The 'plot twist' to Jang Wonyoung's 'late arrival' controversy ... Organizers admit delay in giving the call sign

SOURCE: 장원영 지각 논란의 '반전 결말'…주최 측 "콜사인 지연" 인정

The controversy over Jang Wonyoung's late arrival has been revealed to be a misunderstanding caused by the event organizer's poor management.

On the 29th, the staff in charge of the fashion brand Barrie released an official statement, saying, "Some incorrect information has been spreading regarding the artist's arrival time at the photo call."

Earlier that morning, Jang Wonyoung attended a photo call event celebrating the launch of a fashion brand's 2026 SS collection in Seongsu-dong, Seoul.

The controversy started when a video from the scene captured a remark suggesting that Jang Wonyoung was 'late.'

However, according to the agency's explanation, the official arrival time that the brand had communicated to Jang Wonyoung was 11.30 AM (KST).

It was confirmed that Jang Wonyoung arrived right in front of the venue around 11.25 AM (KST) and waited there.

The situation became complicated due to on-site operational issues. The agency explained, "At the request of the event operations manager, who said parking in front of the venue was not possible, Jang Wonyoung's team remained on standby. They waited in the vehicle for about 10 minutes while waiting for the call sign."

As the organizer's call sign was delayed, Jang Wonyoung ultimately appeared at the photo wall venue at 11.35 AM (KST), which was later than the original time.

Regarding this, Barrie stated, "There was confusion during the event operation process, which caused a misunderstanding. We apologize to Jang Wonyoung and her team for any harm caused by the spread of incorrect information."

With this explanation, it has become clear that the controversy over Jang Wonyoung's late arrival was, in fact, a misunderstanding caused by the organizer's poor on-site management. Fans have responded by saying, "It was a hasty criticism that blamed the artist unfairly," and "The organizers should have explained this sooner."

Continue reading The 'plot twist' to Jang Wonyoung's 'late arrival' controversy ... Organizers admit delay in giving the call sign

Gugudan Hana becomes a flight attendant ... Leaves entertainment industry to begin a second chapter in life: "I try to avoid things I don't want to do"

SOURCE: 구구단 하나, 승무원됐다…연예계 떠나 인생 2막 "하기 싫은 일은 어떻게든 피해"

Hana, formerly of the girl group Gugudan, shared an update revealing that she has become a flight attendant.

On the 28th, Hana spent time reconnecting with her fans after a long while. Since she had been posting many photos from abroad, one fan asked, "Unnie, did you move abroad?" Hana denied it, saying, "I have cats at home. I couldn't do that."

Another fan asked, "What kind of work are you doing abroad? Are you studying?" Hana then revealed surprising news by revealing, "I'm working as a flight attendant. I fly around everywhere like Hong Gildong."

When asked, "Do you have any tips on how to handle doing things that you don't want to do?" she replied, "You might think I'm immature for this, but I'm the type of person who tries to find any way possible to avoid doing things I don't want to do. So, I won't be much help." She added, "But if it's something that I really can't give up, I have to face it directly. I think of it as an opportunity for growth and tell myself, 'I'll b so proud and cool when I finish this. I'll definitely learn something from this. It might even help me do what I really want to do later.' That's how I kind of hype myself."

Born in 1993, Hana debuted with the group Gugudan in 2016. After the group disbanded in 2020, she transitioned into acting. Under the name Shin Yeonseo, she starred in web dramas such as 'Another Peaceful Day of Second-Hand Items,' 'Mister LEE,' and 'Our D-Day.'

Continue reading Gugudan Hana becomes a flight attendant ... Leaves entertainment industry to begin a second chapter in life: "I try to avoid things I don't want to do"

"Singer Mr. Shin stole performance advance payments of 2 billion KRW for gambling in the U.S. ... Chairman Cha paid it back instead" Shocking reports

SOURCE: "가수 신 씨, 공연선급금 20억 빼돌려 美 원정도박…차 회장이 대신 갚아" 충격 보도 [스타이슈]

Singer and producer Shin is facing allegations that he gambled in Las Vegas, USA, for several years.

On the night of the 29th, TV Chosun reported this news, stating, "The police have obtained related testimony."

According to the report, "In June last year, Cha, who serves as the chairman of the agency, exchanged KakaoTalk messages containing this information with a business associate. He posted a photo of an Excel file showing the English name of former-singer-turned-producer Shin along with dollar amounts and mentioned that he had 'paid it back on Shin's behalf.'"

It added, "The records show 3.82 million USD (about 5.4 billion KRW) between August 2023 and January 2024. It also includes the names of two Las Vegas hotel casinos and ML (Marker Loans) numbers, which refer to short-term credit loans the casino gives to VIP customers." It continued, "The e-tickets obtained from a company official showed that Shin and Chairman Cha visited Los Angeles and Las Vegas around the same time the casino credit loans were issued."

Furthermore, the report claimed, "While Chairman Cha was acquiring Shin's shares of the entertainment agency, he learned all of Shin's debts were from gambling. Because Shin stole performance advance payments of 2 billion KRW to use as gambling money, Chairman Cha had no choice but to repay the debt back for him."

Shin reportedly told TV Chosun, "I have visited Las Vegas for work purposes, but I have never gambled." He denied the allegations, stating, "The casino loan records presented as evidence are all fabricated."

Continue reading "Singer Mr. Shin stole performance advance payments of 2 billion KRW for gambling in the U.S. ... Chairman Cha paid it back instead" Shocking reports

"How many times has this been already..." Jang Wonyoung arrives late again, drawing complaints at the venue

SOURCE: "이번이 벌써 몇 번째야…" 또 지각한 장원영, 결국 현장 원성 터졌다

Jang Wonyoung is once again caught in a controversy for being late to an event.

On the morning of the 29th, Jang Wonyoung attended a fashion brand launch event held at a pop-up store in Seongsu-dong, Seoul. She appeared wearing a bright yellow jacket and matching shorts, showing off her signature lovely charm and unchanged beauty.

However, the event didn't run smoothly from the start. Jang Wonyoung arrived later than the scheduled time, causing delays to the photo wall schedule and making the atmosphere on-site a bit chaotic.

After the photo wall session ended, a voice expressing dissatisfaction was heard as Jang Wonyoung was leaving the venue, saying, "Let's try to be on time." Upon hearing this remark, Jang Wonyoung reportedly looked a bit flustered and left hurriedly without saying anything.

This is not the first time Jang Wonyoung has faced controversy due to arriving late. Previously, she was criticized on-site for being late to events such as fashion brand pop-up event and a beauty device photo wall events. It is said that at those times, the photo wall sessions were also delayed, disrupting the event operations.

An industry insider stated, "Photo wall sessions involve many media schedules, so being on time is the basic rule of on-site operations." they added, "Since she has been criticized for the same thing repeatedly, it seems that the agency needs to manage and coordinate her schedule better."

Meanwhile, IVE is set to make a comeback on February 23 with their second full-length album, 'Revive Plus.'

Continue reading "How many times has this been already..." Jang Wonyoung arrives late again, drawing complaints at the venue

'After School' Lizzy hints at extreme choice during live broadcast .. "I have no regrets even if I die right now"

SOURCE: '애프터스쿨' 리지, 생방서 극단적 선택 암시…"당장 죽어도 여한 없어" [RE:스타]

After School's former member Lizzy is causing concern after expressing severe psychological distress during a live broadcast on her personal account. During the live broadcast, she appeared deeply shaken by malicious comments about her looks and repeated questions, saying, "I will try to keep living," while also making extreme remarks. It seemed that her depression accumulated during real-time communication with viewers. As the live broadcast went on, her anxiety and confusion intensified, leading to an abrupt end of the live broadcast.

The live broadcast in question took place on the 28th. Lizzy said she was hurt by the aggressive comments from some viewers and explained her current state. During the live broadcast, she said, "I will try to keep living, but honestly, I really want to unalive myself," hinting at an extreme choice. Lizzy tried to stay calm by introducing her daily routines, such as skincare and travel items, but she became emotional when asked questions about plastic surgery.

Regarding the plastic surgery questions, she drew a line by saying, "You should find out for yourself," and reacted sensitively, saying, "I had no choice but to get a revision surgery due to a medical accident."The atmosphere grew increasingly chaotic as she showed signs of anxiety after losing her personal belongings. In the end, a person who appeared to be her friend joined the live broadcast, and the live broadcast was hurriedly wrapped up.

Previously, on the 31st, Lizzy shared New Year's greetings on her personal account along with recent photos, showing a polished look with a neat bob haircut and a black fur jacket. She debuted in 2010 as a member of After School and also received love as a part of sub-unit Orange Caramel with Nana and Raina. Recently, she resumed activities by holding a solo fan meeting in Tokyo, Japan.

In 2021, Lizzy was fined for a drunk driving accident. At the time, she caused a traffic accident in Gangnam, Seoul. Her blood alcohol level was reported to be over 0.08%, which is the level for license revocation. After a period of self-reflection, she had been preparing to return to activities in South Korea. However, her recent live broadcast has once again drawn concern from the public.

Continue reading 'After School' Lizzy hints at extreme choice during live broadcast .. "I have no regrets even if I die right now"

Byun Wooseok ♥ IU '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife' ... First look of the script reading

SOURCE: 변우석♥아이유 '21세기 대군부인', 대본리딩 현장 첫 공개

The script reading for '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife,' one of the most anticipated dramas in the first half of 2026, has finally been revealed.

The new MBC drama, scheduled to air in April 2026, is set in a modern South Korea under constitutional monarchy. It follows the story of a rich woman, who is frustrated because she's a commoner, and a king's son, who is sad because he possesses nothing, as they try to change their fates and overcome social classes.

The drama has been drawing attention since the lineup was announced, since it includes stars like IU (as Song Heejoo), Byun Wooseok (as Prince Yi Wan), Noh Sanghyun (as Min Jungwoo), and Gong Seungyeon (as Yoon Yirang). As one of the hottest dramas of the year, the release of the script reading photos has further raised anticipation.

Director Park Joonhwa, writer Yoon Jiwon, along with all the actors gathered at the reading. The atmosphere was filled with warm laughter as the actors shared their bold aspirations. IU said, "I will work hard so this drama takes over the drama scene in 2026," while Byun Wooseok added, "I'll do my best to shake the world in 2026." Noh Sanghyun joked, "I'll aim to shake the whole universe," and Gong Seungyeon promised, "I'll work hard to create a joyful filming set."

IU first showcased the confident personality of Song Heejoo, a chaebol heiress who has everything except a royal title. In the scene where she asks Prince Yi Wan (Byun Wooseok) to marry her to raise her status, she made everyone in the room laugh with her witty gestures and playful wink.

Byun Wooseok, playing as Prince Yi Wan who has nothing but a royal title, radiated royal dignity with his deep voice and calm acting. In moments where the usually calm prince begins to shows his feelings after meeting Song Heejoo (IU), he skillfully changed his tone to convey the transformation.

IU and Byun Wooseok, who meet for a 'contract marriage' in the story, showed great chemistry. The way they maintained eye contact and adjusted their rhythm raises further excitement for the drama.

Meanwhile, Noh Sanghyun added energy to the room as the Prime Minister, Min Jungwoo. He showed natural chemistry with IU and acted as a reliable bestfriend to Byun Wooseok, raising expectations for his role in the drama.

On the other hand, Gong Seungyoun played the role of Yoon Yirang, a woman born with the destiny of becoming queen, bringing a different kind of tension. Even in scenes where she argues with Prince Yi Wan, she maintained elegant in her speech and gestures, embodying her character perfectly.

'21st Century Grand Prince's Wife' has successfully started its journey with this passionate script reading. From the romance between the similar-yet-different Song Heejoo and Prince Yi Wan, to the complex relationships of Min Jungwoo and Yoon Yirang, the drama promises a rich story filled with both excitement and laughter.

MBC's new Fri-Sat drama '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife,' which is considered as the most anticipated project of the first half of 2026, will start airing this April.

Continue reading Byun Wooseok ♥ IU '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife' ... First look of the script reading

BLACKPINK Rosé reveals she was in a secret relationship ... "I went on dates while wearing a wig and dressed like a grandmother"

SOURCE: 블랙핑크 로제, 비밀 연애 중이었네…"가발+할머니 분장한 채 데이트"

On the 28th, Rosé appeared on the popular U.S. podcast 'Call Her Daddy,' where she talked about many different topics.

During the show, the story about Rosé's secret dating life drew attention.

When asked, "You have never been in a public relationship. Are you trying to protect your partner's privacy?" Rosé answered, "It's about wanting to protect the person I love. It hurts my heart when the person I love gets attacked."

She continued, "I'm okay. I'm in the public eye, and that's part of my job. It can't be helped." However, she added, "If I could fully trust that the media would protect me, I might feel comfortable with a public relationship. But right now, I don't know if I can feel safe."

Rosé also recalled disguising herself to avoid being caught by the paparazzi. She said, "I can never be seen like, you know, ever. I bought a wig from an online store, studied how elderly women would dress, and I would go on date looking like an older woman." She revealed that she lived this way for about 6 months.

Specifically, when asked, "Are you currently seeing anyone right now?" She shared, "Just being asked that question makes me nervous. I immediately think about what kinds of articles will come out because of this comment." She added, "I'm afraid that saying 'yes' or 'no' will end up defining my entire life."

Meanwhile, Rosé broke records on music charts worldwide with 'APT.' with Bruno Mars, released in October last year. She also became the first K-pop artis to win the 'Song of the Year' award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Additionally, she also became the first K-pop artist to be nominated for 'Song of the Year' and 'Record of the Year' at the Grammy Awards.

Continue reading BLACKPINK Rosé reveals she was in a secret relationship ... "I went on dates while wearing a wig and dressed like a grandmother"

Shin Eunsoo ♥ Yoo Seonho are dating ... Same-age couple born in the Year of the Horse

SOURCE: [단독]신은수♥유선호 열애중, 20대 말띠 동갑내기 커플 탄생

According to Newsen's report on January 29, Shin Eunsoo and Yoo Seonho are in a relationship.

Both of them were born in 2002 and turned 25 years old this year. Shin Eunsoo and Yoo Seonho started dating late last year and have been sweetly seeing each other for about three months.

The two had never worked together on a project and seemingly had no connection. However, it is reported that they met through gatherings of mutual friends. As their relationship continued, it developed into a romantic one.

An insider shared, "The two just started their relationship. Even with busy schedules, they are a lovely couple who enjoy normal dates like other people in their 20s and continue their fresh romance.”

Meanwhile, Shin Eunsoo debuted in 2016 as the lead actress in the film 'Vanishing Time: A Boy Who Returned,' after beating 300:1 odds. Since then, she has starred in numerous dramas such as 'The Legend of the Blue Sea,' 'Bad Papa,' 'Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol,' 'Bloody Heart,' 'A Model Family,' 'Twinkling Watermelon,' 'Light Shop, and more. She also starred in movies like 'Vanishing Time: A Boy Who Returned,' 'The Shower,' 'Illang: The Wolf Brigade,' 'Homme Fatale,' 'Tastes of Horror,' 'Love Untangled,' and more.

Meanwhile, Yoo Seonho first became known as a trainee on 'Produce 101 Season 2' in 2017. Since then, he has shown his talent as an actor through numerous dramas such as 'Mischievous Detectives,' 'My Strange Hero,' 'Undercover,' 'The Great Shaman Ga Dooshim,' The World of My 17 Season 2,' 'Under the Queen's Umbrella,' The Story of Park's Marriage Contract,' 'Oh My Ghost Clients,' and much more. He is currently appearing on KBS2's variety show '2 Days 1 Night Season 4' and MBN's sports variety show 'Run to Live 2.' Most recently, he confirmed his appearance in the movie 'Teaching Practice: Idiot Girls and School Ghost 2.'

Continue reading Shin Eunsoo ♥ Yoo Seonho are dating ... Same-age couple born in the Year of the Horse