The global mega-hit webtoon "Love Alarm" with a cumulative global view of 5 billion views will be newly created as a real-life.

On the 20th, Kakao Entertainment announced that it will openly recruit performers until the 31st, reporting the production of the love psychological survival "Ring, If You Like It".

Regardless of age, job, or relationship experience, anyone who pursues "real love" can participate in "Love Alarm", and the production team selects the final participants through interviews.

"Ring, If You Like It" is a work designed with the motif of "Love Alarm" (an application that informs you when a person who likes me comes within a 10-meter radius) and the love reality show "Love Alarm" in the popular webtoon of the same name.

Webtoon "Love Alarm", which began serialization in 2014 and was recently completed at the end of Season 9, is a worldwide hit with a cumulative 5 billion views, and has also been made into an original Netflix drama.

Kim Min Jong, CP of Kakao Entertainment, who presented "Real Men" and "My Dream is Ryan", will be in charge of directing the new love reality content.

By fully demonstrating its unique excellent planning and directing skills, it will capture the delicate and subtle emotional changes of the participants who seek the beauty and love of the exciting and tense love reality.

Many people are paying keen attention to how Kakao Entertainment, which presented a new trend in love reality with "Ring, If You Like It", can draw sympathy from viewers this time.

CP Kim Min Jong said, "We will not only implement the 'Love Alarm' application in the webtoon, but also introduce various configurations and unique rules for viewers to participate in", adding, "We will wait for the participation of many courageous people who want to find true love through dating psychological survival."

"Ring, If You Like It" will start filming in earnest in June and will be introduced through Kakao TV in the second half of this year.

Source[1]

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]