70% of women in Japan's broadcasting industry experience sexual harassment ... Unwanted physical contact is also common

SOURCE: 日 방송계 여성 70% "성희롱 피해"…불필요 신체 접촉도 만연

A survey shows that 7 out of 10 women working in the Japanese broadcasting industry have experienced sexual harassment at work, with some suffering severe distress that they considered taking their own lives.

According to the report on the 4th, a research team led by Professor Togo Tanaka of the University of Tokyo Graduate School surveyed183 former and current broadcasting professionals (62 men, 119 women) between May last year and January this year. Among female respondents, 70.6% (84 people) answered that they had experienced sexual harassment.

The types of abuse varied. 44.5% (53 women) said they experienced 'unwanted physical contact,' while 14.3% (17 women) said they were 'mobilized as companions for sexual hospitality.'

Notably, about 10% of female respondents said they had been forced to have sexual relations.

Among male respondents, 32.3% (20 people) said they had heard sexual harassment remarks, and 6.5% (4 people) reported being forced into unwanted physical contact.

Specifically, there are also cases of individuals being asked about their body shape in studios and then being forcibly hugged, or were brought to the executives' drinking parties as 'companions' and exposed to sexual conversations.

The aftermath was severe. 39 respondents said they had 'thought about suicide,' and 30 reported changing their workplace or profession because they could no longer endure the harassment.

The survey was conducted to understand the reality of the industry following issues of sexual exploitation in the entertainment world last year, including those surrounding former SMAP leader, Masahiro Nakai.

The research team pointed out, "Broadcasting stations, which are supposed to serve the public interest, hold a contradiction in that they neglect human rights violations within their own walls."

Continue reading 70% of women in Japan's broadcasting industry experience sexual harassment ... Unwanted physical contact is also common

BIGBANG is coming back ... YG Ent. unveils 'mega lineup' for its 30th anniversary

SOURCE: 빅뱅 돌아온다…YG, 30주년 맞아 ‘초대형 라인업’ 공개

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, YG Entertainment has revealed its plan featuring a powerful lineup of artists. The roadmap includes a global tour by the legendary group BIGBANG, comebacks from BABYMONSTER and TREASURE, and even the debut of a new group.

On the 4th, YG Entertainment posted a video on its official blog in which Executive Producer Yang Hyunsuk explains the major projects prepared for this year.

Marking their 20th debut anniversary this year, BIGBANG had preciously raised expectations by hinting at a return. Yang Hyunsuk stated, "We have reached an agreement with BIGBANG's members to hold concerts," adding, "Since we've been together for a long time, all YG staff is doing their best to create a perfect and outstanding show." The stage is expected to be a place where the group and the company, who wrote K-pop history together, confirm their 'YG Family' bond.

BABYMONSTER will continue their activities this year with two album releases and a world tour. They plan to release a mini-album in May, followed by the second full-length album in the fall. Starting in June, they will go on their second world tour, including stops in South America, Europe, and Oceania.

TREASURE will start the 'second chapter' of their career with a mini album in June. Yang Hyunsuk stated, "The members suggested they want to do hip-hop," and added, "You can look forward to the cool, YG-style music that they haven't shown before."

A new rookie debut will also make their debut. A new boy group is being prepared with the goal of debuting this fall. Additionally, the remaining two members of a four-member girl group tentatively named 'Next Monster,' following Evelli and Chanya, will be revealed soon.

Yang Hyunsuk concluded, "We will be back with good news all year long," and added, "We will work hard to make music here without losing our roots, even through our 40th and 50th anniversaries."

Continue reading BIGBANG is coming back ... YG Ent. unveils 'mega lineup' for its 30th anniversary

The chance of becoming a trainee at SM Entertainment is 0.00867% ... "Even celebrities need to be scolded"

SOURCE: SM 아이돌 연습생 확률이 0.00867%인데…"스타도 혼나야 해" 팩폭

On the 4th, tvN 'You Quiz on the Block' announced its guests, including a historian who studied the Joseon Dynasty for 30 years, Shin Byungjoo; SM Entertainment Center Director who was produced idols for 22 years, Yoon Heejun; singer celebrating his 36th debut anniversary, Yoon Jongshin, and a 17-year-old gold medalist who overcame a bone fracture, Choi Gaon.

Yoon Heejun, who has spent 22 years producing idols at the heart of the K-pop industry, SM Entertainment, is now currently leading SM Artist's Development Center.

She oversees the entire process of artist development, from casting and training to selecting final debut members. Yoon Heejun also directly clarifies myths and truths about the casting system in SM Entertainment.

Yoon Heejun stated, "Out of about 150,000 applicants per year, only 10 survive to become trainees," pointing out the 0.00867% chance of being selected.

She also shares the story of going all the way to Seoul Station to personally pick up RIIZE's Wonbin, as well as stories about EJae, a key figure behind 'Golden.'

In particular, Yoon Heejun leaves a memorable quote, "Even celebrities need to be scolded."

The episode will be released tonight (the 4th) at 8:45 PM (KST).

Continue reading The chance of becoming a trainee at SM Entertainment is 0.00867% ... "Even celebrities need to be scolded"

Prosecutors indict Brazilian woman in her 30s for stalking BTS Jungkook by ringing his doorbell hundreds of times

SOURCE: [단독] 검찰, ‘BTS 정국 초인종 수백회 스토킹’ 브라질 30대 여성 구속기소 [세상&]

It has been confirmed that prosecutors have indicted and detained a Brazilian woman in her 30s on charges of repeatedly visiting the residence of BTS Jungkook, ringing his doorbell hundreds of times, stalking him, and even trespassing into his home.

According to Herald Economy on the 3rd, the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office indicted and detained the woman, identified as A, on February 27 for violating the Anti-Stalking Act and trespassing. She was also accused of attempted trespassing, but prosecutors dismissed that charge due to lack of evidence.

A is accused of stalking Jungkook by visiting his home 23 times between December 7 of last year to January 4 this year, ringing his doorbell hundreds of times, waiting near his home, and even leaving letters and other in his mailbox. Even after police issued an 'emergency restraining order' in late December last year, she failed to comply with that order by returning to his home again in early January.

Under current law, responses to stalking crimes move from emergency protective measures to emergency restraining order to court-ordered protective order. An 'emergency restraining order' allows police to ban a person from coming within 100 meters or contacting the victim.

A is also charged of trespassing on December 13 last year. She allegedly entered through a side gate of Jungkook's residence after a food delivery worker had left the door open.

The Yongsan Police arrested A on December 13 last year and investigated her. At the time, she claimed she 'just wanted to make her existence known and had no aggressive intention.' She was released the next day after questioning.

However, prosecutors determined that her actions continued. On December 28, a staff member spotted her in front of Jungkook's home and reported her to the police. The Yongsan Police then issued an emergency restraining order, but she still went back in January.

When her whereabouts became unknown, the police applied for an arrest warrant on January 28. On the 10th of last month, A was arrested. A detention warrant was later issued, and on the 13th of last month, she was taken into custody for investigation.

During investigation, A admitted the facts but denied criminal intention, saying that she 'acted out of love for Jungkook and had no intention of causing harm.' However, prosecutors concluded that her actions were clearly stalking and trespassing, leading her to be formally indicted on charges of violating the Anti-Stalking Act and trespassing.

The police initially forwarded the case with an additional charge of attempted trespassing after seeing her pressing the door lock keypad on a CCTV footage. However, prosecutors dismissed the charge, determining that the CCTV footage did not provide enough proof of a break-in attempt.

COMMENTS:

-Brazil?? Wow…

-She's over 30 years old. What on earth is she doing?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-Seeing this makes me understand why he crashes out.

-He must be insanely stressed out. If you're really a fan, you should let him rest at his own home. That's not love.

-Since he's a global star, his Sasaengs have varied nationalitiesㅠ

-It must be really exhausting to be a celebrity. Even if you earn a lot of money, your basic daily is always at risk.

-Why come all the way to another country just to harass him...? He's supposed to be your favorite singer...

-She's literally harassing him. You can't call that a fan.

-Brazil????? She came from so far away. There are seriously so many crazy people.

-How is that a fan? Sasaengs are just criminals.

-I mean... Can't they just deport her?

-Whenever I see articles about Sasaengs, they're all foreigners. There are barely any Korean Sasaengs now.

-I wonder if she would get banned from entering South Korea after receiving punishment...

-Isn't there any security at where he lives?

Continue reading Prosecutors indict Brazilian woman in her 30s for stalking BTS Jungkook by ringing his doorbell hundreds of times

Why is the celebrity gift-exchange variety show 'Manitto Club' fails to charm viewers?

SOURCE: 연예인들 선물 교환 예능 '마니또 클럽', 왜 매력 없을까

'Manitto Club,' a show where celebrities exchange gifts while hiding their identities, has been struggling with ratings in the 1% range. Despite the star-studded lineup including Jennie, Dex, Choo Sunghoon, and Lee Suji, it hasn't managed to generate much buzz.

MBC 'Manitto Club,' which released its first episode on the 1st, calls itself as a 'chaotic undercover gift-delivery variety show.' The first group features Choo Sunghoon, Noh Hongchul, Dex, and Jennie. Meanwhile, the second group features Park Myungsoo, Hong Jinkyung, Jung Haein, and Go Younjung. Even though the cast lineup is as glamorous as an awards show, the performance is disappointing. According to Nielsen Korea, the first episode reached viewer ratings of 2.1%, but dropped to 1.6% for the second episode, and 1.3% for the third episode.

The first thing that receives criticism is the concept itself. The setup where celebrities complete secret missions and build relationships through gift exchanges has been used many times in the past. Especially since there was a similar segment on 'Infinite Challenge,' viewers can't help but feel a sense of deja vu.

In fact, the bigger issue is not the familiarity of the concept itself. Even a familiar concept can be fun if there's a new twist. However, 'Manitto Club' has failed to show that potential. While the cast members are charming, they haven't developed new characters through the show.

It's difficult to grow emotions just by exchanging gifts. Although the cast later gathers in a studio to share their thoughts on watching each other, it's not interesting enough. In shows where people trick and track each other, viewers usually look for sincere worries or unpredictable chemistry. However, 'Manitto Club' focuses so much on completing missions that the situations move on too quickly before any genuine emotional connections between the cast can naturally develop.

Additionally, the change in viewers' tastes is also the reason why 'Manitto' concept is less appealing now. In the past, simply watching the daily lives of celebrities felt fresh. Now, in an era where celebrities' private lives are widely shared on Youtube and social media, the concept of 'celebrities hanging out together' is no longer competitive.

'Manitto Club' feels somewhat a bit too focused on the celebrities themselves, making it difficult for viewers at home to relate or find it dramatically exciting. It has failed to find a common ground that everyone can enjoy.

COMMENTS:

-I’m forcing myself to watch it just to see my favorite celebrityㅠㅠ

-The concept is boring, and the cast is boring as well.

-The whole 'manitto' concept is boring. It's only fun for the people actually doing it.

-What's the point of watching rich celebrities exchange gifts with each other?

-Who would even want to watch this?ㅋ I’m not curious at all.

-I'm seriously not interested at all....... Did they really think this would hit big…?

-Hul... This show was created by Kim Taeho??

-The concept itself is really old-fashioned.

-I don't watch anything Taeho PD does anymore. Every single show he makes is insanely boring.

-I didn't even know it was already airing.

-I watched it twice and it was boring. Just cancel this show.

-How can a show be this boring?

-Kim Taeho PD hasn't made a single fun thing since 'Infinite Challenge.'

-Jennie was cute, but the show itself was boring.

Continue reading Why is the celebrity gift-exchange variety show 'Manitto Club' fails to charm viewers?

Lee Sian picks the 'worst procedure' ... "Absolutely NO to Botox between the eyebrows, I couldn't even open my eyes"

SOURCE: 이시안, '최악의 시술' 꼽았다…"미간 보톡스 절대 NO, 눈 안 떠져" 고백 (최종시안)

Recently, a video titled '300K Subs Q&A that I failed to keep PG! Fast weight gain and loss, plastic surgery and procedures, waterbomb retry(?), trainee stories.mov' was posted to her Youtube channel.

In the video, Lee Sian celebrated reaching 300,000 subscribers by answering questions from her subscribers.

When a subscriber asked for an advice, saying, "I'm considering Botox because I have a habit of frowning. Please give me an advice," Lee Sian responded, "Don't get Botox between your eyebrows. You have to be really really careful with it."

She continued, "Two years ago, I also had a habit of frowning a lot. The doctor gave me Botox between the eyebrows for free because it had been a while since I visited the clinic. I ended up looking like Angry Birds." She added, "I definitely opened my eyes fully, but they wouldn't open. I was so stressed while doing my makeup back then. I even had to use double-eyelid tape and lifting bands on my forehead. I also had to keep my bangs down to hide it."

She added, "Isn't it okay to live with a bit of frown lines?" advising against the procedure.

Also, when another subscriber asked, "Isn't your nose starting to contract?" she responded, "I won't be greedy anymore. I'm not expecting to become prettier by doing more. I'm going to stop," declaring that there would be no more nose surgeries.

Lee Sian explained, "I never made my nose higher out of greed. As time passed, it seems to look a bit upturned. People keep saying it looks like it's contracting, but I'm not really sure. I promised my mom that I will keep this face until I die."

COMMENTS:

1. [+231][-11] That’s not the case for everyone… How stupidㅠㅠ

2. [+188][-6] I can open my eyes just fine... I’m 100% satisfied with my Botox... She sounds like a plastic surgery consultant or something.

3. Her eyes didn't open because she got the Botox when she didn't need it. If someone who actually needs it gets the right amount, that doesn't happen.

4. [+23][-1] That’s what happens when you get so many different procedures done.

5. [+21][-0] She's only in her 20s, but she's getting an incredible amount of work done.

Continue reading Lee Sian picks the 'worst procedure' ... "Absolutely NO to Botox between the eyebrows, I couldn't even open my eyes"

Kim Mingee adresses controversial past picture and 'plastic surgery' rumors ... "I really didn't do it. I didn't know I'd become this pretty"

SOURCE: 김민지, 문제의 과거사진→'성형 의혹'에…"진짜 안했다, 이렇게 예뻐질 줄 몰라" [종합]

On the 28th, a video titled 'Kim Mingee Q&A: They told me to do a Single's Inferno 5 Q&A and I lost it' was posted to Kim Mingee's Youtue channel.

In the video, Kim Mingee explained why she started Youtube, saying, "I started it because I wanted to show a more honest side of myself."

On this day, she also received questions about her looks. When a subscriber asked, "I'm asking this with no bad intentions, just pure curiosity, but I saw someone talk about your plastic surgery on Reels. Did you get anything done?" Kim Mingee responded, "I really wanted to talk about this. 'No bad intentions?' I don't think that's true, though. I think there's a little bit of 'bad intentions' in your question."

Regarding the plastic surgery rumors and her past photos, Kim Mingee firmly stated, "I really didn't get plastic surgery. I really didn't. If you look at those photos, they look bizarre. What happened was that when you wear braces, your mouth can stick out this much."

She also stated, "Who becomes pretty just from getting braces?" and admitted, "I did get some fillers. I got them on my nose and forehead." She added, "How could I have known I'd become pretty just from braces and a little filler? Even I didn't know I'd become this pretty."

COMMENTS:

1. [+648][-42] A lot of people don’t realize how powerful braces are. Braces are the best kind of plastic surgery. It completely changes how you look.

2. [+494][-40] That level of change is definitely possible with braces.

3. A good example of what braces can do.

4. [+110][-70] She is really shameless ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

5. [+37][-3] She seems like the type of person who is so 'cool' that she doesn't care about what people around her think.

Continue reading Kim Mingee adresses controversial past picture and 'plastic surgery' rumors ... "I really didn't do it. I didn't know I'd become this pretty"