South Korea's most popular variety TV Show, "Running Man", will hold an online fan meeting via TikTok on 5 September, 6PM (MYT). 6 of 7 Fixed Running Man Members, Haha, Ji Sukjin, Kim Jongkook, Song Jihyo, Jeon Somin, and Yang Sechan will be on the show.

SBS variety show, "Running Man", has gained massive popularity worldwide since its first broadcast in 2010. Since 2013, Running Man members have been visiting their fans overseas and presenting various performances.

Running Man's overseas fan meetings and performances have been popular in many regions like China and Southeast Asia, including their last fanmeeting on Malaysia shores in 2017 where they wowed over 6,000 fans.

Previously, the Vietnam stop of this fan meeting was successfully held in Ho Chi Minh in December 2019. The Manila fan meeting which was scheduled to be held in February 2020 was delayed due to the outbreak of COVID-19. However, the Manila fan meeting is still recognised as one of the best performing Korean shows in the country, where the planned show was sold out within one hour of tickets on sale.

The "Running Man 2021 Online Fan Meeting" will be planned and produced by NP C&C, a subsidiary of NPInc., a brand experience content solution company, and will be held at NP XR STAGE. The fan meeting will be broadcast live on the global short-form mobile video platform, TikTok.

Jay Bae, Head of Global Business Development at TikTok Korea said, "TikTok's paid live feature was first introduced in May and we have received positive feedback as well as meaningful results afterwards, including Lotte Duty Free Online Family Concert, Beautiful Mint Life 2021, and the FOREST 21 Epik High Concert. TikTok will continue to make efforts to provide better customer experiences to domestic and foreign users."

Fans who are interested in attending the "Running Man 2021 Online Fan Meeting" can get tickets through Global Interpark starting 12PM (MYT) on 16 July. The show will be broadcast live to global audiences in six different languages for subtitle options: Korean, English, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian at 6PM (MYT) on 5 September.

Netflix has confirmed 28 August 2021 as the worldwide release date for new romance series Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. The series, starring Shin Min-a and Kim Seon-ho, depicts lives and romantic stories in the seaside following a woman from the city and a man who is a professional at everything. The series is helmed by director Yu Je-won who previously worked on Oh My Ghost and Tomorrow With You, alongside writer Shin Ha-eun who wrote The Crowned Clown.

Yoon Hye-jin opens up a dental clinic in the seaside village of Gongjin. She’s got beauty and brains, but also a clumsy side to her. While being strict and a perfectionist, she’s got a warm heart deep inside.

Hong Du-sik is technically unemployed but takes on odd jobs and helps everyone in the village. From delivering food to working at a convenience store, he’s a master of all trades. Smart and caring, he’s the hero of the village you can count on whenever you need assistance.

The pair meet in the beautiful seaside village and they feel attracted to each other despite being complete opposites. An exciting rom-com is in store as we see their stories unfold. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha will be released worldwide on 28 August, only on Netflix.

Production Information
Title: Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Directed by: Yu Je-won
Written by: Shin Ha-eun
Starring: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho, Lee Sang-yi
Produced by: Studio Dragon and GTist
Distributed by: Netflix

(Left to Right) Director Kim Seong-hun | Kim Roi-ha | Kim Si-a | Gianna Jun | Park Byung-eun | Kim Eun-hee | Koo Kyo-hwan

Korea zombie series, Kingdom returns with a 92-minute special episode - 'Kingdom: Ashin of the North' featuring Jun Ji-hyun, Park Byung-eon, Kim Si-a, Kim Roi-ha and Koo Kyo-hwan. The series talks about the story of Ashin and the origins of the resurrection plant that gave rise to the spread of the infected throughout Joseon.

Kingdom Season 1 began with the uncontrollable spread of the infected, who were neither alive nor dead, in the southern end of Dongnae (present-day known as Busan). In Season 2, the story moved up north to the royal palace in the capital city of Hanyang. 'Kingdom: Ashin of the North' continues their journey to northern regions to unveil the mysterious behind Ashin (starring Jun Ji-hyun).

Actor Kim Roi-ha, Kim Si-a, Jun Ji-hyun, Park Byung-eun & Koo Kyo-hwan at Kingdom: North Of Ashin Press Conference this morning

Earlier this afternoon, director Kim Seong-hun, writer Kim Eun-hee and the main cast Jun Ji-hyun and Park Byung-eun sat down with the APAC press and talked about their characters and their reunion in this special episode.

Q: What led to the creation of this special episode?

Writer Kim Eun-hee: The setting of Kingdom: Ashin of the North takes place before the events of Kingdom Season 1. This story is about the beginnings, and I wanted to set things right from the starting point. In my discussions with Netflix, the idea of a special episode dealing with such content was suggested, and I agreed to it wholeheartedly.

Q: What's the strong point about your character, Royal Commandery Min in this special episode?

Park Byung-eun: Unlike season 2 which has many action scenes such as using archery, killing the zombies. However, this special episode will not focus much on action but more on relationship between Royal Commandery Min and Ashin. I think this is the strong point that you can look forward to.

Q: Previously both of you starred in 'Assassination' so how do you feel being able to work together again? 

Jun Ji-hyun: Obviously I'm really happy to see him again and one thing for sure, he's getting better in fishing. Back then, when we were shooting for 'Assassination', he said he's really good in fishing and has been posting alot but I have never tried the fish that he caught. And so, this time we asked for it (almost like bagging ><) and he fed us with lots of food when we were in Jeju Island. 

Park Byung-eun: That was my first time meeting Jun Ji-hyun at 'Assassination'. We were not that close and it was kinda awkward between us. But when I heard of we'll be working together for this special episode, I really look forward to the chemistry that we could create for this. I think she's an amazing actor and is such an honour for me to work with her. 

When Park Byung-eun trying to explain about his fishing skills, Jun Ji-hyun then started to ask Park Byung-eun to send more fish or squid that he caught. "I should be focusing on my acting but these people out here have driven me to go out for fishing. And I remember they really enjoyed the meal when we were shooting at Jeju Island," said Park Byung-eun. 

Q: Were you scared of the zombies on set?

Jun Ji-hyun: No, not at all. Actually before the shooting, I am excited to meet the actors face-to-face. Upon meeting them, I am surprised that how much efforts they put in for the preparations of the zombie look. I even asked for a picture and brag to my friends.

Park Byung-eun: There was one thing that I went through when working for season 2. We were working late night for the shooting in the forest and the actors were on zombie makeup and even had fake blood all over their bodies. And I spot them having meals under the tree with their zombie make-up at the late night, so you can imagine how stunned I was when saw the scene. This time, I already had experience. I saw those actors wearing full zombies makeup and talking over the phones. It was so realistic, just like daily conversation. Seeing all of that really makes me think about how on the verge of life and death is. This is kinda unfamiliar and new experience to me. 

Q. What conversations have you shared with Jun Ji-hyun about Ashin?

Director Kim Seong-hun: I considered Ashin to be a character harboring unspeakable pain and suffering deep inside. Before filming began, Jun Ji-hyun and I talked a great deal in sharing our thoughts about the role. On set, she performed and portrayed emotions so efficiently and expertly that I could just stand by and watch.

'Kingdom: Ashin of the North' is a story about the beginning of Kingdom and story about Ashin who accidentally and fatefully comes across the resurrection plant has viewers awaiting in great anticipation. Don't forget to watch the special episode on Netflix on 23 July. 

photo credit to Netflix

Avid Korean drama fans will soon be able to cozy up with the perfect binge-watching companion. From July 12 to August 1, Viu Singapore will be launching Take Your Stars Home – a three-week campaign aimed at giving viewers a chance to take home limited edition, one-of-a-kind 60cm giant plushies featuring their favourite Korean celebrities. A total of five plushie designs will be available over the three weeks, with different designs released for purchase weekly. Viu-ers can score a giant plushie of their choice when they purchase a 180 Days Viu Premium Subscription. The subscription is priced at $33.51, and eager fans can click-in and make their purchase at Viu Singapore’s official store on Shopee. The plushies are available in limited quantities, while stocks last.
Ms. Cheryl Lim, Country Head of Brand, Marketing & Communications, Viu Singapore, said, “We are always looking into our data to uncover insights that would elevate the experience of our Viu-ers. There is just something about Korean dramas that gets our adrenaline pumping, tears flowing and hearts fluttering. Whether you have had a stressful work day or are simply looking to unwind over the weekend, there is nothing like a relaxingly good binge-watching session on Viu to relieve some pressure from your everyday life. And what is better than having the perfect drama watching companion to accompany you through your laughter and tears? 

Kingdom: Ashin of the North, a special episode from the Kingdom series universe, is coming soon! The special episode will show the beginning of everything in the popular series as it dives into Ashin’s story and the origins of the resurrection plant. Whether you’ve watched the first two seasons or not, you can start your journey through Kingdom: Ashin of the North. If you have seen the first two seasons and need a refresher on what to expect, check out the details below!

1. The Time and Place
Kingdom: Ashin of the North is where everything begins. The zombie plague that spreads in the first season takes place in the southern region Dongnae. However, the origin of the resurrection plant begins in the northern region. The northern border close to the Pajeowi tribe and the Seongjeoyains is where the action will take place. Pyesa-gun, a place where entrance is forbidden for 100 years, is where young Ashin discovers the resurrection plant.

2. The Resurrection Plant
The resurrection plant, which we learn about in the first two seasons, is a rare purple flower that can resurrect the dead. Unfortunately, someone who is resurrected through the plant becomes a bloodthirsty zombie. The plant has white eggs which hatch into parasitic worms when ingested. The worms infect the brain and turn the person into a monster.

3. The Context
Prior to the zombie problem, the kingdom of Joseon faced various issues with its neighbors. One area of concern is the northern region where Jurchens have consolidated into a powerful group called the Pajeowi tribe. Joseon keeps an eye on the tribe by using another group of Jurchens called the Seongjeoyains to spy on them. The Seongjeoyains are Jurchens who have lived in Joseon lands for over a 100 years.

4. Ashin
The story will begin with young Ashin (Kim Si-a)’s life in her Seongjeoyain village. Her father is the head of their village and her mother is bedridden. Desperate to cure her ill mother, Ashin ventures deep into the forbidden area in search of something to help. She comes across the resurrection plant, but she experiences a great tragedy. As a result, adult Ashin (Gianna Jun) is intent on getting revenge.

5. Key Characters
Besides the adult Ashin we see at the end of the second season, the special episode also includes Min Chi-rok (Park Byung-eun) who was the Head of the Royal Commandery in season 2. Some new important characters include Ashin’s father Tahab (Kim Roi-ha) who is the head of their Seongjeoyain village and Aidagan (Koo Kyo-hwan) who is the Pajeowi tribe leader.

Now that you’ve checked out this overview, you’re ready to enjoy all of Kingdom. Don’t miss out when Kingdom: Ashin of the North is released on July 23, only on Netflix!

Image Courtesy of Netflix