Jeon So Min is back on Running Man, and fans can’t stop laughing at her amazing comedic skills. But while her variety show return is a hit, her new drama is struggling to gain attention.

On January 19, Jeon So Min joined the SBS variety show Running Man as a guest alongside actor Choi Daniel, her co-star from the KBS Joy drama Sorry Not Sorry.

Fans were thrilled to see her return after leaving the show in November 2023, following six and a half years as a regular cast member.

Despite being away from Running Man for over a year, Jeon So Min showed she hasn’t lost her touch. Her jokes and quick wit had everyone in stitches.

She even brought back her playful love-line with Yang Se Chan, teasing him about his kindness toward Ji Ye Eun, the new youngest member of the cast. “Do you like her that much? I saw you being so nice to her on TV”, she joked, adding, “Are you in love with her?”

In one hilarious moment, Jeon So Min joined Ji Ye Eun for a game involving a seated row exercise machine.

As Ji Ye Eun kept giving wrong answers and getting whipped cream sprayed on her, Jeon So Min couldn’t help but joke, “Why are you so weak?” Her quick thinking and funny antics kept the laughs coming.

Thanks to Jeon So Min’s return, Running Man recorded strong ratings, securing a 2.4% viewership in the key 20-49 demographic and peaking at 6.4% overall, according to Nielsen Korea. It’s still the top variety show in its time slot!

Meanwhile, Jeon So Min is also starring in the KBS Joy drama Sorry Not Sorry, where she plays Ji Song, a divorced woman navigating life after her fiancé unexpectedly leaves her.

At a press event, she shared, “I wanted this drama to show the familiar side of me that fans know from variety shows. It’s also a chance for people who haven’t seen my acting to discover another side of me.”

However, the drama has struggled to find viewers, with ratings ranging from 0.3% to 0.5% after six episodes. Fans think the low numbers might be due to the niche channel and its weekly schedule.

While her variety show skills continue to shine, many hope that Jeon So Min’s acting projects will also get the recognition they deserve.

With her undeniable charm and talent, it might just be a matter of time before her acting career hits the same high notes as her Running Man appearances.

Source: [1]

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]