The K-pop group Billlie (빌리) is set to launch their highly anticipated Oceania tour, starting on February 19 in Melbourne, Australia. This tour, titled 'Billlie World Tour 'Our FLOWERLD (Belllie've You)' ASIA & OCEANIA', is a continuation of their previous world tour that covered nine cities in Europe and fourteen in the Americas last year. After electrifying performances in Hong Kong and Taipei, Billlie will follow their Melbourne show with stops in Brisbane and Sydney.

The seven-member group, consisting of members Siyoon (시윤), Sean (션), Tsuki (츠키), Moon Sua (문수아), Haram (하람), Suhyeon (수현), and Haruna (하루나), promises a captivating experience with their signature storytelling through music, alongside special unit stages prepared exclusively for this tour. Known for their impressive discography, Billlie is expected to deliver high-quality performances that will resonate with their global fanbase.

As they continue to expand their tour locations, Billlie is demonstrating a clear upward trajectory in their global presence. Following their performances in Australia, they will conclude the 'Our FLOWERLD (Belllie've You)' tour in Japan, with shows scheduled in Osaka and Yokohama.

Billlie Kicks Off Oceania Tour in Melbourne

On February 19, actress Cha Joo-young appeared as a guest on tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block'. She entered the stage with a knock, bringing laughter to the audience. Expressing her nerves, she stated, "I'm really nervous right now." Cha discussed her role in the drama 'Queen Won-gyeong', expressing gratitude for being described as someone born for the role. She humorously admitted, "I struggled to even go to the bathroom without help. I did this with everyone's support," before asking, "What was the question again? I'm just so nervous right now," which elicited laughter from those present.

Cha reflected on the significance of the role, saying, "I was given such a big role and a chance to take bold steps, for which I am very thankful. I sometimes thought it was too big for me. There were moments I wanted to run away on set. I started thinking, 'Trust me and follow along,' but I often felt lost about what I was doing."

She also shared a personal connection, revealing, "My grandmother is from the Min family, the same family as Queen Won-gyeong. I tried to portray my grandmother's image as I remember it. Whenever I felt lost, I would say, 'Help me, Grandma.'"

The host, Yoo Jae-suk, brought up Cha's previous work in 'The Glory'. Cha recalled, "I remember auditioning for almost two months, meeting every week with the same script. I wondered why they didn't eliminate me sooner." She noted that there were no specific comments during the auditions, suggesting that the casting team was already considering her for the role based on her potential to embody the character further.

차주영, 역시 보통 집안 아니었네 "친할머니, 원경왕후와 같은 민씨" ('유퀴즈')

Cha Joo-young Shares Her Connection with Queen Won-gyeong on 'You Quiz on the Block'

Hello! This is a preview of the highly anticipated film 'Mickey 17', directed by Bong Joon-ho, who previously won acclaim for 'Parasite' at the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Awards. This sci-fi blockbuster, set in the 2050s, boasts a production budget exceeding $100 million.

Recently, I've been asked, "Is 'Mickey 17' not that great?" My response is that it’s not exactly disappointing; if I had to rank it, I’d place it somewhere between 'Snowpiercer' and 'Okja'. (For clarity, I do enjoy 'Snowpiercer' as well.) If you go in expecting another masterpiece like 'Parasite', you might be let down, but the film offers stunning visuals and an engaging universe, making it worth seeing in theaters.

'Mickey 17' is an adaptation of Edward Ashton’s novel 'Mickey7'. If you’re wondering whether to read the book first, I recommend watching the film instead. Reading the novel beforehand might make the initial world-building feel tedious.

The story revolves around a human printing technology that allows for the repeated creation of individuals by uploading biological data and memories. In this era, replacing humans is cheaper and more efficient than machines. The protagonist, Mickey Barnes (played by Robert Pattinson), is an 'expendable' sent to dangerous locations for space colonization, repeatedly dying and being resurrected. Just knowing this much will suffice.

One of my favorite scenes is when Mickey is printed. Instead of a sleek modern laser printer, it resembles an old inkjet printer, clunkily producing Mickey in a way that is both humorous and tragic, perfectly capturing the film's tone.

As an explorer on an icy planet, Mickey faces radiation exposure, toxic gas, and becomes a test subject for new drugs, constantly dying and being reborn. He is thrown into a furnace only to be printed again, evoking the concept of reincarnation. Robert Pattinson’s portrayal of the 17th Mickey, 'Mickey 17', with his slumped shoulders, delicate voice, and weary smile, effectively embodies the plight of a laborer.

The supporting cast also delivers strong performances. Mark Ruffalo shines as a rockstar-like dictator, but I found Steven Yeun’s role as Mickey’s friend particularly memorable. His innocent question, "What does it feel like to die?" is so infuriatingly naive that it makes you want to give him a kick. He plays a character that is charming yet unsettling, though I wished he had more screen time.

In the original novel, I was curious about the native creature of the icy planet, the 'Creeper'. The film’s depiction, crafted by a monster expert, is bizarrely captivating. It combines the grotesqueness of 'The Host' with the cuteness of 'Okja'. While the book describes it as a giant spider, the film presents it as a creature reminiscent of an armadillo or a furry maggot. The scenes where Creepers swarm are thrilling, akin to witnessing a monster movie in space.

Bong Joon-ho proudly claims this is his first film to include a love story. The peculiar love triangle between 'Mickey 17' and 'Mickey 18' over their girlfriend, Nasha, adds an interesting twist. While viewers may not perceive it as a traditional love story, it offers a taste of what a Bong Joon-ho love film feels like—strange yet endearing, much like the Creepers.

While 'Mickey 17' is an engaging film, it may struggle to meet the heightened expectations set by 'Parasite'. The tension characteristic of Bong Joon-ho's work is somewhat lacking, and the pacing feels loose in the middle. While the original novel delves into philosophical questions about whether 'Mickey 17' and 'Mickey 18' are the same person and the nature of human cloning, the film leans more towards satirizing inhumane capitalism and arrogant colonialism. This overt satire may detract from the depth and enjoyment found in the source material. The villain, portrayed in a comic and slightly deranged manner, feels overly typical compared to the film's themes.

Given its substantial budget, the film appears to be crafted in a lighter, more mainstream style. Personally, I found the movie enjoyable, but I preferred the original novel. As with any film that divides opinions, it’s best to see it for yourself. 'Mickey 17' is set to premiere in South Korea on February 28, marking its global debut. Until next time, thank you for reading!

[그 영화 어때] 봉준호표 사랑 영화? 이상한데 귀여운 ‘미키17’

Anticipation Builds for Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17'

Yoo Ah-in (유아인), who was previously sentenced to a suspended prison term in an appeals court for habitual drug use, is now taking his case to the Supreme Court. On February 20, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office filed an appeal against the appellate court's decision that granted Yoo a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a fine of 2 million won. This ruling was made by the 5th Criminal Division of the Seoul High Court on February 18, which found Yoo guilty of violating the Narcotics Control Act, smoking marijuana, and attempting to destroy evidence. The court noted that Yoo had suffered from long-term health issues and depression, which contributed to his actions. They acknowledged that he has made significant progress in overcoming his drug dependency and expressed a commitment to avoid reoffending. The court also considered his five months of detention and lack of prior offenses, stating that the original sentence was excessively harsh. Following this decision, Yoo was released from the Seoul Detention Center after five months in custody. Yoo Ah-in was charged last October for repeatedly using medical propofol under the guise of cosmetic procedures at hospitals in Seoul from September 2020 to March 2022, totaling 181 instances. In his final statement during the second trial in December, he expressed deep regret for disappointing his colleagues and supporters, acknowledging the pain he caused. He stated, 'I still struggle with shame and guilt, but I am grateful for the opportunity to reflect and will do my utmost to correct my mistakes. I ask for a chance to demonstrate my commitment to learning and living a new life.'

‘상습 마약 투약’ 유아인, 대법원 간다… 검찰, 항소심 집행유예에 상고

Yoo Ah-in's Drug Case Heads to Supreme Court After Suspended Sentence

The teaser poster and trailer for the upcoming Disney+ original series 'Hyperknife' have been released, showcasing the fierce rivalry between 'Jung Se-ok' (박은빈) and 'Choi Deok-hee' (설경구). The poster captures the gripping tension as Se-ok, a once-promising genius doctor turned shadow doctor due to her mentor's betrayal, confronts Deok-hee, the world's top neurosurgeon who led her downfall. 박은빈 delivers a powerful performance, conveying a mix of anger and determination through her intense gaze. Meanwhile, 설경구 amplifies the suspense with his commanding presence as Deok-hee. The tagline, "I hope my teacher dies soon," hints at the deep emotional rift between the two characters and piques interest in the unfolding narrative.

The teaser trailer begins with a flashback to the past, filled with Se-ok's deep respect and trust for Deok-hee. However, it quickly shifts to a moment where Deok-hee coldly tells Se-ok, "You will never set foot in that operating room again," raising questions about the events that led to their current animosity. The trailer concludes with their reunion after six years, presenting a transformed dynamic that promises an intriguing mentor-student relationship.

Director Kim Jung-hyun has promised a portrayal of Se-ok's complex emotions that viewers have yet to see from 박은빈, while 설경구's ability to convey overwhelming presence through mere expressions heightens the drama's tension. The explosive performances of both actors are anticipated to be a highlight of 'Hyperknife,' which is set to premiere on March 19.

'Hyperknife' tells the story of Se-ok, a once-promising genius surgeon, who confronts her mentor Deok-hee, leading to a fierce medical thriller. 박은빈, known for her role as the autistic genius lawyer in 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo,' takes on the challenging role of Se-ok, while 설경구, who won the Best Actor award at the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards for 'Kingmaker,' plays the ruthless Deok-hee. Additionally, actor 윤찬영 will portray Se-ok's loyal bodyguard, 'Seo Young-joo,' and 박병은 will play 'Han Hyun-ho,' an anesthesiologist who supports Se-ok's surgical ambitions. With Kim Jung-hyun at the helm, 'Hyperknife' promises to deliver a unique and gripping medical thriller experience.

"선생님이 빨리 죽었으면 좋겠어요"..박은빈vs설경구, '하이퍼나이프'로 연기대결

Intense Rivalry Unveiled in 'Hyperknife' Teaser Poster and Trailer

The film '퇴마록' is sending shivers down the spines of its original fans. On February 20, the production team of '퇴마록' (directed by Kim Dong-cheol, produced by Locus, distributed by Showbox) shared positive feedback following its first screening on February 19 at the 4D SCREEN X theater. 

'퇴마록' is an occult blockbuster that narrates the epic tale of exorcists with special abilities battling absolute evil. Based on the bestselling novel by author Lee Woo-hyuk, it has been adapted into an animated film. 

The premiere event at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall's specialized 4D SCREEN X theater saw an impressive ticket sales rate of over 93%, indicating a strong audience response. 

Viewers expressed their excitement, stating, "I would have regretted not seeing it! The walls and ceiling surround you, making it feel like you're inside the movie. The action utilizing the four screens, especially the camera work, is fantastic" (user: wooh***). Another viewer noted, "The wide view allowed me to enjoy the exorcism action thoroughly" (user: 무코 무코리***). 

Fans of the original work shared their thoughts, saying, "For '퇴마록' fans, this is finally a proper adaptation" (user: CGV 기글***), and "Seeing Father Park from the novel I read as a child on screen is such an overwhelming feeling" (user: CGV Hugl***). One fan exclaimed, "The beginning of Korea's occult genre and a legend! It's reborn after 30 years. I highly recommend it" (user: CGV my***). 

Others remarked on the film's quality, with one viewer stating, "It's truly amazing that such an animation has come out in our country. I really enjoyed it at 28 years old" (user: CGV si***). Another added, "An animation that captures both emotion and fun, all occult enthusiasts gather!" (user: CGV yo***). Many who watched the film without prior knowledge of the original were also impressed, praising the sound, visuals, and art, with one saying, "I loved it. Ready for a rewatch!" (user: CGV 젯***). 

'퇴마록' is based on a legendary fantasy novel that has sold over 10 million copies, and its original author, Lee Woo-hyuk, has been involved as a creator, generating buzz even before its release. Lee has confirmed, "This work is indeed '퇴마록'" and has guaranteed its quality. The film has been officially invited to prestigious film festivals, including the Sitges Film Festival and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, further heightening expectations. The film is set to be released on February 21.

'퇴마록' 예매율 93%, 원작 이우혁 작가도 인정한 퀄리티 '호평'

The Anticipation Builds for '퇴마록' as Fans Celebrate Its Premiere

As SEVENTEEN (세븐틴) marks its 10th anniversary, the group is set to engage with fans worldwide through a series of exciting activities. The new special unit, HoshiXWoozi, will release their debut single 'BEAM' on March 10. The title 'BEAM' symbolizes the light emitted by Hoshi and Woozi, showcasing their originality and self-love developed through challenges since their trainee days. As leaders of the performance and vocal teams, both born in 1996, they are expected to shine as representatives of the '96 line.

In addition to their unit activities, SEVENTEEN will host a large-scale fan meeting titled 'SVT 9TH FAN MEETING 'SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND'' at Incheon Munhak Stadium on March 20-21, a rare stadium-sized event for a fan meeting. They will also return to Japan for fan meetings after two years, scheduled for April 24 and 26-27 at Kyocera Dome Osaka, and May 10-11 at Saitama Super Arena, under the title 'SEVENTEEN 2025 JAPAN FAN MEETING ‘HOLIDAY’.

On April 4, SEVENTEEN will head to Mexico to perform as the headliner on the first day of the Tecate Pa’l Norte 2025 festival, the largest music festival in Latin America, often referred to as 'Mexico's Coachella.' This marks the first time a K-pop artist will perform at this festival. Last year, SEVENTEEN made history as the first K-pop group to perform on the main stage at the UK’s Glastonbury Festival and headlined the main stage at Lollapalooza Berlin in Germany.

The year began with the return of the special unit BSS (부석순), consisting of Seungkwan, DK, and Hoshi, who released their second single 'TELEPARTY' on January 8, delivering the message that 'if you are happy in this moment, everyone is young.' The title track 'Jeans' quickly topped real-time and daily charts on domestic music sites, and the album sold nearly 530,000 copies within a week of its release, showcasing the strength of the 'K-pop super unit' BSS.

The 'SEVENTEEN [RIGHT HERE] WORLD TOUR,' which began in October last year, concluded its Asian leg in January and February, with performances in major stadiums in Bulacan, Singapore, Jakarta, and Bangkok. The tour received rave reviews from local media, highlighting SEVENTEEN's powerful presence and perfect performances, and attracted approximately 1,037,000 fans both online and offline.

A representative from Pledis Entertainment stated, 'As SEVENTEEN celebrates its 10th anniversary, we are preparing various activities to create meaningful memories with our fans. We hope everyone looks forward to this being 'SEVENTEEN's year.'

SEVENTEEN Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Special Unit and Global Fan Meetings

The K-pop group LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌), consisting of members Kim Chae-won (김채원), Sakura (사쿠라), Heo Yoon-jin (허윤진), Kazuha (카즈하), and Hong Eun-chae (홍은채), is set to release their fifth mini album titled 'HOT' on March 14 at 1 PM. This album will serve as the final installment in their trilogy, following the releases of their third mini album 'EASY' in February and their fourth mini album 'CRAZY' in August of last year.

Since their debut with 'FEARLESS', LE SSERAFIM has consistently infused their music with genuine thoughts and emotions, resonating with listeners. 'EASY' explored themes of inner struggles and anxieties, while 'CRAZY' encouraged embracing chaos rather than succumbing to fear. With 'HOT', the group aims to showcase a passionate attitude towards love, further illustrating their journey of inner strength throughout this trilogy.

The 'EASY', 'CRAZY', and 'HOT' trilogy has been in the works since 2023. During their performance at the 2023 MAMA Awards, they captivated audiences with the theme 'REVOLUTION ON THE STREET', where the phrases 'EASY', 'CRAZY', and 'HOT' were sequentially displayed on LED screens. Additionally, the track 'Good Bones' from their third mini album features the lyrics, "EASY, CRAZY, HOT I can make it," while the music video for 'Smart' also hints at the next album's title, 'CRAZY'. This has provided fans with numerous clues about the trilogy over the past year.

LE SSERAFIM will unveil the album trailer for 'HOT' on the 21st. Known for their stylish and impressive trailers, anticipation is high among K-pop fans for this upcoming release.

LE SSERAFIM to Conclude Trilogy with New Album 'HOT'

K-pop sensation BLACKPINK has unveiled the first phase of their highly anticipated 2025 world tour, which will feature stadium performances across various countries. YG Entertainment announced the tour on their official blog on February 20, revealing a poster that outlines the tour schedule, which includes stops in South Korea, North America, Europe, and Japan.

The tour kicks off with performances at the Goyang Sports Complex in South Korea on July 5 and 6, before heading to major cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, New York, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, London, and Tokyo. 

While the full details are yet to be revealed, all confirmed venues are large stadiums capable of accommodating tens of thousands of fans. Notably, BLACKPINK will be the first K-pop girl group to perform at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London, often referred to as the 'dream stage' for pop artists. Additionally, their solo concert at Goyang Sports Complex marks a first for K-pop girl groups.

BLACKPINK will share the stage with other global music icons, performing at renowned venues like SoFi Stadium in LA, Soldier Field in Chicago, Rogers Centre in Toronto, City Field in New York, Stade de France in Paris, Ippodromo Snai La Maura in Milan, Estadi Olímpic in Barcelona, and Tokyo Dome, further solidifying their status as a top-tier global group.

YG Entertainment stated, "We are preparing for a tour of unprecedented scale and quality, comparable to the historic [BORN PINK] tour that wrote a new chapter in K-pop history. We ask for your continued interest in the additional locations and dates that will be announced soon."

The teaser released alongside the announcement highlights moments from the previous 'BORN PINK' tour, which set a record for K-pop girl group world tours with over 1.8 million attendees. The explosive stage presence of BLACKPINK and the enthusiasm of fans worldwide are sure to elevate anticipation for the upcoming tour, with the phrase 'AND MORE' prominently displayed in the video, hinting at more surprises to come.

BLACKPINK Announces Massive 2025 World Tour with Stadium Performances

K-pop group ONF has made a remarkable comeback, soaring to the top of both domestic and international music charts. On February 18, they released their second full-length album, Part.1 'ONF: MY IDENTITY', with the title track 'The Stranger' hitting number one on the Bugs real-time chart on the day of its release. The album's entire tracklist has also charted, showcasing the group's impressive popularity.

Internationally, 'ONF: MY IDENTITY' has made significant strides, reaching the number one spot on Japan's iTunes 'Top Albums' chart and landing in the top 10 of the same chart in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Taiwan. Additionally, the album secured the 16th position on the Worldwide iTunes Album Chart, highlighting ONF's strong presence in the global music scene.

With a successful comeback underway, ONF is set to kick off their promotional activities on February 20 at 6 PM KST on Mnet's 'M Countdown'. They will perform 'The Stranger' for the first time, delivering a dynamic performance filled with healing energy and impactful choreography that symbolizes the shape of a circle.

'The Stranger' is a pop track characterized by its funky rhythm and showcases ONF's impressive vocal range. The song conveys a positive message about pursuing dreams amidst a challenging world, with members Min-kyun and Wyatt contributing to its creation, adding a unique touch to the group's sound.

ONF Tops Charts with New Album 'ONF: MY IDENTITY'

NewJeans has encountered difficulties in their initial activities as NJZ. On February 19, five major music organizations in South Korea, including the Korea Management Federation and the Korea Entertainment Producers Association, issued a statement calling for policy support to eradicate tampering in the K-pop industry. They claimed that the actions of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin and NewJeans are causing significant harm to the industry and urged the government and National Assembly to establish anti-tampering legislation.

In response, NewJeans took a stand. A lengthy rebuttal was posted on accounts managed by the members' parents, asserting that HYBE and the organizations involved are engaging in misleading media play. They stated that their exclusive contract with HYBE has been terminated due to unfair treatment.

The group specifically claimed that HYBE's Chairman Bang Si-hyuk personally pressured U.S. contacts to cancel NJZ members' performances, as relayed by a representative from ComplexCon, who is assisting with the event preparations.

Ador countered this by stating, "We have never pressured the cancellation of NewJeans' Hong Kong performance. Chairman Bang has confirmed that he has had no contact regarding the Hong Kong concert."

Ador further explained that they requested the event organizers to use the official team name NewJeans, as previously requested by domestic media, and to conduct the performance through Ador based on the exclusive contract.

NewJeans maintains that their exclusive contract with Ador was terminated in November of last year and has declared 'NJZ' as their new team name. In response, Ador has filed a lawsuit to confirm the validity of the exclusive contract and has sought an injunction against the group's agency status and advertising contracts. They argue that the official team name is not NJZ but NewJeans, asserting that the exclusive contract remains valid. The first hearing related to the injunction is set for March, while the lawsuit regarding the exclusive contract will begin in April. If the court rules in favor of HYBE, NewJeans' independent activities may be jeopardized.

Billlie Kicks Off Oceania Tour in Melbourne

What do you think?

Trending

SEVENTEEN Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Special Unit and Global Fan Meetings

LE SSERAFIM to Conclude Trilogy with New Album 'HOT'

BLACKPINK Announces Massive 2025 World Tour with Stadium Performances

ONF Tops Charts with New Album 'ONF: MY IDENTITY'

NewJeans Faces Challenges in First Activities as NJZ

More

Cha Joo-young Shares Her Connection with Queen Won-gyeong on 'You Quiz on the Block'

Anticipation Builds for Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17'

Yoo Ah-in's Drug Case Heads to Supreme Court After Suspended Sentence

Intense Rivalry Unveiled in 'Hyperknife' Teaser Poster and Trailer

The Anticipation Builds for '퇴마록' as Fans Celebrate Its Premiere

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