IVE’s Jang Won Young To Host 2026 Asia Artist Awards

Jang Won Young will be hosting the Asia Artist Awards once again this year!

On May 19, the organizers of the 2026 Asia Artist Awards (AAA) officially announced that IVE’s Jang Won Young has been selected as the MC for the award show, which will be held over two days, from December 5 to 6, at the Kaohsiung National Stadium in Taiwan. This marks Jang Won Young’s sixth consecutive year hosting the show.

Having graced the awards ceremony each year with her impressive hosting skills, witty reactions, and stunning visuals, expectations are high that she will once again captivate global fans with her performance this year. More details about the award ceremony and its lineup of performing artists will be revealed at a later date.

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Jang Dong Ju’s Agency Releases Statement Regarding His Sudden Retirement Announcement

Actor Jang Dong Ju’s agency has released an official statement regarding his retirement announcement.

Previously on May 15, Jang Dong Ju uploaded a post on his personal social media account announcing his retirement from acting.

Afterward, the actor held a live broadcast where he apologized for the series of events and shared an update on his situation. He confessed that, with help from people around him, he had managed to settle more than 3 billion won (approximately $1,994,000) out of approximately 4 billion won (approximately $2,659,000) in debt but still had around 700 million (approximately $465,400) to 800 million won (approximately $531,900) remaining.

He also expressed that he felt unable to continue a normal acting career due to ongoing debt collection pressure. However, he stated that he would repay the debt through his own efforts rather than using legal relief procedures such as bankruptcy or rehabilitation programs.

On May 17, Jang Dong Ju’s agency Management W released an official statement clarifying that Jang Dong Ju’s retirement announcement was a decision made solely by the actor himself without any prior discussion or consultation with the agency.

Read the agency’s full statement below:

Hello, this is Management W.

First, we would like to apologize to fans who cherish and support our artist Jang Dong Ju as well as to those in the pop culture and arts industry for causing concern with such sudden news.

The announcement of actor Jang Dong Ju’s retirement, which has recently circulated through media and social media, was a matter decided unilaterally by the actor himself without any prior discussion or consultation with our agency.

Our agency did not receive any prior notice regarding this matter and only became aware of the situation after the announcement was made.

This act constitutes highly irresponsible behavior that abandons the responsibility and trust expected of an actor currently under contract. We would like to clarify that the responsibility for the resulting confusion and damages lies entirely with the actor himself.

Our agency is doing its utmost to resolve the situation with the relevant parties and partners who have been affected by the actor’s unilateral decision, and we are responding to this matter with the utmost seriousness.

Furthermore, we have judged that the relationship of trust with actor Jang Dong Ju has effectively reached an irrecoverable state, and we plan to carefully review all matters including whether to maintain the exclusive contract in the future.

We once again deeply apologize to fans and all related parties for the concern caused.

Thank you.

Last year, Jang Dong Ju caused concern after leaving behind only a brief apology statement before cutting off contact. Later, in January of this year, he revealed that he had been threatened by hackers and suffered financial losses amounting to tens of billions of won.

Born in 1994, Jang Dong Ju made his acting debut with the KBS drama “School 2017” and recently appeared in the drama “No Tail to Tell.” Earlier on May 1, the actor shared news that he was joining the cast of the new film “OUR NEXT” (literal title), but two weeks later, he made a sudden retirement announcement, causing concern.

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Top Photo Credit: Xportsnews

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Heo Nam Jun And Jang Seung Jo Clash In Chaebol Succession Battle In “My Royal Nemesis”

Get ready for a fierce succession battle between Heo Nam Jun and Jang Seung Jo in SBS’s upcoming drama “My Royal Nemesis”!

“My Royal Nemesis” is a romantic comedy starring Lim Ji Yeon as Shin Seo Ri, a struggling actress who is suddenly possessed by the spirit of a notorious villainess from the Joseon era. Heo Nam Jun will star as Cha Se Gye, a ruthless chaebol heir who is known as a “monster created by capitalism.”

In the drama, Cha Se Gye is the grandson of Cha-il Group chairman Cha Dal Soo (Yoon Joo Sang). However, instead of working for one of Cha-il Group’s subsidiary companies, he runs an independent business of his own.

Jang Seung Jo will play the role of Choi Moon Do, the CEO of Cha-il Construction. As the nephew of chairman Cha Dal Soo, Choi Moon Do is an ambitious man who dreams of one day becoming the chairman of Cha-il Group himself.

Not only are Cha Se Gye and Choi Moon Do inevitably set to face off in a cutthroat succession battle, but they also wind up clashing over Shin Seo Ri, with whom both men form unexpected connections in order to achieve their respective goals.

Newly released stills from the upcoming drama capture a tense confrontation between Cha Se Gye and Choi Moon Do. With no familial warmth to be found between the two men, the tension is palpable as they stare each other down in Choi Moon Do’s office late at night. While Cha Se Gye’s hardened expression suggests that he is barely holding in his rage, Choi Moon Do wears a relaxed but chilling smile as he responds to his angry rival.

Heo Nam Jun And Jang Seung Jo Clash In Chaebol Succession Battle In “My Royal Nemesis”插图

“My Royal Nemesis” will premiere on May 8 at 9:50 p.m. KST. Check out a teaser for the drama here!

In the meantime, watch Heo Nam Jun in “A Hundred Memories” on Viki below:

Watch Now

And watch Jang Seung Jo in “Strangers Again” below:

Watch Now

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Park Hee Soon Reported + Jang Dong Yoon Joins Kim Hye Yoon In Talks For “The Miracles Of The Namiya General Store”

Park Hee Soon and Jang Dong Yoon may star in the upcoming drama adaptation of “The Miracles of the Namiya General Store”!

On April 28, media outlets reported that Jang Dong Yoon and Park Hee Soon have joined the cast of the Korean remake of “The Miracles of the Namiya General Store.”

In response to the reports, Jang Dong Yoon’s agency BH Entertainment shared, “‘The Miracles of the Namiya General Store’ is one of the projects he received an offer for and is reviewing positively.” Park Hee Soon’s agency has yet to respond.

“The Miracles of the Namiya General Store,” which is one of author Higashino Keigo’s best-known novels, tells the story of three thieves who hide out in the Namiya General Store, a place where the past and present connect. While writing replies to letters asking for advice, they come face-to-face with the secret behind a miracle-like connection intertwined with their own lives.

Previously, it was reported that actors Lee Chae Min, Kim Hye Yoon, Moon Sang Min, Go Ah Sung, Yum Jung Ah, Park Se Wan, Ryu Seung Ryong, Kang You Seok, and Jung Chaeyeon have been offered roles in the drama, further heightening anticipation.

The Korean remake of “The Miracles of the Namiya General Store” is finalizing its casting and entering the filming stage. Stay tuned for more updates!

While you wait, watch Jang Dong Yoon in “The Tale of Nokdu”:

Watch Now

Also check out Park Hee Soon in “The Judge Returns”:

Watch Now

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Park Hee Soon Reported + Jang Dong Yoon Joins Kim Hye Yoon In Talks For “The Miracles Of The Namiya General Store”插图

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“My Royal Nemesis” Director Shares Thoughts On Lim Ji Yeon, Heo Nam Jun, And Jang Seung Jo’s Casting And Chemistry

Director Han Tae Seop of the upcoming drama “My Royal Nemesis” has shared behind-the-scenes stories about the casting of Lim Ji Yeon, Heo Nam Jun, and Jang Seung Jo!

Director Han Tae Seop expressed strong confidence in Lim Ji Yeon, saying, “Lim Ji Yeon was the top choice for both me and the writer. Her unique appeal, proven through many roles, closely matches the spirit shown by Shin Seo Ri, who steadfastly believes in herself and forges her own path.”

He went on, “In particular, Lim Ji Yeon naturally has Shin Seo Ri’s cute, refreshing, and lovable qualities. That’s why we saw her as our one-and-only casting choice.”

The director continued, “In the middle of the cold winter, we filmed a scene where Dan Shim [also played by Lim Ji Yeon] drinks poison and dies. I became so focused on Lim Ji Yeon’s acting that I forgot the cold. Watching her through the monitor, I felt as if my bones were aching. She is an actress who creates a very realistic sense of immersion and builds characters that only she can portray.”

Han Tae Seop added, “Please pay attention to the small and large moments and expressions through which Shin Seo Ri, an 18th-century Confucian-minded woman, delivers sharp remarks to modern-day people. These moments will deliver both catharsis and emotional impact to those of us who live while forgetting the values of ethics, morality, loyalty, and human decency.”

Meanwhile, director Han Tae Seop said of Heo Nam Jun, “I cast him for his ‘homme fatale’ charm, but I discovered he also has comedic talent. Cha Se Gye, created through the blend of Heo Nam Jun’s comedic timing and masculine appeal, will create tense and entertaining chemistry when he clashes with the strong-willed Shin Seo Ri without being overpowered.”

He continued, “I had faith that Heo Nam Jun’s flexible and delicate acting style would create strong chemistry with his co-stars. Lim Ji Yeon and Heo Nam Jun connected with their fellow actors with open hearts, resulting in both lighthearted fun and deep emotion. Even when they joked around on set, once the cameras started rolling, they focused on each other’s performances and supported one another. As a director, I felt grateful seeing that.”

Director Han Tae Seop also praised the performance of Jang Seung Jo, who plays Cha Se Gye’s distant cousin Choi Moon Do, saying, “Jang Seung Jo skillfully brought to life the multifaceted character of Choi Moon Do, who anchors the story with a strong presence amidst the light and cheerful narrative.”

He added, “I spent a long time speaking with Jang Seung Jo and focused on how a ‘villain’ is both similar to and different from us. The character of Choi Moon Do, shaped by Jang Seung Jo’s passion and dedication, will feel compelling, chilling, and at times even pitiful.”

Finally, the director highlighted key points that viewers can look forward to in the drama, saying, “The clash of vivid characters and the performances of talented actors will make the drama extremely immersive. In addition, the lighthearted comedy will give viewers energy at the end of a tiring day, and the unique comfort that only romance can provide will touch viewers’ hearts.”

“My Royal Nemesis” is set to premiere on May 8 at 9:50 p.m. KST.

In the meantime, watch Heo Nam Jun in “A Hundred Memories” on Viki below:

Watch Now

And check out Lim Ji Yeon’s film “Revolver” below:

Watch Now

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Shin Eun Soo Joins Jang Keun Suk In Talks For New Drama

Shin Eun Soo may be joining the upcoming drama “Hyupban” (working title)!

On April 20, Xportsnews reported that Shin Eun Soo will be starring in the drama and is currently coordinating the details.

In response to the report, her agency Management SOOP shared, “She has received an offer for ‘Hyupban’ and is positively reviewing it.”

“Hyupban” tells the story of Ma Han Sang, a gangster with exceptional cooking skills, who ends up hiding in a college student’s home after saving them from danger. The drama is a healing story in which the characters offer each other comfort and support through warm, home-cooked meals.

The drama is based on a Japanese novel, which was previously adapted into a drama in Japan in 2016.

Jang Keun Suk is in talks to play Ma Han Sang, while Lee El has reportedly been offered the role of the mother in a three-generation household—grandmother, mother, and daughter—where he hides.

Shin Eun Soo is expected to take on the role of the daughter in that family—a college student whom Ma Han Sang rescues.

“Hyupban” is currently preparing to begin filming in the first half of the year. Stay tuned for further updates!

In the meantime, watch Shin Eun Soo in “Twinkling Watermelon”:

Watch Now

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Shin Eun Soo Joins Jang Keun Suk In Talks For New Drama插图

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