The highly anticipated film '승부' (Victory) has officially confirmed its theatrical release date for March 26, 2025, alongside the unveiling of its official poster. The poster features the legendary South Korean actor Lee Byung-hun, who has transformed into the iconic Go player Cho Hun-hyun. It captures Cho's competitive spirit, showcasing the film's powerful essence even before its release.

Lee Byung-hun, recognized as one of South Korea's finest actors, is making his return to the big screen after a two-year hiatus since 'Concrete Utopia' in 2023. His involvement in the globally anticipated series 'Squid Game 3', set to premiere in the latter half of the year, has further heightened interest in 'Victory'. 

The film narrates the story of Cho Hun-hyun (played by Lee Byung-hun), who, after losing a match against his disciple, seeks to reclaim his status as a top player, driven by his innate competitive nature. Directed by Kim Hyung-joo, known for 'The Sheriff', 'Victory' promises to be a compelling tale of resilience and determination.

Film 'Victory' Set for March 26 Release with Official Poster Unveiling

The K-pop group SEVENTEEN (에스쿱스, 정한, 조슈아, 준, 호시, 원우, 우지, 디에잇, 민규, 도겸, 승관, 버논, 디노) has secured the highest position among K-pop artists on the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) annual main chart. According to data released on February 18, 2025, SEVENTEEN ranked 3rd on the 'Global Artist Chart 2024', following global superstars Taylor Swift and Drake.

The IFPI Global Artist Chart ranks artists based on physical album sales, digital downloads, and audio and video streaming figures from around the world, making it a reliable indicator of an artist's popularity for the year. SEVENTEEN first entered the top 10 in 2021 at 9th place, then climbed to 6th in 2022 and 2nd in 2023, showcasing their consistent success.

In the album category, SEVENTEEN also performed exceptionally well. Their 12th mini album 'SPILL THE FEELS' and their best album '17 IS RIGHT HERE' achieved 3rd and 4th places, respectively, on the 'Global Album Sales Chart 2024'. They are the only artists to have two albums in the top 5 of this chart.

Additionally, on the 'Global Album Chart 2024', their mini album ranked 6th and the best album 8th, making SEVENTEEN the sole artist with two albums in the top 10.

Last year, SEVENTEEN solidified their status as the 'top K-pop group' with nearly 10 million in annual album sales. They also held the 'SEVENTEEN 'RIGHT HERE' WORLD TOUR', performing 30 shows across 14 cities in North America, Japan, and Asia, attracting over 1.037 million fans both online and offline.

Looking ahead, SEVENTEEN will host the '2025 SVT 9TH FAN MEETING 'SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND'' on February 20-21 at Incheon Munhak Stadium, providing fans with a memorable experience. They will also hold a fan meeting in Japan titled 'SEVENTEEN 2025 JAPAN FANMEETING 'HOLIDAY'' in April and May, with five shows across Osaka's Kyocera Dome and Saitama Super Arena.

세븐틴, 테일러 스위프트·드레이크 이어 국제음반산업협회 ‘톱3’ 등극

SEVENTEEN Achieves Highest Ranking Among K-Pop Artists on IFPI Global Chart

On February 20, a press conference for the highly anticipated film 'Mickey 17' was held at the Megabox COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul. The event featured renowned director Bong Joon-ho alongside producers and cast members including Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, and Mark Ruffalo. Based on Edward Ashton's novel 'Mickey 7', the film follows Mickey, an expendable worker who faces death repeatedly and is printed anew each time. The story unfolds as Mickey encounters a crisis when a new version, Mickey 18, is created while he is presumed dead.

'Mickey 17' marks Bong's return after his acclaimed film 'Parasite' (2019), which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and an Academy Award. The film has generated significant buzz since its casting phase, featuring a star-studded Hollywood lineup including Robert Pattinson, Steven Yeun, Naomi Ackie, Mark Ruffalo, and Toni Collette.

During the press conference, Bong shared insights about the casting process, humorously noting his unique perspective on actors. He expressed excitement about casting Mark Ruffalo in a villainous role, stating, "I was fascinated that Mark had never played a villain before, and I was thrilled to be the first to give him that opportunity. Dictators possess a strange charm that can captivate the masses, and I believed Mark could embody that well."

Bong also praised Naomi Ackie for her performance in a biopic about Whitney Houston, highlighting her charisma and energy. He expressed pride in recognizing her talent early on. Regarding Steven Yeun, who he collaborated with on 'Okja', Bong noted that he aimed to create a science fiction film that felt raw and human, which he achieved with Yeun's character.

Naomi Ackie, making her first visit to Korea, expressed her long-standing desire to visit the country and her joy in working with Bong. She described her character, Nasha, as a complex and genuine role that allowed her to explore authenticity in her performance.

Steven Yeun, who plays Timo, reflected on the character's dark complexities and his satisfaction in fulfilling Bong's vision, while also expressing gratitude for the director's support.

Mark Ruffalo, returning to Korea for the first time in ten years, shared his excitement about the warm reception he received during his previous visit, joking about Robert Downey Jr.'s jealousy. He discussed his role as Kenneth Marshall, the dictator of the ice planet expedition, and his apprehension about taking on a villainous character for the first time.

Bong concluded the event by expressing his hope that audiences would find empathy and comfort in the film, emphasizing Mickey's resilience in the face of adversity. 'Mickey 17' is set to premiere in South Korea on February 28, with a North American release scheduled for March 7.

[SC현장] "극장서 안보면 후회해"…봉준호 표 SF '미키 17', 환상적 영화적 체험(종합)

Director Bong Joon-ho Unveils 'Mickey 17' at Press Conference

Influencer Yoo Hye-won has been gaining significant attention following her appearance on Couple Palace 2 (커플팰리스2), which premiered on February 5. The show quickly captured the spotlight, ranking 10th in the non-drama category of the Good Data Corporation's TV-OTT buzz index for the first week of February. Following the broadcast, Yoo's social media engagement skyrocketed, drawing even more interest from fans.

Before her participation in Couple Palace, Yoo Hye-won already had a substantial following among fans in their teens and twenties on social media. Her recent exposure has led to a surge of interest from advertisers and the entertainment industry.

However, some critics have raised questions about her authenticity, suggesting that her simultaneous announcement of a brand launch alongside her show appearance may be seen as a promotional tactic.

Despite the influx of offers for various brand endorsements and television appearances, sources indicate that Yoo Hye-won is choosing to decline these opportunities for the time being. She aims to take personal time to thoughtfully consider her future career moves.

As anticipation builds for her next steps, Yoo Hye-won continues to appear on Mnet's Couple Palace 2, which airs every Wednesday at 10:40 PM.

‘승리·허웅 열애설' 유혜원, 홍보성 출연 의혹 의식했나.."당분간 광고 제안 NO" [공식]

Influencer Yoo Hye-won Gains Attention After 'Couple Palace 2' Appearance

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'

The K-pop sensation IVE (안유진, 가을, 레이, 장원영, 리즈, 이서) has solidified its global status by making the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry's (IFPI) 'Global Album Sales Chart' for the second consecutive year. According to the official announcement made on February 18, 2025, IVE's second mini-album, 'IVE SWITCH (아이브 스위치)', secured the 7th position on the '2024 Global Album Sales Chart'. 

Last year, IVE made its debut on the chart with its first mini-album 'I’VE MINE (아이브 마인)' at 9th place and its first full album 'I’ve IVE (아이해브 아이브)' at 17th place. With this latest achievement, IVE has successfully surpassed its previous rankings within just over a year. 

The 'Global Album Sales Chart' ranks albums based on physical sales and total downloads worldwide. IVE's entry with 'IVE SWITCH' marks the second consecutive year on this chart, and they have now charted three albums in a row, from 'I’VE MINE' to 'IVE SWITCH'. 

Released in April 2024, 'IVE SWITCH' showcases a theme of transformation and self-discovery, embodying the group's unique identity of 'self-confidence' and signaling their potential for limitless expansion. 

IVE achieved over 1.31 million copies in first-week sales according to Hanteo Chart, earning them the title of 'million-seller' once again. Their impressive performance across various metrics in music and social media led to them winning the Artist of the Year award at the recently held 'Hanteo Music Awards 2024'. They also received a major award in the album category at the 39th Golden Disc Awards last month. 

Continuing their momentum, IVE is set to perform at 'Lollapalooza Paris' on July 20, 2025, at the Longchamp Racecourse in France, sharing the stage with global artists like Justin Timberlake, Tems, and Jo Dwet Filé, further establishing their reputation as a powerhouse in the global festival scene. 

Recently, IVE successfully wrapped up their comeback activities for their third mini-album 'IVE EMPATHY (아이브 엠파시)', achieving over 1.04 million copies in first-week sales, marking their fifth consecutive million-seller. Their pre-release track 'REBEL HEART (레블 하트)' and title track 'ATTITUDE (애티튜드)' led them to win 12 trophies on domestic music shows, showcasing their dominance in the music industry.

아이브, 눈 떴다 하면 기록·2년·3개 앨범 연속 IFPI '글로벌 앨범 세일즈 차트' 진입

IVE Achieves Global Recognition with 'IVE SWITCH' Ranking on IFPI Chart

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.

Film 'Victory' Set for March 26 Release with Official Poster Unveiling

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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

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SEVENTEEN Achieves Highest Ranking Among K-Pop Artists on IFPI Global Chart

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Influencer Yoo Hye-won Gains Attention After 'Couple Palace 2' Appearance

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

IVE Achieves Global Recognition with 'IVE SWITCH' Ranking on IFPI Chart

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