Actor Um Tae-woong is set to make his return after a nine-year break. On April 1, he announced via his social media that he will hold a personal photo exhibition from April 5 to April 30 in Jung-gu, Seoul. 

His wife, Yoon Hye-jin, shared her excitement, inviting people to stop by during the exhibition, stating, "The Um Tae-woong photo exhibition will be small and beautiful. He has been playing with cameras since his twenties, and while he has no other ambitions, that camera has always been with him."

She continued, "This exhibition is a culmination of his passion for photography. If you're interested, please drop by; he will greet you shyly. It's a free exhibition, so come meet him!" 

Yoon Hye-jin also added, "To my friends, I won’t reach out separately to avoid putting pressure on you, but those who come will be remembered for a lifetime!" 

Um Tae-woong married Yoon Hye-jin in 2013, and they have a daughter named Ji-on.

Um Tae-woong to End 9-Year Hiatus with Personal Photo Exhibition

The human drama film 'Victory' (승부), directed by Kim Hyung-joo and produced by Film Company Wolgwang, has maintained its position at the top of the box office for eight consecutive days. Meanwhile, the black comedy 'Lobby' (로비), directed by Ha Jung-woo and produced by Workhouse Company and Film Momentum, has made its entrance, promising a dual box office success.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticket sales network, 'Victory' attracted 50,766 viewers on April 2, securing its spot as the number one film with a cumulative audience of 877,735. 'Lobby', which premiered on the same day, ranked second with 37,158 viewers (including previews, totaling 41,775).

'Victory' tells the story of South Korea's legendary Go player, Cho Hun-hyun, who, after losing a match against his disciple, taps into his innate competitive spirit to challenge the odds once more. The film features a star-studded cast including Lee Byung-hun, Yoo Ah-in, Ko Chang-seok, Hyun Bong-sik, Moon Jung-hee, and Kim Kang-hoon, with Kim Hyung-joo at the helm.

Having opened on March 26, 'Victory' has surpassed 870,000 viewers and is on the verge of reaching the 1 million mark this week, solidifying its status as a leading film during the typically slow second week of its release.

On the other hand, 'Lobby' follows a startup CEO who, unfamiliar with the world of lobbying, embarks on his first golf outing to secure a 4 trillion won national project. The film stars Ha Jung-woo, Kim Ui-sung, Kang Hae-rim, Lee Dong-hwi, Park Byeong-eun, Kang Mal-geum, Choi Si-won, Cha Joo-young, Park Hae-soo, and Kwak Sun-young, marking Ha Jung-woo's third directorial effort following 'Roller Coaster' and 'Heo Sam-kwang'.

'Lobby' has received explosive audience acclaim in the off-peak theater season, expanding the reach of Ha Jung-woo's comedic genre. With a wave of recommendations from viewers flooding online platforms, it is generating significant interest as a potential box office hit alongside 'Victory'.

[종합] 이병헌 '승부' 8일 연속 흥행 1위 굳히기..하정우 '로비' 2위로 출발

Box Office Battle: 'Victory' Holds Strong While 'Lobby' Makes Its Debut

On April 1, SBS's 'Divine Dating 2' welcomed its newest contestant, Lee Kyung-eun, who made a significant impact on the show. The mysterious 'Red Rabbit' finally entered the Divine House, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

During the episode, Lee Kyung-eun enjoyed secret dates with the male contestants, expressing her ease in the environment by saying, "I guess I really fit in here." Meanwhile, the other women expressed curiosity about her, speculating whether she was engaging in secret dates. A tarot card reading suggested that she is a beautiful and emotional woman, prompting the others to comment, "She’s totally a queen," revealing their apprehension.

After conversing one-on-one with the men, Lee Kyung-eun chose Yoon Sang-hyuk as her date. Anticipating their time together, Yoon Sang-hyuk shared, "I was curious and excited to meet her." The two exchanged shy greetings as their date began.

Lee Kyung-eun mentioned, "I wanted to take a bit more time, so I requested this date," to which Yoon Sang-hyuk replied, "I really appreciate it." He added, "I was also curious about who you are." They found common ground, as Yoon Sang-hyuk noted, "I haven’t been here long either." The pair participated in a makgeolli-making experience, where Lee Kyung-eun helped Yoon Sang-hyuk with his apron, creating a cute moment of physical interaction.

In another segment, Ha Byeong-yeol and Chae Yoo-kyung, who has been pursuing him, also went on a date. They spent time at a craft workshop, getting to know each other better. Ha Byeong-yeol remarked, "Didn’t I say I was curious about you, Yoo-kyung? It was nice to engage with someone I’m interested in." In an interview, he expressed, "We might be a good match. It’s a new feeling for me." Chae Yoo-kyung added, "I tend to express positivity openly, so I wanted to tell him, ‘I have feelings for you right now.’"

“완전 퀸”..판도 흔든 메기녀 이경언, 윤상현과 첫 데이트 ‘달달’(신들린 연애2)[종합]

New Contestant Lee Kyung-eun Shakes Up 'Divine Dating 2'

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

K-pop group TREASURE is set to make a significant impact in the North American music scene as they embark on their first-ever tour in the region. The group will launch their 'TREASURE 2025 FIRST US TOUR [SPECIAL MOMENT]' with a concert on April 6 at the Paramount in Brooklyn, New York. Following this, they will perform in Washington D.C., Oakland, and Los Angeles, engaging with fans across the continent.

This tour marks TREASURE's debut in the United States, a key market in the global music industry. Having established a strong international presence through extensive Asian tours and fan meetings, the group is well-prepared to showcase their unique stage presence, which was recently highlighted during their concert in Seoul.

In addition to their live performances, TREASURE has planned a series of promotional activities both online and offline. They will appear on the popular American music program MTV Fresh Out Live on April 18, where they will perform their title track 'YELLOW' from their special mini-album [PLEASURE].

The group will also participate in events like the Grammy Museum's Global Spin Live and the LA Dodgers' Korean Heritage Night, which will allow them to connect with audiences through their dynamic live performances. Furthermore, TREASURE will engage with fans through various radio shows and YouTube content, including Sirius-XM.

With a packed schedule that spans multiple major platforms, TREASURE is set to strengthen their connection with local fans and music enthusiasts. Their first visit to the U.S. is filled with activities that will showcase their diverse talents, promising to elevate their global popularity even further.

TREASURE recently kicked off their [SPECIAL MOMENT] tour with a spectacular three-day concert at Kyung Hee University's Peace Hall in Seoul from March 28 to 30. After their North American tour, they will head to Japan, visiting cities such as Hyogo, Aichi, Fukuoka, and Saitama, as part of a global fan concert tour that includes 17 shows across nine cities.

트레저, 美 활동 본격 신호탄..뉴욕서 첫 투어 포문

TREASURE Kicks Off First North American Tour with Exciting Promotions

Stray Kids (스트레이 키즈) has made a generous donation of 800 million won to support emergency relief efforts for residents affected by the recent wildfires in the Ulsan, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam regions. On April 1, the group contributed 400 million won to the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association and another 400 million won to the social welfare organization World Vision. The funds will be utilized for providing emergency relief supplies, financial assistance for living expenses, and support for firefighters. 

In a statement through their agency JYP Entertainment, Stray Kids expressed their deep empathy for the residents who have lost their daily lives in an instant and conveyed their gratitude to everyone working hard to assist those in need. 

Stray Kids has consistently demonstrated their commitment to philanthropy, both as a group and individually, by extending their support to various causes domestically and internationally. Their charitable efforts began in 2014 with overseas child sponsorship, followed by regular personal donations in 2020, meal support for vulnerable communities, emergency relief donations for the Syria-Turkey earthquake in 2023, and participation in global food crisis response initiatives in 2024. Recently, members celebrating their birthdays each donated 100 million won, sharing the love they received from fans in a meaningful way. 

Meanwhile, Stray Kids is currently on their largest world tour to date, the 'Stray Kids World Tour <DOMINO>', which includes a solo concert in Rio de Janeiro on April 1 (local time) and will continue through late July, covering 34 stadium shows across Latin America, Japan, North America, and Europe, connecting with global fans.

[공식] 스트레이키즈, 산불 피해 지원 위해 8억 기부

Stray Kids Donates 800 Million Won for Wildfire Relief in Ulsan and Gyeongbuk

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.

Um Tae-woong to End 9-Year Hiatus with Personal Photo Exhibition

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

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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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New Contestant Lee Kyung-eun Shakes Up 'Divine Dating 2'

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

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