Wednesday, May 22, 2024

'Lovely Runner' pre-order notices, informations about content and price


For those who are eagerly awaiting the script book, we have put together some information💙💛

1. Pre-orders for the script book will start on Friday, May 24th.

2. Pre-orders will be available at three online bookstores: Yes24, Aladin, and Kyobo Bookstore.

3. The script book will be shipped in mid-July.

4. International shipping is available through <Global Yes24>. Detailed information will be posted on Friday.

5. There are limited-time special offers for each bookstore during the pre-order period. Since the pre-order period lasts until the official release in mid-July, there is plenty of time. Please be patient until Friday to find out what the special offers are. (We have been receiving a lot of DMs about thisㅠㅠ)

6. The script book is not a limited edition, so it will not be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t worry about missing out on purchasing it.

7. The script book is an uncut edition, including deleted scenes and unfilmed scenes, and comes as a set of two hardcover volumes.

8. The price for the set of two volumes is 50,000 won (NB: ~$37 USD; ~Rp590,000 IDR) (Individual volumes are not sold separately.)

9. The script book includes printed autographs and messages from the writer and the actors (Kim Hyeyoon, Byun Wooseok, Song Gunhee, Lee Seunghyub).

10. The script book also contains interviews with the writer and actors (Kim Hyeyoon, Byun Wooseok).

11. The cover is amazing!👍

12. After the paper book is published, an e-book version is planned, but the exact schedule has not been decided yet. Once it is decided, we will announce it on Instagram.

 theqoo

-They’re releasing an e-book too, nice.

-I want to buy itㅠㅠ

-It’s such a great deal.

-I have to buy it!!

-Scriptbooks are pretty pricey too...

-It’s a bit pricey, 50,000 won for 2 volumes.

-I’ll buy it.. I’ll definitely buy it..

-So excited.

-Wow, I’ve never bought a script book before, but I really want to buy this one.

-Different special offers at each bookstore?

-Regular script books are usually around 30,000-40,000 won, but this is probably more expensive because it’s hardcover.

-I’ll buy both the paper book and the e-bookㅋㅋㅋ

-Let's make it a bestseller.

-For 50,000 won with special offers included for 2 hardcover volumes, the price is reasonable.

-Oh! Definitely buying~~~

-Kyaaah, I just bought the OST, ready to spend more money, come on!

-It’s really cheap.

Continue reading 'Lovely Runner' pre-order notices, informations about content and price
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The article that was released before BELIFT Lab announces that they're suing Min Heejin

by Journalist Yoon Hyejin

Did ILLIT really copy New Jeans?

The girl group ILLIT, which debuted with their first mini-album 'SUPER REAL ME' on March 25th, is under the HYBE-affiliated label BELIFT Lab. The members were selected through the survival program 'I-LAND', with Bang Sihyuk serving as the chairman and producing their debut album. Despite debuting about 6 months after the end of the audition program, ILLIT has set various records by combining extensive promotion as the 'HYBE youngest daughter' with TikTok-sensational songs, reminiscent of the Y2K era, and a dreamy-and-innocent concept with a hint of alpha vibes.


However, it is undeniable that there were opinions suggesting similarities between New Jeans and ILLIT's concept. At first glance, there are three points that the public may feel are similar: the number of members, hairstyles, and choreography. Both groups consist of 5 members, including 2 overseas members each. The number of members can be the reason why they give a similar impression in choreography or group photoshoots. Also, all five members of ILLIT had long black hair styled uniformly to showcase their innocence, similar to when New Jeans first debuted with 'Attention'. Of course, long-black hair is not a unique style that only New Jeans has. However, the narrative changes when they use their long hair as a point in choreography. In fact, the choreography in ILLIT's song 'My World', where members sweep their hair after turning around, is similar to the choreography movements in New Jeans 'Attention'. In addition to this movement, there were discussions about the similarities to the choreography of New Jeans' 'Ditto' and LE SSERAFIM's 'EASY'. Furthermore, even in ILLIT's recent song 'Lucky Girl Syndrome (Sped Up)', similar hand movements to New Jeans' McDonald's CM song choreography can be seen.

Even though their concepts may be similar, but it's tricky to claim this as a legal issue

However, it's not easy to determine plagiarism just because the concepts are similar. Kim Taehwan, an intellectual property specialist at the law firm Daeryun, said, "When considering ILLIT and New Jeans as individual products, there is a high likelihood of similarity." He explained, "However, to assess whether there is a violation of copyright, we need to examine whether they are infringing on copyright or violating the Unfair Competition Prevention Act based on legal judgment."

Concepts, in the realm of 'ideas', are not protected under copyright law. Copyright law distinguishes between 'ideas and expressions', protecting only the 'expression' while not protecting the 'idea' itself. In this case, if similarities are detected in the music, choreography, and photoshoot, then it may be considered as a copyright infringement. However, Lawyer Kim Taehwan said, "The lyrics and melodies of the songs of the two groups are different, and there are many differences in the individual choreography according to the flow of music." He said, "If this were to proceed as a copyright infringement lawsuit, there would likely be multiple legal defense arguments, making it difficult to recognize copyright infringement."

Is it normal for groups under the same label to have similarities?

Actually, when it comes to the similarity in concepts, the opinions among industry insiders are divided on the question of whether it's okay for labels under the same parent company to cause plagiarism controversies like this. Critic Kim Young-dae expressed regret on the "Amplified" podcast, saying, "Right now, HYBE should be leading the way, but instead of presenting something new, they're repeatedly creating the most perfect state they can achieve."

However, some think it's not a problem since both groups are under the same label. One industry insider said, "Just like how Samsung uses their previous phones as references when they make new phones, idol groups released by the same company should be allowed to have similarities." He continued, "Even if Min Heejin is currently leading another group, she originally joined HYBE in 2019 as the Chief Brand Officer (CBO). HYBE would naturally want to use Min Heejin's abilities in all of their groups."

So, if another group from another subsidiary label used New Jeans' formula to benefit their own self as a whole, would this be legally acceptable? Currently, each label under HYBE handles content production, while promotion and legal matters are handled by the parent company, HYBE. 

theqoo

-🤦‍♀️

-If it's normal for groups under the same label to have similarities, why even bother having subsidiary labels?

-HYBE is seriously so annoying. They're ruining K-pop.

-Why is similarity considered normal?ㅋㅋㅋ I mean, does that even make sense?

-Does it matter if there's a legal problem or not? Seriouslyㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-We all have eyes, you know.

-'Is it normal for groups under the same label to have similarities?' If it's normal, why bother having subsidiary labels?? I mean.. They're from different companies, aren't they? Each one is an independent label.

-What's going on with all this....?

-The second-hand embarrassment is real right nowㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-A subsidiary label under HYBE is imitating a group from another subsidiary label under HYBE. Isn't that weird enough already?

-Why is HYBE's side so full of nonsense?ㅋㅋㅋ

-HYBE = Pathetic

-I'm never going to support HYBE again.

-They're just so pathetic... and petty....
Continue reading The article that was released before BELIFT Lab announces that they're suing Min Heejin
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Byun Wooseok: I cried a lot reading the script for the 16th episode of Lovely Runner

 

Byun Wooseok shares his thoughts on the 'Sunjae craze', reveals the behind-the-scenes stories of the 3-year-long production, casting anecdotes, and also his experiences filming with co-star Kim Hyeyoon. 

Byun Wooseok expresses his deep affection for 'Lovely Runner', describing the drama as a very special project to him. He unveils that he cried a lot while reading the script for the 16th episode, building curiosity about the story. 

As Byun Wooseok transforms into the 'Nation's Sweet-heart', his confession style in real life attracts attention. In this episode, he also shares stories from his early days as a rookie model and the hardships of his 'nugu' days before landing his first lead role in 'Lovely Runner'. He also shares heartwarming stories of his family. 

theqoo

-Sunjae, noooㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

-Why did he cry.. I'm suddenly feeling anxiousㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-What happens in episode 16!!!?!

-Maybe he cried because he was happy (I'm nervous)

-He probably cried because he was so happy

-You cried because you were happy, right? ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

-Why!!! Why are you crying!!!ㅠㅠㅜㅜㅜ But with their story, it's impossible not to cry

-Sunjaeㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

-It’s the last episode, so he must have felt emotional and criedㅠㅠㅠㅠ

-He probably cried because he was overwhelmed and happyㅋㅋㅋ Ah, I’m looking forward to You Quiz on the Block today

-No way... It's not a sad ending, right?!

-Next week is really the end.... How will I live nowㅜ

-Ah, the final episode is next week

-He must have cried because he was movedㅋㅋㅋㅋ Don't worry, guys, Byun Wooseok is just a really emotional person

-Please don't let it be a sad ending

-It’s because he’s happy, right? ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

-Thank you for being Ryu Sunjae

-He always cries during the last episodeㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Byun Wooseok cries a lot....
Continue reading Byun Wooseok: I cried a lot reading the script for the 16th episode of Lovely Runner
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BELIFT Lab's Announcement (They're suing Min Heejin)


Hello, this is BELIFT Lab.

Today, May 22nd, we have filed a complaint against CEO Min Heejin for obstruction of business and defamation, due to her one-sided false claims causing harm to our company and our affiliated artists.

We clearly state that the plagiarism allegations made by CEO Min regarding our artist, ILLIT, are not true. We have submitted evidence to the authorities that proves these allegations are false, and although it may take some time, we will clarify the truth through proper legal procedures.

The determination of plagiarism concerning intellectual property should be based on reasonable standards and procedures, not on individual, distorted interpretations. We express our regret that our artists and members' efforts and achievements are being undervalued due to baseless speculations and false claims.

Furthermore, despite the fact that this issue is unrelated to ILLIT, the members of ILLIT are suffering from severe malicious comments, humiliation, and personal attacks. We earnestly request that the unfounded insults, malicious slander, false information dissemination, and defamatory attacks on our artists cease immediately.

We will do our best to protect our artists and members.

Thank you.

theqoo 

-Min Heejin only brought this topic up internally. HYBE was the one who brought this up to the public for the media play. Why blame Min Heejin?ㅋㅋㅋ If they want to sue, it's HYBE who they should sue. They were the ones who created fake news to attack Min Heejin.

-They should blame HYBE for leaking this to the mediaㅋㅋㅋ

-Wow, so shameless.

-They should sue HYBE. They were the ones who leaked the internal report to the media.

-Ok. So who followed that Twitter account?

-What are they even saying? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Shameless.

-I hope they go bankrupt. I uninstalled Weverse and unsubscribed from everything. From this second on, I will only support New Jeans. Everything else they do is just so off-putting. This isn’t a big company, it’s just like a neighborhood business who is run by a petty old man.

-Wow, how much lower can they go? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Shameless.

-HYBE is trash. They tried to accuse her of breach of trust to get rid of her, and when she fought back, they sued her for defamation. Min Heejin, stay strong!

-Instead of apologizing, they sue? This is ridiculousㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-These thieves are so shameless.

-Who’s suing who? ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ I’m not surprised at all.

-Wow, look at how shameless they are.

-Shameless. I hope they go bankrupt.

-ㅋㅋㅋ I’ll never support them again.

-Is it okay that their official account followed an account that bashes other artists? ㅎㅎ They should explain that first.

Continue reading BELIFT Lab's Announcement (They're suing Min Heejin)

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Lee Sooman registers 'A20 Entertainment' trademark ... What about his 'non-compete' clause with HYBE?

by Journalist Jeon Dahyun

According to Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service, Blooming Grace (led by former CEO Lee Sooman) applied for the trademark 'A20 Entertainment' on May 3rd. 

Blooming Grace registered this trademark under various product classifications such as entertainment business, video gaming devices, advertising, real estate, downloadable media, advisory services for animal care, clothing, transportation and design services, food and beverage provision services, medical services, and legal services. 

This trademark has been registered as a 'domestic trademark.' Last year, Lee Sooman promised not to engage in the domestic entertainment business for 3 years after signing contracts with HYBE and SM. However, Blooming Grace's objectives are registered as research and studies on management, economics, capital markets, real estate trading and leasing, not entertainment business. 

Lee Sooman previously parted ways with SM Ent. in March last year, then he established Blooming Grace and embarked on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) project activities. Lee Sooman's decision to not establish a new domestic entertainment company and focus on ESG activities abroad is because of the 'non-compete' clause they signed with HYBE. This clause prohibits Lee Sooman from employing SM Ent. employees or signing contracts with SM Ent. artists for the next three years. This might be why Lee Sooman has shifted his focus overseas. He was reported to hold auditions in China last July. 

theqoo

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋ It's probably because he actually didn't want to leave SM Ent. He's someone who has only been in the entertainment busniness, so I'm not really surprised. 

-This grandpa is really amazingㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-He's really amazing. It's surprising that he still wants to do something at his ageㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-It would be hilarious if he partners with Min Heejin and does something.

-Until how much longer does he want to keep starting businesses?

-Honestly, I'm looking forward to it...

-His passion makes me want to re-evaluate my life... 

-He's full of energy.

-This grandpa is amazing in many ways.

-Wow, I thought he would take it easy because of his age and health.

-I'm jealous for the fact that he still works until his 70s...

-He can spend those three years training some trainees. When the clause expires, he can sign him with his entertainment company and debut them.

-It's probably not just for money, right? He just doesn't want to rest?

-Grandpa, I'll be looking forward to it!ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-It's really impressive that he still wants to do something at 70 while all his friends retire and play gold. There's a lot to learn from his overflowing enthusiasm and creativityㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Why does he keep working?

-Wow, even with plenty of money, it seems like he's built for the entertainment industry.

Continue reading Lee Sooman registers 'A20 Entertainment' trademark ... What about his 'non-compete' clause with HYBE?

Prosecutors Charge a Former Entertainment Company CEO and 10 Others for 'Sajaegi'

by Journalist Lee Jangho

Former entertainment company CEO, A, and 10 others have been charged for Sajaegi, accused of repeatedly streaming 15 songs 1.72 M times on major music streaming sites by using bulk-purchased IP addresses. 

On the 21st, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office announced that from December 2018 to December 2019, CEO A and 10 others used over 500 virtual PCs, bulk-purchased IP addresses, and 1,627 personal information that were illegally obtained to manipulate rankings on music streaming sites by repeatedly playing 15 songs 1,727,985 times. They were charged with obstruction of business by damaging a computer system on the 20th. 

The prosecution believes that A and the others recruited clients for Sajaegi through brokers. They committed the crime by assigning each IP address to various virtual PCs. The prosecution stated, "Through the investigation, we have confirmed in detail that the suspicions of Sajaegi in the music market were true."

theqoo

-Was it something that could be caught?

-From December 2018 to around December 2019. If it is a 'former' CEO, it means that the company changed its CEO after December 2019. If we dig hard enough, we might find out who it is. 

-Finally, let's dig into this.

-Someone should file a report against HYBE too.

-Didn't Park Kyung call this out but he got in trouble for it?? That means this was something they could investigate, but they just chose not to.

-Could HYBE have been involved too?

-Please reveal everything🙏 K-pop will collapse if these manipulators continue their act.

-Just dig everything up, I'm curious as hellㅋㅋㅋ

-Repeatedly streaming 15 songs 1.72 M times on a music streaming site... What are those 15 songs? Let's find out!!

-I looked at my Melon account and saw some songs downloaded onto my phone, even though I never downloaded them. I was so shocked and deleted them. Nobody knows my password and I've never logged in to this account on any other device. 

-If it was easy to do, why not investigate the current chart?? The result will be interesting...

-Don't stir up controversy and just reveal those songs

-Reveal who it is.

-Please investigate this properly. Don't do this just for show.

-They should investigate up to the present, not just until December 2019! Why are they only investigating that specific year anyway?

-Park Kyung spoke up about this before, but he got fined for spreading false information, didn't he?

-The important thing is... Why isn't HYBE being caught?? I feel like they're only chasing after others and leaving out HYBE on purpose.

Continue reading Prosecutors Charge a Former Entertainment Company CEO and 10 Others for 'Sajaegi'
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Comparison of 'Lovely Runner' to 'Someday or One Day'

Ever since the drama aired, there have been a lot of comments talking about its similarities to 'Someday or One Day'. If you search on Naver or Twitter, people who have watched both dramas mention how similar they are.

SOOD: The female lead works at a record shop run by her uncle
LR: The female lead works at a DVD rent run by her mom

SOOD: While working at the record shop, the female lead closes her eyes and hums, and the male lead and male sub-lead quietly enter the shop
LR: While working at the DVD rent, the female lead dozes off with her eyes closed and the male lead quietly enters the store (The scene overall is quite similar)

SOOD: The drama is set about 20 years in the past, and it featured songs that were popular in Taiwan at that time
LR: The drama is set about 15 years in the past, it also featured the culture and songs that were popular in South Korea at that time. Especially by using Kim Hyungjoong's 'Maybe'. (In the original Webtoon, the story is set about 6 years in the past)

SOOD: The female lead struggles with the male lead's death, travels to the past
LR: Same

SOOD: The female lead tries to prevent herself from being murdered
LR: Same. (In the original Webtoon, there's no murderer)

SOOD: The male sub-lead exists to protect the female lead from being murdered
LR: Same (In the original Webtoon, there's no male sub-lead)

SOOD: The male lead gets seriously injured or dies
LR: Same

SOOD: The male lead secretly waits 21 years for the female lead to return to their original timeline.
LR: Same, but 15 years

SOOD: The female lead cries whenever she sees the male lead as she time travels, there's a line where the male lead asks 'Why do you cry whenever you see me?"
LR: Same, also with the same line. 

SOOD: There's an 'umbrella scene', where the male lead falls for the female lead. Later, he paints this scene and features it in an exhibition. Even in the movie version, he remembers this scene even after losing all his memories.
LR: There are a lot of 'umbrella scene's and even their first encounter involves one, where the male lead falls for the female lead. 

SOOD: After the incident, the older version of the male and female lead who knows everything about their past, meet. However, their happiness is short-lived, prompting the female lead to time travel again.
LR: Same

SOOD: The male lead was mischievous when he was young, but matured as he waits a long time for the female lead.
LR: Same

SOOD: They barely manage to meet in the future, both aware of the past events, but the female lead is threatened again, and the male lead dies while chasing the culprit.
LR: The male lead also dies, the murderer holds a grudge against him because something that happened in the past and go find the male lead. tokill him.

SOOD: The culprit is a psychopath.
LR: Same (In the original Webtoon, there's no murderer)

SOOD: The male lead initially doesn’t believe the female lead is from the future but eventually does and tries to save her from death.
LR: Same

SOOD: They realize the truth about time travel at the airport.
LR: (Not exactly the same, but similar) They realize the truth about time travel at the airport.

SOOD: The male sub-led notices the differences between the original female lead and the time-traveling version of the female lead, believes in her time travel experience earlier than the male lead.
LR: Same

SOOD: The female lead takes over a person in the past who looks exactly like her.
LR: The female lead returns to her own body in the past, but her personality and behaviors are different. Later in the storyline, the original version of the female lead pushes the male lead away.

SOOD: The male lead decides to attend the same university as the female lead.
LR: Same

SOOD: The female lead begins time-traveling with a cassette tape given by the male lead.
LR: The female lead begins time-traveling with a watch given by the male lead.

SOOD: The cassette tape, as a medium, gets damaged. The female lead, crying and desperate to save the male lead, finds a way to fix it.
LR: The watch, as a medium, gets lost. The female lead, crying and desperate to save the male lead, finds a way to retrieve it.

SOOD: The female lead’s parents are divorced, and she lives with her mother and younger brother. Her mother is very strong and capable.
LR: The female lead’s father died in an accident when she was young, and she lives with her grandmother and older brother. Her mother is very strong and capable (there is no brother in the original Webtoon).

SOOD:
-Drama version: To break the time loop, they destroy the medium and erase their meeting. All memories are lost.
-Continuation from the drama in the movie version: Although they lost their story in the drama, they fatefully meet again in the movie and are drawn to each other.
-Movie version: They keep sacrificing their lives to save each other, continuing the loop. However, as they can’t find a loop where they both survive, they reset everything to the beginning and make themselves forget each other.

LR: As of episode 13, despite the female lead erasing the story to prevent the male lead’s death that never changes, the male lead is still drawn to the female lead.

Here are the similarities so far...
I hope the male lead in 'Lovely Runner' doesn't time travel. Also, the childhood subplot hasn't been revealed yet, but in 'Someday or One Day', there's also a subplot about the male and female lead meeting in their childhood. 

From the beginning, there have been comments saying things like 'Lovely Runner is the Korean version of Someday or One Day,' 'Lovely Runner is more like Someday or One Day than the actual Korean remake of Someday or One Day,' and more. Are these settings just really common in time travel stories...? If an average viewer finds them similar, I think the writers of SOOD would also find them similar. It feels like all these little things add up to make the overall atmosphere very similar. But as someone who enjoys both shows, it’s a bit unsettling when they become too similar...

+ I have no intention of mocking or criticizing anyone...


-I really enjoyed watching SOOD, but what about it is similar to Lovely Runner...?ㅋㅋㅋ Is it just because both dramas are about time travelling?? 

-I have to admit that I thought of SOOD while watching Lovely Runner

-There are some scenes in Lovely Runner that remind me of SOOD, but I personally think those scenes are very common in dramas with same genre, so it could be coincidental.

-I think Lovely Runner's writers might have used SOOD as their references while adapting the Webtoon to the drama. I don't know about plagiarism, but Lovely Runner does remind me of SOOD.

-What are you talking about? I've watched both dramas and they're completely different.

-These two dramas are completely different. Are you sure you watched the same drama we're talking about here?

-Wow... It's quite similar. 

-You can't fix stupidity.

-There’s context and background to each situation... If you generalize everything as the same, is there any drama that isn’t similar?

-In SOOD, the female lead enters the body of a different girl who looks exactly like her in the past.

-I really love dramas about time travel, so I've watched both. In SOOD, the female lead doesn't go back to her own body in the past. She possesses someone who looks like her. This causes inner conflicts since the personality of the person she possesses still remains inside that body. Also, the way the male sub-lead and psychopath are portrayed is different. In SOOD, the psychopath's actions are not connected to the female lead's past. 

-..?

-Stop being so ridiculous.

-I love SOOD, but this is nonsense.
Continue reading Comparison of 'Lovely Runner' to 'Someday or One Day'