GOKPOP | Exclusive K-News in Malaysia & Singapore

Rain Can’t Stop Fans from Welcoming Kim Soo Hyun at CUCKOOTOPIA Music Fest

Thursday, December 05, 2024

Actor Kim Soo Hyun made a special appearance in Malaysia on 16th November 2024 at the vibrant CUCKOOTOPIA Music Fest, held at Sunway Lagoon’s Surf Beach. The event was a triple celebration: CUCKOO International’s 10th anniversary, the announcement of Kim Soo Hyun as CUCKOO’s brand ambassador, and the uniting of thousands of fans to celebrate #SAMASAMAHealthier homes and lifestyles.

Despite the rainy weather, the multi-lingual music festival drew a massive crowd, eager to enjoy electrifying performances. The stellar lineup included CUCKOO ambassadors and local icons such as Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza, Jaclyn Victor, Phei Yong, Joe Flizzow, Tomok, Siti Nordiana, DOLLA, Priscilla Abby, Firdhaus, Bunkface, and the vibrant trio 3P, delivering a true showcase of Malaysia’s diverse music culture.

The crowd’s excitement soared around 11 PM, when Kim Soo Hyun stepped onto the stage to greet his fans, who had been waiting eagerly since morning. The actor expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm reception, even sharing his concern for fans’ well-being in the rainy weather.

Kim Soo Hyun delighted fans with a playful heart pose session, where some participants struggled to form the perfect heart, sparking laughter and joy throughout the venue. Additionally, he teased his upcoming Disney+ drama, "Knock Off," set to premiere next year, giving fans something to look forward to.

Special fancam moment where lucky fans get to strike a heart pose with Kim Soo Hyun Oppa 🥹🫶🏻🫶🏻#KimSooHyun #KimSooHyuninMY #KimSooHyuninKL #김수현 #CuckootopiaMusicFest #CUCKOOTOPIA #SAMASAMAHealthier pic.twitter.com/bOJ4k5LU8N
— GOKPOP (@goKPOP) November 16, 2024

Reflecting on his role as CUCKOO’s brand ambassador, Kim Soo Hyun shared, “It’s been 10 years since I was an ambassador for CUCKOO. I’m very happy to be back in this role and even happier that it brought me to Malaysia for the very first time.” His sincere words earned cheers and applause from the audience.

Throughout the night, not only the fans are in love with Kim Soo Hyun but even CUCKOO’s local brand ambassadors couldn’t hide their admiration for the Korean superstar. Phei Yong, a popular Malaysian influencer and CUCKOO ambassador, appeared on stage wearing a T-shirt adorned with Kim Soo Hyun’s face. In a lighthearted moment, Phei Yong requested an autograph from Kim Soo Hyun on stage, earning cheers from the audience. Meanwhile, Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza requested a selfie with the actor, a gesture that showcased her own admiration. The wholesome interactions demonstrated that even fellow stars are fans of Kim Soo Hyun’s charm and talent.

As the night came to a close, Kim Soo Hyun joined CUCKOO International’s management team on stage to celebrate the company’s remarkable 10-year journey. Together, they marked the occasion with a joyful birthday celebration, commemorating a decade of Healthier Homes and inspiring lifestyles. Although his time on stage was short, Kim Soo Hyun left a lasting impression on fans, many of whom are already hoping for his return to Malaysia for a dedicated fan meet.

CUCKOO

CUCKOOTOPIA Music Fest: Actor Kim Soo-Hyun Is Coming to Malaysia on 16 Nov to Celebrate CUCKOO 10th Anniversary

Monday, October 21, 2024

CUCKOO International is marking its 10th year of creating Healthier Homes and inspiring Malaysians to be #SAMASAMAHealthier. To commemorate this incredible milestone, they are bringing A-list Korean actor, Kim Soo-Hyun, to its biggest ever anniversary celebration, the multi-lingual CUCKOOTOPIA Music Fest to #SAMASAMA celebrate and make the event truly unforgettable for all Malaysians.

CUCKOOTOPIA Music Fest Details:

Date: 16 November 2024 (Sunday)

Time: 5PM - 11.30PM

Venue: Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon

Line-up: Kim Soo Hyun, 3P, Priscilla Abby, Siti Nordiana, Joe Flizzow, Tomok, DOLLA, Firdhaus, and Bunkface.
CUCKOO Brand Ambassadors: Dato’ Sri Siti Nurhaliza, Jaclyn Victor, and Phei Yong

For those interested, the CUCKOOTOPIA Music Fest tickets that can be won through the following avenues:

‘Beli CUCKOO Menang Kondo’ Contest:

Purchase or rent an eligible CUCKOO product for a chance to win free tickets. Additionally, eligible customers will also stand a chance to win a serviced apartment unit at the EXSIM D’TERRA Condominium or other CUCKOO products.

GrabbyBara Game:

Play CUCKOO’s fun and free-to-play game here until 11 November 2024. Participants can try their best to achieve a high score for an opportunity to win tickets!

Snap to Win Contest:

Public is invited to capture and share a creative photo at CUCKOO’s special anniversary display installations, a Giant Inflatable Birthday Hat on CUCKOO’s airplane at Terminal Sekinchan up until 30 October 2024 and a giant inflatable water purifier at LG2, Blue Concourse in Sunway Pyramid from 26 October to 7 November, to stand a chance to win a pair of tickets.

CUCKOO Carnival:

Visit the CUCKOO Carnival at Central i-City, Shah Alam from 6-10 November 2024 for unbeatable deals and prizes, including the CUCKOOTOPIA Music Fest tickets.

Giveaways by Official Media Partners:

The CUCKOOTOPIA Music Fest’s official media partners, including Astro and radio stations ERA, MY, HITZ, and GOXUAN, will also be giving away tickets to their listeners. Be sure to tune in and stay updated on their social media for a chance to win.

For more information on the initiatives celebrating CUCKOO International’s 10th Anniversary, including activities for a chance to win tickets to the CUCKOOTOPIA Music Fest, please visit https://www.cuckoo.com.my/10thanniversary or stay connected on social media (Instagram: @cuckoo_official | Facebook: @CUCKOOInternational).

Im Si Wan

7 K-Drama Good Guys Who Are Hotter Than Bad Boys

Monday, February 08, 2021

K-dramas are a bit notorious for featuring male leads who start out as cold and rich bad boys, but end up changing after falling in love. Let’s be real- guys who are genuinely good from the beginning are so much more attractive. Thankfully, recent K-dramas have kept up with the trend of having more good guys and making them super appealing. Check out some recent good guys you’ll fall in love with below!

Im Si-wan (Ki Seon-gyeom) from Run On

Image credit to Netflix

Run On’s track star Ki Seon-gyeom (Yim Si-wan) appears to be a bit socially awkward at first, but he’s cute once you get to know him. Seon-gyeom is caring and makes his feelings for Oh Mi-joo (Shin Sae-kyeong) obvious. In addition to his swoon-worthy words and actions, Seon-gyeom doesn’t hesitate to make the difficult decision to stand up for Kim Woo-sik (Lee Jeong-ha). Seon-gyeom often places other people’s needs before his own, and he sticks to his convictions.

Kim Seon-ho (Han Ji-Pyeong) from Start-Up

Image credit to Netflix

Start-Up’s Han Ji-pyeong (Kim Seon-ho) could easily be misunderstood as a typical cold male lead. However, he’s truly a good guy in every way. Ji-pyeong isn’t aware of his growing feelings for Seo Dal-mi (Bae Suzy) at first, but he’s always looking out for her. Even after realizing his feelings for her, he never burdens Dal-mi and doesn’t make her uncomfortable. His sweet relationship with Dal-mi’s grandmother is so precious as well. His nickname is definitely “Good Boy” for a reason!

Nam Joo Hyuk (Nam Do-san) from Start-Up

Image credit to Netflix

Nam Do-san (Nam Joo-hyuk) was also a very good boy! While he struggled about the truth behind the letters, Do-san always does his best to help Dal-mi. How adorable was Do-san when he gifted Dal-mi’s grandmother with his hand-knit RGB-colored dish sponges? Furthermore, he even developed a brand new app to help her visually impaired grandmother. A good boy not only takes care of you, he takes care of your grandmother too!

Park Bo Gum (Sa Hye-jun) from Record of Youth

Image credit to Netflix

Record of Youth’s Sa Hye-jun (Park Bo-gum) is such a pure character despite his difficult circumstances and the industry he works in. Hye-jun is very loyal and trusts the people around him. Even though his best friend Won Hae-hyo (Byeon Woo-seok) is more successful than him at first, Hye-jun doesn’t get envious and feels truly happy for his friend instead. As a celebrity, public scrutiny should be a concern, but Hye-jun always cares more about the people he loves than what the public thinks of him. He just might be an angel in disguise.

Kim Soo-hyun (Moon Gang-tae) from It's Okay to Not Be Okay

Image credit to Netflix

It's Okay to Not Be Okay’s Moon Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun) is another studly and empathetic character. He started taking care of his older brother from a young age, and gently cares for his patients. When Ko Mun-yeong (Seo Yea-ji) is intent on harming a patient, Gang-tae blocks her knife with his own hand. Even when Mun-yeong's romantic obsession with him gets annoying, Gang-tae still takes care of her and helps her heal. He’s also thoughtful and careful not to lead Nam Ju-ri (Park Gyu-young) on.

Lee Jong-suk (Cha Eun-ho) from Romance Is A Bonus Book

Image credit to Netflix

Romance Is a Bonus Book features Cha Eun-ho (Lee Jong-suk) as an accomplished writer and chief editor who has been in love with his long-time friend Kang Dan-i (Lee Na-young). Eun-ho eagerly helps Dan-i every way he can after she has nowhere to go, following her divorce and eviction. He’s her biggest cheerleader and supports her efforts to re-start her career and life. The way he embraces her with open arms not seeking anything in return is clearly a good guy trait.

Park Seo-jun (Park Saeroyi) from Itaewon Class

Image credit to Netflix

Itaewon Class’s Park Saeroyi (Park Seo-jun) has such a good heart even though the world, especially Jangga Group, has not been kind to him. After being wrongfully expelled and convicted, Saeoryi does have revenge on his mind. However, he goes about it the wholesome way and seeks to establish a business more successful than Jangga Group. He’s truly kind and gives marginalized people a second chance. Saeroyi’s father undeniably taught him well.

Which K-drama good guys do you love the most? Check them all out on Netflix!

K-drama

Which is Your Favourite #Kdrama Character of Kim Soo Hyun?

Thursday, June 18, 2020

If you miss Kim Soo-hyun’s charming face and can’t wait to see him back on your screens, it’s time for you to countdown to his new K-drama series, It’s Okay To Not Be Okay.

The hallyu heartthrob will play an angelic character in this series but when it comes to different characters, he really knows how to switch his personality in seconds! From a serious and skeptical alien in My Love From The Star to a hilarious North Korean spy in Crash Landing on You, make a date for a KSH marathon on Netflix this weekend!

Moon Gang-Tae, The Empathetic Caregiver - It's Okay to Not Be Okay

This drama is Netflix upcoming series about two people who end up healing each other’s emotional and psychological wounds, Kim Soo-hyun plays Moon gang-tae who works in a psychiatric ward, and is the main caregiver for his autistic brother Sang-tae (played by Oh Jung-se). Aside from being blessed with an angelic face, great body, and intelligence, Moon gang-tae will also melt your heart with his patience and empathy.

Song Sam-Dong, The Musical Genius - Dream High

The teen musical drama that started it all, Kim Soo-hyun’s breakout role as Song Sam-dong, a country bumpkin who turns out to be a musical genius, captured our hearts and made us loyal fans. Fall in love all over again with Sam-dong’s innocence as he follows the love of his life Ko Hye-mi (Bae Suzy) to Kirin High School of Art, a prestigious music school.

The Intelligent King Lee Hwon - The Moon Embracing the Sun

Kim Soo-hyun won a Best Actor award at the 48th BaekSang Arts Awards for his portrayal of King Lee Hwon, who falls in love with a shaman played by Han Ga-in. His character’s devotion to his first love despite all odds will keep you hooked till the end, and longing for a forever love too.

Do Min Joon, The Charming Alien - My Love From The Star

Kim Soo-hyun won the Best Actor award yet again at the 50th BaekSang Arts Awards for his portrayal of Do Min Joon, a cynical and aloof alien stranded for four hundred years on Earth who eventually falls in love with top actress Cheon Song-yi, played by Jun Ji-hyun.

Baek Seung-Chang, The Geeky Secret Admirer - The Producers

What would you do if you have a huge crush on someone? You could join the same company to see your crush at work every day, just like Kim Soo-hyun’s character Baek Seung-chang, in The Producers. A geeky stalker, Seung-chang decided to join KBS as a junior producer because he has a secret crush on a KBS employee. Although he is very shy and awkward, he will do anything just to be near his crush!

The Mysterious New Owner of Hotel Blue Moon - Hotel Del Luna (cameo appearance)

Just as we were overcome with sadness in the last episode of Hotel del Luna, Kim Soo-hyun brought a ray of moonlight with his cool and dapper cameo. We’ve been wishing for a sequel since that brief glimpse, just to see more of this handsome new boss of Hotel Blue Moon.

The Silly North Korean Spy - Crash Landing On You (cameo appearance)

It’s not a complete K-drama experience if you haven’t seen the hilarious side of Kim Soo-hyun - specifically his cameo appearance in Crash Landing on You as a veteran North Korea spy who blends in by delivering fried chicken.

Now that you’ve followed Kim Soo-hyun’s journey from a fresh new actor to Hallyu star, you’re all set for his comeback after two long years in military service.

Here’s a sneak peak of what happened behind the scene while filming It’s Okay to Not Be Okay:

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay premieres on Netflix on Saturday June 20 at 21:30 MYT with weekly episodes on Saturday and Sunday.

*pictures credit to owners

eventcoverage

Kim Soo Hyun and Seo Yea-Ji Share Their Thoughts Working with Each Other at 'Its Okay to Not Be Okay' Press Conference

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Kim Soo Hyun and Seo Yea Ji at 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' Virtual Media Conference

The main casts of Netflix upcoming Korean drama 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' attended the public press conference held in Seoul this afternoon and fans were able to watch it via V Live. Soon after, Kim Soo Hyun and Seo Yea Ji joined the private media conference and we were glad to be part of it, virtually. Kim Soo Hyun gave his thoughts returning to the small-screen after military service while Seo Ye-ji shared her preparation for the character.

Kim Soo Hyun starring as caregiver Moon Gang-tae, Seo Yea-ji starring as the popular writer of children's storybook, Ko Mun-Yeong

The fantasy-romance drama 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' centres around the unusual romance between two people who end up healing each other’s emotional and psychological wounds. Check out what the main cast said during the virtual media conference held this evening!

Q: What made you decide to work on this project?

Seo Yea-ji (SYJ): The director is very talented so I had no choice but to join the show. Also, the partner is Kim Soohyun and I’m sure every actress would love to act alongside him.

Kim Soo Hyun (KSH): After reading script I had a heartache, but I wanted to challenge myself to act the role.

Q: After working with each other, did your first impression of each other change?

Photo credit: Chun Youngsang for Netflix

KSH: Seo Yea-ji is very comfortable as a person, but when she’s acting as Ko Mun-yeong she is extremely focused. I get energy and stimulation; I’m studying thanks to her.

SYJ: I feel comfortable when I’m around Kim Soo-hyun like he also said, but when we’re acting he gets absorbed into his role. He gives me energy and helps me, so he was similar to my first impression.

Q: The drama challenges the notion of being normal while portraying that most people are unique in their own ways. Can you share some unique traits about yourself?

KSH: I am physically stronger and have grown better (in terms of acting) after military. Viewers who have seen my work prior to this drama will notice the difference.

SYJ: Ko Mun-yeong has a witch-like character. (I think) my low voice and witch-like aura allowed me to play the role. I learned new things about myself through the eyes of others.

Q: How is it like to be back to the drama scene, after the army service?

KSH: This is my first piece of work after military and I am very nervous. During military, I had a strong thirst to appear on screen and act again.

Q: In preparation of your character, did you refer to any movies/dramas or other characters? If not, how are you preparing?

SYJ: I did research and studied on characters that have antisocial disorder. Then, I realised Ko Mun-yeong has a unique character that expresses her inner-self through clothes/fashion.

Q: Give your thoughts of the relationship of Gang-tae and Sang-tae.

KSH: I have to behave like the older brother when I'm with Sang-tae but when I'm in front of Ko Mun-Yeong, I behave like a child.

Q: Please say a few greeting words to Netflix viewers and your fans who are eagerly waiting for this drama.

KSH: The characters in our drama don’t pose and don’t try to be weighty. I hope you can enjoy and let go of everything as you cry and laugh with us.

SYJ: I hope that viewers can feel hope and courage to overcome everything through watching our drama.

'It's Okay to Not be Okay' is set to premiere on Netflix on 20 June at 9.30PM, airs every Saturday and Sunday.

About It's Okay to Not Be Okay'

Photo credit: Chun Youngsang for Netflix

Growing up, Moon Gang-tae (starring Kim Soo-hyun) always felt secondary to his autistic older brother Sang-tae (starring Oh Jung-se). He believed his parents only had him to make sure someone could take care of Sang-tae. Sang-tae is a huge fan of Ko Mun-yeong (starring Seo Yea-ji), a popular children’s book author, and ends up illustrating for her. Famous for her dark stories, Ko Mun-yeong has an anti-social disposition and a penchant for sharp knives. She finds Gang-tae intriguing and similar to her despite their very different personalities. Gang-tae also finds her gaze similar to someone he used to know. The pair help each other overcome past trauma and struggles, resulting in a unique love story befitting a dark fairytale.

Photo by: Netflix