Start-Up stars Bae Suzy and Kim Seon-ho reunite in new vampire romance series Delusion on Disney+
Five years after the end of the hit South Korean drama series Start-Up, Seo Dal-mi and Han Ji-pyeong shippers will finally get their win...in a way. Start-Up co-stars Bae Suzy and Kim Seon-ho will reunite in the new Disney+ series Delusion, which recently started production.
Adapted from the webtoon of the same name, Delusion tells the story of a broken-hearted vampire named Song Jeong-hwa (played by Bae Suzy) who hires a painter named Yun I-ho (played by Kim Seon-ho) to create a portrait of her. Resigned to live an empty existence, Jeong-hwa finds herself surprised when I-ho stirs something within her.
Delusion will be directed and written by Han Jae-rim, who previously helmed the hit Netflix drama The 8 Show.
The chemistry between Bae Suzy and Kim Seon-ho in Start-Up has been praised, and it seems like the streak will continue in Delusion. Both actors garnered critical acclaim for their Start-Up roles, with Bae winning Outstanding Korean Actress at the Seoul International Drama Awards and Kim winning the Most Popular Actor award at the Baeksang Arts Awards in 2021.
In recent years, Disney+ has been ramping up production of multiple South Korean drama series, with its latest release being Nine Puzzles, which premiered on May 21.
Starring Kim Da-mi and Son Suk-ku, the thriller centres around a woman who is investigating the murder of her uncle, as well as others who were found dead next to puzzle pieces.
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CNA
14 minutes ago
- CNA
Why Bangkok-born hospitality group Anantara could be Asia's most interesting hotel brand
When the third season of The White Lotus, HBO's cult-favourite dramedy about the darkly entangled lives (and deaths) of guests and staff at an ultra-luxury resort, premiered earlier this year, viewers across Asia, including Singapore, took notice. Sure, much of the initial buzz revolved around Kpop megastar Lalisa Manobal aka Lisa of Blackpink making her acting debut. But let's be honest, we travel junkies were just as excited to recognise the sun-drenched backdrop of iconic Thai tropical escape Koh Samui, popular among long-weekend warriors and barefoot luxury aficionados alike. Spotting familiar sights like the Big Buddha Temple Wat Phra Yai or playing 'Guess the Resort' during each hotel set became something of a jetsetter's pastime. As expected, many scenes were filmed at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. No surprise there, given that the first two seasons were also set at Four Seasons properties in Hawaii and Sicily. But in a plot twist worthy of show creator Mike White, a lesser known but very strategic player in luxury hospitality quietly stole the show. Enter Anantara. The Bangkok-born luxury hotel brand, part of the ever-expanding Minor Hotels portfolio, might just be the breakout star of the season. Three of its properties — Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas — were featured prominently in the series as part of the fictional White Lotus Thailand hotel. (Fun fact: Minor Hotels also owns the Four Seasons Koh Samui.) The timing could not have been better for William 'Bill' Heinecke, the 75-year-old American-born, naturalised Thai billionaire founder behind Minor Hotels. With luxury travel in Asia booming globally, Heinecke shows no sign of slowing down. He stepped down as chief executive officer of Minor International five years ago but continues to be deeply involved in the company's hotel expansion strategy with a strong focus on growth and post-pandemic recovery. He started his company even before he turned 18 (hence its name Minor) dabbling in advertising and cleaning services before finding his passion in hospitality. Today, Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group operating over 560 hotels, resorts and residences in 58 countries with brands including Anantara, Avani, Oaks and Tivoli. In 2018 he bought over the Madrid-owned NH Hotel group of premium and luxury hotels, tripling the group's portfolio and solidifying its European footprint. This acquisition, while visionary, also meant that when the pandemic hit just two years later, there was much more at stake. The group racked up losses of over US$1 billion (S$1.29 billion) in 2020 and 2021 due to lockdowns and travel restrictions. But he held firm and now that travel is in full swing once again, the company's increased presence has led to even more brand name recognition around the world. At the same time, he has also always believed in playing to his strengths, reinforcing the group's presence in Asia, which already includes properties across various hospitality brands in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, China, Maldives and the Middle East. The group plans to add 200 more hotels by the end of 2026, of which about 100 will be in Asia. 'We are already pretty well covered in Asia, with the exception of places like Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan,' he said. 'So, it is obviously a major focus for us to try to get some of those other areas that we are not yet in.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Hotel (@anantarajaipur) In fact, Minor Hotels recently debuted in India with Anantara in Jaipur and aims to have 50 properties in the next 10 years. The company is also growing in China where it plans to open two more hotels to add to its current five. A new Anantara is also opening in Kota Kinabalu this December and the group is inching closer to that elusive goal: A hotel in Japan. 'We are working very hard on it, and it is high on our priorities. I hope by this time next year, we will at least have something announced,' he shared. A hotel is under construction in Singapore too. 'It will be an Avani located close to Chinatown and will be a bit more lifestyle-focused, which will suit the market well. There will be a rooftop dining venue, and it promises to be a fun destination,' he said. One of the global trends driving growth is the rising demand for meaningful, immersive experiences. 'Anantara has become an experiential brand. After COVID-19, we are seeing so many people who want to experience different cultures in foreign lands and we are honoured that they have chosen Anantara,' he said. For instance, at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, guests get to sleep under the stars in transparent bubble lodges and participate in encounters with rescued elephants. The Anantara Ubud Bali Resort offers a traditional Balinese ritual called Melukat that can be performed at a 1,000-year-old temple while guests may go snorkelling with manta rays at the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas. 'These are all very special to me, because each experience has been created to bring alive the culture of the various countries we are in,' said Heinecke. This is all part of what Heinecke calls 'soft power'. He said: 'Everybody has adopted what South Korea pioneered and are finding storytelling and experiences a great way to hook travellers on a destination.' The lifelong entrepreneur credits his longevity to passion and play — fun is as much a business strategy as it is a personal credo. His pursuits include dining, collecting vintage and supercars and flying planes and helicopters. These have ultimately led to varied business ventures such as MJets, an aircraft charter company and Minor Beverages, the food and beverage arm of the company that owns Thai-based The Pizza Company as well as global franchises like Benihana teppanyaki, Swensens and Sizzler. His love for cool wheels and frequent participation in car rallies also inspired him to spearhead the Anantara Concorso Roma, the revival of a 100-year-old car parade that used to take place in Rome. It was initially slated to happen in April this year but had to be postponed to 2026 because of Pope Francis' death. Acknowledging some disappointment, he said: 'The outpouring of grief for the Pope was just so much that it did not seem appropriate to do anything except postpone the concorso.' But true to his never-say-die spirit, he added, 'You cannot worry about the things you cannot control so I only look forward with enthusiasm and optimism for the event next year.' Ever the maverick, he does not shy away from left-field investments that raise eyebrows at the boardroom table. Case in point: His decision to bring Pop Mart, the wildly popular Chinese toy brand, to Thailand in 2023. He was fascinated by the concept of blind box toys but at that point, the brand had yet to explode in popularity. 'I don't think our board was very excited about the prospects at the time,' he said with a laugh. But he knew he was on to something because of the devoted collectors he met. By the time Blackpink's Lisa popularised the brand's Labubu bag charm, setting off an international craze for Pop Mart's products, his stores in Thailand were well positioned to take advantage of the frenzy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LISA (@lalalalisa_m) Next, he is off to check out the Anantara property in Ubud — and knowing him, he is already dreaming up his next unexpected move.
CNA
3 hours ago
- CNA
'I'll sleep like a baby': Emotional Kohli fulfils 17-year dream with IPL triumph
AHMEDABAD, India :Virat Kohli's carefully crafted image of a snarling warrior melted away as the 36-year-old was reduced to an emotional wreck after Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended their 17-season wait for a maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title on Tuesday. Bengaluru were effectively assured of victory in the final against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad after Josh Hazlewood began the final over with two dot balls. As the broadcasters' camera panned, it caught a teary-eyed Kohli covering his mouth with cupped hands in disbelief. As Bengaluru sealed a six-run victory, Kohli hunched over the turf and punched it in delight before being mobbed by teammates. "It's been 18 long years," an emotional Kohli, still with bloodshot eyes, told the broadcasters. "I've given this team my youth, my prime and my experience, and I've tried to win this every season... "To finally have this moment come true, it's an unbelievable feeling. I never thought this day would come. I was overcome with emotions as soon as the last ball was bowled." Kohli has been with Bengaluru since the inaugural edition of the league in 2008, including nine seasons as captain of a franchise that made the finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016 but lost on all three occasions. The relief was palpable as he hugged former Bengaluru teammate AB de Villiers. "I've stayed loyal to this team no matter what," Kohli said. "I've had moments when I thought otherwise, but I stuck to this team. I stood behind them and they stood behind me. "I always dreamt of winning it with them, and this is far more special than winning it with anyone else... "This is the team I'm going to play for till the last day in IPL." Kohli has won multiple World Cups with India but the IPL had remained an unticked box, until Tuesday. "I'm someone that wants to win the big tournaments, the big moments, and this one was missing. Tonight, I'm going to sleep like a baby," he said.
Independent Singapore
10 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
Kunlavut Vitidsarn and Chen Yu Fei successfully took home titles at the 2025 Singapore Badminton Open
SINGAPORE: Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand and Chen Yu Fei of China took home victories at the end of the 2025 KFF Singapore Badminton Open at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Vitidsarn won his fourth title this year in front of 7,700 spectators, and Chen clinched his first title here in Singapore, one year after she placed second. Kunlavut Vitidsarn's reign The Thai athlete, who is on track to become the world's No. 1 men's singles player, has won his second BWF Super 750 title in 2025. Vitidsarn defeated Lu Guang Zu of China in 37 minutes, with a final scoreline of 21-6, 21-10. 'To play against a Chinese athlete, it's never easy. It's always tough, but I just tried my best to do whatever I could to win the match… It's a good thing that I'm now the world No. 1. Of course, there's always pressure. But it's a good kind of pressure. I've already said in the beginning that I want to win all tournaments, and that's what I'm focused on now,' Vitidsarn expressed. Vitidsarn demonstrated his dominance through his speed and strong defence, accompanied by impressive shots, which left his opponent frustrated during the match. Moreover, due to this achievement, he will become the first Thai male athlete to reach the number one spot. Indeed, he has cemented his name as one of the best players this year. Chen Yu Fei's redemption On the women's side, Chen Yu Fei played a dedicated game to beat her fellow Chinese athlete, Wang Zhi, with a final score line of 21-11, 21-11. She finally won the KFF Singapore Badminton Open after finishing second last year. The former world No. 1 had a great week so far, having a big win against the current top-ranked An Se Young in the quarterfinals. With her win, Chen declared: 'I'm really, really happy. The match schedule was tough, and every round was a challenge. I just tried to take it one game at a time and not stress too much. I felt more relaxed this time, and that helped me play better.' See also Will the tide turn for Loh Kean Yew at Singapore Badminton Open? Updates on doubles Malaysia's world No. 3 doubles Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik defeated South Korea's Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae. After losing the first game, they had a comeback and won the next two matches to clinch the victory in 65 minutes, with a final scoreline of 15-21, 21-18, 21-18. This win is their third title of the year, alongside their victories at the Badminton Asia Championships and Thailand Open. In the women's double, South Korea's Kim Hye Jeong and Kong Hee Young also won their third title of the year. They defeated Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi of Japan with scores of 21-26, 21-14. The athletes also won earlier this year at the Orleans Masters and the Indonesia Masters. Furthermore, Thailand's Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran finished strong and won the mixed doubles title after winning against Hong Kong's Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet in straight games. The match's final scoreline is 21-16, 21-9. This was a memorable win for the pair as they lost to the same pair in the Thailand Open quarterfinals. Just like the previous pairs, this is also their third title of the year, following wins at the Malaysia Open and Thailand Masters. The 2025 KFF Singapore Badminton Open happened from May 21 to Jun 1, 2025, at Singapore Indoor Stadium. This event is part of the BWF World Tour Super 750 series and offered a total prize money of US$1 million.
