Gwangju City is taking steps to alleviate the pain of victims and families affected by the Jeju Air tragedy by drafting a special law and creating a self-help space. Mayor Kang Ki-jeong announced on January 9 that specific provisions for the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster support law are being prepared, which will serve as a foundation for memorializing the tragedy and providing assistance to victims. 

The proposed special law is expected to include support for the recovery of daily life for victims' families and measures for truth-seeking and preventive actions. 

In collaboration with the bereaved families, Gwangju City is planning to establish a self-help space named '12·29 Heart Center' (가칭) at Jeonnam Building 245 on Geumnam-ro in Dong-gu, which will honor the day of the tragedy and provide psychological support for victims. 

Additionally, the city will set up a damage reporting center for the local tourism industry, which has been adversely affected by the incident, and will offer a special guarantee of 5 billion KRW for small businesses. Preliminary reports indicate that local tourism companies have been experiencing a surge in cancellations of travel packages departing from Muan International Airport. 

Mayor Kang emphasized that true mourning involves efforts to prevent future tragedies and support the recovery of citizens who have suffered psychological and economic impacts. He also mentioned plans to organize a cultural event for remembrance and healing in consultation with the bereaved families.

Gwangju City to Establish Special Law and Healing Center for Jeju Air Tragedy Victims

On January 9, actress Jo Yu-ri discussed her experience in the highly anticipated Netflix original series, Squid Game Season 2, during an interview at a café in Jongno-gu, Seoul. 

The first season of Squid Game, which premiered in September 2021, became a global phenomenon, achieving numerous records including being Netflix's number one show for 47 days, with over 111 million households tuning in and generating approximately 1 trillion won in revenue. The second season, released three years later, continues the intense rivalry between Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) and the Frontman (played by Lee Byung-hun), as they engage in a fierce battle amidst the return of the deadly games.

According to Netflix's TOP10 Tudum website, Squid Game Season 2 garnered 58.2 million viewing hours from December 30 to January 5, making it the top series globally across both English and non-English categories, and it appeared in the TOP10 lists of 93 countries. In its first week, it ranked as the seventh most popular non-English series in Netflix history, and within 11 days, it reached 126.2 million viewing hours, securing the second spot. Meanwhile, Season 1 has also re-entered the global TOP10 series list as the second most popular non-English show.

During the interview, Jo Yu-ri expressed her gratitude for the love the series has received, stating, "I’m really happy that this hard work is being appreciated. My mom was incredibly excited when I got the role, and my younger sibling was just as thrilled. It made me feel proud. She mentioned she might cry when the show comes out. While she might be biased as my mom, she has been very supportive. When I passed the audition, I was at my family home in Busan, and she watched Squid Game day and night, even asking me to turn it off at night when she wanted to sleep. I think she’s still watching it now," she laughed.

Jo Yu-ri joined the cast of Squid Game Season 2 through a rigorous audition process that included four rounds. "The first round was a video audition, open to many applicants, like a nationwide audition. I remember going through the second round with the assistant director and the third and fourth rounds with the director. The first round used a script created by the Squid Game team, while the later rounds included excerpts from other films and scenes from Squid Game 2. I felt like I would fail during the third audition, but I was grateful to be called back for the fourth round. I didn’t think I would succeed, but I left feeling relieved after that audition," she recalled.

She noted that while she initially received a script for the character Jun-hee, she was told it could be for a different role. "I auditioned thinking, 'This is an interesting character,' and only learned I was cast as Jun-hee after the audition. When I got the call saying I was accepted, I couldn’t believe it at first. It felt like a dream. I was so happy, thinking, 'I’m part of such a big project!' I immediately told my mom. During my time on Produce 48, everything was broadcasted from the moment I passed the audition, which felt less real. This time, I was alone, so I could grasp the reality of it more quickly," she shared.

Jo Yu-ri, who plays Jun-hee, a character who participates in the deadly games after losing a fortune due to a bad investment from her ex-boyfriend Myung-ki (played by Im Si-wan), expressed her concerns about portraying a pregnant character without personal experience. "I worried that those who have been pregnant might find my performance awkward. I closely examined Jun-hee’s character and asked people who have experienced pregnancy about their feelings and physical changes. My mom was my main source of information. I asked her about the typical symptoms, emotional changes, and habits of pregnant women, like how they often touch their bellies. I also inquired about basic postures and movements, ensuring I didn’t come off as overly familiar with pregnancy," she explained.

She added, "While I didn’t find it difficult to immerse myself in the character, Jun-hee’s emotional state was quite heavy, making it hard to shake off those feelings even after filming. I discussed with the director why Jun-hee, who has no money or husband, would decide to have a child. This led to the idea that she might not have a family, which helped me understand her character better. I also tried to reflect physical changes, like messy hair and skin changes typical in pregnancy. I even avoided using lip balm to make my lips chapped. I thought about gaining weight, but I realized that a happy pregnant woman wouldn’t be overly indulgent, so I started losing weight gradually after filming began," she elaborated.

Reflecting on her time on set with many senior actors, Jo Yu-ri said, "No one directly told me how to do things, but watching their performances and being around them was a continuous learning experience. I found every little detail fascinating. The senior actors were very welcoming, so I didn’t feel pressured to perform alongside them. However, given that Season 1 was such a massive hit, I did feel some pressure about whether I could carry Season 2 well." 

She also mentioned, "Every time I filmed, I reminded myself that this opportunity is rare and could never come again, so I should cherish these moments and feelings. I tried to remember that this isn’t something to take for granted. I was more nervous before filming, but once the cameras were rolling, I was able to immerse myself and relax. Preparing thoroughly helped me manage my nerves, and practicing my lines and expressions beforehand made a significant difference. My experience as an idol, where I often stood in front of the camera, also helped me during filming with the large cast of Squid Game 2."

Jo Yu-ri has established herself as a versatile talent, balancing her career as both a singer and actress. She debuted as the main vocalist of the group IZ*ONE in 2018, gaining explosive global popularity, and after the group disbanded, she launched a successful solo career. Her debut single, GLASSY (글래시), ranked ninth in sales among female solo albums in 2021, showcasing her strength as a solo artist.

Discussing the differences and similarities between acting and singing, Jo Yu-ri said, "The main difference lies in the stage we perform on. Acting is in front of a camera on set, while singing is performed live on stage. The pressure and pride of expressing and being recognized by the public are similar in both fields. Acting allows me to experience things I wouldn’t in real life, like being a character in a life-or-death game, which is a significant aspect of its appeal. It’s exciting to live as different characters."

Looking ahead, Jo Yu-ri plans to continue her dual career as an actress and singer, with a new album set to release this year. "I want to work hard in both areas without focusing solely on one. Many people have come to recognize me through this project, and I hope that those who remember me as 'the girl from Squid Game' will also check out my album," she expressed.

At the end of the interview, she addressed rumors about her salary, stating, "I can’t discuss specific production costs, but I want to clarify that 4.2 billion won is an amount I’ve never encountered or even thought about in my life. So, I want to firmly say that it’s not true. I don’t know when I’ll ever see that amount, but until then, I’ll continue to work hard as Jo Yu-ri. I believe that many surviving participants will experience various changes, including Jun-hee. The story will become more intense and engaging, so I hope viewers will look forward to it. If Season 3 receives as much attention as Season 2, I don’t think fans will be disappointed," she concluded.

"다시 오지 않을 기회" 조유리, '오겜2' 합류→연기의 모든 것 (ft.출연료 42억) [인터뷰](종합)

Jo Yu-ri Shares Insights on Squid Game Season 2

The beloved characters Wallace and Gromit are back after a 16-year hiatus with the new Netflix film, "Wallace & Gromit: The Flight Before Christmas." Directed by Nick Park and produced by the renowned Aardman Animations, the series has been a staple of British clay animation since its inception in 1989. The film, which premiered on January 3, 2025, has received a rare 100% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, evoking nostalgia for fans of all ages.

The film is filled with clever ideas and witty humor, featuring the eccentric inventor Wallace as he creates a state-of-the-art robot. However, when the intelligent robot begins to act on its own, Wallace finds himself in trouble, prompting his loyal dog Gromit to come to the rescue. The timely theme of artificial intelligence serves as a satire on the rapid advancements in technology that often spiral out of human control.

Despite its cute and charming characters, the series maintains a thrilling atmosphere reminiscent of horror and suspense films. The villainous penguin, Feathers McGraw, who once terrified children, makes a chilling return, prompting viewers to recall their childhood fears. In the film's climax, Wallace and Gromit engage in blockbuster-level action sequences against Feathers McGraw.

This collaboration between Netflix and the BBC exemplifies a successful partnership between OTT platforms and traditional television. The film was first aired on BBC on Christmas Day, attracting 9.4 million viewers on its opening day, and has since climbed to the second spot on the Netflix charts in South Korea, right after "Hwaran." Viewers expressed their joy, stating it felt like a trip back to elementary school and thanking the characters for their return.

It has been 36 years since the first Wallace and Gromit short film was released. As fans have grown up, the original voice of Wallace, Peter Sallis, passed away in 2017, and Ben Whitehead has since taken over the role. Last year, a company that supplied animation clay closed its doors, raising concerns about the studio's future, but Aardman has successfully revived its operations.

While Aardman has incorporated some modern technology, it continues to uphold traditional production methods. The tactile feel of the clay is still evident, with traces of human fingerprints visible on the figures. In a touching moment, Wallace, who attempted to invent a machine to pet Gromit, apologizes, saying, "But there are things in this world that machines can't do." This sentiment reflects Aardman's commitment to handcrafted animation.

1㎜씩 움직여 만드는 ‘동심’… 16년 만에 돌아온 괴짜 듀오

Wallace and Gromit Return in New Netflix Film for 36th Anniversary

Yoo Ho-han, a beloved voice actor and actor, has passed away at the age of 52. According to the Korea Voice Acting Association, he died from a heart attack on the night of January 7. Yoo was known for his work in popular series such as 짱구는 못 말려 (Crayon Shin-chan) and the Avengers franchise. He joined KBS as a voice actor in 2002 and lent his voice to numerous animated shows including 명탐정 코난 (Detective Conan), 원피스 (One Piece), 유희왕 GX (Yu-Gi-Oh! GX), and 이누야샤 (Inuyasha), as well as dubbing roles in films like 마이너리티 리포트 (Minority Report) and the 닥터 후 (Doctor Who) series. In addition to his voice work, he appeared in the film 청년경찰 (Midnight Runners) and the Netflix series 사냥개들 (The Hunt). Yoo was also a familiar voice on home shopping broadcasts. Beyond his performances, he was dedicated to advocating for the rights of fellow voice actors, serving as the 31st president of the KBS Voice Acting Association for three years and participating in negotiations to protect their rights. Lee Yeon-hee, the director of the Korea Voice Acting Association, expressed deep sorrow over his passing, stating that Yoo was an irreplaceable figure who showed strong camaraderie among his peers. His absence will be profoundly felt. The funeral is scheduled for January 11, with the burial site at the Hambeoksan Memorial Park in Hwaseong.

'짱구는 못말려'·'어벤져스' 성우 유호한, 심근경색 사망..향년 52세[공식]

Voice Actor Yoo Ho-han Passes Away at 52

According to YG Entertainment, BabyMonster's debut album 'DRIP' has made significant strides on music charts, with its title track 'DRIP' recently reaching 10th place on Melon's HOT100 and 26th on the TOP100. The song also secured the 8th position on Bugs and continues to break its own records on major domestic music platforms like Genie, Flo, and Vibe.

The group's impressive live performance skills and stage presence have been pivotal in boosting their music rankings. Recently, they showcased 'DRIP' at the '2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon', receiving rave reviews from music fans both domestically and internationally with their signature handheld microphone live performance.

The performance video uploaded on SBS's official YouTube channel on December 25, 2024, has surpassed 5 million views, marking the second-highest view count for a rookie group, following YG's senior girl group 2NE1. This achievement highlights their remarkable impact despite being newcomers.

Additionally, their one-take live performance on Japan's YouTube channel 'THE FIRST TAKE' has also gained traction, amassing over 5 million views within two weeks of its release, solidifying its place among trending videos.

With their unique talent captivating global fans, BabyMonster's rising popularity is reflected in the success of their title track 'DRIP'. The group has garnered immense attention across various platforms, consistently achieving millions of views and chart success. As they continue to expand their influence, expectations for BabyMonster's 'monster' impact in the future are high.

BabyMonster is set to kick off their first world tour, '2025 BABYMONSTER 1st WORLD TOUR IN SEOUL', on January 25 and 26 at the KSPO DOME in Seoul, before heading to the United States, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Bangkok to connect with fans worldwide.

베이비몬스터, 괴물 같은 '뒷심'…'드립' 차트 역주행→무대 영상도 화제

BabyMonster's 'DRIP' Soars on Music Charts

Actress Song Hye-kyo (송혜교), 44, made a rare appearance on a talk show after 23 years, candidly discussing the various rumors surrounding her. During her appearance on tvN's entertainment program 'You Quiz on the Block' (유 퀴즈 온 더 블록) aired on January 8, she remarked, "Having worked in the entertainment industry for so long, I was unaware of the numerous rumors circulating about me. Sometimes, when I meet people during interviews or casual encounters, they ask me about these false rumors."

She added, "When that happens, I tell them, 'I've heard those stories too. Go ask the person who started the rumor.' I've received so much criticism that I've become indifferent to it. While I can handle malicious comments directed at me, it breaks my heart when they target my family."

Reflecting on her long career, Song Hye-kyo shared, "Since I started working at a young age, I've faced many small and large rumors. Given my profession, I've often let them go in one ear and out the other."

When discussing how she coped with difficult times, she recalled a conversation with renowned screenwriter Noh Hee-kyeong (노희경), who advised her, "You must learn to love yourself first to be able to give love to those around you and to see a better world." Song Hye-kyo reflected, "I wondered how to love myself, as I didn't know how to do that."

She continued, "The writer suggested I practice morning and evening reflections. In the morning, I would write down how I planned to spend my day, and at night, I would list ten things I was grateful for. I did this for five years, and it ended last year. Once I started appreciating the little things, I realized there was so much to be thankful for."

Concluding her thoughts, she stated, "As Song Hye-kyo the woman, the human, and the actress, I've experienced both painful and joyful moments, but isn't that what life is about? Those moments were tough, but I believe they were valuable lessons for my future. Now I understand the importance of loving myself first."

송혜교, 23년만의 토크쇼서 루머 언급 “만든 사람에게 물어봐야”

Song Hye-kyo Opens Up About Rumors on Talk Show After 23 Years

On January 9, 2025, the production press conference for MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama, Motel California (모텔 캘리포니아), took place at the MBC headquarters in Sangam-dong, Seoul. The event featured cast members Lee Se-young (이세영), Na In-woo (나인우), Choi Min-soo (최민수), Kim Tae-hyung (김태형), Choi Hee-jin (최희진), and director Kim Hyung-min (김형민), with broadcaster Park Kyung-rim (박경림) serving as the MC.

Motel California is a romantic drama set in a rural motel, following the life of the female protagonist who was born and raised in the motel. The story revolves around her reunion with her first love from her hometown, from which she fled 12 years ago. The series is based on the popular 2019 novel Home, Bitter Home by author Shim Yoon-seo (심윤서).

Director Kim Hyung-min described the drama as a tale of reconciling the conflicting elements of a first love reencountered after 12 years and a longing to return to one’s hometown. He expressed his nervousness ahead of the premiere, hoping that the warm atmosphere would be captured on camera.

Lee Se-young, known for her successful roles in dramas like The Red Sleeve (옷소매 붉은 끝동) and Contract Marriage of Yeolnyeo Park (열녀박씨 계약결혼뎐), plays the role of Ji Kang-hee (지강희), an interior designer born in the motel. She shared her excitement about being part of MBC's 2025 lineup, stating, "I feel a bit more nervous and excited since I’m opening the first drama of the year for MBC. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with MBC again, especially as many dramas are being canceled these days."

Kang-hee's character has faced a challenging life due to her unusual upbringing and striking appearance. Lee Se-young noted that she found many similarities between herself and Kang-hee, expressing curiosity about how a child with trauma and deficiencies would grow up.

Na In-woo, who has captured hearts in dramas like The Moon Rising River (달이 뜨는 강) and Marry My Husband (내 남편과 결혼해줘), portrays Cheon Yeon-soo (천연수), a top candidate for the son-in-law of local farmers and a large animal veterinarian. He shared that he was drawn to the character's life story and worked hard to embody it.

The chemistry between Lee Se-young and Na In-woo, who play a couple with a 23-year history of first love, is expected to create a romantic wave in viewers' homes this New Year. Lee praised Na In-woo for his sensitivity and beautiful gaze, while Na In-woo expressed his admiration for Lee Se-young's ability to interpret their characters delicately.

Other cast members include Choi Min-soo as the motel owner Ji Chun-pil (지춘필), Kim Tae-hyung as the sole heir of an elite hotel, Geum Seok-gyeong (금석경), and Choi Hee-jin as veterinarian Yoon Nan-woo (윤난우), who follows her senior Cheon Yeon-soo.

Despite being dubbed the 'MBC Princess,' Lee Se-young acknowledged the pressure of continuing MBC's successful drama streak. She emphasized that she focuses solely on her character and the project, without worrying about past successes or failures. However, she does have a target viewership rating, stating, "As the lead, I feel a sense of responsibility. I hope for success, and if we achieve a 10% rating, I promised to appear as a special DJ on the radio show 'Hope Song at Noon' (정오의 희망곡)."

Motel California is set to premiere on January 10, 2025, at 9:50 PM KST.

Lee Se-young Kicks Off 2025 MBC Drama with 'Motel California'

On January 9, Han Ji-min appeared as a guest on KBS Cool FM's 'It's a Good Day to Love' and discussed her recent drama, 'My Perfect Secretary' (나의 완벽한 비서). During the show, a listener praised the chemistry between Han Ji-min and her co-star, expressing curiosity about the upcoming storyline. 

Han Ji-min responded by noting the similarities between her character, Kang Ji-yoon, and herself, particularly their clumsiness, such as getting into the wrong car. She humorously mentioned how her manager's friends often remind her, 'That's not your car,' leading to amusing situations. She added that the appearance of a charming character in the drama adds an exciting element to her role.

Host Lee Geum-hee commented on a scene where co-star Lee Jun-hyuk protects Han Ji-min from bumping her head, likening it to a romantic gesture of shielding a loved one from sunlight while they sleep. Han Ji-min revealed that while female viewers loved that scene, some male viewers, including Son Seok-koo, questioned whether such actions were necessary, which brought laughter to the discussion. She concluded by stating that it was a moment that resonated with many women, making them feel excited.

Han Ji-min Shares Son Seok-koo's Reaction to 'My Perfect Secretary'

On January 9, during the broadcast of MBN's Special Report (특종세상), An Sang-tae shared his experiences of suffering from online harassment due to false accusations of noise complaints from his downstairs neighbor. He revealed that he felt trapped by the claims, stating, 'It turned out that the person from the apartment below was right. The previous tenants and the ones below them never had such issues.' He recounted meeting the accuser in court, where they explained their actions were driven by stress from raising children. 

An expressed the emotional toll this situation took on him, saying, 'Even though I am not a criminal, I couldn't even go out to eat because of the media coverage. There were cruel comments about my daughter, suggesting horrific things. It was very painful, and thankfully, my child was very young at the time.' 

Currently, An is involved in film production and directing. When asked about his earnings, he humorously noted, 'I make about 320,000 won a year.' He added, 'Even if not many people watch my films, I feel happy when they resonate with the stories I imagined.'

An Sang-tae Opens Up About False Noise Complaints and Online Harassment

Go Min-si has been confirmed to star in the upcoming project by the renowned Hong Sisters (Hong Mi-ran and Hong Jung-eun), while Cha Eun-woo is currently reviewing an offer for the male lead role. Go Min-si's agency, Mystic Actors, stated on January 9 that her participation in the new series is indeed accurate, although details regarding the title and scheduling have yet to be finalized. There were rumors suggesting that this project might be titled 'Hotel Del Luna 2', but these claims have been dismissed as false.

As Go Min-si secures her role as the female lead, Cha Eun-woo has received a proposal for the male lead. His agency, Fantagio, confirmed that he is positively considering the offer from the Hong Sisters. They added that Cha Eun-woo is currently focused on filming the Netflix series 'The Wonderfulls' and will provide updates once his next project is confirmed. 

In summary, Go Min-si is confirmed for the Hong Sisters' new work, while Cha Eun-woo is in the process of reviewing the script. Fans are eager to see if this collaboration will result in a new romantic drama.

The Hong Sisters are celebrated for their hit dramas including 'My Girl', 'You're Beautiful', 'The Greatest Love', 'Hotel Del Luna', and more. They are also working on a new series titled 'Is This Love Translatable?' featuring Go Yoon-jung and Kim Sun-ho, which has generated significant anticipation due to their successful track record in the romance genre.

Go Min-si made her debut in 2017 with 'My Sassy Girl' and has since appeared in various dramas such as 'Love Alarm', 'Secret Boutique', and 'Sweet Home'. She is set to star in the upcoming ENA series 'Your Taste'. 

Cha Eun-woo debuted as a member of the boy group ASTRO in 2016 and has also made a name for himself as an actor, featuring in dramas like 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty', 'True Beauty', and 'Island'. He is currently filming for 'The Wonderfulls'.

Go Min-si Confirmed for Hong Sisters' New Project, Cha Eun-woo in Positive Consideration

Legendary actor Harrison Ford is set to join the cast of the upcoming film, Captain America: Brave New World. Celebrating nearly 60 years in the industry, Ford will take on a significant role in this new installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Known for his iconic performances in blockbuster franchises such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones, Ford has garnered immense popularity both in the U.S. and internationally, even ranking as the highest-grossing actor in American cinema in 2016.

In the Star Wars series, Ford's portrayal of Han Solo has made him one of the most beloved characters in film history. He has also captivated audiences for over four decades as Indiana Jones, showcasing his versatile acting skills across various genres. With his addition to Captain America: Brave New World, fans are eager to see what new character he will bring to life in the MCU.

At over 80 years old, Ford's participation in a Marvel action blockbuster is anticipated to present a fresh challenge and a new side of the actor. He will portray President Thaddeus Ross, a character previously played by the late William Hurt, bringing depth to a figure of power and ambition.

Kevin Feige, head of the MCU, expressed his excitement, stating, "Harrison Ford's joining the MCU has been a dream for years. It's truly amazing that he is finally on board; it feels like we've checked off a wish list item." Anthony Mackie, who takes on the new Captain America role, shared his awe during their first filming together, highlighting Ford's commanding presence.

Captain America: Brave New World follows Sam Wilson, who reunites with President Ross and finds himself at the center of an international crisis, uncovering a sinister plot that threatens global stability. Mackie, who has portrayed Falcon since Captain America: The Winter Soldier, will deliver a unique performance as the new Captain America.

The film will also feature familiar faces from the Disney+ Marvel series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, including Carl Lumbly, Tim Blake Nelson, and Liv Tyler, adding to the excitement. Directed by Julius Onah, known for Cloverfield Paradox and Luce, Captain America: Brave New World is set to hit theaters in February.

Gwangju City to Establish Special Law and Healing Center for Jeju Air Tragedy Victims

What do you think?

Trending

Lee Se-young Kicks Off 2025 MBC Drama with 'Motel California'

Han Ji-min Shares Son Seok-koo's Reaction to 'My Perfect Secretary'

An Sang-tae Opens Up About False Noise Complaints and Online Harassment

Go Min-si Confirmed for Hong Sisters' New Project, Cha Eun-woo in Positive Consideration

Harrison Ford Joins Marvel's Captain America: Brave New World

More

Jo Yu-ri Shares Insights on Squid Game Season 2

Wallace and Gromit Return in New Netflix Film for 36th Anniversary

Voice Actor Yoo Ho-han Passes Away at 52

BabyMonster's 'DRIP' Soars on Music Charts

Song Hye-kyo Opens Up About Rumors on Talk Show After 23 Years

Korea Guides

Common Visas for Foreigners in South Korea

Working Holiday visa in South Korea

K-ETA visa in South Korea

E-7 visa in South Korea

E-2 visa in South Korea