Journalist

Choi Song-hui
  • IU Says Switching From Netflix Hit to MBC’s ‘21st Century Grand Princess’ Feels Easier
    IU Says Switching From Netflix Hit to MBC’s ‘21st Century Grand Princess’ Feels Easier Singer and actor IU is returning with a new role after the popularity of the Netflix series ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ MBC held a production presentation on April 6 at Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam in Seoul for its drama ‘21st Century Grand Princess,’ written by Yoo Ji-won and directed by Park Joon-hwa and Bae Hee-young. Director Park and cast members IU, Byeon Woo-seok, Noh Sang-hyun, Gong Seung-yeon, Yoo Soo-bin and Lee Yeon attended. IU previously drew global attention for her performances as Ae-soon and Geum-myeong in ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ In the new drama, she plays Seong Hee-joo, described as having a prickly personality. “Because ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ received so much love, and it was a character I filmed for a long time and immersed myself in, choosing something very different actually felt easier,” IU said. She added, “I do feel pressure about ‘21st Century Grand Princess,’ but I don’t feel pressure about showing a different kind of project and character from ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ If anything, I feel more at ease.” ‘21st Century Grand Princess’ is set in a 21st century constitutional monarchy. It follows a wealthy conglomerate heiress frustrated that she is only a commoner, and a king’s son saddened that he cannot have anything, as they pursue romance while trying to break through class barriers. The series will be released at 9:40 p.m. on April 10 on MBC and Disney+.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 15:39:06
  • IU, Byeon Woo-seok Reunite for MBC’s ‘21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife’
    IU, Byeon Woo-seok Reunite for MBC’s ‘21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife’ IU and Byeon Woo-seok, who previously worked together in the drama “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” a decade ago, are reuniting in MBC’s new series “21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife,” a romantic comedy set in a constitutional monarchy. A production presentation for the drama was held on April 6 at Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam in Seoul. Director Park Jun-hwa attended with cast members IU, Byeon, Noh Sang-hyun, Gong Seung-yeon, Yoo Su-bin and Lee Yeon. “21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife” follows a wealthy conglomerate heiress who has everything except noble status, and a king’s son who, despite his title, cannot have anything. The drama centers on their romance and efforts to break through class barriers. Park said the constitutional monarchy setting would offer “a unique kind of excitement” and keep viewers engaged. He said the production aimed to feel plausible through costumes and spaces so audiences could think it “could exist.” The series marks Park’s first drama for MBC. He said he felt pressure to deliver and emphasized the cast as the show’s biggest draw, adding that watching the visuals on set made monitoring footage enjoyable. Park also shared a casting anecdote, saying IU and Byeon were already attached when he joined the project and that their casting was one reason he decided to take it. He added, laughing, that his daughter is a big fan and urged him to do the drama. IU plays Seong Hee-joo, a character who is “annoyed” by lacking status despite her wealth. IU described Hee-joo as a layered figure full of irritation, anger and ambition, but also “cute,” and said the role was so appealing she decided quickly to join. She said Hee-joo is less a conventional chaebol figure than a celebrity who draws attention wherever she goes. Byeon plays Prince Ian, the king’s second son, a beloved royal who is not allowed to shine. Referring to the character’s nickname, “the 21st century Prince Suyang,” Byeon said Ian may look tough and twisted on the outside but carries inner wounds, and he focused his performance on that side. The reunion of IU and Byeon is a key point of interest. IU said she approached the new project determined to make up for “mistakes” from the past, noting that in their earlier drama Byeon played her boyfriend who had an affair with her close friend. She said it felt meaningful to work together again 10 years later and that Byeon brought an ease that felt like he had been preparing for a decade. Byeon said he felt their chemistry had continued since then and that filming was fun because IU made him comfortable on set. Noh plays Prime Minister Min Jung-woo, described as highly responsible, while Gong plays Queen Yoon Yi-rang, who appears cold but works to protect the royal family. Yoo plays Prince Ian’s aide, Choi Hyun, and Lee plays Hee-joo’s capable secretary, Do Hye-jung. Asked about comparisons to the earlier hit drama “Princess Hours,” Park called it “a great drama” and said the team would work to make this series remembered as well in 2026. He said Episodes 1 through 4 each offer different kinds of fun. With the drama set to reach global viewers via Disney+, the team also highlighted its Korean aesthetic. Noh said the blend of modern and traditional elements is reflected in architecture and costumes and would present Korea in a refined way. Park said the series includes many Korean elements, but its relationships are built around themes anyone can relate to. IU said the drama becomes more entertaining as it goes, adding that the director promised it would be a breakout project for the cast. She asked viewers to stay with the series to the end. “21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife” premieres April 10 at 9:40 p.m. on MBC and Disney+. 2026-04-06 15:33:53
  • YH Entertainment’s rookie boy band AND2BLE sets May 26 debut
    YH Entertainment’s rookie boy band AND2BLE sets May 26 debut YH Entertainment’s rookie boy group AND2BLE has confirmed it will debut May 26. After opening an Instagram account on April 1, the group expanded its official social media presence at midnight on April 6 by launching accounts on YouTube, X, Facebook and TikTok, kicking off its debut countdown. The name AND2BLE combines “AND” and “DOUBLE,” reflecting the idea of layering different sides of oneself to broaden a sense of identity. The agency said the concept also signals the group’s direction: blending each member’s individuality into a distinct image and building it into a brand. A newly released logo motion drew attention by visually emphasizing that identity. The repeated “AND2BLE” typography is designed to represent the combination of multiple inner selves, the agency said. AND2BLE is YH Entertainment’s first new boy group in about four years since TEMPEST. The group has drawn strong interest even before its official debut, including appearing on real-time social media trending lists. The group also opened a debut promotion page featuring an interactive tag-making tool. Visitors can choose three design elements to create a personalized tag by mixing styles, colors and moods, then share the finished tag with other users. The agency described it as an experiential way to extend the group’s “branding of individuality” concept. AND2BLE is set to roll out additional content in stages ahead of its May 26 debut.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 14:18:00
  • SEVENTEEN Renews Contract With Pledis Entertainment for Second Time
    SEVENTEEN Renews Contract With Pledis Entertainment for Second Time SEVENTEEN has announced a second contract renewal with its agency, Pledis Entertainment. The group delivered the news on the final night of its encore concerts April 4-5 at Incheon Asiad Main Stadium, which wrapped its world tour that began at the same venue in September. Including the encore shows, SEVENTEEN performed 31 times in 14 cities worldwide, drawing more than 900,000 fans. Leader S.Coups told the crowd the members plan to stay together with Pledis. “We will keep rowing forward together in the same boat,” he said, adding that the group is preparing for its second renewal with the company. The members cited their fandom, CARAT, as a key reason for renewing. They said they wanted to tell everyone they love them and asked fans to “wait a little longer,” saying they would “return as 13 soon.” They also said they would continue unit and solo work while staying close to fans. Jeonghan and Wonwoo, who are fulfilling mandatory military service, attended from the audience in support. SEVENTEEN will continue both unit and group activities. DK and Seungkwan will hold “DXS ‘Soya-gok’ On Stage” from April 17-19 at Inspire Arena in Incheon. S.Coups and Mingyu will stage “CXM ‘Double Up’ Live Party” from April 24-26 at Kaohsiung Arena. The group is also set to hold its “2026 SEVENTEEN 10TH Fan Meeting ‘SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND’” on June 20-21 at Incheon Asiad Main Stadium.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 11:21:16
  • Korean Anthology Film The Times of the Theater Invited to Moscow International Film Festival
    Korean Anthology Film 'The Times of the Theater' Invited to Moscow International Film Festival 영화 ‘극장의 시간들’이 제48회 모스크바국제영화제에 초청됐다. ‘극장의 시간들’은 Lee Jong-pil, Yoon Ga-eun and Jang Kun-jae taking part in an anthology of three short films. The work captures memories and emotions tied to theaters and movies, warmly exploring what the space of a “theater” means. The film was selected for the Francois Truffaut retrospective section at the 48th Moscow International Film Festival. The festival, Russia’s leading international film event, began in 1935 and will run from April 16 to 23. ‘극장의 시간들’ previously met domestic audiences after being invited last year to the Busan International Film Festival, the Seoul Independent Film Festival and the Mise-en-scene Short Film Festival. During its Busan screening, it drew attention after reports said President Lee Jae-myung and his spouse attended. Festival organizers said the film recalls the cinematic world of Truffaut, a leading figure of the French New Wave. Executive committee chairman Nikita Mikhalkov said, “This film, reminiscent of ‘Jules and Jim,’ is a notable example of contemporary directors superbly carrying on the traditions of film history.” A Tcast official said it was meaningful for the film to reach audiences beyond South Korea, adding that the company hopes it will renew appreciation for the value of watching movies in theaters despite the industry’s challenges. ‘극장의 시간들’ opened March 18 and is now showing in theaters nationwide.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 09:36:15
  • Jang Hang-jun’s ‘A Man Living With the King’ Tops 16 Million Admissions, Eyes No. 2 All Time
    Jang Hang-jun’s ‘A Man Living With the King’ Tops 16 Million Admissions, Eyes No. 2 All Time The film ‘A Man Living With the King’ has surpassed 16 million admissions, becoming the third release in Korea to reach that mark after ‘The Admiral: Roaring Currents’ and ‘Extreme Job.’ According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated box office database on the 6th, the movie drew 270,274 viewers from April 3 to 5, bringing its cumulative total to 16,000,697. It opened Feb. 4, crossed 10 million admissions on its 31st day of release on March 6, and topped 15 million on its 60th day on March 25 before adding another milestone at 16 million. With the latest tally, ‘A Man Living With the King’ joins ‘The Admiral: Roaring Currents’ (17.61 million) and ‘Extreme Job’ (16.26 million) as the only films to exceed 16 million admissions. Set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo, the historical drama follows a village chief who chooses exile to revive his community and a young former king who is forced into exile after being driven from the throne. It was directed by Jang Hang-jun and stars Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon. In the weekend box office, Ryan Gosling’s ‘Project Hail Mary’ ranked No. 1. It drew 328,750 viewers over the weekend for a cumulative 1,635,219. The science fiction film follows Grace, who wakes up alone in deep space with no memory and sets out on a final mission to save humanity. It is based on Andy Weir’s novel of the same name. No. 3 was Bae Seong-woo’s return film, ‘Endgame Investigation.’ The movie, which opened April 2, drew 41,699 viewers for a cumulative 56,316. It is a crime investigation drama about a detective, Jae-hyeok, who is transferred to a rural post and heads to Seoul with rookie detective Jung-ho to catch the real killer in a murder case involving two suspects.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 08:18:37
  • BTS’ ‘ARIRANG’ tops Billboard 200 for second straight week, a K-pop first
    BTS’ ‘ARIRANG’ tops Billboard 200 for second straight week, a K-pop first BTS’ “ARIRANG” held the No. 1 spot on the U.S. Billboard 200 for a second consecutive week, setting another milestone. According to Billboard’s chart preview posted on its official website on the 6th, BTS’ fifth full-length album “ARIRANG” ranked No. 1 on the April 11-dated Billboard 200. Billboard said BTS is the first Korean act to remain atop the chart for two straight weeks. Billboard reported that “ARIRANG” logged 187,000 album-equivalent units for the week, including 114,000 in traditional album sales. Streaming-equivalent albums accounted for 65,000 units and track-equivalent albums for 8,000. The album previously debuted at No. 1 on the April 4-dated Billboard 200, becoming the group’s seventh No. 1 album on the chart. In its first week, it posted 641,000 album-equivalent units, the best weekly performance for a group album since Billboard began tracking units in December 2014. It also recorded 532,000 in traditional album sales, the highest weekly total for a group album in the past decade. Released on March 20, “ARIRANG” continued to perform strongly in its second week on global charts. On Spotify’s latest weekly charts updated on the 4th, BTS again led the global rankings for Weekly Top Albums, Weekly Top Songs and Weekly Top Artists, holding No. 1 in all three categories for a second week. The album also maintained momentum on major overseas charts. In Australia, it stayed No. 1 on the ARIA Top 50 Albums chart. It ranked No. 2 on Germany’s official music chart and on the French recording industry association SNEP’s Top Albums chart, and placed No. 4 on the U.K. Official Albums Top 100. In South Korea, BTS has also remained strong on TV music shows with the title track “SWIM.” Without appearing on broadcasts, the group has won a total of nine trophies across SBS’ “Inkigayo,” MBC’s “Show! Music Core,” KBS2’s “Music Bank,” Mnet’s “M Countdown” and MBC M’s “Show Champion.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-06 07:54:16
  • Korean Films Line Up for April Releases After 15 Million-Ticket Hit The King and the Man Who Lives
    Korean Films Line Up for April Releases After 15 Million-Ticket Hit 'The King and the Man Who Lives' The Korean box office has been buoyed by “The King and the Man Who Lives,” which drew 15 million moviegoers and helped bring audiences back to theaters. Attention is now shifting to April releases, with new Korean films rolling out across genres, from crime thrillers to horror and human drama. Leading the early April slate is “Endgame Investigation,” which opened April 2. It is director Park Cheol-hwan’s first feature film, after earning notice for the series “Grid” and “Dominant Species,” and is based on a real incident to heighten its sense of realism. The story follows Jae-hyeok, an “unlucky” veteran detective who was once a top performer in a metropolitan investigative unit but is repeatedly promoted and demoted as cases take unexpected turns, eventually being pushed out to a rural post — until what is framed as his last chance arrives. Actor Bae Seong-woo, known for roles in “Veteran,” “The King,” “The Great Battle” and “1947 Boston,” plays Jae-hyeok, portraying a detective whose work and life have become tangled. Jae-hyeok’s partner, Jung-ho, is played by Jung Ga-ram, who built a global fan base through “Love Alarm” and “The Interest of Love.” Jung-ho is depicted as a third-generation conglomerate heir and influencer who, after a bet with online users, finishes first on the police exam and shows up to his first day in a sports car. His by-the-book confidence clashes with Jae-hyeok’s instinct-driven approach, creating constant friction. That antagonistic partnership adds levity to what could be a heavy crime investigation film. Supporting actors including Esom, Jo Han-chul and Yoon Kyung-ho join the cast, with the plot built around “one case, two suspects” and a series of twists. The horror film “Salmokji” is set to open April 8. It begins with a modern urban legend: an unidentified figure captured on a map service’s road-view imagery. The film follows a production crew that heads to the Salmokji reservoir for reshoots and encounters a dark presence in the water, leading to a desperate struggle. It is director Lee Sang-min’s first solo feature, after short films “Hamjinabi” and “Dolrimchong” drew attention at domestic festivals. The film emphasizes unsettling audiovisual effects using the properties of water, from ominous ripples on the surface to sounds that should not be possible underwater. Kim Hye-yoon returns to the big screen after four years, playing Su-in as she fights to survive. Lee Jong-won, described as one of the most watched actors of 2026, takes on his first commercial film lead role as Gi-tae. The cast also includes Kim Jun-han, Kim Young-sung, Oh Dong-min, Yoon Jae-chan and Jang Da-a. The film uses experimental techniques including a 360-degree panoramic camera and motion detectors, designed to stand out in ScreenX and 4DX theaters with expanded visuals and heightened sound for an immersive experience. Closing out the month is “My Name Is,” scheduled for release April 15. The film is directed by veteran filmmaker Jung Ji-young and was invited to the Berlin International Film Festival’s Forum section, where it received international acclaim, before being presented to domestic audiences. The story follows 18-year-old Yeong-ok, who wants to erase what he sees as a tacky name, and his mother, Jeong-sun, who buried a secret from 78 years earlier in the painful history of Jeju in 1949. The film traces their journey as a sorrowful promise resurfaces beneath Jeju’s peaceful scenery. Actor Yeom Hye-ran plays the mother, Jeong-sun. More Korean films are also slated through April. They include “Nuruk,” the directing debut of actor Jang Dong-yoon, and “Jjanggu,” directed by and starring actor Jung Woo. Comedies are also in the pipeline, including “Mismatch,” starring Oh Dae-hwan and Oh Yoon-ah, and “Girl Referee,” featuring Chae Won-bin and Han Sun-hwa. With a mix of genres, established performers and new directing efforts, April’s lineup will test whether the momentum sparked by “The King and the Man Who Lives” can carry into another strong run for Korean cinema.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-03 00:03:55
  • ILLIT to Hold Seoul Children’s Grand Park Festival for ‘MAMIHLAPINATAPAI’ Release
    ILLIT to Hold Seoul Children’s Grand Park Festival for ‘MAMIHLAPINATAPAI’ Release 그룹 아일릿(ILLIT)이 미니 4집 '마밀라피나타파이'(MAMIHLAPINATAPAI) 발매를 기념해 오는 5월 5일 서울어린이대공원에서 축제를 연다. 빌리프랩은 2일 "일명 '아일릿 서울 어린이대공원 페스티벌'"을 소개하며 "이 행사는 아일릿의 신보 타이틀곡인 '잇츠 미(It's Me)'를 메인 테마로 꾸며진다. 가족과 친구 단위의 방문객이 함께 즐길 수 있는 다양한 체험 부스가 마련되고 아일릿은 신곡 무대로 열기를 더할 예정"이라고 밝혔다. 이어 "'아일릿 서울 어린이대공원 페스티벌'은 더 많은 분들이 아일릿의 음악을 여러 방식으로 체험하며 아티스트와 가까이 호흡할 수 있도록 기획됐다. 컴백을 기다려온 글릿(GLLIT, 팬덤명)은 물론 방문객 모두에게 소중한 추억을 선물하고 싶은 마음을 담았으니 즐겁고 신나는 시간이 되길 바란다"라고 전했다. 공연 관람을 제외한 모든 페스티벌 프로그램은 별도의 응모 절차 없이 현장을 방문하는 누구나 자유롭게 참여할 수 있다. 페스티벌과 관련된 자세한 사항은 추후 위버스에 공지될 예정이다. 한편 아일릿의 미니 4집 '마밀라피나타파이'는 4월 30일 발표된다. 앨범 타이틀곡 '잇츠 미'는 첫 데이트 이후 좋아하는 상대와 관계 정의에 대한 고민이 깊어지는 찰나, "너의 최애는 바로 나야!"라고 당돌하게 외치는 노래다. 개성 강한 싱어송라이터 유라(youra)와 더 딥(The Deep)이 작사에 참여해 아일릿과 시너지를 냈다. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-02 17:45:18
  • Tiffany Young Signs Exclusive Deal With Pacific Music Group Korea
    Tiffany Young Signs Exclusive Deal With Pacific Music Group Korea Singer Tiffany Young has signed an exclusive contract with Pacific Music Group Korea, marking a new start. Pacific Music Group Korea (PMG Korea) said on the 2nd that it has signed Tiffany Young as its first affiliated artist. PMG Korea said Tiffany Young has built her career as a solo artist on stages around the world and pledged full support across her activities so she can continue expanding her global work. Tiffany Young said PMG understands her path, from her work with Girls' Generation to her music as a solo artist and her acting and musical theater performances. She said the company respects and supports the range of her music and artistic world, sharing not only in results but also in the intent and meaning behind them. She added that as she enters the next stage of her career, she is focusing more than ever on intent, detail and building an authentic connection with people through her work. She said she is excited and honored to begin a new chapter with PMG as she prepares activities and an album marking the upcoming 10th anniversary of her solo debut. She also said she hopes to share the moment with fans who have been with her and wants to share what comes next. Tiffany Young debuted in 2007 as a member of Girls' Generation and gained global popularity. She later continued in music as a solo artist and broadened her stage work through the musical "Chicago," among others. Most recently, she has remained active as a judge on SBS' "Veiled Cup." With the PMG Korea deal, Tiffany Young plans to continue expanded music activities, including releasing new songs. PMG is an entertainment company founded by U.S. R&B singer Ne-Yo, Sonu Nigam and Jonathan Serbin. It recently established a Korea branch and appointed Samuel Ku, a domestic music industry expert, as CEO. PMG Korea said it plans to expand efforts to discover Korean artists and pursue global collaboration projects, starting with Tiffany Young. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-02 14:15:56