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  • An Sun-young Faces Backlash After Missing IELTS Exam
    An Sun-young Faces Backlash After Missing IELTS Exam Television personality An Sun-young is facing backlash online after revealing that she missed her appointment for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam due to arriving late. On June 9, An shared her frustration on social media, explaining that she was unable to enter the exam venue because she could not find the parking lot. She stated, "I drove around a one-way street multiple times looking for parking. I arrived before the exam started, but after 8:50 a.m., I was informed that I could not enter." She added, "The exam fee is 300,000 won, and even though I was there, they wouldn’t let me in. I had cleared my schedule for the day for this exam, and I felt so deflated." An also tagged the exam's organizing body, expressing disappointment that they did not provide any parking information. Later, she posted a photo from a café, reflecting, "I should have taken a taxi," and mentioned that venting to the parking staff helped ease her frustration. According to IELTS regulations, entry is restricted after 8:50 a.m. Due to identity verification and security procedures on exam day, most candidates arrive well in advance of the start time. As a result, criticism of An has spread across various online communities. Internet users pointed out, "If it's an important exam, one should consider staying nearby," and "Why expect exceptions when there are rules?" Others noted that her difficulty finding parking was not the responsibility of the exam organizers but rather a lack of preparation on her part. Another commenter argued, "If some people are turned away for being a few minutes late, it creates a bigger issue if a celebrity is allowed in. Exams should be conducted according to the established rules." Additional reactions included, "It's common sense to arrive early for important exams," and "By posting this on social media, she only invited criticism," as well as, "It's hard to understand why the exam organizers are being criticized for enforcing the rules rather than the person who broke them." The IELTS exam is an internationally recognized English proficiency test administered in over 140 countries, known for its strict security and identity verification procedures.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 16:27:00
  • CJ Logistics Launches Delivery Service for Traditional Markets with New Center
    CJ Logistics Launches Delivery Service for Traditional Markets with New Center CJ Logistics announced the establishment of a delivery reception center at Taepyeong Market in Daejeon, launching a "Traditional Market Shopping Delivery Service" to ship market products nationwide.This initiative is the first project following a memorandum of understanding signed with the National Merchants Association in December 2025 to create a collaborative logistics model for traditional markets. CJ Logistics stated, "Consumers will be relieved of the burden of carrying heavy shopping bags, while local merchants can conveniently handle the package reception and shipping process, contributing to the revitalization of traditional market usage."The service is straightforward. Customers can request package delivery at the reception center after purchasing items at the market. A delivery manager at the center will then visit each store to collect the products and ship them to the customer's desired address using CJ Logistics' logistics network.Starting with Taepyeong Market in Daejeon, CJ Logistics plans to expand the service in collaboration with the National Merchants Association to include traditional markets and local product exhibitions.Yoon Jae-seung, head of CJ Logistics' O-NE division, stated, "With the establishment of the delivery reception center at Taepyeong Market, we aim to enhance the convenience of using traditional markets and expand a mutually beneficial logistics service that allows local merchants to grow together."Additionally, CJ Logistics recently launched a campaign to support small food businesses by providing logistics and promotional assistance. The company plans to select 20 businesses from those that applied by May 25, offering each 1 million won in delivery support, while another 10 businesses will receive up to 2 million won in delivery support and assistance in creating promotional content.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 16:27:00
  • Vietnam Fully Implements E10 Bioethanol Gasoline Amid Rising Energy Import Costs
    Vietnam Fully Implements E10 Bioethanol Gasoline Amid Rising Energy Import Costs Vietnam has begun a nationwide rollout of E10 bioethanol gasoline, focusing on supply stability and price management. Amid rising international oil prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Vietnamese government aims to reduce its dependence on imported fuel through this initiative. On June 9, the Vietnam Youth Newspaper reported that the Domestic Market Management Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade emphasized strict adherence to regulations regarding biofuel blending and supply in a document issued the previous day. The department specifically called for a stable supply of biofuels to meet both consumption and production demands. The policy aims to ensure that biofuel supply remains uninterrupted at all levels, from primary distributors to retail gas stations. It also mandates maintaining sufficient stock to guarantee normal sales under any circumstances. Additionally, the department instructed that supply and profits within the distribution network be shared reasonably to prevent market disruptions. E10 refers to gasoline blended with 10% bioethanol. Since the nationwide implementation of E10, market reactions have been generally stable. Nguyen Thi Hien, deputy director of the Domestic Market Management Department, reported that after monitoring consumer feedback for a week, there were almost no negative responses. She noted that inquiries about quality and vehicle compatibility were the most common. Petrolimex, a major Vietnamese oil company, also observed a cautious atmosphere during the initial rollout, but reported a shift towards a more positive sentiment as relevant information was adequately communicated, with no significant incidents reported. Users have expressed that they have not noticed significant differences. Nguyen Minh Hoa, a resident of Ho Chi Minh City, stated, "I have driven about 30 kilometers daily for over a week, and my vehicle has operated normally with stable speed." Another user, Do Man Quang, reported no issues with power loss after fueling his 2020 Honda CRV with E10. However, some users have reported changes in fuel efficiency. Nguyen Chan Thue noted that after using E10 in his motorcycle, he experienced increased fuel consumption. He suggested that the price should be lower than the current rate of 490 dong (about 28 cents) per liter, ideally around 1,500 dong (about 86 cents). The Vietnamese government believes that the transition to E10 will significantly help reduce foreign currency expenditures. Preliminary statistics from the General Department of Customs indicate that from the beginning of the year until May 15, oil imports reached approximately 4.3 million tons, exceeding $4.5 billion. This figure represents an 86% increase compared to the same period last year due to rising oil prices. The Ministry of Industry and Trade explained that substituting just 10% of gasoline consumption with ethanol could save around $700 million to $1 billion annually. Ha Ton Binh, chairman of Stella Management, stated, "E10 can save about $700 million to $1 billion a year while significantly improving the energy trade balance." However, he emphasized that the current domestic ethanol supply only meets about 25-30% of total demand, highlighting the need to enhance domestic ethanol production capacity to achieve the biofuel policy's goals. Additionally, the government is working on a plan to establish a standard pricing mechanism. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is collaborating with the Ministry of Finance to draft a resolution that will announce the benchmark prices for E10 RON95-III and E5 RON92. These prices will reflect the average international market price of RON95, along with import and transportation costs, domestic production premiums, and fuel ethanol prices. RON95 and RON92 indicate the octane ratings of gasoline, with higher numbers signifying higher quality fuel that is more resistant to engine knocking. Thus, E10 RON95-III is a grade 3 fuel made by blending RON95 gasoline with 10% ethanol, while E5 RON92 consists of RON92 gasoline mixed with 5% ethanol. Vietnam's push to widely distribute ethanol-blended gasoline stems from two pressing challenges: the rising burden of oil imports and the need to reduce carbon emissions. The country cannot meet its total gasoline demand with domestic refining capacity alone, leading to substantial foreign currency expenditures on oil imports each year. As international oil prices fluctuate, the trade balance is also affected, prompting ongoing calls to reduce import dependence for energy security. The Vietnamese government has been developing a biofuel roadmap since 2007, and after introducing E5 RON92 nationwide in 2018, it has now fully implemented E10, reflecting this ongoing strategy. The initiative aims to enhance the value added in agriculture by increasing the use of domestically produced ethanol from cassava while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions associated with fossil fuels.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 16:24:00
  • Education Funding Faces Overhaul Amid Declining Student Numbers
    Education Funding Faces Overhaul Amid Declining Student Numbers The local education funding system, a cornerstone for nurturing the nation’s human capital, is undergoing significant restructuring as the administration of President Lee Jae-myung enters its second year. The financial authorities have announced a comprehensive overhaul of the public education funding system, which has been in place for decades, citing the decline in school-age population as a justification. This has led to an unprecedented clash between the government and local education authorities. Government Argues for Budget Cuts Amid Declining Enrollment The debate was ignited during a public discussion on expenditure restructuring hosted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance on June 8. Minister Park Hong-geun emphasized the need for efficient reallocation of national finances and targeted education grants as a key area for reform. In the context of growing concerns over tax revenue shortfalls and increasing national debt, the government expressed its determination to address the current grant system, which allocates substantial funding annually despite a decreasing student population. Established in 1972, the local education funding system has been a driving force behind the growth of public education in South Korea. Under current law, education grants are automatically allocated to the 17 city and provincial education offices based on 20.79% of total domestic tax revenue and a portion of education taxes. While the system contributed to the establishment of new schools and the implementation of compulsory education during periods of economic growth, it is now seen as a hindrance to financial efficiency amid an unprecedented demographic shift. Education Sector Criticizes Oversimplified Approach In contrast, local education superintendents and education experts argue that the government's approach oversimplifies the complexities of education funding and prioritizes economic efficiency at the expense of educational quality. They contend that a decrease in student numbers does not proportionately reduce the fixed costs associated with operating schools. Ban Sang-jin, a professor emeritus at Jeonbuk National University and a member of the National Education Commission, stated in a phone interview, "Criticizing the funding for primary and secondary education solely based on declining student numbers is a dangerous mindset. Budget cuts should not be based on simplistic metrics; instead, we should focus on long-term investments to enhance public education infrastructure and stabilize the educational environment." Experts emphasize that the current landscape of college admissions and class sizes necessitates maintaining or even increasing the number of classes, which in turn raises fixed costs such as teacher salaries and facility maintenance. Professor Um Moon-young from Seoul National University warned, "It is not the time to cut budgets based solely on economic logic. We still need macro-level investments to address educational disparities and restructure small schools due to the declining school-age population. If financial pressures continue, we risk diminishing the quality of public education and driving students toward private education, creating a paradoxical effect." Moreover, there are concerns that the post-COVID-19 era requires significant resources to address students' social and learning deficits. Lee Deok-nan, an official from the National Assembly's Legislative Research Service, noted, "The learning and social deficits among students who experienced the COVID-19 pandemic are severe. Schools need substantial financial and administrative support to restore diverse human-centered experiential opportunities and to reestablish teacher authority for safe educational activities." He argued that budget cuts would equate to abandoning this critical responsibility. Local Governments Face Dilemma Over Financial Responsibilities Another source of tension between the government and local education offices stems from complex financial interests regarding the integration of early childhood education and care funding. The government plans to transfer responsibilities and budgets for childcare from the Ministry of Health and Welfare and local governments to the Ministry of Education and local education offices starting next year. However, there is currently no legal guarantee for the full transfer of existing childcare budgets, leading to significant backlash from local education authorities. Local education officials criticize the unilateral transfer of financial responsibilities from the government and local governments as a direct threat to the quality of primary and secondary education. An anonymous education official stated, "If the government pushes ahead with the integration without clearly legislating the transfer of existing childcare budgets, we will have to cover the increasing costs of early childhood education from primary and secondary education grants, which could halt necessary investments in aging school facilities and future education initiatives." Additionally, mismatches in the timing of mandatory transfers from local governments to education offices and moves to reduce non-mandatory educational collaboration funds have further weakened the revenue structure of education offices. Education experts suggest that instead of resorting to extreme measures that unilaterally dismantle funding barriers, a more balanced approach is needed. They propose establishing a "Local Education Cooperative Fund" where local governments and education offices contribute equally. This fund could be used flexibly for integration efforts or local care infrastructure, matching the accumulated stabilization funds from education offices during times of revenue surplus. Furthermore, to mitigate the vulnerability of education offices to economic fluctuations that could halt core projects during revenue shortfalls, experts advocate for the establishment of a "financial smoothing system" that allows for the accumulation of funds during prosperous times and stable withdrawals during downturns, rather than drastic reductions in the domestic tax allocation ratio. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 16:21:00
  • Sagrada Familia Completes Exterior 145 Years After Construction Began
    Sagrada Familia Completes Exterior 145 Years After Construction Began Spanish architect Antonio Gaudí, known as the "architect of God," reaches a significant milestone with his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, as it marks the 100th anniversary of his death. According to Yonhap News, a ceremony for the completion of the central tower, known as the "Tower of Jesus Christ," will take place in Barcelona on June 10. Pope Leo XIV is expected to visit Barcelona to preside over a memorial mass for Gaudí and bless the tower, a symbol of the cathedral's exterior. Construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and has continued for 145 years, making it an unfinished basilica. In February, the installation of the cross at the top of the central tower brought its height to 172.5 meters, nearly completing the overall exterior and structure. This height is slightly lower than Montjuïc Hill, which stands at 173 meters, reflecting Gaudí's philosophy that human architecture should not surpass nature. While the Sagrada Familia Construction Committee acknowledges that some work remains on the main entrance, known as the "Facade of Glory," and parts of the interior, they consider this year as the official completion of the cathedral's exterior. The final completion is expected around 2034. The Sagrada Familia is also a major tourist attraction in Spain, drawing approximately 4.9 million paying visitors annually, with total visitors estimated at 20 million when including those who only view the exterior. As of last year, about 240,000 visitors, or 4.9% of the total, were from South Korea, making them the fifth-largest group of international visitors after those from the United States, China, Italy, and France. The completion ceremony is expected to be a highlight of the events commemorating Gaudí's centenary. Approximately 8,000 attendees, including Spanish King Felipe VI, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and officials from the Catalonia autonomous government, are expected to participate. The Spanish government has deployed over 13,000 police officers to ensure security during the Pope's visit. Born in 1852 to a devout Catholic family in Catalonia, Gaudí died on June 10, 1926, after being struck by a tram. He left behind a legacy of unique architectural works, including Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, and Park Güell, significantly impacting the history of architecture. The Sagrada Familia is particularly regarded as a masterpiece that embodies his deep religious beliefs and artistic imagination. In 2005, UNESCO designated parts of the cathedral, which Gaudí personally oversaw, as a World Heritage Site. In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the basilica and declared it a minor basilica. Last year, the Vatican declared Gaudí a "Venerable" in the Catholic canonization process, and officials are currently seeking evidence of miracles for his beatification. According to Yonhap News, Dutch architect Heijs van Hensbergen told AFP, "It is clear that creating a work everyone wants to see is the greatest miracle," adding that people traveling to Barcelona to see this architecture is a kind of miracle in itself.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 16:21:00
  • Seouls Jeonse Market Faces Supply Crisis as Demand Soars
    Seoul's Jeonse Market Faces Supply Crisis as Demand Soars Seoul's jeonse market is rapidly facing a supply crisis. While the number of jeonse listings is decreasing, demand remains high, exacerbating the supply-demand imbalance. In some areas of North Seoul, pressure is approaching a level described as a "jeonse crisis." As of June 9, KB Real Estate reported that Seoul's monthly jeonse supply index reached 182.67. An index above 100 indicates that demand exceeds supply, and a reading above 180 typically signifies a severe jeonse shortage. The situation in North Seoul is even more severe. The jeonse supply index for the region hit 187.78 last month, the highest level since 2020. This figure surpasses the citywide average, indicating that the shortage of jeonse listings is spreading beyond favored complexes throughout North Seoul. North Seoul has seen a steady demand for jeonse as potential buyers, burdened by high purchase prices, opt to remain renters. Existing tenants are also reluctant to move due to increased housing costs, resulting in fewer new jeonse listings and concentrated demand for the remaining properties. This supply-demand imbalance is leading to rising prices. According to KB Real Estate, jeonse prices in Gangbuk District increased by 1.86%, with Seongbuk District (1.36%), Nowon District (1.35%), and Dobong District (1.33%) also experiencing price hikes. The pressure to raise jeonse prices is becoming widespread across North Seoul. The overall number of jeonse listings is also declining. Real estate big data firm Asil reported that as of today, there are 18,574 jeonse listings for Seoul apartments, a decrease of over 26% from 25,240 listings a year ago. While demand for jeonse remains, the shrinking supply is intensifying the sense of crisis in the market. The decline in listings is attributed to a reduction in new rental units and a shift toward monthly rent. A decrease in the number of apartments available for occupancy leads to fewer new jeonse listings and slows the turnover of existing rental properties. The transition to monthly rent is a key factor in reducing jeonse supply. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, from January to May this year, monthly rent accounted for 54.2% of new lease contracts for Seoul apartments, up from 45.9% during the same period last year. Landlords are increasingly favoring monthly rent or half-monthly rent over traditional jeonse, further diminishing the availability of pure jeonse listings. An increase in contract renewals is also contributing to the shortage of new jeonse listings. When existing tenants renew their leases due to concerns over housing costs, the number of available listings decreases further. The interplay of declining jeonse listings, the shift to monthly rent, and increased contract renewals is creating a structural supply shortage in Seoul's jeonse market. The challenge is that the jeonse shortage is unlikely to be resolved in the short term. To increase jeonse supply, sufficient new rental units must be secured, but this is difficult to achieve quickly. Additionally, new financial regulations, such as restrictions on jeonse loans for non-resident homeowners, may reduce speculative demand but could also exacerbate the decline in jeonse supply and encourage further shifts to monthly rent. Kim In-man, head of Kim In-man Real Estate Research Institute, stated, "With the low supply of jeonse in the housing market centered around Seoul, landlords have little incentive to lower prices. If prices remain high and jeonse loans are unavailable, tenants will have to consider purchasing or switching to monthly rent, which will not help stabilize housing prices." 2026-06-09 16:21:00
  • Debate Over Minimum Wage Application for Contract Workers Intensifies
    Debate Over Minimum Wage Application for Contract Workers Intensifies On June 9, the Minimum Wage Commission held its fourth plenary meeting at the Government Sejong Center, where discussions focused on expanding minimum wage applications for special types of workers and platform workers. Many delivery riders, parcel delivery drivers, and designated drivers are often classified as independent contractors, which excludes them from minimum wage protections.During the meeting, employer representatives argued that discussing minimum wage applications for special types of workers and platform workers falls outside the commission's authority. Ryu Ki-jung, executive director of the Korea Employers Federation, stated, "Determining minimum wage for individuals not recognized as employees is neither the role nor the authority of the Minimum Wage Commission. Special types of workers, except for a few recognized by the courts, are essentially self-employed individuals."He further noted, "The way labor representatives are demanding minimum wage is unprecedented globally," adding that it could be perceived as an attempt to selectively benefit from both employer and employee statuses.Yang Ok-seok, head of the Human Resources Policy Department at the Korea Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises, emphasized, "Contract agreements are made on the condition of completing a job, and no country treats contract agreements under minimum wage laws." He warned that imposing unreasonable minimum wage standards on contract workers could disrupt the distribution systems of small businesses reliant on contracts and platforms, urging a swift transition to discussions on industry-specific applications.Conversely, labor representatives contended that it is possible to apply minimum wage standards to special types of workers and platform workers within the current system. Ryu Gi-seop, secretary-general of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, argued, "The Minimum Wage Commission's task is not to reassess the employment status of contract workers but to decide how to apply minimum wage standards. Delaying this decision is no longer acceptable."He asserted that the Ministry of Employment and Labor's surveys, statistics, international examples, and the special provisions in the minimum wage law regarding contract and similar forms provide sufficient grounds for applying minimum wage to contract workers.Ryu also pointed to the minimum wage calculation methods for delivery riders in New York and Seattle, as well as the fair pricing system in the UK and the experience of safety freight rates for domestic cargo transport workers, demonstrating that a separate minimum wage calculation method suitable for contract work is feasible.Lee Mi-sun, vice-chairperson of the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union, highlighted that delivery riders, designated drivers, and private tutors suffer from unpaid labor due to waiting times, travel times, and time lost from customer cancellations. She argued that applying minimum wage standards to special types of workers would also aid in preventing industrial accidents and strengthening social safety nets.Sung Jae-min, a member of the public interest committee and deputy director of the Korea Labor Institute, remarked, "Through previous meetings, we confirmed that this issue encompasses various complexities and real-world conditions that require comprehensive examination. I hope today's meeting allows for a deeper discussion of the raised issues and ample listening to each other's opinions and concerns."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 16:15:00
  • Financial Supervisory Service Targets Forex Market Speculation, Urges Banks to Curb Dollar Marketing
    Financial Supervisory Service Targets Forex Market Speculation, Urges Banks to Curb Dollar Marketing Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has urged banks to refrain from aggressive dollar deposit marketing and to strengthen management of foreign exchange positions in response to increased volatility in the forex market. The FSS will also enhance inspections of speculative forex trading and market disruption activities.According to the financial sector on June 9, the FSS held a meeting on "Stabilizing the Forex Market" led by Kim Sung-wook, Deputy Director of the Banking and Small Finance Division. The meeting included executives responsible for foreign currency and funding from major commercial banks and foreign bank branches.The meeting aimed to review trends in the banking sector and the foreign currency funding market, as well as to discuss specific responses to the heightened volatility in the forex market.The FSS first advised banks to avoid excessive dollar deposit events or marketing competitions in the current environment of high exchange rate volatility and to enhance consumer guidance regarding the risks of foreign exchange losses.Additionally, the FSS urged banks to refrain from engaging in speculative forex trading that could lead to excessive exchange rate increases and indicated that strict measures would be taken against market disruption activities such as price fluctuations.In particular, the FSS requested banks to actively cooperate to prevent offshore non-deliverable forward (NDF) derivative trading from exacerbating volatility and concentration in the domestic forex market.Furthermore, the FSS decided to shorten the inspection cycle for foreign exchange positions at major banks from monthly to weekly for temporary management and to extend the suspension of enhanced foreign currency liquidity stress test supervision until the end of this year.The FSS plans to jointly inspect speculative trading and market disruption activities that exploit the weakening of the won in collaboration with the Bank of Korea and other relevant agencies.Kim Sung-wook, Deputy Director of the FSS, stated, "I urge the banking sector to adhere to trading norms in the forex market and to strengthen internal controls to prevent market disruption activities. We will closely monitor market conditions and implement necessary measures in a timely manner."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 16:12:00
  • Kakao Bank Introduces AI Model for Detecting Financial Fraud
    Kakao Bank Introduces AI Model for Detecting Financial Fraud Kakao Bank has launched an artificial intelligence (AI)-based financial fraud detection model that analyzes behavioral patterns before and after transactions to predict the risk of fraud. The initiative aims to enhance the detection of financial scams, including voice phishing.On June 9, Kakao Bank announced the development of the 'Sequence Detection Model,' which has been integrated into its fraud detection system (FDS).The Sequence Model comprehensively analyzes not only individual transaction outcomes, such as transfers and withdrawals, but also the behavioral patterns surrounding these transactions to assess the risk of financial fraud.Utilizing an 'attention mechanism' that allows AI to understand the relationships and flow between data, the model examines various behavioral cues, including the order of transactions, time intervals between actions, and whether devices have changed.For instance, it can analyze patterns where transactions are initiated after a period of inactivity following app access. This pattern of pausing and resuming transactions is often seen in voice phishing schemes, where scammers persuade victims to make additional transfers. The Sequence Model detects these patterns to help prevent fraud.The results have been promising. Since the pilot introduction of the Sequence Model in November of last year, the number of fraud prevention cases monitored through the FDS has increased by an average of 4.4 times compared to before its implementation. In the first quarter of this year, the Sequence Model accounted for 49.8% of all suspected fraudulent transactions that Kakao Bank prevented.Kakao Bank plans to further enhance the Sequence Model to refine its FDS system. A company representative stated, "We have moved beyond detecting unusual transactions at specific points in time to predicting risks based on behavioral flows before and after transactions. We will continue our research and development to proactively respond to increasingly sophisticated financial crimes."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 16:12:00
  • Behind the Scenes of Wild Thing: Kang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun Become Triangle
    Behind the Scenes of 'Wild Thing': Kang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun Become 'Triangle' Every production has numerous perspectives. Although the director and actors share the same space and time, their experiences may differ greatly. 'Behind the Scenes' focuses on the vivid realities beyond the 'A-cut' captured on screen. It reconstructs the moments of the 'B-cut' that were even more intense than the completed frames through interviews with the director and actors. (Editor’s Note)The film 'Wild Thing' tells the story of 'Triangle,' a mixed-gender dance group that once dominated the music scene but disbanded due to an unexpected incident. Now, 20 years later, they are given a chance at a comeback. Kang Dong-won, Um Tae-goo, and Park Ji-hyun portray the group's leader Hyun-woo, rapper Sang-goo, and center Domi, respectively.In 'Wild Thing,' the stage is not just a backdrop. The three actors were required to act and perform simultaneously. Memorizing choreography and coordinating movements was not enough; they had to sing, dance, and engage with the audience while being aware of the camera. What they faced in front of the camera was not just the 'singer' persona but the reality of being on stage."Seeing myself dance was incredibly satisfying. Especially towards the last performance, I thought, 'Wow, I'm really doing well.' I practiced hard, even after filming, going to practice at night. As we continued filming the stage scenes, I gained more stage experience. By the end, I felt like I had developed a stage presence. At first, I was so focused on not missing the choreography, but as it became second nature, I could pay more attention to the lines. Initially, I was overwhelmed with singing, dancing, engaging the audience, and watching the camera, but as I got used to it, my dance lines improved," said Kang Dong-won.Park Ji-hyun, who plays the center Domi, identified confidence as the most crucial quality needed on stage. She noted that the center position was unfamiliar and burdensome for an actress with limited stage experience."I thought I needed confidence because I was the center. I was worried since I didn't have much stage experience and there were so many visually stunning people around. But I decided to approach it with a fresh perspective and confidence. I watched many artists perform to try to eliminate self-consciousness and just enjoy the moment. Initially, I focused on not making mistakes in the choreography, but I realized I should immerse myself in the performance," Park Ji-hyun explained.For Um Tae-goo, who plays the rapper Sang-goo, the stage represented a different kind of unfamiliarity. Sang-goo is more of an aspiring rapper than a polished one. Um Tae-goo trained for five months at JYP Entertainment, learning rap and dance, mastering vocalization, rhythm, and gestures."With rap, I relied 100% on my teacher. I followed their instructions closely. My character wasn't a skilled rapper, but I thought that if I worked hard for five months, I could make it work even if I wasn't perfect. I practiced vocalization and rhythm with my teacher, and eventually, I found myself unconsciously mimicking their gestures and speech patterns. It felt great when that came out naturally. There’s no end to it, so I just kept working hard without thinking about limits," Um Tae-goo shared.While the three actors approached the stage differently, their focus in the practice room converged. Kang Dong-won's dedication left a strong impression on his colleagues. Park Ji-hyun recalled being amazed by Kang Dong-won's practice of breakdancing and headspins."Dong-won was truly impressive when it came to dance. I saw him practicing breakdancing and headspins in the studio, and I couldn't believe how quickly he mastered them. It was incredible. I wondered how much effort he must have put in to achieve that in such a short time. He would arrive at the studio three to four hours early, drenched in sweat. He practiced individually and then spent another three to four hours with us, so it seemed like he was practicing for six to seven hours a day. It’s not just about effort; he really knows how to use his body, and I thought he would have excelled in dance if he had pursued that path," Park Ji-hyun remarked.Kang Dong-won's goal was not to mimic but to create a genuine performance. While 'Wild Thing' is a comedy, his approach to the stage was serious."For the first performance, my goal was to do so well that it would be funny. I aimed to showcase my dance lines so that those who were dancers before becoming singers wouldn’t feel embarrassed. I wanted them to think, 'Yeah, I used to do that.' I hoped the audience would find it amusing, thinking, 'Why is he doing so well? Why is it funny?'" Kang Dong-won explained.To make Triangle's stage appear authentic, each actor needed their own references. Kang Dong-won recalled the charm and seriousness of first-generation idols he had seen on TV during high school, while Park Ji-hyun drew inspiration from Fin.K.L and Lee Hyori to express Domi's freshness and intensity."I wanted to recreate the image I saw on TV when I was in high school. It was so cool back then. I had never thought about becoming a dance singer, but I wanted to replicate that feeling. The script matched that sentiment, and I wanted to capture the essence of first-generation idols. I wanted them to think, 'That’s how we were,'" Kang Dong-won said."I liked both g.o.d and Fin.K.L when I was younger, but I focused on Lee Hyori. The character Domi in the film, as well as Triangle's transition from a fresh and pure concept in their first album to a bold and flashy performance in their second, reminded me of her. When she was with Fin.K.L, her image was similar to the first album, but in her solo career, she adopted a sexy and intense concept. I thought it would be great for Domi to embody both aspects," Park Ji-hyun added.After accumulating references and practice, the real variable emerged on stage. Um Tae-goo, who had revealed little during rehearsals, showcased a completely different persona once the cameras were rolling. Park Ji-hyun described that moment as feeling like she had been blindsided."Tae-goo was someone who didn’t show much during practice, but once he was on stage, he transformed into a different person. Dong-won said I was a natural on stage, but I think Tae-goo is the true stage natural. I felt blindsided. I thought I would just wink from my part, but he winked a million times during the rap part. I felt like, 'He took my moment.' He was flying on stage, and his cuteness rivaled that of active idols," Park Ji-hyun said."That part was something that changed on the spot. I was discussing with the teacher about making it cuter, but I had no gestures prepared, so I was worried. I thought, 'If it’s not cute, I might as well not do it.' It was terrifying because it would be strange for someone who had never made that expression to suddenly do so. But I think I just went for it. I did everything I could think of that was cute. The actions themselves weren’t prepared at all," Um Tae-goo reflected.Kang Dong-won aimed to create a 'funny yet impressive' performance based on his memories of first-generation idols, while Park Ji-hyun infused confidence into Domi, and Um Tae-goo added Sang-goo's awkwardness and unexpected charm. The song, dance, expressions, and gestures crafted by the three actors brought the fictional group Triangle to life on stage. The humor in 'Wild Thing' was built upon their serious preparation.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-09 16:09:00