Kan Hyewon, from IZ*ONE, will co-star with actor Akaso Eiji. Today (30th), details of the drama 'Kimbap and Onigiri - The Two Who Fall in Love Are Similar Yet Different' were announced through official X and other channels. The lead is Akaso Eiji, with Kan Hyewon cast as the heroine. The show will start airing on TV Tokyo's 'Drama Premier 23' slot from January 12, 2026. Like 'kimbap' and 'onigiri,' which look similar but taste different, it is a pure love story between two people who are drawn to each other while being confused by the cultural and value differences between Japan and Korea. Akaso Eiji plays the protagonist, Taiga Hase, who was once expected to be a star in university ekiden but faced setbacks due to poor performance. Now, he works part-time at a small restaurant without any special dreams, living a dull life. Meeting the Korean heroine leads him to confront his life and take a step towards the future. Kan Hyewon plays Park Rin, a graduate student who came from Korea to study animation and struggles daily between her dreams and reality in unfamiliar Japan. This will be her first appearance in a Japanese terrestrial drama, and she is already attracting attention. The series will also be exclusively available on Netflix for worldwide streaming at the same time as each episode airs, with catch-up broadcasts planned on TVer and Lemino. Kan Hyewon, who was active in the girl group IZ*ONE formed through Mnet's 'PRODUCE48,' has since appeared in various works as an actress, captivating fans. In April of this year, she was selected as a model for the Japanese women's fashion brand 'SNIDEL,' actively engaging in activities in Japan. Akaso Eiji held his first Korean fan meeting in October 2023 and appeared on KangNam's YouTube channel 'Town Friend KangNami' in July, gaining popularity in Korea.
On the afternoon of the 26th, the '2025 Gangnam Festival x Catwalk Global Trend Festa Seoul' took place at COEX in Gangnam, featuring a fashion show by the brand 'ZAGAE'. Notable attendees included Kep1er's Huening Bahiyyih, Wanna One's Ha Sung Woon, and various other stars from K-pop and acting.
The VIP screening of the film 'Shikatanai' in Seoul attracted numerous stars, including Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin, who supported their partners. Lee Byung-hun shared insights about their chemistry, noting their long-standing friendships. The film tells the story of a man facing unexpected challenges after losing his job, striving to protect his family.
On the afternoon of the 22nd, the VIP screening of the movie 'Shikatanai' was held at the CGV in Yongsan, Seoul, attended by numerous celebrities. The film tells the story of Yu Manso, a satisfied company employee played by Lee Byung-hun, who faces challenges after being suddenly fired and fights to protect his family and home while preparing for a job search.
Korean film 'Hear Me: Our Summer' (Japanese title: '君の声を聴かせて') releases in Japan on September 26, 2025. It tells a touching love story with a focus on communication, featuring characters with hearing disabilities, and has received acclaim at film festivals. The film stars rising actors Hong Kyung and No Yoon Seo.
The November issue of 'K-Hallyu Pia' showcases EXO's Dio on the cover, discussing his film 'Secret Melody' and solo album 'BLISS'. The special edition features K-POP group PLAVE, with interviews and insights into their debut and upcoming world tour. Special events and exclusive merchandise are also highlighted.
Lee Chaeyeon, former member of IZ*ONE, has parted ways with WM Entertainment after lengthy discussions regarding her contract. The agency will continue to support her ongoing schedules. Chaeyeon debuted in 2018 and has since pursued a solo career, recently making her acting debut in a web drama. WM Entertainment expressed gratitude for her contributions and encouraged fans to continue supporting her future endeavors.
The MBC Virtual Live Festival with Coupang Play will be hosted by Kang Seung-yoon, Mimi, Jungwoo, and Jani on October 18-19. The festival will feature performances from various artists, including &TEAM, NMIXX, and IZ*ONE's Choi Yena. Tickets go on sale on October 11 via the Coupang Play app.
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