Netflix: “Over 17,000 applicants for 'Better Late Than Single,' set to premiere in Q2 ... 'Culinary Class Wars 3' returns in Q4"

SOURCE: 넷플릭스 "2분기 공개 '모태솔로' 지원자만 1만7000명 넘어…→'흑백요리사3', 4분기에 돌아온다"

At the Next on Netflix 2026 Korea event held on the morning of January 21st at the Grand Ballroom of Conrad Seoul Hotel, Director of Variety Content, Yoo Gihwan, said, "Over 17,000 people applied when recruitment opened for Season 2 of 'Better Late Than Single.' The program is scheduled for release in the 2nd quarter of the year and will deliver warmth through the process of participants finding the first love of their lives."

'Better Late Than Single' is a makeover dating show that helps Motae Solos (NB: Those who have been single since birth) experience their very first romantic relationships. By sincerely portraying the clumsy yet honest and unpredictable first attempts at love, the show is expected to shift the genre of dating shows, raising anticipation for the new season. Previously, the show previously dominated global headlines and even ranked in the Netflix Global TOP 10 Non-English TV Shows immediately after its release.

The event also revealed the release timing for the next season of 'Culinary Class Wars,' which has recently become a phenomenon following the announcement of its winner. Director Yoo shared, "'Culinary Class Wars 3' will air in the 4th quarter of the year."

Following the success of Season 1 and 2, as both seasons ranked No. 1 in Netflix Global TOP 10 Non-English TV Shows, 'Culinary Class Wars' returns with season 3 with an evolved format, centered on restaurant vs restaurant battles, promising even more intense competition and thrilling entertainment.

Continue reading Netflix: “Over 17,000 applicants for 'Better Late Than Single,' set to premiere in Q2 ... 'Culinary Class Wars 3' returns in Q4"

"Hwang Hana exposed all her accomplices" ... Emergency alert for 'Celebrity Drug Gate'

SOURCE: "황하나가 공범 다 불었다"…'연예인 마약 게이트' 초비상 [RE:뷰]

Allegations have surfaced that Hwang Hana, the granddaughter of the founder of Namyang Dairy Products, who has been arrested and indicted on drug charges, has provided the names of celebrities she used drugs with to the police in hopes of receiving a reduced sentence.

On the 19th, a video titled 'Hwang Hana, Seungri, Park Yoochun: Reporter Oh Hyuk Jin's Exclusive Investigation Files Revealed' was posted on the channel 'Jirit Jirit.' In the video, reporter Oh Hyukjin said, "Hwang Hana claims she returned to Korea because of her child, but that is not true at all. According to information confirmed through intelligence authorities and the police, she coordinated her entry date with the police in advance to proceed with admitting to some of her criminal charges."

He pointed out, "She always claimed she had no money. Yet,someone who claimed to be broke suddenly entered the country wearing a padded jacket worth millions of KRW." He continued, "With that money, she could have easily provided her child with a good education system and private teachers in Cambodia. The fact that she came back to South Korea raises suspicion that there was something even more frightening to her than Interpol tracking her.”

Furthermore, he speculated, "Since her arrival, she has been making excuses, saying she did not personally use drugs or distribute them. However, it seems the police have clearly identified the exact times and locations of drug use, even if they don't have physical evidence yet." He added, "It is reported that Hwang Hana has mentioned several celebrities to the investigative authorities, both male and female. It seems she believes, 'I need to expose the criminal facts of others to this extent to receive a sentence reduction.'"

Hwang Hana was arrested and indicted on the 20th for violating the Narcotics Control Act. She is accused of injecting methamphetamine into two acquaintances, a man in his 40s and a woman in her 30s, at an acquaintance’s apartment in Gangnam, Seoul, around July 2023. After becoming the subject of a police investigation, she fled to Thailand in December of that year and was later known to be staying in Cambodia. However, in December of last year, she expressed her intention to voluntarily return to South Korea, saying that saying she would take responsibility for a child she gave birth to. She has since been investigated under detention.

Continue reading "Hwang Hana exposed all her accomplices" ... Emergency alert for 'Celebrity Drug Gate'

Who is the alleged 'mistress' dating show contestant? ... Starred with her mother and revealed her face, 'Match to Marry': "We'll edit her out"

SOURCE: 상간녀 '연프' 출연자 누구?…엄마랑 출연, 얼굴 공개했는데 '합숙 맞선' 측 "통편집" [엑's 이슈]

A contestant from a dating reality show has been swept up in allegations of adultery. The production team plans to completely edit out the contestant's footage.

On the episode of JTBC's 'Crime Chief' that aired on January 20, a woman in her 40s came forward claiming she divorced her husband 4 years ago due to his affair. She claimed to be shocked to see the woman involved in the affair appearing on a dating show.

The broadcast also reported that a court ruling found both the husband and the other woman responsible for the breakdown of the marriage.

Attorney Yang Jiyeol explained during the show, “The informant proceeded with the divorce and the mistress lawsuit at the same time. Originally, the husband filed for divorce first, and she countersued.” He added, “According to the court ruling, the husband was at fault. The court determined that after the woman joined the company in 2016, their relationship developed into an affair, and they even traveled abroad together. The court ruled that the responsibility for the breakdown of the marriage lies with the husband and the other woman."

According to the broadcast, the court ordered the husband and the mistress to jointly pay 30 million KRW in alimony. However, the informant stated, "I still haven't received the alimony, and the division of assets has not been finalized." She added, "I thought I had forgotten everything after the divorce, but I think the trauma remains. When I think about it, my heart starts racing again and I feel very anxious."

Meanwhile, the woman identified as the alleged mistress denied the claims, saying, "This has nothing to do with me, and I have never received any court ruling." She added, "I will take legal action against any groundless claims." It was reported that she also sent a formal legal notice through her lawyer. Regarding this, Attorney Yang commented, "It's difficult to accept that claim, given that a court ruling exists."

Amidst the controversy, the production team of the dating show 'Match to Marry,' in which the contestant appeared, decided to completely edit out her footage. During the broadcast, the production team also said they are considering filing a damages lawsuit.

On the 20th, a representative from 'Match to Marry' told Xports News, "The production team only recently became aware of these facts. Our contracts include clauses requiring contestants to guarantee that they have no history of social controversies such as crimes, affairs, or school violence. We also specify penalties for violations."

They further stated, "We plan to delete the contestant's footage as much as possible from the remaining episodes," and noted that they are currently discussing regarding further actions as they verify the facts with the contestant herself.

SBS' 'Match to Marry,' which premiered on January 1, is a dating show where 10 single men and women who want to get married live together with 10 mothers who want to see their children to marry for 6 days and 5 nights. As it is a parent-accompanied cohabitation matchmaking reality show, the contestant in question appeared on the program together with her mother, which has further fueled the controversy.

Continue reading Who is the alleged 'mistress' dating show contestant? ... Starred with her mother and revealed her face, 'Match to Marry': "We'll edit her out"

YG Yang Hyunsuk personally steps in to discover new talent to follow BLACKPINK ... '2026 Special Audition'

SOURCE: YG 양현석 직접 나선다, 블랙핑크 이을 신인 발굴…'2026 스페셜 오디션'

YG Ent. will hold the '2026 YG SPECIAL AUDITION: GO! DEBUT' from January 21 to February 28. This audition is drawing attention as Executive Producer Yang Hyunsuk is set to participate throughout the entire evaluation process.

As suggested by the title 'GO! DEBUT,' the audition goes beyond simply discovering trainees and instead find talent that will lead the future of global K-pop market. Given YG's history producing numerous world-class artists like BIGBANG, 2NE1, BLACKPINK, Winner, iKON, Treasure, and BabyMonster, this audition is expected to gain strong interest.

Applications are open until February 28 via the YG Audition website or through the QR code on the official poster. Anyone born between 2007 and 2015 can apply regardless of gender and nationality. Applicants should choose one category they are most confident in and submit a video up to 1 minute showcasing their potential.

Detailed information regarding the '2026 YG SPECIAL AUDITION: GO! DEBUT' can be found on the YG Audition website and official social media channels.

Continue reading YG Yang Hyunsuk personally steps in to discover new talent to follow BLACKPINK ... '2026 Special Audition'

Seungri attempts 'The 2nd Burning Sun' in Cambodia ... "Using BIGBANG's name, but who would provide the money?"

SOURCE: 승리, 캄보디아서 제2의 버닝썬 시도 "빅뱅 출신이란 이름값, 돈은 누가 대줄까"(지릿지릿)

Allegations have surfaced that Seungri, a former member of BIGBANG, was preparing for the 2nd Burning Sun.

On January 20, a video titled 'Hwang Hana, Seungri, Park Yoochun: Reporter Oh Hyuk Jin's Exclusive Investigation Files Revealed' was posted on the channel 'Jirit Jirit,' which is run by reporter Oh Hyukjin.

In the video, Reporter Oh talked about Seungri's recent activities based on tips he received. He stated, "I've received reports that he is associating with money launderers and people involved in voice-phising scams and casino. There are also reports saying that he is partying with executives from Cambodian criminal groups."

He continued, "They probably talked about business. It seems like they were trying to create something like Korea's 'Burning Sun' in Cambodia. He was trying to push the business in that direction, but now even the chairman has been arrested and is preparing to be extradited to China. I wonder if there's anyone left who can financially support him? I don't know."

Reporter Oh added, "Seungri still has a somewhat solid fan base in Japan, but in South Korea, his reputation has completely hit rock bottom. In Southeast Asia, however, his status as BIGBANG's ex-member still carries weight. It seems like he tried to use that image to prepare illegal businesses. From what I know, he's currently traveling back and forth, mainly to Thailand."

Seungri, who was expelled from the entertainment industry after receiving prison sentence for 'Burning Sun' scandal, recently drew attention for a video showing him speaking into a microphone at an event in Cambodia.

In the video, Seungri raised his voice, saying, "When I said I was going to Cambodia, people asked me if it wasn't dangerous. Eat sh*t. Cambodia is the greatest country in Asia." Following this, rumors spread that Seungri is involved with a well-known criminal hub in Cambodia.

In the videos circulating online, logos believed to be 'Prince Brewing' and 'Prince Holdings' were visible behind Seungri. Prince Holding has been identified as one of the companies operating the Prince Complex. Prince Brewing is also said to be one of the brands under the Prince Complex, operating locally as brewery and pub. However, the facts regarding these allegations have not been confirmed.

Meanwhile, the Prince Group, led by Chinese-Cambodian Chairman Chen Zhi, has operated businesses in real estate development, finance, tourism, logistics, and food and beverage in Cambodia. Within 10 years of its founding, it grew explosively into a large private enterprise. However, it has recently been identified by the international community as an organization behind violent crimes such as human trafficking, online fraud, and illegal detention.

The U.S. Department of Justice recently indicted Chairman Chen on charges of operating forced labor camps and orchestrating large-scale cryptocurrency scams. They also filed a lawsuit seeking to seize approximately $15 billion worth of Bitcoin assets.

The UK government has placed 'Golden Fortune Resort World,' which operates the 'Prince Complex' and known as one of the criminal compounds located on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, on its sanctions list. Additionally, they also have frozen Chairman Chen's real estate assets in London and banned him from using the UK financial system.

Continue reading Seungri attempts 'The 2nd Burning Sun' in Cambodia ... "Using BIGBANG's name, but who would provide the money?"