Latest news with #Choo
Pink Villa
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
The Trauma Code star Choo Young Woo reveals extreme diet plan: Here's how he dropped 22 kgs before debut
On a recent episode of You Quiz on the Block, actor Choo Young Woo left viewers stunned with a raw and emotional look into his past. The actor revealed that his road to becoming a performer was anything but smooth. Behind the smiles and screen lies a journey defined by starvation, self-doubt, and ambition. During the interview, Choo Young Woo opened up about how far he went to chase his dream of performing on stage. He shared that he went an entire year surviving on nothing but a single pack of nuts a day. His goal? To lose enough weight to stand confidently in front of a camera and be taken seriously in the entertainment industry. From 86 kg to 64 kg Before pursuing acting seriously, Choo weighed around 86 kilograms. Determined to completely reshape himself, he adopted a radical diet. His entire daily intake consisted of a small packet of nuts. In his words, 'At that time, I really wanted to be on the stage. I endured on a pack of nuts a day.' He attributed the extreme diet to his deep desperation to stand on stage. This drastic regimen brought him down to 64 kilograms, representing a total loss of 22 kilograms. The day he almost gave up Choo Young Woo also recalled a key moment when his confidence shattered: attending a hagwon, or cram school, for aspiring performers. There, he encountered fellow students who poured every ounce of energy into acting and singing with fierce intensity. Watching them made him question whether he belonged. 'I was shocked when I went to Hagwon. Everyone acted with red eyes and sang so loudly that the ground shook, and I thought I was in big trouble,' he recalled. He remembered feeling completely overwhelmed, to the point where he cried that day. He couldn't sing, he couldn't dance, and he felt as though he lacked any unique skill to compete. It led him to question his entire decision. He wondered, 'Did I make an irresponsible choice?' Practice from dawn to dusk Instead of giving up, Choo chose to dig in deeper. He began training obsessively. He practised from the moment he opened his eyes to when he collapsed into sleep. He studied acting, rehearsed lines, and trained wherever he could - in academies, dance rooms, and even parking lots. Despite surviving on a dangerously low-calorie diet, he refused to slow down. A payoff worth the pain? Eventually, Choo's sacrifices led to acceptance into three prominent Korean universities. This feat validated his hard work and fueled the passion he still carries today. His experience shaped not only his body but also his mindset. Choo's story instantly went viral after the episode aired, igniting conversations online. Many admired his unshakable determination and willingness to suffer for his goals. However, others were deeply concerned by the dangerous methods he used to get there.
AFP
2 days ago
- Politics
- AFP
S. Korean population and ballot figures used to resurface baseless election fraud claims
"Choo Mi-ae was elected representative in Hanam-A district through voter fraud," declares the Korean-language caption of a graphic shared in a Facebook post on June 16, 2025. Choo, a six-term lawmaker and former justice minister, during the April 2024 general election (archived link). The post, however, questions the legitimacy of the vote. Superimposed text on the graphic reads: "You call this a country? A nation ruled by bandits!" It then lists purported voting figures from the district's Shinjang 1-dong "Total population: 6,950. Number of eligible voters: 6,467. Number of votes cast: 7,179." Image Screenshot of the false Facebook post, captured on June 17, 2025 The same graphic alleging voter fraud in , and has resurfaced since centre-left candidate Lee Jae-myung's resounding victory in South Korea's June 3 presidential election (archived link). "The problem is that the People Power Party chooses to ignore voter fraud, so what is the point of this evidence," read a comment on one of the posts. Another said: "It is evident that Choo Mi-ae's election was fraudulent." Official data from the South Korean government and the country's election watchdog, however, shows the figures used in the graphic are inaccurate. Population and voting data Information from the Ministry of Interior shows the total population of Shinjang 1-dong at the time of the April 2024 general election was 6,902 -- not 6,950 as claimed in the falsely shared graphic (archived link). According to South Korea's National Election Commission (NEC), the number of eligible voters in Shinjang 1-dong during the April 2024 general election was 7,179 -- not 6,467 (archived link). The NEC data also shows 4,719 votes were cast -- not 7,179. "Even if the number of ballots cast had exceeded the population of the neighbourhood, that would not constitute evidence of fraud," an NEC spokesperson told AFP on June 17. South Korea allows voters to cast their ballots outside their district of residence during early voting (archived link). "This means that non-residents can legally vote in a different area from where they reside, causing the number of votes cast in the district to exceed the number of residents," the spokesperson said. This misunderstanding has become a recurring theme in South Korean elections, especially among groups alleging electoral fraud. The NEC issued a statement on June 1 in response to separate allegations of election fraud in Buan County in the North Jeolla province, saying the number of votes corresponds to the total number of electors who cast their votes at ballot stations in the county, "not just those who reside in the area" (archived link). AFP has debunked multiple false claims alleging voter fraud in South Korean elections.
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
British diplomat to highlight interconnectivity, climate change at TEDx Seoul
British diplomat Gareth Weir will take the stage at TEDxSeoul on June 28 to discuss global interconnectivity, climate change and geopolitics. Speaking with The Korea Herald ahead of the event, Weir, who serves as deputy ambassador at the British Embassy in Seoul, underscored the value of TEDx for dialogue, breaking silos and engaging citizens. 'We've partnered with TEDx a couple of times now,' said Weir. 'We did some work on climate change, including hosting events at the residence. For us, TEDx's motto — 'Ideas worth sharing' — says it all. That's why we engage: to share ideas.' Weir, a career diplomat, sees TEDx as aligning closely with the values of diplomacy. 'Diplomacy is fundamentally about dialogue,' he explained. 'TEDx creates a space for that dialogue in a safe environment. We hope it helps people build bridges and understand different viewpoints.' Underlining Korea's rapid development, Weir acknowledged the country's remarkable achievements but noted that future success hinges on adaptability. 'The miracle on the Han is extraordinary,' he said. 'But the next evolution — navigating climate, technology, global markets — is incredibly complex. Countries that succeed will be those that learn from others, engage widely, and embrace new ideas.' Weir pointed out that TEDx helps societies connect not only within but also across borders. 'It gives Koreans a platform to share their transformation and learn from global experiences. Many people around the world want to learn from Korea — and vice versa,' he said. Weir highlighted the UK Embassy's partnership with TEDx as a way to connect climate action and human rights through meaningful dialogue, emphasizing shared narratives and collaboration on issues like North Korea, energy transition and human rights. In his TEDx talk, titled 'Crossover,' Weir will highlight global interconnectivity and shared responsibility, urging people to act as engaged global citizens. Using everyday examples like smartphones, he will show how deeply interconnected the world is and call for bridge-building instead of polarization. He stresses that diplomacy and TEDx both thrive on ideas that inspire meaningful change. David Choo, curator of TEDxSeoul, described the event as a civic platform that amplifies underrepresented voices — youth, people with disabilities, climate activists and North Korean defectors. Choo highlighted plans with the British Embassy for cross-cultural events in literature, film and environmental storytelling. 'It's about sharing our lives and learning from each other through authentic storytelling,' added Choo. sanjaykumar@
The Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
First pickleball instructor course held in Sibu
Choo (holding paddle) conducting the instructor course, which he says will help build a stronger pickleball coaching community in the region. Malaysia Pickleball Association (MPA) conducted its first Central Zone Level 1 Certified Instructor course in Sibu, marking a milestone in the development of the sport in Sarawak. This initiative, hosted by Sibu Pickleball Association (SPA), drew 34 enthusiastic participants, including two delegates from Kuching and four from Sarikei. Presiding over the course at SMK Sacred Heart was MPA president Farrell Choo, who led the training and assessments. Choo said the programme not only served as a platform to enhance technical knowledge and coaching skills, but also as a strategic step towards building a stronger coaching community in Sabah and Sarawak. Participants who complete the course will be officially recognised as Level 1 Certified Instructors, enabling them to contribute to the sport's growth at grassroots and school levels. Expressing his gratitude, SPA president Joseph Chieng said, 'We are thankful to MPA for its unwavering support. 'Hosting this course in Sibu empowers our local players and educators to take on leadership roles within the sport.' Chieng said SPA aimed to continue collaborating with national and state-level bodies to organise further professional development programmes and tournaments, positioning Sibu as an emerging hub for pickleball activities in Sarawak. Meanwhile, some 200 to 300 participants from across Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo are expected to take part in Borneo Pickleball Workshop and Forum on Aug 27 and 28 in Sibu. The inaugural event will be organised by iPlay Swan Squad Pickleball Club (iPSS) with full backing from Business Events Sarawak, which aims to promote the development of pickleball in Borneo, especially in Sarawak. iPSS president Dr Wong Chya Wei said the forum represented a vital step towards building a stronger and more structured pickleball community in the region. 'This is more than just a forum. It's a movement to raise the profile of pickleball. 'We anticipate coaches, educators, club organisers and the public joining in,' he said at a press conference. Dr Wong said one of the event highlights would be a dialogue session featuring representatives from Sarawak Sports Council, MPA and pickleball court operators. Other activities on the agenda include specialist talks on flooring, seminars on sports injuries and rehabilitation, as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) workshops, which will be offered free to the public. There will also be a referee workshop for those interested in becoming officials or line judges, besides an exhibition area focusing on pickleball gear, court construction solutions, booking systems, and sporting equipment. 'Junior players will showcase a match on a specially prepared court set up within a hotel ballroom – the first of its kind in Malaysia. 'We invite people from all backgrounds to join us, especially those with experience in racquet sports like tennis, badminton, table tennis and squash, as transitioning to pickleball is straightforward and enjoyable. 'As an extra incentive, the first 100 registrants will be treated to a complimentary sunset river cruise on Aug 27,' he added.
The Star
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Fashion collections bring back iconic designs, proving nostalgia sells
Fendi's runway show in February featured re-editions of classic bags, including the Adele and the Peekaboo. Photo: Fendi Trends come and go, but the fashion industry never misses a chance to take a stroll down memory lane. Brands often revisit their archives, mining the past for inspiration that feels familiar. This says a lot about how great designs rarely go out of style. Take, for example, Loewe's Puzzle bag. When it was released in 2015 under the creative direction of Jonathan Anderson, it felt like a quiet revolution – architectural, yet understated and refreshingly modern. A recent 10th anniversary celebration has seen the bag return to the spotlight, not as a relic, but a reimagined classic. Reissued in limited edition, they celebrate the original design language while subtly evolving its silhouette for a new generation of wearers. Shoes plucked from television history are being reissued. Photo: Jimmy Choo Read more: Would you do maths to get dressed? The 7-point fashion rule says you should Jimmy Choo is also looking back in time. The footwear brand (which will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year) is honouring Carrie Bradshaw's favourite heels as part of a special archive collection. It is a smart move – drawing on the enduring cultural influence of television show Sex And The City , which defined trends in the early 2000s. One design is a pair of dreamy feather-embellished lilac suede slingbacks. The original appeared in a scene where the lead character trips while running after a departing ferry, exclaiming, 'Wait! I lost my Choo!' For Zara's 50th anniversary, 50 of the world's most iconic models including Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Twiggy and more stepped in front of the camera for a huge campaign. The brand also released a 128-piece collection that draws on its strengths, described in the press release as 'centred around the monochrome classicism of tuxedo dressing' with a 'seductive palette of black'. Fendi's Autumn/Winter 2025 show in February paid tribute to the fashion house's 100 years of design. Models took to the runway in looks that blended archival designs with contemporary artistry. A capsule collections marks the milestone of one fashion house. Photo: Jacquemus The showcase also featured re-editions of classic bags, including the Adele and the Peekaboo. Silvia Venturini Fendi, however, said that she did not want to spend too much time dwelling on the physical archives. 'For me, Fendi 100 is more about my personal memories – real or imagined – of what Fendi was and what Fendi means today,' her press statement read. Read more: Once mocked, now coveted – 'dad style' is the fashion trend redefining cool Jacquemus, having turned 15 years old this year, released an archive-inspired capsule collection in March. Reissued pieces include the Castagna minidress, famously worn by Kylie Jenner at the landmark Spring/Summer 2024 show. Others, like the 2013 white U dress, delve further into the archives, nodding to Jacquemus' early flirtations with sporty, space-age silhouettes. The new designs serve as a vibrant tribute to the brand's legacy, seamlessly carrying the past into the present and hinting at what's to come. Finally, you have The Fold launching a five-piece limited-edition collection using Liberty fabrics in celebration of the London retailer's 150th anniversary. Announced last week, the collection will include re-coloured prints from Liberty's scarf archive, with designs dating back to the 1970s.
