AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Choi Song-hui
  • 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
  • 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 two main charts, with its fifth full-length album, ‘ARIRANG,’ reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and its title track, ‘SWIM,’ debuting atop the Hot 100. Billboard said in a chart preview posted on its website on March 31 that ‘SWIM’ is No. 1 on the April 4-dated Hot 100. It is the group’s seventh Hot 100 leader, following ‘Dynamite,’ ‘Savage Love (Laxed - Siren Beat) (BTS Remix),’ ‘Life Goes On,’ ‘Butter,’ ‘Permission to Dance’ and ‘My Universe.’ Billboard said ‘SWIM’ is the 1,190th No. 1 song in Hot 100 history and the 89th to debut at No. 1. The outlet also said BTS ranks fifth among groups for the most Hot 100 No. 1 hits. The Beatles lead with 20, followed by the Supremes with 12, the Bee Gees with nine and the Rolling Stones with eight. Released on March 20, ‘SWIM’ logged 15.3 million streams, 25.8 million radio audience impressions and 154,000 in combined digital and physical single sales in tracking through March 26. The song entered Billboard’s Streaming Songs chart at No. 2, a new best for the group, and debuted at No. 18 on Radio Songs. It topped Digital Song Sales, becoming BTS’ 13th No. 1 on that chart. Billboard previously reported in a March 30 chart preview that ‘ARIRANG’ is No. 1 on the April 4-dated Billboard 200. The album debuted with 641,000 album units, the best weekly total for a group album since Billboard began tracking units in December 2014. Pure album sales were 532,000, and streaming equivalent album units totaled 95,000. The results give BTS another week leading both the Billboard 200 and Hot 100, after doing so in 2020 with ‘BE’ and ‘Life Goes On.’ With ‘ARIRANG,’ BTS has seven No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200, following ‘LOVE YOURSELF 轉 ‘Tear’,’ ‘LOVE YOURSELF 結 ‘Answer’,’ ‘MAP OF THE SOUL : PERSONA,’ ‘MAP OF THE SOUL : 7,’ ‘BE’ and ‘Proof.’ In a statement released through BigHit Music, BTS said it was “a great honor” to earn a Billboard No. 1 with an album released after “a long wait of three years and nine months.” The group thanked ARMY and “everyone who listened to our music and shared their feelings with us.” BTS said it worked to capture “universal emotions” that many people could relate to while preparing the new release, adding that it hoped ‘SWIM’ would offer “a small measure of courage and comfort” to listeners beyond borders. ‘ARIRANG’ is BTS’ fifth full-length album and was executive produced by HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk. BigHit Music said the album reflects the group’s identity and shared emotions, while ‘SWIM’ sings of pressing forward without stopping amid life’s waves.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-31 07:54:39
  • Lee Dong-hwi Balances Acting Immersion and Producer Realities in Method Acting
    Lee Dong-hwi Balances Acting Immersion and Producer Realities in 'Method Acting' Every production holds countless perspectives. The same place and time can feel different depending on where a director or actor stands. “Choi Song-hui’s B-Cut” looks beyond the “A-cut” on screen to the vivid record of what happened off camera. By weaving interviews with directors and actors, it reconstructs the “B-cut” moments that were often more intense than the finished frame. <Editor’s note> For actor Lee Dong-hwi, “Method Acting” is more than another credit. It is his first report card as a producer: He helped expand a friend’s short-film idea into a feature and took responsibility on set. Like the character who struggles to break out of a “comedy actor” label, Lee said he wanted to become someone who “creates opportunities” and pushed the project to completion. The film began with trust between two friends, actor Lee Gi-hyeok and Lee Dong-hwi. As the short’s job-specific premise was combined with the universal theme of “family,” the story took on the structure of a mainstream feature. “Director Lee Gi-hyeok was preparing another story at first, then decided to turn the short ‘Method Acting’ into a feature because it could be told in a more popular way,” Lee said. “If the short focused on the mood on set, the feature broadened with the keyword of family, in a direction that could draw more universal empathy. I thought it would be easier to play someone close to who I am, but once we started shooting, every day felt like homework. I had to keep adding layers so it wouldn’t look like a documentary or an observational variety show.” Caught between an actor’s immersion and a producer’s need for distance, Lee said he witnessed a chaotic “B-cut” reality. As the boundary between life and performance blurred, he decided he had to stay firmly inside the role. “When I saw Geum-sun’s back, it looked like my real mother, and the emotions rose too much,” he said. “I thought if it got too close to my life, it would be hard to endure. So for parts that didn’t completely overlap with my family’s story, I made them more fictional and approached them that way. In the end, I thought I had to treat it as a role. I had to act the details — an actor being mocked, an actor enduring that mockery and returning to set, and even the moment he becomes a king — so it was a set that gave me a real headache.” A monologue scene as a king in the historical drama “Gyeonghwasuwol” became the point where producer Lee and actor Lee clashed — and then reconciled. Under pressure from a 4 a.m. sunrise and budget constraints, he said he found “the king’s face” in just two takes. “We were in a rush because we were shooting at 4 a.m.,” he said. “The sun was coming up, and there was no time, so it was an anxious situation. We couldn’t do many takes. Since I was participating as a producer, the longer it took, the more the production cost. In the past, as an actor, I would have wanted to shoot more, but as a producer I strongly felt I had to complete the mission within the exact opportunity. After two takes, I looked up and the sun had risen.” Lee said watching actor Ma Dong-seok made him want a life that “gives someone opportunities.” He said he is now preparing a true transformation by portraying a character in harsher circumstances. “Watching Ma Dong-seok, I saw with my own eyes the new opportunities that appear when one person starts something,” Lee said. “I wanted to become that kind of person someday. If I’ve been thinking about what makes a mainstream film work, the story I want to make next is the opposite. A lonelier, harsher story of one person — for me, that kind of work feels like a real transformation.” On screen, Lee’s character obsesses over “method acting.” Off camera, Lee said he kept checking the clock. He held back an actor’s desire for more takes and wrapped the scene in two, weighing time and production costs. More striking than the king’s face in the “A-cut,” he suggested, was the producer’s posture in the moments before sunrise.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-30 16:51:14
  • TWS Builds Momentum With Seoul Fan Meeting and Sold-Out VR Concert Ahead of April 27 Comeback
    TWS Builds Momentum With Seoul Fan Meeting and Sold-Out VR Concert Ahead of April 27 Comeback Group TWS has extended its momentum from a fan meeting to a successful VR concert as it heads toward a comeback on April 27. Moving between live venues and movie theaters, the group has expanded its presence in the first quarter of 2026. TWS met fans from March 27-29 at Ticketlink Live Arena at Olympic Park in Seoul’s Songpa district, holding its second fan meeting, “42:CLUB” in Seoul (2026 TWS 2ND FANMEETING “42:CLUB” IN SEOUL). The three-day event ended to strong crowd response, underscoring the group’s drawing power. That interest carried into its first VR concert, produced with AMAZE. “TWS VR CONCERT : RUSH ROAD” sold out key sessions soon after ticket sales opened. During a second round of ticket sales, heavy traffic briefly brought down the server, organizers said. “RUSH ROAD” has continued to perform strongly. Based on high viewer satisfaction, it posted a perfect audience rating on Megabox and ranked No. 1 on the overall movie chart in its fourth week of release. With an extended run confirmed, it has been cited as an unusual box-office case for a VR concert release. The project is TWS’ first VR concert and has been described as combining the group’s fanbase with AMAZE’s production capabilities. TWS also took part in pre-shoot camera rehearsals, an uncommon step for VR concert artists, to improve the final result. TWS is set to continue fan meetings in April at Pia Arena MM in Yokohama, Japan, as it broadens overseas activities. The group previously released “YOU LIKE IT I LOVE IT,” a new song made in collaboration with U.S. artist 24kGoldn, and won two awards at the 40th Japan Gold Disc Awards. With a comeback scheduled for April 27, attention is on whether the momentum from the fan meeting, the VR concert’s performance and overseas activities will carry into the group’s next album. Meanwhile, “TWS VR CONCERT : RUSH ROAD” is being shown exclusively at Megabox COEX and will be available to watch through April 12.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-30 14:36:15
  • BTS’ ‘ARIRANG’ Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 for Seventh Career Top Spot
    BTS’ ‘ARIRANG’ Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 for Seventh Career Top Spot BTS has returned to the top of the U.S. Billboard 200 with its fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG,” setting new weekly marks for a group album on sales and streaming. According to Billboard’s chart preview posted Monday on its website, “ARIRANG” debuted at No. 1 on the April 4-dated Billboard 200 with 641,000 equivalent album units. Billboard said it is the biggest weekly total for a group album since the chart began tracking units in December 2014. Pure album sales totaled 532,000. Billboard said that was the highest weekly sales figure for a group album in the past decade. Streaming-equivalent album units came to 95,000, a weekly streaming high for BTS. Physical sales were also strong. “ARIRANG” sold 516,000 physical copies, including 208,000 vinyl records. It marked BTS’ best vinyl week and the largest weekly vinyl sales for a group since Luminate began tracking in 1991. The album also led Billboard’s Top Album Sales and Top Streaming Albums charts. The No. 1 debut gave BTS its seventh career leader on the Billboard 200. The group previously topped the chart with six albums, starting with 2018’s “Love Yourself: Tear,” including “Proof.” The album also topped major charts overseas, including four categories on Japan’s Oricon, as well as the U.K. Official Charts, Australia’s ARIA and Germany’s official music charts, the report said. The title track, “SWIM,” rose to No. 2 on the U.K. Official Singles Top 100, the group’s best showing on that chart. In South Korea, it won four music show trophies without separate broadcast appearances. 2026-03-30 13:39:07
  • Lee Sun-bin Tries to Deliver Party Invite to Park Bo-young on MBC’s “Manitto Club”
    Lee Sun-bin Tries to Deliver Party Invite to Park Bo-young on MBC’s “Manitto Club” Lee Sun-bin launches a mission to deliver an invitation to Park Bo-young on MBC’s variety show “Manitto Club.” Episode 9, airing today (29), follows third-generation members Cha Tae-hyun, Park, Lee, Hwang Kwang-hee and Kang Hoon as they carry out individual “manitto” missions. Lee, an eight-year friend of Park and her assigned partner, plans an “early birthday party” and prepares a special surprise for her. In a preview clip, Lee disguises herself as a part-time worker to hand Park the invitation. Lee moves in as soon as she spots Park and passes along the invite, but Park quickly senses something is off and asks, “Are you my manitto?” catching Lee off guard. Lee keeps up the act, signaling that she was sent by someone else, and the show says she manages to fool Park. To maintain the cover, she continues doing actual part-time work to stay in character. The preview also shows Park checking the invitation and offers a look at the party venue, building anticipation for Lee’s surprise and Park’s reaction in the full episode. “Manitto Club” Episode 9 airs at 6:05 p.m. today.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-29 16:36:15
  • Actor Lee Dong-hwi on Method Acting and Moving Beyond a Comedy Image
    Actor Lee Dong-hwi on 'Method Acting' and Moving Beyond a Comedy Image 코미디로 사랑받았지만 더 이상 '웃기는 배우'로만 남고 싶지 않은 인물. 영화 '메소드연기'는 그 욕망과 불안을 메타 코미디의 방식으로 비튼 작품이다. 실제 이름을 그대로 가져온 캐릭터 '이동휘'를 연기한 배우 이동휘는 웃음과 자의식, 과몰입이 뒤섞인 낯선 얼굴을 꺼내 보인다. 영화 '메소드연기'(감독 이기혁)로 돌아온 이동휘를 만났다. "Director Lee Gi-hyeok was preparing a feature based on a different story, but it was halted for various reasons. Then he thought about which of his shorts could be expanded for a wider audience, and 'Method Acting' came to mind. Since the short was introduced mainly on the festival circuit, we brought in the more universal keyword of family and expanded it so audiences could relate," Lee said. '메소드연기'는 이기혁 감독의 동명 단편에서 출발한 작품이다. 장편으로 확장되는 과정에서 영화는 보다 보편적인 정서로 넓어졌고, Lee participated closely in that process as both an actor and a producer. Working with Lee Gi-hyeok, a longtime friend, he said he watched up close as a short film grew into a story meant to meet a broader audience. 무엇보다 흥미로운 건 영화 속 '이동휘'가 실제 배우 Lee Dong-hwi와 떼어놓고 보기 어려운 인물이라는 점이다. In the film, the character is also loved for comedy but does not want to be trapped by that image. Lee said the premise did not feel unfamiliar. "Whether it's a villain role or comedy, the public knows you for what they've seen. Once an image sticks, scripts tend to come in along those lines," he said. "There are seniors who broke out of those images over a long time and proved it through experience. I'm quietly following that path. I think it's arrogant to feel I have to solve it quickly. In an actor's life, I'm grateful for each opportunity. If there's a use for me, if there's value, I'm just thankful." He said he draws inspiration from athletes and musicians who train daily, pushing through boredom and fatigue, and tries to bring that discipline to his work. "I love comedy as a genre, and I have expectations about language and expression," he said. Lee also spoke about the gap between his friendly public image and what he described as a more sensitive private temperament, saying it once weighed on him but has eased with age. "Now that I'm 40, I think I'm becoming more rounded," he said. "The sharp parts and those worries soften, and I accept what I need to accept. I think I'm in the process of becoming an adult. If it were back when I was more hot-blooded, I might have been a bit prickly, but now I have chronic fatigue. Ha ha." On the surface, the project can look like a vehicle built for Lee: He uses his real name and plays a character that overlaps with his public persona. Lee said that made it harder, not easier, because he had to manage the distance between reality and fiction in every scene. "I vaguely thought it would be easier if I played 'me,' but once we started shooting, every day was homework," he said. "It shouldn't look like a documentary, and it's not a reality observation show, so you have to keep building layers." He cited a scene in which the character watches his mother from behind as she crosses a crosswalk. Seeing actress Kim Geum-soon from behind reminded him of his own mother, he said, and the emotion surged. "I thought, 'If the role gets too close to my life, it will be hard,'" he said, adding that he decided family material needed a more fictional approach to avoid taking a mental toll. The film also includes moments that recall a less mature period in the actor's life, including how the character treats juniors and approaches the set. Lee said the project prompted him to reflect on his earlier self, when he was focused on doing well but had not yet learned how to help carry a production as part of a team. "Looking back, I think I was only obsessed with running forward," he said. "My focus was only on 'I have to do well,' and I thought only, 'I have to be intense.'" He said he was struck by an acceptance-speech remark by actor Tony Leung, who wondered whether he could have worked with more smiles, and said he related to it. Lee said he learned by watching veteran actor Choi Min-sik on the set of 'Casino,' describing how Choi embraced the whole set and treated people warmly. "If there's a set I return to someday, I should approach it with more growth and maturity, shouldn't I?" he said. "It's a process of telling myself that." Lee said he was cautious about audiences overlapping the character with him as a person. He said he hoped it would be received as one person's story, but not reduced to only his private hardships. "I've kept challenging myself, but I still don't think I've achieved something," he said. "On set there are cries that don't remain as records, and inside that we're always chasing something. I wanted it to be received not just as results, but as a person's story. But I didn't want it to be limited to Lee Dong-hwi's personal struggle or difficulty, either." He added that some viewers may find parts of the finished film lacking in communication, but said he hoped his effort came through. He said he confronted family issues and other emotional matters during filming and came to see himself in difficult moments, which he believed could shape how the work is received. Still, Lee said he felt he had little choice but to put more of himself forward in this project, believing a purely fictional character would not bring audiences close enough. Even so, he said he ultimately hopes the film is received as fiction. "I hope this film is ultimately accepted as a fictional character," he said. "In this project, I had to find the courage, and I didn't think I could get close to the audience by only playing a made-up person. So I thought I had to put some of myself out front, and I challenged myself with that mindset. How it looks is up to the audience."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-29 14:57:20