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

Online commenter acquitted in defamation case filed by Han Ye-seul

SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - A South Korean internet user fined for posting malicious comments about actress Han Ye-seul was acquitted on appeal. The Seoul Central District Court on Sunday overturned the original ruling against the defendant who had been charged with defamation after commenting on an article about Han’s husband in July 2021. The article involved allegations that he had worked at an adult entertainment venue as a high-end escort before tying the knot with the act

March 31, 2025

Kim Soo-hyun to address scandal involving late actress Kim Sae-ron in press event

SEOUL, March 31 (AJP) - Actor Kim Soo-hyun will hold a press event on Monday afternoon in Seoul to address a series of recent accusations. His agency announced Sunday night that Kim’s legal representative will also be present to issue a statement. However, “Aside from the official statement from Kim, there will be no Q&A session.” The bereaved family of the late actress Kim Sae-ron recently claimed through a quasi-news YouTube channel that the actor had been

March 31, 2025

K-pop audition show featuring kids scrapped amid controversy

SEOUL, March 28 (AJP) - Cable channel MBN on Friday eventually decided to cancel its upcoming audition show featuring young K-pop wannabes amid mounting controversy. "Under Fifteen," which was supposed to air next Monday, features some 59 contestants under the age of 15 from over 70 countries, competing for a chance to become K-pop's next big stars. But it has come under fire over concerns about the appropriateness of young kids appearing on the show, shortly after

March 28, 2025