Heewon Kim – KPOPLOVE

Did Momoland’s Nancy Change Her Korean Name from Seungri to Geuru?

Momoland’s agency responded to the rumor about Nancy choosing a new name over “Seungri.”

On March 20, Momoland’s member Nancy shared selfies through the group’s official Instagram account. In three posts shared on the same day, Nancy’s name is written as “Geuru,” instead of “Lee Seungri,” the Korean name Nancy has been using.

Because of this, fans assumed that she changed her Korean name to Geuru. Especially as the K-pop industry is suffering from a great disturbance caused by the former Big Bang member Seungri, the assumption sounded reasonable. Several news outlets, too, reported that Nancy changed her Korean name.

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However, Momoland’s agency corrected the rumor and stated that Geuru is only her another stage name.

“Nancy did not change her name,” MLD Entertainment stated. “Her Korean name is still Lee Seungri and Geuru is just a stage name she used before.”

On the same day, Momoland came back with the fifth mini album. The group is currently promoting with the title, “I’m So Hot.”

By Heewon Kim

Former Girl Group Member Ayumi to Return to Korean Entertainment Scene

Former member of Sugar Ayumi announced her return to Korean television by signing with Bonboo ENT.

On March 19, Bonboo ENT announced Ayumi’s plan for the activities in Korean entertainment industry.

“We’re happy to sign with Ayumi,” said the agency. “We will help her to find various fields she can show talents in Korea.”

Debuted in 2002 as a member of Sugar with Hwang Jeong-eum, Park Su-jin, and Yook Hye-seung, Ayumi let her name known to the public by actively participating in variety show activities.

After receiving much love from fans with her solo track “Cutie Honey” in 2006, Ayumi started her acting career in Japan in 2008. After a long absence from the Korean entertainment industry, she came back to Korean fans in 2017 by showing her single life through a variety show.

Bonboo ENT, with which Ayumi signed the contract, is home for many stars who are showing talents mainly in variety shows. Some of the popular stars of the agency include Choo Sung-hoon’s family, Kim Dong-hyun, Hwang Kwang-hee, and Lee Sang-hwa.

“I’m excited to return to Korean television in such a long time,” said Ayumi. “I will do my best to show new aspects of me.”

Ayumi will make an official return on “Life Bar.” Her episode will air on March 21.

Original article

Girl’s Day Sojin Signs with Acting Agency, Launching a New Career

Girl’s Day member Sojin is officially launching the acting career.

On March 19, Sojin signed a contract with Noon Company, the acting agency of talented actors including Kim Seul-gi, Ryu Hye-young, and Park Hee-bon. By this, the star is officially launching her new career as actress Park So-jin.

“We will support the star in various ways for her indefinite talents to shine,” said Noon Company.

Previously, Sojin starred in variety shows and dramas, in addition to a play. After the exclusive contract with Girl’s Day’s agency ended, each member chose her own way.

Sojin, however, emphasized that the activities as a member of Girl’s Day is not ending. Announcing her contract with the new agency, Sojin added that she is only taking a break from the group activities.

“Members including me will work hard in own fields until we find a good opportunity to come back with good news,” she said.

Original article

Park Han-Byul Won’t Step Down from Drama Despite Controversies

Actress Park Han-byul clarified that she is not stepping down from the drama.

On March 19, Park Han-byul posted to Instagram that she is not leaving drama “Loving in Sadness.” She wrote, “It’s to keep the promise with so many people including the production team, broadcast company, and the agency.”

“The shooting actually started last year so we’re currently filming near the end of the drama,” said Park Han-byul. “I’m trying hard not to interrupt the flow of the plot.”

Currently starring in “Loving in Sadness,” the actress is in hot water because of her and her husband’s involvement in the “Seungri Scandal.” Park Han-byul’s husband is named as one of Seungri’s controversial business partners. Police investigation revealed that Park Han-byul played golf with the Police Senior Superintendent, who is suspected of helping cover up criminal activities.

“I don’t want to cause any more trouble and the pain of it is killing me,” Park Han-byul added. “But I’m putting more effort to the drama because it’s the only way I can return the support from those grateful people.”

Original article

Stray Kids to Have Their Own “Running Man” Race in Upcoming Variety Show

Stray Kids is to unveil a variety show of their own.

On March 20, Stray Kids’ own variety show “Found Stray Kids” will premiere through Mnet, M2, and AbemaTV in Japan.

“Found Stray Kids” will capture the group members’ endeavors to be the rookies in variety shows. The show will take the formats from other popular variety shows.

In the first episode, the members will parody “Running Man.” The nine members of the group will wear Freddie Mercury costumes to chase each other to win the race.

“Stray Kids members, who have already proven their musical talents, will now show their idol-like aspects in each episode,” said produce Ahn Hye-rin. “Through ‘Found Stray Kids,’ the members will train themselves for the variety show appearances.”

“Found Stray Kids” will air every Wednesday night.

Original article

5 Upcoming Netflix Original Korean Shows

Netflix Original

Kim Sa-Rang to Act in Upcoming Drama with Park Bo-Young

Actress Kim Sa-rang is returning to the small screen in 4 years.

The most anticipated TV drama for May, “Abyss” has confirmed another cast member.

“Abyss” is fantasy drama following two people who born again through “soul revival marbles.” Given new lives and new looks, they search for the murderer who killed them.

In the drama, Kim Sa-rang will be featured as a beautiful and smart prosecutor. One day, her life gets a sudden turn as she is involved in a murder case. Through “abyss,” she revives with a different look, from which will be taken over by Park Bo-young.

It’s a meaningful drama to Kim Sa-rang as well, because it marks her small screen return in 4 years. Being cast with Park Bo-young in two-person one-role drama, Kim Sa-rang is ready to mesmerize the viewers.

Abyss, which is the upcoming drama of tvN, will premiere in May.

Original article

Ong Seung-Wu Met 4,600 Fans in Thailand

Ong Seung-wu met over 4,000 fans at his first solo tour city, Bangkok.

On March 16, the former Wanna One member Ong Seung-wu visited Thunder Dome in Bangkok, Thailand, to meet local fans. It was his first stop of the artist’s first-ever Asia fan meeting tour, “Ong Seung Wu 1^st Fanmeeting Tour ‘Eternity.’”

As soon as the ticket sales opened, the online server went down and all 4,600 seats were reserved right away, proving the artist’s massive popularity.

Ong Seung-wu entered the stage singing Bruno Mars’ “Treasure.” Returning the fans’ enthusiastic welcome with a bright smile, the artist interacted with the local fans on site.

“Fans complete my life and everyday,” said Ong Seung-wu. “Fans are there to cheer me up, to be happy for me, and they complete the last piece all the time. I’m so grateful of everyone and I will work hard to become a completed one.”

Wrapping up the fanmeeting event, the singer said, “It’s only a start now and it’s only my first overseas fanmeeting event.”

“I’m so happy that we’re having two first times,” said him, implying the fanmeet as a member of Wanna One. “It feels so special to have two first times. It almost feels like it’s never-ending. There is no end to us and I will meet you all again.”

Ong Seong-wu then interacted with fans individually through a hi-tough session after the fan meeting.

Original article

Former Wonder Girls Members Sunmi and Sunye Show Ongoing Friendship

Sunye sent love and support to Sunmi along with a thoughtful lunch box.

On March 17, Sunmi posted to her Instagram to show off the love and support she’s received from Sunye. The picture shows lunch boxes prepared by Sunye and a card says, “To Sunmi, from Sunye unnie.”

Both Sunmi and Sunye debuted in 2007 as members of girl group Wonder Girls. Even after the disbandment of the group, the members continue to support each other in their own fields.

Sunmi launched her first world tour as a solo artist on February 24. As the artist is currently in Canada for her performance in Toronto, fans are guessing that the two could have met each other in Toronto.

Married to missionary James Park in 2013, Sunye is living in Canada with her three children.

Original article

Song Triplets Ready to Go to School Already

Actor Song Il-kook’s sons Dae-han, Min-guk, Man-se Celebrated their shared birthday on March 16.

On March 17, Song Il-kook posted a picture to his Instagram, with a short caption saying, “Thanks everyone who wished Dae-han, Min-kook, and Man-se happy birthdays.”

The shared picture captures Dae-han, Min-guk, and Man-se smiling brightly in identical outfits. Fans are surprised by how fast the triplets are growing up.

The triplets made appearances in “The Return of Superman” in 2016. Recently, Song’s family came back to Korea after a year-long stay in France.

Original article