Wednesday, February 4, 2026

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'Hiatus' Park Narae to launch new variety show on the 11th ... Teams up with Jeon Hyunmoo for 'Battle of Fates 49'

SOURCE: '활동 중단' 박나래, 11일 새예능 론칭…전현무 손잡고 '운명전쟁49' [공식]

On the 4th, 'Battle of Fates 49' announced its release date on February 11 and unveiled the 'Fate' poster and trailer, featuring missions that go beyond imagination and unexpected plot twists.

The 'Fate' poster draws attention as it shows 49 fortune tellers from different lives standing in a mysterious space under the bright moonlight, all looking at one door. In particular, various symbols from Eastern and Western traditions like saju, tarot, and face reading are arranged throughout the image, showing the show's theme and sparked curiosity by asking the deep question: 'Can humans read their fate?'

The 'Fate' trailer also raises expectations with high tension and unpredictable stories. From a mission to find a person who has actually been struck by lightning to a mission about reading the fate of money, a series of mind-blowing mission unfolds, shocking everyone. Even the fortune tellers react in confusion, asking, "They're really giving us missions like this?" These new settings add a fresh shock that's unlike anything seen in other survival shows.

Disney+'s 'Battle of Fates 49' brings together 49 fortune tellers to test their destinies through a series of missions in an spiritual survival battle. Jeon Hyunmoo, Park Narae, Park Hasun, Shindong, and Kang Jiyoung are the hosts. The show is produced by the team behind 'Culinary Class Wars' and 'Let's Play Soccer' series, promising an eccentric and thrilling survival show that goes beyond limits. By using 'fate' as its theme, the show hopes to open a new world for Korean variety shows.

'Battle of Fates 49' will release four episodes on the 11th, followed by weekly releases of three, two, and one episode respectively for a total of ten episodes.

1. [+1,646][-57] Do you seriously think people would watch this?

2. [+1,434][-55] Looks like the broadcasting and entertainment industries are all the same kind of people. Nothing but bunch of dumb*sses.

3. [+692][-17] I'm so sick and tired of Jeon Hyunmoo and Park Narae.

4. [+99][-10] The TV station seems to have lost their mind!! Even if this was filmed a long time ago, how can they be shameless enough to air this even when viewers are protesting this much?

5. [+80][-8] There were 49 fortune tellers there, but I guess none of them could see Park Narae's future comingㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

Continue reading 'Hiatus' Park Narae to launch new variety show on the 11th ... Teams up with Jeon Hyunmoo for 'Battle of Fates 49'
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'Single's Inferno 5' Song Seungil calls out Choi Mina Sue's rude behavior, says "I want to go back to Inferno already" ... Netizens feel 'satisfied'

SOURCE: '솔로지옥5' 최미나수 무례함에 송승일 일침 가하며 "빨리 지옥도 가고싶어"…누리꾼들 '통쾌'

In the 8th episode of 'Single's Inferno 5,' Song Seungil called out Choi Mina Sue, giving viewers a satisfying moment.

Int he episode released on the 4th, the two chose each other and went to Paradise together. However, tension arose when Choi Mina Sue showed discomfort at the affectionate behavior of Park Heesun and Lim Subeen, who shared the same helicopter.

The awkward atmosphere continued during a coincidentally arranged double date at a bowling alley and later at dinner.

Specifically, when Lim Subeen said, "I'm going to swim tonight," Choi Mina Sue repeatedly rushed to the window as soon as they arrived at the hotel to check the pool. Seeing this, Hong Jinkyung burst out laughing and said, "Tone it down."

The most important moment happened during dinner at the hotel. Choi Mina Sue said, "I went to Paradise for the first time with Subeen. It felt like first love," and asked Seungil, "Don't you feel the same?" Song Seungil drew a clear line by saying, "Not really. I think who you go with is more important."

When Song Seungil asked, "Who do you want to go to Paradise with next?" Choi Mina Sue answered without hesitation, "Samuel." The studio was shocked and Lee Dahee couldn't hide her surprise, saying, "Wouldn't everyone expect her to say Subeen here?"

Song Seungil calmly asked back, "Are you just curious about Samuel or are you attracted? If you're doing it just to be nice, it might actually be bad for him. What feelings are you using to make your final choice?" Choi Mina Sue explained, "I'm not sure about my feelings, but he's on my mind. Even before the couple matching, Samuel said his feelings hadn't changed and that he was coming straight at me. How can I not want to get to know someone like that?"

Song Seungil tilted his head, "Do I have to get to know someone just because they're coming straight at me? I'd be too busy chasing my own feelings." Choi Mina Sue replied, "That makes sense. I'll keep that in mind," but soon emphasized again, "Still, I want to go to Paradise with Samuel next time."

The conversation got worse and worse. When Seungil said, "Do whatever you want," Choi Mina Sue snapped back, "I will do whatever I want. Don't tell me what to do." Seungil shot back by saying, "When did I ever tell you what to do?" and the atmosphere became very cold.

Finally, Seungil let out a drained smile and confessed, "I enjoyed spending time with you, but I want to go back to Inferno as soon as possible. This place is too stressful." Watching this, the MCs reacted, "The worst atmosphere ever," and "That was refreshing."

Right after the broadcast, viewers flooded social media with reactions such as, "Song Seungil was so refreshing," and "It's amazing how Choi Mina Sue makes someone miss Inferno while in Paradise." Attention is now focused on how the broken relationship will affect their final choices.

1. [+149][-4] ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ That guy is so satisfyingㅋㅋ

2. [+122][-5] I love how Mina Sure is so free-spirited, but it's too much. It's hard to accept in the Korean culture. Just watching her on the show is so exhausting already.

3. [+32][-6] When I see Choi Mina Sue, she reminds me of announcer Park Jiyoon.

4. [+9][-8] I think Choi Mina Sue is charming because she looks natural and doesn't have that 'plastic surgery look.' Personality aside, I have to admit that the show is fun because of herㅋㅋ

5. [+7][-0] ㅋㅋㅋㅋ I really don't like the way she looks around to see people's reactions... That guy said the right thing. They came to Paradise together and she just rambled on about other guys the whole timeㅋㅋㅋㅋ

Continue reading 'Single's Inferno 5' Song Seungil calls out Choi Mina Sue's rude behavior, says "I want to go back to Inferno already" ... Netizens feel 'satisfied'
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Hong Jinkyung eventually apologizes after telling Choi Mina Sue to 'tone it down': "I was called by the production time and given a lesson"

SOURCE: 최미나수에 "작작하세요" 일갈했던 홍진경, 결국 사과 "제작진한테 불려가 교육받아" (솔로지옥5)

In the 8th episode of 'Single's Inferno 5' released on February 3, Song Seungil offered advice to Choi Mina Sue as she opened up about her concerns, saying, "I'm already busy enough pouring my energy into the person I like. Do I have to care for someone just because they're coming straight at me? That's probably how I'd feel." However, during the conversation, Choi Mina Sue joked, "Don't tell me what to do. I'll handle it myself." Hearing this, Song Seungil expressed stress and walked away.

Watching this, Lee Dahee commented, "It feels refreshing that Seungil expressed a little bit of what I wanted to say." Dex added, "Honestly, even we MCs have limits on what we can say. Since the person involved said it directly, it feels relieving for viewers, including us."

Hong Jinkyung shared, "Actually, we sometimes get called in by the production team during breaks. If they tell us, 'Your comments were a bit too harsh,' we get educated and then come back to speak more gently. Seungil played a big role there."

The panelists have acted as a 'voice for the viewers' by directly expressing what viewers might feel about the contestants' selfish attitudes or unexpected behavior. In particular, they made sharp remarks and cold advice towards Choi Mina Sure, like, "We can't defend her," "It's painful to watch," "Tone it down," and "When you're having a mental breakdown, you should know how to stay quiet."

Later, in the 9th episode, after Choi Mina Sue broke into tears after an emotional fight with Kim Minji over Song Seungil, Hong Jinkyung showed regret. She said, "I wonder how angry she must be because of us MCs. We talked about her a lot. I'm sorry Mina Sue," expressing her apology.

Meanwhile, Choi Mina Sue became a key figure this season after stirring conflict from early on by moving between 4 male contestants. Viewers are showing mixed opinions about her tendency to act solely on her immediate emotions.

Choi Mina Sue was the runner up for Miss Korea in 2021. In 2022, she became the first Korean to win 'Miss Earth,' one of the world's four major beauty pageants. She is reportedly currently studying at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the United Stats.

Choi Mina Sure previously appeared on the show 'Battle for Tenancy: Penthouse.' She has also pursued acting by starring in dramas such as 'Law and the City' and 'DNA Lover.'

Continue reading Hong Jinkyung eventually apologizes after telling Choi Mina Sue to 'tone it down': "I was called by the production time and given a lesson"

Cha Eunwoo's income is over 100 billion KRW ... Former National Tax Service Investigator: "There's a possibility he could become a convicted offender"


SOURCE: 차은우, 수익만 '1000억↑'…前 국세청 조사관 "전과자 될 가능성 有" [RE:뷰]

On January 31, a video titled '20 billion KRW is not the end: Former investigator of the National Tax Service explains the true nature of Cha Eunwoo's tax evasion case' was posted on the Youtube channel 'CIRCLE 21.' 

In the video, Jung Haein, a former investigator of National Tax Service and a current executive at a tax accounting firm, explained, "The main issue is whether the income that should've been reported as personal income was instead processed as company income." 

He added, "The highest personal tax rate is about 50%, while the corporate tax is around 20%. From the National Tax Service's perspective, they have to ask, 'Why was an income that should've been taxed at 50% only taxed at 20%?'" 

He further noted that while celebrity cases are normally handled by Investigation Bureau 2, Investigation Bureau 4 may become involved when the amounts are exceptionally large.

Jung Haein stated, "We don't know the exact income, but if it's over 100 billion KRW, it falls into a range that requires a strict investigation." He guessed, "While it's not certain, but Cha Eunwoo's income might be over 100 billion KRW." 

He continued, "A real company must have clear evidence of employees, an office, and actual business activity. If it's a 'paper company' with no substance, it could be seen as a tool to reduce personal income tax." He emphasized, "In this case, it may be judged as tax evasion rather than tax saving."

He also addressed the possibility of penalties and the chance of being reported to the police. Jung Haein stated, "A simple underreporting carries a fine of 10%, but if you lie on purpose, the fine goes up to 40%." He added, "If Investigation Bureau 4 is involved, the investigation may be conducted with criminal referral in mind. If the case is referred, the possibility of a criminal record can't be ruled out." 

He stressed, "The response strategy is very important. Admitting the mistakes early and apologizing might be the best way to save his image. If he only focuses on defending himself with a law firm, the public might think he is 'denying the tax evasion.'"

It is reported that Cha Eunwoo underwent an investigation by Investigation Bureau 4 of the Seoul Regional Tax Office last spring and was notified of an additional tax assessment exceeding 20 billion KRW. This is considered an exceptionally large amount even among tax penalties imposed on celebrities.

Similar controversy is spreading to another actor as well. Recently, Kim Seonho also faces allegations of tax evasion related to the payments he received through his one-person company. His agency stated that he 'followed legal and tax procedures,' but the controversy continues after it was revealed that he received payments through the one-person company during his time with his former agency. As both actors have new projects coming up, attention is now focused on how these tax issues surrounding the two actors may change the way celebrities use companies.

Continue reading Cha Eunwoo's income is over 100 billion KRW ... Former National Tax Service Investigator: "There's a possibility he could become a convicted offender"

Kim Seonho's reps: "Deeply reflecting on the family company controversy ... Additional taxes are paid and the business is in the process of being closed"

SOURCE: 김선호 측 "가족 법인 논란 깊이 반성…세금 추가 납부 및 폐업 진행"[전문]

Fantagio has once again addressed the recent controversy surrounding Kim Seonho's one-person company. The agency apologized for the trouble caused by the lack of understanding of how to run a company.

On the 4th, Fantagio released an official statement explaining the background behind the establishment of Kim Seonho's one-person company and the measures currently being taken. The agency stated, "Kim Seonho established the company in January 2024 for acting activities and theater production. He received settlements for his activities through that company until he signed an exclusive contract with Fantagio in February 2025."

Regarding the controversy, the agency explained, "After realizing that running the company could cause misunderstandings, there have been no real business activities through that company for over a year."

In particular, the agency also addressed the allegations of tax evasion and personal use of money, emphasizing, "We took action early to correct the mistakes that was made due the lack of understanding of how to run a company." According to the company, Kim Seonho has returned all money from the past company card he used, the salaries paid, and also the company vehicle. In addition, regarding the income he previously received from the one-person company, Fantagio added, "In addition, the extra personal income tax has now been fully paid as well on top of the corporate tax."

The one-person company is currently going through administrative procedures of closing down, and it will be finished soon. Fantagio clarified, "Since signing an exclusive contract with Kim Seonho in February 2025, settlement payments have been transferred directly to him as an individual. His activities with our agency are completely unrelated to the one-person company."

In closing, the agency stated, "Kim Seonho is deeply reflecting on having established and running the one-person company while not fully understanding how it works. We sincerely bow our heads in apology for causing confusion and concern to fans and the public."

The controversy began on the 1st, when Sports Kyunghyang reported that Kim Seonho had established and operated a one-person company registered at his home address in Yongsan-gu, with his parents listed as the executives. The report raised suspicions of income diversion and tax evasion, claiming that Kim Seonho paid fake salaries to his parents through the company and used the company card for personal use. The issue further intensified as it followed closely after news that his labelmate, Cha Eunwoo, was recently hit with a large tax penalty over a similar family-owned company structure.

Below is the full statement from Fantagio:

Hello, this is Fantagio, the agency for actor Kim Seonho.

We would like to share additional facts and our official position regarding Kim Seonho's one-person company mentioned in recent reports.

Establishment and Operation of the Company
Kim Seonho established the one-person company in January 2024 for acting activities and theater production.
Following its establishment in January 2024, settlements for his activities were paid through this one-person company until he signed an exclusive contract with Fantagio in February 2025.

Suspension of the Company's Operations
After Kim Seonho realized that running the company could cause misunderstandings, there have been no real business activities through that company for over a year.

Exclusive Contract with Fantagio
Since signing an exclusive contract with Kim Seonho in February 2025, settlement payments have been transferred directly to him as an individual. We clearly state that his activities with our agency are completely unrelated to the one-person company.

Procedures of Closing the Company
To fix the mistakes that were made due to the lack of understanding of how to run a company, Kim Seonho has returned all money from the past company card he used, the salaries paid, and also the company vehicle. As for the settlements he previously received in the past, he has completed the additional payment of personal income tax on top of the corporate tax. The company is in the process of being closed down, which is expected to be finished soon.

Kim Seonho is deeply reflecting on having established and running the one-person company while not fully understanding how it works. He sincerely bows his head in apology.

We also apologize for causing confusion and concern. We will do our best to manage all aspects of our artists' activities in the future. 

Continue reading Kim Seonho's reps: "Deeply reflecting on the family company controversy ... Additional taxes are paid and the business is in the process of being closed"