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☆ Everything we know about 'Squid Game' season 2
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-22 | by ( Ayomikun Adekaiyero | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Season one's protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) will return in season two. Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun in "Squid Game" season two. In a Netflix statement shared in June 2022, "Squid Game" creator Hwang Dong-Hyuk confirmed that Gi-hun will return for the second season. While the extent of his role in the second season has not been clarified, he will likely be fighting against the people in charge of the competition. In August 2022, Hwang indicated to The Hollywood Reporter that season two will focus on Gi-hun's transformation from the end of the first season.

Persons: Seong, Lee Jung, jae, Cho Sang, Oh, Hideo Kimura, Hwang Dong, Hyuk, Hwang Organizations: Netflix, Hollywood Reporter

☆ North Korean Escapee Who Begged on the Streets Chases K-Pop Stardom
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( Jiyoung Sohn | Dasl Yoon | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

SEOUL—At first glance, Yoo Hyuk looks like a typical K-pop rapper. He sports baggy pants, a black beanie and Air Jordans. A silver chain dangles from his neck. But Yoo represents a new wrinkle in South Korea’s music industry: The aspiring K-pop star is from North Korea.

Persons: Yoo Hyuk, Yoo Locations: SEOUL, North Korea

A cartoon soldier is depicted on part of a warning sign on barbed wire on the Chinese side of the border between Russia, China and North Korea near the town of Hunchun, China, November 24, 2017. Any forced repatriation of North Koreans goes against international norms and South Korea viewed it as regrettable, Koo Byoung-sam, a spokesman for South Korea's Unification Ministry, told a media briefing. "It appears to be true that a large number of North Koreans in China's three northeast provinces have been repatriated to the North," Koo said. South Korea had been unable to determine the number of people involved and whether there were defectors among them. China has never recognised fleeing North Koreans as defectors and instead calls them "economic migrants".

Persons: Damir Sagolj, Koo Byoung, Koo, Tae Yong, Kim Hyuk, Kim Cheol, Jack Kim, Hyonhee Shin, Eduardo Baptista, Ed Davies, Robert Birsel Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Koreans, South Korea's Unification Ministry, Former North, Korean, Rights Watch, The North, Thomson Locations: Russia, China, North Korea, Hunchun, Rights SEOUL, South Korea, North, Korea, China's, Former North Korean, Korea's, Beijing, North Koreans, Koreans, The, The North Koreans, Korean, Jilin province

☆ Scion of Family Tied to 2014 Ferry Disaster Is Being Extradited to South Korea
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( John Yoon | More About John Yoon | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

A businessman whose family’s company operated a ferry that sank off South Korea in 2014, killing more than 300 people, will be flown to that country from the United States to face embezzlement charges, officials said on Thursday, after years of requests from Korean prosecutors. The businessman, Yoo Hyuk-kee, 50, also known as Keith Yoo, is expected to arrive in South Korea, where he faces trial on seven counts of embezzlement, on Friday. South Korea’s Justice Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that Mr. Yoo would arrive at Incheon International Airport on Friday at 5:20 a.m. local time. A company controlled by Mr. Yoo’s family, the Chonghaejin Marine Company, operated the Sewol ferry, which capsized off the southwestern coast of South Korea in April 2014. Most of those who died were teenagers on a school trip, and the disaster traumatized the country.

Persons: Yoo Hyuk, Keith Yoo, Yoo, Yoo’s Organizations: Korea’s Justice, International Airport, Chonghaejin Marine Company Locations: South Korea, United States, New York State

☆ Starbucks teams up with Blackpink, betting on the power of K-pop
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( Michelle Toh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Hong Kong CNN —Starbucks is teaming up with Blackpink, one of the world’s hottest musical acts. The centerpiece of the lineup is the Blackpink Strawberry Choco Cream Frappuccino, a drink that is an aptly hued blend of black and pink. Like other major global brands, Starbucks is leaning into the frenzy around K-pop, hoping that it will translate to a boost in sales. The company has partnered with Blackpink before, launching a collection of merchandise in Thailand two years ago. In 2022, the group was named Time magazine’s Entertainer of the Year, becoming just the second K-pop group to receive the title.

Persons: ”, Blackpink, Emma McIntyre, Kan, they’ve, —, Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, Rosé —, Dior, Bang, Hyuk, “ Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Starbucks, Coachella, Blackpink, South, Netflix, BTS, Disney, CNN, HYBE Locations: Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, Philippines, Indio , California, Asia, Thailand, South Korean

☆ 'Netflix Effect' lifts Korean content but market control worries grow
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-19 | by ( Hyunsu Yim | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Netflix's market weight in South Korea dwarfs that of local platforms such as Tving, Wavve and Watcha. Netflix boasted a 38.2% market share in South Korea last year, according to Mobile Index, overshadowing Tving's 13.1%. Unlike the EU, South Korea does not have laws requiring foreign streaming services to produce or invest in local content. While the project was commissioned by Netflix UK, it centres on genetic cloning fraud in South Korea and includes file clips from broadcasters’ archives. "The government needs to come up with a system to ensure that excess profits can be returned to South Korean creators."

Persons: Ted Sarandos, Han Duck, Heo Seung, Yoon Suk Youl, Hwang Dong, hyuk, Aditya Thayi, Lim Jong, 1,281.7400, Hyunsu Yim, Sam Holmes Organizations: Netflix, South, Korea Economic Research, Mobile, EU, Reuters Netflix, Sejong University, Thomson Locations: SEOUL, South Korea, Seoul, Korea, South, U.S, London

☆ Louis Vuitton dazzles luxury-seeking Seoul with first pre-fall show
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

SEOUL, April 29 (Reuters) - LVMH's (LVMH.PA) top fashion brand Louis Vuitton held its first-ever pre-fall fashion show on Saturday on a bridge in Seoul, the capital of a leading luxury market. In one of the highest profile events since chairman and CEO Pietro Beccari started at Louis Vuitton earlier this year, the runway on the lower level of the double-decker Jamsu bridge that spans the Han River was bathed in blue shadows. Models walked the 795 metre (2,608 feet) bridge, where traffic was stopped for 24 hours, wearing fitted, sporty designs with geometric patterns designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, artistic director of women’s collections at Louis Vuitton. They strode out of a tunnel on chunky-heeled shoes in slick windbreakers, miniskirts that flared out and striped suits. On Saturday the creator and director of 2021's Netflix hit drama "Squid Game" Hwang Dong-hyuk participated in the show scenography.

☆ Kakao's stake in K-pop agency SM climbs to 40%, HYBE retains 8.8%
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( Hyunsu Yim | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SEOUL, March 28 (Reuters) - South Korean social media giant Kakao's stake in K-pop agency SM Entertainment (041510.KQ) has reached 40%, the target said on Tuesday, in a deal that has left former bidder HYBE (352820.KS) stuck with more than half of its stake in SM. But Kakao's tender offer for a 35% stake at 150,000 won per share attracted acceptances for more than double the targeted stake, forcing it to scale back allotments in proportion. HYBE said it was left with an 8.81% stake in SM. Kim Hyun-yong, an analyst at Hyundai Motor Securities, said maintaining the remaining stake in SM could help HYBE contain Kakao in the long run. HYBE plans a substantial number of acquisitions and investments this year as the K-pop giant looks to boost its U.S. presence, its chairman Bang Si-hyuk said this month.

☆ BTS agency HYBE seeks U.S. deals after withdrawing bid for SM Entertainment
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Hyunsu Yim | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Members of K-pop boy band BTS pose for photographs during a news conference promoting their new album "BE(Deluxe Edition)" in Seoul, South Korea, November 20, 2020. The company's efforts to expand its portfolio of music labels and fan community platforms come after HYBE on Sunday withdrew its plan to take over rival label SM Entertainment (041510.KQ) after a weeks-long battle with social media giant Kakao (035720.KS). HYBE owns multiple subsidiary labels and management companies including Ithaca Holdings, boasting a range of artists including BTS, Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber. The slowdown was largely, but not exclusively, due to the absence of BTS, who are currently on a break as a group, he said. Bang declined to comment on details of a new partnership deal with Kakao Entertainment on fan platform businesses, but added he was "personally satisfied" with the arrangement despite losing the bid to acquire SM Entertainment.

Hong Kong/Seoul CNN —BTS agency HYBE says it has called off a takeover bid for SM Entertainment, ending weeks of corporate mudslinging that has dominated headlines in South Korea. Last week, tech giant Kakao and its entertainment unit said they had doubled down on their quest to take control of SM, the iconic K-pop music agency. Kakao offered SM shareholders 150,000 won ($115) per share, much more than HYBE’s previous offer of 120,000 won ($92) per share, which garnered only mild interest from investors. SM Entertainment said in a statement that it “welcomes” HYBE’s decision to suspend its takeover bid. Kakao and its entertainment unit will continue with their existing tender offer to SM shareholders, which will wrap up on March 26, they told CNN.

☆ North Korea's state media backs Russian call for probe into pipeline blast
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Moscow has maintained, without providing evidence, that the West was behind the blasts that damaged the pipelines in September and has called for an international investigation. North Korea has publicly supported Moscow since Russia invaded Ukraine a year ago and expressed support for Russia's proclaimed annexation of parts of Ukraine, which most countries have rejected. The United States has accused North Korea of providing weapons to Russia as well. The ruptured Nord Stream pipelines are set to be sealed up and mothballed as there are no immediate plans to repair or reactivate them, sources familiar with the plans have told Reuters. Reporting by Josh Smith and Jihoon Lee Editing by Frances KerryOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Hong Kong/Seoul CNN —The billionaire mastermind behind some of the world’s biggest K-pop stars is pushing back on accusations that he’s trying to monopolize the Korean music industry. “It wouldn’t be correct to say that we’re trying to take over the whole industry,” Bang told CNN in an exclusive interview in Seoul. Bang Si-Hyuk, who chairs the HYBE management agency, spoke with CNN's Richard Quest on Tuesday. “When the two companies are combined, a monopoly and oligopolistic group of companies that account for approximately 66% of total market sales will be created,” it told CNN. The company would then announce the outcome and next steps, it told CNN on Friday.

☆ BTS agency HYBE seeks to take over K-pop rival SM Entertainment
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( Hyunsu Yim | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Heo Ran/File PhotoSEOUL, Feb 10 (Reuters) - South Korean entertainment company HYBE (352820.KS) said on Friday it will buy shares worth 423 billion won ($335 million) in rival SM Entertainment (041510.KQ), seeking management rights to strengthen its position in the K-pop industry. HYBE is the agency that manages K-pop mega band BTS. HYBE has also tendered an offer on Friday for SM shares held by minority shareholders, seeking to buy up to 25% of the rival agency with the intention of acquiring management rights. HYBE and SM Entertainment shares were up 6% and 16%, respectively, as of 11:05 a.m. (0205 GMT). Earlier this week, South Korean tech firm Kakao Corp (035720.KS) said it would acquire a 9.05% stake in SM Entertainment to pursue joint projects including global K-pop auditions.

☆ Tesla safety at centre of South Korean trial over fiery, fatal crash
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-20 | by ( Ju-Min Park | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +9 min

SEOUL, Nov 21 (Reuters) - In an upscale Seoul neighbourhood two years ago, a white Tesla Model X smashed into a parking lot wall. The criminal trial about to begin in South Korea hangs on questions about the safety of Tesla cars, at a time when the EV maker faces a range of lawsuits and increased scrutiny by regulators. A lawyer for the family of Yoon Hong-geun, who owned the car and died in the crash, declined to comment. Tesla sold 17,828 vehicles in South Korea in 2021, registration data shows. Judge Park Won-gyu said that he plans to call Tesla engineers to testify and that the safety of Tesla vehicles would be examined at trial.

Nov 3 (Reuters) - U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor on Thursday rejected a bid by a businessman to block his extradition to South Korea to face embezzlement charges that stemmed from a 2014 ferry sinking that killed 304 people. He also is known as Keith Yoo. Sotomayor is the justice assigned to review emergency appeals from a group of states that include New York, where Yoo's extradition case had been pending. "We are disappointed the Supreme Court denied our motion to stay Keith Yoo's extradition pending resolution of his appeal," his lawyer Shawn Naunton said in a statement. Yoo's lawyers had argued that the U.S. State Department - not judges - should decide whether South Korea waited too long to seek Yoo's extradition under its 1998 treaty with the United States.

"Squid Game" became Netflix Inc's (NFLX.O) most-watched series ever after its release last September, creating countless online memes and Halloween costumes and kickstarting sales of green tracksuits. 1/3 Park Hae-Soo, Lee Jung-Jae, Kim Ji-Yeon, Hwang Dong-Hyuk, Jung Ho-Yeon and Oh Young-Soo, of "Squid Game", arrive at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S., September 12, 2022. "So many characters died, especially beloved ones died. The Emmy's directing honour epitomised Hwang's never-dreamed-of journey with the series, but he was disappointed at missing the trophy for best drama series, which went to HBO's "Succession". "Of course what I wanted the most was best drama series.

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