Friday, March 6, 2026

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Seo Youngeun leaves Kep1er ... "Will continue as a 6-member team."

SOURCE: 케플러 서영은, 팀 탈퇴 "앞으로 6인 체제 전환"

Seo Youngeun has decided to leave Kep1er after an 8-month hiatus.

On the 6th, WakeOne and KLAP Entertainment announced through their official social media, stating, "rom now on, the group will continue activities as a six-member team consisting of Choi Yujin, Xiaoting, Kim Chaehyun, Kim Dayeon, Hikaru, and Huening Bahiyyih. Along with this, Seo Young-eun, who has been part of Kep1er’s precious journey since their debut in 2022, has concluded her activities with the team."

They continued, "The company and Seo Youngeun have had long discussions about the direction of her future activities. This decision was reached after careful discussion. The Kep1er members also respect Seo Youngeun’s wishes based on their mutual trust and are sending her their support."

Furthermore, they added, "We would like to express our deep gratitude to Seo Youngeun, who showed more sincerity and passion than anyone as a member of the team, and we will wholeheartedly support her future endeavors. Kep1er will open a new chapter as a six-member group and will do their best to repay Kep1ian with even better music and performances. We ask for fans’ warm encouragement and unwavering love for Seo Youngeun, who will walk a new path, and for Kep1er, whowill continue its activities as six members."

Meanwhile, Kep1er is a girl group formed through the Mnet survival program 'Girls Planet 999.'

Continue reading Seo Youngeun leaves Kep1er ... "Will continue as a 6-member team."
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'Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness'... Go Younjung seen with blood dripping from her nose

SOURCE: '무가치함과 싸우는' 고윤정, 코피 뚝뚝

Go Younjung is transforming into a new character in 'Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness.'

On the 6th, JTBC released still cuts of Go Younjung, the lead of the new weekend drama 'Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness.'

'Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness' follows the story of a person's journey to find peace after being consumed by jealousy and envy because they're the only one struggling while surrounded by successful friends. Go Younjung will show her new side as she plays the role of Byun Eun-ah, a character with clear, innocent-looking face and sharp, piercing eyes.

Byun Eun-ah is a producer at the film company 'Choi Film' and is known in the industry by the intense nickname 'The Axe.' She earned this nickname because of her sharp reviews that snap people to attention instantly as if they were hit in the head with an axe. Although she shows firm confidence and never feels intimidated, even in front of her sly CEO, she has a sense of emptiness and anxiety that she can't tell anyone is hidden behind that sharp edge. In particular, her sudden nosebleeds that appear without warning are expected to spark viewers’ curiosity about her hidden story.

In the drama, Go Younjung appears with a simple look with plain clothing and bare face, realistically portraying the daily life of a film producer. Her eyes, which seem calm yet shine sharply, capture the insight of the 'Axe PD' who views the world critically, while also transparently reflecting the complex emotions hidden beneath the surface.

The production team stated, "Go Younjung is holding the center of the drama by stably portraying the character’s complex traits. Her delicate acting, which deeply captures the character’s inner self, will leave a lasting impression on viewers."

The drama is scheduled to premiere in April.

Continue reading 'Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness'... Go Younjung seen with blood dripping from her nose

"Eyeing YouTube's Territory" ... HYBE and Spotify join forces

SOURCE: “유튜브 넘본다” 하이브·스포티파이 맞손

Entertainment group HYBE is entering the video podcast market through a partnership with the global audio and music streaming platform Spotify.

On the 6th, HYBE announced that it has signed a global content partnership with Spotify and will launch a dedicated video podcast channel. Under this partnership, HYBE will plan and produce the video content while Spotify will distribute it to a global audience.

HYBE noted the growing influence of video podcasts in the global music market. Through Spotify’s platform, which has over 751 million users worldwide, the company plans to naturally introduce K-pop to users as they explore and discover content.

HYBE will launch the official channel and reveal the channel name on March 23. The content will operate in an omnibus format where artists from HYBE’s labels and creators from various fields discuss about music and everyday life. The first videos are scheduled to be released starting in April.

The production of the content will be handled by HYBE Media Studio (HMS), HYBE’s internal video production team. Using its accumulated video production system and professional staff, HYBE plans to cover the broader culture of K-pop through the video podcast format.

Gautam Talwar, General Manager for Spotify’s Asia-Pacific region, said, "Through this partnership with HYBE, we aim to bring audiences closer to artists’ personalities and creative processes." A HYBE representative added, "Through this new format, we will continue expanding our points of connection with fans."

Continue reading "Eyeing YouTube's Territory" ... HYBE and Spotify join forces
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'Pickpocket' Kim Yoojung x 'Adopted son of the minister of administrative affairs' Park Jinyoung to star in a spy romance ... Confirmed to star in '100 Days of Lies'

SOURCE: '소매치기' 김유정X '조선총독 양자' 박진영, 첩보 로맨스 그린다...'100일의 거짓말' 출연 확정

Drama '100 Days of Lies' has completed its brilliant cast lineup, featuring Kim Yoojung, Park Jinyoung, Kim Hyunjoo, Lee Moosaeng, and Jin Sunkyu.

Scheduled to air in the secoond half of this year, tvN's upcoming drama '100 Days of Lies' is a spy romance drama that tells the story of a dangerous and thrilling love between the best pickpocket in Gyeongseong who goes undercover as an interpreter for the Japanese general government and the newly appointed elite interpreter who is also the adopted son of the minister of administrative affairs. The drama will portray both their romance and passionate longing for independence. Through the concept of an 'interpreter' who can see through truths and hidden secrets of people, the drama aims to provide a new kind of suspense and fun.

Most of all, the collaboration of a hit-maker production team raises expectations from the viewers. Director Yoo Inshik, who earned praise for his warm and excellent directing in hit series like 'Dr. Romantic' and 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo,' will lead the project. He will be joined by writer Ryu Bori, who is known for her delicate storytelling in 'Do You Like Brahms?'

Attention is also focused on the synergy between the leads. Kim Yoojung transforms into Lee Gakyung, the greatest pickpocket in Gyeongseong who goes undercover as an interpreter for the Japanese general government for 100 days. While desperately saving money to achieve her dream of going to the United States, she accepts an irresistible offer from anti-Japanese organization and becomes a spy to infiltrate the Japanese Government-General of Korea.

Kim Yoojung shared her thoughts, "It's an honor to be part of such a meaningful project. I will work hard with the hope that this becomes a warm drama that comforts many people and allows them to reflect on history and life. Please look forward to it and give us your support."

Park Jinyoung will play as Kim Taewoong (also known as Hideo Sato), the adopted son of the minister of administrative affairs and also a newly appointed elite interpreter of the Japanese general government. During a dark era when Japan needed propaganda to justify its rule over Korea to the League of Nations investigation team, he stands out as a rare expert who is fluent in English, Japanese, and Korean. After more than 10 years, he returns to Korea to take an important mission as an interpreter.

Park Jinyoung stated, "Since this drama is set in a painful period of the history, I am filming with an even more cautious and sincere heart. I will do my best until the end to repay viewers with a meaningful project."

Kim Hyunjoo plays as Yoo Soran, a sniper from the anti-Japanese organization who takes up a gun for revenge. Having a dark past with Shinichi Sato, she returns to Korea after more than 10 years under a fake Chinese identity and entered a fake marriage with Yoo Philip. While carrying out an assassination plot against Shinichi Sato, she proposes a life-risking deal to Lee Gakyung.

Kim Hyunjoo said, "I find it very meaningful to participate in a project set in the 1930s. From the script reading onward, the actors have shown great chemistry, and I hope we can complete a meaningful work together. Please look forward to it."

Lee Moosaeng plays as Philip Yoo, a Gyeongseong correspondent for an American media company. As a member of the anti-Japanese organization and a Korean-American journalist, he uses his identity to shake the minister of administrative affairs, who is sensitive to international politics.

Lee Moosaeng said, "I am thinking deeply about how to truthfully portray '100 Days of Lies,' but my desire to meet viewers is even stronger. I go to the set each day with that feeling. Please give us lots of anticipation and love."

Jin Sunkyu plays as Shinichi Sato, the newly appointed minister of administrative affairs and also Hideo Sato's father, an ambitious man skilled in schemes and manipulation. As the second most powerful figure in the colonial government who is willing to do anything for success, he is the main target of the anti-Japanese organization.

Jin Sunkyu shared, "I’m excited to work with such great actors and build good chemistry together. I hope it becomes a drama that leaves a deep impression on the hearts of the viewers. I will work hard in my role, so please show lots of interest and anticipation."

'100 Days of Lies,' which follows the breathtaking spy war infiltrating the heart of Japanese colonial rule and the brilliant journey of independence fighters who willingly risk their lives for independence and love during dark times, is scheduled to air in the second half of 2026.

Continue reading 'Pickpocket' Kim Yoojung x 'Adopted son of the minister of administrative affairs' Park Jinyoung to star in a spy romance ... Confirmed to star in '100 Days of Lies'
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Jung Yumi to play Lee Dongwook's wife ... Cast as female lead in new drama by the director of 'The World of Married'

SOURCE: [단독] 정유미, 이동욱 아내 된다..'부부의 세계' 감독 신작 여주 낙점

Actress Jung Yumi will star in the new Netflix series 'Love Affair' (working title).

According to OSEN's report on the 6th, Jung Yumi recently received the script proposal for Netflix's 'Love Affair.' After reviewing it positively, she has decided to join the project.

'Love Affair' is the latest work by Director Mo Wan-il, who directed the drama with the highest ratings in the history of Korean cable channels, 'The World of the Married.' The story follows a couple with stable jobs and a happy marriage whose lives collapse after facing a fatal love that hits them suddenly like a car accident. While some settings seem similar to 'The World of the Married,' it is said that the expression and plot developments will be even more provocative.

In particular, the male lead Kim Jihoon, a man in his early 40s, falls into a passionate love affair with another woman, driving his happy family toward destruction. Jung Yumi is set to play Kim Jihoon's wife in the drama.

Previously, Jung Yumi left Management SOOP after nine years and signed an exclusive contract with Noon Company. 'Love Affair' is expected to be her first project since the move. It will also mark the first time Jung Yumi and Lee Dongwook act together.

'Love Affair' is scheduled to begin filming in the first half of this year, possibly starting as early as this month. It is also reported that some scenes will be filmed in Spain. The script is written by Ha Sujin, who wrote KBS2's 'The Matchmakers,' while Director Mo Wan-il will direct. It is produced by FNC Story and will be released on the global platform Netflix.

Continue reading Jung Yumi to play Lee Dongwook's wife ... Cast as female lead in new drama by the director of 'The World of Married'
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Lee Byunghun, Han Jimin, and Lee Heejun confirmed for 'Koreans' ... Filming begins next week

SOURCE: [단독] '코리언즈' 이병헌·한지민·이희준 출연 확정…다음주 촬영 시작

Lee Byunghun, Han Jimin, and Lee Heejun have confirmed their appearances in the drama 'Koreans' (working title) and will begin their first filming next week.

According to a report by IZE on the 6th, 'Koreans' (produced by Studio AA), directed by Ahn Gilho, has finalized its lead cast with Lee Byunghun, Han Jimin, and Lee Heejun and will begin filming next week.

Lee Byunghun and Han Jimin, who will play as married couple in the drama, are working together for the third time through this project. Although the two previously starred in the dramas 'All In' (2003) and 'Our Blues' (2022), but they never actually acted in the same scene together, making this the first time they will actually act opposite each other.

'Koreans,' which Ahn Gilho has been preparing since last year, is a spy drama that reimagines the popular US FX series 'The Americans' in a Korean setting. It will adapt the original story about Soviet spies undercover in the United States during the Cold War in the 1980s into the era of military dictatorship in South Korea.

As it is a large-scale production with a high budget, the series is expected to be released on the major OTT platform Disney+.

'Koreans' is drawing attention as a large-scale project combining a grand historical setting with a spy narrative. In particular, the collaboration between Director Ahn Gilho (previously directed 'The Glory,' 'Happiness,' and 'Stranger) and acclaimed actors Lee Byunghun, Han Jimin, and Lee Heejun are raising anticipations.

Expectations are high to see what kind of spy drama 'Koreans' will be, given that some of the biggest names in K-drama have come together for this masterpiece.


Continue reading Lee Byunghun, Han Jimin, and Lee Heejun confirmed for 'Koreans' ... Filming begins next week

'Youngest flight attendant at 19' ... The surprising past of an actress now in her 30s


SOURCE: "19살에 최연소 승무원"…30대 여배우의 반전 과거 모습

On the episode of MBN's 'Jeon Hyunmoo's Plan 3' that will air on the 6th, Jeon Hyunmoo and Kwak Joobin are enjoying a foodie trip in Jeju Island with Pyo Yejin. They visit the Daejeong Five-Day Market near Moseulpo Port in Jeju Island, exploring local restaurants and sharing various stories.

On this day, they visit a restaurant that used to sell Okdom (Red Tilefish) but gained popularity after switching its menu to Bomal Kalguksu (Knife-cut noodles with brown turban shell). The Bomal Kalguksu they orderede is known for capturing the rich flavors of the Jeju sea. After tasting the food, Kwak Joobin exclaimed, "It really tastes like a luxurious, rich seaweed soup." Pyo Yejin also enjoyed the meal with a satisfied look, saying, "It was recently both of our birthdays, so this feels like the perfect birthday feast~" lightening the mood.

During the episode, Jeon Hyunmoo mentions Pyo Yejin's past work experience. He asked, "Actually, I didn't know you used to be a flight attendant. And the youngest at that?" Pyo Yejin replied, "I started working as a flight attendant at the age of 19 and worked for about a year and a half."

Regarding why she left a relatively stable job to pursue acting, she explained, "When I thought about myself 10 years later, I wanted to try something more challenging." She added, "When I first debuted, I went around handing out my profile to ten different places every single day," revealing that her start as an actress was not easy.

Pyo Yejin debuted as an actress in 2012 through MBC's drama 'Here Comes Mr. Oh."

The 'Jeju Seafood Special' will air at 9.10 PM (KST) on March 6 on 'Jeon Hyunmoo's Plan 3'

Continue reading 'Youngest flight attendant at 19' ... The surprising past of an actress now in her 30s

'Earns 500 million KRW from TikTok' Park Sihoo becomes a 'natural TikToker,' even doing roasted sweet potato mukbang ... "Looks delicious, right?"

SOURCE: '틱톡 5억 수익' 박시후, 군고구마 먹방까지 '천연덕 틱톡커'…"맛있겠다 그죠?" [스타이슈]

On the 4th, Park Sihoo posted a video from his TikTok account on his social media with the caption "#ParkSihoo #DailyLife"

In the video, Park Sihoo was seen peeling and eating roasted sweet potatoes in a place that appeared to be a pension.

He joked around, saying, "I put the sweet potatoes in the fireplace. Look, the sweet potatoes are ready," and added, "I have that roasted chestnut seller's hat, I should've brought it."

Park Sihoo then split open a sweet potato and blew on it to cool it down. He continued the broadcast, saying, "Looks delicious, right? I wonder how tasty Japanese sweet potatoes are. You need to have this kind of fun, right?"

Recently, rumors have surfaced online that Park Sihoo has been earning hundreds of millions of KRW, up to about 500 million KRW, through donations from fans overseas on TikTok Live.

TikTok Live generates revenue when viewers purchase virtual gifts and send them to creators. In Park Sihoo's case, donations accumulate quickly because he has a large fan base in the Chinese-speaking region.

Previously, Park Sihoo was swept up in allegations that he introduced a woman to a married acquaintance, which allegedly destroyed that acquaintance's marriage. Regarding this, Park Sihoo stated through a legal representative, "These are clearly false claims and completely groundless." Furthermore, he also filed a complain against the person who made these claims for defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act, and an investigation is currently underway.

COMMENTS:

1. [+535][-9] His face looks strange now.

2. [+529][-14] He seriously doesn't look like a nice personㅋㅋ

3. [+382][-6] So this guy is just making money through TikTok nowㅋ

4. [+41][-1] Life sure is easy for him, huh?

5. [+40][-0] So cringey.

Continue reading 'Earns 500 million KRW from TikTok' Park Sihoo becomes a 'natural TikToker,' even doing roasted sweet potato mukbang ... "Looks delicious, right?"

Data of celebrity major donors exposed ... Community Chest of Korea leaks personal information

SOURCE: 연예인 고액 기부자 다 털렸다···사랑의열매, 개인정보 유출

A data leak occurred at the Community Chest of Korea's Fruit of Love charity organization, exposing the real names and resident registration numbers of high-value donors, including celebrities and other famous figures.

According to Yonhap News on the 5th, while posting its '2024 Financial Statement' on its official website last April, Fruit of Love posted the original files containing personal information such as the names and resident registration numbers of major donors without any redaction or editing.

Fruit of Love failed to notice the issue for nearly a year and only deleted the files on the 4th. Since these sensitive data had been exposed on the internet for a long time, there are concerns about secondary damage, including identity theft and voice-phishing scams.

The list reportedly included 600 people, including major figures in politics and business, as well as famous celebrities who donated over 20 million KRW.

According to the report, Fruit of Love stated, "We will send a notice and apology letter to those whose information was leaked and provide guidance over the phone regarding the incident."

Following Fruit of Love, there are also worries after it was revealed that Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association had also posted its '2022-2024 Financial Statement' on its website on the 5th of last month without redacting the real names, resident registration numbers, and donation amounts of about 1,000 donors.

COMMENTS:

1. [+365][-11] Are there still fools who donate to Fruit of Love? I heard the employees were buying yachts, playing around, and traveling. It was crazy. They’re probably still doing it. It's just that they haven’t been caught again.

2. [+248][-3] Fruit of Leak.

3. [+209][-2] I can't believe there are still organizations this careless with personal information… Donation foundations already struggle to gain trust, and they can’t even handle basic administrative procedures properly? Tsk tsk.

4. [+14][-1] What's really funny is that these charity organizations give themselves year-end bonuses. It's ridiculous. People don’t donate just to fill your pockets.

5. [+12][-1] If you donate 1 million KRW, how much actually goes to the beneficiaries after operating costs, management fees, and staff salaries are taken out? Even 30–50%? Some places reportedly spend 90% on themselves and only 10% actually goes to the actual beneficiaries. Donating directly to the beneficiaries is much more effective, so let's not be fooled by these fundraising organizations.

Continue reading Data of celebrity major donors exposed ... Community Chest of Korea leaks personal information