The "Acolyte" series from "Star Wars" has sparked mixed feelings among fans. Leading the charge is Lee Jung Jae, a seasoned actor diving into Hollywood afresh. His role as the first Jedi character in his debut English-speaking part has fans wondering how he'll handle this groundbreaking role.

Set a century before "Star Wars Episode I - The Phantom Menace," "Acolyte" on Disney+ delves into a gripping mystery during the Old Republic's heyday, where Jedi are under attack.

The story kicks off with a bang as Master Indara, played by Carey Ann Moss, gets slain by a masked girl. Amandla Stenberg portrays Osha, a former Jedi apprentice suspected of the crime. She teams up with Lee Jung Jae's character, Sol, a Jedi Master, to crack the case.

Sol's entrance in the series hints at East Asian cultural influences seen in past "Star Wars" works. Overseas, his line "Close your eyes, the eyes deceive you" has become a meme, showcasing a nod to Eastern philosophies akin to Jedi Master Yoda. In Korea, fans adore his portrayal of a nurturing master, dubbing him "Master of the Coruscant Taekwondo Dojang."

Lee Jung Jae brings warmth and humility to Sol, a character entrusted with guiding young Jedi. Director Leslie Headland, impressed by Lee's role in "Squid Game," felt he was tailor-made for Sol.

With his rugged appearance reminiscent of Seong Gi Hun and a heartwarming demeanor, Lee's performance adds depth to the character.

While some in the "Star Wars" community debate the concept of an "Asian Jedi," Lee's English delivery adds authenticity to the series' diverse universe. Yet, Korean viewers lament the overshadowing of Lee's acting prowess by stereotypical portrayals.

Despite initial backlash over "Disney's political correctness," "Acolyte" injects fresh perspectives into the franchise. Amandla Stenberg's dual role and Manny Jacinto's standout performance add layers to the narrative.

However, criticism also stems from the series' entertainment value. While it may appeal to newcomers, the pacing and plot simplicity might leave die-hard fans wanting more. The series' fate hangs on how it resolves its mysteries teased in the second episode.

With 8 episodes releasing weekly, "Acolyte" promises an adventure suitable for ages 12 and up.

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BTS's Jin continues to shine bright with his massive popularity, securing the No. 1 spot in the MY1PICK weekly rankings for an impressive 43 consecutive weeks!

In the MY1PICK K-POP Individual Category Weekly Ranking for the third week of December (December 16–22), Jin earned a massive 6,154,905 hearts, keeping his position at the top. From the 5th week of February to the 3rd week of December, Jin has been unbeatable in the weekly rankings, proving he has an enormous fanbase and global influence.

But Jin’s achievements don’t stop there. In November, he dominated the K-POP Individual Category Monthly Ranking, topping it with 25,452,283 hearts. He has held the No. 1 spot for 11 months straight, from January to November, showing his continuous popularity throughout the year.

Jin also claimed victory in the One Pick Chart’s “November Monthly Chart K-POP (Solo)” category, holding the No. 1 position for 8 months in a row, from April to November. On top of that, he won the 2024 Season Chart K-POP (SOLO) for both the 2nd and 3rd quarters, making him the best One Pick star of the season.

The Season Chart awards honor artists who have consistently earned love from fans, with a physical trophy given to the top artist. Jin’s back-to-back victories solidify his place as one of the most beloved stars in K-pop.

Jin’s fan power doesn’t end with rankings. He’s also triumphed in numerous themed votes, taking first place in categories like “Star You Want to Collect All Photo Cards Of,” “Star You Want to See First Pitch at a Baseball Game,” “Best Cooking Genius Idol,” “Star Who Would Be the Best Child,” and “Star You Would Fall in Love With at First Sight.” His reward advertisement for the “Star You Want to Collect All Photo Cards Of” vote began airing on December 26 and can be seen at Yeoksam Station until December 30.

Meanwhile, Jin’s first solo album Happy was released on November 15 and quickly became a global hit, showcasing his talents as a solo artist. He held a special showcase, Jin ‘Happy’ Special Stage, on November 16 and 17, where fans were captivated by his beautiful vocals and flawless live performance.

Jin has also been keeping busy with appearances on popular variety shows like Salon Drip 2, Neighborhood Star K4, and Limousine Service. He’s also appeared on famous American talk shows, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Japan’s top music program Venue 101, where he impressed fans with his humor and solid live performances. His reputation as the “Vocal King” and “Live King” is stronger than ever!

As if that wasn't enough, Jin is also gaining attention globally for singing the main theme song for the new tvN drama Ask the Stars. Jin's talents continue to wow the world, and it's clear he's not slowing down anytime soon!

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