Emerging talent Shin Yong-beom has been confirmed as the lead in the upcoming film '10,000 Kilometers'. The movie is based on the true story of a North Korean defector, Kim Dan, who travels through China and Southeast Asia before settling in South Korea, ultimately becoming a renowned human rights lawyer.

In the film, Shin Yong-beom will portray Jin-hyuk, a North Korean youth who overcomes extreme hardships to grow into a global human rights advocate. He is expected to deliver a nuanced performance that captures Jin-hyuk's struggles, anger, and hope amidst the challenges faced by North Korean defectors and the indifference of governmental forces.

Shin made his debut in the Netflix series 'D.P. (Deserter Pursuit)' and gained recognition last year for his role as the mysterious Jeong Dae-hun in tvN's 'Wedding Impossible', where he showcased his skills as a scene-stealer, creating a compelling dynamic with co-star Kim Do-wan.

With '10,000 Kilometers', Shin Yong-beom is set to take on his first leading role in a feature film, and expectations are high for his performance, which has consistently demonstrated remarkable depth and potential for growth.

The film '10,000 Kilometers' is scheduled to begin filming on March 15 and aims for a release in 2026.

Rising Star Shin Yong-beom Cast as Lead in '10,000 Kilometers'

Netflix has officially announced the production of its new series, Monthly Boyfriend (월간남친), along with the casting of Ji Soo (지수) and Seo In Guk (서인국). This romantic comedy follows Mi Rae (미래), a webtoon producer who, exhausted by her daily life, subscribes to a virtual dating simulation to experience love. The series promises to explore the theme of 'revolutionizing romance' through its unique premise of dating subscriptions set against a relatable workplace backdrop.

Ji Soo takes on the role of Seo Mi Rae, a webtoon PD who dreams of a second chance at love in a virtual reality. Accustomed to a life without romance due to her busy and tiring reality, she stumbles upon a 'Monthly Boyfriend' device that transports her into a virtual world. Here, she encounters perfectly idealized partners, reigniting her long-dormant feelings for love. Ji Soo's portrayal of Seo Mi Rae is expected to resonate with modern audiences, showcasing a story that many can relate to.

Seo In Guk plays Park Kyung Nam, a rival webtoon PD and colleague of Seo Mi Rae. Although he is someone she would prefer to avoid, he is recognized as a top performer in the workplace. His indifferent and somewhat selfish demeanor hides a secret that adds intrigue to his character. Viewers are eager to see how Seo In Guk will bring depth to Park Kyung Nam, who is set to create a whirlwind of emotions for Seo Mi Rae.

The series is directed by Kim Jung Sik (김정식), known for his work on popular shows like Drinking City Women (술꾼도시 여자들) and I Don't Want to Lose (손해보기 싫어서), which effectively capture relatable realities with humor. His ability to blend romance and comedy is anticipated to create a captivating romantic comedy experience in Monthly Boyfriend.

With a talented cast and a production team optimized for romantic comedies, Monthly Boyfriend is set to revolutionize the genre and will be exclusively available on Netflix.

[공식] 블랙핑크 지수, 서인국 손잡고 '월간남친' 찾는다..넷플릭스 제작 확정

Netflix Confirms Cast for New Series 'Monthly Boyfriend'

Singer Hwang Chi Yeul has made a stylish and musical transformation as he prepares for the release of his third studio album, 'ALL OF ME (올 오브 미)'. On February 21, his agency, 10Two Entertainment, shared a sneak peek of the title track '웃기는 소리 같겠지만' on their official YouTube channel.

In the 40-second teaser, Hwang captivates viewers with his vibrant makeup and trendy denim outfit. He showcases his powerful vocals by passionately singing the highlight of '웃기는 소리 같겠지만', leaving fans eager for the full track.

This song marks Hwang's first foray into a strong band sound as a title track. The combination of his emotive voice and the dynamic band instrumentation creates a compelling listening experience. Notably, he premiered '웃기는 소리 같겠지만' during a recent solo concert, receiving an enthusiastic response from fans.

'ALL OF ME' is Hwang Chi Yeul's first full album in approximately six years, following 'The Four Seasons (더 포 시즌스)', released in 2019. True to its title, which translates to 'My Everything', Hwang has taken on the roles of producer and lyricist for all tracks, showcasing his musical talents.

The album 'ALL OF ME' is set to be released on February 27 at 6 PM across various music streaming platforms.

황치열, '웃기는 소리 같겠지만'…27일 정규 3집 'ALL OF ME' 발매

Hwang Chi Yeul Unveils Trendy Transformation Ahead of New Album Release

Kim Ga-young, a weathercaster for MBC, has announced her departure from the show 'Goal Diggers' (골 때리는 그녀들). According to SBS on February 21, she expressed her decision to step down, stating, "I can no longer cause harm." This comes just over 20 days after she was identified as one of the alleged perpetrators of workplace bullying against fellow MBC weathercaster Oh Yo-anna (1996–2024). Following public outcry for her to leave the show, SBS responded cautiously, saying, "Nothing has been decided yet. We are waiting for the results of the MBC investigation committee." 

On January 31, the YouTube channel 'Garo Sero Research Institute' released a video titled "Oh Yo-anna's Family: 'The Real Killers are Kim Ga-young and This Person.'" The family claimed, "There are misunderstandings. The real demons are this person and Kim Ga-young," asserting that while others openly bullied Oh, Kim and another individual did so covertly. They also noted that while some bullies attended the funeral, Kim and the other accused did not. Reports indicate that Kim was part of a group chat that insulted the deceased. All four alleged perpetrators have closed their social media comment sections and have not made public statements. 

Despite the backlash, Kim continued to appear on MBC's 'News Desk' and the radio show 'Good Morning FM with Tae-hee,' facing criticism. Ultimately, she stepped down from 'Good Morning FM,' and her role as a promotional ambassador for Paju was also terminated. The YouTube content 'Gun Seol Da Bang' mentioned that they are monitoring the situation as the season comes to an end, while negative comments have also targeted her boyfriend, producer Pidok, on social media. 

Oh Yo-anna passed away in September of last year, with her obituary being revealed three months later. A 17-page suicide note was found on her phone, detailing her experiences of workplace bullying. The family has filed a civil lawsuit against one of the identified bullies in the Seoul Central District Court. Recently, MBC established an investigation committee four months after Oh's death, appointing attorney Chae Yang-hee from Hae Myung Law Firm as the chair and attorney Jin Jin from Barun Law LLC as an external member.

‘故오요안나 괴롭힘 의혹' 김가영, 결국 ‘골때녀’도 하차

MBC Weathercaster Kim Ga-young Exits 'Goal Diggers' Amid Controversy

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'

On February 19, actress Cha Joo-young opened up about her deep passion for acting during her appearance on tvN's You Quiz on the Block (유 퀴즈 온 더 블럭). She discussed her interactions with fans, including a memorable moment when she arranged taxis for fans who visited the filming set and even brought shrimp sauce for them during a group outing. Cha expressed her gratitude, saying, "I feel like I've never experienced such love before; they care for me even more than my parents do." She described her relationships as deep and meaningful, considering her fans as her own people, which she views as a significant blessing.

Cha also shared that she often feels emotional when thinking about her fans, noting their concern for her well-being. "They worry if I have work or not, and sometimes they clear their entire day just to see me," she said, bringing a smile to the audience. She acknowledged that her fans are often more accomplished and intelligent than she is, which motivates her to work harder.

During the show, Cha revealed her intense dedication to her craft, stating, "I can't sleep when I'm working. I don't know how to take shortcuts. I believe I need to give my all to be called an actress." She also recounted how her father initially opposed her decision to pursue acting. When asked about her father's opinion on her work, she humorously replied, "He asked if I was playing the role of a queen."

Before filming, Cha takes a few minutes to meditate, reminding herself to pour everything into her performance without regrets. "If you die, everything disappears. Don't leave regrets behind; just do your best," she advised, emphasizing the importance of facing challenges head-on to move forward.

차주영, "작품할 때 거의 못 자, 잇몸도 다 내려 앉을 정도" 눈물 고백 ('유퀴즈') [종합]

Cha Joo-young Shares Her Passion for Acting on 'You Quiz on the Block'

Kihyun of MONSTA X has officially confirmed his return to civilian life. On February 21, he took to his social media account to announce, "I have become a civilian!!!!!" along with several photos. 

The images showcase Kihyun in military uniform, capturing a selfie while traveling in a car after his discharge ceremony. With a slightly longer hairstyle than when he enlisted, he looks more mature and striking than ever. Notably, Kihyun also shared a photo of his discharge certificate, marking the end of his military service.

Kihyun enlisted on August 22, 2023, and after completing basic military training, he was assigned to the Army's 25th Infantry Division, where he served in the division's military band. He completed approximately 1 year and 6 months of service and was discharged on the morning of February 21. With his return, Kihyun becomes the fourth member of MONSTA X to complete military service, following Shownu, Minhyuk, and Jooheon.

Fans have warmly welcomed Kihyun back, flooding social media with congratulatory messages as they eagerly anticipated his return.

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Return to Civilian Life

Actor Heo Jun-ho is set to deliver a remarkable performance as a villain in the new SBS drama 'Treasure Island' (보물섬), which premieres on February 21. The series follows Seo Dong-joo (Park Hyung-sik), who hacks into a political slush fund worth 2 trillion won and faces off against an ultimate evil that seeks to eliminate him. The intense rivalry between Park Hyung-sik and Heo Jun-ho is anticipated to be a highlight of the show.

Heo Jun-ho plays the role of Yeom Jang-seon, a ruthless figure wielding absolute power who will stop at nothing to protect his domain. Although Heo Jun-ho has previously portrayed strong antagonists, he describes this character as the "worst person" he has ever played, stating, "I wonder if someone could be this evil." He hints that Yeom Jang-seon will redefine the archetype of villains in dramas.

The demanding nature of the character has taken a toll on Heo Jun-ho during filming. He admitted, "During the script reading, I said I would speak less in this project, but as filming progressed, I ended up talking more." He revealed that the stress from embodying Yeom Jang-seon led to nightmares and even an increase in gray hair. To cope with the intensity of the role, he found himself joking and laughing on set, saying, "It was so tough that I felt like I was becoming an 'ajumma' (aunt)."

In the drama, Seo Dong-joo, played by Park Hyung-sik, is driven by ambition to take over the Daesan Group but finds himself cornered after hacking the political slush fund. His confrontation with Heo Jun-ho's Yeom Jang-seon promises to deliver high-stakes tension.

'Treasure Island' will also feature a cast of unique characters, including Lee Hae-young and Hong Hwa-yeon, enhancing the drama's immersive experience. The show is set to air at 10 PM on February 21.

Heo Jun-ho to Portray Unforgettable Villain in SBS's 'Treasure Island'

Popular Taiwanese actor Wang Dalu (왕대륙) has been arrested on charges of draft evasion. Local media, including the China Times, reported on February 20 that Wang was detained and later released on bail of 150,000 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 6,590 USD) after undergoing a prosecutor's investigation.

Wang, along with nine others, is accused of obtaining forged medical certificates through three brokers, claiming to suffer from chronic conditions such as hypertension and heart disease to evade military service. The brokers charged between 100,000 to 1,000,000 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 4,400 to 44,000 USD) for these fake diagnoses, with Wang being asked for the higher amount of 1,000,000 New Taiwan Dollars.

Taiwan has a mandatory conscription system requiring one year of military service. Those who conceal facts to evade service can face up to five years in prison. Wang, who turned 33 at the end of last year, received a notice to enlist on March 13. He is suspected of using the forged medical documents to avoid re-examination, but since he has not yet applied for a re-examination, he may face charges of document forgery instead of violating military service laws.

Born in 1991, Wang Dalu gained fame through films like "Our Times" (나의 소녀시대) and the drama "It Started with a Kiss" (장난스런 키스). He has previously been in the spotlight for his friendship with former BIGBANG member Seungri (승리), who was implicated in the Burning Sun scandal. Wang has publicly stated that he and Seungri are just ordinary friends and denied any involvement in immoral activities.

Taiwanese Star Wang Dalu Arrested for Draft Evasion

On February 21, actress Lee Ji Ah (이지아) released a statement through her agency, BH Entertainment, regarding the controversy surrounding her grandfather's pro-Japanese activities during the colonial period. She expressed that after much contemplation, she felt it was necessary to clarify the facts and take responsibility, despite the difficulty of the situation. Lee Ji Ah apologized for the delay in her response.

She clarified her family situation, stating, "Since becoming independent at 18, I have not received any financial support from my parents, and due to a complicated family history, I have been estranged from them for over ten years."

Regarding her grandfather's pro-Japanese actions, she noted, "My grandfather passed away when I was two years old, so I have no memories of him and grew up unaware of his pro-Japanese activities. I first learned about this issue through an article in 2011, which prompted me to visit the National Institute of Korean History multiple times to verify the facts and study the related materials."

Lee Ji Ah acknowledged discovering her grandfather's donation records during her research, stating, "Considering the historical context, such actions cannot be justified for any reason. If the land in Anyang, which is at the center of this controversy, was acquired during the Japanese occupation, it should be returned to the state."

She emphasized, "I have never made any statements regarding my grandfather in the past, nor have I used my family background for promotional articles. However, false claims have circulated online suggesting that I respect my grandfather, which is not true, and I wish to correct that."

In conclusion, she expressed her deep awareness of her grandfather's historical wrongdoings and sincerely apologized as a descendant. She committed to approaching the truth of history with humility and a sense of responsibility moving forward.

Recently, Lee Ji Ah has been embroiled in a legal dispute among her father's siblings over a land inheritance valued at approximately 35 billion won, left by her grandfather, who has been classified as a pro-Japanese figure.

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Surrounding Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Activities

Global artist Jennie (제니) is set to unveil her pre-release track 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' on February 21 at 2 PM KST. This song is part of her highly anticipated first solo studio album, 'Ruby' (루비), which will be released on March 7. To build excitement, Jennie has also shared a teaser video for the music video, showcasing a catchy, trendy beat that perfectly complements the unique rapping styles of both Jennie and Doechii (도이치). The teaser captures the duo enjoying the music, creating an infectious energy for viewers.

'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' features the rising American rapper Doechii, who recently won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 67th Grammy Awards, making her one of the most talked-about artists in the hip-hop scene. The song embodies the beauty of living life confidently and fully, celebrating personal journeys and the determination to overcome challenges. It conveys a powerful message of self-assurance and the desire to make every moment count.

Jennie's album 'Ruby' is packed with 15 tracks, including 'Intro: JANE with FKJ', 'like JENNIE', 'start a war', 'Handlebars (feat. Dua Lipa)', 'with the IE (way up)', 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)', 'Mantra', 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)', 'ZEN', 'Damn Right (feat. Childish Gambino, Kali Uchis)', 'F.T.S.', 'Filter', 'Seoul City', 'Starlight', and 'twin'.

As the release date approaches, Jennie has been making headlines with bold promotional strategies, including the music video for 'ZEN' and the audio releases for 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)' and 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)'. Notably, 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)' debuted at number 96 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a new personal best for Jennie, and she recently secured the top spot on Mnet's 'M Countdown'.

Rising Star Shin Yong-beom Cast as Lead in '10,000 Kilometers'

What do you think?

Trending

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Return to Civilian Life

Heo Jun-ho to Portray Unforgettable Villain in SBS's 'Treasure Island'

Taiwanese Star Wang Dalu Arrested for Draft Evasion

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Surrounding Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Activities

Jennie to Release Pre-Release Track 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' Ahead of Solo Album

More

Netflix Confirms Cast for New Series 'Monthly Boyfriend'

Hwang Chi Yeul Unveils Trendy Transformation Ahead of New Album Release

MBC Weathercaster Kim Ga-young Exits 'Goal Diggers' Amid Controversy

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

Cha Joo-young Shares Her Passion for Acting on 'You Quiz on the Block'

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