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KBS will air it's new variety drama 'Imitation' in the first half of 2021, featuring an all-star idol cast of Jung Ji So (Parasite), Lee Junyoung (U-KISS Jun), Park Jiyeon; ATEEZ's Yunho, Seonghwa, Jongho, and San; SF9’s Chanee and Hwiyoung, former PRISITIN and I.O.I's Im Nayoung, Produce X101 contestant Yuri, Ahn Junghoon, Minseo, Boys’ Republic’s Suwoong, g.o.d's Danny Ahn, and Shim Eun Jin formerly of Baby V.O.X. 'Imitation', directed by Han Hyunhee, and written by Kim Minjung and Choi Sunyoung, is based on the popular Kakao Page original webtoon of the same name. Since its first serialization in 2014, the webtoon has accumulated over 430 million views, 3.73 million Kakao Page subscribers, and 600,000 registered comments. Jung Ji So, Minseo, and Lim Nayoung have been cast as members of the girl group Tea Party. Jung Ji So plays Maha, the center of the group, a happy virus with an innate sense of dance. Minseo will the play the role of Lea, the leader of Tea Party, and Im Nayoung will play Hyunji, the visual and former center of the group. Jiyeon will take on the role of Larimar, the top selling female soloist in the idol world. Lee Junyoung, Chanhee, Jongho, Hwiyoung, Yuri, and Ahn Junghoon have been cast as the members of the idol group SHAX. Lee Junyoung plays the role of Kwon Ryeok, the center of the top K-Pop group who dominate various charts. Junyoung is a complete with his skills and looks, and unexpected clumsiness. Chanhee will play the role of Eunjo, a former member of SHAX; Jungho will play Hyuk, the youngest all rounder; Hwiyoung will play Lee Hyun, the vocalist and producer for the group; Yuri will play Dojin, the member in charge of variety; and Ahn Junghoon will play Jaewoo, the leader. ATEEZ’S Yunho, Seonghwa, San, and Boys’ Republic’s Suwoong have been cast as members of the group Sparkling. Yunho will play Yujin, the center; Suwoong will play Hyun Oh, the former center; Seonghwa and San will play Minsoo and Seyoung respectively. Danny Ahn will play the CEO of Tea Party's agency, and Shim Eunji will play reporter Byun who tracks idols every move. The production staff from KBS has said, "we have met with the hot rookies of the present, and the national idols of the 1st and 2nd generation. Please look forward to the synergy of actors who play with their charming characters with their own unique colors. We will visit the dramatic idol world of Imitation and its unique colors with sincerity like never seen before and like a special gift." *** Source: Naver

Eunjung has been cast as the female lead in upcoming film I Will Song alongside Gu Won as the male lead. On October 8th, management company Big Picture Entertainment shared the news. 'I Will Song' is a film about the process of healing and overcoming each other's scars, following a pained aspiring singer Mulgyeol (Wave, Eunjung) and film director Baram (Wind, Gu Won) who meet by chance. Filming will begin in the mid this month. *** Source: Star News

The lineup for the K-Beauty world focused web drama 'Next Door Witch, J' has been confirmed. On October 7th, 'Next Door Witch J' side said, "Park Jiyeon, Lee Taesun, Jang Euisu and Go Sungmin have been cast in the lead roles." 'Next Door Witch J', written by Lee Jihyun and directed by Yoon Jihoon, is a true beauty romance that depicts the work and love life of young people, following Seojei, a beauty content creator with extreme makeup skills at the center of the K-Cosmetic world. Jiyeon will play the role of Seojei, a star beauty content creator nicknamed the 'Next Door Witch J.' Seojei, who has a sharp tongue, has achieved success in the beauty creator industry with her "human cider" (delightful and refreshing) character. Jiyeon has stared in dramas such as 'Soul', 'God of Study', 'Jungle Fish 2', 'Miss Ripley', 'Dream High 2', 'I Wanna Hear Your Song', and has shown stable acting skills and is strengthening her position as an actress. The web drama 'Next Door Witch J' is in full fledged production and is scheduled to air in the first half of next year. *** Source: Naver

Dressed in a hanbok, 33 year old singer and actress Park Soyeon gave off a thick autumn scent. Soyeon, who we haven't seen in a long time, said, "in the past, I've visited you wearing hanbok twice a year, recently, I got a good rest." "I'm preparing to show various and good activities for the many people who have been disappointed they could not see me," said Soyeon, who has been resting for the past three year. "I'll show you good music, feel-good entertainment with a good image," she clenched her fist. With a bright smile like a full moon, Soyeon said, "have a good, warm time with your family this Chuseok holiday." Soyeon received love calls from various agencies during her 3 year hiatus. She also heard news that the other T-ara members had found a new nest, making her feel impatient. It took a long time to reach a relationship with her current agency, Think Entertainment. "Because the fans are waiting for me, I started thinking I had to find one soon. I met with various agencies. I'm thankful to them, they were good but it didn't work out as well as I thought. While I struggled doing this or that on my own, I got sick. Then my current boss contacted me directly, I was hesitant at first. I thought a trot agency would want a trot singer. Do you know what my first words were at the meeting with the boss? It was 'I can't do trot,'" Soyeon laughed as she told the story. "The boss said he had no intentions for me to do trot. He has a deep affection for artists. That moved my heart." When asked why she didn't want to do trot, she said, "it wasn't that I didn't want to do it, I couldn't do it. Trot makes a lot of people happy. Sometimes it makes you cry. When I listen to trot, it touches my heart. I thought, 'that's not a genre I can pull off.'" Then, what music would Soyeon want to do? As the main vocalist of T-ara with excellent signing ability, Soyeon pulled out a playlist from a music site on her cell phone and said, "I like hip-hop and pop a lot." "The person named Park Soyeon likes many genres of music. The music that I like and the music the public expects of me are different. If you ask me which one is right, I think it's right to show what the people want from me. Oh, there is one thing. I don't think I can dance on my own. Ha ha! I'll leave that to the experts." Soyeon is preparing for a new album in October and when asked for a hint for her new song, she said, "a sad song for the spirit of autumn." Also, she is planning to release songs in Chinese and Japanese for overseas fans. "This is my first solo album. I am focusing on my first album because I believe there are still people who love my voice for the past 10 years. T-ara is very famous, you've seen me as T-ara's Soyeon for a long time, now I want to show you a singer who is entirely Soyeon. I think now is the time. With careful concentration, I will show you a good image." Soyeon, who introduced trot singer Kim Hojoong as a cherished junior, said, "I am both thankful and sorry to Kim Hojoong. It wasn't easy to get back to work after such a long break. I was able to easily get started with activities with Hojoong, who is loved. He is a really nice and good friend. He is doing his military service, I hope he'll find time to relax and maintain his health." Soyeon debuted as a lyricist through Kim Hojoong's album 'Our Family'. Soyeon said, "I wrote the lyrics targeting people in their 20s and 30s. It was great to participate and I'm grateful. Kim Hojoon's 'In Full Bloom' is the first song I've written lyrics for. Hojoong isn't limited to trot. I came up with 'In Full Bloom' because I wanted to show various charms. It's fun and fits well, I thought young people would listen to it. I will be active as a lyricist in the future." Soyeon said she is trying to grow musically. She has the greed to someday produce an album for her juniors. She started studying with an interest in lyrics and composition as well. Soyeon said, "I want to participate as a producer on a junior's album. Whenever I have free time these days, I study lyrics and composition," and smiled. She told a story of a recent variety show. She is an MC on SBS Plus new variety program, 'Partner'. "I've been an MC on an award ceremony but this is my first time as a variety MC. I like the purpose of the program. There are many competition programs these days, it feels a little different. It is a program where we work together with our voice and find hidden gems in our daily lives, not a fierce program competing in actual singing skills." Soyeon said, "I studied a lot as singer while on 'Partner', it was helpful. I think it's a program with a good purpose, I was excited because the first recording was really fun." Soyeon said she wants to get closer to the viewers through activities including different entertainment programs. "Please look forward to Soyeon as an all-rounder entertainer. I'll approach you as a friend." Not having been able to properly relax in the past 10 years, Soyeon found rest through a trip with her mother, her "best friend." She spent 2 to 3 years travelling before the coronavirus outbreak. In her everyday life when she left home or went abroad, she came face to face with a part of herself she didn't know, she enjoyed her free time through new experiences. "I really liked Vienna, Austria. (The memory is) still vivid. I went to a lot of places before the coronavirus outbreak, so I have no regrets. I saw and felt many things while travelling Europe. I traveled a lot in Korea as well. There are so many good places in Korea too. I've lived without knowing that. I had a lot of rest while travelling with my mom, I had a good time." Soyeon, who is known as the stay at home type, said she spent all her time at home when she's not travelling. She said her radius of activity doesn't exceed 1 km from her house. "It's a suitable personalty for the coronavirus, so it's not hard to practice social distance," she laughed. With her dog Totoro, she can't tell how much time has passed at home. Soyeon is the happiest when spending time with Totoro. Soyeon, who is known as the stay at home type, said she spent all her time at home when she's not travelling. She said her radius of activity doesn't exceed 1 km from her house. "It's a suitable personalty for the coronavirus, so it's not hard to practice social distancing," she laughed. With her dog Totoro, she can't tell how much time has passed at home. Soyeon is the happiest when spending time with Totoro. "There was a time I felt emptiness while doing activities as T-ara for a while. It's a job with a lot of scars and pain. At the time, I watched 'Animal Farm' and felt a sense of healing. There was a black Pekingese that appeared and I was very interested in that friend. So after asking around, I went to see the Pekingese. I sang and did aegyo in front of the owner's grandmother and grandfather, and I said, 'if you give him to me, I will raise him sincerely.' So that friend we brought home is our youngest Totoro." As Soyeon became a chatterbox about her dog, the conversation naturally led to love and marriage. Soyeon who is an only daughter has spoken to her mother about this subject. "My mom wants to see me enjoy life and succeed in work. I don't have to do it if I don't want to." "My mom suggested I get married late. Ha ha. I somewhat agree. I have no thoughts in particular right now. Ah, it's not that I want to stay single. Right now I'm in a state of mind to work a little more clearly. I want to meet a good person and start a happy family someday." When asked about ideal types, she thought for a while. "A person like Choi Soojong senior," she replied. "He's a family man and the representative devoted husband in the entertainment industry. I like people who know how to respect and love their family and wife. I think a man who loves me can lead my family in harmony." *** Source: TenAsia Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

MBN's new variety program 'Miss Back', scheduled to be broadcast in October, is a story of female idols gradually forgotten from people's memories dreaming to take the leap forward once again. A life song and untold stories, it is a new concept documentary program, combining human documentary and variety, with turning points that will become their 2nd heyday. Early South Korean top diva Baek Jiyoung has drawn attention as the producer and mentor. The girl group singers who will make their return as main characters on Miss Back are Gayoung (Stellar), Nada (Wassup), Raina (After School), Sera (Nine Muses), Soyeon (T-ara), Soyul (Crayon Pop), Subin (Dal Shabet), and Yujin (The Ark). They made their debut as idols after a long training period, after drifting from the stage they now join hands with the best experts to create a new turning point in life. 8 girl group members who have already proven their impressive performances through their activities, from the days they dreamed to become a singer to the moment they left the stage, a story full of sincerity that is expected to bring new joy and emotion. While interest is pouring in on their story of growth and maturity on 'Miss Back', all attention is on the the girl group member who will reach a turning point. MBN's new variety program 'Miss Back' is scheduled to be broadcast for the first time in October. *** Source: Naver

It has been 25 years since making her debut in 1995's Little Miss Korea. From a child star to a member of T-ara and a successful actress, there's no end to Hahm Eunjung's journey. Rather work than rest, she pours all her energy in every moment. This is how she spent her 20s. How are you these days? I'm preparing for the play 'Les Misérables'. It's my first challenge at a play, I'm nervous but I'm practicing with great actors like Park Woong, Oh Hyunkyung, and Im Dong Jin. I study even on the days without practice. I'm not use to receiving immediate feedback from the audience. There is a lot to learn. I'm studying childhood memories of when I was in a child musical. Fortunately, I have a good voice thanks to being a singer (laughs). Another advantage is thanks to often doing concerts, I'm able to maintain my energy for a long time. What do you want the audience to see? I want you to see the stage of T-ara. Looking back when I was in T-ara, I poured all my energy into every moment. There are still many people who know me as 'T-ara's Eunjung', I'd be happy if you would think "I'm a child who worked hard then and now." Of course, that doesn't mean I want to stand out on stage. I think team harmony is the most important, so my priority is to permeate that through the team. Is this Hahm Eunjung's biggest concerns these days? That's right. These days I'm immersed in preparations for the play. I'm looking into all the 'Les Misérables' content that's come out before, it's so fun. It's fun to reinterpret a character with your own colors. Because of that, I won't give up on stage acting after 'Les Misérables' is over. You can see the audience in real time, and it's particularly charming to live through an era completely different from now. As I prepare for the stage, it's fun to communicate and exchange feedback with the production crew and actors. I think it's a good thing I'm doing a play. What do you do when you're not working? Meet friends. Actually, except for the members of T-ara, I have almost no celebrity friends. I often meet with ordinary friends. When we meet, we have a lot of everyday conversations. I have few married friends so they're mostly worried about work life. On the other hand, I complain about the hard times I have during my activities. They are friends who have no contact in this industry so I often give them advice. I like to chat and get energy from my friends. We can't skip talking about dating. When I was in my 20s and confided in my friends that I was worried about dating, there'd be a heated discussion. It's different now. I can listen to any number of worries, but I can't advise them quickly. I realized the problem needs to be solved between the man and the woman. Naturally the way I see the opposite sex has changed a bit. Now I like a relationship where we can naturally permeate into each other's lives. That intense love in which I have throw in my everything is tiring. Do I have any thoughts on dating? I'm not lonely right now (laughs). I don't think I want to stay single for long, but I'm at the height of my work right now. There are so many fun things besides dating. You have an image called 'healthy beauty'. I'm a little embarrassed to hear that now. These days I can't exercise very well due to preparing for the play. I watch YouTube videos and do home training instead. I wish I could force my body to maintain strength and elasticity. I don't think there's anything besides Pilates and fitness to build a pretty body. But now days because of COVID-19, we're unable to exercise in groups. It's troublesome, but even if you give up in the middle because it's hard, I hope you can try home training. What are your hobbies these days? In the past, I was busy working and clearing my head as much as possible. So I lived without knowing what I like. So I started exploring. I'm still getting to know myself since it's a broad area. These days I enjoy listening to City Pop from 1980s to 1990s. I'm interested in interior design and furniture arrangement. Once I'm independent, I look forward to decorating my own space. I like to see art so I visit galleries often. There's also a YouTube channel in my name. When I have a schedule, I make content for my vlog. These days I'm very interested in trivial happiness. Drink coffee from delicious coffee beans, I like the feeling when I cover up with a fluffy blanket and listen to music. How do you feel in your 30s? I feel secure. If I couldn't manage my personal feelings well before, I can control my emotions now. I've become more responsible for my actions. It's the same for when I'm working. In my 20s, I was working with cooperative staff and seniors with more experience than me, when I was caught in between, I felt a responsibility to play the middle ground between the generations. When there's a communication barrier, I want to understand each person's position and solve it so they are not embarrassed or uncomfortable. I've never thought of this before because I'd be in a hurry to work. However, regardless of your job or age, as time goes by you feel the importance of people. I like these changes within me. I am more satisfied now than I was in my 20s. Maturity. How do you compare to when you debuted? It's been 11 years since T-ara debuted. Looking back, I think the times have changed rather than I have changed. There's a variety of channels and content now, media was TV centered media back when I was active. It's an environment that gets more attention now; I think I was lucky I got to be in a girl group at that time. On the other hand, I like this recent atmosphere that recognizes and respects others. A lot of malicious comments have disappeared. In a fast changing world, I always think I need to be well-anchored. You made an early debut. Do you regret not enjoying anything? If there's good, there's bad. Since I was a child, I thought it was natural that I couldn't have everything. So I think I was quick to accept it and give up. You receive attention, including praise and criticism, that ordinary people don't get. I get to do what I like, and earn money if I do it well. Naturally, some things you have to endure. When I'm busy, I rarely get to see friends or travel on my own. The number of travel destinations I've been to, international and local, I can count on one hand. But I don't hate it. Is there a driving force that supported you during times of difficulties? It might be obvious but my driving force is my fans. When I think of my fans, I get excited. I feel happy like, "wow! I'm loved!" It's what keeps me going. Thank you all, I'm really grateful that you're always there. In fact, a fan's love is similar to romantic feelings, even if they lose interest. Nevertheless, it's amazing and I'm grateful they always maintain that love for me. There are often times I get caught up in the thought that I'm alone while working. I hope they know I endure thanks to my fans. In your filmography, do you have a favorite work? I like JTBC's Queen Insoo the most. I played the young counterpart of senior Chae Shi Ra, who played the role of Queen Insoo before in KBS' the King and Queen. It was a considerable burden. In the drama I played an eventful journey of an ambitious, immature girl who is expelled from the palace, I studied for it a lot. It's a work I can't forget because it took me further as an actress. How do you feel when you look back at your old works? I've been on re-runs quiet often these days. I get shy every time I see it. (laughs) It's new to me because I think to myself, "that's how confident I was in acting."Apart from being good at acting, I had a "I can do it!" confidence. I feel stimulated watching myself. Even with the same role, each age group expresses it differently. I think that's why a job as an actor is attractive. There are many fans waiting for a T-ara reunion. Last year was the 10th anniversary of our debut, but it's too bad we couldn't do anything. Actually I receive love calls frequently and the members often talk about when to reunite. But each of us have different circumstances, so it's realistically difficult. But the thought of wanting to show something in the near future remains unchanged. What would you like to show? Something completely different from 'T-ara's' time. "You're grown up now," we start with that image then summon the original 'T-ara'. Sounds fun, doesn't it? (laughs) How is Hahm Eunjung different from the stage? People who know the true me say my image in T-ara was completely different. I often show T-ara music videos to the other actors of 'Les Misérables', the best response is "you're a different person." When I was in T-ara, I mainly had a concept with smokey makeup. I wanted to create a gap from my real image. A 'rich (in charms) character' as they say. Back then it was said, "Eunjung's makeup has personality." Now I'm more a 'real character'. I'm good at aegyo with close acquaintances. I don't compete or fight. I like being a cute happy person. How many points would you give your hard work? That's difficult. Well, I've give myself 85 points. I thought about the days to come and scored myself generously. I think I can give myself a high score. More than anything, whatever the situation, I want to give myself a high score for making it this far.Even if the environment around me changes, I will not falter. How can it always sunshine and rainbows I guess. I thought I'd lose myself if I falter and get carried away by my emotions. It's a creative occupation without a manual. Depending on how you live every day, changes accumulate. So from now on I'll live without faltering. What are you goals for the second half of the year? 'Les Misérables' starts in August. The primary plan is to end it well. After the play is over, I think I can greet everyone through a drama or movie. Personally, what I want the most is a chance to meet my fans quickly. There are many overseas fans from China, Japan, Vietnam but it's difficult to meet face to face because of COVID-19. I want to continue communicating with them even online. Please wait a bit. *** Source: Woman Sense