Monday, March 9, 2026

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Controversy over being a 'gateway to become a celebrity' ... 'Single's Inferno' optician Woo Sungmin signs with an entertainment agency


'Single's Inferno 5' star Woo Sungmin has signed an exclusive contract with Big Friends, signaling the start of his full-scale activities. Previously, dating shows were facing criticism for being used by participants to gain recognition and popularity instead of to find love.

During his appearance on 'Single's Inferno 5,' Woo Sungmin had introduced himself as an optician. Later, he drew attention as it was revealed that he had appeared in several acting projects in the past.

Big Friends stated that they decided to sign an exclusive contract because they highly valued his calm yet sincere attitude, diverse charms, impressive smile, and strong presence. The agency stated, "We will provide full support so that he can pursue various activities in the future."

Prior his appearance on 'Single's Inferno 5,' Woo Sungmin had already been active as an actor, starring in works such as 'Solomon's Perjury,' 'Second 20s,' 'The Missing,' 'Twelve Nights,' 'Mission: Cross,' and more. With this contract, he is expected to expand his activities into a wider range of fields.

Big Friends, the agency Woo Sungmin signed with, is a management company that represent stars like Jung Mansik, Hong Yeji, Park Sehyun, and Seo Jaewoo. The company is actively discovering new talent and providing systematic management.

Continue reading Controversy over being a 'gateway to become a celebrity' ... 'Single's Inferno' optician Woo Sungmin signs with an entertainment agency
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'Dating rumor with G-Dragon' Kim Goeun clarifies plastic surgery rumors: "It's actually an insecurity of mine"



'Single's Inferno 5' Kim Goeun addressed plastic surgery rumors.

On the 7th, a video titled 'Chatting while doing 'Single's Inferno' sunburn makeup | Can we get this close...?' was posted on Kim Goeun's Youtube channel.

Kim Goeun said, "On the show, I realized my mouth looked really big. So did my teeth. People ask if I got veneers, but I've actually had braces twice. It would feel unfair to get veneers done," adding, "I just worked hard on teeth whitening."

She also clarified the plastic surgery rumors surrounding herself, saying, "Many people asked if I had contouring surgery. My jaw is naturally small due to genetics. Everyone on my mother's side is like that."

She added, "That's actually an insecurity of mine. This area sinks in a lot and looks like a shadow, so I enhance it with makeup. Back then, I even used to apply highlighter there, too."

She also shared her insecurity, saying, "When I go to the dermatologist, some doctors suggest putting fillers in this area. However, I decided not to get such procedures and just cover it with makeup instead."

She continued, "I never expected people to say I had 'V-line jaw surgery.' I've often been told that I have slim face, but no one ever accused me of having 'V-line surgery.' I think I looked that way because I had a lost of weight at the time."

Continue reading 'Dating rumor with G-Dragon' Kim Goeun clarifies plastic surgery rumors: "It's actually an insecurity of mine"

Friday, March 6, 2026

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Seo Youngeun leaves Kep1er ... "Will continue as a 6-member team."

SOURCE: 케플러 서영은, 팀 탈퇴 "앞으로 6인 체제 전환"

Seo Youngeun has decided to leave Kep1er after an 8-month hiatus.

On the 6th, WakeOne and KLAP Entertainment announced through their official social media, stating, "rom now on, the group will continue activities as a six-member team consisting of Choi Yujin, Xiaoting, Kim Chaehyun, Kim Dayeon, Hikaru, and Huening Bahiyyih. Along with this, Seo Young-eun, who has been part of Kep1er’s precious journey since their debut in 2022, has concluded her activities with the team."

They continued, "The company and Seo Youngeun have had long discussions about the direction of her future activities. This decision was reached after careful discussion. The Kep1er members also respect Seo Youngeun’s wishes based on their mutual trust and are sending her their support."

Furthermore, they added, "We would like to express our deep gratitude to Seo Youngeun, who showed more sincerity and passion than anyone as a member of the team, and we will wholeheartedly support her future endeavors. Kep1er will open a new chapter as a six-member group and will do their best to repay Kep1ian with even better music and performances. We ask for fans’ warm encouragement and unwavering love for Seo Youngeun, who will walk a new path, and for Kep1er, whowill continue its activities as six members."

Meanwhile, Kep1er is a girl group formed through the Mnet survival program 'Girls Planet 999.'

Continue reading Seo Youngeun leaves Kep1er ... "Will continue as a 6-member team."
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'Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness'... Go Younjung seen with blood dripping from her nose

SOURCE: '무가치함과 싸우는' 고윤정, 코피 뚝뚝

Go Younjung is transforming into a new character in 'Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness.'

On the 6th, JTBC released still cuts of Go Younjung, the lead of the new weekend drama 'Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness.'

'Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness' follows the story of a person's journey to find peace after being consumed by jealousy and envy because they're the only one struggling while surrounded by successful friends. Go Younjung will show her new side as she plays the role of Byun Eun-ah, a character with clear, innocent-looking face and sharp, piercing eyes.

Byun Eun-ah is a producer at the film company 'Choi Film' and is known in the industry by the intense nickname 'The Axe.' She earned this nickname because of her sharp reviews that snap people to attention instantly as if they were hit in the head with an axe. Although she shows firm confidence and never feels intimidated, even in front of her sly CEO, she has a sense of emptiness and anxiety that she can't tell anyone is hidden behind that sharp edge. In particular, her sudden nosebleeds that appear without warning are expected to spark viewers’ curiosity about her hidden story.

In the drama, Go Younjung appears with a simple look with plain clothing and bare face, realistically portraying the daily life of a film producer. Her eyes, which seem calm yet shine sharply, capture the insight of the 'Axe PD' who views the world critically, while also transparently reflecting the complex emotions hidden beneath the surface.

The production team stated, "Go Younjung is holding the center of the drama by stably portraying the character’s complex traits. Her delicate acting, which deeply captures the character’s inner self, will leave a lasting impression on viewers."

The drama is scheduled to premiere in April.

Continue reading 'Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness'... Go Younjung seen with blood dripping from her nose

"Eyeing YouTube's Territory" ... HYBE and Spotify join forces

SOURCE: “유튜브 넘본다” 하이브·스포티파이 맞손

Entertainment group HYBE is entering the video podcast market through a partnership with the global audio and music streaming platform Spotify.

On the 6th, HYBE announced that it has signed a global content partnership with Spotify and will launch a dedicated video podcast channel. Under this partnership, HYBE will plan and produce the video content while Spotify will distribute it to a global audience.

HYBE noted the growing influence of video podcasts in the global music market. Through Spotify’s platform, which has over 751 million users worldwide, the company plans to naturally introduce K-pop to users as they explore and discover content.

HYBE will launch the official channel and reveal the channel name on March 23. The content will operate in an omnibus format where artists from HYBE’s labels and creators from various fields discuss about music and everyday life. The first videos are scheduled to be released starting in April.

The production of the content will be handled by HYBE Media Studio (HMS), HYBE’s internal video production team. Using its accumulated video production system and professional staff, HYBE plans to cover the broader culture of K-pop through the video podcast format.

Gautam Talwar, General Manager for Spotify’s Asia-Pacific region, said, "Through this partnership with HYBE, we aim to bring audiences closer to artists’ personalities and creative processes." A HYBE representative added, "Through this new format, we will continue expanding our points of connection with fans."

Continue reading "Eyeing YouTube's Territory" ... HYBE and Spotify join forces
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'Pickpocket' Kim Yoojung x 'Adopted son of the minister of administrative affairs' Park Jinyoung to star in a spy romance ... Confirmed to star in '100 Days of Lies'

SOURCE: '소매치기' 김유정X '조선총독 양자' 박진영, 첩보 로맨스 그린다...'100일의 거짓말' 출연 확정

Drama '100 Days of Lies' has completed its brilliant cast lineup, featuring Kim Yoojung, Park Jinyoung, Kim Hyunjoo, Lee Moosaeng, and Jin Sunkyu.

Scheduled to air in the secoond half of this year, tvN's upcoming drama '100 Days of Lies' is a spy romance drama that tells the story of a dangerous and thrilling love between the best pickpocket in Gyeongseong who goes undercover as an interpreter for the Japanese general government and the newly appointed elite interpreter who is also the adopted son of the minister of administrative affairs. The drama will portray both their romance and passionate longing for independence. Through the concept of an 'interpreter' who can see through truths and hidden secrets of people, the drama aims to provide a new kind of suspense and fun.

Most of all, the collaboration of a hit-maker production team raises expectations from the viewers. Director Yoo Inshik, who earned praise for his warm and excellent directing in hit series like 'Dr. Romantic' and 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo,' will lead the project. He will be joined by writer Ryu Bori, who is known for her delicate storytelling in 'Do You Like Brahms?'

Attention is also focused on the synergy between the leads. Kim Yoojung transforms into Lee Gakyung, the greatest pickpocket in Gyeongseong who goes undercover as an interpreter for the Japanese general government for 100 days. While desperately saving money to achieve her dream of going to the United States, she accepts an irresistible offer from anti-Japanese organization and becomes a spy to infiltrate the Japanese Government-General of Korea.

Kim Yoojung shared her thoughts, "It's an honor to be part of such a meaningful project. I will work hard with the hope that this becomes a warm drama that comforts many people and allows them to reflect on history and life. Please look forward to it and give us your support."

Park Jinyoung will play as Kim Taewoong (also known as Hideo Sato), the adopted son of the minister of administrative affairs and also a newly appointed elite interpreter of the Japanese general government. During a dark era when Japan needed propaganda to justify its rule over Korea to the League of Nations investigation team, he stands out as a rare expert who is fluent in English, Japanese, and Korean. After more than 10 years, he returns to Korea to take an important mission as an interpreter.

Park Jinyoung stated, "Since this drama is set in a painful period of the history, I am filming with an even more cautious and sincere heart. I will do my best until the end to repay viewers with a meaningful project."

Kim Hyunjoo plays as Yoo Soran, a sniper from the anti-Japanese organization who takes up a gun for revenge. Having a dark past with Shinichi Sato, she returns to Korea after more than 10 years under a fake Chinese identity and entered a fake marriage with Yoo Philip. While carrying out an assassination plot against Shinichi Sato, she proposes a life-risking deal to Lee Gakyung.

Kim Hyunjoo said, "I find it very meaningful to participate in a project set in the 1930s. From the script reading onward, the actors have shown great chemistry, and I hope we can complete a meaningful work together. Please look forward to it."

Lee Moosaeng plays as Philip Yoo, a Gyeongseong correspondent for an American media company. As a member of the anti-Japanese organization and a Korean-American journalist, he uses his identity to shake the minister of administrative affairs, who is sensitive to international politics.

Lee Moosaeng said, "I am thinking deeply about how to truthfully portray '100 Days of Lies,' but my desire to meet viewers is even stronger. I go to the set each day with that feeling. Please give us lots of anticipation and love."

Jin Sunkyu plays as Shinichi Sato, the newly appointed minister of administrative affairs and also Hideo Sato's father, an ambitious man skilled in schemes and manipulation. As the second most powerful figure in the colonial government who is willing to do anything for success, he is the main target of the anti-Japanese organization.

Jin Sunkyu shared, "I’m excited to work with such great actors and build good chemistry together. I hope it becomes a drama that leaves a deep impression on the hearts of the viewers. I will work hard in my role, so please show lots of interest and anticipation."

'100 Days of Lies,' which follows the breathtaking spy war infiltrating the heart of Japanese colonial rule and the brilliant journey of independence fighters who willingly risk their lives for independence and love during dark times, is scheduled to air in the second half of 2026.

Continue reading 'Pickpocket' Kim Yoojung x 'Adopted son of the minister of administrative affairs' Park Jinyoung to star in a spy romance ... Confirmed to star in '100 Days of Lies'
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Jung Yumi to play Lee Dongwook's wife ... Cast as female lead in new drama by the director of 'The World of Married'

SOURCE: [단독] 정유미, 이동욱 아내 된다..'부부의 세계' 감독 신작 여주 낙점

Actress Jung Yumi will star in the new Netflix series 'Love Affair' (working title).

According to OSEN's report on the 6th, Jung Yumi recently received the script proposal for Netflix's 'Love Affair.' After reviewing it positively, she has decided to join the project.

'Love Affair' is the latest work by Director Mo Wan-il, who directed the drama with the highest ratings in the history of Korean cable channels, 'The World of the Married.' The story follows a couple with stable jobs and a happy marriage whose lives collapse after facing a fatal love that hits them suddenly like a car accident. While some settings seem similar to 'The World of the Married,' it is said that the expression and plot developments will be even more provocative.

In particular, the male lead Kim Jihoon, a man in his early 40s, falls into a passionate love affair with another woman, driving his happy family toward destruction. Jung Yumi is set to play Kim Jihoon's wife in the drama.

Previously, Jung Yumi left Management SOOP after nine years and signed an exclusive contract with Noon Company. 'Love Affair' is expected to be her first project since the move. It will also mark the first time Jung Yumi and Lee Dongwook act together.

'Love Affair' is scheduled to begin filming in the first half of this year, possibly starting as early as this month. It is also reported that some scenes will be filmed in Spain. The script is written by Ha Sujin, who wrote KBS2's 'The Matchmakers,' while Director Mo Wan-il will direct. It is produced by FNC Story and will be released on the global platform Netflix.

Continue reading Jung Yumi to play Lee Dongwook's wife ... Cast as female lead in new drama by the director of 'The World of Married'