Netflix confirms Korean version of Money Heist
NETFLIX has confirmed that it will be releasing a Korean adaptation of the Spanish global hit La Casa de Papel (Money Heist). Called Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area, the series revolves around a genius strategist and his crew of top-class thieves who are attempting to pull off an unprecedented heist in the Korean Peninsula. Written by Ryu Yong-jae, Kim Hwan-chae, and Choe Sung-jun, and directed by Kim Hong-sun, it stars Yoo Ji-tae (Professor), Kim Yunjin (Seon Woojin), Park Hae-soo (Berlin), Jun Jong-seo (Tokyo), Lee Won-jong (Moscow), Park Myung-hoon (Cho Youngmin), Kim Sung-o (Cha Moohyuk), Kim Ji-hun (Denver), Jang Yoon-ju (Nairobi), Lee Joobeen (Yun Misun), Lee Hyun-woo (Rio), Kim Ji-hoon (Helsinki), and Lee Kyu-ho (Oslo). A special teaser was released with the announcement. Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area will be released later this year.
F9 arriving at PHL theaters on Jan. 26
CATCH Vin Diesel and crew when Fast and Furious 9, aka F9, opens in local cinemas on Jan. 26. The limited engagement theatrical release presents “the highly successful franchise’s latest jaw-dropping innovative stunts which are best viewed in theaters for that ultimate adrenaline boost we all need to break the monotony from being cooped up inside our homes,” says a Universal Pictures International release. Joining Vin Deisel are, Michelle Rodriguez, Nathalie Emmanuel, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Kurt Russell, and Charlize Theron.
South Park returns for 25th Season
COMEDY Central has announced that the 25th Season of South Park returns on Feb. 2 in the US, with fans in Asia able to watch the new season on Paramount Network, starting April 6. The celebration of 25 seasons kicks off with six brand new episodes. “For the past 25 years, multiple generations of fans have grown up enchanted by the outlandishly funny and subversive world that Matt (Stone) and Trey (Parker) have created with South Park,” said Chris McCarthy, President and CEO of ViacomCBS Media Networks and MTV Entertainment Studios. “As part of our expansive new deal, we are thrilled to continue our partnership with them for many more seasons of South Park on Comedy Central and many more made-for-streaming South Park exclusive events on Paramount+.” MTV Entertainment Studios’ expansive deal with Mr. Parker and Mr. Stone includes extending South Park on Comedy Central through 2027 and taking cable’s longest-running scripted series — Aug. 13, 2022 marks the franchise’s 25th anniversary — through an unprecedented 30th season. In addition to the series extension, the new deal includes 14 South Park original made-for-streaming events exclusively for Paramount+, including this year’s South Park: Post COVID and South Park: Post COVID: The Return Of COVID. The series has earned five Emmy Awards, to date, and a George Foster Peabody Award.
GMA’s Sparkle introduces inaugural artists
GMA Network’s newly renamed talent management arm, Sparkle (formerly the GMA Artist Center) has announced its inaugural lineup of artists. They are: Sanya Lopez who will perform in teleseryes like Agimat ng Agila and First Lady; Bianca Umali who stars in the series Mano Po 2 and also performs on All-Out Sundays; Gabbi Garcia who headlins All-Out Sundays, and will soon star in a primetime series opposite Khalil Ramos; Ysabel Ortega, who will soon star in What We Could Be and Voltes V: Legacy; Miguel Tanfelix, also in Voltes V: Legacy; Khalil Ramos, who is currently in the series Love on Air; Ruru Madrid who will join the political-fantasy drama Lolong; and, Derrick Monasterio who will soon star in a drama series.
Christian Bautista, Julie Anne San Jose release collab single
CHRISTIAN Bautista and Julie Anne San Jose have released their second collaborative track, “Everybody Hurts,” under Universal Records. “Everybody Hurts” features the theme of perseverance and positivity. Mr. Bautista describes the song as a process of pain. “It’s like reminding your friend or partner that you cannot avoid getting hurt even if you are doing your best and trying to change things,” he said at the online press launch on Jan. 19. “It’s a reassurance that we feel hurt and down sometimes, but for sure there are better days…,” Ms. San Jose said at the same press launch. Back in 2015, the two singers teamed up for their rendition of “Cruisin’. Both artists also worked together on a major concert, The Sweetheart and The Balladeer (2019) and starred in an online musical narrative series called Still last year. “Everybody Hurts” is now available for streaming on all digital platforms.
Hikaru Utada releases 8th digital studio album
J-POP singer Hikaru Utada returns with the digital release of her eighth studio album, Bad Mode. Utada’s new record contains four bonus tracks and three new songs, including self-titled “BAD MODE,” “Kibunja Naino (Not In The Mood),” and “Somewhere Near Marseilles.” The new studio album will also be available on CD format on Feb. 23 and on vinyl on April 27. Following its release, the singer-songwriter and producer will be reissuing all her classic albums on limited-edition vinyl: First Love, Distance, and DEEP RIVER will drop on March 10, while ULTRA BLUE, HEART STATION and Fantôme will be available on April 27. There will also be an encore pressing of the “Hatsukoi” vinyl. Bad Mode was introduced last month with lead single “Kimini Muchuu,” which was recorded with frequent collaborator and producer A.G. Cook — a renowned PC Music producer who has worked with international stars Charli XCX, Hannah Diamond, and SOPHIE. Bad Mode is available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music.
Lullaboy releases new album
SINGAPORE-based Indonesian-American artist lullaboy rings in the new year with his debut compilation album, chapters of you — released independently and available now on all major digital streaming platforms. The record comes with two new songs: “deja vu” and “open up.” After being rejected by countless labels, Lullaboy decided to take matters into his own hands across 2021, releasing a song every month for the whole year. This persistent approach garnered him tens of millions of streams and grew his following to 1.5 million monthly listeners by the end of the year. “From songs about crushes to self-worth, from regret to filial and spiritual needs, chapters of you represents a photobook that I’m showing a significant other, but I also hope it represents every single fan’s own experience,” the artist said in a statement. “I hope that listening to the album will be like looking into a mirror and realizing that true love is found in every chapter of your life.” The lead single off of the album is “deja vu,” which will be accompanied by a music video filmed in Malibu, California. The track was created together with longtime collaborator Nacho Larrazza. It will be released at 2 p.m. (SGT) on Jan. 24. To listen to the album, visit https://spacebtwn.disco.ac/playlist-new/9223017?date=20211116&user_id=966863&signature=BhQ5ZLAhPlUY0N4t5bviXBc4Oo8%3Ay2HqnP4r.
