The "Acolyte" series from "Star Wars" has sparked mixed feelings among fans. Leading the charge is Lee Jung Jae, a seasoned actor diving into Hollywood afresh. His role as the first Jedi character in his debut English-speaking part has fans wondering how he'll handle this groundbreaking role.

Set a century before "Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace," "Acolyte" on Disney+ delves into a gripping mystery during the Old Republic's heyday, where Jedi are under attack.

The story kicks off with a bang as Master Indara, played by Carey Ann Moss, gets slain by a masked girl. Amandla Stenberg portrays Osha, a former Jedi apprentice suspected of the crime. She teams up with Lee Jung Jae's character, Sol, a Jedi Master, to crack the case.

Sol's entrance in the series hints at East Asian cultural influences seen in past "Star Wars" works. Overseas, his line "Close your eyes, the eyes deceive you" has become a meme, showcasing a nod to Eastern philosophies akin to Jedi Master Yoda. In Korea, fans adore his portrayal of a nurturing master, dubbing him "Master of the Coruscant Taekwondo Dojang."

Lee Jung Jae brings warmth and humility to Sol, a character entrusted with guiding young Jedi. Director Leslie Headland, impressed by Lee's role in "Squid Game," felt he was tailor-made for Sol.

With his rugged appearance reminiscent of Seong Gi Hun and a heartwarming demeanor, Lee's performance adds depth to the character.

While some in the "Star Wars" community debate the concept of an "Asian Jedi," Lee's English delivery adds authenticity to the series' diverse universe. Yet, Korean viewers lament the overshadowing of Lee's acting prowess by stereotypical portrayals.

Despite initial backlash over "Disney's political correctness," "Acolyte" injects fresh perspectives into the franchise. Amandla Stenberg's dual role and Manny Jacinto's standout performance add layers to the narrative.

However, criticism also stems from the series' entertainment value. While it may appeal to newcomers, the pacing and plot simplicity might leave die-hard fans wanting more. The series' fate hangs on how it resolves its mysteries teased in the second episode.

With 8 episodes releasing weekly, "Acolyte" promises an adventure suitable for ages 12 and up.

Source(1)

BTS's V is making his fans fall even more in love with him as he shares moments from his life just 40 days before his military discharge.

On April 30, V posted several new photos on his Instagram story, giving fans a sneak peek into his daily routine.

Among the photos was a beautiful shot of cherry blossoms, accompanied by the word "cherry blossom" as he expressed his longing for spring.

He followed up with more photos, sharing how much he wanted to enjoy the season with his fans.

To make the post even more special, V added background music from BTS member J-Hope's song Sweet Dreams and Design by the American punk band Gustav.

It turns out that Gustav was grateful for V introducing their music to the world and even received fan comments saying they discovered the band through him.

In another adorable photo, V posed with CF director Ray J. Yi (Lee Jun Yeob), with flowers in his hair. The director also shared the cute photo, adding the word "flower" to express how happy he was with the moment.

But it wasn’t all about flowers and beauty—V also gave fans a peek at his workout routine. He proudly showed off his toned arm muscles in a picture, though his face appeared a little thinner.

This is likely due to his diet, as he’s been working hard to maintain his figure ahead of his discharge. Before enlisting, V weighed 62 kg, and during his service, he reached 86 kg. Now, he’s lost 10 kg and is preparing for his return to the public eye.

Interestingly, V has been working out at the same place where singer Kim Jong Kook films his popular YouTube channel Jim Jong Kook, sparking fan excitement and hopes that V might make an appearance on the show after he’s discharged.

As soon as V shared his latest update, his name—"KIM TAEHYUNG"—shot to the top of real-time trending charts worldwide. Fans from all over the globe, including in the U.S., couldn’t get enough of the updates, proving once again the massive impact V has.

He is set to be discharged from the military on June 10, and fans are eagerly awaiting his return.

Source (1)