Latest news with #ByeonWoo-seok
AsiaOne
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Byeon Woo-seok, Park Eun-bin, Kiss of Life: A peek at their childhood photos on South Korea's Children's Day, Entertainment News
Every year on May 5, South Korea and Japan celebrate Children's Day and some celebrities commemorate the occasion by taking to social media and posting pictures of themselves from their childhood. Here's a look at some Korean stars from when they were cute little ones. Park Eun-bin Today (May 5), actress Park Eun-bin joined in on the fun and posted on Instagram an adorable picture of herself as a young tree-hugger. The 32-year-old is well-known for her versatility in acting, excelling in dramas like Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022) and most recently Hyper Knife. Next up, we will see her in drama series The Wonder Fools starring Cha Eun-woo. Kiss of Life K-pop girl group Kiss of Life shared photos of their younger selves yesterday. On their X page, a chalkboard collage edit was put up of the four girls — Julie, Belle, Natty and Haneul — with short text scribbled in the members' handwriting. In case you missed it, they had an exciting concert in Singapore just two weeks ago and announced that they have a new song coming up. Stay tuned! Byeon Woo-seok Last year, actor Byeon Woo-seok's agency posted on Instagram a scrapbook-style picture of their talents as children, and the Lovely Runner star can be seen dressed stylishly in a beige coat and scarf. Even from such a young age, his fashion sense was already so pronounced. The 33-year-old, who was recently in Singapore to attend an event by Cartier, is set to be the main lead in the upcoming K-drama The 21st Century Grand Prince's Wife starring IU later this year. Jackson Wang He's not Korean but he did make his showbiz debut in the K-pop boy band Got7. On his 31st birthday this year, Jackson Wang's mum posted a picture of him on Instagram and dedicated some sweet words to him. In her post, she wrote: "My dear son, time flies and it's your birthday again... Looking back on the past, you have overcome all obstacles and bravely pursued your dreams. Every step you took has witnessed your transformation and made you the outstanding person you are today. "Use your kindness and tenacity to write your own wonderful chapter, filling the eyes of all those who love you with proud stars. In the new year, I wish that you'll have a healthy body to embrace every morning and evening; I wish your life to be poetic and picturesque, filled with incomparable sunshine and laughter." In March, Jackson hopped on Super Junior Eunhyuk's podcast Hey, Come Here?, where he spoke candidly about quirky moments with Got7 throughout the years. The Hong Kong-born former national fencer even recounted that he once "threw instant rice" when asked to reveal their biggest fight. Twice To borrow the name of one of their hit songs, it's pretty 'Fancy' how the members of K-pop girl group Twice all understood the assignment and dressed the part to recreate their childhood photos. In 2022, the girls made a side-by-side comparison post of themselves on Instagram, donning fits inspired by their kid-selves and in the same poses too! View this post on Instagram A post shared by TWICE (@twicetagram) Just last month, they performed as special guests at Coldplay's Music of the Spheres World Tour concerts in Seoul. They will also embark on their sixth world tour this year. Keep your ears peeled for their tour stops! Ma Dong-seok Actor Ma Dong-seok, also known by his English name Don Lee, posted a video compilation on Instagram last May of himself through the years, from when he was four years old. The 54-year-old will be starring in Pig Village, the first large-scale English-language film to be produced almost entirely in South Korea. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Don Lee 마동석 (@donlee) [[nid:717521]] No part of this article can be reproduced without permission from AsiaOne.
Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Take a peek at Cartier's by-invitation-only Nature Sauvage high jewellery showcase
By invitation only for top clients, the showcase marked 30 years of the French luxury jeweller's presence in Singapore. PHOTOS: CARTIER SINGAPORE – The past week, Singapore played host to global stars and millions of dollars worth of exquisite jewels. On April 21, journalists and celebrities descended on the historic Former Command House in Kheam Hock Road to preview the third and final chapter of Cartier's Nature Sauvage high jewellery collection. A visual feast of fauna realised in precious stones and metals, the collection draws from the animal kingdom while blurring the lines between figure and form. In a game of hide and seek, panthers, elephants and tigers playfully reveal and conceal themselves in forms both abstract and naturalist. Nature Sauvage premiered in Vienna in June 2024, with a second chapter unveiled in Shanghai in November, before making its way to Singapore. By invitation only for top clients, the showcase marked 30 years of the French luxury jeweller's presence in Singapore. The choice of Former Command House was fitting too. Once the residence of British military officers, the historic site was transformed to house the pieces across six curated universes, each one inspired by a facet of Singapore's Peranakan culture. No expense was spared in outfitting the space with 10 private viewing salons – as well as Les Moments Cartier, a dedicated room for discovering the brand's savoir-faire – designed in collaboration with local and regional artisans. Home-grown furniture retailer Rooma supplied the rattan and wood furnishings handmade by Indonesian craftsmen. Les Moments Cartier, a dedicated room for discovering the brand's savoir-faire. PHOTO: CARTIER Singaporean artist Mike Tay from Onlewo, known for its storied patterns inspired by the Republic's local cultures, created unique fabrics that were applied on soft furnishings ranging from ottoman seats to woven wall panels. And in a tribute to batik's role in Singapore's rich textile heritage, Cartier commissioned Malaysian sisters Swee Lin and Swee May from Maneknya to create a bespoke batik print that playfully conceals the Cartier fauna. The resulting print adorned cushion covers and silk square wall art in three colourways. The maison capped off the week with an intimate gala dinner for its top clients at National Gallery Singapore, which was graced by global stars including South Korean actor and Cartier ambassador Byeon Woo-seok, and British actress Gemma Chan. South Korean actor Byeon Woo-seok (left) and British actress Gemma Chan at Cartier's Nature Sauvage gala at the National Gallery Singapore. PHOTOS: CARTIER The Straits Times got a peek at the showcase, which runs till May 3, and its highlights. A high jewellery adventure The journey through Cartier Nature Sauvage opened with Thrill with the Wind, a room inspired by the island breeze sweeping through Singapore's shorelines. PHOTO: CARTIER The journey opened with Thrill with the Wind, a room inspired by the island breeze sweeping through Singapore's shorelines. Curved, textured walls echoed the flowing movement of sand, and served as a backdrop for show-stopping pieces including the Red Astralis necklace, in white gold set with a centerpiece rubellite, moonstone, rubellite beads and diamo nds (price upon request for all pieces). Eagle-eyed visitors might have flitted to the Chryseis necklace that hid black-and-white butterfly wings within its intricate play of onyx and diamonds, anchored by a 63.76-carat rubellite. The Red Astralis necklace (left) and the Tutti Karonda necklace. PHOTOS: CARTIER But all eyes were on the Tutti Karonda set, a modern take on Cartier's Tutti Frutti glimmering with rubies, emeralds and sapphires – and the most expensive piece in the showcase. Around them, rising from the landscape were towering Super Flowers woven in rattan, a not-so-subtle nod to i conic symbols of Singapore's cityscape – and a poetic marriage of old (the organic craft of rattan) and new (the man-made Supertrees). Leaving the coastal winds behind, visitors entered Treasures of Land, a room highlighting the urban jungle's mix of nature and structure. Drawing from Singapore's architectural vernacular, the room reimagined angular lines and geometric silhouettes in conversation with sculpted rattan pebbles, soft curves and a graceful orchid. Treasures of Land highlighted the urban jungle's mix of nature and structure. PHOTO: CARTIER The treasures held here were of the feline kind. Taking centre stage were statement necklaces featuring Cartier's emblematic panther. Pantheres Versatiles, which debuted on the neck of American actress Zoe Saldana at the 2025 Oscars, is a modular collar necklace which – with the help of a matching bracelet with a twin panther head – transforms into a piece of shoulder jewellery. Also prowling within the display was the Panthere Canopee, which features a diamond panther lazing on a bed of foliage while guarding a 26.53-carat Ceylon sapphire. The Cartier Pantheres Versatiles necklace (left) and the Cartier Panthere Canopee necklace. PHOTOS: CARTIER For fans of purses, there was Panther in the Jungle, a Singapore-exclusive satin evening clutch with a detachable jewel that doubles as a brooch. The thematic rooms ended in Shapes of Water, a deep cerulean zone anchored by an installation depicting the ebb and flow of water. Shapes of Water was anchored by an installation depicting the ebb and flow of water. PHOTO: CARTIER The subtle, dancing movements of the piece caught the light reflecting off the brilliance of the room's creations – including Eusuchia, a set of lifelike crocodile earrings and ring in yellow gold with light blue tourmalines, emeralds and diamonds. Another highlight was the Echina necklace and earrings, crafted with coral-studded emerald ribbed beads and juicy sapphires to resemble sea urchins. Lying surreptitiously in the corner and not to be forgotten was the White Hana, a milky quartz brooch later worn by Lovely Runner (2024) star Byeon. The Cartier Echina necklace. PHOTO: CARTIER Beyond high jewellery, the other three rooms showcased the brand's artistry and expertise. Celebrating the maison's cherished designs over the years, Cartier Tradition offered vintage pieces – acquired, documented and restored to preserve their craftsmanship – for sale to avid collectors. Horology enthusiasts got their kicks in the intimate cove adjacent, which held Cartier's fine watchmaking universe. The rounded architecture of the room was meant to evoke the perpetual motion of time, while arches adorned with straw marquetry in a radiant sunray motif paid tribute to the sunray dial. The watches themselves perched on woven bamboo pillars that stood as metaphors of resilience and grace. Horology enthusiasts got their kicks in the room which held Cartier's fine watchmaking universe. PHOTO: CARTIER In the final Special Order room, imagination took flight as clients were invited to co-create bespoke pieces with their choice of loose stones. Paying tribute to culture and individuality, the room was inspired by colonial residences and Peranakan shophouses, with colourful ceramic tiles depicting Cartier's fauna. Amanda Chai is style correspondent at The Straits Times, where she covers all things fashion, beauty, luxury and retail. 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Straits Times
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
K-actor Byeon Woo-seok says 10 years of work has paid off after Lovely Runner role
K-actor Byeon Woo-seok says 10 years of work has paid off after Lovely Runner role SINGAPORE – Amid his busy schedule, South Korean actor Byeon Woo-seok took time out for a whirlwind trip to Singapore last week. On April 24, the 33-year-old star attended a gala dinner held at the National Gallery Singapore celebrating Cartier's Nature Sauvage high jewellery collection, alongside stars like British actress Gemma Chan and Chinese actor Bai Jingting. A selection of the French luxury house's pieces will also be on display at the gallery as part of the museum's City Of Others exhibition, which will run till Aug 17. The Cartier ambassador did not get much time to sight-see during his brief stay here, he told The Straits Times in an e-mail interview, but at least he got to eat some good food. He said: 'I was reminded once again (on my second trip) that Singapore offers so much to see, is a wonderful place for shopping and, above all, boasts a stunning cityscape, especially the night view. During my last visit, I had the chance to try chilli crab and, this time, I enjoyed a delicious bowl of prawn mee.' Byeon made his maiden trip here for a sold-out fan meeting at the Singapore Expo in June 2024 and an accompanying press conference, where he charmed journalists by handing out yellow roses to them . His popularity in the region came on the heels of the hit fantasy romance series Lovely Runner (2024), about a young woman (Kim Hye-yoon) who gets transported back in time and tries to prevent the death of her favourite idol (Byeon). The K-drama propelled Byeon, previously largely known for supporting roles in romance series Record Of Youth (2020) and action comedy Strong Girl Nam-soon (2023), to instant leading-man status , making him one of the most popular K-stars of the moment . Not only did he kick off his first Asia fan meeting tour, but he is also nominated for Best Actor in a TV series at the upcoming Baeksang Arts Awards in May for his performance in Lovely Runner. His rise may seem quick to outsiders, but to Byeon, who made his acting debut in 2016, it is the result of a decade of consistent work. ' Looking back, 2024 feels like an extraordinary moment when the goals and dreams I've worked towards since my early days in the industry have finally become a reality. It's been about 10 years, and I truly feel that all the time I spent and effort I put in have been acknowledged. 'I'm deeply grateful and filled with immense appreciation for my staff and fans who have consistently supported and believed in me , not just up until now, but every step of the way ,' he said. Lovely Runner also marked a new challenge for Byeon's career – singing – as he played the vocalist of fictional band Eclipse. As part of the original soundtrack, the band released songs, such as the popular Sudden Shower, to accompany the show. Byeon, who took singing lessons in preparation for his role, made an appearance to perform Sudden Shower live at music awards ceremony Mama Awards in Japan in November 2024. Sudden Shower managed to squeeze into the Billboard Global 200 chart, peaking at No. 167 – a remarkable success for a song by a group that does not technically exist. When asked if he would embark on a professional singing career, Byeon said: '(Eclipse) was my first time venturing into music. Seeing such positive results, it gave me a sense of accomplishment that felt different from acting. I would love to give it another try if a good opportunity arises in the future.' His popularity also made him a brand darling, landing him the ambassadorship with Cartier, which was announced in November 2024. When asked what sort of jewellery pieces he prefers, the 1.9m-tall heart-throb said: 'Rather than focusing on whether it's gold, silver or gemstones, I aim to choose jewellery that complements the outfit of the day. When my look is simple, I like to accentuate it with something striking. When the look is already elaborate, I prefer to balance it with more refined and understated pieces.' Looking ahead, Byeon is slated to star in a new drama with popular singer-actress IU, who is also nominated for Best Actress in a TV series at the Baeksang Arts Awards for the tearjerker period series When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025). The pair will romance each other in the tentatively titled Wife Of A 21st Century Prince, set in an alternate version of South Korea as a constitutional monarchy, with IU playing a rich heiress and Byeon portraying a prince. He said: ' At this moment, I truly want to challenge myself with a variety of genres and characters. I believe that stepping outside my comfort zone and taking on roles I haven't yet experienced will provide invaluable growth as an actor. 'Additionally, I want to show the public different sides of myself, so that they may think: 'It's refreshing to see such a new side of Byeon Woo-seok.'' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
