'Shinsegae Family' Annie, "The truly wealthy kids are even more frugal" ... Past stories from her school days in the U.S. revisited

SOURCE: '신세계 家' 애니, "있는 애들이 더해"…미국 유학생 모임 과거 소환

Song Jaho, CEO of Pica Project, shared stories from Annie’s high school days.

Last month, a video titled 'Gathering of South Korea's 3rd-Gen Chaebols (Real Review)' was posted to Song Jaho's Youtube channel.

During a tea time, he mentioned Annie from the group ALLDAY PROJECT. As the granddaughter of Shinsegae Chairwoman Lee Myunghee and also the eldest daughter of Chung Yookyung, Annie drew attention since her debut.

In the video, Song Jaho shared, "I went to high school in the U.S. International students often know each other even if they don't go to the same school. I had a close group of friends back then, and Annie was in it. We would hang out and have meals together."

Song Jaho said there was no talk of Annie preparing to be an idol at that time. He said, "Of course we knew what kind of family she came from. She's the daughter of the Shinsegae family. All the friends friends knew about it through rumors."

Song Jaho continued, "Of course, she lived better than I did. But how well-off can most international students really be? Children of mid-sized company owners like me are usually the one who spend the most money." He added, "I was the one who paid for meals back then. The real 3rd-Gen Chaebol kids don't have much money when they are students."

Song Jaho then shared a story about how modest Annie was during her school days, saying, "I remember the new AirPods came out while we were having a meal. Even though we were high school students and it cost only about 200,000 KRW, she was thinking hard whether to buy it or not. She jokingly said to me, 'Oppa, can't you buy them for me?' and I thought to myself, 'The truly wealthy kids are even more frugal when it comes to money.'"

Meanwhile, Song Jaho is the eldest grandson of Song Seungheon, the former chairman of Dongwon Construction. He is an art curator and businessman who publicly dated Kara’s Park Gyuri for about two years from 2019 to 2021. In July 2021, news of their breakup was reported after he was caught driving under the influence. He later went to trial for charges including violations of the Capital Markets Act and fraud related to Pica Coin.

Continue reading 'Shinsegae Family' Annie, "The truly wealthy kids are even more frugal" ... Past stories from her school days in the U.S. revisited

Taemin paid staff salaries with his own money ... Was 'broken trust' the reason for ending the contract with Cha Gawon?

SOURCE: 태민, 사비로 스태프 월급 지불…차가원과 계약 해지 '신뢰 파탄' 원인이었나 [엑's 이슈]

It has been revealed that Taemin paid some staff members’ monthly salaries with his own money. Amid this, there are claims that 'breakdown of trust' was the reason behind his split with CEO Cha Gawon.

On the 24th, Big Planet Made shared an official statement saying, "We inform you that our exclusive contract with Taemin has ended. We ask for your continued support and interest in his future activities."

With this, their short 1-year and 10-months journey came to an end. According to the music industry, there was still time remaining on Taemin’s exclusive contract with Big Planet Made. However, it is reported that Taemin strongly requested termination of the contract, and after discussions, both sides agreed to part ways.

Taemin’s side has not disclosed specific reasons for the separation. However, some media reports claim that CEO Cha Gawon failed to settle payments and committed a major mistake in the process of signing contracts with external companies without Taemin's consent. Reports further claim that Taemin used his own money to pay some staff members so he could keep working with them. As a result, many believe that 'breakdown of trust' caused by money issues was the main reason for the split.

CEO Cha Gawon, who leads One Hundred, Big Planet Made Entertainment, and INB100 recently has been suspected of failing to pay tens of billions of KRW to various companies involved in album production for their artists. Coincidentally, after transferring to Big Planet Made in March 2024, Taemin released his 5th mini-album, ETERNAL, that same year. However, last year he only released a special single 'Veil' rather than a physical album. Some have speculated that unpaid production costs may be the reason the album production did not go smoothly.

Additionally, there were reports that CEO Cha Gawon purchased multiple luxury items on credit from a department store and failed to pay for them, resulting to a legal freeze of a villa she owns in Hannam-dong. Regarding this, Cha Gawon's side stated, "The report contains incorrect facts and could hurt the reputation of the company and individuals," but doubts continue to grow as money problems are constantly mentioned.

Meanwhile, Big Planet Made Entertainment is a subsidiary of One Hundred, which CEO Cha Gawon and MC Mong founded in December 2023. Artists under this label include Lee Seunggi, Lee Soogeun, Lee Mujin, Ha Sungwoon, NU'EST's Ren, and VIVIZ's Eunha, SinB, and Umji.

Continue reading Taemin paid staff salaries with his own money ... Was 'broken trust' the reason for ending the contract with Cha Gawon?

"She passed away the day after the premiere" Park Jihoon shares sad news on You Quiz amid 6 million viewers milestone

SOURCE: "'왕사남' 시사회 다음날 돌아가셔" 박지훈, 600만 돌파 속 '유퀴즈'서 슬픈 소식 '먹먹'

Park Jihoon shares a touching story as his movie 'The King's Warden' passes 6 million viewers.

On the 23rd, the official account of You Quiz on the Block posted a preview clip titled, "From ‘New-Gen Danjong(?)’ Park Jihoon’s behind-the-scenes stories with Yoo Haejin to his impression of Director Jang Hangjun!"

In the video, Park Jihoon showed off his witty charm while talking about how people reacted to the movie's success. Mentioning Director Jang Hangjun’s excitement, he joked, "The director is excited every day. He’s just one step away from becoming a master." He added, "In my heart, he’s already a master," before mimicking the director's voice, saying, "Jihoon-ah, don't act rashly. Don't get too excited and stay calm," which made everyone on set laugh.

He also shared behind-the-scenes stories with co-star Yoo Haejin. When Yoo Jaesuk asked, "I heard Haejin really adores you," Park Jihoon replied, "I think he liked me because I wasn't fake. Even when he said, 'Let’s grab a meal after filming,' I would be honest and say, 'Maybe not today…'" drawing warm reactions.

Park Jihoon then revealed, "I filmed this movie while thinking of my grandmother." He confessed, "She passed away the day after the premiere." He recalled, "My grandmother had dementia, so she couldn't remember me. I wish I could ask her. If she could at least appear in my dreams…"

Meanwhile, on the same day, the distributor Showbox announced that 'The King's Warden' has surpassed 6 million viewers.

Set in Cheongnyeongpo in 1457, 'The King's Warden' tells the story of a village chief who chooses his own place of exile for his town's success, and a young former king who was kicked off the throne and sent into exile. Currently a huge hit, the film reached the 6 million mark faster than historical hits like 'The King and the Clown' and 'The Throne.'

Park Jihoon’s sincere confession will air on the 25th at 8.45 PM (KST).

Continue reading "She passed away the day after the premiere" Park Jihoon shares sad news on You Quiz amid 6 million viewers milestone

Kai: "I only have 25 contacts saved on my phone ... I have no friends"

SOURCE: 카이 "핸드폰 저장된 연락처 25개…친구 無" (아닌 근데 진짜)

In the episode of SBS' new variety show 'AGJ' that aired on the 23rd, Han Hyejin appeared and met Tak Jaehoon and Kai in a blind date style concept.

During the broadcast, Lee Sangmin told Han Hyejin, "You have a realistic weakness. Your honesty becomes your weapon." Han Hyejin replied, "I'm not as honest as people think I am. If there's something truly fatal in my partner, I wouldn't say anything about it and just break up with him."

She added, "I wouldn't say anything because I know they won't change because of me. People don't change. I used to try to change them, but it just didn't work."

Han Hyejin then said that her ideal type is 'a man with no friends.' Kai caught everyone's attention as he replied, "I don't have friends. I only have 25 contacts saved on my phone. That's why I don't like it when my partner has a lot of plans to go out."

Continue reading Kai: "I only have 25 contacts saved on my phone ... I have no friends"

"Jennie-ya, thank you" 100 million KRW donation that moved Sean ... She even added her own money to the profits

SOURCE: "제니야 고마워" 션도 감동시킨 1억 기부…수익금에 사비까지 보탰다 [DA:이슈]

On the 24th, Sean posted on his Instagram, "BLACKPINK's Jennie combined the profits from her photo exhibition 'J2NNI5' held in January along with additional money from her pocket to the Briquette Bank through the 'Raising Korea's Temperature by 1 Degree' campaign that I run to help elderly people in need of briquettes."

Sean explained, "With 100 million KRW, we can buy 112,000 briquettes, which can help 560 families to stay warm for one month during the cold winter. For some people, briquettes are not a choice but a necessity to survive the winter." He added, "Jennie-ya, thank you for making Korea a little warmer!"

Sean drew attention as he revealed the certificate of sponsorship. The certificate showed that the 100 million KRW was donated under Jennie's real name, Kim Jennie.

Previously, Jennie held her first photo exhibition from the 16th to the 29th of last month to celebrate her 30th birthday. For this exhibition, she personally participated in all aspects of the project, from publishing the photo book to planning the display. She had also promised to donate all profits from ticket sales. By making this donation, she kept her promise and added her own money, making the story even more heartwarming.

Meanwhile, BLACKPINK will release their third album, Deadline, on the 27th at 2 PM (KST).

Continue reading "Jennie-ya, thank you" 100 million KRW donation that moved Sean ... She even added her own money to the profits

IVE's Jang Wonyoung: "I have no intention of getting a driver's license. For everyone's sake, I won't"

SOURCE: 아이브 장원영 "운전면허 딸 마음 없어, 모두를 위해 안 할 것" (채널 십오야)

Jang Wonyoung revealed that she has no intention of getting a driver's license.

On the 23rd, IVE appeared on the Youtube channel 'Channel Fullmoon' for a live broadcast to celebrate their comeback.

The youngest member, Leeseo, who has recently become an adult, said, "I want to try getting a driver's license sometime in the future. I'm not sure if I can do it, though."

When Producer Na Youngseok asked, "Wonyoung said she's waiting until she feels mentally ready. How prepared are you now?" Jang Wonyoung joked, "1%?" drawing laughter from everyone.

Jang Wonyoung explained, "Honestly, I have no intentions of getting one in the first place. If I drove, I feel like I would be totally exhausted when I get home. Even if someone honked at someone else, I think I would get scared and stop the car suddenly. For everyone's sake, I think it's better for me to just sit in the passenger seat."

Ahn Yujin smiled and commented on Leeseo's wish to get a license, saying, "Maybe she thought her Unnies looked cool while driving." Leeseo agreed, saying, "Yujin Unnie once drove me to Incheon to buy scallops. She looked so cool and independent, like a real adult who can do everything on her own. I guess that's when I started having that dream."

Continue reading IVE's Jang Wonyoung: "I have no intention of getting a driver's license. For everyone's sake, I won't"

Late Sulli's unreleased photo revealed ... Her older brother moved: "Why are you crying so sadly with a smile on your face?"

SOURCE: 故 설리, 미공개 사진 나왔다…친오빠도 먹먹 "웃는 얼굴로 왜 그리 슬피 우느냐"

An unreleased childhood photo of Sulli has been revealed, drawing attention from fans.

On the 24th, Sulli's older brother posted a photo on his personal social media along with the caption, "Why are you crying so sadly with a smile on your face?" In the photo, Sulli is seen wearing comfortable clothes at home, looking at the camera as she tries to smile. Her young face and innocent expression touched the hearts of those who saw it.

Netizens who saw the post left comments expressing their longing and tribute, saying things like, "I miss you, Unnie," "I miss you every day," "I hope you're happy there, fulfilling your dreams and surrounded by love," and "May she rest in peace."

Meanwhile, Sulli debuted as a child actress in the 2005 SBS drama 'Ballad of Seodong.' In 2009, she debuted as a member of f(x) and received great love. However, she was found lifeless at her home in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, on October 14, 2019 at the age of 25, causing great shock to many fans.

Continue reading Late Sulli's unreleased photo revealed ... Her older brother moved: "Why are you crying so sadly with a smile on your face?"