AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Choi Song-hui
  • Minister Choi Hyungs Congratulations to Park Chan-wook on Receiving Frances Highest Cultural Honor
    Minister Choi Hyung's Congratulations to Park Chan-wook on Receiving France's Highest Cultural Honor Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hyung sent a congratulatory message to director Park Chan-wook, who received the highest grade of the French Order of Arts and Letters, the Commander. The Ministry announced that Minister Choi sent the message on May 18, congratulating Park on receiving the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters. “I sincerely congratulate you on receiving the prestigious French Order of Arts and Letters, Commander,” Choi said, adding, “This honor firmly establishes the global stature of the South Korean film industry and elevates our cultural pride.” Choi continued, “Your unique body of work has become a source of inspiration for creators worldwide. I extend my deep admiration for your artistic achievements that have captivated the world and for your pioneering spirit that has opened new horizons in South Korean cinema.” Mentioning the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and France this year, Choi expressed hope that Park would serve as a bridge to further strengthen cultural ties between the two countries and pledged continued support for his remarkable journey.Earlier, on May 17, French Culture Minister Rima Abdul Malak awarded Park the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters in Cannes, France. This honor is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature or enhanced the international prestige of French culture. The order is divided into three grades: Chevalier, Officier, and Commander, with Commander being the highest. Park has a long-standing relationship with France. He won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004 for “Oldboy,” followed by the Jury Award for “Thirst” in 2009 and the Best Director Award for “Decision to Leave” in 2022. His film “The Handmaiden” was also invited to compete at Cannes in 2016, and he served as a jury member at the 70th Cannes Film Festival in 2017. This year, he was appointed as the first South Korean president of the jury for the 79th Cannes Film Festival. After receiving accolades as a winner, jury member, and jury president, he has now been honored with the highest grade of the French Order of Arts and Letters.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 21:45:31
  • Charming and Fun: Kang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyuns Wild Thing Aims for June Theatrical Release
    Charming and Fun: Kang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun's 'Wild Thing' Aims for June Theatrical Release Loveable and delightful, the film 'Wild Thing' combines nostalgia for the 2000s music scene with K-pop performances in a comedic setting. The chemistry among the cast, along with music and stage elements, raises anticipation about whether the story of the fictional trio 'Triangle' can evoke laughter from audiences in June.On May 18, a press and distribution preview for 'Wild Thing' took place at Lotte World Tower in Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul. Director Son Jae-gon and actors Kang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun attended the event to discuss the film.'Wild Thing' tells the story of 'Triangle,' a mixed-gender dance group that once dominated the music scene but disbanded overnight due to an unexpected incident. Now, 20 years later, they embark on a reckless challenge to seize a second chance at success. Kang Dong-won plays the leader Hyun-woo, Um Tae-goo portrays the rapper Sang-goo, and Park Ji-hyun takes on the role of center Domi.Director Son emphasized the importance of making audiences root for the protagonists. He stated, "A key goal was to create a scenario where viewers would want to support the main characters. I believe we have never successfully evoked that feeling before, even when embedding messages and various reasons into the script."He added, "In this film, the protagonists' final choices may initially seem reckless, but as visual movements and music intertwine, those emotions are captured. It seems that relying solely on the script and calculations does not work well."Son noted that the film's message is something that unfolds naturally within the story rather than being explicitly stated, linking it to a line spoken by Hyun-woo in the film. He remarked, "In fact, I have never made a film with the intention of conveying a theme or message. My only criterion is, 'This will be fun.' However, as the film is released, I find myself reflecting on themes and messages. Surprisingly, I discover plausible messages and themes. As I age, I feel that having only three opportunities in a lifetime seems too few. If I think it's over after three times, that feels like a cruel statement. Therefore, that line could naturally convey a message in this story."While the film is set against the backdrop of the early 2000s music scene, the preparation process extended back to the 1990s. Elements such as costumes, stage visuals, and interview formats reflect various images from that era.Director Son explained, "The script specifies the year 2000, but during research, the production team felt that referencing only that specific period seemed too distant from current trends. Therefore, we expanded our references to include the 1990s while preparing the project. Many styles were referenced, so viewers may see styles that resonate with their own experiences and memories."The actors also focused on capturing the era's atmosphere through their speech, demeanor, and stage presence. Kang Dong-won noted, "When looking at materials from that time, the interview styles were somewhat different from today. I thought about how to incorporate those elements when appearing on TV rather than in casual conversation. I remember trying to mix those aspects to create something entertaining."Park Ji-hyun remarked, "The director and staff did a great job of capturing the era's emotional backdrop, allowing me to naturally act as if I were in that time period."Um Tae-goo added, "The external aspects were well crafted by the staff and director. I focused on faithfully portraying what was in the script while considering how to make it appear more authentic."The styling of 'Triangle' evokes images of idol groups from the 1990s and 2000s. Instead of directly referencing a specific group, the actors brought their own interpretations of the styles and stage images they remembered from that time.Kang Dong-won shared, "I referenced various idols. My generation grew up watching them, so I wanted to pay homage to their styles and atmosphere. I also contributed some ideas. For the dance, I thought about other performers and referenced their dance lines, acting with a sense of homage."Park Ji-hyun added, "I, along with others, referenced several idol groups to capture that era. I mentioned that Lee Hyori from Fin.K.L left a strong impression on me because I liked her at that time, and she remains an iconic figure in my memory. I tried to incorporate her freshness, sexiness, and charming smile into my performance."The most challenging aspect for the actors was performing on stage. As 'Triangle' was a once-popular group, the actors had to deliver singing, dancing, and stage performances while being aware of the camera.Kang Dong-won stated, "Performing on stage was my biggest challenge. Since the characters were successful idols, they had to showcase their skills on stage. Typically, in films, looking at the camera is a mistake, but here, not looking at the camera was the mistake. When the lights came on, we had to look at the camera, and every moment of dancing while gazing at it was a challenge."The film's music and performances have already been released ahead of its premiere. The lead track 'Love is' from 'Triangle' has been made available, along with a music video, generating reactions reminiscent of a fictional fandom. The film's setting has expanded into pre-release content, drawing attention.Kang Dong-won expressed gratitude for the positive reactions, saying, "Although it's before the release, I appreciate the good responses. However, I worry that if viewers become too immersed, they might be disappointed after watching the film. The music video represents a part of the film's past, while the movie tells a different story, and I'm concerned that people might conflate the two."Um Tae-goo noted, "We filmed the music video after completing the shoot. After five months of filming, we practiced and became accustomed to the performance, so it was easier to execute. Park Ji-hyun added, "I was curious about how it would be utilized, but I didn't expect the music video to be released. I thought it was a great idea. I'm surprised that many people are enjoying it and sharing diverse comments, showing that audiences are engaging with the film in fresh ways. I hope 'Wild Thing' will also be loved by many."The actors also put effort into portraying characters that transition between the past and present. 'Triangle' is a group that, after its peak 20 years ago, is attempting to return to the stage.Park Ji-hyun stated, "I researched the words and speech patterns used during that time, ensuring that the passage of time between their 20s and 40s could be compared to show the flow of time."Kang Dong-won humorously remarked about the past scenes, saying, "Being 19 is impossible, but I believed in the power of science and technology." He added, "I'm not one to fully trust CGI, but I wanted to receive a lot of help. Since I was also an entertainer when I was young, I wanted to channel the energy of pursuing my dreams."Meanwhile, 'Wild Thing' is set to hit theaters on June 3.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 21:25:52
  • Kang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun Star in Wild Thing with K-Pop and Comedy Elements
    Kang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun Star in 'Wild Thing' with K-Pop and Comedy Elements The film 'Wild Thing' has unveiled key viewing points ahead of its release. Set to premiere on June 3, 'Wild Thing' is a comedy that follows a once-popular mixed-gender dance group, 'Triangle,' which disbanded overnight due to an unexpected incident. The story revolves around their reckless challenge to seize a chance at revival after 20 years. One of the most striking aspects is the cast's combination. Kang Dong-won plays Hyun-woo, the leader of 'Triangle,' showcasing both comedic acting and performance skills. Um Tae-goo portrays Sang-goo, a rapper with an introverted personality and intense passion, hinting at a transformation between rap and comedy. Park Ji-hyun takes on the role of the team's center, Domi, bringing refreshing energy and unexpected charm. Joining them is Oh Jung-se as Seong-gon, a ballad singer who has remained at number two for 39 weeks, adding humor with his unique presence. The performances of actors like Shin Ha-kyun are also expected to enhance the film's entertainment value. Expectations are high for this comedy film. 'Wild Thing' is a collaboration between the production team behind 'Extreme Job' and director Son Jae-gon. The premise of a disbanded group attempting to return to the stage after 20 years sets the stage for unpredictable situations and character mismatches that generate laughter. The comedic chemistry among the cast and the energy of K-pop performances aim to deliver an enjoyable cinematic experience. Music and performance are also key highlights. Composer Shim Eun-ji, known for working with groups like TWICE, SHINee, and IU, along with a JYP producer and choreography team, have contributed to the on-screen performances of 'Triangle.' The film features their debut and signature song, 'Love is,' along with tracks like 'Shout it Out' and 'I Like You,' reviving the essence of late 1990s to early 2000s dance music with a contemporary twist. The actors underwent extensive rehearsal for their performances. During the production press conference, Um Tae-goo mentioned commuting to the JYP headquarters for rap practice, stating, "I tried to practice as often as possible and practiced for about five months whenever I could." Kang Dong-won added, "While preparing for this project, I realized how hard it must be for idols, and I gained a lot of respect for them." The actors' preparation process, akin to an 'idol experience,' heightens anticipation for the performances in the film. The film also creatively connects its narrative with the audience. 'Wild Thing' utilizes the fictional group 'Triangle' as if they were real idols, engaging viewers through character accounts, music videos, cheering methods, and music releases. This expansion of the film's setting into content outside the theater adds to the enjoyment of the fictional group 'Triangle' even before its release. The styling and stage design evoke a Y2K aesthetic, blending visuals reminiscent of the late-century music scene with exaggerated situations typical of the comedy genre, completing the unique entertainment of 'Wild Thing.' With themes of revival, stage performance, music, and humor, there is keen interest in how this film will be received in theaters this June. 'Wild Thing' will be released nationwide on June 3.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 09:13:11
  • Park Chan-wook Receives Frances Highest Cultural Honor, Aims to Film in France
    Park Chan-wook Receives France's Highest Cultural Honor, Aims to Film in France Park Chan-wook has been awarded the Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters, the highest cultural honor from the French government.According to reports from Reuters and Yonhap News, French Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak presented the award to Park on May 17 in Cannes, where he was serving as the jury president for the 79th Cannes Film Festival.The Order of Arts and Letters is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature or have enhanced the international stature of French culture. It has three grades: Chevalier, Officier, and Commander, with Commander being the highest.Park is the fourth South Korean recipient of the Commander honor, following Kim Jong-ok in 2002, conductor Myung-whun Chung in 2011, and soprano Sumi Jo last year.After receiving the award, Park expressed that French cinema and philosophy have greatly influenced his work. He stated, "I felt that all the influences I received from France have come together in me."He reminisced about winning the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004 for his film 'Oldboy,' calling it a significant turning point that completely changed his life. He noted that his connection with Cannes has continued, leading to his role as jury president this year.Park also shared his desire to film in France, saying, "My last wish is to make a film in France someday, to work with French actors." He expressed gratitude for the honor.Park has a long-standing relationship with the Cannes Film Festival. He won the Jury Prize in 2004 for 'Oldboy,' the Jury Award in 2009 for 'Thirst,' and the Best Director Award in 2022 for 'Decision to Leave.' His film 'The Handmaiden' was invited to compete in 2016, and he served as a jury member in 2017.This year, he became the first South Korean to be appointed as jury president at the Cannes Film Festival. His journey from award winner to jury president, culminating in receiving France's highest cultural honor, highlights the strong ties between Park and the French film industry.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-18 08:00:45
  • Controversy Erupts Over 21st Century Great Lady Historical Distortion; IU Vows Greater Responsibility
    Controversy Erupts Over '21st Century Great Lady' Historical Distortion; IU Vows Greater Responsibility MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Great Lady' concluded on May 16 amid controversy over historical distortion. Following an apology and commitment to revisions from the production team, lead actress IU expressed her intention to take greater responsibility in front of fans. The upcoming script book is also expected to include some revised expressions.On the show's final day, IU held a group viewing event at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul, where she celebrated her birthday with fans while watching the last episode. After the screening, she addressed the recent controversy, saying, "I've been thinking a lot lately. I could have done better. As someone who receives your love, I will strive to do better and show a more responsible side of myself, making sure not to waste a moment of time."She added, "I believe that everything you say has a reason, and I should accept it. If there are areas where I fall short, please let me know, scold me, and push me so that I can work hard to become a better person."While IU did not directly mention '21st Century Great Lady,' her comments were interpreted as a reflection on the recent historical distortion controversy, especially given the timing of her remarks right after the final episode.Set in a constitutional monarchy in 21st-century South Korea, '21st Century Great Lady' is a romantic alternate history drama. The controversy erupted following the broadcast of the 11th episode on May 15, which featured a scene where courtiers shouted 'Cheonse' instead of 'Manse' during the coronation of the character Lee An-dae-gun, who wore a Goryeo-style crown instead of a Joseon-style one. This led some viewers to accuse the show of historical distortion.In response, the production team stated, "We take seriously the viewers' concerns that the scene with the king wearing a 'Goryeo crown' and the courtiers shouting 'Cheonse' undermines our country's sovereignty." They issued an apology, acknowledging that they had not carefully examined how Joseon customs evolved throughout history.They further explained, "While '21st Century Great Lady' is a romance and an alternate history drama, it required careful and profound consideration of the intersection between the fictional world and historical context. We recognize that we fell short in refining the worldview and paying closer attention to these aspects."The production team committed to promptly correcting the audio and subtitles in replays, video-on-demand (VOD), and online streaming services.The controversy also extended to the script book. Ahead of its release on May 18, publisher Open House Studio Audrie announced on May 16 via official social media that they are in discussions with the production team regarding the planned revisions of certain ceremonial expressions related to the drama.The publisher stated, "We take this matter seriously" and will provide a separate notice to pre-order customers, indicating that the revised expressions will be reflected in future editions. For books that have already been produced and shipped, they plan to send corrected PDF files and physical correction stickers.Despite the historical distortion controversy, '21st Century Great Lady' ended with its highest viewership ratings, recording 13.8% nationwide according to Nielsen Korea. While the drama concluded with high ratings, the historical accuracy debate and the production team's subsequent actions remain significant points of discussion.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 17:08:02
  • Interview with Director Kim Min-ha: Girls Do Not Die... We Want to Keep Winning
    Interview with Director Kim Min-ha: 'Girls Do Not Die... We Want to Keep Winning' Short films like 'Red Mask KF94' and 'Burger Song Challenge,' along with the movies 'Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories: Founding Day' and 'Student Teaching,' showcase Kim Min-ha's talent for twisting familiar realities with peculiar imagination and a sense of comedy. In her feature films, she has layered the friendship of girls with the anxieties of the times, making her unique style more evident. "Movie ratings are either 1 or 10," she joked, indicating the strong support from her audience."Those who rated it 1 and those who rated it 10 call each other viral. But now I feel like I understand a bit about what the audience wants. Once we officially release the film, I expect more feedback, but from the reactions at the preview, I thought, 'I understand what these people want to see.' So, I felt the urge to take a gamble. Basically, making this kind of personal film while trying to gain everyone's recognition seems to lead to unhappiness. If I break down that fence, everything I have could collapse too. Right now, I think I'm working to not lose the audience that appreciates my films."Her new film 'Student Teaching' is a high school horror-comedy about enthusiastic student teacher Eun-kyung facing a death mock exam against a ghost from the college entrance exam. Although it continues the narrative of her previous work 'Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories: Founding Day,' the production process was not smooth. While the previous film garnered 30,000 viewers and built a fan base, it still faced harsh evaluations in the market."'Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories' was originally planned as a series. We intended to continue with titles like 'Founding Day' and 'Student Teaching.' However, after 'Founding Day' attracted 30,000 viewers, expectations for the series diminished. While I'm grateful for the 30,000 viewers, it's hard to consider it a commercial success by the market's standards. So, instead of continuing the series title, we released it under the name 'Student Teaching.'"The production environment also changed significantly. They had to complete the film with a budget much smaller than initially anticipated. Nevertheless, most of the staff who had worked on the previous film returned. For Kim, that time was also a survival process for making the film."We ended up filming with less than half of the budget we thought we needed. 95% of the staff were the same as the previous film, and they all had a passion for the project. At the start, I gathered the staff and said, 'The production cost is this much. It's less than half of what we originally planned. So, feel free to leave; I won't hold it against anyone.' Yet, no one left. Everyone stayed. We filmed by cutting down on what was possible. The actors also worked very hard. We shot tightly, and I edited the film myself to submit it to festivals, but I completely burned out."A turning point came unexpectedly when 'Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories: Founding Day' was released on an online streaming service, gaining significant popularity. On social media, it was referred to as a 'Girls Night Movie,' revealing another potential."Last September, when 'Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories' was released on OTT, it became a 'boom.' It gained traction as a 'Girls Night Movie.' With an audience supporting the film, discussions about making 'Student Teaching' began. I often found myself emotional during that time. This film is about the friendship of girls. But as it became a 'Girls Night Movie'... isn't 'Girls Night' a time for friends to gather and share their friendship? Ultimately, I feel that the friendship and laughter of girls saved this film. I cried a lot reading the reviews."The affection of fans for the previous work became an important guideline for Kim Min-ha in creating the sequel. He wanted to maintain the attitude that audiences loved while avoiding repeating the same story. He aimed to convey the message that 'girls win' while addressing the sadness of contemporary issues through the lens of educational authority and public education."What I wanted to keep as a series was the sentiment that 'girls do not die, girls win.' I wanted to carry that forward. What I wanted to do differently is that I believe comedy should contain the sadness of the times. While the previous work had sadness about competition, this film aims to capture the sadness surrounding educational authority, the disappearance of traditional schools, and the expansion of private education. So, I thought it wouldn't be the same as the previous work."The issue of educational authority became a significant focus for Kim after his short film 'Burger Song Challenge' was selected as the closing film for the 2023 Education Film Festival. The closing ceremony coincided with the 49th memorial of the late teacher Seo Yi-cho and 'Public Education Suspension Day.' Teachers dressed in black filled the audience, and after watching the film, many expressed that they found comfort in it. Kim felt the weight of the reality of crumbling educational authority more profoundly than before."In 2023, my short film 'Burger Song Challenge' was selected as the closing film for the Education Film Festival. The closing ceremony was on the day of the 49th memorial of the late teacher Seo Yi-cho and 'Public Education Suspension Day.' Teachers dressed in black watched the film and told me they found comfort in it. I realized that the issue of crumbling educational authority was much larger than I had thought. From that moment, I wanted to create a film addressing the sadness surrounding this issue."This experience also influenced the direction of 'Student Teaching.' Kim felt that the issue of educational authority was not just a social issue reported in the news but a sadness that the current era carries. In this process, he incorporated the disappearance of traditional learning spaces, the instability of public education, and the growing private education market into the film."As I became interested in the issue of educational authority, I realized it was much more serious than I had thought. It felt like more than just a social issue; it felt like a sadness of our time. So, I decided that 'Student Teaching' should include a story about educational authority. We were taught that 'we do not step on the shadow of our teachers' as a virtue. But I became curious about how that sentiment has disappeared. In that process, I also looked into the background of the disappearance of traditional schools. Shamefully, I thought traditional schools naturally disappeared during modernization, but I learned that there was history and sadness behind it. Those emotions intertwined, leading me to think about the instability of public education and the reality of the expanding private education market. It's strange and sad that while the number of students decreases, private education continues to grow. Ultimately, I believe all of this reflects the sadness of our current era."'Student Teaching' does not provide answers to these issues. Kim also expressed a desire to create a moment for the audience to reflect rather than present solutions. He believes that embedding the sadness of the times within a comedic genre is his approach to comedy."This film does not provide answers. However, if it can serve as a moment for audiences to reflect on the issues of educational authority, the history of disappearing traditional schools, and the reality of expanding private education, I would consider it a success. I wanted to include the sadness of the times within a film that is meant to be enjoyed and laughed at."The casting of Han Sun-hwa also aligned with this perspective. While choosing a popular face was part of the decision, Kim emphasized the importance of balancing comedy and sadness. He aimed for humor that is funny but not foolish, light yet not trivial. Han Sun-hwa resonated with this vision and helped anchor the film."I had many serious discussions with actress Han Sun-hwa. We talked about how to convey this sadness and how to make it funny without being foolish. She effectively anchored the film. For her, the comedic aspects were secondary; the primary focus was on the sadness of educational authority. She empathized with this sadness. Fans who come expecting Han Sun-hwa will see a different side of her talent in this work."Finally, Kim reflected on the sentiments received from audiences who appreciated her previous work. Although the film elicited strong opinions, the responses from viewers who accurately understood her style and attitude left a lasting impression. In particular, a review stating, "Choosing the wrong answer because you know the right one" resonated with Kim as a guiding principle for the series moving forward."There was a line from a review of 'Amoeba Girls and School Ghost Stories: Founding Day' that deeply moved me. It said, 'Choosing the wrong answer because you know the right one.' In genre films, there is often a path considered the right answer. However, 'Amoeba' is seen as a film that continuously deviates and goes off-road. I thought, 'Ah, this is something I must not forget when making this series in the future.'"* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 15:47:32
  • FIFTY FIFTY Releases After School Exorcism Club MV Featuring Acting Debut
    FIFTY FIFTY Releases 'After School Exorcism Club' MV Featuring Acting Debut FIFTY FIFTY has unveiled the music video for 'After School Exorcism Club,' marking the members' first foray into acting and generating significant buzz around the project.The music video was released on the KITZ YouTube channel, showcasing the five members of FIFTY FIFTY as they transform into the characters of the exorcism club, highlighting their upcoming adventures. The video captures the essence of a high school occult comedy, featuring vibrant visuals and the members' engaging portrayals.'After School Exorcism Club' tells the story of five quirky high school girls who band together to exorcise a spirit haunting their school. As the group's first acting project, it has attracted attention even before its release. The content is part of a larger project that shares a universe with FIFTY FIFTY's upcoming album 'Imperfect-I'mperfect,' set to be released on June 1, and includes not only a short-form drama but also a feature film and mid-form series.The music video features the new album track 'STARSTRUCK,' which showcases FIFTY FIFTY's innovative approach, blending a quirky yet hip atmosphere. It connects the music and drama's narrative, allowing fans to enjoy both the album and the video content together.Following the video's release, comments have poured in, with viewers praising the members' acting skills. Comments included, "Let's go to Hollywood," "The members act really well. I was truly surprised by Kina," "It feels like a horror blockbuster," and "The story and concept seem really fun," reflecting a growing anticipation for the main content.KITZ stated, "Viewers can expect to see a different side of FIFTY FIFTY as they take on acting roles. We anticipate this will provide a new experience that combines music and storytelling."KITZ has consistently produced content featuring K-pop artists in leading roles, starting with NCT's Jeno and Jaemin in 'Wind Up,' followed by VERIVERY's Kangmin in 'Jump Boy LIVE,' and CRAVITY's Hyungjun in 'Kill the Romeo.' After 'After School Exorcism Club,' upcoming projects include Lee Min-ki and MONSTA X's Hyungwon in 'The Grim Reaper's Life Extension Project,' and Younghoon, Iruda, and Kim Dong-jun in 'Love WiFi-Gung.'Meanwhile, FIFTY FIFTY's KITZ premium short-form drama 'After School Exorcism Club' is available for viewing on KITZ.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 11:37:46
  • Korean Film Gunch Receives Standing Ovation at Cannes, Tops Domestic Box Office Pre-Sales
    Korean Film 'Gunch' Receives Standing Ovation at Cannes, Tops Domestic Box Office Pre-Sales Film 'Gunch' has generated significant buzz after its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation, and it has now topped the domestic box office pre-sales ahead of its release.According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing system, as of 8:27 a.m. on May 17, 'Gunch' recorded a pre-sale rate of 28.1%, with 94,743 tickets sold, placing it at the top of the pre-sale rankings. It surpassed competing foreign films, including 'Michael,' which opened last week, as well as 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' and 'Super Mario Galaxy.''Gunch' depicts the struggle of isolated survivors against evolving infected individuals in a high-rise building sealed off due to an unidentified infection outbreak. It is the latest work from director Yeon Sang-ho, known for establishing the K-zombie genre with films like 'Train to Busan' and 'Peninsula.'The film's pre-release interest was confirmed at the Cannes Film Festival, where it premiered on May 16 (local time) in the Midnight Screenings section at the Palais des Festivals. The 2,300-seat theater was filled with local audiences and film industry professionals, including director Yeon Sang-ho and actors Jun Ji-hyun, Koo Kyo-hwan, Ji Chang-wook, and Shin Hyun-bin.Park Chan-wook, the jury president of this year's Cannes competition, welcomed the 'Gunch' team on the red carpet alongside Thierry Frémaux, the festival's executive director. As the cast and director entered the theater before the screening, applause lasted for about five minutes, and after the film concluded, a standing ovation lasted approximately seven minutes.After the screening, Yeon Sang-ho expressed his gratitude, stating, "It is such an honor to present 'Gunch' again at the Cannes Film Festival, a dream come true. The overwhelming support will be a memorable experience for a long time as I continue to make films."'Gunch' portrays the desperate fight of those trapped inside a high-rise building in downtown Seoul following an unidentified mass infection outbreak.Following its premiere at Cannes and the surge in domestic pre-sales, 'Gunch' has emerged as one of the most anticipated films in theaters this May. Given its pre-sale success against a backdrop of strong foreign films, there is keen interest in whether it will translate into box office success after its release. The film is set to hit domestic theaters on May 21.Meanwhile, the 79th Cannes Film Festival will continue until May 23, featuring South Korean films such as Na Hong-jin's 'Hope' in the competition section, Jung Joo-ri's 'Dora' in the Directors' Fortnight, and Choi Won-jung's short film 'Rhapsody of Birds' in the La Cinef section.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-17 11:27:55
  • Kim Jae-won Discusses His Role as Sun-rok in Yumis Cells 3
    Kim Jae-won Discusses His Role as Sun-rok in 'Yumi's Cells 3' Kim Jae-won, who gained fame as the "first love memory manipulator" in the drama "Our Blues," has now earned the title of the nation's favorite younger man. Since his debut in "Our Blues," he has steadily built his filmography, recently achieving success with Netflix's "Lady Dua" and TVING's "Yumi's Cells 3," solidifying his unique presence in the industry. His ability to create chemistry with co-stars and evoke the excitement of relationships showcases his new potential."I’m really happy to receive so much attention and love, being called the 'nation's favorite younger man.' Besides that, this project being the third season makes it significant as it wraps up the long journey from seasons 1 and 2. I feel proud that we concluded that journey well," he said.TVING's original series "Yumi's Cells 3," written by Song Jae-jung and Kim Kyung-ran and directed by Lee Sang-yeob, depicts the romance between Yumi (played by Kim Go-eun), now a star writer, and Sun-rok (played by Kim Jae-won), who unexpectedly enters her mundane life. Based on the webtoon of the same name, "Yumi's Cells" has captured Yumi's life, love, and growth from its first season in 2022 to its third season in 2026."I often thought about how deeply one can become attached to a character. I really hope Sun-rok and Yumi can live happily together. As a long-time viewer of 'Yumi's Cells,' I wish for Yumi to live happily for her entire life," he expressed.Each season of "Yumi's Cells" has built on Yumi's relationships, showcasing her journey of love and growth. In season 1, she met her boyfriend Gu-woong (played by Ahn Bo-hyun) through a blind date, while season 2 featured Yu-babi (played by Park Jin-young), who supported Yumi's aspirations as a writer. Season 3 focuses on Yumi's relationship with her younger boyfriend, Shin Sun-rok. Kim Jae-won portrays the beloved character Shin Sun-rok, adding excitement to Yumi's final romance."It would be a lie to say I felt no pressure. It felt like being introduced as 'my boyfriend' to relatives during a family gathering. So many people were watching and had expectations for this character. In the original work, Sun-rok is depicted as a unicorn-like younger man, almost perfect without flaws. While there was pressure regarding that, I also saw it as a great opportunity to portray such a fantasy-like character. Therefore, I prepared for this role with a unique commitment, giving 200% instead of 100%," he said.Unlike the previous seasons, which each had 14 episodes, season 3 consists of only 8 episodes. Fans expressed disappointment at the shorter format, wishing for more time to explore Yumi and Sun-rok's story. Kim Jae-won acknowledged that a longer format could have allowed for more detailed storytelling but emphasized that the priority was to accurately portray Sun-rok within the given episodes."Personally, I think Sun-rok is a bit different from the characters Yumi has encountered so far. He is the type to move forward without hesitation once he is sure. Since he is not a calculating character, I believe we could present his story more compactly. While a longer format would have been nice, I focused on expressing Sun-rok well, regardless of the length of the episodes," he explained.Kim Jae-won identified Sun-rok's greatest charm as his straightforwardness. He believes that the essence of Sun-rok lies in his unwavering commitment to Yumi once he decides to love her, rather than any physical attributes."Many people mention his height and appearance, but I see those as secondary charms. Sun-rok's biggest strength is his ability to move forward without hesitation once he is sure of his feelings. Although there must have been realistic challenges, from the moment he decided, 'I love this person' and 'I will protect Yumi for life,' he moved forward without calculation. I think that’s the main reason Sun-rok could reach marriage with Yumi," he said.Given that the series is based on a webtoon, achieving a visual resemblance to the original character was also a significant task. Kim Jae-won mentioned that he carefully considered his hairstyle, glasses, and clothing, as well as his demeanor at work and after hours, to embody the character Sun-rok as envisioned by fans of the original work."I made a lot of effort to match the physical appearance. At work, Sun-rok has a half-up hairstyle and wears angular glasses to appear somewhat cold. Conversely, after work, he has curly hair down and wears pajamas, adopting a relaxed posture that he wouldn’t show at the office. While I’m not a homebody, I found moments of exhaustion after work relatable to Sun-rok, so I infused some of my own experiences into the character," he shared."Yumi's Cells" differs from other dramas in its filming approach. The 'cells' representing characters' emotions require actors to consider their presence even when off-screen. Unlike the seasoned production team, Kim Jae-won, who joined in season 3, needed time to adapt to this unique style."I knew from behind-the-scenes footage that the staff read the cells' lines, but I discovered that some lines were read while others were not. Curious, I asked the director, who explained that it depended on whether the scene would be split later. For instance, in scenes where the cells express Sun-rok's feelings or when he seems to deny them, the director requested specific details, like turning his head in a certain direction. Watching the broadcast, I realized how it was directed to show that 'I love this person enough to ignore the cells.' Those aspects were really interesting," he noted.The romance between Yumi and Sun-rok progressed more rapidly after their mutual confirmation of feelings. Within the 8-episode structure, they had to convincingly navigate their relationship from initial feelings to marriage. Kim Jae-won said he tried to genuinely believe in Sun-rok's love by focusing on his emotions while acting alongside Kim Go-eun."Once Sun-rok and Yumi started meeting with certainty, there was hardly any time left. We had to compact everything into just two episodes. Since fans of the original work already know the ending, I thought they would expect to see how the couple reaches marriage and the atmosphere surrounding it. So, I pondered how much Sun-rok could love Yumi and thought about actually loving Go-eun noona as Sun-rok," he explained.In expressing Sun-rok's love, Kim Jae-won emphasized the importance of loving genuinely rather than focusing on age differences or seniority. He noted that Kim Go-eun's charming presence greatly contributed to shaping Sun-rok's emotions."I aimed to love Go-eun noona as she is. The age difference didn’t matter at all. She is such a lovely person, making it easy to immerse myself in the role. During filming, she had a short haircut that reminded me of Ponyo from the animated film 'Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea,' so I affectionately called her 'Ponyo.' I tried to capture that lovely feeling and gaze in my performance," he said.In concluding the interview, he cautiously shared his future aspirations. Rather than confining himself to specific genres or characters, he expressed a desire to continue discovering new facets of himself as an actor. For Kim Jae-won, what matters now is becoming an actor who is unafraid to make new choices and not remain stuck in a familiar image."What I most clearly desire is to be recognized as an actor who always challenges himself with new roles. I don’t have a specific goal in mind, but as a newcomer, there’s so much I want to try. I’ve never seriously attempted action, so I want to challenge myself in that area, and I’d also like to try historical dramas. I’ve wanted to explore film as a genre, and I recently had the opportunity to do so, filming without regrets. I want to continue challenging myself with things I haven’t done before and become someone who isn’t afraid to take risks."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 17:49:25
  • Director Jung Juri and Cast of Dora Set for Cannes Film Festival Premiere
    Director Jung Juri and Cast of 'Dora' Set for Cannes Film Festival Premiere Film 'Dora' is set to have its world premiere at the 79th Cannes Film Festival's Directors' Fortnight. Director Jung Juri, who previously debuted with 'Dohiya' and followed up with 'Next Sohee,' will be joined by actors Kim Do-yeon and Ando Sakura to meet local audiences.On May 14, the production team for 'Dora' announced that Director Jung Juri and actors Kim Do-yeon and Ando Sakura are departing for Cannes, sharing their thoughts on the festival invitation. 'Dora' has been officially invited to the Directors' Fortnight at this year's Cannes Film Festival for its world premiere.Director Jung previously gained recognition at Cannes with her debut feature 'Dohiya' (2014), which was selected for the Un Certain Regard section, and her second feature 'Next Sohee' (2022), which was the closing film of the Critics' Week. With 'Dora,' she continues her relationship with Cannes, marking her third feature film at the festival. Jung expressed, "I am thrilled to be able to showcase the film right after its completion. I look forward to meeting audiences from around the world and returning to greet our local viewers soon."Kim Do-yeon, who plays the title role of Dora, will walk the Cannes red carpet for the first time with this film. She stated, "It means a lot that my first Cannes experience coincides with Dora's first steps. Director Jung allowed me to fully embody Dora on set, and senior actor Ando Sakura awakened me with new energy in every scene. I am excited to see what the moment will be like when the Cannes audience meets Dora. I hope the time we spent together resonates honestly in that space."Ando Sakura, who plays another lead character, Nami, also expressed his anticipation. He said, "Last summer, even in situations where language was a barrier, I found myself looking deeper at my surroundings to share feelings in any way possible. While films transcend language and culture, I realized that the space in front of the camera can also be a place to share our hearts without words. I sincerely hope to meet you all at my first Directors' Fortnight screening."Ando Sakura returns to Cannes after starring in 'Shoplifters' (2018) and 'Monster' (2023). This marks his first appearance in a Korean film with 'Dora.''Dora' tells the story of a family that leaves Seoul for a summer vacation at a seaside villa, where Dora, who suffers from an unknown illness, experiences love for the first time, causing everything to gradually unravel. The film explores the cracks and emotional turmoil that begin within the closest of relationships—family.The project is an international co-production involving four countries: South Korea, France, Luxembourg, and Japan. It is produced by South Korea's Red Peter, in collaboration with France's The French Connection and ARTE France Cinéma, and Luxembourg's Les Films Fauves. The production team from various countries worked together from filming to post-production, with French cinematographer Irina Lubtchansky handling the camera. Visual effects (VFX) were created in South Korea and France, sound work was done in South Korea and Luxembourg, and color grading took place in France.This year, several Korean films have also been invited to Cannes. Na Hong-jin's 'Hope' is in the competition section, while Yeon Sang-ho's 'Goonjeon' is featured in the Midnight Screenings. Park Chan-wook has been appointed as the first Korean jury president. In an interview with AFP on May 11, a day before the festival's opening, Park stated, "Awards should be given to works that will remain for 50 or 100 years. Ultimately, the artistic achievement of the film is what matters most."'Dora,' primarily funded by Solaire Partners through K-Wave Media, aims for a domestic release in the second half of 2026 following its Cannes world premiere. Domestic distribution will be handled by Episode Company, which is presenting 'Dora' as its first distribution project, while international distribution will be managed by Finecut.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 17:45:48