Former AOA member Kwon Mina has shared a deeply emotional and heartbreaking update with her fans.

On January 20, Kwon Mina took to Instagram to reveal some difficult news. "I have some upsetting and heartbreaking news to share", she wrote, explaining that her dog, Mochi, had been diagnosed with malignant cancer.

She shared that a lump had been growing on her dog’s leg for years, and despite undergoing several surgeries, it kept coming back. Sadly, the latest diagnosis confirmed it was cancerous.

Kwon Mina’s post continued, "The pain is expected to get worse, and the doctor told me to prepare myself to say goodbye to Mochi, as she will suffer a lot."

She added, "Today, I can’t stop crying, and my heart feels like it’s breaking. I’m looking into options like anesthesia, euthanasia, and funeral arrangements so that she can pass without pain."

She reached out to her followers for advice, asking, "If anyone knows a better solution, please let me know."

Kwon Mina debuted in 2012 as a member of the popular girl group AOA. The group achieved great success with hits like "Heart Attack," "Bingle Bangle," "Like a Cat," and "Miniskirt".

However, in 2020, Kwon Mina opened up about being bullied by her AOA members, leading to the group’s eventual disbandment.

In a more positive update, Kwon Mina also announced on January 15 that she has started a new chapter in her career.

She will be working as a consultant at a dermatology clinic near Sicheong Station, which is set to open in March, signaling her fresh start after a difficult year.

Fans have rallied around Kwon Mina with messages of support as she navigates this emotional time.

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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]