• Kim Jaejoong Returns to Drama After 7 Years with "Bad Memory Eraser"

    Kim Jaejoong is back in the drama scene with "Bad Memory Eraser," which will premiere on August 2 at 9:40 PM. This new MBN Friday-Saturday miniseries is a romantic thriller about a man whose life changes thanks to an eraser that removes bad memories and a woman who becomes his first love.

    The show is produced by Chorokbaem Media and Kim Jong-hak Production.

    The cast includes Kim Jaejoong, Jin Se Yeon, Lee Jong Won, and Yang Hye Ji. In the drama, Kim Jaejoong plays Lee Goon, a former tennis star who lost his confidence after an injury. With the help of the memory eraser, he gets a new start with renewed self-esteem and confidence.

    Kim Jaejoong, known for his roles in "Spy," "Triangle," and "Dr. Jin," is making his TV comeback after seven years. He's also been active in other entertainment fields, appearing in KBS2's "New Release Pyeonstorang" and YouTube's "JaeFriends." He’s set to release his fourth full album "FLOWER GARDEN" on June 26 to celebrate his 20th debut anniversary.

    Jin Se Yeon stars as Kyung Ju-yeon, a psychiatrist at a brain research center and Lee Goon's fake first love. She's known for her roles in "Doctor Stranger," "The Flower in Prison," and "Grand Prince."

    Lee Jong Won plays Lee Shin, the world’s top tennis player and Lee Goon's successful younger brother. Lee Jong Won has been seen in "Blooming at Night," "The Golden Spoon," and "Hospital Playlist Season 2."

    Yang Hye Ji is Jeon Sae-yan, the interpreter for Lee Shin and a charming character. She has appeared in "Wonderful World" and "Revenant," and won Best New Actress at the 2023 SBS Drama Awards for "Revenant."

    "Bad Memory Eraser" will air on August 2, 2024, at 9:40 PM and will be available on Rakuten Viki in Japan, North America, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and India.

    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]