Jo Jung Suk won the BEST OST award at the '2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards (hereinafter referred to as 2021 MAMA) held on the December 11. Jo Jung Suk, who received a lot of affection for the OST 'Aloha' of tvN's 'Hospital Playlist Season 1' last year and won 5 OST awards. He received the honor of receiving the OST award once again with the OST 'I Like You' of 'Hospital Playlist Season 2' this year.

The global music awards ceremony 'MAMA' is a large-scale music festival enjoyed by music fans all over the world. The concept was 'MAKE SOME NOISE', which means that you can experience the powerful power of music, and it was broadcast live around the world.

Jo Jung Suk, who portrayed the role of Lee Ik Jun, a professor of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery in tvN's 'Hospital Playlist Season 2', has been receiving praise by fans for delivering emotions, laughter, and excitement every time with his detailed acting and emotional lines. He also worked as a band vocalist following Season 1, and in addition to 'I Like You', he also released a number of songs such as 'With My Tears' and 'Already One Year', and received the love of listeners. As such, it not only proved the charm of not only completing the character, but also creating a hit song this year following the previous year, and again proved Jo Jung Suk's presence as a vocalist loved by Korea.

Jo Jung Suk, who won the OST Award, said, "It's heartbreaking and embarrassing. I am grateful to receive this award thanks to the viewers who loved our drama. Also, I want to share the joy of thinking of receiving this award with the Hospital Playlist actors who appeared in the drama, the director, the writer, the staff, and the many people who worked hard for the drama. I earnestly pray for the day to come face-to-face with all of you offline as soon as possible, and I will work hard in the hope that that day will come as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, Jo Jung Suk is currently filming the movie 'Land of Happiness'.

Director Kim Hyung Joo of The Match has finally shared his thoughts on Yoo Ah In’s involvement in a drug scandal, calling it a major disappointment, especially considering the actor’s role as the lead in the film.

On March 19th, the director attended a press screening and briefing for The Match at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Alongside Kim, actors Lee Byung Hun, Ko Chang Seok, Hyun Bong Sik, Moon Jung Hee, and Jo Woo Jin were present to discuss the film.

The Match revolves around the legendary Go player Cho Hun Hyun (played by Lee Byung Hun), who, after a loss to his disciple, decides to challenge the top players again, driven by his competitive spirit. The movie is directed by Kim Hyung Joo.

Lee Byung Hun plays the iconic Go champion Cho Hun Hyun, while Yoo Ah In portrays his disciple, Lee Chang Ho.

During the event, Kim recalled the casting process, saying, "When we were casting, Lee Byung Hun was cast first. Just having him felt like we had the world, and then, getting Yoo Ah In as a bonus made me even happier."

Although filming wrapped up in 2021, Yoo Ah In's drug scandal led to the indefinite postponement of the film’s release. Now, nearly four years later, The Match is finally set to hit theaters on March 26th.

Reflecting on Yoo Ah In's scandal, Director Kim openly shared his frustration, calling it "irresponsible and disappointing" for the actor to make such a mistake as the lead.

He added, “Before being an actor, he made a mistake as a member of society and was punished, so I don’t think there’s much more to say.” Kim smiled bitterly as he spoke.

Describing the challenges he faced due to the scandal, Kim compared the experience to being trapped in "a hellish tunnel."

He said, "There was nothing I could do inside, so it was overwhelming. But now that we have the light of release, it feels like I can breathe. I’m deeply moved."

The director also shared that because Yoo Ah In was the lead actor, the film had to be released as it was, without editing. This has led some people to feel uneasy about watching the film, given the actor’s scandal.

When asked about this, Director Kim said, "Choosing and judging is up to the audience, so I can't force anything. But I hope they watch the movie as it is. I unintentionally got hurt before the release, so I hope people watch the movie warmly, as if applying ointment to a wound."

The Match will officially be released on March 26th.

Source: [1]