IVE's Ahn Yujin just shared a sweet story about her friendship with aespa's Karina, and fans are loving the adorable details!

On January 28, Ahn Yujin appeared on Salon Drip 2 and got candid about how her friendship with Karina began.

During the show, Jang Do Yeon asked Ahn Yujin if she had ever talked to Karina, who is also a leader, about the struggles of being in charge after they performed on stage together.

Ahn Yujin revealed, “I’ve wanted to get closer to Karina for a while. I’ve focused on just becoming friends, so we didn’t really talk deeply yet, but I want to ask her more about it. Our teams are very different, but they’re all so amazing!”

When asked how she approached Karina, Ahn Yujin shyly admitted, “The first time we met was through a challenge. Karina’s team wanted to take photos with me, and I made sure to dress nicely. I was so nervous!"

She added, "I had two things I wanted to ask: ‘Can I call you unnie?’ and ‘Can I get your number?’ But I couldn’t bring myself to do it because there were just too many things on my mind. I wanted to talk well, dance well, and look good on camera.”

Ahn Yujin then explained that after a collaboration stage offer came up, she thought of Karina and even got her number through a mutual acquaintance. But, worried about making Karina feel uncomfortable, Ahn Yujin didn’t contact her right away. Instead, she waited until Karina contacted her first!

Ahn Yujin shared, “I heard Karina was talking about me, so I thought I should contact her. But then, she contacted me first,” looking genuinely touched. Jang Do Yeon teased, “You both are so cute! Are you getting close now?”

With a bright smile, Ahn Yujin responded, “Yes! We’ve decided to have a meal together soon.” She also thanked Karina for being so kind, especially when Karina texted her after practice, saying she had worked hard.

Ahn Yujin revealed, “Lately, I keep asking her if it’s okay to post pictures of us on social media,” showing just how strong their growing friendship is.

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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]