Film Critic and Journalist spoke with writer and director Yoo Ji-min about her narrative short film ‘Jung Ok’, which screened at the 2024 Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, Japan. In their interview, Carolyn and Yoo Ji-min spoke about how the film depicts how the journey from experiencing their period for the first time to entering into menopause changes how young girls and women see themselves and how the world sees them.
‘JungOk’ screened in the Women in Cinema Project program at #SSFF2024, and stars LEE Hyun, KIM Jingoo, KIM Bomin.
Interpreting for the interview was conducted by Jang Taek-soo.
#KCrush #KoreanCinema #KoreanFilm #AsianCinema
Film Critic and Journalist Carolyn Hinds spoke to filmmaker Lee Won-sik about his documentary ‘A Song of Korean Factory Girls’ about the young Korean girls and women who were taken to work in the Osaka cotton mills, during the Japanese occupation of Korea. The film screened in the Korean Cinema program of the 2024 Jeonju International Film Festival, South Korea.
#KCrush #JEONJUIFF25 #전주국제영화제 #제25회전주국제영화제 #JEONJUIFF2024 #KoreanCinema
The music video for ‘Hush-Hush’, a collaboration between the seven-member Japanese group BE:FIRST and the eight-member South Korean group ATEEZ, has been released on BE:FIRST’s official YouTube channel.
BE:FIRST X ATEEZ / Hush-Hush -Music Video-
‘Hush-Hush’
The collaboration between BE:FIRST and ATEEZ is an electrifying fusion that showcases each group’s unique abilities. The track pulsates with driving synth arpeggios and hard-hitting drums, while the members of each group take turns to show off their skills in twist after thrilling twist. Knowing when to go big but also when to hold back, this collaboration between two powerhouses of Asian pop music is a breathless three-minute rollercoaster ride.
The music video takes viewers on a journey through a fantastical cityscape, towering structures warping under the influence of distorted time and space. A dramatic solar eclipse casts a shadow over the landscape, adding to the captivating atmosphere. Against this breathtaking backdrop, BE:FIRST and ATEEZ shine like the sun and moon, weaving a captivating narrative. Be sure to stay tuned for the dramatic climax as light breaks through the darkness.
Marking a first for BE:FIRST, ‘Hush-Hush’ utilizes stunning CG visuals that complement the intricate choreography designed by renowned dancer RIEHATA. Defying the limitations of space and time, the dance performance showcases the impressive talent and captivating artistry of all 15 members.
To celebrate the release of ‘Hush-Hush’, special campaigns are running on various music download and streaming platforms. In addition to the single, a remix by m-flo’s ☆Taku Takahashi and an instrumental version of ‘Hush-Hush’ dropped on Friday, July 5 at 13:00 JST. Don’t miss these exciting additions!
BE:FIRST X ATEEZ ‘Hush-Hush’
Special Website:
https://befirst-sp.com/Hush-Hush/
Download/Streaming:
https://BEFIRST.lnk.to/Hush-Hush
Release on Friday, July 5, 2024 at 13:00 JST
BE:FIRST X ATEEZ ‘Hush-Hush -☆Taku Takahashi (m-flo) remix-‘
BE:FIRST X ATEEZ ‘Hush-Hush -Instrumental-‘
* Access began on available platforms, Friday, July 5 at 13:00 JST
The newly announced BE:FIRST X ATEEZ track ‘Hush-Hush’ will also feature on ‘2:BE’, the first original BE:FIRST album in two years, set for release on Wednesday, August 28.
BE:FIRST 2nd album ‘2:BE’
Witness the epic fusion of BE:FIRST and ATEEZ!
==================
BE:FIRST X ATEEZ ‘Hush-Hush’
Released July 1, 2024
Label: B-ME
Download/Streaming:
https://BEFIRST.lnk.to/Hush-Hush
Music Video:
BE:FIRST X ATEEZ / Hush-Hush -Music Video-
Official Audio:
BE:FIRST X ATEEZ / Hush-Hush -Official Audio-
==================
BE:FIRST 2nd album ‘2:BE’
Release August 28, 2024
Label: B-ME
▼ Special website
▼ Purchase CD
*International shipping available
==================
BE:FIRST Playlists:
Playlist of BE:FIRST Music Videos
==================
BE:FIRST profile
BE:FIRST is a seven-member dance and vocal group, signed to a renowned Japanese rapper, SKY-HI’s management agency and label BMSG. Each member possesses unique qualities for singing, dancing, and rapping, along with their musical agility reflected in their songwriting and choreography. Each owns an attractive individuality that marks them as unique. Under the name BE:FIRST, this seven-piece group has swept the No.1 spots on various charts in Japan since before their debut. Now they are taking the bold first steps from Tokyo to the world.
Follow BE:FIRST:
Official website | X (Twitter) | Global X (Twitter) | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube
Follow BMSG:
Official website | X (Twitter) | Global X (Twitter) | Instagram | YouTube
ATEEZ profile
ATEEZ, short for ‘A TEEnager Z’, is an eight-member South Korean group that has taken the world by storm immediately after their debut in October 2018. Known for standout performances, the octet have turned storytelling into a full musical experience. The eight members of ATEEZ are HONGJOONG, SEONGHWA, YUNHO, YEOSANG, SAN, MINGI, WOOYOUNG, and JONGHO. Their group name stood for ‘everything teenagers need from A to Z’, and has since evolved alongside their fans (named ATINY) to become ‘everything you need from A to Z’. Establishing themselves as top artists early on in their career with a sold out global tour only four months after their debut, they continue to break their own records. In 2024, they dominated on the global stage, taking over festivals around the world with performances at Coachella (US) and Summer Sonic (JPN), even set to headline at Mawazine (MAR). With a unique narrative that starts from the very first release in the ‘TREASURE’ album series and continues through the ‘FEVER’ and ‘THE WORLD’ masterpieces, taking a turn into a new universe with the start of the ‘GOLDEN HOUR’ series, the group combines bestseller narratives with personalized music that speaks to their generation. The pirates of the high K-pop seas ATEEZ have made their mark as a million seller group, topping the Billboard 200 with multiple releases.
Follow ATEEZ:
Official website | X (Twitter) | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook
Follow KQ Entertainment:
Official website | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Facebook
#BEFIRST #ATEEZ #Collaboration #newmusic #kcrushnews #KQEntertainment #RIEHAHA #jpop #kpop #HushHushnewsong #kcrushamericamagazine #Japanesegroup #Koreangroup #musiccollaboration #globalasiancollaboration #newreleaseJuly #Asiancollaborationglobal#ATEEZcollaborationwithBEFIRST #BMSG #SKYHI #2BEalbum #HushHushnewtrack
LISTEN HERE
MUSIC VIDEO HERE
Music collective 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE has released their latest single “Gasoline” with South Korean rock singer/songwriter LØREN. Out now via 88rising and RCA Records, the single is accompanied by a high-octane music video. Listen to “Gasoline” HERE.
“Gasoline” is an electrifying pop-punk re-emergence for both LØREN and the genre-bending collective 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE. The all-English single touches on LØREN’s inner turmoil and angst as he struggles against both his personal demons and societal pressures. Meanwhile, the music video, directed by James Mao, perfectly captures the spirit of teenage angst and rebellion. Watch the “Gasoline” music video HERE.
(photo credit James Baxter/@jamesbaxter – download hi-res HERE)
The new track follows the releases of 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE’s latest singles “Raw I Know I Got It“ with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, “fIT chECK fREEsTYle“ with pop experimentalist Jean Dawson, “WhAT yoU WaNT“ with genre-bending artist Deb Never and “PUMP IT UP ε=┌(^_^)┘,” featuring Indonesian rap powerhouse, singer and producer Rich Brian and breakout rapper TiaCorine.
Earlier this year, 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE released their debut compilation project, hella (˃̣̣̥╭╮˂̣̣̥) ✧ ♡ ‧º·˚:, which features genre-spanning collaborations from the likes of Rich Brian, Warren Hue, Ghostface Killah, Busta Rhymes, Smino, Cuco, Amaarae, Offset, BADBADNOTGOOD, Westside Gunn, Dumbfoundead and more. The album boasts A-list features across 24 songs, pulling back the curtain on 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE’S anachronistic lore while capturing the sights, sounds and vibrancy of Northern California culture and beyond, through the lens of 88rising honcho Sean Miyashiro’s childhood nostalgia and wonder. Listen to the full project HERE.
Stay tuned for more from 1999 WRITE THE FUTURE.
About 88rising
88rising is a pioneering global music and media company representing the best of Asian talent and culture. Since its inception, 88rising has paved the way for many music industry firsts for its artists. Under the leadership of founder & CEO, Sean Miyashiro, the company has also grown its brand to include a global festival, Head In The Clouds Music & Artist Festival, and special partnerships with the likes of Coachella, Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and many more. With over 200 million followers across global social media platforms and over 50 billion streams and views, 88rising’s global influence is undeniable.
About LØREN
LØREN’s self-written and self-produced first three singles including “All My Friends Are Turning Blue” have connected with listeners around the globe with their eccentric rock sounds, collectively garnering over 15M YouTube views.
He co-signed with 88rising to release his debut EP, Put Up a Fight, with the lead single, “Folks,” followed by “Panic.” That same month, he was named one of Paste Magazine‘s ‘The 20 Best Acts We Saw at SXSW 2023‘ and just a few weeks later he performed in the Sahara Tent at Coachella. Billboard Magazine has since spotlighted him in the ‘Sound’ section of the magazine and he has performed at multiple festival slots including Head in the Clouds and Summer Sonic.
Before his solo projects, LØREN participated as a lyricist for BLACKPINK‘s “THE ALBUM” including “Pretty Savage,” “You Never Know” and “Lovesick Girls“— the latter for which he appeared in the music video as the male lead. LØREN also received production credit for G-Dragon‘s single “Bullshit” off the Kwon Ji Yong album under his old moniker, Cawlr.
LØREN became Global Ambassador for Saint Laurent, and starred as the model for the fashion house’s eyewear campaign. Heavily influenced by his music, his fashion is also garnering worldwide recognition, and has landed him in covers for Dazed Korea, Vogue Hong Kong, Female Singapore and Numero Netherlands. LØREN has already started to break barriers as a true artist, and is bringing back the nostalgia of rock music to this generation.
CONNECT WITH LØREN
Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Website
#88Rising #LOREN #AllMyFriendsAreTurningBlue #Coachella #kcrushnews #Gasoline #newmusic #pop #rock #newtrack #korean #LORENnewsong #kcrushbreakingnews #kcrushamericamagazine #Billboard #googleasiannews #googlekcrush #youtubekcrush
‘Connection’ is a 2024 K-drama revolving around the grueling fight against drug traffickers embedded deep into crucial departments that govern society. Jang Jae Kyeong, a diligent drug trafficking agent is drugged into an addict even as his former best friend, Park Joon Seo, dies a mysterious and gruesome death. An investigation of the friend’s death while working to dismantle the reigning traffic gangs, layers of revelations connected to the very powerful in the society resurface with each episode making everyone a suspect. Jae Kyeong joins hands with Oh Yoon Jin, also a former friend of Joon Seo, especially since both were named the beneficiaries of the deceased.
Jang Jae Kyeong (Ji Sung)
Jang Jae Kyeong is a reputable detective and the team leader of the Narcotics Team at Anhyeon Police Station. Despite his strong principles and convictions, Jae Kyeong’s life takes a toll after he is abducted and turned into a drug addict. In a bid to find his abductors and the cause of his former best friend’s cause of death, Jae Kyeong strives to hide his addiction from the police force. His latest quest uncovers over-decade-long deeply buried secrets that threaten his existence.
Oh Yoon Jin (Jeon Mi Do)
Oh Yoon Jin is a skilled social affairs reporter for the Anhyeon Economic Daily. She is determined to bring down corrupt individuals by publishing their dirty secrets for the world to see. Her determination is also rooted in the fact that she plans to recover the custody of her young daughter currently living with her egocentric father abroad. Yoon Jin joins hands with Jang Jae Kyeong to uncover the mystery behind their late friend’s death. The new venture turns chaotic as threats become Yoon Jin’s newest reality.
Park Joon Seo (Yoon Na Moo)
Park Joon Seo is the president of Pil O Real Estate. During their high school days, Joon Seo dated Oh Yoon Jin for a while and was also Jang Jae Kyeong’s best friend. However, the crew disbanded due to unavoidable circumstances which are now being uncovered after his death. In a bid to make things right, Joon Seo ends up facing life-threatening ordeals.
Park Tae Jin (Kwon Yool)
Park Tae Jin is a powerful prosecutor at Ahn Hyun District Office with connections with the powerful and wealthy in government and society. Tae Jin also attended the same high school as Oh Yoon Jin, Jang Jae Kyeong, and Park Joon Seo. despising his low-class background, Tae Jin’s greed for wealth and power leads him into dark paths whose negative impacts he realizes when it’s too late. With his career and family at stake, Tae Jin finds himself deeper in trouble forcing him to take life-threatening measures
Won Jong Soo (Kim Kyung Nam)
Won Jong Soo is a proud second-generation chaebol. He is the vice president and heir of Keumhyeong Group. He also attended the same high school as Park Tae Jin, Oh Yoon Jin, Jang Jae Kyeong, and Park Joon Seo. The lack of a father’s love and approval turns him into a gullible and ruthless being. In a bid to feel wanted and accomplished, Jong Soo does all he can to showcase his ability to take over the business. The greed for power and approval driven by pride and a mix of bad company and rotten advice traps Won Jong Soo into a fiery pit of misery.
My Thoughts
This ‘Connection’ 2024 K-drama synopsis highlights the plight of the powerless and the ruthlessness of a corrupt societal system. Despite cracks in the justice system that give the privileged an upper hand, the fight for justice displayed is a ray of hope ensuring that every action attracts consequences of the same measure. The unraveling web of lies with each episode keeps viewers glued to the screens hoping for a better ending for the cast determined to beat evil.
—-Karen Mwenda
#Connection #Connectionkdrama #kdramamindmap #kcrushmindmapthis #mindmap #Connection2024 #kcrush #kdramanews #JiSung #KimKyungNam #KwonYool #YoonNaMoo #JeonMiDo #JiSung #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #magzine #korea #koreanactress #koreanactor #kcrushamericamagazine #kdramaOST #kfashion #kmedia #kmusic #hallyu #topkdrama
‘My Sweet Moster’ k-drama tells the story of Seo Ji Hwan, a reforming gangster who dismantles his gang and strives to give them a fresh beginning through his company, Thirsty Deer. While on his newly found venture, Seo Ji Hwan bumps into the bubbly Go Eun Ha, whose bubbly spell traps him. Go Eun Ha is a kids’ content creator whose career is on a rocky road with the only source of hope finding her long-lost childhood friend, Hyun Woo. Jang Hyun Woo is a prosecutor famous among girls for his good specs but has a secret crush on Go Eun Ha. In addition to her rocky career, Go Eun Ha’s life is about to get complicated given her attachment to the two opposite beings. Whether she follows her newly found happiness or on her finally found childhood happiness is a dilemma she has to endure. Whether she gets any, loses all, or gets it all is up to fate.
Seo Ji Hwan (Uhm Tae Goo)
Seo Ji Hwan is a reformed gangster and founder of Thirsty Deer Company. The company is meant to keep ex-convicts from falling back into crime by providing jobs and a sense of belonging. An encounter with the bubbly Go Eun Ha wages war in the cold and insensitive world of Seo Ji Hwan bringing down walls of seclusion. fighting against these bubbling feelings he’d never had while trying to fight for the survival of his ex-convict friends whom he considers brothers becomes Seo Ji Hwan’s reality. What’s worse is the annoying rival who is out to finish his romantic and corporate life.
Go Eun Ha (Han Sun Hwa)
Go Eun Ha is a bubbly and optimistic kids’ content creator. With her career going south, Go Eun Ha finds herself involved in the life of a reforming gangster. In the process, she meets the man she’s been looking for all her life. life throws her a puzzle leaving her torn between a childhood
Jang Hyun Woo (Kwon Yool)
Jang Hyun Woo is a respected and skilled prosecutor famous for his charming personality. Despite the seriousness of his career, he finds himself enchanted by the inner beauty of a kid’s content creator, Go Eun Ha. As feelings build up and the thought of him being Go Eun Ha’s long-lost childhood friend, Jang Hyun Woo makes it his life’s purpose to protect Go Eun Ha at all costs.
My thoughts
‘My Sweet Monster’ k-drama’s synopsis culminates into a story about new beginnings and redemption. The tale highlights that we should not judge a book by its cover. It also highlights that anybody can lose their way given that life is unpredictable. The beautiful part is that nobody is far from redemption. This comedy romance drama charms its way into the viewers’ hearts with light humor and heart-melting stunts. With new revelation in each episode ‘My Sweet Monster’ is a drama worth watching.
It is a tale of redemption and new beginnings. Seo Ji Hwan, a former gangster, embarks on a journey to leave his troubled past behind. Traveling across Korea, he dismantles criminal organizations and offers a fresh start to ex-convicts. Along the way, he reconnects with Go Eun Ha, his childhood friend and now a beloved kids’ content creator.
Eun Ha, affectionately known as ‘mini sister’ to her young audience, radiates warmth and positivity in her videos, drawing inspiration from her cherished memories of Ji Hwan, her only childhood playmate, and protector. She sees beyond Ji Hwan’s rough exterior and, with unwavering affection, endeavors to help him reclaim the innocence of their shared past, offering him a beacon of hope amidst the shadows of his former life.
—-Karen Mwenda
#MySweetMobster #kdrama #kdramanews #kcrushMindMapThis #MindMap #kcrushamericamagazine #UhmTaeGoo #HanSunHwa #KwanYool #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kdramasearch #koreandrama #koreanculture #hallyu
iKON’s Junhoe is making his solo debut this coming July. Junhoe is scheduled to make a debut with the ‘BRUISE’ mini-album on July 3.
Junhoe, also a talented actor, will be following the steps of his other group members who have walked before him in the solo artist realm, including DK, Bobby, and Song.
Junhoe’s solo debut also comes days after iKON’s Chanwoo and Bobby enlisted into the military. This is a monumental moment for Junhoe who has been in the K-Pop industry for the last 9 years.
—-Karen Mwenda
#JunhoeofiKON #iKON #Junhoe #JUNHOEminialbum #kcrushnews #Chanwoo #Bobby #militaryenlistment #kpop #kidol #kmusic #knews #kbreakingnews #koreanculture #BRUISEminialbumbyJunhoe #kcrushamericamagazine
The former Wonder Girls member is above the moon with the joy of becoming a mother again. Hyerim, who walked down the aisle with her lover in 2020, first joined motherhood in 2020 after giving birth to their firstborn, Si Woo.
On June 25, the former Wonder Girls member shared the joyous news about her pregnancy thrilled that Si Woo would finally get a sibling. With the baby’s gender still a mystery, fans have shown their unwavering support through heartwarming congratulatory messages on her social media platforms. Hyerim promised to keep her fans updated, including through her YouTube channel.
Congratulations on this well-deserved milestone and happiness!
—-Karen Mwenda
#Hyerim #Hyerim2ndPregnancy #WonderGirls #congratulations #Hyerimbecomingamotheragain #kcrush #kpop #kfashion #kidol #koreanmusic #kculture #kcrushamericanmagazine #knews #kpopbreakingnews
On June 28, BTS’s Jimin graced fans with a pre-release single in collaboration with the talented rapper Loco. Titled “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band”, this lyrical piece is a track from Jimin’s upcoming solo album, ‘MUSE’.
‘MUSE’ will be Jimin’s 2nd solo album scheduled for release on July 19. The “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” pre-release single comes days after a full track list for the upcoming ‘MUSE’ album was revealed.
With the track list reveal, fans cannot wait to see how Jimin’s voice blends with the various artists he has collaborated with in this ‘MUSE’ album. Loco, Jimin’s iconic collaborator for the “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” re-release single is a legendary rapper who’s collaborated with reputable artists like Jay Park and MAMAMOO’s Hwasa.
—-Karen Mwenda
#BTSJimin #Jimin #Jiminnewalbum #kcrush #JiminMUSEalbum #Loco #Hwasa #JayPark #kcrushnews #tracklist #kpop #kidol #koreanmusic #koreanpop #BTSARMY #BTS #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kcrushgooglesearch #kfashion #kculture #kmusic #kcrushamericamagazine
In this interview, Film Critic and Journalist Carolyn Hinds speaks with director Raita Yabushita about his black & white short film ‘AI Love You’, which screened in the Asia & Japan Program of the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, 2024.
It stars 柄本時生, 佐々木春香, 広岡由里子, 谷川昭一朗. Interpreting for the interview was done by John Haggerty, MC for the festival.
#SSFF2024 #KCrush #JapaneseFilm #ShortFilm #AsianCinema
KARA, a legendary second-generation girl group, is set to make a comeback this coming July according RBW Entertainment. KARA, which debuted in 2007, was among the leading contributors to the rise of Hallyu wave, especially with the 2012’s “Mr.” hit song.
This comeback will be KARA’s release in a while with their last release being the ‘Move Again’ special album in November 2022 for their 15th anniversary. The album gained massive views confirming that KARA is indeed the queen on Hallyu.
The “When I Move” single, a track from the ‘Move Again’ album, was also selected among Billboard chart’s “Best K-Pop Songs of 2022” list. The K-pop veteran is also expected to hold full-group concerts in Osaka and Tokyo in August.
—-Karen Mwenda
#KARA #QueenofHallyu #kfashion #kidols #kcrush #hallyucomeback #julycomebackinkpop #kpopnews #koreangirlgroup #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kpopupdate #koreankpopsinger #comebackinJuly2024 #kpopnewsstory #MoveAgainKARA #WhenIMove #BestKPopSongsof2022KARA #RBWEntertainment #newsofKARAsreturn #newmusic #newsingle #newalbum #koreanidol #kcrushannouncement #KARAComeback2024
The wait is over for Germany’s, and neighboring states, K-fans. The biggest international K-Pop culture and entertainment festival will be heading to Germany for a 2-day packed-up event.
Featuring performances from notable K-Pop artists, KCON Germany is scheduled to take place on the 28th and 29th of September at Messe Frankfurt.
KCON Germany will be the fourth KCON event, including the upcoming July 26th to 28th KCON Los Angeles. The other two global KCON events happened in Japan and Hong Kong. KCON is also hinted to be gearing up for an event in Saudi Arabia. The KCON Germany artist line-up and ticket details will be communicated soon.
—-Karen Mwenda
#KCONGermany #KCONEvent #Kcrush #kcrushnews #Germany #KCONGermany2024 #MesseFrankfurtKCONGermany #kpop #kidol #knews #koreangroup #kpopevent #kpopfanevent #hallyuevent #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kfashion #kculture #kpoppanel #KCONGermanyannouncement #kcrushnews #kpopnews #KCONLosAngeles
WINNER’s Lee Seung Hoon, famously known as Hoony, is set to officially debut as a solo artist this coming July. The solo debut comes days before the band, which debuted in August 2013, celebrates its 10th anniversary. According to YG Entertainment, the star is finalizing the debut album which is set to be released in mid-July.
In addition to being a skilled dancer and choreographer, Hoony has showcased his capability through WINNER band’s lyrical pieces. One of his most memorable lyrical masterpiece is the “FLAMENCO” track, his solo track, which featured in WINNER’s ‘CROSS’ album released in 2019.
Hoony is also skilled as a songwriter, skills which he flaunted upon self-composing WINNER’s “Serenade” track for the band’s “Remember” album in 2020. Hoony is the last member of WINNER to venture into the solo artist realm.
—-Karen Mwenda
#WINNERs:eeSeimgJppm #solodebut #LeeSeungHoon #YGEntertainment #kcrushnews #kidol #kpopnews #korea #WINNER #soloartist #selfcomposing #Serenadetrack #Rememberalbum #Hoony #songwriter #soloventure #kcrush #hallyu #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kmusic #krap #koreanartist #Flamenco #Crossalbum #Julysolodebut
GOT7’s Yoongjae and Bae In Hyuk have switched agencies.
Yoongjae of GOT7 boy band has transferred agencies to AndBut Company. The talented musical guru, who also ventured in to the solo artist realm back in 2021, released a teaser of his upcoming comeback digital single titled “T.P.O” late last month. On June 24, AndBut Company shared their joy of working with the star who was formerly under JYP Entertainment. AndBut Company is said to be owned by a former employee of JYP Entertainment.
Bae In Hyuk also changed agencies and joined YY Entertainment family that houses legendary artists like TOZ boy band. The talented actor, including in My Roommate Is a Gumiho (2021) and The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract (2023-24) k-dramas, joined YY Entertainment on June 24 after his contract with UU Company expired.
—-Karen Mwenda
#GOT7 #YongjaeGOT7 BaeInHyukGOT7 #kcrushnews #newagency #kpop #kpopnews #kpopupdate #YYEntertainment #UUCompany #AndButCompany #JYP #koreanartists #kcrushamericamagazine #kdrama #MyRoommateIsAGumiho #TheStoryofParksMarriageContract #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kidol
Film Critic and Journalist Carolyn Hinds speaks to Iranian-Canadian filmmaker Nedda Sarshar about her short film ‘Unibrow’, beauty standards, teenage and cultural insecurity and acceptance. The film screened in the Shibuya Diversity Program at SSFF & Asia.
#CanadianFilm #BeautyStandards #JapaneseFilmFestival #AsianFilmFestival #Interview #KCrush
In this interview film critic and journalist Carolyn Hinds speaks with filmmaker Nguyễn Hồng Anh about her queer romance short film ‘Saigon Kiss’ which screened in the Rainbow Program at the Japanese festival (SSFF& Asia)
#VietnamesFilm #Saigon #ShortShortsFilmFestival #LGBTQ #kcrushfilminterview #QueerRomance #kcrushamerica #filmfestivalinterview #2024kcrushinterview #KCrush #AsianFilmFestival #Interview
BTS’s jovial Jin has been discharged from the military. On June 12, Jin celebrated the milestone with other BTS members as they congratulated him for the hardwork.
Jin enrolled into the military last year in June. The star was serving in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province, under the 5th Infantry Division recruit training center.
Jin was the first BTS member to undertake the mandatory military training. J-Hope and Suga followed months after. Jung Kook, V, Jimin and RM were the last members to enlist in December 2023. BTS is expected to reunite as a band in 2025 after all the members have finished the mandatory military service.
—-Karen Mwenda
#BTSJinCompletesMandatoryMilitaryService #kcrushnews #breakingnews #kcrushamerica #BTSARMY #announcement #koreanmilitaryservice #BTSmilitaryservice #koreanpop #kpop #koreanidol #kpopmusic #returnfrommilitaryservice
In addition to the recently finished “Queen of Tears” and “Lovely Runner” k-dramas, the first half of June 2024 has seen a trend in k-dramas of diverse genres. Here are 8 k-dramas that have received high ratings and are worth bingeing on this June.
1. Connection
A reputable narcotics unit detective is forcibly addicted to drugs and his best friend is murdered. Uncovering the mystery behind those who made him addicted and his friend’s murder unveils a web of dark secrets tied to the most powerful figures. With every episode revealing the connection between the over decade-long rogue deals and lies, the series leaves viewers in anticipation and suspense throughout. The starring cast includes Ji Sung, Jeon Mi Do, Kwon Yool, and Kim Kyung Nam.
2. Crash
A traffic crime investigation team becomes the center of attention for the increasing traffic-related offenses connected to other illegal acts. With an intriguing twist of events from adamant villains, the traffic investigation team engages in all means to ensure the offenders are put behind bars. The starring cast includes Lee Min Ki, Heo Sung Tae, and Kwak Sun Young.
3. High School Return of a Gangster
A 47-year-old gangster, 2nd most important in his gang, works hard towards his dream of attending university despite his age. While saving a teenage boy from committing suicide, the two exchange bodies leaving the elderly gangster’s spirit in the boy’s body. In time the elderly man realizes the messed-up life the teenager had been experiencing, especially bullying at school and from those after his father’s wealth. The gangster vows to restore the teenage boy’s life to normality before leaving his body. The starring cast includes Lee Seo Jin, Yoon Chan Young, Bong Jae Hyun, Won Tae Min, and Hwang Bo Ra.
4. Missing Crown Prince
In a bid to cleanse her daughter’s ill fate, a royal physician accidentally kidnaps the crown prince, who is later rescued by the physician’s daughter. The crown prince gets into a bigger problem as the queen sends inside men to kill him to cover up the mistakes. Bleeding to death and not sure those who are for him, the crown prince goes into hiding to uncover the web of lies that have even left the king helpless. The starring cast includes Suho, Hong Ye Ji, Myung Se Bin, Kim Joo Hun, and Kim Min Kyu.
5. The Player 2: Master of Swindlers
Currently in its season 2, the drama involves a team of highly skilled individuals who regroup to take revenge after the tragic loss of their teammate during a mission. the team, comprised of a scammer, hacker, driver, and fighter, resumes its mission of putting powerful and untouchable figures behind bars. With win-win deals diligent prosecution officers and sponsors with a similar goal, the team plots their way to success and manages to steal dirty money illegally collected by the rich. The starring cast includes Song Seung Heon, Lee Si Un, Tae Won Seok, Jang Gyu Ri, Oh Yeon Seo, and Kim Won Hae.
6. The Midnight Romance in Hagwon
A quirky student who returns after a decade to fulfill his heart’s yearning desire. After getting accepted as a teacher, he goes full mode and tries to win his long-term crush, a cram school instructor. The tricky part is that this school instructor was the quirky student’s designated teacher during his school days a decade ago in the same school. The struggle between love and responsibility fused in a past student-teacher relationship and the present teacher-teacher professional relationship is an intriguing factor that keeps viewers glued to the screen. The starring cast includes Jung Ryeo Won and Wi Ha Joon.
7. Hierarchy
Jooshin High School is the country’s most elite school with a long history of attendees from conglomerate corporations. A small percentage of students from the country’s most privileged families control the school. A scholarship student is killed but the matter is covered up to avoid tinting the school’s image. Kang Ha enters Jooshin High School to reveal his twin brother’s murder and take revenge. A series of unexpected twists surface as Kang Ha realizes the power he is up against. The starring cast includes Roh Jeong Eui, Lee Chae Min, Kim Jae Won, Ji Hye Won, and Lee Won Jung.
8. My Sweet Mobster
A former reforming gangster owns a food company overseen and managed by fellow ex-convicts. The ex-gangster finds himself head over heels for a kids’ content creator who on the other hand is obsessed with looking for a man named “Hyun” from her childhood. The ex-gangster is up against a prosecutor, who has a clean criminal record and is good with kids just as the kids’ content creator. With the series in its first episodes, the anticipation of a fight based on flaws and perfection is quickly building up. The starring cast includes Han Sun Hwa, Eom Tae Goo, and Kwon Yul.
—-Karen Mwenda
#8TrendingKDramasRightNowJune2024 #bingewatch #kcrushcontent #bingewatchkdrama #MySweetMobster #Hierarchy #kcrama #koreandramasforJune2024 #MissingCrownPrince #kcrushamericamagazine #kpop #OST #KoreanActor #Connection #kcrushtopentertainmentmagazine #kpopmagazine #onlinekpopmagazine #Asianmagazine #Crash
In a devastating heart-wrenching post, the former Hello Venus member shared the news of her battle with cancer. Yoo Ara gained fame after debuting under Hello Venus girl group with the “Venus” hit single in 2012.
In June 11, 2024, Yoo Ara shared a touching message on her Instagram page revealing that she had recently been diagnosed with cancer. The star poured her heart out sharing that she had undergone surgery to remove a malignant tumor. Yoo Ara shared that although the journey has been difficult, she is getting better and plans to work hard on recovering and being the best version of herself.
Yoo Ara thanked everyone who has been with her through this trying journey. Sharing this burden with her fans, the star ended her note urging people to take care of their health and promised to keep her fans updated.
We want to wish her well.
—-Karen Mwenda
#FormerHelloVenusYooAraCancerBattle #CancerBattleofYooAra #HelloVenus #kcrush #YooAraHealthIssues #koreanpop #kpopidol #HelloVenusmemberYooAra #Cancer #HelloVenusKoreanGirlGroup #kcrushamerica #breakingnewskcrush
The legendary boy band has made yet another groundbreaking stride through collaboration to appear in a Hollywood film, the internationally accredited Minions series. On June 14, “Despicable Me 4” hinted that BTS would be part of their highly anticipated film. Despicable Me 4 uploaded a teaser video showing BTS minions dancing to the band’s “Permission to Dance” song.
Produced by Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures, this American animated comedy film premiered in New York City on 9th June 2024, and is expected to be released next month. Pharell William, who performed the “Happy” hit song for “Despicable Me 2”, also graced “Despicable Me 4” with the “Double Life” soundtrack that has become an internet frenzy hour upon release.
—-Karen Mwenda
#BTSCollaborateswithDespicableMe4 #BTScollaboration #kcrushnews #DespicableMe4Movie #DoubleLifesoundtrack #BTSDM4 #koreanpop #kpop #kpopidol #BTSmovie #BTSARMY #ARMYForBTS #UniversalPictures #BTSMinions #July3rdRelease #kcrushamerica #kpopmagazine #Asiannewsmagazine #kpoponlinemagazinekcrush #BTSacting
Film Critic and Journalist Carolyn Hinds speaks with Filmmaker Ikeda Kei about his latest short film ‘to I’ which screens in the Asia International & Japan Program of the 2024 ShortShorts Film Festival & Asia in Japan. Language interpretation was done by John Haggerty.