In a recent showcase for Disney's 'Hyperknife' (하이퍼나이프), veteran actor Seol Kyung-gu (설경구) shared his experiences portraying a doctor for the first time in his 32-year career. He humorously noted the challenges he faced during surgical scenes, particularly due to his 'thick fingers,' which made the performance more difficult. Seol's dedication to his craft shines through as he embraces this new role, marking a significant milestone in his extensive acting journey.

Seol Kyung-gu Takes on His First Doctor Role After 32 Years in 'Hyperknife'

Anticipation is building for Kang Ha-neul's striking transformation in the upcoming crime film 'Streaming' (스트리밍), directed by Jo Jang-ho and produced by Berry Good Studio. Known for his versatile acting skills, Kang Ha-neul is set to portray a new character that showcases his range once again. 

In 'Streaming', Kang Ha-neul steps into the shoes of Woo-sang, a popular streamer on a competitive crime channel where only the top performer receives all sponsorship funds. This role marks another significant shift for the actor, who has previously impressed audiences with his portrayals of various characters, from the studious Kyung-jae in 'Twenty' (스물) to the passionate police student Hee-yeol in 'Midnight Runners' (청년경찰), and the charming yet awkward Jung-yeol in '30 Days' (30일). His performance as the earnest and straightforward Hwang Yong-sik in the drama 'When the Camellia Blooms' (동백꽃 필 무렵) earned him numerous accolades, including several awards at the Baeksang Arts Awards.

Kang Ha-neul has also shone in genre films, playing the sole witness wrongfully accused in the taxi driver murder case in 'The Attorney' (재심) and the brother who suspects his sibling's transformation in 'Midnight' (기억의 밤). His role as Dae-ho in Netflix's 'Squid Game' (오징어 게임) Season 2 further solidified his global presence.

In 'Streaming', Kang Ha-neul's character Woo-sang is characterized by a confident and somewhat arrogant demeanor, shedding his usual good-natured image. He adopts a rebellious attitude, complete with a striking hairstyle and bold tattoos that add depth to his character. As he faces the pressure of competition and the unfolding 'Clothing Hem Serial Murder Case', Woo-sang's journey becomes increasingly perilous, leading to unexpected twists.

Kang Ha-neul has emphasized the importance of a 'live' performance for this role, stating, "I wanted to fill the script with genuine live acting to make the film more engaging. I boldly expressed the character's fluctuating personality to ensure the audience enjoys the experience." He even improvised a key line, reflecting his deep immersion in the character: "Alright, everyone, we’re really going for it now!"

'Streaming' tells the story of a top crime channel streamer who uncovers clues to an unresolved serial murder case and broadcasts the pursuit of the culprit in real-time. This film marks Jo Jang-ho's directorial debut and is set to be released on March 21, 2025.

출연 했다 하면 '인생작'..강하늘, '오겜3' 전 '스트리밍'으로 연타석 흥행 정조준

Kang Ha-neul Takes on a Bold Transformation in Crime Film 'Streaming'

The highly anticipated independent film 'Frankenstein's Father' (프랑켄슈타인 아버지), featuring acclaimed actors 강길우 (Kang Gil-woo) and 양흥주 (Yang Heung-joo), has officially confirmed its release date for April 2. The film, which was selected for the competitive section of the 23rd New York Asian Film Festival, has generated excitement with the unveiling of its main poster and trailer.

'Frankenstein's Father' tells the unique story of a boy named 신영재 (Shin Young-jae), who was born from sperm sold by his biological father, 도치성 (Do Chi-sung), when he was just 20 years old. The narrative explores the complex relationships that develop as Young-jae demands compensation from his biological father while also entangling with his legal father, 신동석 (Shin Dong-seok).

The newly released main poster features a backdrop of a 'non-disclosure agreement' file, showcasing the three main characters—Kang Gil-woo, Lee Chan-yu (이찬유), and Yang Heung-joo—encapsulated within shapes that reflect their personalities. The poster highlights the life of Do Chi-sung, a doctor living a seemingly perfect life, juxtaposed with Young-jae's bold confrontation of his biological father after 17 years, and the emotional turmoil faced by his legal father, Shin Dong-seok, as he grapples with the situation.

The tagline, "Two fathers and one son" and the phrase, "You look like me," further pique interest in the film's intricate family dynamics.

The main trailer also intensifies anticipation, vividly depicting the onset of conflict within this unconventional family. It opens with Young-jae confronting Do Chi-sung, asking, "You sold sperm for money 17 years ago, right?" while presenting the non-disclosure agreement. The trailer humorously showcases the absurdity of Young-jae and Do Chi-sung compiling a list of issues, including learning disabilities and allergies, as part of Young-jae's compensation claim.

However, the plot thickens when Young-jae suddenly collapses, leading to a pivotal moment where he meets both his biological and legal fathers, marking the beginning of their unique triangular family relationship.

The film promises to deliver a compelling narrative filled with emotional depth, as the three actors—Lee Chan-yu, Kang Gil-woo, and Yang Heung-joo—bring their characters' struggles and conflicts to life with powerful performances. 'Frankenstein's Father' is set to hit theaters on April 2, raising curiosity about its storyline and character dynamics.

'프랑켄슈타인 아버지' 강길우·이찬유·양흥주, 4월 2일 개봉 확정 [공식]

Frankenstein's Father Set for Theatrical Release on April 2

On March 5, 2025, iconic singer Lee Mi-ja held a press conference at the Stanford Hotel in Mapo, Seoul, to discuss her upcoming tribute concert titled 'Connecting the Pulse (맥을 이음).' This event marks her 66th anniversary in the music industry since her debut with 'Nineteen Purity' in 1959. 

Scheduled for April 26 and 27 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Jongno, Seoul, the concert aims to honor traditional Korean music and showcase the talents of younger artists who will carry on this legacy. 

Lee expressed her joy, stating, "This year, marking 66 years of singing, is the happiest year of my life. I am thrilled to present a stage where I can pass on the traditional music that I cherish to my capable juniors."

The concert will feature some of Lee's most beloved songs, allowing audiences to reflect on the emotional journey shared over the past six decades. Known as the 'Queen of Elegy,' Lee's music has resonated with many, capturing both joy and sorrow throughout her career. 

While discussing retirement, Lee stated, "I don't like the term 'retirement.' I prefer to think of this as my final performance. I believe it is time to pass the baton to the next generation."

She emphasized the importance of preserving traditional music, saying, "I have always believed in the roots of our traditional music and have worked hard to ensure it continues. This concert is a realization of that effort, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share this with my juniors."

Lee also reflected on the struggles faced by previous generations, noting that traditional songs represent the voice of the people during difficult times. She expressed concern over the fading of these songs, stating, "It is heartbreaking to see these songs forgotten. They are a vital part of our history and culture."

The concert will feature special collaborations with younger artists, including Jo Hang-jo and Joo Hyun-mi, who both expressed their gratitude for being part of this significant event. Lee plans to invite winners from popular music competitions like 'Mr. Trot' and 'Miss Trot' to join the performance, further bridging the gap between generations.

As Lee prepares for this monumental event, she hopes to leave a lasting legacy in traditional music, ensuring that it continues to thrive for future generations.

[SC현장]"후배들과 마지막 공연"…이미자, 전통가요 향한 '예순여섯 순정'(종합)

Legendary Singer Lee Mi-ja Prepares for Final Traditional Music Tribute Concert

In the latest episode of ENA and SBS Plus's reality show 'I Am SOLO, Love Continues' (나는 SOLO, 그 후 사랑은 계속된다), aired on March 6, 2025, Sangcheol from Season 10 found himself at a loss for words after a candid conversation with Jeongsook's mother. 

The episode coincided with Jeongsook's mother's birthday, and it seemed that Sangcheol's tall and handsome appearance helped to ease her initial reservations. Jeongsook's mother opened the conversation with a positive tone, saying, "It feels like I've received a surprise gift on my birthday. I wonder if there's good news to come." She then proceeded to ask a series of probing questions, including, "Are you nervous?" and inquiries about Sangcheol's family background and personality. 

Sangcheol calmly responded and explained his situation, revealing, "I have two children from my previous marriage, a son and a daughter, aged 13 and 11. I felt it was important to be honest with you, as I didn't want to surprise you later by hiding the fact that I have kids." 

However, Jeongsook's mother challenged him, asking, "If you were thinking about the kids, shouldn't you avoid dating? Aren't you responsible for them until they turn 20?" 

Sangcheol reassured her, stating, "I will treat Jeongsook well. That's a given. I just wanted to be upfront with you about my situation." 

Jeongsook's mother then asked her daughter how she would feel about meeting Sangcheol's children, to which Jeongsook replied, "They are not my children. They have their own mother, and it would be strange for me to try to take on a motherly role. I would just be seen as my dad's girlfriend, and I think we can gradually get to know each other if the opportunity arises." 

Despite the somewhat awkward first meeting, Jeongsook's mother concluded with a positive note, saying, "Sangcheol seems healthy and active. The only concern I have is his children being over ten years old, but I believe I can understand that. I will support him."

10기 상철, 돌싱+有자녀로 상견례에서 눈물('나솔사계')[종합]

Sangcheol Speechless After Meeting Jeongsook's Mother on 'I Am SOLO, Love Continues'

On March 5, a new video titled 'Girls' Generation's Wedding Gift Class' was released on Hyoyeon's YouTube channel, 'Hyoyeon's Level Up.' In the video, Hyoyeon discussed her excitement about attending the wedding of Koyote's Kim Jongmin, who is set to marry soon. She expressed her curiosity about the feelings of a groom-to-be, noting, 'I haven't been married, so I want to have a proper conversation about it. I wondered if he could really get married, considering the age difference.' Kim Jongmin humorously interrupted, saying, 'Am I the only one with an age gap?' while reacting to a banner that read, 'Koyote's eldest son Kim Jongmin is getting married,' which made everyone laugh.

After receiving Kim Jongmin's wedding invitation, Hyoyeon confirmed her attendance, saying, 'Of course, I will go.' She also mentioned how Brian, presumably a mutual friend, proudly shared his video invitation, which she found heartfelt. Kim Jongmin explained that he struggles with phone calls, so he created personalized video invitations for each guest. The invitation included romantic phrases like, 'If I ever understand what love is, it will be because of you,' and 'As we welcome our third spring together, we are getting married. Please bless our future spring days.'

Reflecting on his first meeting with his fiancée, Kim Jongmin recalled, 'A friend told me to come and meet her, and I was pleasantly surprised by my first impression. When she called me cute, I was smitten.' He also mentioned that he and Hyoyeon discussed preparing for children, jokingly saying, 'I need to get healthy for that. I was told on 'My Little Old Boy' that our first child will be a son.' Hyoyeon added, 'I will definitely go and celebrate a lot. There will be many people there, so I might find my match.'

Hyoyeon raised the topic of wedding gifts, asking Kim Jongmin how he felt about receiving them. He admitted that he felt pressure when attending weddings but hoped guests would feel comfortable giving gifts. 'Just showing up and giving a gift would mean a lot. It's not easy,' he said. He also noted that the cost of the wedding varies depending on the venue, and he was considering the expenses for return gifts as well.

Regarding the wedding gift amount, Kim Jongmin stated, 'I haven't set a specific amount, but I will give as much as I receive.' Hyoyeon, however, mentioned her own guideline, saying, 'Just attending is already 300,000 won. If I'm close to the person, I might add more.' Kim Jongmin expressed hope for a generous gift from her, and they decided to determine the gift amount through quizzes and games.

In a fun twist, they noted that both Girls' Generation's debut date and the first broadcast of '1 Night 2 Days' were on August 5, 2007. After a series of quizzes and discussions, they settled on a wedding gift amount of 30,000 won. Kim Jongmin humorously remarked, 'Is this why you invited me? But still, come and eat.'

Kim Jongmin is set to marry his girlfriend, who is 11 years younger, on April 20.

'4월 결혼' 김종민, 소녀시대 하객 확보…에일리 안 가고 "축의금 3만원" (레벨업)[종합]

Girls' Generation's Hyoyeon Promises to Attend Koyote's Kim Jongmin's Wedding

The K-pop group ALL(H)OURS has firmly established themselves as a 'complete idol' with their latest release, 'Smoke Point'. The group, consisting of members Gunho, Yumin, Jaden, Minje, Masami, Hyunbin, and On, concluded their promotional activities for their third mini-album on March 5 during MBC M's 'Show! Champion'.

'Smoke Point' serves as a declaration of confidence, signaling that ALL(H)OURS is ready to ignite their career after the success of their first album 'ALL OURS' and second album 'WITNESS'. The album showcases their growth and passion through a variety of genres, garnering enthusiastic responses from global fans.

During their four-week promotional period, ALL(H)OURS performed their double title tracks 'GIMME GIMME' and 'Graffiti'. The energetic hip-hop track 'Graffiti' and the dance track 'GIMME GIMME', characterized by wild guitar riffs and explosive bass and drum sounds, highlighted the group's versatility and captivating stage presence, solidifying their status as a 'complete idol'.

Notably, ALL(H)OURS set a new record for first-week sales with 'Smoke Point'. The music video for 'GIMME GIMME' surpassed 10 million views on YouTube, consistently attracting attention from international fans.

The 'GIMME GIMME' challenge also saw participation from various artists, including Seong Hanbin from ZEROBASEONE, Myungjae from BOYNEXTDOOR, Seolyun from NMIXX, Younghoon from THE BOYZ, and comedians like Kim Youngcheol, adding to the fun.

With a solid fanbase established through 'Smoke Point', ALL(H)OURS plans to continue engaging with their fans through diverse content. They are set to hold their first fan concert, 'ALL(H)OURS 1st FANCON in SEOUL', on April 5 at the Mary Hall of Sogang University in Mapo-gu, Seoul.

ALL(H)OURS Makes a Mark as 'Complete Idol' with 'Smoke Point'

Actress Kang Eun-bi (강은비), known for her role in the film 'Mongjeonggi 2' (몽정기2), has announced her upcoming marriage to her partner of 17 years. The wedding is set to take place on April 5, 2025. On March 6, Kang shared the news on her Instagram, expressing her excitement and nervousness about sharing such personal news. She reflected on her journey, recalling how meeting her partner in 2008 helped her envision a positive future despite her struggles at the time. 'This friend has always been like a steadfast tree, providing me with comfort and support,' she said. After nearly two decades together, they have decided to tie the knot, preparing for their wedding as if they were young lovers embarking on their first relationship. Kang also expressed her gratitude for the support she has received, stating, 'I will cherish the warm wishes from afar and repay everyone with a happy life together.' Kang Eun-bi debuted in 2005 and has appeared in various dramas and sitcoms, including 'Rainbow Romance' (레인보우 로망스) and 'The Man in the Vineyard' (포도밭 그 사나이). She has taken a break from her entertainment career since her last film, 'Aowong' (어우동), released in 2022.

Actress Kang Eun-bi Announces Marriage After 17 Years Together

On March 6, a video titled 'The Real Reason Kim Dae-ho Chose Freelancing' was released on the YouTube channel '뉴스안하니' (News Not Doing). In the video, broadcaster Kim Dae-ho received a farewell party from his colleagues at the announcer's department. Director Cha Mi-yeon expressed, "I felt it was a blessing to be able to do something like this. Kim Dae-ho has paved a new path and has accomplished a lot in the announcer's department. I thought it was necessary to mark this moment, even if it may not fit the times, so I suggested a farewell party." 

The farewell party took place two weeks after Kim Dae-ho's departure from MBC. He commented, "Initially, I said I wouldn’t do it. It’s been two weeks since I left. On one hand, I felt grateful. We will naturally work together again, but when will we all gather like this again?" 

Colleagues Kim Cho-rong and Oh Seung-hoon, who joined the company with Kim Dae-ho through the show '신입사원' (New Employee), shared, "Kim Dae-ho always dreamed of retiring early. Although that dream hasn’t been realized, he has at least left the company. This time, we couldn’t hold him back. In the past, we weren’t equipped for this, but now we’ve received rookie awards and excellence awards, aiming for the grand prize." 

At the time of the farewell, Kim Dae-ho had not yet secured an agency. He stated, "I’m currently managing things myself. I’ve put everything on hold until I find an agency." When announcer Lee Jae-eun suggested that he should shoot commercials while he’s not tied to a company to maximize his earnings, Kim Dae-ho replied, "I’m contemplating what would be good to pursue," indicating he is happily considering his options. 

He humorously remarked about the excellence award, saying, "The grand prize is poison. I should receive something that fits my capabilities. The excellence award suits me better, especially since I had a home advantage." 

Discussing his life as a freelancer, Kim Dae-ho said, "It’s not so much about being comfortable, but it’s not bad. I feel at ease. I do feel a bit anxious when I don’t have a schedule, but I have some plans. It’s different from the feeling of resting on weekends. I don’t have Monday blues anymore. When I have work, I work, and on days without work, I can relax without any thoughts." 

He also explained that his decision to go freelance wasn’t primarily about money. "It was more about reducing the debt I had with the company. Living alone and without a family, I realized that if I didn’t make a decision in my 40s, it would be hard to live a different life. Fortunately, the announcer's department provided me with a great opportunity, and I worked hard to create it. Those two significant factors led to my resignation. The decision to go freelance wasn’t difficult, and I don’t feel any regret about leaving the announcer's department." 

Kim Dae-ho officially left MBC on March 4 and has signed an exclusive contract with One Hundred. One Hundred is affiliated with the boy group THE BOYZ and includes artists like Taemin, Lee Mujin, VIVIZ (Eunha, SinB, Umji), B.O, Ha Sung-woon, and others under Big Planet Made Entertainment, as well as EXO members Baekhyun, Xiumin, and Chen under INB100.

Kim Dae-ho Reveals Reasons for Going Freelance

On March 5, ahead of the March 8 broadcast of MBN's 동치미 (Dongchimi), singer and dentist Lee Ji-young revealed troubling financial secrets about her husband. During a discussion themed 'My Wife Earns, So I Live,' she shared a shocking story about her husband's hidden land purchase. 

Lee explained that after she gave birth, her husband quit his job to take care of their child, which made her uncomfortable as she didn't want him to feel less than. To maintain his dignity, she provided him with a small monthly allowance for personal expenses. However, she soon discovered that her husband, a former sports enthusiast with a passion for motorcycles, had accumulated a significant amount of biking gear, which surprised her when they moved to a smaller home. 

She expressed her frustration, noting that her husband views sports as requiring equipment rather than being done barehanded. Recently, she found a large suitcase that he had purchased for a ski trip, which he planned to take with friends. Given the current economic downturn affecting her dental practice and her new business venture in oral probiotics, she felt overwhelmed by the financial strain. 

The situation escalated when she discovered a debt collection notice addressed to her husband, revealing that he had secretly bought land in Hongcheon for 120 million KRW, which was now at risk of foreclosure due to unpaid loans. Lee confronted her husband about the 20 million KRW needed to extend the loan, which he was too proud to ask her for. In a panic, he considered letting the land go to auction. 

Determined to resolve the issue, Lee offered to lend him the money, which he later repaid after the land was sold two years later. She emphasized that while she didn't inquire about the sale price, she was relieved to have her 20 million KRW back. Lee concluded by warning her husband to be cautious with his spending habits, as continued financial missteps could lead to a reduction in his allowance.

Singer and Dentist Lee Ji-young Exposes Husband's Secret Financial Issues

Director Bong Joon-ho's latest sci-fi film, 'Mickey 17', is finally making its way to North American theaters following its release in South Korea. Anticipation is high for this film, which marks Bong's return after the success of 'Parasite' (2019). Initial projections suggest that 'Mickey 17' could earn around 290 billion KRW (approximately 18 to 20 million USD) in its opening weekend in North America.

On March 5, Variety published an article speculating whether 'Mickey 17', featuring Robert Pattinson, could revitalize the quiet box office landscape. The film is set to screen in over 3,770 theaters across North America, with global earnings expected to reach around 450 million USD (approximately 650 billion KRW).

With the recent release of the Hollywood blockbuster 'Captain America: Brave New World' (directed by Julius Ona) just two weeks prior, and 'Mickey 17' being the only new release, the Hollywood industry is optimistic about its box office performance.

However, 'Mickey 17' faces challenges, including its R rating, which restricts viewers under 17 from attending without an adult. Unlike typical popcorn flicks, this film is an art piece with a strong narrative and themes, which may divide audiences. Additionally, its high production cost of 118 million USD (approximately 170 billion KRW) means it needs to gross around 300 million USD (approximately 430 billion KRW) worldwide to break even. The film debuted in South Korea on January 27, earning 9.6 billion KRW in its opening weekend, and as of March 5, it has attracted 1,465,510 viewers, with expectations to surpass 2 million in its second week.

Despite these hurdles, 'Mickey 17' is being recognized as a fresh artistic film with a unique style and story, which could generate positive word-of-mouth among North American audiences. As of this morning, it holds an 85% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

After multiple release delays and launching during Hollywood's off-peak season, all eyes are on whether 'Mickey 17' can bring a new wave of success to North American theaters.

Seol Kyung-gu Takes on His First Doctor Role After 32 Years in 'Hyperknife'

What do you think?

Trending

ALL(H)OURS Makes a Mark as 'Complete Idol' with 'Smoke Point'

Actress Kang Eun-bi Announces Marriage After 17 Years Together

Kim Dae-ho Reveals Reasons for Going Freelance

Singer and Dentist Lee Ji-young Exposes Husband's Secret Financial Issues

Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17' Set for North American Release

More

Kang Ha-neul Takes on a Bold Transformation in Crime Film 'Streaming'

Frankenstein's Father Set for Theatrical Release on April 2

Legendary Singer Lee Mi-ja Prepares for Final Traditional Music Tribute Concert

Sangcheol Speechless After Meeting Jeongsook's Mother on 'I Am SOLO, Love Continues'

Girls' Generation's Hyoyeon Promises to Attend Koyote's Kim Jongmin's Wedding

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