Monday, February 23, 2026

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Jeon Hyunmoo's agency apologizes for his remark about a fallen police officer ... "Sorry to the deceased, we feel a heave sense of responsibility"

SOURCE: [공식] 전현무 측, 순직 경찰관에 '칼빵' 발언 사과…"고인에 죄송, 무거운 책임감 느껴" (전문)

Jeon Hyunmoo's agency apologized for using inappropriate remark while mentioning the story of a fallen police officer on 'Battle of Fates.'

On the 23rd, Jeon Hyunmoo's agency, SM C&C, released an official statement, saying, "First, we deeply honor the lives and hard work of all the deceased individuals mentioned in the 'Battle of Fates.' We offer our sincere condolences to the bereaved families."

The agency continued, "We feel a heavy sense of responsibility for the hurt caused to the deceased and their families due to certain expressions used during the broadcast. No matter what the situation was, we should have been more careful when talking about the deceased," adding, "While Jeon Hyunmoo was summarizing what a participant had said, he repeated some words exactly as heard and did not consider if they were appropriate. We take it very seriously that he failed to show proper respect to the deceased."

The statement concluded, "We sincerely apologize to the deceased and their families. We also apologize to all viewers who may have felt uncomfortable while watching the broadcast. We will check our internal rules to be more responsible and do our best to make sure this never happens again in the future."

Meanwhile, Disney+ 'Battle of Fates' is a spiritual survival program where 49 fortune tellers gather to test their abilities through various missions.

During the show, a shaman referred to the death of a person on the show, saying, "Isn't getting stabbed often called 'Kal-ppang (NB: This is a very harsh slang term for a stab wound)'?" referring to a police who died in the line of duty. Hearing this, Jeon Hyunmoo said, "Someone said 'Kal-ppang,' that's very direct."

After the scene aired, Jeon Hyunmoo receives critics for using inappropriate language when referring to a police officer who died in the line of duty.

Below is the full statement from Jeon Hyunmoo's agency, SM C&C.

Hello, this is SM C&C.

First, we deeply honor the lives and hard work of all the deceased individuals mentioned in the 'Battle of Fates.' We offer our sincere condolences to the bereaved families.We feel a heavy sense of responsibility for the hurt caused to the deceased and their families due to certain expressions used during the broadcast. No matter what the situation was, we should have been more careful when talking about the deceased.

While Jeon Hyunmoo was summarizing what a participant had said, he repeated some words exactly as heard and did not consider if they were appropriate. We take it very seriously that he failed to show proper respect to the deceased.

We sincerely apologize to the deceased and their families. We also apologize to all viewers who may have felt uncomfortable while watching the broadcast. We will check our internal rules to be more responsible and do our best to make sure this never happens again in the future.

Once again, we deeply apologize.

Continue reading Jeon Hyunmoo's agency apologizes for his remark about a fallen police officer ... "Sorry to the deceased, we feel a heave sense of responsibility"
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'Professor' G-Dragon delivers graduation speech at KAIST: "In a world without right answers, it's okay to be wrong"

SOURCE: '교수' 지드래곤 KAIST 졸업식 축사 "정답 없는 세상, 틀려도 괜찮아"[종합]

G-Dragon (real name Kwon Jiyoung), who is currently serving as a visiting professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), delivered a heartfelt message to graduates at the 2026 KAIST graduation ceremony.

On the 20th, at the 2026 Graduation Ceremony held at KAIST's main campus in Daejeon, G-Dragon ecnouraged the graduates starting their lives in society through a video message. At the event, President Lee Jaemyung and First Lady Kim Hyekyung were also present.

In his congratulatory speech, G-Dragon began by saying, "Congratulations. Sincerely, congratulations. You've made it and you are the people who will continue to achieve in the future." He continued, "Now you are heading into a world with no right answers. It's okay to be wrong, as long as you don't stop. The courage to choose a different path from others will eventually take you the furthest. Start your journey freely today."

The graduates at the scene responded with cheers and applause to the warm comfort and encouragement from the icon of the generation.

G-Dragon's connection with KAIST began in June 2024. At the time, KAIST announced that they would 'expand the global competitiveness of Korean culture by integrating the latest science and technology with K-Contents and the cultural industry,' and appointed G-Dragon as a visiting professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Since then, G-Dragon has gone beyond a simple promotional role and taken on substantive activities.

In both 2024 and 2025, G-Drago attended 'Innovate Korea' where he held special talk shows under the theme of 'The Future of AI Enter-Tech.' There, he shared his experiences insights as a global artist, promoted creative thinking, and presented his vision for AI and the future of the entertainment industry.

KAIST President Lee Kwanghyung previously stated, "Professor G-Dragon has a pioneer spirit for exploring unknown areas, which aligns with the spirit of KAIST." G-Dragon also expressed his aspirations for teaching, saying, "I hope a 'BIG BANG' to happen when science geniuses and entertainment meet."

His agency, global AI enter-tech company Galaxy Corporation, has also partnered with KAIST to build an 'AI Enter-Tech Research Center.' They participated in research projects that integrate digital twins, AI avatars, and metaverse technologies in the entertainment industry.

Continue reading 'Professor' G-Dragon delivers graduation speech at KAIST: "In a world without right answers, it's okay to be wrong"
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Ha Jungwoo spotted in the U.S with a shaved head

SOURCE: 머리 빡빡 민 하정우, 미국서 포착된 근황

Ha Jungwoo has been spotted with a bold new look as he completely shaved his head.

On the 23rd, Ryu Junyeol shared a video on his social media showing himself on a broadcast camera while visiting the home stadium of soccer player Son Heungmin's team, Los Angeles FC.

On the stadium's big screen, Ryu Junyeol was seen alongside actor Daniel Dae Kim and Ha Jungwoo. The three waved and posed playfully for the camera.

At that moment, Ha Jungwoo's shaved head especially drew attention, having completely shaved his head without a single strand of hair left, his sudden new look caught many eyes.

Meanwhile, Ha Jungwoo recently admitted that he is in a relationship with Cha Jungwon, with a marriage in mind.

Continue reading Ha Jungwoo spotted in the U.S with a shaved head
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Park Minyoung hits her lowest weight at 37kg again ... "I managed by not eating and only drinking 3 liters of water a day"

SOURCE: 박민영, 37kg 최저 몸무게 또…"밥 안 먹고 물만 3L 마시며 관리"

Park Minyoung, who is starring in the new drama 'Siren,' revealed, "I went on a diet by drinking only water."

On the afternoon of the 23rd, a press conference for tvN's new Monday-Tuesday drama 'Siren' (written by Lee Young, directed by Kim Cheolgyu) was held via TVING and Naver TV. Park Minyoung, Wi Hajoon, Kim Junghyun, and Director Kim Chulgyu attended the event.

Park Minyoung, who plays as Han Seol-ah, a chief auctioneer at Royal Auction, drew attention by saying that she went on an extreme diet for her character.

Park Minyoung explained, "Han Seol-ah, the character I play, does not eat in the drama. So many tragic events happen around her, so she doesn't eat and only drinks water or alcohol at home."

She added, "She is a character who feels extremely lonely when alone and also suffers from panic disorder. That's why I felt like I shouldn't gain weight," and added, "While filming this project, I fasted and drank 3 liters of water a day," surprising everyone.

Park Minyoung shared, "Now I have returned to my normal self. Keeping myself in a dark mood seemed to suit the character very well. I really changed into someone very dark."

Previously, Park Minyoung made headlines for losing weight down to 37kg while portraying a character battling cancer in the 2024 drama 'Marry My Husband.'

At the time, she explained, "I ate very little and survived only on ion drinks during filming." She added, "The production team was very kind. They let me film those scenes first, including the death scene. Then, they gave me about two weeks to gain back 5kg."

Meanwhile, 'Siren' is a drama about a woman with irresistible charm who is suspected of insurance fraud and a man who investigates the suspicious deaths around her. It is starred by Park Minyoung, Wi Hajoon, Kim Junghyun, Lee Elijah, and Han Junwoo. The first episode airs on March 2nd at 8.50 PM (KST).

Continue reading Park Minyoung hits her lowest weight at 37kg again ... "I managed by not eating and only drinking 3 liters of water a day"
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Why NewJeans 'went downhill' while Min Heejin 'survived'

SOURCE: 뉴진스는 ‘망했’는데, 민희진은 ‘회생’한 이유

NewJeans suffered a 'complete defeat,' but their so-called 'mother' Min Heejin (former CEO of ADOR, current CEO of OOAK Records) achieved a 'complete victory.' Some NewJeans' members were judged to have joined a planned media battle and now face lawsuits seeking hundreds of billions of KRW in penalties. Meanwhile Min Heejin, who was accused of making the plan, successfully recovered and secured 25.5 billion KRW from her 'put option.'

According to the first trial rulings of two separate lawsuits on the 23rd, the different courts for NewJeans' contract termination case (Civil Division 41) and Min Heejin's 'put option' case (Civil Division 31) reached different conclusions on the same issues and evidence, causing confusion.

■ The same ‘independence plan’: 'A planned trick' vs. 'Not a reason to strip hundreds of billions'

The main contradiction is how the two courts interpreted the Kakao Talk evidence containing Min Heejin's 'media battle plan.'

In the NewJeans case, the court focused on Min Heejin's alleged instruction for an executive to ghostwrite statements for the parents. She said, "It would be better if the mothers report it to the Fair Trade Commission," and "I don't actually care about improving punishments... The goal is the public announcement."

That court concluded that this was "Min Heejin's tampering is a pre-meditated planning for her own independence, not to protect NewJeans," and dismissed NewJeans' claims.

However, the court in Min Heejin's case saw it differently.

While acknowledging that Min Heejin's media play may have been improper, the court ruled that it was not a serious crime enough to take away her right to hundreds of billions of KRW. This court stated, "To break a shareholder agreement involving financial interests, such as a put option estimated at up to 100 billion KRW by 2025, there must be a 'serious violation,' not just a loss of trust."

The court viewed Min Heejin's independence plans as just 'private talk' that was never carried out or was based on getting HYBE's approval. Therefore, the court felt it was not a reason to revoke her 'put option.'

■ Subject of ‘betrayal’: 'NewJeans' sudden termination' VS 'HYBE's sudden media play'

The courts also disagreed on who broke the trust first.

The court for NewJeans' case called the group's sudden contract termination as 'an intentional act to worsen the conflict by creating the 'appearance' that the other side (HYBE) did something wrong in order to avoid penalties.' It found that NewJeans sided with Min Heejin's plan and unilaterally destroyed trust.

On the other hand, the court for Min Heejin's case pointed to HYBE as the party who damaged the trust. The court noted, "Min Heejin's complaints remained internal until HYBE made them fully public through an exclusive article on April 22, 2024."

■ Reassessment of allegations: Acknowledging the practices of 'pushing out' album sales

The suspicions raised by Min Heejin about ILLIT copying NewJeans and that HYBE engaged in 'pushing out' album sales also received opposite interpretations.

The court for NewJeans' case treated these as 'excuses made quickly to end the contract,' but the court for Min Heejin's case judged them as a 'fair internal whistleblowing and an exercise of managerial rights.'

The court for Min Heejin's case specifically stated that HYBE's practices of 'pushing out' album sales actually happened.

This court stated, "At the time, HYBE's CEO Park Jiwon appeared to have suggested 'pushing out' NewJeans' album sales to ADOR. Also, the head of HYBE Japan planning team used the term 'pushing volume' on August 4, 2023. There is evidence to suspect this," adding, "Inflating first-week sales to promote chart rankings harms fair distribution and deserves criticism."

Furthermore, the court stated, "Min Heejin's allegations may have helped ADOR by preventing it from happening again and establishing the market order." The court considered her actions as raising issues of public interest, as she called for investigation and countermeasures regarding matters that could disturb the album market order at a major corporation like HYBE."

Regarding ILLIT's plagiarism allegations, the court also cleared her, saying, "It was a management decision to protect her key asset (NewJeans) and it was a fair issue to raise. It did not constitute the spread of false information."

Continue reading Why NewJeans 'went downhill' while Min Heejin 'survived'
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"They even met the Japanese aristocrat grandfather" ... Min Heejin, the one behind NewJeans' downfall

SOURCE: [단독] "일본 귀족 할아버지도 만났다"...민희진, 뉴진스 파국의 설계

NewJeans stated at their contract termination press conference: “We will carry out all previously scheduled activities as planned.” (November 28, 2024)

The very next day, they changed their words, informing ADOR that they refuse to participate in activities: “We don’t think we’ll be able to film content for the Japanese fan club.” (November 29, 2024)

NewJeans boycotted the filming for fan club kit, New Year's greetings, and ID that are usually done every January. Instead, they flew to Japan to meet a grandfather. His name is Kazumichi Goh, known to be a Japanese aristocrat. He is 73 years olds.

Who called (NewJeans?) It was Min Heejin.

① The Aristocrat Grandfather

Kazumichi Goh, born in 1954, is a big name in the Japanese racing world. He started 'Team Goh' in 1996 and won the championship at the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 2004.

He is known as a wealthy businessman. His maternal grandfather was Shojiro Ishibashi, the founder of Bridgestone. Meanwhile, his paternal granfather is Goh Takasaburo, who served as an executive director at Nissin Seifun Group.

Min Heejin reportedly met Kazumichi Goh at the end of 2024. According to an insider, it was not just for a social gathering. A source claimed, "At the time, Min Heejin needed money. Then, she was introduced to the Japanese grandfather."

Min Heejin even called NewJeans to Tokyo. She gathered the whole group to meet this grandfather. Kazumichi Goh is said to be a huge fans of NewJeans. It appears that Min Heejin took advantage of this fact.

② The Tokyo Meetings

According to Dispatch's investigation, NewJeans met this grandfather in Japan at least three times. The whole group reportedly traveled together in January to see him. They also went in March and April, both separately and together.

NewJeans also celebrated this grandfather's special day, reportedly presenting him birthday gifts and handwritten letters. An insider close to NewJeans said, "Min Heejin told them he was an important person. The members were confused, but they still prepared the gifts as they were told."

What was Min Heejin 'planning' with this grandfather? A source speculated, "They began meeting after declaring the contract termination. It seems like they discussed investments."

In March 2025, NewJeans released 'Pitstop' under the name NJZ. Was it a tribute song for Kazumichi Goh? It could be, especially considering that ComplexCon was also a project led by Min Heejin.

③ “Pitstop”

On March 7, 2025, at the Seoul Central District Court, the court asked, "How are you preparing for the Hong Kong performance?" Even in court that day, NewJeans' side covered for Min Heejin. They reportedly lied to the court, saying, "The organizer is providing support."

"We haven't yet secured a production company or an agent for the show yet. We will do that once the court decision is out and problems are solved. For now, the organizer is providing the necessary staff." (Sejong)

Dispatch obtained the contract between NewJeans and Hong Kong ComplexCon. NewJeans' appearance fee was 350,000 USD. That is approximately 500 million KRW. The consulting fee was 500,000 USD (including staff expenses and other fees).

Min Heejin, the members' parents, and the lawyers reportedly discussed the contract in a group chart. They finalized it on December 18, 2024. However, Min Heejin did not put her name on the front to avoid legal problems such as 'tampering.'

④ Hong Kong Search

NewJeans used this stage as a stepping stone for their independent activities. They went ahead with the performance and unveiled their new song 'Pitstop' against the court's decision. What did Min Heejin want to show at the Hong Kong show?

Bonnie Chan Woo. She is a leading figure in Chinese pop culture industry. As the CEO of 'Complex China,' she hosted the Hong Kong show. It turns out, Bonnie had even sent a proposal to purchase ADOR from HYBE in October last year.

It is reported that Bonne offered to buy 80% of ADOR's shares for 400 billion KRW. In exchange she added the condition: "Hand over 100% of the rights to the artists' contracts and all management."

"We discussed this with NewJeans' representatives. They said that even if they lose the lawsuit, they have no intention of returning. If we acquire the shares, we plan to restart their creative work, including music production and shows, immediately." (Bonnie)

Who exactly are the 'NewJeans representatives' Bonnie refers to? The clear fact is that Min Heejin was constantly involved in the decision-making process. She was the unseen hand that prolonged NewJeans' dispute.

⑤ Claiming Damages

On March 21, 2025, NewJeans' independent activities were halted. The court accepted ADOR's request to 'preserve its status as the group's agency.' NewJeans reached a point where they couldn't leave ADOR to work independently.

However, on March 23, NewJeans announced, "We will attend Hong Kong ComplexCon under the name NJZ." At the same time, Min Heejin and Danielle's mother reportedly built the narrative that 'NewJeans and ADOR can not be together."

The following is a conversation between Min Heejin and Danielle's mother, obtained by Dispatch:

Danielle's mother: Can't the members refuse to attend ADOR events, saying they are under psychological pressure?

Danielle's mother: I think that would be helpful for the main lawsuit.

Min Heejin: Yes. Please post that on the (NJZ) PR account.

Danielle's mother: We should respond by saying they're anxious because they don't know how ADOR might interfere or hurt them.

Min Heejin: Please write it briefly. I will edit it.

Min Heejin reportedly wanted to overturn the court's decision in the main lawsuit. By claiming psychological distress and saying that 'The members feel anxious if ADOR is involved,' she attempted to build a reason to invalidate the exclusive contract. The person who edited this statement, according to the report, was Min Heejin.

⑥ Contract Termination

Min Heejin won the 'put option' lawsuit. The key to her victory was the court's argument that 'there were attempts, but they were not carried out.' In other words, a failed attempt became the reason she secured 25.5 billion KRW.

However, Min Heejin did more than just plan. She actually put her plans into action. According to the report, NewJeans' press conference declaring contract termination at 7.30 PM on November 28, 2024, was her work.

Dispatch obtained evidence that Min Heejin directed the event from behind the scenes. There is also testimony that Min Heejin personally wrote the script for the press conference and had the members memorize it.

Min Heejin was also reportedly involved in preparing rebuttal press releases. She even decided when and how to send them out. Although the statements were released under NewJeans' names, but the ghostwriter was said to be Min Heejin.

⑦ The Essence of the Business

On November 14, 2024, NewJeans sent a legal notice. They demanded, "Bring Min Heejin back as CEO." At the same time, they requested an apology from HYBE. The deadline for an answer was two weeks.

Six days after the legal notice was sent (the 20th), Min Heejin submitted her resignation. She also posted a message saying, "One person's malicious actions should not damage the essence of the business. It was really wrong."

After Min Heejin resigned, NewJeans announced their contract termination. They protected Min Heejin by saying, "We did not have separate discussions with CEO Min Heejin. We believe she feels the same way as we do."

Although Min Heejin was an internal director at ADOR, report claims she planned NewJeans’ contract termination from behind the scenes. Then, she quit the company one week before the press conference. This is speculated to be a trick to avoid potential charges such as breach of trust.

⑧ The True Colors of the Plan

"It is recognized that she looked for ways to become independent…. However, after HYBE started its audit on April 22, 2024, the independence plans mentioned in the KakaoTalk chats seem to have stopped there." (The Court)

Min Heejin secured 25.5 billion KRW through her planning 'skills.' But how will the 'memory' of these plans be recorded?

Allegations include: attempting inappropriate relationships with a senior executive; looking for investors for escape strategies; designing contract termination while serving as an internal director; using the members to meet the 'grandfather'; testing independent activities through the Hong Kong stage; and trying to steal the group using the name NJZ.

Min Heejin consistently explored options. The only reason she couldn't complete the actions was because she was caught. It was not just about calculations, she allegedly stopped only after being exposed, but (while hiding) she continued to shake the company. As a result, Min Heejin is 'OOAK' and only NewJeans ended up 'Not OOAK' (NB: OOAK is pronunced like the word 'okay')

Continue reading "They even met the Japanese aristocrat grandfather" ... Min Heejin, the one behind NewJeans' downfall

Hearts2Hearts donates 50 million KRW ... "We want to share the love we receive from Hatchu"

SOURCE: 하츠투하츠, 5천만 기부…"하츄 사랑을, 나누고 싶다"

Hearts2Hearts celebrated their 1st debut anniversary with a warm act.

On the 23rd, international development cooperation NGO G-Foundation stated, "Hearts2Hearts has donated 50 million KRW under the name of Hatchu (fandom name) to celebrate their 1st debut anniversary."

The donation will be used to support underprivileged young women in South Korea, including to provide sanitary products to those who are facing financial difficulties.

Hearts2Hearts shared, "For our 1st anniversary, we took part in this donation because we wanted to pass on the love we received from Hatchu to even more people."

They added, "We hope that underprivileged young women can live their daily lives without worry. We will become artists who spread positive influence."

Meanwhile, Hearts2Hearts recently made a comeback on the 20th with new single, 'RUDE!'.

Continue reading Hearts2Hearts donates 50 million KRW ... "We want to share the love we receive from Hatchu"