-
-
-
-
-
-
-
'The Spring of Youth' Park Ji-hu Discovers Ha Yoo-jun's Secret & Sheds Tears
등록일2025.06.19
In 'Spring of Youth,' Park Ji-hu touched Ha Yoo-jun's eyes, discovering his secret and shedding tears, evoking a deep sense of emotion. The 8th episode of SBS's youth drama 'Spring of Youth' (written by Kim Min-chul, directed by Kim Sung-yong), which aired on the 18th, unleashed a whirlwind of fateful romance and narrative, earning cheers from the audience. Sagye (Ha Yoo-jun) kept a secret from the 'Two Sagye' members and Kim Ja-young (Cha Cheong-hwa) about filling in for a canceled schedule by performing for free, even lying about a bundle of cash in a money bag being the event fee, boosting their morale with a scam. On the other hand, after 'Two Sagye' left, Yoon Seung-soo (Han Jin-hee) broke into the empty house, stole Sagye's money bag, and handed it over to Representative Jo (Jo Han-chul), leaving Sagye in shock upon discovering through a home camera that Yoon Seung-soo was the thief. Eventually, Sagye confronted Yoon Seung-soo, revealing that a past mistake by Yoon Seung-soo caused him to lose his sight, but he had hidden the injury for Yoon Seung-soo's sake, freezing him in shock. Meanwhile, Park Ji-hu (Kim Bom) found it odd that Sagye wanted to plant his deceased mother's favorite flowers in the yard and visited his mother's columbarium, pondering over knowing her songs and childhood piano memories from their first meeting, and the disappearance on the day he suggested visiting the columbarium. Crucially, Kim Bom found it strange that Sagye made excuses despite having visited the columbarium. After parting with Sagye, Yoon Seung-soo, feeling guilty, attached a previously deleted photo of Seo Min-cheol's (Kim Jong-tae) SUV to an article, informing Sagye that it was the vehicle he had been looking for. Rushing to Seo Min-cheol's house, Sagye confronted him about fleeing the scene of an accident together with Representative Jo and grabbed his shoulder, suggesting they go to the police station. At this moment, Seo Tae-yang (Lee Seung-hyub) confronted Sagye in anger, but Sagye, realizing Seo Tae-yang's weakness, sharply warned, If you mess with Bom, I won't stand idly by. Seo Min-cheol, already in a crisis due to the death of Kim Bok-rye, was summoned to the police station because of Sagye's hit-and-run report. With the help of a lawyer, he managed to leave the police station and met with Representative Jo, threatening to somehow silence Sagye. Drunkenly, he emphasized to Seo Tae-yang, We have to win, even if it means breaking that guy's neck! casting an ominous shadow. Kim Bom agreed to cooperate with a school newspaper senior, Kwon Hyuk-soo, for a shoot of Seo Tae-yang's alma mater visit, despite 'Two Sagye' members and Sagye's strong opposition. As Sagye stormed out of the club room, Kim Bom softly said, I've always been on the receiving end from you. I wish you could be happy too, and If you get angry, I can't do anything. It's almost... Christmas, you know! melting Sagye's anger. Later, as Kim Bom walked home, the Christmas atmosphere on the streets reminded her of her mother decorating a Christmas tree. However, upon discovering a postcard from Sagye's mother in a mailbox, stating, I'm so grateful that our Sagye can see again and witness this beautiful world, she recalled Sagye's motherly actions and became convinced that Sagye had received a corneal transplant from her mother. Moreover, seeing the Christmas tree Sagye had decorated on the rooftop, Kim Bom told him, Sagye, you don't have to do anything for me anymore. My wish has just come true, and Mom told me. She never blamed me. Not even once, revealing a profound message. When Sagye asked, How do you know what my mom feels? Kim Bom tearfully replied, Right now, your eyes are telling me, moving both to tears. Sagye, feeling sorry, said, I'm sorry, Bom. I was happy when you were struggling, to which Kim Bom responded, No, I'm so glad it's you, shedding tears. In the final scene, Kim Bom, with tears in her eyes, asked, Can I... touch your eyes? and tenderly touched Sagye's eyes in a 'touching ending' that evoked deep emotions. 'Spring of Youth' airs every Wednesday night at 10:40 PM. (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
So Ji-sub Returns with Merciless Action After 13 Years; 'Mercy for None', Bloody Tale of Revenge Where Everyone Must Die
등록일2025.06.18
Amidst the global craze for K-webtoons being adapted into dramas and movies, another legendary webtoon has been brought to life as a drama series. 'Mercy for None', a webtoon from Naver hailed as 'the most complete noir webtoon ever', has been turned into a Netflix series starring So Ji-sub, with all seven episodes released on the 6th. The drama 'Mercy for None' takes the original characters and universe but spins them into a freshly adapted work. The meaning of 'Mercy for None' itself has been expanded. Unlike the original's depiction of a square in front of the National Assembly in Seoul where tough guys clashed, in the drama series, 'Mercy for None' represents the world of two major organizations, 'Juwon' and 'Bongsan', and the rule that 'whoever messes with the other must pay a price'. Eleven years ago, Nam Ki-joon (So Ji-sub) promised never to return to Mercy for None after changing the fate of the two organizations and vanished after severing his own Achilles tendon. However, upon hearing the suspicious news of his brother Ki-seok's (Lee Jun-hyuk) death, Ki-joon returns to the world of Mercy for None to uncover the truth behind his brother's death and embarks on a merciless quest for revenge. The news of Ki-joon's return sparks a bloody war among Juwon, Bongsan, and the members of Mercy for None world, each fighting to protect what they have built. ▲ So Ji-sub: The Dream Casting Becomes Reality 'Mercy for None', rare for a webtoon, showcases a hardboiled genre with a cold and intense world of violence, earning immense love from fans. The drama unfolds all the elements that thrilled fans - Ki-joon's straightforward narrative of avenging his brother, the powerful art style, the ruthless world of violence, and the unpredictable events in the merciless Square. Particularly noteworthy is the casting of So Ji-sub. Among fans of the original webtoon, So Ji-sub was the top fantasy casting choice for the role of Ki-joon. The dream has now become reality. Upon hearing he was the top choice, So Ji-sub admitted feeling pressured but also grateful. When the script came to me, I was honestly thankful. I love the noir genre that's rough and involves physical clashes, so I was really grateful to be offered the chance to choose this project, he shared. So Ji-sub returns to the intense noir action genre for the first time in 13 years since 'A Company Man'. He portrays the character of Ki-joon with a heavy presence, expressing emotions through his gaze and actions rather than words. The cold expressions and the anger simmering in his eyes prove why he was the top choice for the role. ▲ A Stellar Cast, Including the Trendy Choo Young-woo and Special Appearances by Cha Seung-won and Lee Jun-hyuk The cast beyond So Ji-sub is equally impressive. Their acting prowess is a given, but the perfect casting that fully embodies each character's unique atmosphere adds to the immersion. The leaders of Mercy for None's two pillars, 'Juwon' and 'Bongsan', are played by Heo Jun-ho and Ahn Gil-kang, respectively, solidifying the core of the drama. The young actors Choo Young-woo and Gong Myung, currently in the spotlight, take on roles that challenge their previous images, presenting a fresh side to viewers. Choo Young-woo plays Lee Geum-son, a current prosecutor and the son of Juwon's leader, who seems to walk a different path from his father, who has led the organization all his life, but harbors ambitions to overturn the order of Mercy for None. Gong Myung portrays Bongsan's heir, Gu Jun-mo, a villain with a merciless streak and a spoiled nature, demanding everything he desires. The contrast offered by Gong Myung's gentle appearance adds an intriguing twist. Lee Beom-soo plays the role of Shim Sung-won, the head of 'EnClean', who neatly handles the dark deeds in Mercy for None. His unique portrayal of a rascal enhances the drama's entertainment value. Jo Han-chul plays Choi Sung-chul, the loyal right-hand man to Juwon's leader, depicting a cool-headed character striving to maintain balance in the unstable world of Mercy for None. The special appearances are not to be overlooked, adding significant depth to Mercy for None's world. Cha Seung-won and Lee Jun-hyuk stand out with their substantial screen time and presence. Cha Seung-won plays Cha Young-do, a mysterious figure not aligned with either Juwon or Bongsan, keeping viewers intrigued until the end. Lee Jun-hyuk portrays Nam Ki-seok, whose questionable death brings Ki-joon back to Mercy for None and ignites the series of events. Lee Jun-hyuk also showcases high-level action acting. 'Mercy for None' is filled with characters driven by their desires, creating a dynamic energy. The explosive performances by the cast, highlighting the chemistry and charm of each character, are the biggest reasons to watch 'Mercy for None'. ▲ A Long-Awaited Return to Intense Noir Action Nam Ki-joon, driven solely by revenge for his lost brother, expresses his narrative and emotions through action rather than words. 'Mercy for None' dedicates a significant portion to action scenes, allowing viewers to experience the thrilling essence of the noir action genre once again. Especially, the well-crafted action sequences keep viewers glued to the screen. Although Ki-joon's actions are not speedy due to his handicap, the strength within his rough movements is palpable. Like Ma Dong-seok crushing all evil with brute force, So Ji-sub delivers refreshing action scenes with unyielding toughness. Most importantly, Ki-joon's actions in 'Mercy for None' are imbued with 'emotion'. Despite the rough and merciless appearance of the action, it's filled with Ki-joon's deep sorrow and desire for revenge. This is the result of director Choi Sung-eun and So Ji-sub's intention to ensure that emotion is felt in Ki-joon's actions. So Ji-sub aimed to differentiate the intensity of the action, building up to a climax. The clash of characters in 'Mercy for None', each with their own motives, showcases the essence of deep and intense noir action. Viewers can empathize with and root for Ki-joon's revenge, while enjoying the cathartic and refreshing action that the genre offers. ▲ Mixed Feelings Among Original Webtoon Fans The drama 'Mercy for None' is not a direct visualization of the original webtoon. While it follows the original's universe and characters, it's based on the premise of reinterpreting the original . Thus, many aspects of the setting and story have been adapted differently. However, given the legendary status of the original, fans have expressed considerable disappointment with the drama adaptation. Fans have pointed out differences such as the treatment of 'Mercy for None's meaning in the drama, the omission of important episodes from Nam Ki-joon's past, and the disappearance or alteration of several key characters. Regarding comparisons with the original, director Choi Sung-eun stated, Our goal was to reflect the original's cool tone and manner as much as possible in the visuals. While maintaining the narrative centered around Ki-joon's revenge, we thought it was necessary to differentiate from the original. As the series was planned to be lengthy, we hoped to explore the stories and desires of not just Ki-joon but also his counterparts, Juwon and Bongsan. We thought it would be interesting for viewers to follow the conflicts and emotions of each character, expanding the original's scope in our reinterpretation. While it may not satisfy original fans completely, 'Mercy for None' serves as a decent time-killer for those unfamiliar with the webtoon. Its fast-paced development and refreshing action scenes make time fly. 'Mercy for None' offers a different charm while bearing resemblance to the original. If you're looking to experience the fun of Korean noir action anew, 'Mercy for None' comes highly recommended. [Photo= Netflix] (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
Kwon Hyuk-soo to Light Up 'Spring of Youth' with a Special Appearance as a Senior Journalist
등록일2025.06.17
Actor and TV personality Kwon Hyuk-soo is set to make a special appearance in SBS's youth drama 'Spring of Youth' as a senior member of the school newspaper. In the drama 'Spring of Youth' (written by Kim Min-chul, directed by Kim Sung-yong), episode 7 saw Kim Bom (Park Ji-hu) shocked to discover that Seo Tae-yang (Lee Seung-hyub) had become the new leader of 'The Crown'. However, she eventually sees it as a positive development for Seo Tae-yang and dedicates herself to her activities in 'Two Sagye', the debate club. Later, Kim Bom has an awkward reunion with Seo Tae-yang at a department store where she is running an errand for Baek Gyu-ri (Seo Hye-won) and ends up falling in front of him during his fan signing event, drawing attention. Kwon Hyuk-soo will appear in episode 8 of 'Spring of Youth', airing on Wednesday, as a senior member of the school newspaper. He visits the 'Two Sagye' club room to deliver a special mission to Kim Bom. Dressed in a mustard-colored jacket, effortlessly pulling off a casual college look, Kwon Hyuk-soo displays a variety of expressive faces as he delivers his instructions to Kim Bom, who is visibly surprised by his visit. The content of Kwon Hyuk-soo's message to Kim Bom is eagerly anticipated. On set, Kwon Hyuk-soo proved his reputation as a man of many talents with a performance that added a comedic touch to the drama. He incorporated impressions of Yu Hae-jin and Lee Kyung-young into his lines, showcasing his flair and adding humor to the scene. Park Ji-hu, on the other hand, professionally completed the shoot without breaking into laughter despite Kwon Hyuk-soo's amusing performance. The scene, finished with Kwon Hyuk-soo's passionate effort and Park Ji-hu's focused performance, was met with applause from the staff. The production team praised Kwon Hyuk-soo, saying, He is a naturally gifted actor with an exceptional ability to make his presence felt. They added, We ask viewers to look forward to the impact of this scene, brought to life by Kwon Hyuk-soo's thorough preparation, in episode 8 of 'Spring of Youth'. 'Spring of Youth' airs Wednesday night at 10:40 PM. (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)
ILLIT Hits No. 1 on Daily Album Chart Immediately After Their Comeback
등록일2025.06.17
The group ILLIT has kicked off their popularity surge by achieving impressive results on the day of their new release. According to Hanteo Chart, a site that tallies album sales, ILLIT's third mini-album 'bomb' sold 326,117 copies on the day before its release, landing it at the top of the daily album chart on June 17. With each album, they continue to break their previous first-day sales records, showing a consistent upward trend. Notably, this latest release has not only performed well domestically but also ranked high on iTunes and Apple Music 'Top Albums' charts in various countries/regions including Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, hinting at ILLIT's expanding global influence. The album's tracks have also made a significant impact. The title track 'Do the Dance' quickly entered the Melon 'Top 100' as well as real-time charts on Bugs and Genie upon release. Its dreamy yet lively beat, along with unique lyrics like 'doom-chit meow' and 'kung-shil meow,' promise a growing trend of addiction. In Japan, ILLIT's popularity is even more pronounced. On AWA Music's real-time rising chart, the songs 'little monster' and 'oops!' alternated for the top spot, with the title track 'Do the Dance', 'jellyous', and 'bamsopoong' following closely behind, effectively sweeping the chart's top 5 positions. The music video has also received a hot response. Depicting the bold pursuit of first love, the video quickly amassed views and secured a spot in YouTube's trending music rankings shortly after its release. Comments like Can't stop thinking about it, It feels fresh yet distinctly ILLIT, and I'm addicted to ILLIT's unique concept and visuals have flooded the comment section. ILLIT's signature hand gesture choreography has also become a talking point. The 'Cat Stretch Dance,' which mimics the movements of a cat, is expected to lead trends across various short-form content platforms with its adorable and catchy moves. International media have also praised the group. British music magazine NME stated on June 16 (local time), 'bomb' is a whirlwind filled with lively and exhilarating pop music. It seems ILLIT has firmly grasped the style that suits them best by their third album. They added, Especially notable in 'Do the Dance' is the cute post-chorus made up of 'do' and 'da,' mimicking the nervousness and hesitation of young lovers trying to initiate conversation. Meanwhile, ILLIT has organized various events to experience their third mini-album 'bomb' in different ways. Today (June 17), they will hold a 'Friends Night Picnic' at Seoul's Yeouido Park Outdoor Stage, where they will unveil their new song performance for the first time. Additionally, until June 26, a pop-up store at STAGE35 in Seongsu, Seoul, will offer a photo zone that embodies the concept of 'bomb,' along with physical albums and merchandise. Photo=Baik Seung-Chul (SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)
더보기