Journalist
Choi Song-hui
alfie312@ajunews.com
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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 -
Actor Woo Seung, Former KNK Member, to Hold First Solo Fan Meeting in Osaka 그룹 크나큰(KNK) 출신 배우 우승이 일본에서 첫 단독 팬미팅을 연다. 우승은 오는 5월 8일과 10일 일본 오사카 플러스윈 홀 오사카에서 ‘2026 우승 퍼스트 팬미팅 인 오사카 : 메이 비’를 열고 현지 팬들과 만난다. 이번 행사는 우승이 배우 활동을 본격화한 이후 일본에서 처음 여는 단독 팬미팅이다. 그는 무대에서 그동안 보여주지 않았던 새로운 모습과 다양한 매력을 선보일 계획이다. 주최 측은 팬들과 가까이에서 소통할 수 있는 코너도 마련할 예정이라고 밝혔다. 팬미팅은 양일 오후 2시와 오후 6시, 총 4회 진행된다. 자세한 내용은 플러스윈 엔터테인먼트 홈페이지와 소속사 공식 사회관계망서비스(SNS) 채널에서 확인할 수 있다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-02 10:57:15 -
Super Junior’s Donghae Reveals Track List for First Full-Length Album ‘ALIVE’ Super Junior member Donghae has released the track list for his first full-length album, “ALIVE.” Donghae posted the track list at midnight Thursday on his official social media channels. The album will feature double title tracks “Good Day (Feat. Jay Park, 1iL)” and “Haetteotne,” along with “ALIVE,” “EAST COAST,” “RACE,” and “HELP.” Also included are “ROCKET,” “Goodbye (Feat. TABLO),” “TOO LATE,” “FLOWER,” “To You(),” “HBD,” and “BEAUTIFUL,” for a total of 13 tracks spanning multiple genres, according to the posted list. The album includes guest appearances by Jay Park on “Good Day” and Epik High’s Tablo on “Goodbye.” The agency said Donghae took a leading role in writing and composing most of the songs, filling out the credits and shaping the album’s overall sound and mood. It is his first full-length album since debut. The release follows a previously announced timetable and news that all seats for his solo tour stop in Seoul sold out. The album’s music will be released April 20 at 6 p.m. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-02 09:36:51 -
PLAVE Releases Pre-Release Track 'Heung Heung Heung' After Fan Mission, Builds Comeback Buzz Virtual idol group PLAVE has released a pre-release song tied to a fan-completed mission, fueling anticipation for its comeback. The group recently ran a fan-participation event on its official promotional website. Fans joined as “secret agents,” played mini-games to collect “Star Shards,” and unlocked rewards once a target score was reached. The mission began at noon on March 28 and moved quickly with strong fan participation. The target score was reached at about 5:30 p.m. on April 1, prompting the reveal of “Heung Heung Heung (feat. SOLE),” a pre-release track from the group’s fourth mini-album, “Caligo Pt.2.” The video drew attention for its bright, lovable tone, distinct from previously released concepts, while incorporating PLAVE’s signature storyline. Fans responded strongly after the reveal. The track will be officially released at 6 p.m. on April 3 on major music platforms. The event also highlighted fans’ direct role in producing the outcome, strengthening ties between PLAVE’s narrative universe and its fandom. PLAVE has been building expectations by rolling out concept photos. With the pre-release now out, attention is turning to additional content as the comeback countdown begins in earnest. A pop-up store will also mark the album release. From April 8 to 19, PLAVE will hold “PLAVE 4th Mini Album ‘Caligo Pt.2’ Pop-up Store in The Hyundai Seoul” at Sounds Forest in The Hyundai Seoul in Seoul, featuring album-themed displays and various content. PLAVE previously underscored its digital strength with the release of its second single album, “PLBBUU,” in November. The group also sold out its Nov. 21-22 shows at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome for the “2025 PLAVE Asia Tour ‘Dash: Quantum Leap Encore,’” wrapping up its first Asia tour. PLAVE’s new mini-album, “Caligo Pt.2,” will be released on April 13 on major music platforms.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-02 08:33:17 -
LE SSERAFIM’s First VR Concert ‘Invitation’ Opens First Ticket Sales at Lotte Cinema LE SSERAFIM has opened ticket sales for its first VR concert, “LE SSERAFIM VR CONCERT: INVITATION,” drawing attention as bookings began. The first round of ticket sales, exclusive to Lotte Cinema, started at 6 p.m. on the 31st through the company’s mobile app and website. The tickets cover screenings from April 15 to May 5, and heavy traffic followed immediately after sales opened, reflecting strong interest. “Invitation” unfolds in a storyline where reality and fantasy intersect. It begins with an encounter with LE SSERAFIM in an elevator, followed by a mysterious frame card that pulls the viewer into an unfamiliar world. The program includes “SPAGHETTI (feat. j-hope of BTS)” set against a food truck amid floating ingredients, “Come Over” in a city where murals come to life, and “ANTIFRAGILE” staged at the center of a strange planet. The concert is billed as having the largest set list ever for a VR concert. It also features stage outfits and styling designed specifically for VR, with viewing designed to minimize blind spots and deliver the members’ performances more vividly. In an ID video released on the day ticket sales opened, the members highlighted viewing points. LE SSERAFIM said, “With 12K ultra-high definition, it will be the closest to how we look in real life among all the videos you’ve seen so far,” adding, “Even if it feels too close, don’t run away and don’t feel pressured.” Promotional giveaways are also planned for attendees during the run. All viewers will receive one random photo card from five types, with some receiving a limited-quantity special photo card. First-week attendees will receive one random transparent photo card from five types, while second-week attendees will receive an official ticket, both on a first-come, first-served basis. “LE SSERAFIM VR CONCERT: INVITATION” will open exclusively at Lotte Cinema World Tower on April 15. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-01 16:57:16 -
‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Team Returns to Seoul After Winning Two Oscars K-pop’s “K-hunters” returned home with Oscar trophies, as a small story rooted in a Korean diaspora identity and a sincere focus on Korean culture made history for K-content. On the afternoon of April 1, a press conference marking the Academy Awards win for Netflix’s animated film “K-Pop Demon Hunters” was held at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul’s Yongsan district. Directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans attended with composer EJAE (Lee Jae) and the producing team IDO (Lee Yoo-han, Kwak Jung-gyu and Nam Hee-dong). Since its release last June, “K-Pop Demon Hunters” has swept major awards, winning the 83rd Golden Globe for animated film and original song and the 68th Grammy Award for OST. At the 98th Academy Awards, it won best animated feature and best original song. Kang said the project began with a desire to see Korean culture reflected in animation. “When I was young, the animations I watched were like ‘Mulan,’ seen through Chinese culture, or Japanese animation. I had never seen a work that contained Korean culture,” she said. “I wanted to give that kind of film to Korea. I needed it, but I felt all Koreans needed it. We love animation, but we felt we didn’t have our own project, so we wanted to make one.” She also spoke about misconceptions surrounding Koreans raised abroad. “I thought there were misunderstandings about people who are called ‘gyopo,’” Kang said. “There are many cases — people born in Korea and those who weren’t — but sometimes gyopo think, ‘I’m not fully Korean.’” She added, “EJAE and I have worked in entertainment and reached global markets. As people who live in both cultures, I thought we could serve as a real bridge. I wanted to represent people like us — that even if you weren’t born and raised in Korea, you are part of Korean culture, and a different upbringing doesn’t diminish being Korean.” EJAE said she grew up split between Korea and the United States and remembered being mocked in the U.S. for loving K-pop. “I really liked K-pop. I liked g.o.d and H.O.T., but in the U.S. I was teased,” she said. “I came to Korea, lived as a trainee and worked on K-pop music, but I never imagined it would spread worldwide.” She said the Oscars stage felt like a reversal of that experience. “I used to be teased as a kid, but when I sang K-pop on the Oscars stage and saw the directors, actors and staff cheering, the lyric ‘unbreakable forever’ (from ‘Golden’) hit me and I cried,” she said. “I felt so proud.” The team also shared behind-the-scenes details from the Oscars opening performance, which featured dancers dressed as grim reapers wearing traditional gat hats and performers in elegant hanbok. The sequence began with “Hunters Mantra,” led by two singers performing pansori in Korean, and transitioned into Huntrix’s “Golden.” EJAE said she knew the stage would include Korean traditional music and pansori before “Golden,” but did not see the full “Hunters Mantra” performance until after the event. “After everything ended, I watched it and cried a lot,” she said. “Ray Ami and Audrey — they grew up in the U.S. and didn’t know much about Korean culture. I thought, ‘Finally, we can do our country’s pansori on a stage this big,’ and I felt proud as a Korean. It was satisfying and moving.” She added that she was too nervous to look into the audience during the performance, but later saw video of Leonardo DiCaprio and Emma Stone enjoying the stage while holding light sticks. “I was really surprised. I didn’t expect that,” she said. “I thought, ‘This is the power of K.’” The team said they decided who would speak onstage by playing rock-paper-scissors. “We decide everything fairly with rock-paper-scissors. It’s completely Korean,” Kwak said. “Going to the Golden Globes and giving the Oscars acceptance speech were decided that way, so Lee Yoo-han went onstage.” Lee Yoo-han said he regretted not being able to say everything because of time limits. “I wanted to say to everyone’s families, to The Black Label producers, and to our members, ‘You worked hard, congratulations,’” he said. “It was a short speech, and I was disappointed I couldn’t say it onstage. But it was an honor, and I really enjoyed it.” Nam said there were no major points left unsaid. “We all discussed what to say, and there’s nothing we didn’t say,” he said. “I enjoyed everything from behind — watching the actors from the stage, and everything unexpected. It was all enjoyable and an honor.” A possible sequel was also discussed. “I still want to keep it secret,” Kang said. “I want to show it without a single spoiler. We have the big idea, but we don’t know the details yet. Like the first film, Chris and I will make the movie we want to see. It will be bigger than the first, with more events.” Appelhans said the relationship between the film and its fans shaped how the team thinks about a second installment. “Our relationship with the fans is special,” he said. “I think the fans found our film, discovered it and introduced it to the world. They feel like family who have been with us from the beginning.” “If we make a second film, we want to bring what we had in the first,” he said. “That doesn’t mean repetition. It means surprising fans, overturning expectations and expanding the limits. Under all of that, I think there has to be ‘Koreanness’ — whether it’s the story, the culture or the mythic elements. Based on that, we want to break new rules and present a new story.” Appelhans said he has come to understand Korean life through his family. “I’ve lived as part of my family, my wife’s family, for 20 years,” he said. “I came to know Korean life by understanding my wife’s life — not by studying or observing, but by becoming part of it. I’ve been surprised watching how Koreans express love and endure pain. I think I’ve lived more than half my life with Korean ways of expression, and that’s how I learned and came to know ‘Koreanness.’” On the scale of a sequel, Appelhans said Netflix has provided strong support and is enthusiastic about the next project, while stressing that story comes first. “As film directors, we feel responsible for how we use the budget we’re given,” he said. “When we write, build the world and design characters, we work with the mindset of delivering the coolest spectacle. If you think of the budget as a ‘box,’ a bigger box can mean something. But what matters most is the story inside it. That foundation has to come first for the spectacle to work.” “K-Pop Demon Hunters” is an action-fantasy animated film about K-pop superstars Rumi, Mira and Joy, who become hidden heroes protecting the world behind their glamorous stage lives. Released last June, it ranked No. 1 in all-time Netflix film viewing hours and recorded 325.1 million views over 91 days after its release. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-01 15:06:31 -
HYBE Adds Isaac Lee and Kevin Mayer to Board to Boost Global Strategy HYBE has appointed platform and media specialists to its board as it seeks to strengthen expertise for its global business. The company said it held its annual shareholders meeting on Tuesday and appointed Isaac Lee, chairman and CEO of HYBE America, as an inside director, and Kevin Mayer, a former senior vice president at The Walt Disney Co., as an outside nonexecutive director. Lee currently oversees HYBE’s business across the United States and Latin America. HYBE said the appointment is intended to unify decision-making between headquarters and overseas bases and to improve execution in North America and Latin America. Lee is also expected to help advance the company’s “multi-home, multi-genre” strategy to secure artists and content across genres through regional hubs. Mayer is regarded as a strategy specialist in the global media industry. HYBE said he led the launch of Disney+ while serving as senior vice president and chief strategy officer at Disney, and later built experience in platform and content investment through roles including TikTok CEO and as a co-founder of Candle Media. HYBE said it expects Mayer to provide professional advice on strengthening its global platform business, investments and strategic partnerships. “With key experts from the global platform and media industry joining the board, we expect our decision-making system to become more advanced,” a HYBE official said. “The addition of Isaac Lee and Kevin Mayer will support HYBE’s sustainable growth in global markets.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-01 11:09:53 -
Actor Lee Tae-ri to Marry Non-Celebrity Partner in May Actor Lee Tae-ri will marry in May, his agency said Tuesday. Y One Entertainment said his fiancee is not a public figure and that the couple decided to spend their lives together based on “deep trust and affection.” The agency said the wedding will be held “quietly and meaningfully” with only family members and close acquaintances in attendance. It asked for understanding that details including the date, time and location will not be disclosed to protect the privacy of the fiancee and both families. “Please send warm congratulations and support to actor Lee Tae-ri as he stands at a new starting line in life,” the agency said, adding that he plans to continue acting with a range of projects and active work. Born in 1993, Lee debuted in the 1998 sitcom “Soonpoong Clinic.” His credits include “The Moon Embracing the Sun,” “The Beauty Inside,” “Extraordinary You,” “Tale of the Nine Tailed,” “The King of Tears, Lee Bang-won,” “Bloody Heart” and “Destined With You.” He recently took on a trot singing challenge through the tvN STORY variety program “Handsome Trot.” * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-01 10:00:20 -
BTS’ ‘SWIM’ Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 as ‘ARIRANG’ Tops Billboard 200 BTS swept Billboard’s charts again, led by its fifth full-length album, “ARIRANG,” and the title track “SWIM.” The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while “SWIM” rose to the top of the Hot 100 and other tracks from the album posted strong global results. According to Billboard’s latest rankings released March 31, “SWIM” hit No. 1 on the April 4-dated Hot 100. It became BTS’ seventh career Hot 100 No. 1, following “Dynamite,” “Savage Love,” “Life Goes On,” “Butter,” “Permission to Dance” and “My Universe.” Billboard said BTS now has the fifth-most No. 1 songs among groups since the Hot 100 began. In its first week in the United States, “SWIM” logged 15.3 million streams, reached 25.8 million radio listeners and sold 154,000 digital and physical singles. The song debuted at No. 2 on Streaming Songs and No. 18 on Radio Songs, and ranked No. 1 on Digital Song Sales. The album’s tracks also surged globally. Of the album’s 14 tracks, 13 vocal songs — excluding an interlude — entered Billboard’s global charts at the same time. On the Global Excl. U.S. chart, “SWIM” ranked No. 1, with “Body to Body,” “Hooligan,” “FYA,” “Normal,” “Aliens” and “2.0” also landing high. All 13 songs placed within the top 13. Billboard said it was the first time one artist occupied every spot from No. 1 through No. 13 on that chart. On the Global 200, Luminate data showed “SWIM” at No. 1 with 108.8 million streams worldwide and 221,000 in sales. Nine songs, including “Body to Body” and “Hooligan,” entered the Global 200 top 10 in the same week — the most weekly top-10 entries since Taylor Swift in May 2024. BTS recorded its eighth career No. 1 on both the Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts. “ARIRANG” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 641,000 album units, the best weekly total for a group album since Billboard began tracking units in December 2014. It marked the second time BTS topped both the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 in the same week, after 2020’s “BE” and “Life Goes On.” BTS also led several other Billboard charts, including Artist 100, Digital Song Sales, World Digital Song Sales, Top Album Sales, Top Streaming Albums and Vinyl Albums. “ARIRANG” is BTS’ fifth full-length album, with HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk credited as executive producer. The album draws on multiple genres and focuses on broadly relatable emotions. The title track, “SWIM,” centers on pushing forward through life’s hardships. RM participated in writing lyrics across the album, reflecting what BTS wants to convey now.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-04-01 08:39:58 -
Jeonju International Film Festival Unveils Lineup, Names Opening and Closing Films The Jeonju International Film Festival, a major showcase for independent and art-house cinema, has launched its 27th edition with a theme of pushing beyond traditional boundaries. Organizers named Kent Jones’ “My Private Artist” as the opening film, signaling what they described as a distinctly Jeonju-style program. A news conference announcing the lineup was held Monday afternoon at CGV Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul. Attendees included acting organizing committee chair Yoon Dong-wook; co-festival directors Min Sung-wook and Jung Joon-ho; programmers Moon Seok, Moon Sung-kyung and Kim Hyo-jung; and director Byun Young-joo, selected as this year’s “programmer of the year.” This year’s slogan is “We Always Cross the Line” (Beyond the Frame). Organizers said it reflects Jeonju’s efforts to expand its programs and venues beyond conventional film formats, while refocusing on human sensibility and the essentials of cinema amid rapidly advancing technology. “Jeonju International Film Festival has established itself as a valuable platform where creative filmmakers from around the world communicate with audiences, and as a leading film festival in Asia,” Yoon said. Jung, who secured another term as co-festival director, said, “The past three years went by so fast I don’t know where they went,” adding, “Now that I’ve been reappointed after addressing what was lacking, I will prepare for a better three years.” He added, “After spending three years in Jeonju, I realized there are many fun and thrilling works, like hidden local restaurants. I will take responsibility so the festival can shine even more.” Min said he would help create a richer festival through “Jeonju-like” films and programs. The opening film, Jones’ “My Private Artist,” was first unveiled at the Venice International Film Festival. It portrays an artist’s life in allegorical form, depicting a warm world that coexists with everyday pain, organizers said. The closing film is director Kim Hyun-ji’s documentary “Namtaeryeong,” which centers on an incident in Namtaeryeong in December 2024 and examines changes among women and farmers and the broader social impact. Special screenings will include “New York Underground — The Mavericks,” introduced by newly appointed programmer Kim Hyo-jung, focusing on New York underground artists of the 1960s and 1970s and tracing currents in experimental film. The festival will also present “Meeting Ahn Sung-ki, Slightly Anew,” honoring the late actor Ahn Sung-ki and revisiting lesser-seen aspects of his work in independent and art films. “Ahn Sung-ki is another name for Korean cinema,” programmer Moon Seok said. Byun, selected for “J Special: Programmer of the Year,” attended in person and said it was “a great joy and honor” to return as a programmer 27 years after attending the first Jeonju festival. “I will watch films diligently in Jeonju,” she said, introducing titles she curated. Organizers said the “Possible Cinema” program, which drew positive response last year, has been expanded into an official section. Audience-participation events, including alley screenings and urban camping-style screenings, will also be strengthened. The 27th Jeonju International Film Festival will run for 10 days from April 29 to May 8 at five theaters with 21 screens, including Moak Hall at the Sori Arts Center of Jeollabuk-do and venues around Jeonju’s Film Street.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-31 18:36:20