An Jaehong gained about 10kg in just one week for the movie "Rebound." He carried the Slam Dunk comic book around like a charm and tried to incorporate the "Jung Kkeokma" spirit into the film.

The movie, directed by Jang Hang Jun and set to be released on April 5th, is a touching true story of a miracle that took place over eight days, during which the new coach of the Busan Central High School basketball team and six players who were initially overlooked at the 2012 National High School Basketball Championship never stopped running.

An Jaehong played the role of "Kang Coach," inspired by the real-life coach Kang Yang Hyun.

He is joined by a group of fresh and passionate young actors, including Lee Shin Young, Jung Jin Woon, Kim Taek, Jung Geon Joo, Kim Min, and An Ji Ho, who add a refreshing and youthful chemistry to the film.

In an interview held on March 29th at Mocheolseo in Jongno-gu, Seoul, An Jaehong said that he and director Jang Hang Jun had their first encounter through this film and spent a "real" time together.

He praised the director for infusing the set with cheerful energy and being the youngest adult he had ever met, saying that he was deeply moved by their time together.

In the past, director Jang Hang Jun appeared on TVN's "You Quiz On The Block," saying that he was preparing for the filming of "Rebound."

At the time, An Jaehong had not yet met the director, but he said that he felt a strong attraction to the movie and thought he might appear in it.

Above all, An Jaehong, who decided to appear in this film because it was a "basketball movie," said, "Basketball is not as popular as it used to be. I am also from a generation that grew up reading Slam Dunk comics, and I felt that the craze of the past had subsided. I liked the scenario that brought back that passion."

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NewJeans' Minji touched fans' hearts with a handwritten letter on her birthday — even while the group is currently unable to promote due to legal issues.

On May 7, Minji celebrated her birthday by sharing a heartfelt message on the group’s personal SNS account, which the members opened themselves to stay connected with fans.

Minji began her letter with honesty, writing, “I think I’m living a busier life than I expected. When I finally looked up, it was already May, and it was my birthday.”

She admitted that she had a lot she wanted to say, but her thoughts felt “messy.” Still, her message to fans was clear, “I just hope that I, our members, and Bunnies can all be happy. Happiness is the biggest goal in my life.”

Minji then opened up about her personal journey and struggles, saying, “I sometimes think that running toward my happiness by doing what I love might look foolish to others. But isn’t giving up your happiness now for the sake of a future that might not even come… too harsh on yourself?”

Despite everything, she ended on a hopeful note, “I really miss the times when we shared our feelings through the good music we made together. But I always look forward to what’s ahead."

She added, "We didn’t stop here, and we’re not going to stop! It might look like we’re standing still, but I believe we’re growing deeper.”

Her message comes during a difficult time for NewJeans. The group announced last year that they were cutting ties with ADOR, their original agency, after trust was broken. They later began working independently under the new name ‘NJZ’.

However, ADOR responded with legal action — claiming the exclusive contract with NewJeans was still valid and asking the court to stop the group from promoting or signing deals.

The court sided with ADOR and granted an injunction, forcing NewJeans to pause their activities. Their appeal was rejected, and they’ve now filed a second appeal.

Through it all, Minji’s message proves one thing — even when forced to stop, NewJeans' hearts are still moving forward.

Source: [1]