This week, various entertainment news captured the attention of fans. The provincial tour news of the musical 'Memphis', the infiltration of AI into the film and drama industry, and the lightstick controversy involving QWER and The Boyz were hot topics.
Interest in the new project featuring Lee Jin-wook and Suzy surged, as did attention on the legal battle between Chen Baekxi and SM, and the Japan-related controversy prompted by the popularity of 'KDH'. Musical actor Hong Sung-won bowed his head amidst the ongoing debate.
Here’s a roundup of the hottest issues of the week (September 22–26).
◆ Musical 'Memphis' Wraps Up Successful Seoul Show, Kicks Off Provincial Tour in October
The musical 'Memphis' has successfully concluded its performances in Seoul and is set to embark on a provincial tour.
The story is set in the American Southern city of Memphis in the 1950s and follows radio DJ Huey and talented singer Felicia as they strive to change the world with rock and roll music, depicting their dreams and love. The show received immense love during its Korean premiere, thanks to exciting rock and roll numbers and brilliant performances, winning awards including Best Musical, Best Producer, Best Director, Best Stage Arts (Sound), and Best Ensemble at the 8th Korean Musical Awards.
In this season, the roles of Huey are played by Park Kang-hyun, Ko Eun-sung, Jeong Taek-woon, and Lee Chang-seob, while Felicia is portrayed by Jeong Seon-a, Yuri, and Son Seung-yeon. Min-cheol Choi and Jae-hyun Shim take on the roles of Delray, with returning cast members like Jeong Won-choi and Lee Jong-moon joining new talent such as Park Gwang-seon.
Following a successful run in Seoul, 'Memphis' will continue its provincial tour on October 18 and 19 at Seongnam Arts Center Opera House, October 25 and 26 at Sejong Arts Center, and November 1 and 2 at Icheon Arts Hall.
◆ AI Enters Film and Drama Industries, New Paradigm for K-Content
After the game and music industries, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is now being heavily utilized in films and dramas, capturing public attention.
The visuals in the country’s first AI full-length film 'The Middle Ground' blend so seamlessly with live-action backgrounds that it’s hard to believe they were made with AI technology. The film is an action blockbuster depicting a chase between souls trapped in the 'Middle Ground' linking life and death and grim reapers trying to extinguish those souls, featuring acclaimed actors such as Byun Yo-han, Kim Kang-woo, Bang Hyo-rin, Lim Hyung-joon, Yang Se-jong, and Lee Moo-saeng.
The AI moving poster for tvN's new drama 'Typhoon Business' also garnered attention. In the released AI poster, Lee Junho transforms into various outfits, including a red suit, leather jacket, and crisp suits, continuing seamlessly in one take. It created an illusion that an actual actor was performing on screen. The drama portrays the growth story of newbie office worker Kang Tae-poong (played by Lee Junho) who becomes the CEO of a trading company during the 1997 IMF crisis.
AI technology is gradually permeating K-content, and amidst a mix of public expectations and concerns, many are watching to see what new paradigms it will present in the future.
◆ The Boyz and QWER Dive Deep into 'Lightstick Similarity' Conflict as Both Agencies Respond
As the design similarity controversy between The Boyz and band QWER escalated, their agencies stepped in.
On the 25th, The Boyz's agency One Hundred stated, "We deeply empathize with the confusion and discomfort fans have experienced due to the design similarities between The Boyz' official lightstick and QWER's lightstick." They continued, "Since recognizing the issue, we have been discussing design changes with QWER, but we did not reach a final conclusion." They added, "We sincerely apologize for not responding to the controversy more quickly, and we will take strong action together with relevant institutions, including all legal measures, to ensure this does not happen again."
On the same day, QWER's agencies, Three O Communications and Prism Filter, expressed, "We deeply regret that the other side suddenly announced legal action while we were holding calm negotiations and discussions regarding this issue." They clarified, "Our official lightstick poses no design or copyright issues," also stating, "We have consulted lawyers and conducted multiple legal reviews regarding copyright concerns, confirming that there are no issues, including copyright infringement."
◆ Lee Jin-wook and Suzy Unveil Special Poster for 'Breakfast Meeting' Full of Emotion
At the 30th Busan International Film Festival, the film 'Breakfast Meeting for the Brokenhearted' drew great attention from many audiences. It tells the story of Sa-gang (played by Suzy), a flight attendant, and Ji-hoon (played by Lee Jin-wook), a consultant, as they uncover the mystery of their swapped 'breakup mementos'.
The film is based on the 2012 novel by Baek Young-ok, directed by Im Sun-ae. It features a stellar cast with Suzy, Lee Jin-wook, Yoo Ji-tae, and Geum Sa-rok, generating excitement even before its release.
The previously released special poster highlights the two protagonists brushing past each other at a doorway, emphasizing a moment that captures the pain of a breakup. The tagline, "It’s over, but I want to end it," vividly conveys the lingering effects of heartbreak. This work is expected to resonate deeply with the audience.
◆ Can EXO Assemble Fully? Chen Baekxi and SM Stagnate
The first mediation regarding the contract dispute between EXO unit Chen Baekxi (Baekhyun, Xiumin, Chen) and their agency SM Entertainment has concluded without a resolution.
Chen Baekxi, who debuted in 2021 as part of EXO, pursued various activities including unit activities but announced contract termination in June 2023, claiming unfairness with SM. SM alleged suspicion of tampering (contacting other agencies prior to contract expiration), resulting in ongoing conflict.
After the dispute, a compromise was reached where EXO group activities would continue under SM, while individual and Chen Baekxi unit activities would be managed through their independent label INB100, but tensions resurfaced regarding the terms of the agreement.
In this mediation, SM emphasized that "the exclusive contract must be honored," stressing the agreement that Chen Baekxi would pay 10% of individual activity sales. On the contrary, Chen Baekxi insisted, "We did not receive proper settlement information, and SM has not adhered to the promised 5.5% distribution fee for albums and digital releases." They reportedly maintained their previous claims.
As the dispute between Chen Baekxi and SM continues, concerns are rising that their involvement in EXO's complete group activities may become increasingly uncertain.
This year, EXO marks its 13th anniversary. Especially with news of the end of members' military service, fans are eagerly anticipating EXO's activities. However, whether it will be group activities remains unknown.
◆ 'KDH' Sparks Interest in Japan's Past Abuses as Viewers Discover History while Searching for Tigers
The hit Netflix show 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' (hereinafter referred to as 'KDH') is shedding light on Japan's historical transgressions worldwide.
Recently, a foreign TikToker shared a video stating, "While watching 'KDH', I searched for tiger history and discovered that Japan had exterminated all tigers in Korea in the last century." The video garnered 180,000 likes and 1.2 million views, as attention returned to Japan's past.
During the Japanese colonial period, Japan classified Korean tigers as 'harmful animals' (害獸, 해를 주는 동물) and initiated organized exterminations starting in 1917. Such historical narratives are being revisited through 'KDH'.
In this regard, Professor Seo Kyung-duk from Sungshin Women's University provided his insight, stating, "This is not the first time Japan's historical abuses have been brought to light through OTT. The success of Korean content through OTT has a positive effect in widely informing people about Japan's transgressions."
Furthermore, Professor Seo expressed, "The success of Korean content through OTT has allowed viewers worldwide to become aware of Japan's abuses during the colonial period. I hope that more diverse K-content spreads worldwide, allowing Asian history to be more accurately known to the global audience."
◆ Musical Actor Hong Sung-won Apologizes for Sexist Remarks Following Audience Criticism
Actor Hong Sung-won apologized after facing backlash for sexist comments made during the pre-show of the musical 'Burn the Witch'.
On the 22nd, Hong Sung-won posted on his Instagram, saying, "I sincerely apologize for causing discomfort with inappropriate expressions during the pre-show of the musical 'Burn the Witch'." He acknowledged the heavy responsibility of disappointing the audience and his peers, promising to be more cautious with his words and actions in the future.
Just two days earlier, during the pre-show event at the Hongik University Daehangro Arts Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul, he said to an audience member, "There’s a saying, 'When a hen crows, the house falls apart; please play the role of a hen'." This remark caused a stir after it was shared online by an audience member who attended the show.
The saying implies that if a woman is more vocal than a man, the household and society will not function well, leading to criticism from some netizens. Especially since 'Burn the Witch' is a musical centered on witches and actresses, the controversy exploded.