CL sent to prosecution for 'illegal agency management' ... Kang Dongwon's CEO also faces prosecution

SOURCE: [단독] 씨엘 '기획사 불법운영' 불구속 송치···강동원은 대표가 검찰행

Agencies of Kang Dongwon and CL have been sent to prosecution for failing to register as official entertainment agencies.

On the 22nd, the Seoul Yongsan Police Station confirmed that they have sent CL (Lee Chaerin) and her agency, as well as CEO 'A' of Kang Dongwon's agency and the agency, to the Seoul Western District Prosecutors Office without detention on charges of violating the Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act.

CL is accused of running her one-person agency for around 5 years and 7 months without registering the business with the local district office after establishing it in February 2020. Since CL personally served as the agency's CEO and managed its operations, she was handed over to the prosecution as a suspect.

CEO 'A' of Kang Dongwon's agency was also found to have operated his agency without registration for around 2 years and 9 months since its establishment in January 2023. However, Kang Dongwon was cleared of wrongdoing because he was not involved in the management or operation of the agency and had focused solely on his acting career.

The case arose when a complainant filed a report stating, "The Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act was enacted for the public interest by protecting vulnerable artists such as minors and trainees, improving unfair practices, and making sure businesses compete fairly. Running a business for a long time without registering it means that the business was conducted outside these safety guards, which is a serious issue. It undermines the protection of rookies and youth, damages the trust of business partners, and harms the fairness of the market."

Recently, it has become a social issue that some celebrities operate one-person agencies without registering their businesses, which is one of the legal requirements. Under current law, such registration is mandatory to operate an entertainment agency. Violations are punishable by up to 2years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million KRW.

Regarding this matter, the Korea Entertainment Management Association (CEMA) stated, "It shouldn't be taken lightly that famous celebrities, who should be one of the most compliant people, operate business without registrations for years." They also announced plans for strong countermeasures, including future legal complaints.

Continue reading CL sent to prosecution for 'illegal agency management' ... Kang Dongwon's CEO also faces prosecution

Kim Seonho reveals why he didn't attend his 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha' co-star Shin Minah's wedding: "I sent a congratulatory message"

SOURCE: 김선호, '갯차' 신민아 결혼식 불참 이유 밝혔다…"축하한다고 연락만" [엑's 인터뷰]

Actor Kim Seonho congratulated Shin Minah, who was his co-star five years ago.

On the 22nd, Kim Seonho had an interview for the Netflix 'Can This Love Be Translated?' at a cafe in Seoul.

'Can This Love Be Translated?' is a romantic comedy that unfolds when multilingual interpreter named Joo Hojin (played by Kim Seonho) is assigned to work with a global superstar named Cha Muhee (played by Go Younjung).

This marks Kim Seonho's return to romantic comedy after five years, since his 2021 drama 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.'

Regarding this, Kim Seonho said, “I didn’t choose ‘Can This Love Be Translated?’ just because it’s a romantic comedy. I chose it because, after reading the script, it felt like it's a role I could do well and really wanted to try." He added, “The role of an interpreter, and especially the idea that ‘everyone has their own language,’ was very appealing. I also like the writers’ previous works, so I wanted to do it. I did my best for this project."

Regarding working with the Hong Sisters, Kim Seonho shared, "There was a sense of unpredictability. The direction the writers were leading the story was very clear in the script. Hojin’s lines may look a bit literary, but I really liked that kind of beautiful writing. The clarity and confidence in their writing made me realize, 'These writers are really different.'"

Meanwhile, on the 20th of last month, Shin Minah and Kim Woobin got married after dating for 10 years.

Since 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha' was so popular, many fans wondered if Kim Seonho attended the wedding. Regarding this, he explained, "I was filming in Vietnam at the time," and expressed his regret over not being able to attend. He added, "I am so happy for her and am cheering for her. Even though I couldn’t go, I did reach out to her."

All episodes of 'Can This Love Be Translated?' are now available on Netflix.

Continue reading Kim Seonho reveals why he didn't attend his 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha' co-star Shin Minah's wedding: "I sent a congratulatory message"

Go Younjung makes her first-ever appearance in variety show ... Unlocking her charms through 'Manitto Club'

SOURCE: [단독]고윤정, 첫 예능 전격 출연…'마니또 클럽'으로 매력 봉인 해제

According to a report by SPOTV News on the 22nd, Go Younjung will appear on MBC's new variety show 'Manitto Club.'

'Manitto Club' is an undercover gift-giving variety show based on the concept of gathering people who 'know how to share two things when they receive one.' The cast will be randomly assigned 'Manitto' relationships and must deliver gifts while keeping their identities hidden until the very end.

The show is already drawing expectations after revealing its star-studded lineup such as BLACKPINK's Jennie, Dex, Choo Sunghoon, Noh Hongchul, Lee Suji, and more.

Go Younjung will join 'Manitto Club' as a 'hidden card.' Since her debut in 2019 through the drama 'He Is Psychometric,' this marks her first time appearing as a regular cast on a variety show. Previously, sha had only made single appearances on variety shows like 'Nattering with Nah,' 'Salon Drip,' and 'You Quiz on the Block' for promotional purposes.

Go Younjung is famous for her goddess-like visuals that look as if they were created with CGI, contrasted by her down-to-earth and easygoing personality. On 'Manitto Club,' viewers can expect the candid, unfiltered charms of Go Younjung. Expectations are highto see what new side she will reveal in her first variety show appearance.

'Manitto Club' will premiere on February 1st at 6:10 PM (KST).

Continue reading Go Younjung makes her first-ever appearance in variety show ... Unlocking her charms through 'Manitto Club'

'Culinary Class Wars 2' Chef Cheon Sanghyun reveals battle with cancer: "I've had two surgeries so far, currently on drugs"

SOURCE: '흑백2' 천상현 셰프, 암 투병 고백…"수술만 두 번, 항암제 먹는다"

Chef Cheon Sanghyun, who appeared on Netflix's 'Culinary Class Wars 2,' has opened up about his battle with cancer.

On the 21st, a video was released on the Youtube channel 'One Mic.' In the video, Chef Cheon said, "I was invited to join Season 1 and actually planned to participate, but I was sick." He added, "It was cancer. It had recurred. I was in a situation where I had to undergo a surgery again, which is why I couldn't join Season 1."

He confessed, "I've had 2 surgeries to remove parts of my lungs. Now I have to take one pill of drug a day," and added, "There's also a tumor in my head. They suspect it's a meningioma. I have received radiotherapy and undergone a surgery. I also have a difficulty hearing due to noise-induced hearing loss."

Regarding on how he came to work as a chef in the Blue House for 20 years, he said, "The person who recommended me to be the chef for the President was Master Hu Deok Juk."

He explained, "I heard that Master Hu Deok Juk was asked to recommend someone for the chef position in the Blue House. Two people were recommended. After submitting my resume, they reviewed it and forwarded it to President Kim Daejung's staff. I was finally selected after 2 months of background checks."

Chef Cheon recently drew attention by facing off against his own mentor, Chef Hu Deok Juk, in 'Culinary Class Wars 2.'

Regarding the match, he said, "I find Master Hu Deok Juk very intimidating. It's not because he scolds me, but because he has a soft charisma that makes him difficult to approach."

He added, "It was also the first time I ever competed alongside my Master on 'Culinary Class Wars 2.' Even though I'm known as the chef for President, the match was very difficult. I never imagined we would be competitors, so I felt overwhelmed at the time. I was worried about his health because he mentioned several times that it was physically demanding. Since I lost to him, I felt somewhat relieved."

Continue reading 'Culinary Class Wars 2' Chef Cheon Sanghyun reveals battle with cancer: "I've had two surgeries so far, currently on drugs"

Cha Eunwoo faces allegations of tax evasion through his mother's company ... 20 billion KRW in additional taxes imposed 'The highest amount ever for a celebrity'

SOURCE: 차은우, 母 회사로 탈세 의혹…200억 세금 추징 '역대 연예인 최고 금액'

Cha Eunwoo, a member of the group ASTRO and also an actor, has been notified by the National Tax Service of additional tax payments more than 20 billion KRW on charges of tax evasion.

In 2025, the Seoul Regional Tax Office conducted an investigation on Cha Eunwoo after suspecting tax evasion involving a one-person company created by his mother. After investigation, Cha Eunwoo was notified of additional income tax more than 20 billion KRW. This is the largest amount of tax ever imposed on a celebrity.

Cha Eunwoo carried his activities under a system where his agency, Fantagio and Company A, a corporation set up by mother, had a service contract for supporting his entertainment activities. The income he earned was then shared between Fantagio, Company A, and Cha Eunwoo himself.

The National Tax Service judged Company A to be a paper company that did not actually provide services. It concluded that Cha Eunwoo and his mother created the company to reduce income tax of up to 45% and instead paying a much lower corporate tax rate.

The National Tax Office also imposed an additional 8.2 billion KRW in extra taxes on Fantagio. They judged Fantagio processed false tax invoices for Company A, which is run by Cha Eunwoo's mother. Fantagio filed a request to review whether this decision was fair, but the amount stayed the same.

After receiving an additional tax assessment of more than 20 billion KRW, Cha Eunwoo's side also filed a request to review this decision.

Meanwhile, Cha Eunwoo enlisted in the military service in July last year as an active duty soldier and is currently serving his duty in the military band.

Continue reading Cha Eunwoo faces allegations of tax evasion through his mother's company ... 20 billion KRW in additional taxes imposed 'The highest amount ever for a celebrity'