'Exempted from military service due to epilepsy' Chae Jonghyeop donates 50 million KRW to epilepsy patients

Actor Chae Jonghyeop has donated 50 million KRW to help people who are living with epilepsy.

On the 7th, the Korea Epilepsy Association announced, "Actor Chae Jonghyeop made a donation with the request that it be used for medical expenses for epilepsy patients with low income and for projects aimed to raise public awareness."

On this day, Chae Jonghyeop stated, "I understand well the pain of people living with epilepsy, so I hope this can be of some small help. I hope my small contribution this year provides strength to those children and to the people who care for them."

Kim Heungdong, Chairman of the Korea Epilepsy Association, stated, "Understanding the difficulties faced by epilepsy patients and their families and providing help gives us great strength and encouragement. It is important for people with epilepsy to step forward and overcome the negative perceptions and prejudices from the society."

Previously, Chae Jonghyeop revealed that he was exempted from the mandatory military service due to epilepsy and has been taking medication for about 10 years.

Chae Jonghyeop received praise for his role as Yoo Minho in the 2019 SBS drama 'Stove League,' and has since been actively appearing in various dramas and variety shows. This year, he is set to star in MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama 'In Your Brilliant Season.'

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1. [+315][-8] I had a junior in the military who had epilepsy. He suddenly collapsed and started foaming at the mouth. He was discharged from the military right away. Military life would definitely be difficult for those with epilepsy.

2. [+226][-5] After 2 years of working, I suddenly developed epilepsy of unknown cause. I had 2 mild episodes at work, but with medication and management, I'm living a normal daily life. I hope society becomes free of prejudices against people with epilepsy. Fighting, everyone:)

3. [+24][-94] I ask that he be re-examined. There have been many cases of illegal exemptions using epilepsy as an excuse.

4. [+17][-2] A coworker of mine has epilepsy but is living well with two children. I heard he has to take medication for life, though. I hope Chae Jonghyeop-nim also lives a happy life.

5. [+16][-3] This reminds me of a friend from middle school who also has epilepsy. I remember tilting their head back so they wouldn't choke and looking for the medicineㅜ It’s so heartbreaking.

Continue reading 'Exempted from military service due to epilepsy' Chae Jonghyeop donates 50 million KRW to epilepsy patients

SBS drama breaks ratings records again with just two episodes left before finale

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With only 2 episodes remaining until its finale, an SBS drama has once again surpassed its own records. The main character's revenge on the villains has perfectly satisfied viewers' frustrations.

SBS' Friday-Saturday drama 'Taxi Driver 3' (Written by Oh Sangho, directed by Kang Boseung, produced by Studio S, Group Eight, and BA Entertainment) follows the story of a mysterious taxi company and taxi driver Kim Do-gi as they carry out revenge on behalf of wronged victims.

Returning after 2 years since Season 2, 'Taxi Driver 3' has gained praise for its cinematic direction, the even stronger chemistry of 'Rainbow Dark Heroes,' its solid world-building that bridges the seasons, and the great villain lineup. As a result, the drama swept various domestic and international box office indicators from its first week of broadcast. In its second week, it broke through the double-digit viewership ratings and has been on a roll ever since. Furthermore, at the 2025 SBS Drama Awards, lead actor Lee Jehoon (as Kim Do-gi) won his second Daesang for the 'Taxi Driver' series.

With just 2 episodes left until the finale, 'Taxi Driver 3' is once again breaking various records as it reaches its climax. The most recent episode peaked at 18.5% with averages of 15.1% in the Seoul Metropolitan Area and 14.2% nationwide, setting its new personal best for nationwide ratings. Notably, the ratings of viewers aged 20-49 soared to 4.8% and peaked at 5.75%, easily taking first place among all broadcasts in the new year.

According to the 'FUNdex' rankings released by Good Data Corporation for the first week of January (29/12/2025 - 04/01/2026), 'Taxi Driver 3' ranked #1 in the TV-OTT drama category, while Lee Jehoon took the #1 spot in the TV-OTT integrated cast buzz rankings.

It's performance on streaming platforms is just as overwhelming. In the first week of January rankings released by KinoLights, 'Taxi Driver 3' ranked #1 across all content, including dramas, movies, and variety shows. According to FlixPatrol, it also held the #1 spot on Netflix's Korea TOP 10 series category released on 5th of January. Additionally, the drama recorded an average rating of 9.2 (as of 6 January) on the global database IMDb, proving its irreplaceable presence in the competitive content market.

Meanwhile, viewers are expressing their regret as the show is near its ending. The final episodes set to air this coming Friday (9th) and Saturday (10th), expected to feature a revenge service set against a military base background. Expectations are rising as 41-year veteran actor Kim Jongsoo (as Oh Wonsang) confirmed as the final villain and a special appearance by Jeon Sonee (as Yoo Seonah) also announced. 

Continue reading SBS drama breaks ratings records again with just two episodes left before finale

Goo Junyeop spotted cleaning the tombstone of his late wife Barbie Hsu ... "Looking for a house nearby"

 

https://m.entertain.naver.com/ranking/article/477/0000587445

It has been reported that Goo Junyeop continues to watch over the grave of his late wife, Barbie Hsu, even in the new year.

On the 4th, Taiwanese media outlet ET Today reported, "Goo Junyeop was spotted visiting Chin Pao San in the new year, cleaning his wife's tombstone."

Previously, a post on an online community drew significant attention as a netizen shared that had visited the Chin Pao San cemetery in Taiwan, where Barbie Hsu is buried, and witnessed Goo Junyeop meticulously cleaning her tombstone.

The netizen, who claimed to be a fan of the late Barbie Hsu, explained that they encountered Goo Junyeop on their way to leave the cemetery. They shared that Goo Junyeop was carrying a large bag and cleaning every corner of the tombstone with care. The netizen also shared that they left quietly because they felt too sorry to even greet him.

Taiwanese media also released pictures, reporting that Goo Junyeop has been spending nearly every day near Barbie Hsu's grave.

Last year, local residents report that Goo Junyeop was looking for a house near Chin Pao San and that he had visited newly built apartments in the area.

Barbie Hsu passed away last February at the age of 48 due to acute pneumonia after contracting the flu while traveling in Japan with her family.

Barbie Hsu and Goo Junyeop had received much love and support from fans in both countries for their movie-like love story, as they reunited after 20 years and married in 2022.

Since the passing of his wife, Goo Junyeop has suspended all activities indefinitely and has been staying in Taiwan. He has been spotted at the grave and at family gatherings looking noticeably gaunt, drawing sympathy from the public.

Continue reading Goo Junyeop spotted cleaning the tombstone of his late wife Barbie Hsu ... "Looking for a house nearby"

Kim Woobin ♥ Shin Minah spotted on honeymoon in Spain ... Wearing wedding rings 'Dripping with sweetness'

 

Kim Woobin and Shin Minah have been spotted on their honeymoon in Spain.

Recently, the couple was seen having a meal in a Korean restaurant located in Spain. It is reported that they were eating Soybean Paste Stew, Tteokbokki, and Dolsot Bibimbap.

In particular, the wedding ring on Kim Woobin’s ring finger caught attention.

Sitting across from Shin Minah, he was smiling brightly with a happy expression, creating a heartwarming atmosphere.

Shin Minah and Kim Woobin, who had been in a public relationship since 2015, tied the knot on December 20 last year at the Shilla Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul.

The wedding ceremony was officiated by Venerable Pomnyun Sunim, hosted by Lee Kwangsoo, and featured a congratulatory performance by singer Car the Garden.

Ahead of their wedding, the couple set a positive example by donating a total of 300 million KRW, including the Hallym Burn Foundation, Asan Medical Center, and Good Friends.

Meanwhile, Kim Woobin starred in the Netflix series 'Genie, Make a Wish' last year and Shin Minah is starring in the Disney+ original series 'The Remarried Empress' set to be released later this year.

https://m.entertain.naver.com/ranking/article/112/0003785389

Continue reading Kim Woobin ♥ Shin Minah spotted on honeymoon in Spain ... Wearing wedding rings 'Dripping with sweetness'