Latest news with #MataHari
Pink Villa
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Jung Min Hee frustrated over online harassment after false link to Son Heung Min blackmail case: ‘It's not me, stop contacting'
Jung Min Hee has publicly denied the baseless rumors connecting her to the recent blackmail scandal involving football star Son Heung Min. On May 23, Jung Min Hee took to her social media to share a screenshot of direct messages from strangers accusing her of being involved in the case. One message read, 'Are you the woman who blackmailed Son Heung Min? Are you his ex-girlfriend? Someone claimed your Instagram belongs to his former partner. Is that true?' Distressed, Jung Min Hee responded firmly, asking people to stop sending her messages and to cease following or commenting on her accounts. She emphasized her denial with bold text, saying, 'It's not me. Who said that? Please stop contacting me.' This comes after footballer Son Heung Min reported to the police that he had been blackmailed by a woman alleging pregnancy with his child and demanding money. Authorities arrested two suspects linked to the extortion attempt, but amidst the investigation, false claims started circulating online implicating Jung Min Hee as Son Heung Min's ex-girlfriend. In response to these false allegations, Jung Min Hee has made it clear she has no connection to the case, urging the public to stop spreading misinformation and to respect her privacy. Many have expressed sympathy for the actress who is unfairly caught up in the controversy. For those unaware, Son Heung Min has also been dealing with a deeply personal situation. In 2023, he became the target of a blackmail attempt involving a woman he was reportedly in a relationship with. The woman allegedly claimed to be pregnant with his child and demanded 300 million won. According to reports, Son Heung Min made the payment, but the pregnancy was later terminated. While the case has now moved into legal hands, the emotional weight and public attention surrounding it continue to follow him. Son Heung Min recently found himself at the center of a disturbing blackmail scheme, and it seems to be quite complicated. The case has since been handed over to prosecutors for further action. As for Jung Min Hee, who began her stage career with the musical Aida in 2016, she has since built an impressive resume with standout roles in productions like Mata Hari, Excalibur, and Mamma Mia.
The Guardian
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Greta Garbo documentary reveals star as ‘a relaxed, silly, funny person'
She is remembered as the ultimate reclusive film star, following her shock retirement at the height of her success. But the enduring image of Greta Garbo is being challenged by a new documentary, which will show that, far from withdrawing from life – as in her most famous line, 'I want to be alone' – she lived it to the full, partying with close friends. The British film-maker Lorna Tucker has been given access to previously unseen behind the scenes footage in which the star, once described as 'the most alluring, vibrant and yet aloof character ever to grace the motion picture screen', can be seen larking about and laughing. The footage shows a relaxed, silly, funny person,' Tucker said. 'We see that the most famous woman in the world was actually very silly, very normal. But she also hungered for privacy to live out her life.' The footage has come from one of Garbo's Swedish friends. Tucker has also been given access to more than 200 unpublished letters by Garbo's grand-nephew, Scott Reisfield, who welcomed the documentary for showing another side to the star in her later life. He said: 'The whole 'Garbo is a recluse' meme was a media creation. Sure, she was private. But not in a JD Salinger kind of way … Yes, she did sometimes hold her hand up to ruin the shot, but that became the shot. Paparazzi sold the idea of Garbo hiding because it made them more money.' The documentary, titled Garbo: Where Did You Go?, is an artistic exploration of the myth and mystique of an actor revered for her ethereal screen presence and described by the actor-director Orson Welles as 'the most divine creature', although she was insecure about her looks. Born Greta Gustafsson, her beloved father was an itinerant labourer who died when she was a teenager and she grew up in poverty in a Stockholm slum. After getting a scholarship to the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm, she was cast in 1924 in the silent epic The Saga of Gösta Berling, whose director, Mauritz Stiller, gave her the name Garbo and got her a Hollywood contract. She went on to make classic films including Mata Hari, Queen Christina, Anna Karenina and Ninotchka. She had gone to Hollywood wanting to send money back home to her mother and sister, whose early death from cancer was to devastate her. Disillusioned with the film industry, she suddenly announced she was retiring in 1941, aged 35. She never acted again. She withdrew from public life, relying on close and protective friends, including her long-term lover, George Schlee, and the comic actor and film-maker Charlie Chaplin. When she was awarded an honorary Oscar in 1955, she did not attend the ceremony. She died in 1990. Sign up to Film Weekly Take a front seat at the cinema with our weekly email filled with all the latest news and all the movie action that matters after newsletter promotion Tucker said Garbo became wary of people selling stories about her: 'She had to become very private and trust her instincts of who she let in, and that came across as frosty. But also it's about how the press weave a narrative. They take a picture of her looking sad or covering her face and say, 'She's hiding, this woman who never goes out.' She did go out. She partied all the time, but just at friends' houses. She was having a wild time, but in private. '[The press] create a narrative and then, sadly, that becomes the narrative … [They were] offering so much money to … her poorer friends to tell stories, so then they ended up getting cut out of her life and, just before she died, she was pretty much alone because she couldn't trust anyone.' Reisfield only recently had the letters translated and he is drawing on them for his forthcoming book, Greta Garbo and The Rise of the Modern Woman. Mostly dating from the 1940s and 1950s, Garbo had sent the letters to his grandmother, Peggy, a former nurse who married Garbo's brother, Sven Gustafson. They reflect Garbo's bid for privacy. In one letter, she wrote from Wisconsin: 'Nobody recognises me here.' In another, planning to visit Palm Springs in California, she advised: 'If you would like to write to me … write in Swedish, because they might open the envelope.' The documentary is produced by Embankment, an independent film company whose productions include The Father, the Oscar-winning drama starring Anthony Hopkins. It airs on 14 May on Sky Arts, Freeview and the streaming service Now.
Korea Herald
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
In 'Once,' supporting characters playing live music complete story
Three actor-musicians on why their 'small' roles in 'Once' matter most For the musical 'Once,' 16 different types of instruments -- including guitar, mandolin, violin and drums -- are used on stage. This show demands 12 performers who can not only act and sing, but also play musical instruments. In fact, the difficulty of assembling a cast of skilled actor-musicians is one reason the show is returning to the stage a full decade after its Korean premiere in 2014. While more musicals featuring actor-musicians — such as Great Comet and Zorro — are appearing domestically, the paths to becoming such versatile performers vary widely. Among 12 actors who take the stage each show for 'Once,' Park Ji-il, Ko Ye-il and Kim Min-seong exemplify that diversity. Park, 65, plays 'Da,' the father of the main character 'Guy.' A seasoned actor with a long career across theater, film, and television, Park landed the role on his second attempt -- an audition that marked one of the rare occasions he didn't succeed on the first try, with more than a decade between the two auditions. This role requires good guitar, ukulele and mandolin but he always loved playing the guitar but wasn't familiar with mandolin back then. However, hoping to participate in 'Once' he practiced, waited for a next change and tried again. Park has always loved performing with others, even if not in a professional setting -- making the actor-musician role feel like an ideal combination for him. 'Being able to play music on stage and also act, something I've done for decades, makes this show one of the most meaningful performances I could ever take part in,' Park told The Korea Herald during an interview joined by two cast members. 'In my 40-year acting career, this might be the smallest role I've ever taken on, but to me, it feels like a huge gift. Despite how small the role is, I feel like I've put in ten times more effort into this one production than I have for any other,' he added. While Park's acting career spans four decades, Ko Ye-il, who plays violin onstage, is arguably South Korea's most experienced actor-musician. The 37-year-old comes from a classical music background and trained as a violist. Her entry into musicals was unplanned; since stumbling into the genre in 2017, she has taken on nearly every actor-musician role available in the country, such as 'Mata Hari,' 'The Man Who Laughs,' 'Midnight,' 'Zorro,' 'The Great Comet' and more. 'I've mostly played roles where I'm running around and moving a lot on stage, so I thought 'Once' would be a quiet, lyrical kind of piece -- very different from what I usually do. This was a deeper and more introspective work and really drew me in,' Ko said, adding 'it has become my favorite role.' 'What's really remarkable about this piece is that every single role, no matter how small, feels embraced with love,' Ko added. Ko takes the role of 'Ex-girlfriend' in 'Once.' Kim Min-seong considers himself fortunate to make his debut as Andrej, a character who plays both guitar and bass guitar in the musical. 'I'd watched the film several times -- it's one of my favorites. When I saw the audition announcement, I thought it would be the perfect experience to have before starting my military service,' said the 23-year-old, who played guitar as he studied applied music in high school. With this role, Kim, who now majors in musical theater performance in college, hopes to pursue his career in musical theater. 'When I studied applied music, I realized that it wasn't the type of art that I wanted to pursue. When I saw a musical, my eyes opened wide. Now, I'm so sure about this path and I know performing in a musical production is something I really want to do,' Kim noted. 'I'm thrilled to start my career with this musical that I love so much,' he said. Originally based on the 2007 Irish indie film, "Once" made its Broadway debut in 2012, winning eight Tony Awards including Best Musical. The Korean version of "Once," produced by Seensee Company, runs at Coex Artium until May 31.
Forbes
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Behind The Reinvention Of The Palace, Madrid
From The Gritti Palace in Venice to The Savoy in London, some of the world's most sought-after hotels date back many years. They may ooze heritage from their walls, yet they remain relevant in a modern climate due to their continual reinvention. One such hotel is The Palace in Madrid, recently metamorphosed as a Luxury Collection Hotel after a two-year renovation. The restored facade has been an important part of the renovation. Dating back to 1912, The Palace is one of Spain's most important hotels. Not only was it the first to have telephones in its rooms (you can see one of the original, white 'listening devices' in the bar) but it was also the first in the country (and the second in the world) to have private toilets in the bedrooms. From the minute it opened its doors, the hotel, found in the heart of Madrid's Barrio de las Letras district, attracted the world's glitterati, with names such as Salvador Dalí, Mata Hari, Ernest Hemingway and. Federico García Lorca checking in and hanging out here. The bar, 27 Club, takes you back to the Roaring 20s. Off the lobby, the 27 Club is an atmospheric, wood-panelled bar that pays tribute to this era. Once called the Museo Bar, it retains its feel as a 'living museum', with 70 illustrations inspired by the hotel's historical archives on the walls and memorabilia and original guest books housed in glass cases. Look closely at one of the books and the vintage, looped handwriting reads 'Pablo Ruis Picasso' followed by 'Marquis de Arneva' to give a snapshot of the calibre of guests that were guests at the hotel. From a 1912 John Collins to a Whisky Sour 1927—the cocktail list is a celebration of the classics from the pre-prohibition and prohibition eras, reinterpreted with a contemporary approach. Deep velvet armchairs, wooden tables and honey-hued lighting also give a nod to the Roaring 20s; yet a modern-day soundtrack and the buzz of tourists enjoying pre-dinner drinks feels 'of the moment'. Check in to The Palace and stay in a landmark building in Madrid. Taking two years to complete, much of the hotel's important architectural restoration work was overseen by Ruiz Larrea Arquitectura. The hotel's grand façade was taken back to its original 1912 splendour. Spanning 8,000 square metres, experts returned the building back to its 'Palace colour', a warm beige, which is contrasted with terracotta details. Also unveiled are floral ornaments and garlands that haven't been visible for decades: the result is a grand, wedding-cake-like aesthetic. The iron and stained glass dome over La Cupula restaurant has been meticulously restored. Inside the building, meanwhile, the grand lobby features restored leaded glass and marble panels; while wooden desks and booths hark back to the 1920s roots. Most spectacular of all is the restoration of the hotel's iconic stained glass and iron dome that presides over the hotel's La Cupula restaurant. The masterpiece was designed in 1912 by Eduardo Ferrés i Puig and was executed by master glaziers Maumejean. This monumental structure, composed of 1,875 glass panes, was restored through a painstaking process that involved over 100 specialists dismantling each piece and restoring each to their original colours. Now taking pride of place under the dome is a stunning glass palm tree chandelier, that once stood in the hotel lobby, and which has returned to its original position. The rooms and suites have been inspired by the nature and culture of Madrid. When it comes to the hotel's reimagined interiors, acclaimed designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán was at the helm. Inspired by the famous artists that once stayed here, as well as celebrating the artistic vibrancy of the city of Madrid, rooms feel sumptuous with elegant finishings and a rich colour palette. Underfoot, the hotel's corridors have wool carpets which are adorned with mythical creatures and optical illusions so it feels like you are walking through an enchanted forest. On the walls there is a series of bespoke paintings that also play with the viewer's perception, revealing animals or machines depending on the viewing angle, adding an element of surprise as you approach your room. The feel is like a refined, private apartment. All of the 470 guestrooms and suites have been redesigned and are an ode to the spirit of Madrid. Dreamy, hand-painted wallpapers, for example, that sit behind the bed, and are found in lounge areas, depict the trees and landscapes of the nearby El Retiro Park; while the mosaics in the bathrooms show an aerial view of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Elements, such as marble fireplaces, parquet flooring, Mid-Century-style chandeliers and velvet textiles, in gold, russet and petrol blue, add a layer of finesse, as if you've arrived in a distinguished home. Some suites feature 'hidden' gold bath-tubs that you can access from the bedroom; while others have pink marble vanities. Frette sheets and toiletries from Aqua di Parma and Byredo also bring a touch of luxury to a stay at The Palace. The grand lobby transports you back in time. Facing the city's recently restored Neptune Fountain, with the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum and the Prado museum within walking distance, The Palace is located within the Paisaje de Luz, or Landscape of Light, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In short, Madrid's rich sense of history is all around you, with many of the city's must-sees on the doorstep. The 300-year-old Sobrino de Botin–the oldest restaurant in the world, serving its famous suckling pig—is a 15-minute walk away; while the oldest bakery in the city, Antigua Pasteleria del Pozo, which has served traditional pastries wince 1830, is a five-minute stroll away. The character of Madrid is unmistakeable and it remains a city that exudes its own unique charm with many of its historic shops not priced out by big high street chains. Seek out La Violeta, which dates back to 1915 and still serves beautifully-packaged violet candies (a Madrid speciality); and restaurants, such as the Bodega de Las Ardosa, founded in 1892. La Cupula celebrates the culinary heritage of Madrid. The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, feels like a witness to the real story of the city. Dining in The Cupula, this ambiance comes alive, with walls hung in 16th-century tapestries and a menu that references Madrid's deep-rooted culinary traditions. Standout dishes, made with locally sourced ingredients, are inspired by the hotel's past guests, including Pablo Picasso's Waldorf Salad and Julio Camba's Steak Tartare. Starters include a platter of Iberian Ham and a Tomato and Lobster Salad; while the stars of the mains are made for two: such as The Palace Beef Wellington and a classic Prawn Paella. Make sure you leave room for the unique, retro wooden dessert trolley—with drawers that open to reveal handmade truffles, macarons and sweet specialities. The Palace, a luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid, combines heritage with modernity. Based in its central location, it doesn't take much to get under the skin of Madrid, but if you are looking for recommendations or a booking to an authentic Flamenco performance, such as at Tablao de la Villa, ask one of the concierge team, headed up by David Fernando. They are dressed, like all front-of-house staff, in smart, royal blue uniforms, in an almost-Wes Anderson-style. Designed by Spanish fashion designer, Juanjo Oliva, they are effortlessly stylish yet rooted in tradition, much like the hotel itself.
Korea Herald
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Mamamoo's Solar to return with new single ‘Want'
Solar of Mamamoo is set to return as a solo artist in April, six months after the release of "Solar Sensibility Part 8" in October. According to her agency, RBW, Monday, Solar will release her second single, "Want," at 6 p.m., April 2 on multiple streaming platforms. "Solar's new single embodies the bright energy of spring. We hope fans will look forward to it," the agency said in a statement. The track captures the excitement and courage of taking the first step toward love, reflecting Solar's confident and vibrant charm. Continuing to expand her solo career, Solar successfully wrapped up her first solo tour of eight Asian cities last year. She also took the lead role in her fourth appearance in the musical "Mata Hari," which ran Dec. 5 to March 2.
