Saturday, February 7, 2026

'He looks like K-pop idol' Figure skater Cha Junhwan draws attention with his looks .. Huge reactions from Japan and Italy: 'He's so cute'

SOURCE: "K-POP 아이돌 같아" 피겨 간판 차준환 외모 인기 폭발…일본+이탈리아 반응 초대박 "최고로 귀엽다"

The looks of South Korea's leading figure skater Cha Junhwan win hearts even in Japan.

On the 7th, the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics was held at the San Siro Olympic Stadium in Milan, Italy. It marked the first-ever Winter Olympics to be hosted by two cities. South Korea entered the stadium 22nd.

At the ceremony, the South Korean team was divided by venue: 21 participants in Milan (6 officials, 15 athletes), 14 in Cortina d'Ampezzo (4 officials, 10 athletes), 12 in Livigno (3 officials, 9 athletes), and 3 in Predazzo (2 officials, 1 athlete). In Milan, men's figure skating star Cha Junhwan and veteran speed skater Park Jiwoo served as flag bearers. the two athletes entered the stadium while waving the South Korean flag.

Regarding his role as the flag bearer, Cha Junhwan said, "Since it's a role that represent the whole team, I felt great honor and gratitude. It is truly an honor. The flag bearer stands at the very front of the delegation. I hope the positive energy I gain from this role reaches all South Korean athletes," sharing that he wanted to share his energy with the other athletes.

Cha Junhwan's appearance as flag bearer has become a major topic in Japan as well. After the opening ceremony, Japanese media 'The Answer' reported, "The figure skater who served as the South Korean flag bearer is drawing attention with reactions like 'He looks like a K-pop idol,' and 'This is where cuteness is defined.'"

The media explained, "The athlete who served as the South Korean flag bearer was figure skater Cha Junhwan. He marched cheerfully with a smile on his face while waving the flag alongside a female athlete. This is is 3rd Olympics and he placed 5th at the Beijing Games. Even though he is 24 years old, he gives off a boyish charm that make you forget his age," expressing strong admiration for his looks.

Cha Junhwan is already a star in the figure skating world. The Answer added, "He is already well-known among figure skating fans. On social media, there were many supportive comments like, 'Flag bearer Cha Junhwan is unbelievably cute,' 'It was worth staying awake just to see Cha Junhwan,' and 'He looked dazzling because of his sparkling charm.' Meanwhile, there were also fresh reactions like, 'The flag bearer looks like a K-pop idol.'"

Cha Junhwan's popularity continues in Milan as well. On the 5th, he arrived at Malpensa Airport in Milan, Italy, with his teammates. Dozens of local fans gathered at the airport. Cha Junhwan said, "I'm very grateful that so many fans welcomed and supported me. I will do my best to show a great performance in return for the support."

Cha Junhwan placed 15th at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games and 5th at the 2022 Beijing Games. Since he won a silver medal at the ISU Four Continents Championships ahead of this Olympics, expectations for him are very high.

TOP COMMENTS: 

1. [+528][-19] He is indeed very handsome. He has the face of an actor.

2. [+467][-14] He actually was a child actor when he was little... If he continued up to be an actor, he probably would’ve been super popular too~

3. [+322][-14] Because of contracts with TV networks and Naver, the opening ceremony and even competition highlights aren’t being uploaded to YouTube.

4. [+34][-1] He has looks that wouldn’t fall short anywhere, honestlyㅎ

5. [+26][-1] I heard the Canadian broadcast went insanse when Cha Junhwan came out… They totally went wild over him thereㅋㅋㅋ

Continue reading 'He looks like K-pop idol' Figure skater Cha Junhwan draws attention with his looks .. Huge reactions from Japan and Italy: 'He's so cute'

'Even discussing schedules via Kakao Talk is also a contribution' ... Cha Eunwoo, the key is to prove the eel restaurant company is real amid the '20 billion KRW tax evasion allegations'


SOURCE: "카톡으로 일정 논의해도 기여" 차은우, '200억 탈세 의혹' 장어집 법인 실체 규명 관건[MD이슈]

Cha Eunwoo, who is facing allegations of tax evasion totaling around 20 billion KRW, has hired the major law firm Sejong to fight a legal battle against the National Tax Service. The main point of this case is whether Company A, a company registered at the address of an eel restaurant operated by his mother, actually provided any services. While the National Tax Service suspects its a 'paper company' with no real business activities, some in the legal field suggest that if the company participated in discussions that helped Cha Eunwoo, it may be considered to have made a legitimate contribution.

Previously, the National Tax Service conducted an intensive investigation on Cha Eunwoo and notified him of an additional income tax totaling over 20 billion KRW. It was found that his earnings were distributed between his agency Fantagio, a company established by his mother, and Cha Eunwoo himself. The National Tax Service determined that Cha Eunwoo and his mother, Mrs. Choi, used a scheme to avoid personal income taxes (up to 45%) by using a company with a much lower tax rate (around 20% lower). Regarding this, Fantagio was already ordered to pay additional taxes of 8.2 billion KRW last August. Meanwhile, Cha Eunwoo has filed a pre-assessment review request, appealing the National Tax Service's decision.

When the tax evasion allegations first surfaced, Fantagio stated, "The main issue is whether the company established by his mother qualifies as a real business that should be taxed. Nothing has been determined yet." They also added, "We will actively explain our position according to legal procedures regarding the interpretation and application of the law."

Meanwhile, some legal experts are demanding clearer examples to show what specific requirements a management company established for a single celebrity must meet to avoid being classified as a 'paper company.'

A lawyer with extensive experience in similar lawsuits recently said in an interview with Biz Hankook, "Even without a physical office, if the family members regularly discuss the celebrity's schedule and provide advice on their career, or if there are constant discussions in a Kakao Talk group chat room, it could be seen as a form of contribution." He pointed out, "It's illegal for family members to just take shares of the celebrity's income without providing any services. However, if they provide services, they are entitled to those shares. This is why more examples are needed regarding one-person companies."

Ultimately, attention from both the entertainment and legal industry is focused on how the intense legal battle between the National Tax Service and top law firm Sejong will end over.

TOP COMMENTS:

1. [+227][-5] What kind of entertainment service does an eel restaurant provide? Say something that actually makes senseㅋㅋ

2. [+202][-7] How is family members sharing worries or opinions on Kakao Talk considered a 'contribution' to a company? Be freaking for real. Unless they're enemies, is there any family in this world that doesn't talk or share worries? They probably share even more opinions with their friends or acquaintances. Does that mean those people are considered as 'contributors' too?

3. [+165][-0] Handsome on the outside, ugly on the inside.

4. [+17][-0] Contribution or not, tax evasion itself is a crime… Jail time.

5. [+17][-1] You might be able to lower your taxes by working with a good lawyer, but the more you reduce it, the longer your hiatus period should be.

Continue reading 'Even discussing schedules via Kakao Talk is also a contribution' ... Cha Eunwoo, the key is to prove the eel restaurant company is real amid the '20 billion KRW tax evasion allegations'
, ,

Go Junhee reacts in shock ... "Choi Mina Sure plays with people's feelings too much"

SOURCE: 고준희도 경악…"최미나수, 사람 마음 너무 가지고 노네"

On the 5th, a video titled 'A beat late with Go Junhee | Making Dubai Chewy Cookies and reviewing Single's Inferno 5' was posted on Go Junhee's Youtube channel, 'Go Junhee GO.'

In this video, Go Junhee watched the popular Netflix dating show 'Single's Inferno 5' after making Dubai Chewy Cookies herself.

Speaking about her first impression of Choi Mina Sue, who stood out from her very first appearance, Go Junhee initially showed a positive reaction, saying, "She is popular with guys because she's bright. Because of this energy, guys have no choice but to like her. I think girls would like her too, not just guys."

However, as the episodes went on, her liking for Choi Mina Sue seem to be declining.

Especially after watching the 'Truth Game' in Episode 4, her reaction towards Choi Mina Sue turned into anger. Choi Mina Sue appeared to be showing behavior that looked like she was laying with the feelings of Song Seungil, Lim Subeen, and Samuel Lee, which sparked controversy and gained her the label of a 'villain.'

Go Junhee commented, "She picked a strange person as the person she wanted to go to Paradise with," and felt frustrated by Choi Mina Sue's remarks, saying, "Why does she say everything is okay? Is she trying to make them jealous? Isn't it strange to act like this unless it's on purpose? I feel drained just by watching this."

She also added, "Mina Sue is so toxic. She plays with people's feelings too much. What is she doing?" She continued, "Overall, I'm honestly kind of angry. This is different from other seasons of 'Single's Inferno' I've watched before. No one has ever made me this mad. I actually have a headache now. I wonder if I really need to watch something that stresses me out this much."

Previously, a friend of Choi Mina Sure shared a photo on Instagram on the 4th. The photo showed the back of a person believed to be Choi Mina Sue, crouching in a corner with her head down. The caption said, "She's currently reflecting on herselfㅠㅠ"

Another photo showed Choi Mina Sue sitting in front of the TV watching her own scenes, along with the caption, "Review from a real friend after watching Ep 1-4: What are you truly feeling?" This seems to be because of the mixed reactions from the public after the broadcast. Another friend also drew attention by writing, "The more I get to know her, the better and better she becomes. Please support her until the final episode."

Choi Mina Sue became the center of controversy after being labeled 'reed-like' because her feelings kept changing between multiple male contestants. She created tension in the show through her complex relationships with Hyunwoo, Samuel Lee, Seungil, and Subeen. In some scenes, her free-spirited behavior came across as rude, drawing criticism from viewers.

Choi Mina Sue was the runner-up for Miss Korea in 2021 and became the first Korean to win Miss Earth in 2022 held in Manila, Philippines. Before 'Single's Inferno 5,' she starred in the drama 'Law and the City' and 'DNA Lover.'

TOP COMMENTS:

1. [+286][-9] I wonder if Choi Mina Sue feel embarrassed when she watches the actual broadcast???? Even if she feels satisfied, I think her image is pretty much already ruined...

2. [+239][-4] Mina Sue basically paved her way to the rock bottom by herself...

3. [+222][-9] Choi Mina Sue-nim... If I were you, I wouldn't live like thatㅠㅠ Everything about her feels like such a waste...

4. [+15][-2] Even if she becomes famous in the entertainment industry later, her behavior will follow her around forever!!!... Be kinder~~~

5. [+14][-25] How about she minds her own business first~

Continue reading Go Junhee reacts in shock ... "Choi Mina Sure plays with people's feelings too much"

Friday, February 6, 2026

, ,

NewJeans' choreography and MV teams also join in ... Is Min Heejin creating the 'male NewJeans'?

SOURCE: 뉴진스 안무·MV팀까지 합류…민희진 사단, '남자 뉴진스' 신호탄 되나

As OOAK Records recently unveiled the campaign for a new boy group launch, the public is speculating that the main creative staff who previously worked closely with NewJeans might be reuniting and joining the project.

On the 5th, MV director Lee Youngeum shared photos of the individuals involved in OOAK Records' video production on her personal social media. The list included Director Shin Dongle, who previously worked on NewJeans' 'Hype Boy' and 'Cookie,' while Lee Youngeum herself directed 'NewJeans' and 'Bubble Gum.'

Choreographers Black.Q and Kim Eunjoo also hinted their participation as they added 'OOAK Records' to their social media profiles. The two created the choreography of NewJeans' hit songs like 'Attention,' 'Hype Boy,' 'Ditto,' 'OMG,' and 'Super Shy.'

As these choreographers were the key figures behind the viral 'Hype Boy' challenge, attention is now focused on the performance style of the new boy group they will be working with.

As it seems like the production staff who worked together during the NewJeans era are reuniting, there are high expectations regarding the creative direction of the first boy group from OOAK Records.

Meanwhile, Min Heejin used to work at SM Entertainment before joining HYBE in 2019 as the Chief Brand Officer (CBO). Later, she led HYBE's subsidiary label, ADOR.

However, in April 2024, tensions surfaced when HYBE launched an internal audit after alleging that Min Heejin attempted to take control of the company. Since then, she was removed from her CEO position, stepped down as an internal director, and formally ending her relationship with HYBE.

Continue reading NewJeans' choreography and MV teams also join in ... Is Min Heejin creating the 'male NewJeans'?

'Cha Eunwoo's mother' Eel restaurant in Ganghwa Island ultimately closed down ... A 'sad ending' to the 20 billion KRW tax evasion allegations

SOURCE: '차은우 모친' 강화도 장어집 결국 폐업…200억 탈세 의혹의 '슬픈 엔딩'[MD이슈]

'Eojeyeon Charcoal-Grilled Eel' restaurant run by Cha Eunwoo's mother has recently closed down. This has brought more attention to the tax evasion allegations involving the family-owned business. Because of this situation, there's growing calls within the entertainment industry to review the common practice of creating family businesses under the name of 'tax savings' to reduce tax burdens.

Previously, Cha Eunwoo underwent a strict investigation by the Seoul Regional Tax Office last year. Afterward, he was notified of additional taxes totalling to around 20 billion KRW. Until then, Cha Eunwoo's income had been distributed among his agency Fantagio, Company A established by his mother, and Cha Eunwoo personally. Fantagio explained, "Company A was a real business that managed contracts for Cha Eunwoo's entertainment activities."

However, the National Tax Service suspects that Cha Eunwoo used a 'paper company' in order to avoid paying the high income tax rate of 45%. The controversy grew when it was revealed that Company A registered their business as the exact same address as his parents' eel restaurant.

Under current tax law, the maximum income tax applied to high earners reaches up to 45% (49.5% including local income tax), whereas the maximum corporate tax is only around 24-25%. For this reason, it has been common for celebrities to run 'one-person companies' under family members' names to legally save their money on taxes.

Recently, famous actors like Cha Eunwoo, Honey Lee, Yoo Yeonseok, Jo Jinwoong, and Lee Joongi have been notified of large additional tax assessments one after another. This has made the practice as a serious social issue.

A legal professional warned, "Running a one-person company for the purpose of avoiding tax is clearly an unlawful practice. If a company claims to generate revenue with no actual business activity, it can lead to criminal punishment for issuing false tax invoices."

They also added, "These moral scandals can send a fatal blow to a celebrity's image, so they must be very careful when running one-person companies."

TOP COMMENTS:

1. [+975][-7] Cha Eunwoo and Honey Lee are just the ones who got caught. They should dig into every single one-person company in the entertainment industry.

2. [+847][-7] He brought this on himself. What's there to be sad about?

3. [+829][-10] They shouldn't just close the business. Arrest them.

4. [+50][-0] I thought the business expanded and relocated to Cheongdam-dong? What 'sad ending' are they talking about here?

5. [+41][-0] If only he paid all the tax like Yoo Jaesuk and thought of it as an investment in their reputation, he would earn dozens of times more money in the long runㅋㅋ

Continue reading 'Cha Eunwoo's mother' Eel restaurant in Ganghwa Island ultimately closed down ... A 'sad ending' to the 20 billion KRW tax evasion allegations

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Moon Gayoung donates 50 million KRW from 'PATA' profits ... Supporting women's independence and building children's healthcare in Mexican shantytowns

SOURCE: 문가영, '파타' 수익금 5천만 원 기부…멕시코 판자촌 여성 자립·아동 의료 시스템 구축

Moon Gayoung's donations are going beyond simple charity and leading to real results that are changing lives.

The international relief organization Cointree announced that Moon Gayoung's continued support has shown visible results in helping women become independent and providing medical care for children in shantytown areas of Tulum, Mexico.

Following her donation of 100 million KRW to Ewha Woman's University Medical Center last year, Moon Gayoung additionally donated 50 million KRW from the profits of her essay collection 'PATA' to Cointree.

Moon Gayoung communicated directly with the organization to discuss how the funds should be used. As a result, the donations were not only used to support education, but also to help local women find stable jobs. This has led to real changes by helping women, including single mothers, to become financially independent and prevent families from breaking apart.

She also helped build school toilets in areas lacking proper sanitation and set up emergency medical systems for children, creating a foundation to protect kids from preventable diseases.

Her actions have inspired overseas fans to join in voluntarily. After hearing the news of her donation, global fans shared their hearts and participated in this movement across borders.

CEO of Cointree, Han Youngjoon, said, "Moon Gayoung is a leader-type donor who deeply understands the value of donations and carefully considers how they are used and what results they create. Her support has changed women's lives and created a system that saves children." He went on to quote a line from her recent movie, 'Once We Were Us': "Thank you so much for being my home back then," to express gratitude that she became a shelter for local families.

Meanwhile, Moon Gayoung's movie 'Once We Were Us' continues its success as it nears 2.4 million viewers. Riding that momentum, her essay collection, 'PATA,' has also reached its 10th printing and continue to receive steady interest from the public.

Continue reading Moon Gayoung donates 50 million KRW from 'PATA' profits ... Supporting women's independence and building children's healthcare in Mexican shantytowns

MC Mong: "Who would solicit prostitution with their own girlfriend? This is malicious reporting" ... Strongly denies allegations

SOURCE: [단독] MC몽 "여자친구 성매매하는 사람 어딨냐, 악질적 보도" 의혹 강력 부인 [IS인터뷰]

MC Mong has strongly denied allegations of soliciting prostitutions.

On the 5th, MC Mong told Ilgan Sports, "It was not prostitution," adding tearfully, "One of them is my girlfriend. Who in the world pays for prostitution with their own girlfriend?"

He explained, "The man is a younger friend I know. Out of the three women, one was my girlfriend, another one was her friend, and the last one was someone I met for the first time at that gathering."

He continued, "We spent about 2 to 3 hours together. Then, because I had to talk to Chairwoman Cha Gawon about my decision to leave the company (One Hundred), they left. That is everything that happened that day."

MC Mong raised his voice, saying, "I don't know what those people did for work in the past. But is it right to bring up prostitution suspicions and even talk about my girlfriend like that?" He added, "Isn reporting suspicions like this itself malicious?"

Earlier, these allegations were raised through claims made on a Youtube channel, which were then shared on TV Chosun's 'Morning Talk Show' that aired on the 4th.

The video shown in the show was CCTV footage from an apartment elevator. It was reportedly released after residents living in the same apartment as MC Mong filed complaints saying, "It seems like there is prostitution in our apartment," and "It seems like our apartment is being used as a location for prostitution," leading the management office to check and disclose the footage for investigation purposes.

The video showed three women and one man riding the elevator together. Claims were made that the man was a friend of MC Mong and the three women were hostesses.

Regarding this, MC Mong explained to the media that he 'had dinner and a wine party with people he knew.' When asked about claims that 'some of the women are known to work in adult entertainment establishments,' he countered by saying, "Just because someone works at a bar doesn't mean they engage in prostitution."

The footage was from before MC Mong stepped down from his position as co-CEO of One Hundred last year. Some have claimed that this incident was a factor behind his resignation.

MC Mong is currently at the center of multiple controversies. During his time as co-CEO of One Hundred, he was also involved in allegations including an affair scandal with P_ARC Group Chairwoman Cha Gawon, which he has also strongly denied.

BEST COMMENTS:

1. [+254][-14] Why do I feel like the allegations are actually true just because he's MC Mong?;

2. [+241][-4] He really does all kinds of things.

3. [+198][-6] Why didn't he say it was his girlfriend from the start? Why did he say it was just 'people he knows'? Was he embarrassed? Don't cry and claim that you're being wronged~ We don't care.

4. [+30][-0] But wait, how famous are those women that total strangers already know they work at a bar..

5. [+27][-0] Did they only start dating today? Or did they just start dating now because they got caught?

Continue reading MC Mong: "Who would solicit prostitution with their own girlfriend? This is malicious reporting" ... Strongly denies allegations