• Jeon So Min says goodbye to "Running Man" and returns to acting

    After approximately six years on "Running Man," Jeon So Min bid farewell to the program. SBS's variety show, "Running Man," aired on November 12th, dedicated an episode to Jeon So Min's last recording, titled the "Goodbye So-min" race.

    Jeon So Min, along with the other cast members, embarked on a running tour project that took them to various locations like amusement parks, upscale restaurants, and art shops.

    During their time together, they even wrote poems for each other.

    Yoo Jae Suk showed his support and encouragement to Jeon So-min by writing a poem, saying, "Now that we can't see each other, it's sad, but I hope you transform into a dazzling butterfly from a moth."

    Song Ji Hyo also expressed her affection and wished her well, stating, "It's heartbreaking, frustrating, and hard to believe, but I hope you find happiness in your future endeavors. We will always love you. Thank you." Jeon So Min, too, shed tears as she bid farewell to the members and staff she had been with for a long time.

    As a farewell gift, Jeon So Min received a present that the members and staff had made together. She expressed her gratitude and said, "Since I was young, my dream was to appear on variety shows, and it was an honor to be with all of you. Making viewers laugh brought me immense joy. To the Running Man production team and cast members, please continue to show a lot of interest. I will also strive to show you my best in the future."

    Jeon So Min joined "Running Man" as a new member in April 2017, alongside Yang Se-chan. With her wit and charm, Jeon So Min effortlessly became a part of the original cast, contributing greatly to the entertainment value of "Running Man."

    Source(1)

  • Director Kim Hyung Joo calls Yoo Ah In's drug scandal "irresponsible" as 'The Match' finally hits theaters after 4 years

    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]