G-Dragon wins Digital Song of the Year 'Daesang ... "Will be back with BIGBANG this year" Surprise speech + video appearance

SOURCE: 지드래곤, 음원 '대상'…"올해 빅뱅과 돌아올 것" 깜짝 소감+영상 등장 [2026 골든디스크]

On the afternoon of the 10th at 6.30 PM KST, the '40th Golden Disc Awards with Upbit' was held at the Taipei Dome in Taiwan. This year's event was especially meaningful as it marked the 40th anniversary of the awards and also the first K-pop awards ceremony to be held at the Taipei Dome. The ceremony was hosted by singer Sung Sikyung and actress Moon Gayoung.

G-Dragon won the Digital Song of the Year (Daesang) for 'HOME SWEET HOME' (feat. Taeyang, Daesung). Although he couldn't attend in person, he made an appearance via video message, saying, "I heard that the Golden Disc Awards are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, I would like to congratulate." He added, "I'm honored to receive the Digital Song of the Year (Daesang) as my first award of the year."

He continued, "I want to thank my fans and wish everyone a Happy New Year," adding, "This year, I will be coming back together with the members of BIGBANG."

1. [+221][-46] Congratulations~~ I was so happy last year, thanks to GD's songs.

2. [+206][-42] Congrats on the Grand Slam at MAMA, MMA, and GDA!!

3. [+203][-43] Congratulations on the Daesang, GD. He literally swept MMA, MAMA, and GDA. Anyone can see that 2025 was the year of King GD.

4. [+41][-6] Whoa... He swept all Daesangs at every single awards ceremonyㅋㅋ GD is so amazing. Congratulations.

5. [+40][-7] Congratulations on the Daesang sweep.

Continue reading G-Dragon wins Digital Song of the Year 'Daesang ... "Will be back with BIGBANG this year" Surprise speech + video appearance

'Nirvana Rocks,' 'Jesus Birthday Cafés' ... You don't have to believe to go: Gen MZ's 'New Kind of Fandom'

source: "극락도 락" "예수님 생카"…믿음 없이도 간다, MZ '신종 덕질'

Continue reading 'Nirvana Rocks,' 'Jesus Birthday Cafés' ... You don't have to believe to go: Gen MZ's 'New Kind of Fandom'

'Daesang Winner' Yoo Jaesuk's Lego bouquet sparks outrage among florists ... "It hurts the industry"

SOURCE: '대상' 유재석이 든 레고 꽃다발, 화훼농가 뿔났다 "업계에 상처 줘" [엑's 이슈]

SOURCE: '대상' 유재석이 든 레고 꽃다발, 화훼농가 뿔났다 "업계에 상처 줘" [엑's 이슈]

SOURCE: '대상' 유재석이 든 레고 꽃다발, 화훼농가 뿔났다 "업계에 상처 줘" [엑's 이슈]

SOURCE: '대상' 유재석이 든 레고 꽃다발, 화훼농가 뿔났다 "업계에 상처 줘" [엑's 이슈]

SOURCE: '대상' 유재석이 든 레고 꽃다발, 화훼농가 뿔났다 "업계에 상처 줘" [엑's 이슈]

The Korea Florist Association released a statement regarding the use of toy flowers instead of real bouquets for celebrations at a broadcasting award ceremony, saying, "The use of toy bouquets has caused further pain to florists and flower farmers who are already struggling due to the economic downturn and decreased demands. There is also concern that this might make fresh flower bouquets seem inefficient or full of disadvantages."

The association pointed out, "The domestic flower industry involves about 20,000 small florist businesses and numerous flower farms. This means that the consumption of fresh flowers is directly linked to their livelihoods. Even the government supports policies to promote flower consumption and the promotion of using flowers in daily life through the 'Act on the Development of the Flower Industry and Promotion of Flower Culture.' Using toy flowers on a widely influential broadcast program can cause harm to these policy efforts."

At the 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards held on December 29th last year, the winners' bouquets and the overall ceremony used toy flowers. This is the first time MBC has presented toy bouquets instead of fresh flowers at their award show.

Netizens are showing various reactions such as, "People might throw away real flowers, but they'll definitely keep a toy bouquet," "I didn't realize this would harm the flower industry," "I just see it as a unique attempt, " and "Isn't it a matter of freedom of choice? Whether they want to use fresh flowers or artificial ones?"

A florist who prepared bouquets for another broadcasting station's award show shared on social media, "It’s bittersweet to see so many people asking about toy bouquets instead of real flowers during the important graduation season. It’s upsetting because we’re already struggling with the recent rise in flower and labor costs. People are free to use artificial flowers or Lego, but broadcast media has a big influence on consumers, so they should have been more careful."

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1. [+2,815][-48] It's up to people whether to use which bouquets... What kind of nonsense is this? Why are these florists trying to restrict consumer's choices??

2. [+2,207][-32] They're just mad because they can't sell expensive bouquets during the year-end peak... Just look at the bouquet prices during graduation season. Besides, they're just luxury goods, not a necessity.

3. [+1,905][-28] I actually think it's better than real flowers, which could be hard to dispose of once they wilt, right? Besides, Yoo Jaesuk has kids at an age where they'd love Lego.

4. [+120][-1] That was clearly a Lego endorsement. If you guys are that upset, you should endorse them too.

5. [+102][-1] "Hurting the industry"ㅋㅋ You must be kidding me.

Continue reading 'Daesang Winner' Yoo Jaesuk's Lego bouquet sparks outrage among florists ... "It hurts the industry"

Hyeri breaks down in tears while confessing burnout ... "It's so hard, I feel like I'm going to collapses. I have no energy left."

On the 9th, a video was posted on Hyeri's Youtube channel. To mark the New Year, Hyeri underwent personality and temperament tests with psychiatrist Dr. Lee Kwangmin. Dr. Lee summarized Hyeri's personality as, "In the whole universe, only I exist," explaining, "It doesn't mean that you're being arrogant. It means that you believe that the only person you can truly rely on this world is yourself. You live your life by your own beliefs and hard work. It's actually a bit heartbreaking." Hearing this, Hyeri became emotional and began to cry, saying, "I used to wonder why people cried during these tests, but now I get it."

Furthermore, Dr. Lee also expressed concern, saying, "What worries me most is that your energy is completely depleted. You're constantly in 'tension mode.' Your battery is only at about 50%"

In response, Hyeri confessed, "I really feel it. I've become so lazy. I'm usually the type of person who is very neat and organized, but lately, I just can't bring myself to clean. I'm busy, but even when I have time, I don't have the energy. I just don't have the capacity." Dr. Lee responded, "It seems like you're not taking any separate time to rest just for yourself. There are only two things that keep you going, one is achievement and the other is support, specifically from people." Hearing this, Hyeri burst into tears once again.

Hyeri continued, "When results weren't good, I used to take breaks for months. But for the past one to two years, I haven't been able to rest at all. What’s amazing is that I managed to endure because fans love me. It’s fascinating how their support becomes my driving force." She added, "Even during fan meetings, I'm physically exhausted, but mentally, I'm okay, so I keep going. Even when my body feels like it's going to collapse, seeing how much they love me gives me the strength to move forward."

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1. [+1,000][-46] Honestly, I don’t like it when celebrities who’ve already made more than enough money say things like this publicly.

2. [+907][-31] She’s in her early 30s and has already made a massive amount of money that most Koreans will never even touch in their lifetimes. What could be so hard? Honestly, there are so many people, including myself, who work much harder for way less money. If I earned as much as Hyeri, I’d be truly happy.

3. [+711][-38] Didn't I just see a photo of her in a bikini recently? Wasn't she just on vacation?

4. [+116][-3] I’ve been working for 35 years. When I see these young celebrities yapping and whining about having 'burnout,' it makes me scoff. Tsk.

5. [+116][-4] Great. Just more whining from someone who has it all.

Continue reading Hyeri breaks down in tears while confessing burnout ... "It's so hard, I feel like I'm going to collapses. I have no energy left."

How the penalty was calculated at 30 billion KRW out of the 43.1 billion KRW lawsuit against Danielle?

ADOR has filed a 43.1 billion KRW lawsuit against Danielle, notifying her of the termination of her exclusive contract, and stated that she can no longer work as a NewJeans' member. Right now, attention is focused on how the 'penalty,' a fine for breach of contract, was calculated at 30 billion KRW.

According to the entertainment industry on the 8th, ADOR filed a lawsuit totaling 43.1 billion KRW against Danielle, her mother, and former ADOR CEO Min Heejin last month. The penalty amounts to 30 billion KRW, alongside a claim for 3.1 billion KRW in damages for non-fulfillment of the contract. ADOR is also claiming 10 billion KRW in damages against Danielle's mother and former CEO Min Heejin, holding them responsible for NewJeans' departure and the delay in their return.

The total amount of 43.1 billion KRW is the sum of 13.1 billion KRW in compensation for actual damages caused by the breach of contract and 30 billion KRW in penalty clause for the breach of contract.

Article 15, Clause 2 (Termination or Cancelation of Contract) of ADOR-NewJeans exclusive contract, which was previously disclosed in a court ruling, states, "Under the circumstances described above, even though the plaintiff (ADOR) is faithfully performing its important duties according to the contract, if the defendants (NewJeans' members) unilaterally terminate this exclusive contract during the contract period or violate important contract terms with the intent to unilaterally terminate it, the defendants shall pay the plaintiff the amount specified in Clause 1 of this Article as a penalty, separate from the damages in Paragraph 1 of this Article."

The criteria for calculating the penalty clause are also included in the exclusive contract. It is defined as: "Regardless the period of entertainment activities, the amount shall be calculated by taking the monthly average revenue during the period in which actual sales occurred within the two years before the contract ends, and multiplying it by the number of remaining months in the contract term."

Previously, all five members of NewJeans (Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein) notified ADOR of their contract termination on November 29 last year. Based on that date, ADOR's annual revenue for the prior 2 years was approximately 110.3 billion KRW in 2023 and 111.2 billion KRW in 2024.

Since NewJeans is the only artist under ADOR, ADOR's revenue can be viewed as NewJeans' revenue. Divided by the five members, the annual revenue per member is roughly 22 billion KRW. Divided by 12 months, Danielle's monthly revenue is estimated to be around 1.8 billion KRW.

NewJeans, who debuted in July 2022, had an exclusive contract with ADOR until July 2029. Multiplying Danielle's average monthly revenue of 1.8 billion KRW by the remaining 56 months of the contract results in approximately 100.8 billion KRW. ADOR set the penalty at 30 billion KRW, which is less than 1/3 of that amount.

A penalty clause is different from liquidated damages. While liquidated damages strongly focus on compensating the other party's losses, a penalty clause is similar to a 'fine,' where it is agreed in advance that the debtor will pay a certain amount of money or provide other benefits to the creditor if they fail to fulfil their obligations.

The Supreme Court has ruled that a penalty clause is not automatically invalid simply because the amount is large. The penalty cannot be reduced even if the actual damages are smaller.

However, if the amount is significantly far too high compared to the actual damage, the court may decide that all or part of it is invalid under Article 103 of the Civil Act (Violation of Public Order and Morals). Therefore, it appears that ADOR set the penalty at 30 billion KRW to avoid the risk of the clause being ruled invalid, which would lower the penalty amount.

Meanwhile, the lawsuit filed by ADOR against Danielle has been assigned to Civil Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Nam Insoo), which is also currently handling the lawsuit over the termination of the shareholder agreement between HYBE and former CEO Min Heejin, as well as the claim for the stock purchase price after the put option was exercised.

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1. [+101][-15] Seriously, Mincheonji has completely ruined the girls... She used these girls, who should be singing and performing at their peak, as hostages. And in the end, their image has hit rock bottom.

2. [+68][-8] Whoa... They earn that much?? That's incredible...

Continue reading How the penalty was calculated at 30 billion KRW out of the 43.1 billion KRW lawsuit against Danielle?

Shin Minah's double celebrations after marrying Kim Woobin♥ ... Positively reviewing offer for 'Wed, Thu, Fri'

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Shin Minah is in talks to star in a romance drama as her first project following her marriage.

According to OSEN on the 9th, Shin Minah has received an offer for the new drama 'Wed, Thu, Fri' (working title) and is positively reviewing it. A representative from her agency, AM Entertainment, also confirmed, "She has received the offer and is reviewing it positively."

'Wed, Thu, Fri' is a romance drama set in a restaurant that only opens on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. It follows the love story between a male chef and a woman who has deep ties to the restaurant. It is reported that Lee Jinwook has been offered the male lead role and is currently considering it.

If Shin Minah agrees to star in this drama, it will become her first-ever project since her marriage. Shin Minah tied the knot with Kim Woobin on December 20 last year after 10 years of dating. The couple is currently on their honeymoon in Spain and plans to return and focus on their careers afterward.

Meanwhile, Shin Minah is also set to star in the upcoming Disney+ 'The Remarried Empress' which will be released later this year.

Continue reading Shin Minah's double celebrations after marrying Kim Woobin♥ ... Positively reviewing offer for 'Wed, Thu, Fri'

"Mom, I can't go to college. What do I do?" ... 196 applicants fail early admission in Busan due to records of school violence

As the government implemented the 'School Violence Penalty System' in college admissions, it has been revealed that a large number of applicants with records of school violence were rejected during the early admissions at universities in the Busan area.

According to Yonhap News on the 8th, a total of 247 applicants with records of school violence applied to early admissions at 12 universities in Busan (excluding Busan National University of Education, Dongseo University, and Youngsan University) for the 2026 academic year. Among them, only 51 applicants (20.7%) were accepted, while the remaining 196 applicants (79.3%) were rejected.

National universities had particularly high admission thresholds. At Busan National University, all 7 applicants with records of school violence were rejected. Similarly, at Pukyong National University and Korea Maritime & Ocean University, all 8 and 13 applicants were also rejected. Busan National University of Education has entirely banned applicants with records of school violence.

Among private universities, Dong-A University reportedly rejected all 32 applicants with records of school violence. Other private universities (excluding Kosin University, which had no such applicants) accepted some students, but the overall acceptance rates remained generally low. Dong-eui University accepted 24, Silla University accepted 7, Busan University of Foreign Studies accepted 7, Tongmyong University accepted 5, Inje University accepted 4, Busan Catholic University accepted 3, and Kyungsung University accepted 1.

In February 2023, the Ministry of Education announced the 'Comprehensive Measures to Eradicate School Violence,' mandating that records of school violence to be reflected in all admission tracks starting from the 2026 academic year.

According to a recent analysis by the office of Democratic Party Rep. Ji Sunmi, excluding Seoul National University, 180 applicants with records of school violence applied to the remaining 9 national universities. Out of these, 162 applicants (90%) were rejected due to score deductions. Kangwon National University had the highest number of rejections at 37, followed by Gyeongsang National University at 29, Kyungpook National University at 28, Jeonbuk National University at 18, Chungnam National University at 15, Chonnam National University at 14, Busan National University at 7, and Jeju National University at 1.

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1. [+342][-0] This wouldn't have gone to the School Violence Committee if your parents had dragged you over, made you kneel and apologize in front of the victim, and made sure you never hit anyone again. Instead, they shouted 'My child would never do that,' and now you're finally paying the price.

2. [+295][-0] The facts that these dumbasses with records of school violence are applying to Teachers' Colleges...ㅎ They don't know how to feel shame because they're trash, I guess.

3. [+245][-1] You must've felt a rush of joy when you beat people up back then right? How about now???ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ How does it feel not being able to go to college? Feels good, right??? Try feeling that joy nowㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

4. [+18][-0] Now you learn that if you make tears fall from someone else's eyes, blood and tears will fall from your own.

5. [+14][-0] What goes around comes around.

Continue reading "Mom, I can't go to college. What do I do?" ... 196 applicants fail early admission in Busan due to records of school violence