Monday, January 19, 2026

NMIXX ex-member Jinni makes her acting debut in 'Boy' ... "Developed interest in acting. It's an honor."

SOURCE: 엔믹스 출신 지니, '보이'로 첫 연기 데뷔 "연기 흥미 생겨, 영광"

NMIXX's ex-member, Jinni, shared her thoughts on making her big-screen debut with the movie 'Boy.'

On January 6, Jinni attended the press screening and conference for the movie 'Boy' (directed by Lee Sangdeok) held at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul, where she spoke about her feelings ahead of the release.

Set to be released on the 14th, 'Boy' is a near-future dystopian neon noir that shares the story on how a single love shakes everything. 

Jo Byunggyu stars as Rohan, the young boss of 'Texas Hot Springs,' a place where crime occurs like a daily routine. Jinni challenges herself as she plays the role of Jane, marking her first acting role in 'Boy.'

During the event, Jinni said, "I received the offer for this project just at a time when I had started to become interested in acting," adding, "It's an honor to be able to make my acting debut with 'Boy.'"

Continue reading NMIXX ex-member Jinni makes her acting debut in 'Boy' ... "Developed interest in acting. It's an honor."
, ,

Min Heejin meets with U.S. lawyers over 'HYBE reverse-viral lawsuit' ... "The pieces are coming together"

SOURCE: 민희진, ‘하이브 역바이럴 소송’ 미국 변호사 회동…“조각 맞춰지는 중”

Former ADOR CEO Min Heejin has met with a U.S. lawyer who is currently handling the lawsuit involving the American PR firm TAG PR.

On the 19th, Min Heejin posted on her social media, "I had a meeting in Seoul with the lawyers handling the TAG PR lawsuit in the U.S. Thank you so much for the great advice."

She continued, "I was able to hear firsthand how U.S. artists involved in the lawsuit are responding to TAG PR's actions. I am very grateful to receive detailed and meaningful advice. The pieces are coming together one by one. I think I'll have a story to share soon."

Previously, Min Heejin raised allegations that TAG PR, a former subsidiary of HYBE, had engaged in 'reverse-viral' activity against her. 'Reverse-viral' refers to activities aimed to create negative public opinion.

On YTN Radio's 'Kim Junwoo's News Showdown' last year, Min Heejin stated, "Ever since the dispute began, I felt there were strange signs from overseas. I wodndred, 'How do people abroad even know me? Why are they spreading this strange viral content?'

She continued, "Actually, before that, a Billboard reporter contacted me. They said, 'I received a tip. The content was so odd that I wanted to verify it with you personally." When I asked where it came from, they said it was from TAG PR, which shocked me. After that, I was even more surprised to hear that my name appeared in a complaint for another lawsuit in the U.S."

According to a report by Hankyoreh last December, U.S. PR firm Jonesworks and its founder, Stephanie Jones, filed a complaint in the U.S District Court for the Southern District of New York on December 8, naming the founder of TAG PR and others as defendants. In the complaint, they reportedly claim that the founders of TAG PR engaged in organized 'reverse-viral' campaigns to steal their clients.

In response, HYBE stated, "This is a unilateral claim made by a single party in a legal dispute that has nothing to do with HYBE or HYBE America," adding, "Neither HYBE or HYBE America has ever been involved in the matters stated in the complaint."

Meanwhile, Min Heejin parted ways with ADOR in November 2024 and established a new entertainment agency, OOAK.

Continue reading Min Heejin meets with U.S. lawyers over 'HYBE reverse-viral lawsuit' ... "The pieces are coming together"

'Gave birth at 20' Yoon Shiyoon's mother graduates from middle school in her 60s ... "The happiest day of my life"

SOURCE: '20살에 출산' 윤시윤母, 60대에 중학교 졸업 '눈물'.."제일 행복한 날" ('미우새')

On the episode of SBS 'My Little Old Boy' that aired on the 18th, a preview of upcoming episode featuring Yoon Shiyoon was released.

Yoon Shiyoon visited a middle school graduation ceremony to celebrate his mother's graduation. Having given birth to Yoon Shiyoon at the age of 20, his mother had previously shared that she was studying to complete her middle school education due to regrets over her missed education.

When asked how she felt about graduating, she emotionally said, "I think this is the happiest day in my life." Yoon Shiyoon encouraged her, saying, "She only missed graduating by three months back then. It may seem like it took a long time, but really, it was just a long school break," adding, "My mom is definitely a great 'sunbae' in life." His mother squeezed his hand tightly and said, "Thank you."

Yoon Shiyoon then said, "I prepared this for today," and presented a gift he had prepared for his mother, causing her to burst into tears and leaving viewers curious.

Meanwhile, Yoon Shi-yoon will appear in tvN’s new variety show 'The Genius Paik Season 3' which will air in February.

Continue reading 'Gave birth at 20' Yoon Shiyoon's mother graduates from middle school in her 60s ... "The happiest day of my life"
, ,

0 guests from the bride's side ... 'Class Culinary Wars 2' Chef Hu Deok Juk reveals shocking wedding photos: "The marriage was opposed because I was a 'chef'"

SOURCE: 신부측 하객 0명…'흑백2' 후덕죽 셰프, 충격적 결혼식 사진 "'요리사'라고 반대 당해"

On the 19th, tvN' 'You Quiz on the Block' posted a preview of its upcoming episode featuring Chef Hu Deok Juk.

On the show, Yoo Jaesuk introduced Chef Hu Deok Juk, saying, "He is a living history and a legend of Chinese cuisine with 57 years of experience," before warmly greeting him. He shared, "I once ate Buddha Jumps Over the Wall at X," to which Chef Hu Deok Juk responded with a gentle smile, "You remember."

Chef Hu Deok Juk also shared his thoughts on filming the Netflix variety show. Regarding his elimination after reaching the TOP 3, he said, "Honestly, it was tough. I actually thought it might be better to be eliminated," drawing laughter. He added, "At first, I wanted to go all the way to the finals, so I did feel a bit disappointed when I was eliminated."

He also revealed his special connection with the late Chairman Lee Byungchul. When Yoo Jaesuk asked, "Did the Chairman look for specific foods because of his poor health?" Chef Hu Deok Juk replied, "At the time, there was a medicinal cuisine. I went as a customer, tasted it, and took photos to figure out the recipe, but the restaurant told me, 'We won't sell to you, leave now.'" He continued, "I waited outside until 10 PM. I told the head chef, 'I came because I love your food.' Eventually, he personally made it for me and even taught me the recipe."

He also credited his wife as the driving force that allowed him to continue cooking for 57 years. He recalled, "When we first met, there was a strong opposition," then revealed photos from their wedding. The photos shocked viewers as it showed the bride's side of the guest seats was completely empty while the groom entering. He said, "We just decided to get married on our own. Back then, if you said you were a chef, people wouldn't even look at you."

The episode of 'You Quiz on the Block' starring Chef Hu Deok Juk will air on the 21st at 8.45 PM (KST).

1. [+230][-2] That's just how it was back then... Imagine how the parents must've felt. These two are truly amazing.

2. [+210][-2] I think it wasn't so much about him being a chef, but because he was Hwagyo (Ethnic Chinese). Discrimination was severe in the past. I was deeply moved by the depth and character that come from his years of experience.

3. [+175][-2] I rooted for Chef Hu Deok Juk until the very end. His unwavering dedication to Chinese cuisine from start to finish is amazing. To be doing that at his age is truly admirable.

Continue reading 0 guests from the bride's side ... 'Class Culinary Wars 2' Chef Hu Deok Juk reveals shocking wedding photos: "The marriage was opposed because I was a 'chef'"
,

'Wonbin's wife' Lee Nayoung returns to dramas after 3 years ... "Different from anything I've done before. I wanted a challenge"

SOURCE: '원빈♥' 이나영, 3년 만 드라마 복귀 "지금까지와 달라, 도전하고 싶었다" (아너)

Lee Nayoung is making her return to dramas after about 3 years. ENA's Mon-Tue drama 'Honour' is a mystery thriller that follows the story of 3 female lawyers who confront their pasts that resurface after a massive scandal. Regarding her first impression about the script, Lee Nayoung stated, "From a viewer's perspective, I read it all at once, just like a novel. I couldn't stop because I wanted to know what happened next."

She noted that her main reason for choosing this project, saying, "I wanted to be inside that tense narrative." She added, "The process of Yoon Rayoung facing her wounds, enduring them, and pursuing the truth felt intriguing. The character, the personality, and the genre itself are different from any roles that I've done so far. I wanted to challenge myself."

Yoon Rayoung, played by Lee Nayoung, is a 'hot' celebrity lawyer with hundreds of thousands followers on social media. She serves as the public face and spokesperson for L&J (Listen and Join), a law firm specializing in crimes against women, which she co-founded with her classmates in law school.

However, Lee Nayoung set a rule for herself, "I don't want her to stopon the surface of glamorous looks." This is because Yoon Rayoung has a reason why she won't stop, even at the risk of danger, to restore the honor of victims. Lee Nayoung described the character as a 'celebrity lawyer wearing armor.' This is why she carefully refined the character's emotional lines to make sure the complex psychology hidden beneath her appearance was fully expressed.

The 'armor' she mentioned also hides the mystery of Yoon Rayoung's secret past. Lee Nayoung explained, "She finds it burdensome to live with her own past. Because of that, she came to believe that 'one must have power to represent victims.' That's why she wears 'armor' to make sure her weaknesses are not exposed."

A realistic lawyer who moves with power rather than just a sense of justice, and a sharp attacker who pierces through the opponent's flaws. These character traits build anticipation for the thrilling catharsis she will deliver in the courtroom. Furthermore, the investigation process, where she faces a massive truth at the center of a scandal sparked by her past, also heightens curiosity.

Even from this description alone, it suggests that 'Yoon Rayoung' is indeed the 'challenge' that Lee Nayoung previously mentioned. She confessed, "Every scene contained not just on emotion, but multiple emotions mixed together. There wasn't a single scene that was easy."

Because she had to express complex emotions without explicitly laughing or crying, she shared a behind-the-scenes story, saying, "There were times when I filmed scenes after literally crying before filming," revealing how much effort she poured into the role.

Perhaps that is why Lee Nayoung defined 'Honour' as a 'project that expanded my ground as an actress.' Fans are looking forward to see Lee Nayoung in 'Honour' and witness what kind of impact her expanded acting spectrum, through the character Yoon Rayoung, will have on the audience.

Meanwhile, 'Honour' is based on a Swedish drama with the same title. It will premiere on February 2nd at 10 PM (KST) on ENA and will also be available on KT Genie TV.

1. [+136][-4] Unnie, please make Wonbin Oppa work tooㅠㅠ

2. [+113][-6] To be fair, Lee Nayoung has been consistently working. She just doesn’t have a good eye for choosing projects;;

3. [+59][-15] She's working to make money, not for a 'challenge'...ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Why do all celebrities say the same cliché things?

Continue reading 'Wonbin's wife' Lee Nayoung returns to dramas after 3 years ... "Different from anything I've done before. I wanted a challenge"
, ,

'Don't breathe' ... Kim Soomi's disgust as Gaeko approaches her ... Marriage ultimately ends in divorce


As Dynamic Duo's Gaeko and influencer Kim Soomi have gone their separate ways, a past live broadcast featuring their 'real-life couple conversation' resurfaced online and gaining attention. 

Recently, Gaeko personally announced the divorce through his social media, saying, "After a long discussion, we have decided to end our relationship as a married couple while respecting each other's lives." He added, "We will continue to fulfill our responsibilities and roles as parents together." Kim Soomi also shared her position, saying, "Rather than excessive attention, please watch over us with warmth."

Along with the news, a past exchange between the two seen in a live broadcast streamed by Kim Soomi resurfaces online. In the video, Kim Soomi spoke to Gaeko, who was sitting right behind her, saying, "Be honest. What did you eat today? Did you eat onions? It smells like food from a Chinese restaurant."

She continued, "I have a dog nose (NB: means sensitive nose, also literally translates to Gaeko -> 개/Gae means dog, 코/Ko means nose). I'm extremely sensitive to smells. So please, don't breathe too hard," drawing laughter. Gaeko replied, "I slept a lot today. I have to head out early tomorrow." Kim Soomi then drew attention by saying, "Ugh, it smells like onions! Are you sure you didn't eat that yesterday?" showing their playful bickering. 

At the time, this scene went viral for their 'real-life couple chemistry,' with netizens commenting, "This is the real married couple right here," and "This side makes them feel more human."

Gaeko and Kim Soomi married in 2011 and have 1 son and 1 daughter. Kim Soomi has been balancing her beauty business with broadcasting activities and remained actively communicating with fans through social meda until recently. 

Following the divorce news, the video capturing the two in their natural daily lives is circulating again, adding to the sense of sadness among fans.

Continue reading 'Don't breathe' ... Kim Soomi's disgust as Gaeko approaches her ... Marriage ultimately ends in divorce