Journalist
Choi Song-hui
alfie312@ajunews.com
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CRAVITY’s Hyeongjun to Star in Interactive Short-Form Drama ‘Kill the Romeo,’ Due in March CRAVITY member Hyeongjun will make his acting debut as the lead in Kitts’ first interactive short-form drama, “Kill the Romeo,” set for release in March. The interactive, multi-ending romantic comedy begins when the narrator — a professional killer whose alter ego is a devoted fan — is assigned a new target: the narrator’s favorite idol. The story opens with an A-list assassin receiving a new mission, only to learn the target is the idol “Hyeongjun,” the person the assassin loves most. Shot in a first-person, interactive FMV (full motion video) format, the drama changes the character’s fate and ending depending on viewers’ choices. Hyeongjun appears as an idol character who shares his name, taking his first step into acting. In the drama, “Hyeongjun” is the center of a popular group and the assassin’s top idol — known for a warm, upbeat personality and a considerate, attentive side. At a fan-sign event, he learns he is the assassin’s target and is left in shock, with outcomes that vary based on the viewer’s decisions. Kitts is expanding its lineup with “Kill the Romeo,” following “Wind Up,” starring NCT’s Jeno and Jaemin, and “Jumpboy LIVE,” starring VERIVERY’s Kangmin. The company said it plans to strengthen competitiveness with premium short-form dramas and FMV content. The drama uses a first-person viewpoint to heighten immersion and builds multiple branching points tailored to the interactive format. Viewers step into the role of a killer torn between protecting or killing a favorite idol, with each decision directly affecting the story’s direction and ending. Production on “Kill the Romeo” has wrapped, and the project is now in postproduction, the company said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-05 17:09:09 -
Jinyoung and Kim Minju Lead JTBC’s New Friday Romance Series “Shining” Actors Park Jinyoung and Kim Minju are betting a first-love story can help revive JTBC’s Friday series. JTBC’s new Friday drama “Shining,” directed by Kim Yoon-jin (“Our Beloved Summer”) and written by Lee Sook-yeon (“One Fine Spring Day”), layers a teenage first meeting with a reunion in the characters’ 30s. The creators said the series aims to prove love through the passage of seasons rather than through big “incidents.” On the afternoon of the 5th, JTBC held a production presentation for “Shining” (written by Lee, directed by Kim) at The Link Hotel Seoul in the Guro district of Seoul. Kim and cast members Park and Kim attended and described the tone of the project. “Shining” follows young people who once shared a world of their own as they become each other’s faith and a light that guides their lives. Park and Kim co-star alongside Shin Jae-ha and Park Se-hyun. Kim said it is “a drama that doesn’t drive the story with some huge event.” He said that when he read the script, he felt the characters Tae-seo and Eun-a were portrayed in ordinary, recognizable moments, with a narrative that builds as the seasons pass. Asked how it differs from his previous work, Kim said, “If the last project felt like spring into early summer, I think ‘Shining’ may be a work that contains all four seasons.” Park plays Yeon Tae-seo, a subway train driver who looks at the world with precision. Living by the goal of simply getting through each day safely, the character is shaken in quiet ways when he reunites with his first love, Mo Eun-a, from when he was 19. Park said he found the through line from the character’s teens to his 30s in “consistency.” He called Tae-seo an ordinary person and said it was difficult to portray, adding that the writer told him she wanted Tae-seo to remain consistent in his teens, 20s and 30s. Park said he looked back on his own life and felt he had not changed dramatically, though his ways of coping with hardship differed over time. He said he tried to reflect that by playing Tae-seo with small shifts, keeping the performance restrained so viewers might think, “Someone like this really exists.” He also joked about wearing a school uniform again, crediting the lighting and cinematography teams for helping him pull it off. He said playing Tae-seo let him revisit his teens and 20s, and that his 30s now feel like the best time of his life. Asked about pressure after his previous work “Unknown Seoul,” Park said it would be a lie to say he felt none. He said he was grateful for the love but needed to approach the next project coolly, adding that “Shining,” unlike the previous work, is primarily a male-female romance. Kim plays Mo Eun-a, a manager of an old-house stay in Seoul with a background in hotel work. The character is energetic and charming but, after cycles of small rewards and major failures, meets her first love again. Kim said it was her first time playing a character across her teens, 20s and 30s. She said she had many concerns but enjoyed building the role in a more three-dimensional way. She said portraying a 30-something version of the character was especially challenging, so she talked extensively with the director and asked people around her for input. She said outward changes have limits, so she focused on how the character’s attitude and values might have shifted. Both actors emphasized their on-screen chemistry. Park called it “perfect,” saying the director scheduled extensive readings in advance — including one that lasted 10 hours — and that it would have been their fault if they had not become close. Kim said the readings helped her start filming in a comfortable state and called the time valuable. She said the set was fun and relaxed, crediting the director and Park. Park and Kim said they would work to make the “first love” story relatable, saying they wanted to show it “as if through a magnifying glass.” Park said the drama contains a story that anyone who has been in love will relate to, adding that while love is a common theme, “Shining” enlarges and highlights it like a magnifying glass. Kim said it is a story “everyone can relate to,” and added that the visuals are beautiful and may feel healing to watch. Park agreed, saying he knew South Korea was pretty but did not realize “how beautiful it is,” adding that the production filmed around the country and found it “truly beautiful.” JTBC’s Friday series slot was newly programmed last year, but earlier dramas including “The Good Man,” “My Youth” and “Love Me” stayed in the 1% to 3% ratings range, failing to establish a strong presence. That track record has fueled both anticipation and concern for “Shining.” Kim said any project comes with pressure, but noted the time slot’s format, with Episodes 1 and 2 airing back-to-back. He said viewers who follow how Tae-seo and Eun-a begin, move through time and return to each other may feel they want to keep watching for the full two hours. Episodes 1 and 2 air back-to-back at 8:50 p.m. on Friday the 6th.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-05 15:30:12 -
BTS to Livestream Gwanghwamun Comeback Show Worldwide on Netflix BTS will meet fans worldwide from Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, a landmark at the center of South Korea’s modern civic life, in a comeback performance that will be livestreamed on Netflix. “BTS Comeback Live: Arirang (ARIRANG),” set for March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square, will be broadcast live to more than 190 countries via Netflix. Organizers and tourism officials say the event is expected to showcase Korean cultural identity to a global audience and potentially translate interest into travel. Gil Gi-yeon, CEO of the Seoul Tourism Organization, said at a Seoul tourism business briefing held on the 24th that because BTS’ comeback show will be livestreamed on Netflix, “Seoul will likely become more widely known,” and he signaled plans to use the exposure to expand global tourism demand. The draw, the article said, is Netflix’s reach. Subscribers can watch without additional fees on mobile devices and TVs, allowing fans to join simultaneously under the same subscription model rather than being limited by venue capacity or ticket access. Netflix demonstrated the scale of its live streaming in 2024 with the boxing live event “Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson,” which it said drew 65 million concurrent connections. Netflix has also argued that viewing can lead to visits. In a survey it conducted in seven countries — Brazil, France, the United States, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Japan — Netflix was the main service through which overseas viewers encountered Korean content. Among foreigners who watched Korean content on Netflix, 72% said they intended to visit South Korea, compared with 37% among nonviewers. BTS’ livestream announcement has already fueled interest in the venue among overseas fans. On social media, users posted comments such as, “I’m excited for a stage at Gwanghwamun,” and, “A performance with Gyeongbokgung Palace as the backdrop is symbolic.” Some fans have shared historical context about the area and exchanged information about Korean culture, reflecting how real-time streaming can broaden curiosity about the host city and its cultural sites. The article also pointed to broader economic spillover effects tied to global platforms, including tourism, dining and cultural industries. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Culture Information Service Agency’s “2025 Global Hallyu Trend Analysis Report,” reservations for K-pop experience packages rose 80% during the travel off-season from June to August after the success of “K-pop Demon Hunters.” It added that after the release of “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” international passengers at Jeju Airport hit a record 2.8 million. It also said Korean food featured in productions such as “Culinary Class Wars” and “Squid Game” drew renewed attention, with keywords including “kimchi” and “chef” frequently cited in overseas media coverage related to K-food. An industry official said the BTS livestream will help imprint both the current state of K-culture and South Korea’s appeal on viewers in more than 190 countries, adding that with global attention focused on Gwanghwamun, the economic and cultural ripple effects across related industries could be significant. With Netflix as its global distribution channel, the Gwanghwamun performance is expected to serve as a high-profile invitation for fans to look beyond the screen toward South Korea itself. 2026-03-05 13:36:23 -
Jang Hang-jun’s ‘A Man Living With the King’ Tops Box Office for 21st Day, Nears 10 Million Admissions Jang Hang-jun’s “A Man Living With the King” held the No. 1 spot at the box office for a 21st straight day, pushing its cumulative audience past 9.6 million and putting it within reach of the 10 million milestone. According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated ticketing network, the film drew 189,643 moviegoers on March 4 to remain on top. Since opening Feb. 4, it has not relinquished the No. 1 position for a single day. Total admissions stand at 9,597,461. Set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo, the film follows the exiled King Danjong and local residents. Strong performances by Yoo Hae-jin, Park Ji-hoon, Yoo Ji-tae and Jeon Mi-do have fueled expectations it will surpass 10 million admissions this week. New releases are beginning to close in. Disney and Pixar’s animated film “Hoppers” opened March 4 and ranked No. 2 with 17,155 admissions for the day. Its cumulative total reached 69,566, making it the clear leader among foreign films. “Hoppers,” about a girl who becomes a robot beaver and goes on an adventure, has posted strong audience scores, including a 98% rating on CGV’s Golden Egg Index. No. 3 went to “Bride!,” which also opened March 4. It drew 7,358 admissions for the day and 7,626 in total. Set in the United States in the 1930s, the film depicts an unconventional romance between the revived “Bride” (Jessie Buckley) and “Frankenstein” (Christian Bale), drawing attention from adult audiences. With “A Man Living With the King” extending its lead and distinctive foreign titles joining the lineup, competition at theaters in March is expected to intensify.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-05 08:33:16 -
Actor Noh Sang-hyun Signs Exclusive Contract With HiZium Studio Actor Noh Sang-hyun has signed an exclusive contract with HiZium Studio, the agency said. In a statement released on the 5th, HiZium Studio said it was “very pleased” to partner with Noh, calling him an actor with solid skills and a distinctive look who appeals to audiences at home and abroad. The company said it will support him as a “reliable partner” so he can showcase his abilities across a range of projects. Noh drew global attention in 2022 with the drama “Pachinko,” then expanded his work across genres and roles in dramas including “Survive as a Celebrity Manager,” “Curtain Call” and “Will Everything Come True,” as well as the film “Love in the Big City,” emerging as a rising actor. In “Love in the Big City,” he played Jang Heung-su, portraying varied forms of love. He won the Blue Dragon Film Awards’ best new actor prize at the 45th ceremony and also received the new actor award at the 11th Korea Film Producers Association Awards. Following the contract, Noh is expected to continue active work in both film and television. In the MBC drama “21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife,” set to air in April, he will play Min Jeong-woo, the prime minister of South Korea, described as both cool-headed and humane, leading the series alongside IU and Byeon Woo-seok. He will also appear in the Netflix film “Byeoljit” as Hyeon-tae, an installation artist with firm beliefs and a stubborn streak, reuniting with actor Kim Min-ha. HiZium Studio is a management company representing actors including Go Bo-gyeol, Kwon Seung-woo, Kim Ji-won, Ryu Hae-jun, Bae Kang-hee, Seo Eun-su, Song Joong-ki, Yang Kyung-won, Oh Eui-sik, Lee Chan-ju, Lim Cheol-soo, Jung Jae-kwang and Han Ji-won. It is also a full-service entertainment company that has planned and produced dramas including “UDT: Our Neighborhood Special Forces,” “The Moon Flows in the River,” “My Youth,” “Mr. Plankton” and “A Virtuous Business.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-05 08:24:21 -
Hyeri’s Agency Denies Report She Listed Samseong-dong Building for 14.5 Billion Won Hyeri, an actress and former member of the group Girl’s Day, has denied a report that she put her building in Seoul’s Samseong-dong neighborhood up for sale for 14.5 billion won. Her agency, Sublime, said on March 4 that the report about a real estate sale was “completely untrue.” It said there was no fact that the property had been listed and that it had not even heard of the price cited in the article. The agency also expressed “deep regret” that unverified claims were spreading as if they were true, and asked that speculative reporting and the distribution of false information stop. Earlier that day, Korea Economic TV reported exclusively that Hyeri had listed the Samseong-dong building last month for 14.5 billion won. The outlet said that if a deal were completed at that asking price, it would amount to an estimated 4 billion won gain, based on a simple calculation, about four years after the purchase.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 18:21:18 -
Bridgerton Season 4 Star Ha Yerin Says She’s Proud Sophie Baek Reflects Her Korean Identity Korean American actor Ha Yerin has stepped into the global spotlight as a lead in Netflix’s hit series ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4, saying she was proud the character’s name reflects her Korean identity. A press event for the series was held Tuesday afternoon in Seoul, with Ha in attendance. ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 follows Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), a free spirit uninterested in marriage, as he navigates love, identity and class after meeting a “lady in a silver dress” at a masked ball — and Sophie Baek (Ha), a maid in his everyday life. The ‘Bridgerton’ franchise is one of Netflix’s best-known global hits. Ha said she struggled to grasp the show’s immediate success. “When ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 hit No. 1 on the global chart, honestly it didn’t feel real,” she said. “It felt like something happening outside of me.” She said her grandmother, veteran actor Son Sook, watched the entire season and sent a message of support. “My grandmother finished ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4,” Ha said. “Her eyesight has gotten worse lately, so she watched close to the TV. She messaged me, ‘I’m proud of you, I love you,’ and it made me feel warm — and also a little heartbroken.” Son is currently performing in the stage play ‘An Elder’s Dream,’ Ha said, adding that she planned to attend a performance. “She told me, ‘People used to call you Ha Yerin, Son Sook’s granddaughter, but these days they call me Son Sook, Ha Yerin’s grandmother,’” Ha said. “Hearing that made me feel emotional, and proud.” Ha, who has worked in Hollywood including on ‘Halo,’ recalled learning she had landed the role. “Overseas, you send a lot of self-tapes,” she said. While visiting her mother in Taean, she received a call from her agent telling her to submit an audition video within 24 hours. She filmed and sent scenes involving tea and a lake, then received a callback days later. She said she interviewed with the director over Zoom and later met Thompson the same way, auditioning at 11 p.m. due to the time difference. “Later, I was having brunch with my mom in Gangnam when I heard I’d become the female lead,” Ha said. “We cried and screamed together. I remember people around us looking like, ‘Is she OK?’” Ha said she also felt pressure joining a series with an established global fan base. “I worried that coming in as a new character might throw off the rhythm,” she said. “But they wanted new energy. In my seven years as an actor, it was the set that respected diversity the most. I was happy during the shoot.” Though set in the 19th century, the series has drawn attention for its diverse casting, including across race and sexual identity. “Even though it’s set in the 19th century, it has the power to make it feel modern,” Ha said. “At its core, it’s a love story. The center is how Sophie’s emotions and sincerity are expressed, so I tried to act with that as the focus. I think ‘Bridgerton’ reflects today and lets people project the love story and fantasy they imagine.” The franchise is also known for explicit romance. Ha said she felt “pressure and fear” filming intimate scenes with Thompson, and credited the production’s intimacy coordinator. “In Hollywood, in society, and in the media, it feels like people think they have the right to blame, judge and criticize women’s bodies,” she said. “That made me feel pressure and fear. In Korea, especially, beauty standards can be stricter than in the West. I worked with an intimacy coordinator on ‘Bridgerton,’ and I think it’s an essential role in the industry. They did an excellent job, choreographing it like a dance and doing everything possible to make it feel safe on set.” Ha also explained how her character’s surname changed from “Sophie Beckett” in the original work to “Sophie Baek” in the series. “After I passed the audition, we had a Zoom meeting,” she said. “While talking about the character, they asked, ‘What surnames start with a B sound?’ Since it was ‘Beckett,’ we were thinking of a name that fits ‘B,’ and I think ‘Baek’ came to mind. It wasn’t a big conversation, so I didn’t think much of it — but then Sophie’s last name had changed. It felt satisfying. Since I’m a Korean actor, I thought it was natural to change it to a surname that fits my identity, and I felt grateful.” ‘Bridgerton’ Season 4 Part 1 was released worldwide on Netflix on Jan. 29, and Part 2 on Feb. 26, and has been drawing strong attention, the organizers said. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 16:40:18 -
Bridgerton Season 4’s Ha Yerin Addresses Racism Controversy, Urges Restraint Actor Ha Yerin has spoken publicly about a recent racism controversy tied to Netflix’s series “Bridgerton 4.” At a news conference held Tuesday afternoon at Community House Masil in Seoul’s Jung-gu district, Ha addressed the issue while appearing as the show’s lead actor. The series previously drew criticism during global promotion after actions that included excluding Ha, prompting allegations of racial discrimination. Fans in South Korea and abroad also lodged complaints with the show’s production company, Shondaland. “While I was on set, I never felt it was racism,” Ha said. “I do think there were times when certain details were overlooked. But I don’t think it was intentional or done consciously.” Ha added that while she did not personally feel slighted, she understands why some people reacted the way they did. She said the moment could be a chance to show tolerance for what was missed and for media outlets to learn that such details should not be overlooked. She also said she hopes the controversy does not lead to excessive criticism or hatred. “Bridgerton 4” follows Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), a free spirit indifferent to marriage, as he navigates love, identity and class between a “lady in a silver dress” he meets at a masked ball and Sophie Baek (Ha), a maid in real life. Part 1 was released on Netflix on Jan. 29, and Part 2 on Feb. 26.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 15:24:31 -
Bridgerton Season 4 Star Ha Yerin Says Grandmother Son Sook Watched — and Blushed at Intimate Scenes Actress Ha Yerin on Tuesday shared her grandmother Son Sook’s reaction after watching Netflix’s series “Bridgerton 4.” Ha attended a press event for “Bridgerton 4” on Tuesday afternoon at Community House Masil in Seoul’s Jung District. Ha, a Korean Australian actor, is known in Korea as the granddaughter of Son, often described as a leading figure in theater. Ha said Son had watched all of “Bridgerton 4,” adding that her grandmother, whose eyesight has recently worsened, watched from close to the TV. “She sent me a message saying, ‘I’m proud of you, I love you,’ and it made me feel warm — and a little emotional,” Ha said. Ha added with a laugh that Son told her that morning, “The revealing scenes are a bit embarrassing.” Ha said she thought her grandmother would skip the sex scenes, “but she watched them all.” Ha said she began dreaming of becoming an actor after watching Son perform on stage when she was young. “I tried to come from Australia to Korea about once a year, and every time, my grandmother was always doing a play,” she said. Ha said she does not remember the title, but recalled seeing a one-person show and a scene in which Son cried while holding a pillow like a baby. “Seeing the audience crying, I thought, ‘This is the power of art,’” she said. “People are all the same, and the emotions we feel are similar. I thought it was an amazing job — to comfort people and help them empathize through theater — and that’s when I started to dream of acting. I’ve been inspired by my grandmother a lot.” Ha said Son is currently performing in a play titled “Noinui Kkum.” Ha said she is leaving on Friday and plans to see the production on Wednesday because her grandmother wants her to attend. Ha added that Son recently told her, “I used to be called Ha Yerin, Son Sook’s granddaughter, but these days I’m called Son Sook, Ha Yerin’s grandmother,” a remark Ha said made her feel both emotional and proud. “Bridgerton 4” follows Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), a free spirit uninterested in marriage, as he navigates love, identity and class between a masked-ball “lady in a silver dress” and Sophie Baek (Ha), a maid in real life. Part 1 was released on Netflix on Jan. 29 and Part 2 on Feb. 26. 2026-03-04 15:06:58 -
Ha Yerin Says Netflix’s ‘Bridgerton 4’ No. 1 Ranking Still Hasn’t Sunk In Actor Ha Yerin shared her thoughts on the global popularity of Netflix series “Bridgerton 4.” A press event for “Bridgerton 4” was held on the afternoon of March 4 at Community House Masil in Seoul’s Jung District. Ha, who stars in the series, attended. “When ‘Bridgerton 4’ hit No. 1 on the global chart, it honestly didn’t feel real,” Ha said. “It felt like something happening outside of me, so it didn’t really sink in.” The series also ranked No. 1 in South Korea shortly after its release. Ha said she had heard it can be difficult for a foreign production to top the local chart, adding that she was “truly grateful” to hear “Bridgerton 4” had reached No. 1 in Korea as well. “Bridgerton 4” is a romance series about Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), a free spirit indifferent to marriage, who meets a “lady in a silver dress” at a masked ball and becomes caught between her and Sophie Baek (Ha), a maid in real life, as love, identity and class boundaries collide. Part 1 premiered on Netflix on Jan. 29, and Part 2 was released Feb. 26.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 14:48:25