"Squid Game" star Jung Ho Yeon is stepping into a new chapter of her career with BH Entertainment!

On January 17, BH Entertainment announced the exciting news, saying, "We are thrilled to welcome actress Jung Ho Yeon to our family. She has limitless potential and so much more to show the world. With our systematic management and support for both her domestic and international activities, we aim to help her grow into a globally cherished actress."

Jung Ho Yeon first rose to fame in 2011 through her debut on "Korea's Next Top Model Season 2."

After proving her talent and charm on runways for major fashion shows and global brand campaigns, she made a jaw-dropping switch to acting. Her debut role as Kang Sae-byeok in Netflix's "Squid Game" became a global sensation, and fans everywhere couldn’t get enough of her. The "Jung Ho Yeon Syndrome" quickly spread worldwide!

Her performance in "Squid Game" made history, earning her the honor of being the first Korean actress to win Best Actress at the 28th Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. She also gained a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series at the 74th Emmy Awards, proving her undeniable talent and helping Korean content shine on the global stage.

Jung Ho Yeon’s journey doesn’t stop there. She just wrapped up filming for director Na Hong Jin’s upcoming movie "Hope" and is set to star in the 2024 Apple TV+ drama "Disclaimer."

In the drama, she will play Jisoo, the assistant to Cate Blanchett’s character Catherine, a role already stirring major buzz in the industry.

With her new partnership with BH Entertainment, fans can’t wait to see what incredible projects Jung Ho Yeon will take on next.

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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.

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