The Times Australia
News From Asia

.
Times Media

.

Spackman Media Group Artist Wi Ha-jun Set To Star In The Second Season Of Netflix Global Hit Series, Squid Game

  • Spackman Media Group artist Wi Ha-jun returns in the second season of international breakout hit, SQUID GAME, alongside the original cast comprising Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun and Gong Yoo
  • Represented by Spackman Media Group, Wi Ha-jun rose to worldwide stardom with his role as Hwang Jun-ho, a policeman in the first season of SQUID GAME
  • In December last year, Wi Ha-jun of Spackman Media Group won the rising star award in the 2023 Korea First Brand Awards, following his chart-topping Netflix drama, LITTLE WOMEN (2022), which was filmed in Singapore and Korea
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach - 20 June 2023 - Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (the "Group"), one of Korea's leading entertainment production groups founded in 2011 by global media & technology investor Charles Spackman, wishes to announce that Wi Ha-jun of MSteam Entertainment Co.

, Ltd. ("MSteam"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group's associated company, Spackman Media Group Limited ("Spackman Media Group"), shall return in the second season of Netflix global hit series, SQUID GAME.

The cast of the second season of SQUID GAME was revealed at Netflix's global fan event, Tudum 2023, held in Sao Paulo, Brazil on June 17, 2023. Spackman Media Group artist Wi Ha-jun is set to star alongside the original cast, which consists of Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun and Gong Yoo. The new series will also welcome new cast members, including Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon and Yang Dong-geun.[1]

SQUID GAME, which premiered in 2021 and was ranked as the #1 Netflix show across over 90 countries including the US and Korea, took home historic wins at the Emmy Awards 2022. The Netflix Korean production clinched six Primetime Emmy Awards namely, Outstanding Guest Actress In A Drama Series, Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Single Episode, Outstanding Stunt Performance, Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Contemporary Program, Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series.

Directed by Emmy Award winning director, Hwang Dong-hyuk, the Netflix teaser for the second season of SQUID GAME can be viewed at the following link: http://bit.ly/squidgamesecondseason. Filming for the new season is scheduled to commence in the second half of this year.

Represented by MSteam of Spackman Media Group, Wi Ha-jun became a worldwide sensation with his role as Hwang Jun-ho, a policeman in the first season of SQUID GAME.

At the 2023 Taiwan Tourism Information Session held at Dragon City in Yongsan, Seoul, Korea, Wi Ha-jun of Spackman Media Group was announced as the public relations ambassador of Taiwan on June 16, 2023, as part of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau efforts to attract Korean tourists.[2]

In December last year, he won the rising star award in the 2023 Korea First Brand Awards, following his chart-topping Netflix drama, LITTLE WOMEN (2022), which was filmed in Singapore and Korea. The drama took the top spot in Taiwan, Indonesia and Japan and ranked 8th globally on Netflix, according to Flixpatrol.com as of October 8, 2022. The series featured iconic landmarks in Singapore such as Marina Bay Sands and The Fullerton Hotel.

In February 2022, he was selected as the South Korea ambassador for Swiss luxury watchmaker, TAG Heuer. He was also appointed as the ambassador for his hometown, Wando-gun of South Korea in January 2022.

Wi Ha-jun starred in highly popular K-drama BAD AND CRAZY (2021), which reached first place in viewership ratings for consecutive weekends after its release on 17 December 2021.

Wi Ha-jun was also selected as the brand ambassador for the American premium casual brand BEENTRILL and released a beauty pictorial with YSL beauty in December 2021. Notably, he also headlined in the Korean crime thriller film, MIDNIGHT (2021), which received the Best Feature Award at the 13th UK Grimmfest Film Festival.

In addition to Wi Ha-jun, MSteam represents iconic Korean actress Son Ye-jin, who starred in hit romance drama CRASH LANDING ON YOU (2020), and top actress Lee Min-jung, who won the Top Excellence Award at the 2020 APAN Star Awards.



[1] Netflix announces new cast for 'Squid Game 2' https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20230618000076, 18 June 2023

[2] Taiwan Tourism Bureau's Remarkable Efforts to Attract Korean Tourists, https://thetravelnews.co.kr/06/602452/, 16 June 2023



Hashtag: #Koreanentertainment #SpackmanEntertainmentGroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Spackman Entertainment Group Limited

Spackman Entertainment Group Limited ("SEGL" or the "Company"), and together with its subsidiaries, (the "Group"), is one of Korea's leading entertainment production groups. SEGL is primarily engaged in the independent development, production, presentation, and financing of theatrical motion pictures in Korea.

The Company was founded in 2011 by renowned media and technology investor Charles Spackman who served as the Company's Executive Chairman until 2017. For the past two decades, Mr. Charles Spackman has been a powerhouse in the Korean entertainment industry starting in the early 2000's with the pioneering success of Sidus Pictures, the largest movie production company at the time and the first to be listed in Korea. Mr. Spackman is also the Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the global investment firm, Spackman Group. For more information, please visit and .

Since its founding, SEGL had produced more than 30 major motion pictures including a number of the highest grossing and award-winning films in Korea, namely #ALIVE (2020), CRAZY ROMANCE (2019), DEFAULT (2018), MASTER (2016), THE PRIESTS (2015), SNOWPIERCER (2013), COLD EYES (2013) and ALL ABOUT MY WIFE (2012).

Our films are theatrically distributed and released in Korea and overseas markets, as well as for subsequent post-theatrical worldwide release in other forms of media, including online streaming, cable TV, broadcast TV, IPTV, video-on-demand, and home video/DVD, etc. Generally, we release our motion pictures into wide-theatrical exhibition initially in Korea, and then in overseas and ancillary markets.

The Group also invests into and produces Korean television dramas. In addition to our content business, we also own equity stakes in entertainment-related companies and film funds that can financially and strategically complement our existing core operations. SEGL is listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited under the ticker 40E.

Production Labels

SEGL owns a 100% equity interest in Studio Take Co., Ltd. ("Studio Take") which produced STONE SKIPPING (2020) and THE BOX (2021). Its latest film, A MAN OF REASON, premiered in the US at the 42nd Hawaii International Film Festival. The film was also invited to the 47th Toronto International Film Festival, the largest film festival in North America, and the 55th Sitges Film Festival, one of the world's top three genre film festivals. A MAN OF REASON is expected to be released in the third quarter of 2023. Studio Take shall also release an upcoming film, THE GUEST, which is at the post-production stage and scheduled to be released in the second half of this year.

SEGL owns Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd. ("Novus Mediacorp"), an investor, presenter, and/or post-theatrical distributor for a total of 80 films (59 Korean and 21 foreign) including OKAY MADAM (2020), LONG LIVE THE KING (2019), MY FIRST CLIENT (2019), ROSE OF BETRAYAL (2018), THE OUTLAWS (2017) and SECRETLY, GREATLY (2013), which was one of the biggest box office hits of 2013 starring Kim Soo-hyun of MY LOVE FROM THE STARS (2013), as well as FRIEND 2: THE GREAT LEGACY (2013). In 2012, Novus Mediacorp was also the post-theatrical rights distributor of ALL ABOUT MY WIFE (2012), a top-grossing romantic comedy produced by Zip Cinema. In 2018, THE OUTLAWS, co-presented by Novus Mediacorp broke the all-time highest Video On Demand ("VOD") sales records in Korea. For more information, please visit .

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Greenlight Content Limited ("Greenlight Content") which is mainly involved in the business of investing into dramas and movies, as well as providing consulting services for the production of Korean content. Through the acquisition of Greenlight Content, the Group's first co-produced drama, MY SECRET TERRIUS, starring top Korean star, So Ji Sub, achieved #1 in drama viewership ratings for its time slot and recorded double digits for its highest viewership ratings. Greenlight Content was one of the main investors of MY SECRET TERRIUS.

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Simplex Films Limited ("Simplex Films") which is an early stage film production firm. The maiden film of Simplex Films, JESTERS: THE GAME CHANGERS (2019), was released in Korea on 21 August 2019. Simplex Films has several line-up of films including HURRICANE BROTHERS (working title).

The Company owns a 20% equity interest in The Makers Studio Co. Ltd., which plans to produce and release four upcoming films, the first of which will be THE ISLAND OF THE GHOST'S WAIL, a comedy horror film.

Talent Representation

The Company holds an effective shareholding interest of 43.88% in Spackman Media Group Limited ("SMGL"). SMGL, a company incorporated in Hong Kong, together with its subsidiaries, is collectively one of the largest entertainment talent agencies in Korea in terms of the number of artists under management, including some of the top names in the Korean entertainment industry. SMGL operates its talent management business through renowned agencies such as SBD Entertainment Inc. (Son Suk-ku, Han Ji-hyun, Park Keun-rok), MSteam Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Son Ye-jin, Wi Ha-jun, Lee Min-jung, Ko Sung-hee, Lee Cho-hee), UAA&CO Inc. (Kim Sang-kyung) and Play Content Co., Ltd. (Hwang-hwi). Through these full-service talent agencies in Korea, SMGL represents and guides the professional careers of a leading roster of award-winning actors/actresses in the practice areas of motion pictures, television, commercial endorsements, and branded entertainment. SMGL leverages its unparalleled portfolio of artists as a platform to develop, produce, finance and own the highest quality of entertainment content projects, including theatrical motion pictures, variety shows and TV dramas. This platform also creates and derives opportunities for SMGL to make strategic investments in development stage businesses that can collaborate with SMGL artists. SMGL is an associated company of the Company. For more information, please visit .

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Constellation Agency Pte. Ltd. ("Constellation Agency"). Constellation Agency, which owns The P Factory Co., Ltd. ("The P Factory") and Platform Media Group Co., Ltd. ("PMG"), is primarily involved in the business of overseas agency for Korean artists venturing into the overseas market. The P Factory is an innovative marketing solutions provider specializing in event and branded content production. PMG is a talent management agency which represents and manages the careers of major artists in film, television, commercial endorsements and branded entertainment.

Strategic Businesses

The Company also operates a café-restaurant, Upper West, in the Gangnam district of Seoul and own a professional photography studio, noon pictures Co., Ltd.

For more details, please visit

The Times Features

The Gift That Keeps Growing: Why Tinybeans+ Gift Cards are a game-changer for new parents

As new parents navigate the joys and challenges of raising a child in the digital age, one question looms large: how do you preserve and share your baby's milestones without co...

Group Adventures Made Easy: How to Coordinate Shuttle Services from DCA to IAD

Traveling as a large group can be both exciting and challenging, especially when navigating busy airports like DCA (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport) and IAD (Washington...

From Anxiety to Assurance: Proven Strategies to Support Your Child's Emotional Health

Navigating the intricate landscape of childhood emotions can be a daunting task for any parent, especially when faced with common fears and anxieties. However, transforming anxie...

The Rise of Meal Replacement Shakes in Australia: Why The Lady Shake Is Leading the Pack

Source Meal replacement shakes are having a moment in Australia, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re quick, convenient, and packed with nutrition, making them the perfect solu...

HCF’s Healthy Hearts Roadshow Wraps Up 2024 with a Final Regional Sprint

Next week marks the final leg of the HCF Healthy Hearts Roadshow for 2024, bringing free heart health checks to some of NSW’s most vibrant regional communities. As Australia’s ...

The Budget-Friendly Traveler: How Off-Airport Car Hire Can Save You Money

When planning a trip, transportation is one of the most crucial considerations. For many, the go-to option is renting a car at the airport for convenience. But what if we told ...

Times Magazine

Introduction to the Traces of Friable Asbestos Removal in Western Australia

In the domain of safety and health, the ultimate removal and handling of friable asbestos is important. In western Australia this aspect is ultimately important. Friable asbestos is categorised as very easily crumbly airborne, which poses a serio...

Making Memories Around Your Pool- Here Are Some Fantastic Tips to Help You Capture Those Perfect Moments

Now you have your dream pool in your yard; it is time to make some wonderful memories. Your pool space offers a fantastic scope to take delightful pictures, and it would be a great idea to capture those special moments in the pool. It doesn't matt...

In-Depth Guides to Mobility Scooters

Electric scooters play a very important role in the daily needs of many people. They are ideal for the elderly, injured, and disabled who want to regain their independence when it comes to going from one place to another. Learn about the history ...

Set a New Standard for Singapore's Commercial Production Scene

Benefits of Commercial Production in Singapore Singapore is one of the most attractive places in the world to set up a business and produce commercial products. This small island nation has developed an impressive infrastructure, which makes it ...

Apple releases iPhone 14, best deals and perks

Apple has unveiled its next generation tech and the hotly anticipated iPhone 14 with offers from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone up for grabs.Prices for the iPhone 14 line-up start at $1,399 and go up to $2,769.Finder’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker revea...

Unveiling The Future: Dive Into The Latest Canon Models Online

Canon has remained at the forefront in the rapidly changing world of photography, continually setting new standards and transforming the sector. Canon constantly introduces innovative camera models that enthrall both professionals and enthusiasts...