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

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

'Single's Inferno 5' Choi Mina Sue, recent update without smiles ... "She's currently reflecting on herself"

SOURCE: '솔로지옥5' 최미나수, 웃음 지운 근황…"반성 중이에요"

On the 4th, an Instagram post by an acquaintance of Choi Mina Sue was shared online. 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," drawing attention.

Another photo was also shared with the caption, "Review from a real friend after watching Ep 1-4: What are you truly feeling?" The photo showed Choi Mina Sue sitting in front of the TV watching her own scenes. It seems the acquaintance wrote this because of the negative reactions Choi Mina Sue has received since the show first aired.

Previously, another acquaintance also shared on Instagram, saying, "Mina Sue is such a good friend and like family. She catches my feelings before I even realize them myself and cheering me on. The more I get to know her, the better and better she becomes. Please support her until the final episode."

Meanwhile, on 'Single's Inferno 5,' 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.

In particular, a scene where she suddenly asked, 'Can I leave with two men?' led panelist Hong Jinkyung to say 'Please stop,' quickly spread only and was dubbed as a 'satisfying moment.' Additionally, in the latest episode released on the 3rd, controversy grew further when she appeared unable to focus on her date with Song Seungil in Paradise, leading him to say, "I want to go back to Inferno as soon as possible."

BEST COMMENTS:

1. [+371][-8] Sigh... She really has a strong vibe of someone acting way too full of themselves.

2. [+248][-5] Anyone can have a dark past. It’s just more critical because this is recorded in the media forever. Now, it is up to her to decide what kind of person she will become.

3. [+243][-8] She’s already grown up like that. What can you do? People don't change.

4. [+24][-3] She is someone who thinks she's amazing and lacks self-awareness.

5. [+22][-7] Ugh, even this doesn’t look good at all...

Continue reading 'Single's Inferno 5' Choi Mina Sue, recent update without smiles ... "She's currently reflecting on herself"

'NewJeans mom' Min Heejin becomes a 'son's mom' ... 'OOAK Records' unveiled

SOURCE: [SW이슈]'뉴진스맘' 민희진, '아들맘' 된다…베일 벗은 '오케이 레코즈'

Former ADOR CEO and founder of OOAK Records Min Heejin has started full promotions to launch a boy group.

On the 3rd, OOAK Records opened its Instagram, Twitter, and official website. The following day, they announced, "Min Heejin's independent label 'ooak records,' which had remained hidden behind many rumors and expectations, has finally broken its silence and sent its first signal to the world."

Following the teaser video for 'OOAK Records Launch Campaign,' the main content was released today (the 5th) at 10 AM (KST). It began with the phrase, "Welcome to OOAK Record Ship," and posts were uploaded one by one. The first video showed an old record shop in France with the short phrase "shop1." A voice is heard over the phone saying, "There's a lot prepared. You will definitely like it."

The next video showed a 'wanted' poster. The hints given were any nationality, born between 2008 and 2013. By putting a boy's face on the wanted poster, it seems like she is hinting at a boy group and revealing the nationality and age requirements for audition applicants. A website address was also promoted to find information about the 'wanted' individual (the audition.)

The next video, with the theme 'Only One Always Known,' showed a vinyl records flying through a back alley in Japan. It was followed by scenes of trainees practicing dance in an old building, and then revealing OOAK Records' branch shops in different countries one after another.

This is a new project by CEO Min Heejin, who has stirred up the K-pop scene in many ways. By unveiling the first member of the new boy group through the wanted poster, she signaled a bold and unconventional approach from the start. The content that shows OOAK Records shops spread all over the world also reflects her ambition toward the global music market.

Min Heejin previously worked as Creative Director at SM Entertainment and Chief Brand Officer (CBO) at HYBE. She later became CEO of ADOR and led the successful debut of NewJeans, but things are very different now. After declaring war against HYBE, members who had once stood by her side returned to HYBE, weakening her leadership. On the 12th, a court ruling is scheduled in the lawsuit against HYBE over the settlement of put-option payments.

Furthermore, ADOR has filed a lawsuit seeking 43.1 billion KRW in daamges and penalties against Min Heejin, former NewJeans' member Danielle, and her family, alleging tampering and related misconduct. Although she held an emergency press conference on the 28th of last month to deny the tampering allegations, no clear explanations were given.

Previously, Min Heejin earned the nickname 'NewJeans mom' after creating NewJeans at ADOR. She boasted their strong family-like bond, saying, 'NewJeans is a team of 6 members,' but in the end, the group ultimately split apart. Although the phenomenon did not last long, it's undeniable that NewJeans had a significant impact in the K-pop scene. With her hint at launching her first boy group through this label, attention is now focused on what kind of members and concept she will introduce. 

BEST COMMENTS:

1. [+88][-41] Her aesthetics are definitely specialㅋㅋ

2. [+76][-43] Honestly, Min Heejin is unbeatable when it comes to stuff like this... I'm already curious and looking forward to it.

3. [+76][-49] If those kids succeed and later a staff member tries to take them and leave, will she be 'cool' about it and let them go?

4. [+72][-46] Min Heejin stans seriously have zero shameㅋㅋㅋ

5. [+49][-14] What about NewJeans?

Continue reading 'NewJeans mom' Min Heejin becomes a 'son's mom' ... 'OOAK Records' unveiled

'Celebrities' anonymous Q&A answers exposed + resurfaced ... What happened last night? "Update error"

SOURCE: "연예인들 지식인 답변 노출+파묘"…어젯밤에 무슨 일이, "업데이트 오류" [엑's 이슈]

Anonymous answers that some well-known figures, including celebrities, famous chefs, athletes, and influencers, had previously left on Naver Jisik-iN were exposed and became a hot topic.

(NB: Jisik-iN is a platform provided by Naver that allows user to ask and answer questions anonymously)

On the 4th, a 'Jisik-iN' button was added to the Naver profile pages of some public figures, allowing anyone to see the history of their anonymous answers.

Screenshots of the answer records from actors, comedians, famous chefs, and influencers were posted one after another across online communities, drawing great attention overnight.

As the controversy grew, the button was removed and now no longer appears on profiles. According to Channel A, Naver stated, "It was confirmed that an error occurred during a service update, causing the history of some individuals to be exposed. The issue has now been fully restored."

It has been reported that when Naver's public figure profiles are registered with the individual's own participation, their Jisik-iN accounts are automatically linked to the profile. There were more cases of exposed records for actors, announcers, and chefs who started their careers individually compared to idols, whose profiles are usually managed by their agencies from the beginning.

Currently, past answers from celebrities as far back as 10 years ago are now resurfacing across online communities. However, since many of the exposed answers are warm an pleasant, despite being anonymous, netizens are reacting by saying, "It's not a big deal," and "The conclusion is that people are nicer than I thought."

While some say the exposure of answers from their unknown days revealed a fresh, human side of the celebrities, there is also criticism regarding the exposure of personal information and personal life.

BEST COMMENTS:

1. [+937][-8] But this seems like way too big of a mistake to just brush off as a 'simple accident'...

2. [+694][-7] What is wrong with our country’s IT industry lately…?

3. [+161][-2] So does that mean Naver knew exactly who everyone was and collected the data?

4. [+65][-0] This is obviously a violation of privacyㅡㅡ

5. [+60][-3] Isn't this something they could be sued for...

Continue reading 'Celebrities' anonymous Q&A answers exposed + resurfaced ... What happened last night? "Update error"