Director Lee Jae Kyu, who directed "All of Us Are Dead", talked about the popularity of "Squid Game".

Director Lee Jae Kyu cautiously said in an interview with Netflix's original "All of Us Are Dead" (written by Chun Sung Il, directed by Lee Jae Kyu) on the morning of February 7th, "It is also true that the invitation of "Squid Game" is burdensome".

Director Lee Jae Kyu continued, "When 'Squid Game' was first released in September, didn't an explosive response occur after hearing worldwide favorable reviews?", adding, "At that time, I was very surprised and happy", he said.

Director Lee Jae Kyu said, "I was close to director Hwang Dong Hyuk, so I thought about texting him", adding, "As a friend, I texted him, 'My work is going out next year, but I'm dying of pressure because of the Squid Game', and he replied, 'What's the pressure, I just left the door slightly open. Don't feel pressured and just do it'".

He continued, "Rather, he told me an anecdote saying, 'Thank me', and said, 'Nevertheless, it is true that it is a burden. It is more burdensome to be compared with the Squid Game, an insurmountable four-dimensional wall. However, it seems true that many people around the world have become interested in Korean content through "Squid Game". Since the window is slightly opened, good Korean works must be delivered continuously through the open door. I think, in that sense, I hope your work will succeed the Squid Game'".

Unlike Director Lee Jae Kyu's exaggeration, "All of Us Are Dead" has topped the world at the same time as it was released and has maintained its top position for nine consecutive days already. It is 323 points ahead of "Black Desire", which is ranked second in terms of Flix Patrol.

Regarding this popularity, director Lee Jae Kyu said, "It's amazing that so many people talk positively and have fun. When I heard that I was the world's No. 1 player, two years passed by like a flash. I never expected this to happen. I was expecting that they would feel the emotions and stories contained in the work, but I didn't expect the work to go this well".

Source[1]

BTS member Jimin made history at the 2024 MAMA AWARDS, becoming the first solo artist ever to win the prestigious Visa Fan’s Choice of the Year award.

On November 22, Jimin was honored with the Fan’s Choice of the Year award at the 2024 MAMA AWARDS JAPAN, held at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan. This marks a huge milestone in his career, especially considering his ongoing military service.

Jimin made history as the first solo artist to win the Fan’s Choice of the Year award, a category that BTS had dominated for six years since its debut in 2018.

In addition to this achievement, Jimin also took home the Fan’s Choice Grand Prize, making him a two-time winner at this year’s awards.

Although Jimin couldn't attend the ceremony due to his military service, his name was met with loud cheers from fans when announced.

His incredible win continues to prove his global influence as a solo artist. Jimin had also won Best Male Artist at the 2023 MAMA AWARDS, marking back-to-back wins at the event.

The MAMA AWARDS praised Jimin for his groundbreaking achievements, saying, “As the first K-pop solo artist to reach 4 billion streams and set the longest-running #1 record for a Korean artist, Jimin has proven his influence as a world-class artist and global pop star.”

Jimin's win also made him the first solo artist to claim a grand prize at the MAMA AWARDS in 10 years, with his achievement sparking excitement worldwide.

On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag “CONGRATULATIONS JIMIN” topped the trends, while “우리지민이상받았네” (Our Jimin Got the Award) reached the #1 spot in Korea.

Jimin’s ongoing success continues to shine even during his military service. He was also recently named Best K-pop at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards and continues to be recognized for his charitable efforts, including a recent donation of 100 million KRW to the National Defense Soldier and Veteran Love Fund.

Source: [1]