SHINee member Onew (ONEW) is embarking on a new journey with his beloved fans, known as 'JJINGGU'.

On the 28th, Onew revealed the logo of his official fan club 'JJINGGU' through his official SNS, marking the start of membership registration.

'JJINGGU' is a term of endearment Onew often uses for his fans, symbolizing their close bond. The logo features a rabbit shape representing Onew and JJINGGU, along with a heart symbolizing their enduring affection.

Membership registration for 'JJINGGU' will be open from July 1st to July 28th on the fan platform Fromm's store page. First-term members will receive a physical membership card and a card kit.

They will also enjoy exclusive benefits such as early access to tickets for Onew's solo concerts and fan meetings in Korea, as well as priority participation in public broadcasts.

Exclusive fan club content will be available through Onew's Fromm channel.

Following successful solo fan meetings in Korea, Osaka, Yokohama, and Macao starting from May, Onew's global activities will continue with upcoming fan meetings scheduled in Manila on July 4th, Kaohsiung on July 13th, Singapore on July 21st, and Kuala Lumpur on July 27th.

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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]