Hybe chairman Bang summoned to testify in Kakao founder's stock manipulation trial

SEOUL, May 13 (AJP) - A South Korean court has summoned Bang Si-hyuk, the chairman of Hybe and the creator behind K-pop wonder BTS, to testify as a witness in the ongoing trial of Kakao founder Kim Beom-su over alleged stock manipulation tied to Kakao’s 2023 acquisition of SM Entertainment. According to legal sources on Tuesday, the Seoul Southern District Court issued a subpoena to Bang on May 8. Unless he provides a valid reason for absence, Bang is required to appear in c

May 13, 2025

Renowned conductor Chung Myung-whun named music director of Italy's La Scala

SEOUL, May 13 (AJP) - Renowned South Korean conductor Chung Myung-whun has been appointed as the next music director of Italy’s prestigious Teatro alla Scala in Milan, marking the first time an Asian musician will hold the position in the opera house’s 247-year history. La Scala announced the appointment on its official website on May 12 (local time), stating that Chung will succeed current music director Riccardo Chailly and begin his term in 2027, serving until Febru

May 13, 2025

Teaser for 'Squid Game' finale unveiled ahead of release next month

SEOUL, May 7 (AJP) - Netflix teased a trailer for the third and final season of its hit South Korean series "Squid Game" on Tuesday, ahead of its release next month. The 90-second clip immediately garnered over 208,000 views, just three hours after being unveiled on YouTube, reflecting fans' high expectations for the upcoming series. The teaser suggests that the deadly, high-stakes game continues with deeper and more intricate storylines, as contestants vie for an e

May 7, 2025

Filmmaker Hong Song-soo invited to Cannes's jury

SEOUL, April 29 (AJP) - Director Hong Sang-soo has been invited to serve as a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival, slated to be held in the Mediterranean resort city next month. Hong, famous for his mostly improvised micro-budget films, will join eight other filmmakers including Italy's most sought-after actress Alba Rohrwacher, American actress Halle Berry and Indian director and screenwriter Payal Kapadia. Together, the jury, led by French actress Juliette Binoche, will

April 29, 2025

Soo-young of Girls' Generation to make Hollywood debut in action thriller

SEOUL, April 28 (AJP) - Singer-turned actress Soo-young is set to make her Hollywood debut in the American action thriller "Ballerina," which is slated for release in June. "Ballerina," a spinoff of the John Wick series, revolves around a young assassin who seeks revenge for the murder of her father. The member of K-pop girl group Girls' Generation has been cast in a supporting role, helping the assassin, played by Ana de Armas, known for her roles in &quo

April 28, 2025

'Squid Game' director to receive gong at Gotham Awards in June

SEOUL, April 25 (AJP) - Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who has been in the global spotlight for his hit Netflix series "Squid Game," will be honored with an award at the annual Gotham Television Awards in June. Hwang will be feted with the Creator Tribute at the American film awards, which recognize "the iconic artists and creators who have enriched the landscape and pushed the boundaries of TV," with this year's ceremony scheduled to take place in New York on Jun

April 25, 2025

Apink drops new fan song celebrating 14th anniversary

SEOUL, April 19 (AJP) - K-pop girl band Apink released a new digital single on Saturday, celebrating the 14th anniversary of their debut. According to their agency Choi Creative Lab, “Tap Clap” is Apink’s first full-member release in nearly a year and serves as a fan song. Member Kim Nam-joo contributed to the lyrics, expressing gratitude to their fans. With a bright sound and emotional melody, the track is accompanied by a music video that captures th

April 19, 2025

Young South Korean filmmaker's animated short to compete at Cannes Film Festival

SEOUL, April 18 (AJP) - Director Joung Yu-mi's animated short film has been invited to this year's Cannes Film Festival, which opens in the Mediterranean resort city next month. According to the festival's organizers, "Glasses" will be screened as part of the International Critics' Week section and will compete with about a dozen others for an award recognizing innovative works by emerging filmmakers. No other South Korean films have been invited to comp

April 18, 2025

Tom Cruise to return to Seoul next month to promote final installment of 'Mission: Impossible'

SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - Hollywood star Tom Cruise will visit Seoul next month to promote his latest "Mission: Impossible" series with other cast members accompanying him. "I am so excited to share that I'll be returning to Seoul with the cast of 'Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning' in May," he said in a video message earlier this week. "I look forward to seeing you all very, very soon." His upcoming visit will be his 12th trip to the

April 15, 2025

Kim Soo-hyun denies allegations, files defamation charges against Kim Sae-ron's family

SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - Actor Kim Soo-hyun denied accusations that he dated late actress Kim Sae-ron while she was a minor, holding a press event on Monday to address the claims. This is the actor's first public appearance since the family of the late actress accused him of maintaining a six-year relationship with her, which reportedly began when she was underage. The allegations were made last month via a quasi-news YouTube channel. In a tearful statement, Kim clarified, &ld

March 31, 2025