[Kang Il-hong's Today's Entertainment] Choi Bool-am's Final Journey...Kim Hye-ja Weeps, The Entire Nation Mourns

Jang Hanbyul 'Concert'... Explosive Vocals and Performances Ignite Fan Passion[Monday, November 2nd, Choi Bool-am / Jang Hanbyul / BTS / Shim Soo-bong / Cha Ye-ryunActor Choi Bool-am, known as the 'Nation's Father,' has passed away after a 67-year acting career, finding eternal rest. The funeral procession for the late Choi Bool-am, who passed away at the age of 87 on the 29th of last month, was held privately at 7:40 AM today. /Photo = Joint Press Corps[THE FACT | Reporter Kang Il-hong] Actor Choi Bool-am, known as the 'Nation's Father' of Korea, has passed away after a 67-year acting career, finding eternal rest.The funeral procession for the late Choi Bool-am, who passed away at the age of 87 on the 29th of last month, was held privately at 7:40 AM today. Following this, a funeral mass was held at 9 AM at Yeouido Cathedral in Seoul, presided over by Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung.Popera singer Lim Hyung-joo, who had a special relationship with the deceased, bid his final farewell by singing the tribute song 'Ave Maria.' During the mourning period, condolences poured in from various fields, including entertainment, politics, business, and sports.Kim Hye-ja, who co-starred as a couple in 'Jeonwon Diary' for 22 years, could not hide her tears, and many colleagues and juniors, including Yoo In-chon, Go Doo-shim, Kim Hye-soo, and Na Moon-hee, honored the deceased. Kim Hye-ja, in particular, added to the sadness by saying, "A person I miss so much," and looking forward to the day they would meet again.The government conferred the Order of Cultural Merit, Eungwan, upon the deceased in recognition of his contributions to the development of Korean popular culture.His passion for broadcasting remained until the very end. In January of last year, a scene of him participating in the narration recording for 'The Table of Korean People' while in his hospital bed was revealed.Choi Bool-am, who reviewed the script and sat in front of the microphone despite his physical discomfort, showed his unwavering affection for the broadcast that had conveyed stories of tables across the country and ordinary neighbors for over 14 years.Another aspect that should not be forgotten is his life of sharing. He served as the chairman of the Green Umbrella Children's Foundation's nationwide sponsorship committee for many years, helping children in need. In accordance with his wishes, the funeral was also conducted as a Green Umbrella Children's Foundation funeral.To his wife, Kim Min-ja, he was a lifelong companion; to his juniors, a respected mentor; and to the nation, a warm father.Detective Park from 'Chief of Investigation,' Chairman Kim from 'Jeonwon Diary,' and the warm voice that graced 'The Table of Korean People,' actor Choi Bool-am has left us, but the acting, laughter, and spirit of sharing he left behind will remain in our hearts for a long time.Singer Jang Hanbyul's first solo concert concluded with great success over the weekend at the Daehan Hall of Sejong University in Seoul, filled with explosive energy. Even before the concert began, the area around Daehan Hall was bustling with fans, and amid loud cheers and applause, Jang Hanbyul appeared on a lift and delivered a powerful opening with renditions of 'Lost Love' and 'You Are My Star.' /Reporter Kang Il-hongThe cheers and applause that filled the concert hall, and the lingering emotions that did not easily fade even after the performance ended, marked the successful conclusion of singer Jang Hanbyul's first solo concert held over the weekend at the Daehan Hall of Sejong University in Seoul, filled with passionate energy.Even before the concert began, the area around Daehan Hall was crowded with fans. In particular, a one-day cafe operated by members of the fandom 'Eunhasu' was decorated with various exhibits, including Jang Hanbyul's bromides and photos, attracting great popularity among fans. The space, where fans shared support and memories, was so packed that it was difficult to find a spot, further intensifying the concert's excitement.The popularity of this concert was evident from the ticket sales. Pre-sale tickets sold out in just 2 minutes, and additional performances added due to fan requests also sold out in a mere 38 seconds, demonstrating the immense interest in Jang Hanbyul.Finally, as the concert began, Jang Hanbyul appeared on a lift amidst thunderous cheers and applause. Captivating the audience from the very first stage, he delivered a powerful opening with renditions of Kim Soo-hee's 'Lost Love' and his own song 'You Are My Star.'He then showcased a diverse range of songs, including 'Dream,' 'White Whale,' 'I'll Be There For You,' and 'Who,' fully demonstrating his broad musical spectrum and solid vocal abilities.The performance of his new song 'Miya' and the release of its music video were another highlight of this concert. The anticipation for the new song, combined with the special moment only felt at the venue, garnered enthusiastic responses from the audience. The atmosphere shifted seamlessly from serene to passionate.Following 'Wind, Blow,' 'Gwireosa,' 'Now,' and 'Forgotten Season,' and then 'A Story of an Old Couple' and 'My Starry Love,' Jang Hanbyul touched the hearts of the audience with his emotionally resonant performances, filling the concert hall with a deep sense of lingering emotion. In the latter half, the atmosphere heated up once again.The passionate performances of 'To You,' 'Red Sunset,' 'Livin' la Vida Loca,' and 'Joy' reached a crescendo, with explosive energy and dynamic choreography igniting the audience's fervor. The audience responded with unreserved applause and cheers. With the addition of an encore performance, the final moments of the first solo concert were even more intensely celebrated.Even after the concert ended, the fans' emotions continued."The stage was insane. The lingering feelings are still vivid." "The powerful performance, filled with seasoned skill and sincerity." "I can't stop thinking about the stage after seeing the concert; I can't sleep." "Today's concert was pure emotion, such a wonderful singer!" "An unforgettable, fantastic concert that made the venue a frenzy of excitement by unleashing 200% of their capabilities!"The vivid reviews from the audience showed that this performance was more than just a musical stage; it was a special time of breathing with fans and sharing emotions.The passionate cheers and energy that lasted for two days, and the deep lingering emotions that continued even after the concert ended, marked the successful conclusion of Jang Hanbyul's first solo concert. With his unique music, stage presence, and sincere performance, he provided the audience with unforgettable memories.Starting with sold-out tickets and ending with enthusiastic cheers and emotions, this concert, where fan support was as passionate as the artist's stage presence, was a meaningful performance that further heightened anticipation for singer Jang Hanbyul's future endeavors.A particularly eye-catching aspect of BTS's South American tour was the members' special outfits that changed for each performance. In Peru, they appeared wearing traditional Andean ponchos and 'chullo' hats. /Big Hit MusicThe BTS phenomenon has shaken the South American continent, following North America and Europe. However, there was a particularly eye-catching element during this South American tour: the members' special outfits that changed for each performance.These were not just stage costumes; they were special gifts that embodied the country's traditions, culture, and national pride. The first stop was Peru.The members appeared wearing traditional Andean ponchos and 'chullo' hats. Local fans were ecstatic, and when V shouted "Peru is the best!", the venue erupted in cheers. The act of taking off a hat on stage and gifting it to a fan brought great emotion.In Chile, they transformed into traditional cowboys, 'huasos.' The straw hats and traditional cloaks draped over their shoulders, especially Jin's purple manta, connected BTS and Chilean culture.In Argentina, football legend Messi made an appearance. The members took the stage wearing the national team jersey with Messi's iconic number 10, and even reenacted Messi's goal celebration, drawing passionate cheers from football fans.And on the final stage in Brazil, which continued through the weekend, the members wore the Brazilian national team jersey. Their movements and dances reminiscent of Brazilian football, along with chanting cheers with the audience, expressed their respect and affection for the country of football.At the São Paulo venue, where 84,000 people gathered each day for three days to see BTS return after seven years, the members were deeply moved by fans holding signs that read "We've waited 10 years."From ponchos to Messi's number 10, and the yellow Brazilian jersey, BTS wore the pride of each South American country on stage. They united through music and connected more deeply through respect for local culture. This was the true charm of BTS that set South America ablaze.Singer Shim Soo-bong, who faced significant backlash after criticizing a junior singer, has once again bowed her head. For the first time since being embroiled in a controversy over inappropriate remarks towards junior singer Kim Da-hyun, she publicly apologized on stage.During her nationwide concert tour in Wonju on October 31st, Shim Soo-bong paused her song to address her previous remarks. She stated that the words she spoke were inexcusable and stemmed from her own shortcomings, and that she had spent time in reflection and repentance, and would continue to live with that attitude. She also sent words of encouragement to Kim Da-hyun, who must have been hurt.However, public perception of this apology is not entirely warm. Previously, at the Jinan Trot Festival in September, Shim Soo-bong made remarks implying that Kim Da-hyun was an ignorant young lady in both her singing and life, and even asked not to have her perform before her, escalating the controversy.These remarks could have caused significant humiliation to a junior singer, going beyond a mere slip of the tongue. Of course, Shim Soo-bong issued a written apology the next day and reportedly contacted Kim Da-hyun directly to apologize. She apologized once again on stage this time, acknowledging her mistake.However, what matters here is not the number of apologies, but their sincerity. Especially for a veteran singer who has been loved by the public for a long time, a corresponding sense of responsibility is required in her attitude and conduct towards junior artists.Contrary to expectations that her activities would be difficult for some time due to extremely negative public opinion, Shim Soo-bong has returned to the stage. However, returning to the concert stage and regaining the public's favor are entirely different matters.Will she show genuine repentance and change through this incident? Ultimately, Shim Soo-bong's image recovery must be proven not by words, but by her future actions, and by showing respect not only to Kim Da-hyun but to all junior singers in the music industry.The controversy over school violence in the entertainment industry, which flares up every now and then, has now put actress Cha Ye-ryun in the spotlight. It began with an exposé posted on an online community.The author claimed to be a classmate of the actress, born in '85, and alleged that she had been subjected to continuous bullying and physical assault in classrooms and restrooms during their middle school years.Specifically, she claimed that her gym clothes were borrowed and not returned, and that she suffered a ruptured eardrum from being slapped. Although the name was not revealed in the post, Cha Ye-ryun was identified based on clues such as her age and school.In response, her agency, HB Entertainment, stated that after verifying the facts, the allegations were baseless and completely denied. However, the controversy did not end there.Conflicting testimonies emerged from netizens who claimed to be her middle school classmates. One netizen asserted that Cha Ye-ryun was part of a group of bullies at the time and instilled fear in her classmates.On the other hand, another classmate countered that while there were rumors, she did not recall Cha Ye-ryun directly hitting or bullying anyone.Meanwhile, past remarks by Cha Ye-ryun are also being re-examined. In a 2023 episode of KBS's 'New Release, Fun-Staurant,' she recalled filming the drama 'Golden Mask' and said, "I think I've been hit the most in my life."At the time, the remark was made as a behind-the-scenes anecdote about the many slapping scenes in the drama, intended to be humorous. While this is separate from the current school violence allegations, it has garnered renewed attention amid the controversy.To date, Cha Ye-ryun's side has completely denied the allegations, and the claims of the accuser and the testimonies of her classmates remain conflicting.Will there be further evidence or statements from the parties involved? Since unconfirmed allegations cannot be taken as fact, attention is focused on the objective facts that will be revealed going forward.eel@tf.co.kr