Monday, February 9, 2026

,

Song Mino's 'negligent duties' trial suddenly delayed at his own request

SOURCE: [단독]송민호 '부실 복무' 재판 돌연 연기…직접 미뤘다

The trial for Song Mino who is accused of violating the Military Service Act, has been suddenly postponed.

According to Star News, the Seoul Western District Court had been scheduled to hold the first trial hearing for Song Mino and his supervisor, Mr. A, on March 24. However, the court accepted the defendants' request to postpone the trial on the 5th, pushing the date back by about a month. the new date for the trial is now set for April 21.

Previously, on December 30, 2025, the Criminal Division 1 of the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office indicted the two without detention on charges of violating the Military Service Act. Song Mino is accused of leaving his assigned workplace unauthorized and neglecting his duties and attendance while serving as a public service worker at a facility in Mapo-gu, Seoul, from March 2023 to December 2024. Mr. A is accused of failing to supervise him despite knowing about Song Mino's poor work performance. Notably, it was reported that Song Mino was transferred to the same facility just one month after Mr. A moved there.

Prosecutors secured evidence through phone forensics and GPS records and conducted investigations. During this process, they confirmed that Song Mino had additional unexcused absences. The prosecution stated, "We will do our best so that they receive a punishment accordingly to the crimes."

Song Mino received a Grade 4 classification during his military physical examination and served his military duty as a public service worker at the Mapo Facilities Management Corporation starting in March 2023, before transferring to the Mapo Community Welfare Facility in March 2024. However, just before his discharge, suspicions of negligent service arose due to frequent sick leave and poor attendance. It has been reported that Song Mino has been receiving treatment for panic disorder and bipolar disorder.

Song Mino was discharged from the military service on December 23, 2024, but later faced allegations of failing to show up for work properly during his time as a public service worker. As a result, on January 23, 2025t, the Mapo Police Station summoned him for investigation on charges of violating the Military Service Act. At the time, Song Mino explained regarding the allegations and stated that he "followed the regulations" and that "there were no problems." However, after three rounds of investigation, it was revealed that he admitted to most of the negligent service and leaving his workplace. This has led to questions about whether he would be required to serve again.

Eventually, the Military Manpower Administration requested a police investigation. The police conducted search and seizure operations at the Mapo Community Welfare Facility where Song Mino worked, as well as his residence. They secured CCTV footage and analyzed his commuting times. The Military Manpower Administration stated, "If the investigation proves negligent service, we plan to revoke his discharge and require him to serve again for the period during which he didn't fulfill his duties." The Military Manpower Administration also announced plans to strengthen management of public service workers by introducing electronic methods to track the attendance.

An official from the National Police Agency explained at a press conference held in Seoul, "We questioned Song Mino on three occasions, conducted search and seizure, and communication investigations. We will decide on the charges based on the materials we have obtained. Song Mino has admitted to leaving his workplace during work hours."

Regarding this, lawyer Kim Kangho from Roel Law firm appeared on a radio show and stated, "The penalties may vary depending on how many days Song Mino was absent. However, under the Military Service Act, leaving service can lead to up 3 years in person. Meanwhile being late or leaving early can lead to up to 1 year in prison. Some people say Song Mino should re-enlist as an active-duty soldier, but since he has already completed his service, this is not possible under the current military law."

Following his controversy, in May 2025 YG Ent. officially announced that WINNER would make a comeback with three members, excluding Song Mino from the group. The outrage was further fueled as his fellow member Kang Seungyoon completed his active-duty military service around the same time, which is contrast to Song Mino's situation.

TOP COMMENTS:

1. [+225][-2] If he still has shame, he should go back to the military, serve properly, and never even come near the broadcasting industry again.

2. [+168][-0] What did he do to deserve a postponement.....?

3. [+105][-3] What did WINNER do wrong? This one guy completely ruined everythingㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

4. [+14][-0] A typical trick to buy more time.

5. [+14][-0] PSY served twice. I'm not sure if the investigation will be done properly this time.

Continue reading Song Mino's 'negligent duties' trial suddenly delayed at his own request

Sunday, February 8, 2026

Kwon Mina suffers second-degree burns after skin treatment ... "I started having panic attacks"

SOURCE: 권민아, 피부시술 후 2도 화상 피해 호소 "공황발작 찾아와" [스타이슈]

Kwon Mina claimed she suffered from burn injuries after undergoing a skin treatment.

On the 8th, Kwon Mina wrote on her Instagram, "On January 24, 2026, I had many appointments and good things scheduled for late January through February. I wanted to look prettier, so I had 600 shots of 'Shurink' lifting procedures under sedation."

Along with this, she shared photos showing severe burn injuries on both her cheeks and neck. She wrote, "When I woke up, I felt so much pain. It felt like my skin was being torn apart. I cried and asked to look in the mirror. My skin was peeling off in layers because of the burns, there was fluid and blisters. It was truly devastating."

She continued, "Since last month, they didn't ask me to sign a consent form for sedation, procedure information, or even permission to take photos. I never received a skin check or diagnosis before the procedure. There was naturally no explanation either, but they told me that was because I had signed a consent form back in October 2025. Therefore, they don't have to get a new form every visit. But I had different treatments every time. I have never received explanation of this Shurink procedure, its effect, side effects, nor signed a consent form for it at this clinic."

She added, "Of course, the effects and side effects would be different. They said they hadn't violated the Medical Service Act. Then I guess they didn't break the law? I don't know. Because of this, I started having panic attacks. My mom eventually found about the condition of my face and cried. It's very upsetting. I cried after apologizing every day because I have to delay or cancel my schedules."

Kwon Mina said, "I have no idea when the burn and scar treatment will end. It's so upsetting that I have to give up so many opportunities. Why do opportunities that never used to come suddenly appear at a time like this? I don't know why my life is going this way. Is it a sin that I was born? I didn't realize that second-degree burns were this painful."

She also said, "I'm the victim in a case that has been in trial for over 4 years. In both these upcoming civil and criminal lawsuits, I'm also the victim. At this point, I honestly find myself jealous of the perpetrators. I wish the laws in our country cared about the victim's dignity as much as they cared about the perpetrator's."

Meanwhile, Kwon Mina debuted as a member of AOA in 2012 and left the group in 2019 to pursue acting. Since then, she has raised concerns by revealing on social media that she suffered domestic violence in childhood, severe financial hardship, group assault and sexual violence during her teenage years, and bullying by a fellow member during her time in the group.

TOP COMMENTS:

1. [+456][-22] She never seems to have a quiet day. Why is her life like that?

2. [+425][-19] Wow, I'm worried it will leave a scarㅠㅠ

3. [+249][-57] Is this woman's job having panic attack?

4. [+45][-0] This is seriously concerning. At this rate, it will leave a scar.

5. [+39][-2] Even when she talks about life and death, she still gets Shurink treatments;; I was thinking of trying, but now I definitely won’t.

Continue reading Kwon Mina suffers second-degree burns after skin treatment ... "I started having panic attacks"
,

'Plastic surgery allegations' Hong Jinkyung's daughter, Rael, finally can be reached ... "Mom's post is worse than the articles"

SOURCE: '성형 의혹' 홍진경 딸 라엘, 연락 닿았다…"기사보다 엄마 게시물이 더 심각" [엑's 이슈]

Hong Jinkyung shared an update on her daughter, Rael, after rumors surfaced abut her allegedly having plastic surgery.

On the 8th, Hong Jinkyung posted a message and photo on her personal account, saying, "I finally got in touch with Rael... I'm sorry for causing concerns. From Hong Jinkyung and her daughter."

The photo showed text messages exchanged between Hong Jinkyung and her daughter. Hong Jinkyung asked, "Rael-ah, where are you? It's not time for dinner right now. Why couldn't you be reached the whole day? Since yesterday! South Korea has been in an uproar since yesterday because of your photos!" It also showed that Hong Jinkyung tried to call Rael, but the call did not go through.

Hong Jinkyung then asked, "You saw the articles about you, right? There were so many articles!" Rael replied, "I saw them... I'm sorry..." before adding, "But Mom, your post is a more serious problem for me right now," drawing laughter.

Hong Jinkyung scolded her, "Hey!!! Your whole life is fake right now!!" Rael responded humorously, saying, "Mom, let's just go on that show together. 'Fake Life.' Tell them to make a special episode for Hong Jinkyung and her daughter," and then added, "I have to protect my mental health like this. As a human victory," showing her witty side sho got from her mother.

Regarding this, Hong Jinkyung replied, "Don't ever do that again, seriously. Everyone was shocked. A student wearing such sexy makeup... They thought you got plastic surgery! Don't ever do that again. Seriously. Just accept your bare face. You have to live as yourself!" Rael quickly apologized, saying, "Yes. I'm sorry."

However, Hong Jinkyung's scolding still continued, "So what if you have a slightly square jaw? So what if you have chubby cheeks? That's what makes you Kim Rael." Rael joked again, "Still, please show a little respect to the many Meitu users in this world. Meitu is really that good. It even removed your blemishes last time, Mom," drawing laughter.

Along with this, Hong Jinkyung emphasized, "I'm posting this with Rael's permission... And for the record, this is not Meitu ads," clarifying that it was not a paid promotion for the editing app.

Previously, Rael had drawn attention with a noticeably different visual, sparking rumors of plastic surgery. In response, Hong Jinkyung clarified by revealing unedited recent photos of Rael, explaining that the misunderstanding was caused by too much editing.

TOP COMMENTS:

1. [+517][-7] Rael-ah, but seriously, you look way prettier in the photos that your mom posted!!!!

2. [+397][-1] ㅋㅋㅋㅌㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ After reading the clarification post, I thought a war was about to break out between them

3. [+320][-3] ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

4. [+79][-0] Rael is so kindㅋㅋㅋ She’s so cheerful, just like her mom.

5. [+50][-0] This sounds like a sitcomㅋㅋㅋ

Continue reading 'Plastic surgery allegations' Hong Jinkyung's daughter, Rael, finally can be reached ... "Mom's post is worse than the articles"

Paid money and was even sexually harassed ... "The rice of dreaming to be a K-pop idol was high"

SOURCE: 돈 내고 성추행까지…"K팝 아이돌을 꿈 꾼 대가는 컸다"

A report by the UK's BBC has revealed that foreign trainees who came to South Korea with dreams of becoming K-pop idols are facing high costs, unclear management, and even allegations of sexual harassment. As K-pop has grown into a global cultural industry, there are concerns about lack of laws and responsibility behind the scenes.

On the 7th (local time), BBC highlighted the stories of foreign trainees, including a teenage girl from Japan named Miyu (not her real name).

Miyu came to South Korea in 2024 with a dream of becoming a K-pop idol and signed up for a 6-month course at a K-pop training academy in Seoul. She revealed that she paid 3 million JPY (about 27 million KRW) in exchange for professional dance and vocal lessons, as well as opportunities to audition for major entertainment agencies. However, Miyu claims that the actual program was different from what was promised in the contract.

In her interview with the BBC, Miyu said, "They told me the auditions would be held every week, but not a single one ever happened." She added, "Both the number of classes and the level of training were lower than expected, given the price."

Miyu also claimed that she felt severe anxiety and fear due to the behavior of a senior staff member during training. She said, "He took me to a convenience store, saying that he would buy me an ice cream. But then he put his hand on my waist and told me, 'You have a nice body.'" She added that he once called her to his office to discuss outfits for a photo shoot and told her to 'sit on his lap.'

Miyu said, "I came here because I wanted to be an idol, but I felt like I was scammed." She added, "This was the place where I chased my dreams, but it also became a place that traumatized me."

The BBC also shared testimonies from two other foreign trainees who attended the same academy. One of them, Ellin (not her real name), claimed she was touched inappropriately by the same staff member. Another trainee said she was not directly harmed, but witnessed inappropriate behavior toward other trainees. The two of them also stated that audition opportunities were not provided as promised.

Ellin reported the staff member to the police for sexual harassment and trespassing, but the case was closed due to a lack of evidence. She also filed a separate lawsuit against the company. Both the staff member and the company denied all allegations. Legal representative of the company told BBC, "The company's rule strictly forbids male staff from entering female trainee's dorms without a female staff member present." They also argued that the CCTV in the dorms was installed for protection purposes and the trainees were already told about it beforehand.

BBC pointed out that these problems didn't happen just because of an individual's misconduct, but from a lack of legal protection. K-pop training institutions are usually classified as academies under the Ministry of Education or as entertainment agencies. The academy Miyu attended was registered as an entertainment agency, which means it's not subject to education law. While it falls under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the training programs themselves are not subject to regular inspections or rules. An official from the Ministry of Education told BBC, "Under the current system, it's difficult to regulate 'academy-style agencies' for foreigners."

The competition for foreign trainees is also very tough. According to an industry report cited by BBC, there were 963 trainees in Korean agencies back in 2024, which is half of the number in 2020. While the number of foreign trainees has increased in recent years, their overall percentage is still low. Event after training for an average of 2 years, only about 60% of them successfully make their debuts. For foreigners, the barrier is even higher due to language, visa, and lack of connections.

Nevertheless, the success stories of global stars continue to bring young people to South Korea. Miyu said she dreamed of being a K-pop idol after seeing BLACKPINK's Thai member, Lisa. These days, K-pop features idols from various countries like Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

BBC concluded, "Behind the global success, there are cases of failure where people were not protected." They noted that the K-pop industry needs responsibility and legal systems hat match its fame. I her interview, Ellin saiid, "K-pop has gained worldwide fame, and responsibility comes with that fame. I hope children who are chasing this dream can live in a safer environment."

Continue reading Paid money and was even sexually harassed ... "The rice of dreaming to be a K-pop idol was high"
,

Kang Seungyoon makes hundreds of millions KRW in a month ... "My royalties are in the hundred-million-KRW range"

SOURCE: 강승윤, 한달에 수억 벌었다…"저작권료가 억 단위, 효자곡 있다"

WINNER's Kang Seungyoon revealed that the copyright royalties from the song 'Really Really' are in the hundreds of millions KRW range.

On the 6th, the episode 17 of MBN and Channel S' 'Jeon Hyunmoo's Plan 3' showed Jeon Hyunmoo, Kwaktube (Kwak Junbin), Kim Jinwoo, and Kang Seungyoon visiting a Western-style restaurant loved by citizens of Anyang city.

In this episode, Jeon Hyunmoo asked, "Is it true that you have a song that became the first song by a Korean male idol to surpass 100 million streams?" Kang Seungyoon replied, "That's right. Usually, popular male idol songs only reach ten of millions of steams per year, but 'Really Really' hit 100 millions streams in South Korea just 39 weeks after its release."

Surprised, Kwaktube asked, "Who wrote and composed the song?" to which Kang Seungyoon replied, "I did." When Jeon Hyunmoo said, "If it has 100 million streams, the royalties must be huge," Kang Seungyoon honestly revealed, "I have received hundreds of millions of KRW in a single month from the royalties."

Jeon Hyunmoo reacted with his mouth wide open, saying, "That song must be like a filial son to you!" showing his envy. Kwaktube joked, "So that's why he wears so many accessories."

Continue reading Kang Seungyoon makes hundreds of millions KRW in a month ... "My royalties are in the hundred-million-KRW range"
, , ,

Ailee♥Choi Sihoon furious over 'Single's Inferno 5' villain Choi Mina Sue's rudeness ... "If that was me, I wouldn't even look at her"

SOURCE: 에일리♥최시훈, '솔지5' 빌런 최미나수 무례함에 분노.."나같으면 쳐다도 안 봐"[스타이슈]

On the 7th, a video titled '(ENG) Thanks to Ms. Choi Mina Sue, it's very entertaining,' was posted on the Youtube channel 'Ailee's Newlywed Diary.'

In the video, Ailee watched episode 4 of the popular Netflix dating show 'Single's Inferno 5' while eating Chicken Knife-cut Noodle Soup that Choi Sihoon had cooked himself.

The couple couldn't hide their surprise when Choi Mina Sue showed interest in multiple men at the same time. Choi Sihoon cheered, "Thanks to Choi Mina Sue-ssi, this is really entertaining," while Ailee commented, "Some people's hearts just change quickly. Like the MCs said, she's very honest. I think she might have taken the questions very literally, with a Western mindset."

Later, when Choi Mina Sue was on her way to talk with Lim Subeen, but Song Seungil suddenly spoke to her, she drew a line with Lmim Subeen and said, "Let's talk later." The couple was left speechless by this rude behavior.

Ailee said, "I think Subeen must've felt very offended. This makes no sense. He probably felt disrespected," clicking her tongue in disapproval.

Choi Sihoon also reacted angrily, saying, "If it were me, I wouldn't even look at her there." Ailee added with a mix of disbelief and anger, saying, "I would've been very offended too. It's not just being offended, but deeply disappointed by her basic attitude and how she treats people."

Meanwhile, Choi Mina Sue has been drawing attention on 'Single's Inferno 5' for showing interest in four men at the same time and for acting in a way that crosses the line between honesty and rudeness. She was the runner-up for Miss Korea in 2021 and became the first Korean to win Miss Earth the following year in Manila, Philippines.

Continue reading Ailee♥Choi Sihoon furious over 'Single's Inferno 5' villain Choi Mina Sue's rudeness ... "If that was me, I wouldn't even look at her"
, ,

Is that Tablo's daughter, Haru? Comments explode over her fluent English and pronunciation at the age of 16 ... An update on her 'rapid growth'








SOURCE: 타블로 딸 하루라고? '16세' 유창한 영어+발음에 댓글 폭발…'폭풍성장' 근황

Recently, a video titled 'Tukutz shares the story of how a stalker broke into his house' was posted on Epik High's Youtube channel.

In the video, Tablo told Tukutz, "You look cool. You had real 'pose'," then asked, "Do people still use that expression?" Tukutz replied, "That's something people in their 40s would use. We stopped using that expression after 2010, didn't we?"

Tablo continued, "By the time BIGBANG debuted, didn't people stop using the word 'pose'? Was it 'cap,' 'jjang,' 'ganzi,' and then 'pose'?" As they talked about old slang, Tukutz added, "Before that, there was 'Ttabong,'" drawing laughter.

Tablo said, "No one really uses the English word 'swag' anymore now. It's basically the same as us saying 'Ttabong,'" to which Tukutz replied, "Don't people say 'lit' these days?"

When the staff started murmuring, Tablo laughed and said, "That's such an Ahjussi thing to say. I was so shocked the moment you said 'lit.' I'll ask Haru. For kids her age, slang changes almost every one or two weeks," then tried to call his daughter, Haru. Mithra joked, "At this point, aren't they just making things up as they go?" Tukutz added, "If it changes every one or two weeks, it's not even a language."

Tablo asked Haru,"How do you say things like 'This is jjang,' or 'This is cool'?" Haru naturally spoke in English, saying, "Something like 'That's awesome.' People don't use the word 'swag' anymore."

Tablo then said, "Uncle Tukutz asked if people still use 'lit'," and Haru replied, "Some people use it sometimes, but I personally don't really say 'Oh, that's lit.'"

Tablo then asked, "Is it uncool for Uncle Tukutz to say that?" Haru answered, "Not exactly. These days, one specific word doesn't stay trendy for long. People mostly say 'That's awesome' or 'Great.'"

Haru, who was born in 2010 and is now 16 years old, caught attention not only for her fluent English but also for her noticeably more mature voice, even heard only over the phone.

Tablo married actress Kang Hyejung in 2009 and has a daughter, Haru. Tablo and Hau received a lot love from viewers when they appeared on KBS2's 'The Return of Superman' back in 2013.

TOP COMMENTS:

1. [+359][-18] She looks just like Tablo with long hairㅋㅋㅋ They look exactly the same.

2. [+249][-16] They look exactly the sameㅋㅋㅋㅋ They look exactly the same.

3. [+247][-56] She’s pretty. She looks exactly like her mom before plastic surgery.

4. [+35][-7] Her dad has a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in English Literature from Stanford University. That explains everything.

5. [+31][-0] Did Kang Hyejung retire from acting??? Such a waste of talent.

Continue reading Is that Tablo's daughter, Haru? Comments explode over her fluent English and pronunciation at the age of 16 ... An update on her 'rapid growth'