Filmmaker behind hit coup flick speaks out over martial law attempt

SEOUL, December 18 (AJP) - Filmmaker Kim Sung-su, who directed last year's critically acclaimed film "12.12: The Day," has openly criticized President Yoon Suk Yeol over his abrupt declaration of martial law earlier this month, calling him "deranged." The historical film, set against the backdrop of a military coup in South Korea in the late 1970s, depicts disgraced former president Chun Doo-hwan, who seized power in December 1979 following the assassination

December 18, 2024

IU named as No. 1 South Korean artist by Billboard

SEOUL, December 18 (AJP) - Singer and actress IU has been named South Korea's best artist of the year by Billboard. The 31-year-old was selected on Tuesday as the country's No. 1 artist as part of the American music magazine's inaugural "Global No. 1s Series," which highlights leading artists from around the world. Billboard praised IU for her versatility. "From making music to acting on screen, IU can seemingly do it all — and she commands unpara

December 18, 2024

Netflix's hit dating show to return with fourth season next month

SEOUL, December 18 (AJP) - Netflix's reality show "Single's Inferno" is set to usher in the new year with its fourth season next month, the American streaming giant said on Tuesday. Set for release on Jan. 14, the hit dating show has become the first South Korean Netflix series to be picked up for a fourth season. The dating show features single men and women stranded on a remote island as they navigate relationships. Contestants choose someone they are interest

December 18, 2024

IU supports fans attending impeachment rally against Yoon

SEOUL, December 14 (AJP) - Singer and actress IU will support her fans attending a rally on Saturday calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, providing snacks and hand warmers. EDAM Entertainment announced on its official fan platform that these items will be available at five locations in Yeouido, Seoul, including a cafe and restaurants. "We prepared food and hand warmers to help warm the cold hands of UAENA (IU's fandom), who are brightening the surroun

December 14, 2024

K-pop becomes protest anthem in rallies against Yoon

SEOUL, December 12 (AJP) - K-pop songs have emerged as the new soundtrack of protest in South Korea since President Yoon Suk Yeol's Dec. 3 martial law declaration, with their stimulating tempo, dynamic beats and catchy hooks energizing young participants at rallies. Girls' Generation's 2007 debut song "Into the New World" has become a rallying cry at candlelight protests across Seoul, where demonstrators are calling for Yoon's resignation and impeachment.

December 12, 2024

​​​​​​​K-pop training goes global: World K-pop Center plans 32-nation girl group project

SEOUL, December 4 (AJP) -- "K-pop stands at the heart of Korean culture today. We aim to create a true cultural exchange by bringing together girl groups from 32 different nations," says Park Sung-jin, CEO of World K-pop Center. Speaking at the launch of news platform AJP at Seoul's FKI Tower on Tuesday, Park detailed his organization's vision for globalizing K-pop education through a U.N.-inspired strategy. Park emphasized that while famous K-pop artists have p

December 4, 2024

BTS' Jungkook nominated for multiple Billboard Music Awards

SEOUL, November 26 (AJP) - Jungkook, a member of boy band BTS, is vying for awards at this year's Billboard Music Awards to be held in the U.S. in December. According to a list of finalists released by Billboard on Monday, Jungkook received nominations in five categories — Top Song Sales Artist, Top Global K-Pop Artist, Top K-Pop Album, Top Selling Song, and Top Global K-Pop Song — making him the most-nominated South Korean artist this year. Other South Korean nom

November 26, 2024

ATEEZ's latest album debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200

SEOUL, November 25 (AJP) - K-pop boy band ATEEZ topped the Billboard 200 albums chart with their latest album, the U.S. music chart said on Sunday. Their 11th mini-album "Golden Hour: Part.2" took the top spot for the week ending on Nov. 21, with over 179,000 copies sold in its first week of release. The album is "the 26th mostly non-English-language album to hit No. 1, and the third of 2024," Billboard said. The album explores themes of love and self-disco

November 25, 2024

Allegations of workplace bullying involving NewJeans' Hanni dismissed

SEOUL, November 20 (AJP) - Claims of workplace bullying raised by Hanni about a couple of months ago, a member of K-pop girl band NewJeans was dismissed, in a decision made by the Ministry of Employment and Labor on Wednesday. The ministry said that she cannot be regarded as a typical employee under South Korean labor laws where workers are entitled to certain protections, so it decided to close the case. The ministry explained, "Hanni cannot be classified as a waged worker,

November 20, 2024

Singer Kim Ho-joong gets prison term in hit-and-run case

SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - Singer Kim Ho-joong was sentenced to two and a half years in prison on Wednesday for a hit-and-run accident early this year. He rammed into a taxi while driving under the influence and fled the scene in Gangnam, southern Seoul in May. Kim initially denied driving under the influence, but after CCTV footage and other evidence emerged, he was forced to admit it about 10 days later. The Seoul Central District Court reprimanded Kim for his reckless drivi

November 13, 2024