In the latest episode of SBS Plus's 'Solo' (솔로라서), actress Hwang Jung-eum candidly shared her experiences growing up in a divorced family. During the broadcast on April 1, she discussed her own divorce and her two children, revealing her thoughts on her parents' separation. Hwang stated, "My parents also divorced, and I grew up in a divorced household. However, I am very close to both of them, and they are each happy in their own lives. It’s fortunate they separated; if I had witnessed constant fighting, I would have been unhappy." 

She reflected on her childhood, saying, "My parents divorced when I was young, and I lived with my grandmother from the third grade. But whenever there was something important, they would come together, so no one knew I came from a divorced family. They filled any potential gaps with love." Hwang emphasized that while her parents' divorce created some deficiencies, the love she received from both sides doubled due to their mutual understanding and regret. "I received two to three times the love, which helped me grow up well, so I’m not afraid of divorce," she added. 

Looking ahead, Hwang acknowledged that her children will face their own challenges during adolescence but expressed a desire not to worry about the future. "As long as we are happy now, that’s what matters. I have my mom with me," she concluded.

Hwang Jung-eum Opens Up About Her Family Background on 'Solo' Show

Ha Jung-woo has declared, "I think I've finally found my style." His latest comedy film, 'Lobby' (로비), showcases a refined version of his unique humor. The actor and director shared insights about the film during an interview on April 2 at the Showbox office in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam, Seoul, coinciding with the film's release.

'Lobby' tells the story of Chang-wook (played by Ha Jung-woo), a startup CEO who, unfamiliar with lobbying, embarks on his first golf outing to secure a 4 trillion won government project. This marks Ha's third directorial effort, following 'Roller Coaster' (롤러코스터) and 'The Client' (허삼관), where he takes on both directing and leading roles.

Despite preparing an ambitious promotional schedule, Ha faced a health setback when he underwent emergency surgery for acute appendicitis on March 25, missing the press screening on the same day. However, he appeared healthy during the interview, stating, "I’m recovering well," and humorously added, "I had my appendix burst, so I took a good rest."

Ha, who was eager to promote 'Lobby', left the hospital two days earlier than recommended on March 28, saying, "I had to attend the GV (Guest Visit) event, where I had invited actress Yoon Ji-suk. I was also disappointed to miss the press screening that evening, where I had arranged for Lee Soo-ji to attend. The hospital wanted me to stay until Sunday, but I left two days early."

Reflecting on the audience's reactions after the screening, he noted, "During the GV, many fans were present, and they seemed to have a positive view. I was a bit dazed from the strong painkillers I had taken, so I couldn't fully grasp the atmosphere. However, I felt good reading the positive reviews that came in after the VIP screening."

This film is significant for Ha, as it is his first directorial project in ten years since 'The Client'. He explained, "I had written 'Seoul Times' and was unsure if I could handle it well. I decided to wait until I felt certain, and then I came across 'Lobby'." He added that he had been conceptualizing the film since 2021, inspired by his experiences learning golf during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Ha shared that his personal experiences influenced the film's narrative. He observed, "When I go golfing, I notice a lot of pretense. People often say things like, 'I’m not feeling well today' or 'I might not hit the ball well.' But once we start playing, everyone has their own style. I found it interesting how people's true characters emerge on the golf course."

He also discussed the film's themes, including a subplot involving a wireless charging system for electric cars, inspired by a friend's caution as a public servant. Ha noted, "He always attaches a name tag to his golf bag with his son's name to avoid misunderstandings. This led me to explore the complexities of public service and the potential for innovation in electric vehicle charging."

The character of the antagonist, Manager Choi (played by Kim Ui-sung), is based on people Ha has encountered in real life. He described Choi as someone who believes he is charming and sophisticated, yet is perceived as uncomfortable and unlikable by others. Ha humorously remarked that he drew from his own experiences with difficult personalities to create this character.

'Lobby' features a more polished version of Ha's signature humor, which he attributes to careful attention to timing and pacing. He explained, "In 'Roller Coaster', I used my own pacing, but I realized it was a film that only I could enjoy. For 'Lobby', I asked editor Kim Sang-beom to help adjust the tempo. I tend to speed things up, so I wanted to ensure a balanced edit."

Ha also reflected on his directorial style, stating, "I tend to be expressionless in real life, which contrasts with the expressive characters we see in films. I want to portray the hidden desires and true emotions of people."

Regarding the use of profanity for comedic effect, he acknowledged its controversial nature but viewed it as a natural part of dialogue. He mentioned, "In our film, Park Hae-soo's character uses a lot of strong language, but it’s not meant to carry a negative connotation. It’s just part of the character's expression."

Having worked with many esteemed directors, Ha acknowledged their influence on his own filmmaking approach. He praised director Choi Dong-hoon for his deep affection for actors and his meticulous attention to character development. Ha also noted the action sequences in 'Lobby', which were ultimately cut during editing, emphasizing the importance of efficient shooting methods he learned from director Ryu Seung-wan.

As 'Lobby' hits theaters, Ha expressed a mix of excitement and apprehension about its release, especially given the current climate. He remarked, "People around me have asked if I’m nervous about the timing, but I believe it’s all part of nature’s flow. I didn’t decide this alone; it just happened. I’m grateful for the opportunity to release this film."

In closing, Ha hopes audiences find joy in 'Lobby', saying, "I want it to be a fun experience. If it resonates with you, I hope you enjoy it. Each film is meaningful to me, but ultimately, it’s about the audience's enjoyment. I appreciate any laughter and memories it brings."

'Lobby' premiered in theaters nationwide on April 2.

'로비' 하정우 감독 "'롤러코스터' 이을 블랙코미디, 노선이 정해졌다" [인터뷰](종합)

Ha Jung-woo Returns with 'Lobby': A Blend of Comedy and Personal Experience

LE SSERAFIM has made a remarkable impact on the Billboard charts, maintaining their presence for two consecutive weeks. According to the latest Billboard chart released on April 1, 2025, their fifth mini album 'HOT' has entered the main album chart, 'Billboard 200', at number 100. This achievement marks the highest ranking among K-pop groups this week. Previously, LE SSERAFIM reached number 9 on the same chart, making them the only fourth-generation K-pop girl group to have four albums consecutively in the top 10 of the 'Billboard 200'.  

The new release also secured the top spot on the 'World Albums' chart for the second week in a row, showcasing their strong presence. Additionally, they ranked 8th on both the 'Top Album Sales' and 'Top Current Album Sales' charts, which are based on physical album sales in the U.S.  

The title track of the album ranked 26th on the 'Global (excluding the U.S.)' chart and 51st on the 'Global 200', achieving the highest position among K-pop group songs this week. Furthermore, it reached 7th place on the 'World Digital Song Sales' chart, marking the best performance for a K-pop girl group song this week.  

LE SSERAFIM also demonstrated their solid global fandom by landing at 46th on the 'Artist 100' chart, which aggregates data from music streams, album sales, and radio airplay.  

Looking ahead, LE SSERAFIM is set to kick off their first world tour, '2025 LE SSERAFIM TOUR 'EASY CRAZY HOT'', starting with performances in Incheon on April 19-20. The tour will continue to various cities including Nagoya on May 6-7, Osaka on May 13-14, Kitakyushu on June 7-8, Saitama on June 12 and 14-15, Taipei on July 19, Hong Kong on July 26, Manila on August 2, Bangkok on August 9-10, and Singapore on August 16.

르세라핌, 美 ‘빌보드 200’ 2주 연속 차트인..굳건한 글로벌 인기

LE SSERAFIM Continues Billboard Success with 'HOT'

The highly anticipated film 'Lobby' has officially premiered today, April 2. As of this morning, it has secured the top spot in pre-sales for newly released films, alongside 'Victory', marking the beginning of a vibrant spring for Korean cinema.

Just three days prior to its release, 'Lobby' achieved the highest pre-sale rate among all films, and it continues to lead the pre-sales for films debuting in the first week of April. Critics, including renowned film reviewer Lee Dong-jin, have praised 'Lobby' for its rare ensemble of major stars in Korean cinema and highlighted the growth of actor-director Ha Jung-woo, contributing to the film's explosive word-of-mouth buzz.

Audience screenings and VIP previews have generated enthusiastic responses, with viewers commenting on the film's humor, calling it "incredibly fun! I hope to see more comedies like this," and noting how the rapid-fire dialogue made the time fly by. Many have also remarked on the strong appeal of the characters, particularly praising Lee Dong-hwi's comedic performance, and applauding the cast's exceptional acting skills.

Currently, 'Lobby' is in a tight race for box office supremacy with 'Victory'. The two films feature Ha Jung-woo and Lee Byung-hun, who previously collaborated in 'Ashfall', making their joint return to theaters this spring particularly noteworthy. Fans are eager to see if the camaraderie between these two leading actors can bring a warm spring to the box office.

The plot of 'Lobby' follows Chang-wook (played by Ha Jung-woo), a startup CEO who knows little beyond research, as he embarks on his first-ever lobbying golf game to secure a 4 trillion won national project. The film is currently enjoying a successful run in theaters.

[공식] 하정우 연출 '로비', 개봉 영화 예매율 1위…'승부'와 쌍끌이 흥행 예고

Film 'Lobby' Premieres Today, Topping Box Office Pre-Sales

The Top 7 contestants from TV Chosun's Mr. Trot 3, including Kim Yong-bin (김용빈), Son Min-a (손민아), Cheon Rok-dam (천록담), Chun Gil (춘길), Choi Jae-myung (최재명), Nam Seung-min (남승민), and Choo Hyuk-jin (추혁진), have come together to donate 100 million won to assist victims of recent wildfires. 

On March 31, they presented their donation to the Community Chest of Korea, expressing their hope that their contribution would provide some comfort and support to those affected by the fires in the Yeongnam region. They stated, "We decided to donate with the hope that it would bring some relief to those suffering from the wildfires, and we sincerely wish for a swift recovery of many people's daily lives." The funds will be used for relief efforts and recovery support for the victims.

Mr. Trot 3 concluded its three-month run on March 13, achieving a peak viewership rating of 19.6%. 

The Community Chest of Korea is currently conducting a special fundraising campaign for victims who lost their homes due to the wildfires, which will continue until April 30. Donations can be made through a dedicated account at Shinhan Bank (100-013-921256), Kakao's Together, and Naver's Happy Bean.

미스터트롯3 최종 7인방, 산불 피해 성금 1억 기부

Mr. Trot 3 Top 7 Donate 100 Million Won to Fire Victims

Global hip-hop sensation Travis Scott is set to perform his first solo concert in South Korea this October. Known for his multifaceted talents as a rapper, songwriter, producer, performer, designer, style icon, and actor, Scott has made a significant impact across music, fashion, film, and culture worldwide. His innovative and experimental sound, characterized by dreamy flows and autotuned singing rap, has shaped contemporary hip-hop trends.

Scott's debut album, [Rodeo] (2015), which features the Billboard Hot 100 hit 'Antidote,' reached number one on the Billboard Rap Albums chart. His sophomore album, [Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight] (2016), which includes the Kendrick Lamar collaboration 'goosebumps,' also debuted at the top of the Billboard Albums chart in its first week.

In 2018, his third studio album, [ASTROWORLD], combined trap and psychedelic elements, receiving critical acclaim and achieving three weeks at number one on the Billboard Albums chart. The album's lead single, 'SICKO MODE (ft. Drake),' marked Scott's first number one on the Billboard Hot 100, with all tracks from the album charting as singles. He also won the BET Hip Hop Award for Album of the Year.

His fourth album, [UTOPIA] (2023), has been met with widespread praise, topping the Billboard Albums chart for four consecutive weeks and achieving its first number one on the UK chart, making it the best-selling hip-hop album of the year. All 19 tracks from the album entered the Billboard Hot 100, accumulating over 50 billion streams globally. His latest single, '4x4,' debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in its first week.

Travis Scott is renowned for his dynamic and energetic performances, featuring iconic stage setups, visual art, and special effects, making his large-scale concerts and tours highly successful. The upcoming concert in South Korea is part of his 'CIRCUS MAXIMUS' tour, which began in October 2023. This world tour has already sold out 76 shows across North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand, attracting approximately 1.7 million fans and generating a record-breaking $209.3 million in revenue, marking it as the highest-grossing rap tour in history. The tour will continue in Asia, including stops in India, China, Japan, and South Korea, starting in October from South Africa.

Travis Scott's first solo concert in South Korea (TRAVIS SCOTT – CIRCUS MAXIMUS in Korea) will take place on October 25 at Goyang Sports Complex. Tickets will be available for purchase exclusively through Interpark Ticket starting at noon on the 8th. A pre-sale for Hyundai Card members will occur on the 7th from noon until 11:59 PM. The concert is restricted to attendees aged 19 and older, allowing entry only to those born on or before October 25, 2006. Ticket buyers must complete an adult verification process before purchasing and present valid identification at the venue to confirm their age.

트래비스 스캇, 10월 첫 내한공연 개최..고양종합운동장 간다[공식]

Travis Scott to Make His Solo Debut in South Korea This October

On April 1, global beauty brand Y.O.U BEAUTY GLOBAL announced the termination of its partnership with actor Kim Soo-hyun amid ongoing controversies surrounding his personal life, including grooming allegations related to the late Kim Sae-ron. 

Y.O.U BEAUTY had appointed Kim Soo-hyun as a beauty ambassador in 2022, praising him as one of the most successful actors in Korea and expressing confidence that he would inspire others to pursue their dreams with positivity and confidence. However, following recent scandals, the brand released a statement on its official account regarding the partnership. 

The statement emphasized Y.O.U's commitment to prioritizing the well-being and interests of all women, stating, "We encourage women to step forward with newfound confidence and a radiant life, and we do not tolerate any actions that undermine our brand values." 

After careful consideration, Y.O.U BEAUTY decided to end its partnership with Kim Soo-hyun and is taking immediate action to remove all materials related to him from their platforms, stating they will pursue all necessary legal actions if required. The brand has already deleted all photos and posts featuring Kim Soo-hyun from its accounts. 

Meanwhile, the family of the late Kim Sae-ron has made claims through the YouTube channel Garosero Research Institute, alleging that Kim Soo-hyun had a relationship with Kim Sae-ron from 2015, when she was a minor, for six years. They have demanded compensation of 700 million KRW for damages related to a drunk driving incident and have sent two legal notices, claiming Kim Soo-hyun was negligent in addressing the situation. They also released alleged intimate photos, videos, letters, and messages exchanged between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron, demanding an apology and acknowledgment from Kim Soo-hyun's side. 

In response, Kim Soo-hyun held a press conference on March 31, tearfully denying the allegations, stating, "We dated for about a year, five years ago, before 'Queen of Tears' aired four years ago. I did not have a relationship with her when she was a minor." He also refuted claims regarding messages exchanged during Kim Sae-ron's minor years, asserting that the individuals in the conversations from 2016 and 2018 were different people. 

Kim Soo-hyun's legal representative, attorney Kim Jong-bok from LK Partners, announced that they have filed a defamation lawsuit against the family and the operators of Garosero Research Institute, claiming violations of the Information and Communications Network Act and seeking 12 billion KRW in damages.

Kim Soo-hyun Denies Grooming Allegations as Y.O.U BEAUTY Ends Partnership

The Netflix film 'Revelation' (계시록), starring Ryu Jun-yeol, has claimed the number one spot in the global top 10 non-English films for two consecutive weeks. The film tells the story of a pastor who believes that punishing the perpetrator of a missing person case is a divine revelation, and a detective haunted by the spirit of his deceased brother, as they each pursue their own beliefs.

In the film, Ryu Jun-yeol portrays Seong Min-chan, a pastor leading a small church who receives a divine message to punish the culprit behind a sudden disappearance, leading to a dramatic transformation in his life. Ryu skillfully builds emotional depth as his character undergoes significant changes, showcasing a powerful performance that captivates audiences with its intensity.

Ryu Jun-yeol's portrayal of Seong Min-chan has been described as exceptional, with many viewers expressing that no one else could have delivered such a performance. This acclaim has helped 'Revelation' maintain its position at the top of the global non-English films chart even in its second week of release.

Additionally, from March 24 to March 30, 'Revelation' recorded a total of 6,900,000 views (calculated by dividing total viewing hours by the film's runtime) and has appeared in the top 10 lists of 65 countries, including Japan, France, and Mexico, drawing worldwide attention.

Ryu Jun-yeol's 'Revelation' Tops Netflix Global Non-English Films for Two Weeks

On April 2, 2025, actor Kim Soo-hyun has officially filed a complaint against Kim Se-yeol, the operator of the YouTube channel ‘가로세로연구소’ (Garo Sero Research Institute), for violating stalking laws. Kim Soo-hyun's legal representatives from LK Partners announced that both he and a gold medalist have taken this action due to ongoing harassment.

The complaint follows a series of broadcasts by Garo Sero, which began on March 10, 2025, with a sensational title claiming that Kim Soo-hyun was involved in the death of actress Kim Sae-ron, alleging a six-year relationship that started when she was just 15. The channel has reportedly aired content about Kim Soo-hyun daily, except for one day, spreading false information.

Kim Soo-hyun's team stated that Garo Sero has indiscriminately shared images and videos of the actor, including private letters and messages, on their YouTube channel. They emphasized that the only way to stop such 'cyber harassment' is through strict investigation and punishment.

Furthermore, the gold medalist has refuted all claims made by Garo Sero regarding the alleged relationship with Kim Sae-ron, asserting that the accusations are entirely false and based on manipulated evidence. They plan to continue to respond firmly to any further dissemination of false information by Garo Sero.

In related news, Kim Sae-ron was found deceased at her home in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on February 16, 2025. Following her funeral, her family claimed through Garo Sero that she had been in a relationship with Kim Soo-hyun since she was 15 years old.

Kim Soo-hyun Files Stalking Charges Against YouTuber Kim Se-yeol

On April 2, a production briefing for the occult action film 'Holy Night: Demon Hunters' (거룩한 밤: 데몬 헌터스) was held at Lotte Cinema in Kondae, Seoul. The event featured Ma Dong-seok, who plays the role of Bau, a dark problem-solver who uses his fists to exorcise evil, alongside Seo Hyun as Sharon, a special ability exorcist, Lee Da-wit as Kim-gun, a multi-player who tracks demons, Kyung Soo-jin as Jung-won, who seeks exorcism, and Jung Ji-so as Eun-seo, Jung-won's sister possessed by a demon. Director Lim Dae-hee also attended the event.

'Holy Night' tells the story of a city thrown into chaos by a cult that worships evil, with a team of dark problem-solvers taking on the task of eliminating the forces of evil. Following the success of last year's occult film 'The Cursed: Dead Man's Prey' (파묘) and this year's hit animated film 'The Exorcist' (퇴마록), 'Holy Night' is set to further explore the occult genre in theaters this April.

Notably, Ma Dong-seok, known for his signature fist-fighting action in the 'Crime City' series, adds an occult twist to his character in 'Holy Night.' After achieving a record of over 10 million admissions with 'Crime City 4' (범죄도시4), he faced criticism for the declining quality of the series. In response, he announced a hiatus for the 'Crime City' series to reinvent his image with 'Holy Night,' which incorporates elements of the occult.

Ma Dong-seok, who not only stars in but also produced and planned the film, expressed his excitement about working with director Lim Dae-hee, who specializes in horror films. He stated, "I thought it would be great to mix action and fantasy into an occult film. I watched thousands of horror films from various countries while planning this project, and I wanted to incorporate different elements that resonate with different eras."

Director Lim Dae-hee, who has even written a thesis on the occult genre, shared his gratitude for Ma Dong-seok's support during the filming process, especially since it was his directorial debut. He noted, "I still have a lot to learn, but I analyzed several occult films to write my thesis. I lacked experience in action scenes, but Ma Dong-seok helped me a lot. It was an honor to work with him."

Ma Dong-seok acknowledged the challenge of avoiding self-repetition in his character portrayal, stating, "While my character has familiar traits, there are also fantasy elements. I will be playing a dark problem-solver with hidden secrets. The film includes boxing action, wire work, and special effects, and we faced some injuries during filming. We aimed to find new aspects of the fist-fighting action that fans expect from me."

Seo Hyun, who received the casting offer and responded within two hours, shared her enthusiasm for the project, saying, "I couldn't hesitate. The script was so interesting, and I wanted to work with Ma Dong-seok. I feel like I'm dreaming. I'm grateful to be part of my first commercial film with him. I plan to watch it in theaters multiple times when it releases."

Jung Ji-so expressed her love for the occult genre and the challenges of portraying a character that instills fear, stating, "This is my first time playing a character that scares others, and it was tough. However, Ma Dong-seok was very considerate behind the scenes."

Ma Dong-seok praised the chemistry among the cast, saying, "The chemistry is fantastic. While the film has a horror element, our interactions are great. We're even working on a webtoon to build the world of the film, and I would love to work with this team again."

'Holy Night: Demon Hunters' features a talented cast including Ma Dong-seok, Seo Hyun, Lee Da-wit, Kyung Soo-jin, and Jung Ji-so, marking director Lim Dae-hee's feature film debut. The film is set to be released on April 30.

Ma Dong-seok Takes on the Occult in 'Holy Night: Demon Hunters'

On April 2, 2025, the K-pop group BABYMONSTER departed from Incheon International Airport to Osaka, Japan, for their overseas schedule. The group is currently on their debut world tour, '2025 BABYMONSTER 1st WORLD TOUR,' which has already seen successful concerts in cities like Seoul, Newark, Los Angeles, Kanagawa, and Aichi. They are set to continue their performances in Japan, starting with Osaka on April 3. Overall, the tour will cover 20 cities across Asia and newly added North American dates, totaling 32 shows to connect with fans worldwide.

Hwang Jung-eum Opens Up About Her Family Background on 'Solo' Show

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Kim Soo-hyun Denies Grooming Allegations as Y.O.U BEAUTY Ends Partnership

Ryu Jun-yeol's 'Revelation' Tops Netflix Global Non-English Films for Two Weeks

Kim Soo-hyun Files Stalking Charges Against YouTuber Kim Se-yeol

Ma Dong-seok Takes on the Occult in 'Holy Night: Demon Hunters'

BABYMONSTER Depart for Osaka as Part of Their First World Tour

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