Journalist

Choi Song-hui
  • Actor Noh Sang-hyun Signs Exclusive Contract With HiZium Studio
    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’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
    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
    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
    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
    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
  • Shin Wonho to Return With First Mini Album ONE
    Shin Wonho to Return With First Mini Album 'ONE' Singer and actor Shin Wonho, a member of the group Cross Gene, is returning to music. He will release his first mini album, ‘ONE,’ at noon on March 4 through major online music platforms. The title track, ‘Warzone,’ is a pop song with an unconventional structure that portrays lovers who hurt each other, reconcile and continue healing through a repeating cycle. While framed as a love story, it also raises a question about what true peace means, aiming to deliver a layered message. The six-track album also includes ‘Hug me,’ about a moment of wanting to lean deeply into someone’s embrace; ‘Placebo,’ a pledge to push past limits; and ‘Chaewoo,’ which depicts an empty soul being filled. Instrumental versions of ‘Warzone’ and ‘Chaewoo’ are also included. Shin has rolled out teaser content ahead of the release, including 10-second track preview videos featuring melodies in different moods and his distinctive vocal tone, drawing strong reactions from global fans. He also took on self-producing across the project, highlighting his musical capabilities. The mini album ‘ONE’ will be available at noon on March 4 on major online music platforms.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 09:15:19
  • Six South Korean Music Rights Groups Form Joint Front on AI Copyright
    Six South Korean Music Rights Groups Form Joint Front on AI Copyright Lee Si-ha, president of the Korea Music Copyright Association, has launched what the group called a “declaration of war” for the AI era in his first official move since taking office. Citing rapid growth in generative AI and what he described as unprecedented upheaval in the global music business, Lee called an emergency meeting of music rights organizations. On Feb. 26, the heads of six groups formally launched the K-Music Rights Organizations Coexistence Committee, known as the Coexistence Committee. The committee brings together the Korea Music Copyright Association (President Lee Si-ha), the Korea Record Industry Association (President Choi Kyung-sik), the Korea Entertainment Producers Association (President Lim Baek-woon), the Together Music Copyright Association (Chairman Han Dong-heon), the Korea Music Performers Association (President Lee Jeong-hyeon) and the Korea Music Content Association (Chairman Woo Seung-hyeon). Lee was elected chair. The committee said the industry faces a “fourfold crisis”: the spread of generative AI, blockchain-driven decentralization, overseas outflows of Hallyu-related revenue, and a reshaping of the platform market. It said it aims to go beyond policy proposals and position South Korea as a rule-setter by taking the lead in “copyright management technology.” At the center of its plan is a blockchain-based integrated infrastructure to unify fragmented rights data. The committee said it will seek core technology to link four major codes into a single data structure: ISWC (International Standard Musical Work Code) for musical works such as composition and lyrics; ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) for sound recordings; YouTube’s CID (Content ID) system used to identify rights holders by recognizing audio and content in uploaded videos; and UCI (Universal Content Identifier), a national content identification system. The goal, it said, is to complete a “K-copyright standard model” that can track, collect and distribute royalties in real time without missing a single use, and to strengthen leadership in the copyright market. To carry out the plan, the six groups agreed to form a joint AI response task force, create a single negotiation channel and establish a joint fund, aiming to speak with one voice rather than respond separately. At the launch ceremony, the leaders also signed a joint declaration titled, “In the AI era, we declare the noble sovereignty of human creation,” pledging to protect creators’ rights against big capital and algorithms. The declaration calls for banning AI training without creators’ consent, requiring transparency in AI generation processes, and institutionalizing clear distinctions between human-created works and AI-generated output. “The next two years are a golden time that will determine the survival of Korea’s music industry,” Lee said. “Individual responses cannot stop this massive wave, so six organizations have joined hands. We will establish the copyright management system we build as a global standard and make Korea lead the world’s copyright order.” The committee said it will begin regular meetings and move quickly to design an integrated platform and pursue related institutional improvements.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 09:00:47
  • Park Ji-hoon’s ‘The Man Who Lives With the King’ Nears 10 Million Admissions, Expands Overseas
    Park Ji-hoon’s ‘The Man Who Lives With the King’ Nears 10 Million Admissions, Expands Overseas Actor Park Ji-hoon is set to meet global audiences as the film “The Man Who Lives With the King” continues its box-office run in South Korea. Directed by Jang Hang-jun, the movie is set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo and follows village chief Eom Heung-do, who volunteers to live in exile to revive his town, and the young deposed king Lee Hong-wi as they end up living together. The film surpassed 9 million admissions on March 2, putting it within reach of 10 million. Amid strong word of mouth, the film is also scheduled for release overseas, including in 26 U.S. cities such as New Jersey, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Seattle and Las Vegas, as well as in Canada, Australia, Taiwan and New Zealand. The film opened in Australia on Feb. 19 and drew strong interest, the distributor said. With its cumulative admissions now above 9 million, attention is focused on whether it can become the first domestic film to reach 10 million admissions in two years, since “Exhuma” in 2024. Park stars as Danjong, and the cast’s performances have been cited as a key driver of the film’s popularity. Adding to the momentum, “The Man Who Lives With the King” has been officially invited to the main competition section of the 28th Udine Far East Film Festival, which opens April 24. The festival is Europe’s largest event dedicated to Asian cinema. Park has also been gaining visibility beyond the film’s success. The Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute ranked him No. 1 in its February 2026 rising star brand reputation list. Park is also set to broaden his activities through the first-half release of the TVING original series “Becoming a Legend as a Cook Soldier,” and an entertainment program featuring the full reunion of Wanna One for the first time in about seven years.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-04 08:06:17
  • BTS Reveals Track List for 5th Album ARIRANG; Title Track Is SWIM
    BTS Reveals Track List for 5th Album 'ARIRANG'; Title Track Is 'SWIM' BTS is returning with “SWIM,” a song that centers on love for life. BTS on March 4 released the track list for its fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG,” on the group’s official social media accounts. The image pairs the album logo with a red tape-like graphic. The 14-track album includes the title song “SWIM,” along with “Body to Body,” “Hooligan,” “Aliens,” “FYA,” “2.0,” “No. 29,” “Merry Go Round,” “NORMAL,” “Like Animals,” “they don’t know ’bout us,” “One More Night,” “Please” and “Into the Sun.” BigHit Music said “ARIRANG” brings together BTS’ identity and the emotions built over the group’s journey. “SWIM” is an upbeat alternative-pop track about pressing forward through life’s waves, moving at one’s own pace rather than fighting the current. RM participated broadly in writing the lyrics, the agency said. “Body to Body,” the opening track, is framed as a call to enjoy the moment with concertgoers. “Hooligan” reflects time spent traveling the world and carving out a path, while “Aliens” and “FYA” convey ambition and the energy of the group’s return. “2.0” is described as showing the present of the seven members as they enter a new phase. “No. 29” and “Merry Go Round,” placed after the title track, depict enduring life’s repeating cycles. “NORMAL” addresses feelings on and off stage, and “Like Animals” expresses a resolve to live intensely. “they don’t know ’bout us” projects confidence with the message, “We’re just us,” while “One More Night” sings of wanting to stay longer in an ecstatic moment. “Please” conveys a candid desire to be together in any situation, and “Into the Sun” closes the album with a confession of running toward “you.” BTS worked on the album after holding songwriting sessions in Los Angeles last summer. Producers Diplo, Ryan Tedder and El Guincho, each with Grammy Awards histories, participated, the agency said. BTS will release “ARIRANG” at 1 p.m. March 20. The next day, the group will hold “BTS Comeback Live: ARIRANG” around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, with the performance livestreamed on Netflix. 2026-03-04 07:57:23