Kang Mina: "I'm very close with IOI ... Not joining the full-group reunion was the best decision"

SOURCE: [뮤:터뷰③]강미나 “아이오아이와 너무 친해..완전체 불참은 최선이었어요”

Actress Kang Mina shared her honest feelings about not participating in IOI's full-group activities.

Now in her 10th year since debut, Kang Mina has been active in various fields, including group activities with IOI, Gugudan, and also acting. While IOI reunites as a full-group for their 10th debut anniversary, Kang Mina decided to focus on her acting career despite her disappointment. How does Kang Mina feel now, a decade into her career?

On the 29th, Kang Mina met with Herald Muse at a cafe in Seoul, stating, "Honestly, I don't know the full details of the IOI project. I heard it's been in preparation since the second half of last year. I just finished filming an unreleased drama a month ago. There were also promotional schedules in between. I felt it would be difficult to participate in IOI's activities, so I thought it was best to convey my decision to the members."

However, she emphasized that she is still very close with the members, saying, "We're actually so close that we already know we're supporting one another. Even just a single like on social media makes me feel that they're watching and rooting for me. The members also leave comments on my posts, which I'm so grateful for, and I support them as well. If the timing works, I'd like to make a surprise visit to IOI's practice, but since I don't know any details, that might be difficult."

Many IOI's members are also active as actresses, including Kim Sejeong, Jung Chaeyeon, Kim Doyeon, and Kim Sohye. When asked if she discusses acting with these fellow members, she laughed and said, "We don't really talk about acting. When we meet, we usually talk about things like, 'How is your diet?', 'I heard this place is good,' or 'There's a nice wine bar. Let's go there together.'"

Having debuted in 2016, Kang Mina is now marking her 10th year in the entertainment industry. She said, "What I've felt most this year is wondering whether I can proudly say that I'm in my 10th year since debut. I'm not confident yet, but I'm trying to become an actress worthy of that milestone. I've looked back on the past often, but now I think more about how I should move forward."

Kang Mina also described 'If Wishes Could Kill' as a project that could be a turning point in her career, saying, "It doesn't feel real yet, but I'm very grateful that many people have watched it since its release. I think it could be a turning point for me. Those who like shamanism, horror, or gore genres will most likely enjoy this show. It's a project that feels like unraveling something ambiguous like a game where you're confused about what is real and what isn't."

Reflecting on her acting career, Kang Mina said, "Acting is very difficult and I constantly hit walls. I often feel unsure about my acting performance and I just kind of wing it while saying 'I don't know.' But when something deep inside me comes out unexpectedly, I feel a sense of achievement and charm. When I talk about my projects with such affection in interviews like this, I realize that I truly love acting. I believe I have filmed every single project with love."

Continue reading Kang Mina: "I'm very close with IOI ... Not joining the full-group reunion was the best decision"

What's happening with Danielle's 43 billion KRW lawsuit? ... ADOR's entire legal team resigns

SOURCE: 다니엘 430억 손배소에 무슨 일…어도어 변호인단 전원 사임

The legal team representing ADOR, which filed a damages lawsuit worth 43 billion KRW against former NewJeans' member Danielle, her family, and former ADOR CEO Min Heejin (now CEO of OOAK Records), has stepped down.

According to the legal community on the 29th, all five attorneys from Kim & Chang Law Firm who had been representing ADOR submitted their resignations to the court on the 24th.

It has been reported that the resignation is a measure taken by ADOR to handle the ongoing lawsuit more efficiently.

The resignation took place following the preparatory hearing for the damage lawsuit filed by ADOR against Danielle's side and former CEO Min Heejin held on the 26th of last month.

At the time, both sides showed sharp disagreement over the potential prolonging of the case. Danielle's side argued that ADOR was delaying proceedings by requesting for extensions, stating, "Danielle is an idol. If the lawsuit is prolonged, she will inevitably suffer damages. This is the most important period of her career."

In response, ADOR argued that they needed additional review time due to the complexity of the issues, stating, "This is not a lawsuit that determines whether the defendant can continue entertainment activities or not. She can decide on and carry out entertainment activities herself."

ADOR had requested a delay of the hearing schedule, but the court rejected it. The first formal hearing is set for May 14.

ADOR filed the damages lawsuit in last December, along with the termination of Danielle's exclusive contract. At the time ADOR stated, "We intend to hold a family member of Danielle and former CEO Min Heejin legally responsible, as they are responsible for causing this conflict and delayed the return of NewJeans."

Continue reading What's happening with Danielle's 43 billion KRW lawsuit? ... ADOR's entire legal team resigns

Ms. A from 'Match to Marry' cleared of 'adultery allegations' ... "'Crime Chief' admits their fault" Vows full legal action

SOURCE: ‘합숙맞선’ A씨, ‘상간녀 의혹’ 벗었다…“사건반장 측, 잘못 인정” 법적 대응 총력 [전문]

Participant A from the SBS' 'Match to Marry' has firmly denied allegations of being in an affair and issued a final statement.

On the 29th, A posted on her Instagram, stating, "I am sorry for my insufficient response during the controversy," but emphasized that the claims were false, saying, "I am pursuing both civil and criminal legal action against the spread of false information and defamation." Regarding the JTBC's 'Crime Chief' episode that sparked the issue, A stated, "It was a one-sided report that did not sufficiently reflect the facts," adding that the video has been deleted and the show admitted their error.

Additionally, A also revealed that lawsuits against the informant and related individuals are scheduled to begin in May, and that she has filed over 100 complaints against malicious comments and posts. She added, "I may consider leniency if the relevant posts are deleted within a specified period, but I will take firm action if the same issues continue." She concluded by stating, "I will take legal action on all matters to protect my rights and honor," adding there would be no further statements.

The controversy began when JTBC's 'Crime Chief' claimed that 'a woman who had an affair with an ex-husband is currently on a dating show.' It was also reported that the woman had been ordered to pay 20 million KRW in damages for her responsibility in the breakdown of a marriage.

Following the broadcast, speculation spread online that the individual in question was participant A from 'Match to Marry,' to which A responded by denying the allegations, calling them 'exaggerated and distorted.'

As the controversy grew, the production team of 'Match to Marry' edited out A's footage, effectively removing her from the show.

Below is the full statement from A:

Hello. First of all, I would like to apologize for my insufficient response due to confusion of how to respond to such a suddent event, and for the controversy caused during that process.

Regarding the spread of false information, defamation, and damages caused by this matter, I am pursuing both civil and criminal legal action in order to protect my rights.

The JTBC program in question aired one-sided report that did not sufficiently reflect the facts, and they have since acknowledged their mistake.

The video has been completely deleted by the broadcasting station and re-uploading has been prohibited. Related articles have also been taken down.

Additionally, the program has also requested an amicable settlement.

Starting in May, legal proceedings and lawsuits against the informant and related individuals will proceed sequentially.

Continue reading Ms. A from 'Match to Marry' cleared of 'adultery allegations' ... "'Crime Chief' admits their fault" Vows full legal action

tvN confirms Gong Yoo, Lee Dongwook, Kim Goeun, and Yoo In-na have completed filiming 'Goblin 10th anniversary special' in Gangneung

SOURCE: tvN 측 "공유·이동욱·김고은·유인나, '도깨비' 10주년 강릉 촬영 완료" [공식입장]

A variety show celebrating the 10th anniversary of the tvN drama 'Goblin' has finished filming.

On the 28th, tvN told OSEN, "Last weekend, Gong Yoo, Lee Dongwook, Kim Goeun, and Yoo In-na have completed filming for 'Goblin's 10th Anniversary (working title)' in Gangneung."

'Goblin' is a fantasy romance drama about an immortal goblin who needs a human bride to end his eternal life, a grim reaper who losts his memory and begins living with him, and a girl destined to die who appears before them claiming to be the 'Goblin's Bride.'

The drama aired for 16 episodes from December 2, 2016 to January 21, 2017 and achieved a peak viewer ratings of 20.5%. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this drama.

To celebrate their 10th anniversary, the actors reunited to revisit special memories. tvN added, "Please understand that details about additional cast members will be announced later."

Continue reading tvN confirms Gong Yoo, Lee Dongwook, Kim Goeun, and Yoo In-na have completed filiming 'Goblin 10th anniversary special' in Gangneung

SM Entertainment wins damages lawsuit against Sojang ... Court orders to pay 170 million KRW

SOURCE: SM, '탈덕수용소' 손배 승소…총 1억 7천만원 배상 판결

SM Entertainment has won a civil lawsuit against the person behind Sojang.

On the 22nd, the Seoul Central District Court ruled in favor of SM in the damage claim lawsuit they filed against Sojang, ordering the defendant to pay a total of 170 million KRW in damages.

This amount includes compensation for both the agency and its artists (Aespa, EXO, and Red Velvet). Specifically, the 130 million KRW is to be paid to the artists and 30 million KRW to the agency.

The court recognized Sojang's liability for damages, stating that videos posted on the channel negatively affected public perception of Aespa, EXO, and Red Velvet.

The court also recognized damages to the agency, ruling that 'the image and public reputation of artists are core assests of the company,' and that the contents posted on the channels caused 'substantial disruption to business operations.'

Sojang had previously lost damage lawsuits filed by IVE's Jang Wonyoung, BTS' V, and Jungkook. In those cases, the court also ordered the defendant to pay tens of millions KRW in damages.

The criminal case has also been finalized. In January, the Supereme Court upheld the original verdict against Sojang for charges including defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act. The court ordered a sentence of 2 years in prison, suspended for 3 years, along with a forfeiture of 211.42 million KRW.

Sojang is an infamous 'cyber wrecker' channel that spread rumors about celebrities from October 2021 to June 2023.

Continue reading SM Entertainment wins damages lawsuit against Sojang ... Court orders to pay 170 million KRW

'Salmokji: Whispering Water' surpasses 2 million viewers ... First time in 8 years since 'Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum'

SOURCE: 공포영화 '살목지' 2백만 관객 돌파…'곤지암' 이후 8년 만에 쾌거

'Salmokji: Whispering Water' has surpassed a cumulative viewers of 2 million. This is the first time a horror film has achieved this milestone in 8 years, since 'Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum.'

According to Korean Film Council on the 28th, 'Salmokji: Whispering Water' drew 41,902 viewers the previous day, maintaining its No.1 position at the box office.

Since its release on the 8th, the film has reached a total of 2,025,662 viewers. It surpassed the 2 million mark in just 20 days after its release.

This achievement makes 'Salmokji: Whispering Water' the highest-grossing horror film since the pandemic. It is also the first horror film to surpass 2 million viewers since 'Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum' in 2018, which recorded around 2.68 million viewers.

With midterm exams ending in late April, a large number of teenage and young adult viewers is expected to head to theaters. As 'Salmokji: Whispering Water' has gained strong word-of-mouth popularity among younger viewers, its box office success is expected to continue for the time being.

'Salmokji: Whispering Water' is a horror film about a production team that heads to a reservoir to re-shoot after an unidentified figure is captured on a street view map, only to encounter something lurking beneath the dark, deep water.

Continue reading 'Salmokji: Whispering Water' surpasses 2 million viewers ... First time in 8 years since 'Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum'

Jeon Somi cast as the lead in a Hollywood film ... "I passed the audition"

SOURCE: 전소미, 할리우드 영화 주연 캐스팅…"오디션 보고 합격" [라스]

Singer Jeon Somi revealed that she has been cast in a Hollywood movie.

The next episode of MBC's 'Radio Star' airing on the 29th will be a special episode titled 'The ones who reunited, Naya Na! Together we rise!' featuring guests Lee Jonghyuk, Yoo Sun, Jeon Somi, and Lee Daehwi.

Jeon Somi first gained huge popularity after ranking No. 1 on 'Produce 101' in 2016 and debuting as the center and the youngest member of IOI. After the group's activities ended, she continued her success as a solo artist and enjoys her steady popularity.

Jeon Somi also talks about the ongoing reunion project celebrating IOI's 10th anniversary. With their group chat still active, she revealed behind-the-scenes stories and the atmosphere during preparations, showing their unchanged teamwork. In particular, she also drew attention by naming Chungha as the key figure leading the reunion.

In addition, Jeon Somi also revealed that the group has finished their labum jacket photoshoot and recording, and that they are now waiting for the official comeback release. She shared that she has been practicing 4 to 6 hours a day and admitted that reuniting with the members made her realize the difference in their physical stamina compared to 10 years ago.

Additionally, she also shared an episode from their past IOI days about their monthly dorm meetings. She recalled falling asleep during one meeting and getting scolded by Kim Sejeong, drawing laughter.

Known as a maximalist and fan of unique items, Jeon Somi also revealed her unusual stories, like buying 60 to 70 towels when she first started living alone. She also showed various items she collected from abroad. Furthermore, she also shared surprising behind-the-scenes story about appearing as a reenactment actress on 'Surprise' to promote her new song.

On top of that, Jeon Somi revealed that she was recently cast as the lead in a Hollywood film and has already completed filming. She explained that she personally auditioned for the role in the middle of her busy music show promotions. She passed the audition and eventually filmed the project in Thailand, marking a new challenge in her career.

The episode of MBC's 'Radio Star' featuring Jeon Somi will air on April 29 at 10.30 PM (KST).

Continue reading Jeon Somi cast as the lead in a Hollywood film ... "I passed the audition"