Racy teaser clip stirs controversy ahead of reality show featuring kids

SEOUL, March 14 (AJP) - Cable channel MBN's upcoming reality show featuring young K-pop wannabes is set for release later this month. Some 59 contestants under the age of 15 from over 70 countries have been selected as finalists for "Under 15," slated to air on March 31, where they will compete for a chance to become K-pop's next big stars. But a teaser clip released on Thursday stirred unexpected controversy, raising concerns over whether it is appropriate for

March 14, 2025

Actor Kim Soo-hyun to address accusations over relationship with late actress

SEOUL, March 13 (AJP) - Actor Kim Soo-hyun will publicly respond to allegations concerning his relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron, who took her own life last month, his agency announced on Thursday. Kim, 37 years old, is one of South Korea's most popular actors, known for his roles in hit TV dramas like "My Love from the Star.” Kim Sae-ron, who gained fame as a child star in the 2010 crime noir "The Man from Nowhere," later struggled to maintain

March 13, 2025

Actor Kim Soo-hyun loses endorsement deals amid mounting allegations

SEOUL, March 12 (AJP) - Actor Kim Soo-hyun is facing growing scrutiny after allegations about his romantic relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron recently surfaced. The family of the 24-year-old actress revealed earlier this week that Kim had been in a long-term relationship with her, allegedly beginning when she was 15 and he was 12 years her senior. Under South Korean law, any romantic involvement with a minor under 16 is considered a criminal offense. Shortly after

March 12, 2025

Police to investigate singer Wheesung's death through autopsy

SEOUL, March 11 (AJP) - With fans and others mourning the death of singer Wheesung, police said on Tuesday that they will ask the National Forensic Service to conduct an autopsy. The 43-year-old R&B singer was found in cardiac arrest at his home in eastern Seoul the previous day and was later pronounced dead. According to police authorities, no suicide note has been discovered, nor are there any signs of forced entry into the house, ruling out foul play. His agency Tazo En

March 11, 2025

Teaser unveils Suzy singing theme song for upcoming Disney film

SEOUL, March 11 (AJP) - A video clip featuring actress and singer Suzy singing a soundtrack to Disney's upcoming musical fantasy film "Snow White" was teased on Tuesday. The roughly 40-second-long clip shows Suzy, draped in a red cape, braving a snowstorm as she ventures into an enchanted forest. Ahead of the American film's release here next week, Disney generated buzz with its online event "Guess Who?" last week, inviting fans to guess who will sing

March 11, 2025

Bong Joon-ho's sci-fi film tops North American box office

SEOUL, March 10 (AJP) - Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho's latest film "Mickey 17" topped the North American box office in its opening week, making him the first South Korean filmmaker to achieve such a feat. According to tracker Box Office Mojo, the sci-fi film, released last Friday, earned an estimated US$19.1 million in its first three days at more than 3,800 theaters across North America. Despite a strong start, ticket sales fell short of industry projections

March 10, 2025

Stars from tvN's hit crime drama to reunite for second season next year

SEOUL, March 6 (AJP) - Crime drama "Signal" will return for a second season nearly a decade after its first airing, cable channel tvN said on Wednesday. The 2016 hit series received critical acclaim for its compelling stories at the time of its release, with many viewers having been eagerly waiting for its return. Actress Kim Hye-soo, who captivated viewers with her portrayal of a cold case squad detective, reunites with actors like Cho Jin-woong and Lee Je-hoon, as the

March 6, 2025

J-Hope of BTS to drop new single next week

SEOUL, February 27 (AJP) - J-Hope, a member of K-pop boy band BTS will release a new single next week, his agency Big Hit Music said on Thursday. "Sweet Dreams" is a romantic ballad about a heartfelt desire to love and be loved, featuring Grammy-winning R&B artist Miguel. To promote his upcoming solo track, J-Hope is set to hold a showcase on Friday, a week ahead of the single's release on March 7. He will also host an up-close-and-personal event with fans in

February 27, 2025

K-pop thrives in Asia and Europe, while Korean cuisine gains traction in North America: Report

SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - K-pop remains the most widely covered Korean cultural export across the world, with Korean cuisine also garnering increasing attention, a recent analysis reveals. According to a report released by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and its affiliated Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange last week, K-pop attracted the highest media coverage, with 35.4 percent in Asia, 25.1 percent in Europe, and 34.9 percent in Central and South Amer

February 25, 2025

Cuban jazz pianist Alfredo Rodríguez to perform in Seoul next month

SEOUL, February 25 (AJP) - Cuban jazz pianist Alfredo Rodríguez will visit Seoul next month for a concert celebrating the first anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Cuba. According to the concert's organizers, he will take the stage on March 21 at Seongsu Art Hall in Seoul's trendy district frequented by young people and fashion-savvy individuals. Rodríguez is renowned for his innovative approach to blending traditional Cuban sounds wi

February 25, 2025