Culture Ministry teams up with Interpol to combat illegal distribution of Korean content

SEOUL, August 19 (AJU PRESS) - The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Monday it will crack down on websites and platforms illegally distributing Korean content such as K-pop, Korean dramas and webtoons. To enforce this crackdown, it has collaborated with the National Police Agency and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). A Statista report revealed that the K-pop industry generated approximately 11 trillion won ($8.1 billion) in sales in 2022, while

August 19, 2024

BTS' 'Spring Day' garners 1 billion streams on Melon

SEOUL, August 14 (AJU PRESS) - BTS' hit song "Spring Day" has garnered 1 billion views on Melon, Korea's largest online music streaming site, the seven-member boy band's agency Big Hit Music said on Tuesday. Released in February 2017, the song carries a message of hope while waiting to reunite with a distant friend. The lyrics are known to be based on the autobiographical stories of members RM and Suga. The song was an instant hit at the time of its

August 14, 2024

Cannes-acclaimed director Park Chan-wook to reunite with Lee Byung-hun for new film

SEOUL, August 13 (AJU PRESS) - Director Park Chan-wook is set to begin shooting his new film later this week, the film's distributor CJ ENM said on Tuesday. The film, tentatively called "No Other Choice," is based on American writer Donald E. Westlake's novel "The Ax." Its story revolves around an office worker, played by actor Lee Byung-hun, who struggles to support his family as a breadwinner after suddenly losing his job. The film marks Park's r

August 13, 2024

Song by K-pop band with hearing impairment released to cheer for athletes at Paris Paralympics

SEOUL, August 12 (AJU PRESS) - Three-member boy band Big Ocean released their new song on Sunday, to coincide with the Summer Paralympics in Paris later this month. Released on Aug. 11, "Slow," an upbeat track with acoustic guitar and drums featuring sign language, aims to "convey hopeful messages to youngsters including athletes participating in the upcoming Paralympics," according to their agency. The first K-pop band with all three members having hearing im

August 12, 2024

Monks make debut as K-pop group to spread Buddhism

SEOUL, August 8 (AJU PRESS) - Some 10 monks and nuns have teamed up to promote Buddhism, starting their activities with a debut stage in the southern port city of Busan on Thursday, according to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The Korea's largest Buddhist organization said BTENS will help people find peace and solace through the religious method of meditation. "Korea topped the suicide rate among OECD countries. We pondered what we can do about this as religious peo

August 8, 2024

BTS' Suga apologizes for riding electric scooter under influence

SEOUL, August 7 (AJU PRESS) - Suga of K-pop boy band BTS apologized on Wednesday after his driver's license was revoked for riding an electric scooter under the influence. The 31-year-old, who is currently fulfilling his mandatory military service with a public-sector desk job, admitted he did not realize that riding a scooter after drinking was against the relevant laws. Suga explained that after having dinner and drinks the previous day, he rode the scooter for about 500 meter

August 7, 2024

Jeon Do-yeon shines in restrained revenge noir

SEOUL, August 7 (AJU PRESS) -Actress Jeon Do-yeon demonstrated her versatility once again with her new film "Revolver," which hit local theaters this week. The revenge film revolves around a former cop, played by Jeon, who becomes embroiled in a corruption scandal and serves two years in prison instead of villains, lured by a hefty payout. Upon her release, she discovers that she has been betrayed and her promised rewards have vanished, leading her on a desperate chase to

August 7, 2024

G-Dragon launches foundation to combat drug abuse in Korea

SEOUL, August 6 (AJU PRESS) - G-Dragon of boy band Big Bang launched a foundation to combat drug abuse at an event in central Seoul on Monday. The launch fulfills his promise he made in December last year to establish such a foundation after being cleared of all charges related to alleged illegal drug use. Due to his busy schedule preparing for his new album slated for release this fall, the flamboyant star was absent from the event but will serve as the honorary chairman of the Jus

August 6, 2024

Netflix' mega hit series 'Squid Game' to return with second season in December

SEOUL, August 2 (AJU PRESS) - Netflix's mega hit Korean series "Squid Game" will return with its second season later this year, the U.S. video-streaming site said Thursday. The first episode of the second season is slated for airing on Dec. 26 over the Christmas weekend. Netflix also announced plans to produce its third and final season slated for release sometime next year. "Squid Game" is a dystopian thriller depicting desperate people who risk their

August 2, 2024

SM Entertainment unveils British K-pop boy band Dear Alice

SEOUL, August 02 (AJU PRESS) - SM Entertainment unveiled a new K-pop boy band, Dear Alice, comprised entirely of British members, in London on Thursday (local time). The five-member group was formed through a collaboration between SM Entertainment, Kakao Entertainment's North American subsidiary and London-based Moon & Back Media. The group consists of Blaise Noon, 19; Dexter Greenwood, 22; James Sharp, 23; Oliver Quinn, 20; and Reese Carter, 20. Their average age is 21.

August 2, 2024