457, the historical drama follows a village chief who volunteers to live in exile to revive his community and a young deposed king sent into exile. Jang Hang Jun directed, and Yoo Hae Jin and Park Ji Hoon star.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-05 08:54:00
  • Ryoo Seung-wan, Zo In-sung lead spy action film “Humint” ahead of Lunar New Year
    Ryoo Seung-wan, Zo In-sung lead spy action film “Humint” ahead of Lunar New Year Director Ryoo Seung-wan of “Veteran” and “Smugglers” is returning with the spy action film “Humint,” starring Zo In-sung, Park Jeong-min, Shin Se-kyung and Park Hae-joon, aiming for the Lunar New Year holiday box office. A press screening and news conference for the film were held Tuesday afternoon at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul. Ryoo and cast members Zo, Park Jeong-min, Shin and Park Hae-joon attended. “Humint” refers to intelligence work using human networks — informants. Set in Vladivostok, the film follows people with different aims who collide in a place where secrets and truth sink into an icy sea. The movie highlights tightly coordinated shootouts and a suspense-driven plot. Park Hae-joon, who plays Hwang Chi-seong, North Korea’s consul general in Vladivostok, said Ryoo creates “creative action.” He added, “When I read the script, I thought it was absurd. I wondered, ‘How are they going to shoot this?’ But watching the process, I thought, ‘This really fits action.’ I was surprised to see action I’d never seen before.” Park Jeong-min, who shares action scenes with Zo, said, “Action scenes are dangerous. If you lose focus, you can get hurt, but (Zo) is so skilled that it felt like I was being protected.” He added that he practiced hard to match Zo’s energy “in every scene, every cut.” Ryoo said the production sought realism in its gunplay by consulting a military affairs journalist from the planning stage. “Instead of working only with the usual stunt team, we talked with a military journalist about how gunfire would work based on where characters are positioned,” he said. “These days, many viewers watch gun scenes with an expert’s eye, so we paid extra attention.” He said the crew counted bullets, tracked when characters could not fire more rounds, and noted when magazines had to be changed. Special effects staff also counted rounds “cut by cut,” he said. Zo, who plays a South Korean National Intelligence Service agent known as Manager Jo, said he visited the agency for shooting practice and basic training. “It was only one day, but I learned a lot by asking questions,” he said, adding he was taught details such as one-handed firing, shooting while moving and footwork. Park Jeong-min, who plays Park Geon, a section chief in North Korea’s Ministry of State Security, said even moments that might pass quickly on screen were mapped out in detail, including where a gun should point when held or not held. He said he practiced at home with a BB gun, including inserting magazines, and learned details down to eye direction when staying alert. Park Hae-joon said his character handled weapons more freely than NIS agents and that he studied North Korean-style grips to fit the role. Beyond gunfights, the film also centers on emotional acting between characters. A key thread is the relationship between Park Geon and Chae Seon-hwa, a North Korean restaurant worker played by Shin. Park Jeong-min said, “I think Park Geon’s purpose in this film is only Seon-hwa.” He said Shin opened up quickly despite it being their first time meeting on set, allowing them to discuss the project in depth. “I’m glad and grateful that Shin Se-kyung played Seon-hwa,” he said. Shin said the film felt different from the romance projects she has done. She added she was excited to work with Park Jeong-min and focused on making sure their emotional arc supported the film’s overall balance. Several South Korean films are set to open during the Lunar New Year holiday, including Jang Hang-jun’s “The Man Who Lives With the King” and Kim Tae-yong’s “Number One.” Ryoo said he is close with the directors and actors of the holiday releases and hopes audiences will support South Korean films during the long break. Focusing on “Humint,” Ryoo said he tried to create a stage where the cast’s appeal could come through on screen. “We did our best, within our abilities, to make a film that feels great to watch in a theater,” he said, asking viewers to look on it kindly. “Humint” opens Feb. 11.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-02-04 17:54:00
  • Rookie K‑pop girl group KATSEYE to appear in Super Bowl ad
    Rookie K‑pop girl group KATSEYE to appear in Super Bowl ad SEOUL, February 4 (AJP) - Girl group KATSEYE will appear in a massively expensive commercial during this weekend's Super Bowl match. Insurance company State Farm's commercial, slated to air during the coveted Super Bowl slot on Sunday, will feature the Los Angeles–based six-member group, alongside American actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld, American actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key. A preview of KATSEYE performing to American rock band Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" was teased on YouTube earlier this week, raising anticipation for the commercial. Last year's Super Bowl drew 127.7 million viewers across television networks and streaming platforms, driving costs for 30-second ads to a record US$10 million this year, with slots reportedly snapped up immediately. Ahead of Super Bowl, the sextet, who made their debut in June last year through a global audition project by K-pop behemoth HYBE, will make their first appearance on NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on Wednesday. 2026-02-04 11:19:30
  • BTS Comeback D-45: BTS Save Me tops Murapop rival match with power of Army
    BTS Comeback D-45: BTS' 'Save Me' tops Murapop rival match with power of Army SEOUL, February 04 (AJP) - Global sensation BTS has secured its dominance at the top of Murapop, a global K-pop matchup platform, once again underscoring the group’s sustained fandom strength. Murapop is a participatory platform that stages rival matches between K-pop and other globally popular music videos. Winners are determined by combining scores calculated by summing up view counts on the official YouTube music videos and votes casted by global fans within the platform. In the latest matchup, “Save ME” by BTS defeated BABYMONSTER's “HOT SAUCE,” overturning a disadvantage in view counts through overwhelming fan support. Although Save ME trailed Hot Sauce by more than 90,000 views, it secured 93 percent of the fans total votes, finishing with a total score of 3,548 points securing its first place, while Hot Sauce recorded 2,969 points landing at second place, resulting in a 579 point margin between two tracks. Save ME ranked second in both views and votes across the round, but placed first overall in total score. With the result, BTS extended its unbeaten streak on Murapop to 16 consecutive matches. Despite the loss, BABYMONSTER demonstrated strong content performance, with Hot Sauce ranking first in total views and fourth in overall score for the round. The matchup underscored Murapop’s competitive structure, where viewership metrics and fandom mobilization jointly determine outcomes. In other matches from Season 2, Round 4, Stray Kids, ATEEZ, ENHYPEN, Aespa, SEVENTEEN, and rookie group AHOF each secured victories. A total of seven matches were held simultaneously, reflecting a range of competitive patterns, including viewership dominance, concentrated fan voting, and generational matchups. Match results of Murapop are calculated based on the combined total of official YouTube music video views recorded during throughout the match and votes casted by global fan through the app. View counts, vote totals, and combined scores serve as key indicators in determining both match outcomes and overall round rankings. 2026-02-04 10:42:10
  • BTS Comeback D-46: Gwanghwamun comeback show to be livestreamed on Netflix
    BTS Comeback D-46: Gwanghwamun comeback show to be livestreamed on Netflix SEOUL, February 03 (AJP) - BTS' long-awaited full-member comeback stage at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square on March 21 will be livestreamed worldwide on Netflix, the platform's first live event broadcast globally from South Korea. Netflix and HYBE announced that “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG” will be streamed exclusively on Netflix at 8 p.m. on March 21. The concert will take place at Gwanghwamun Square, one of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks, in conjunction with the release of BTS’s new album “ARIRANG.” “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG” is a special event, celebrating the return of all seven members — RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook — on same stage for the first time in nearly four years after their rotational military conscription, unveiling live performances of new songs from the album to audiences in more than 190 countries. “ARIRANG,” BTS’s fifth full-length studio album to be released at 1 p.m. KST on March 20 featuring 14 tracks, reflects on the group’s origins and evolving identity. Following the album’s release, BTS plans to embark on a massive global tour titled “BTS World Tour ‘ARIRANG’ (2026–2027),” spanning 82 concerts across 34 regions in Asia, North America, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. BigHit Music said the album “ARIRANG” reflects BTS’ starting point and identity, as well as what they want to convey now. “Given the symbolic meaning of the word ‘Arirang,’ we wanted to prepare the first stage in a place that represents Korea,” the agency said, explaining the choice of Gwanghwamun Square as the venue for the group's return. BTS previously staged performances at Geunjeongjeon Hall (The Throne Hall) and Gyeonghoeru Pavilion (Royal Banquet Hall) of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 2020, as part of “BTS Week,” a special programming event on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon". Netflix will also release a feature-length documentary, “BTS: The Return,” on March 27. Directed by Bao Nguyen — known for “The Stringer” and “The Greatest Night in Pop” — the film follows the group’s journey back to collective creation after a three-year-and-nine-month hiatus. Shot largely in Los Angeles, the documentary offers an intimate look at the members reuniting in the studio, confronting questions of how to move forward together while honoring their past without being constrained by it. The film traces the emotional and creative process behind BTS’s comeback, capturing moments of reflection, uncertainty and renewed purpose. 2026-02-03 10:27:55