The purpose of Min Heejin's emergency press conference = To expose NewJeans' members' families ... "Used for stock price manipulation"

SOURCE: 민희진, 긴급 기자회견 목적=뉴진스 가족 폭로였다 "주가 시세조종에 이용" [엑's 현장]

Former ADOR CEO Min Heejin's side claimed that a family member of NewJeans' member was involved in the background of the alleged 'NewJeans tampering' controversy.

Min Heejin's legal representative lawyer Kim Sunwoong from the law firm Jiam held an emergency press conference on the afternoon of the 28th in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Min Heejin did not attend the press conference. Regarding the reason, Lawyer Kim said, "There are some problems involving NewJeans member's family."

He explained, "These matters are difficult to talk about. She recently heard an information and was deeply shocked by it. Because of that, she was unable to appear."

Min Heejin's side stated, "She has no responsibility for the tampering at all. Instead, she was used by groups that are trying to disrupt the stock market." They added, "A family member of one of the NewJeans' members is involved. That is why she couldn't respond properly at the time. Due to a series of recent incidents, we decided to hold this press conference."

Lawyer Kim shared, "Even in the lawsuits between Min Heejin and HYBE, there have been attempt to use the members' families. This is why we had no choice but to state a basic statement about this." He continued, "We have discovered evidence that the 'NewJeans tampering' issue was used by people in the stock market as a tool to make money for themselves, exploiting both Min Heejin and NewJeans' members."

Meanwhile, the five members of NewJeans declared the termination of their exclusive contracts with ADOR back in November 2024 due to a loss of trust. However, in October last year, the court rejected their claims and ruled that their exclusive contracts with ADOR remain valid until July 31, 2029.

Afterward, Haerin and Hyein were the first members to return, followed by Hanni. Minji is currently in discussions with ADOR. On the other hand, ADOR notified Danielle of contract termination and removed her from the group. ADOR has filed a lawsuit seeking 43.1 billion KRW in damages against Danielle, one of her family members, and former CEO Min Heejin.

Continue reading The purpose of Min Heejin's emergency press conference = To expose NewJeans' members' families ... "Used for stock price manipulation"

Min Heejin fainted after listening to a recording of NewJeans member's uncle

SOURCE: "민희진, 뉴진스 멤버 큰아버지 녹취록 듣고 실신"

It has been reported that former ADOR CEO Min Heejin fainted in shock after realizing she had been taken advantage of. 

On January 28, Min Heejin's legal representative attorney Kim Sunwoong from the law firm Jiam held a press conference in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Investigative journalism 'The Gate' also attended the press conference and released an audio recording involving Mr. Lee, the uncle of a NewJeans' member.

The head of 'The Gate' criticized the situation, saying, "We live in an era where incidents like this are brushed off as a no big deal, allowing troublemakers to move around freely. While reporting on Min Heejin, I asked why she remained silent for over a year. Her answer was always the same: because she was afraid the members would get hurt. Even though she suffered from a neurasthenia and even came close to death, she stayed silent to protect the members and their families."

He continued, "We shared the recording file of the member's uncle with the lawyer.. We heard that Min Heejin fainted after hearing him say it was 'no big deal.' She fainted because the families she wanted to protect were laughing and dismissing the situation as 'no big deal.' We plan to continue tracking these market-disrupting forces in the capital market that are messing the K-pop industry."

According to the recording shared that day, Mr. Lee, the uncle of a NewJeans' member, responded to a question about why he stayed silent if Min Heejin didn't actually engage in tampering the group. He replied, "It was no big deal, so I just let it go."

Meanwhile, Min Heejin's side claimed, "The truth behind NewJeans 'tampering' allegations has nothing to do with former ADOR CEO Min Heejin. It was a large-scale scam played on the public by a family member of one NewJeans' member and a specific businessman. They allegedly did this to boost stock prices or manipulate the market."

Continue reading Min Heejin fainted after listening to a recording of NewJeans member's uncle

The birth of the second 'Infinite Challenge?' ... Kim Taeho PD returns to MBC with a 'crazy lineup' oh Jennie, Dex, and Lee Suji

SOURCE: 제2의 '무한도전' 탄생?…김태호 PD, 제니·덱스·이수지 '미친 조합'으로 MBC 컴백

MBC's new show 'Manitto Club' (directed by Kim Taeho) will start airing on Sunday, February 1, at 6.10 PM (KST). It is an undercover reality variety show built around the concept of 'a group of people who know how to share two when they receive one.' The cast members are randomly assigned 'manitto' and must give gifts while keeping their identities hidden. The first lineup includes Jennie, Dex, Choo Sunghoon, Noh Hongchul, and Lee Suji.

The most unique part of 'Manitto Club' is its story world. In its worldview, characters like Santa, Genie, and even the Snail Bride, are all members of the 'Manitto Club.' They work at secret headquarters located around the world and blend into everyday life to give gifts secretly. The one and only rule is not to get caught. Since the world has less laughter and warmth now, the Korean headquarters is recruiting new members to start the story.

The new recruits who receive invitations must complete both individual and group secret missions assigned by headquarters to become official members. The privilege of becoming an official member is feeling the joy of both giving and receiving. This story was first shown in a teaser video with Jennie as the storyteller, which drew attention before the show even started.

The secret missions are unpredictable from the very first meeting. To avoid exposing their identities, the five new members join a video chat using animal filters. Because they don't know who is who, unexpected accidents happen. Even the production team got nervous when some members almost got their identities discovered.

The manitto draw is done through a random gacha-style. Because the members don't know who their partners are in real-time, it causes excitement and tension both at the same time. During the gift delivery process, there are even chase scenes, promising legendary funny moments to come. Viewers are excited to see how this pure-dopamine secret gift mission will work. 

The stars' surprising charms are another key highlight of the show. Jennie, Dex, Choo Sunghoon, Noh Hongchul, and Lee Suji become very emotional over even small gifts. Viewers will be able to see their honest, human sides, which are different from their usual images on stages, match, or TV. 

After the individual missions ends, they will start their group missions. The members go on secret missions to give a special day to more people, bringing both laughter and heartwarming moments. They will show off their unique ideas and donate their talents in fun ways while sharing the love they received.

With the members showing great chemistry during their chaotic missions, 'Manitto Club' aims to give both laughs and touching moments. MBC's 'Manitto Club,' starring Jennie, Dex, Choo Sunghoon, Noh Hongchul, and Lee Suji will start airing on Sunday, February 1, at 6.10 PM (KST).

Continue reading The birth of the second 'Infinite Challenge?' ... Kim Taeho PD returns to MBC with a 'crazy lineup' oh Jennie, Dex, and Lee Suji

Cha Eunwoo's 992-word statement couldn't stop big brands from cutting ties ... Beauty, finance, fashion, education are all 'OUT'

SOURCE: [단독] 차은우 992字 입장 발표, 대기업 손절 못 막았다…뷰티·금융·패션·교육 이어 OUT (종합)

Advertising industry is starting to distance themselves from Cha Eunwoo, who is now facing allegations of tax evasion amounting to 20 billion KRW. Following beauty, finance, fashion, and education brands, even subsidiaries of large corporations are now choosing to 'cut ties,' showing how serious this situation is.

According to OSEN on the 27th, SSG.com has switched their videos that featured Cha Eunwoo, who was chosen as their beauty model last year, to private. While the company did not give a specific reason, but because this happened right after the 20 billion KRW tax evasion allegations, people assume it is because of the controversy. 

This is not the first time brands have distanced themselves from Cha Eunwoo. Previously, the skincare brand Abib has set his ad videos and posts to private, followed by Shinhan Bank, Marithé François Girbaud, and Daesung Mimac, across the finance, fashion, and education sectors. Notably, even after Cha Eunwoo and his agency, Fantagio, released their official statements, SSG.com still made his ads private. In addition, the Ministry of National Defense, where Cha Eunwoo is currently serving, also set his content on the 'KFN Plus' Youtube channel to private. 

Last year, the Investigation Bureau 4 of the Seoul Regional Tax Office investigated Cha Eunwoo for allegedly evading taxes through a one-person company started by his mother. It is reported that he worked under a contract where his agency, Fantagio, and his mother's company entered into service contracts, where his income was then distributed among Fantagio, his mother's company, and Cha Eunwoo himself. 

However, the National Tax Service saw the one-person agency set up by Cha Eunwoo's mother as a paper company that didn't actually provide real service. The authorities judged that Cha Eunwoo and his mother started the company and split his income to reduce the personal income tax rate by applying a corporate tax rate which is more than 20 percentage points lower. 

Regarding this, Cha Eunwoo's side stated, "The main issue in this matter is whether the company started by his mother is a real business that should be taxed. This is not a final decision yet. We will explain our position through proper legal procedures. The artist and his tax representatives will cooperate fully to finish this process quickly."

On the 26th, four days after the controversy erupted, Cha Eunwoo stated, "I sincerely bow my head in apology for causing concern and disappointment to many people due to recent issues. This incident has led me to deeply reflect on whether my attitude toward fulfilling my duty to pay taxes as the citizen of the Republic of Korea was sufficiently strict." Fantagio also added, "We will use this incident as an opportunity to review our artist management system once again and strengthen necessary measures to prevent similar controversies from recurring."

On the 27th, Fantagio released another statement saying, "We are currently checking the facts according to the tax authorities. Both the agency and the artists are cooperating with the investigation. Once the legal and administrative judgments are clear, we will take responsibility and carry out necessary measures according to the results. We kindly ask people to stop spreading speculation, unverified information, and exaggerated interpretation regarding claims and suspicions."

Continue reading Cha Eunwoo's 992-word statement couldn't stop big brands from cutting ties ... Beauty, finance, fashion, education are all 'OUT'

Park Eunbin cheered for 'Cha Eunwoo to return in glory' ... What happens to his upcoming project 'The Wonderfools'?

SOURCE: 박은빈 "차은우 금의환향하길" 응원했는데…차기작 '원더풀스' 어쩌나

As Cha Eunwoo faces allegations of tax evasion amounting to around 20 billion KRW, his upcoming project 'The Wonderfools' is now facing problems.

Last year, the Investigation Bureau 4 of Seoul Regional Tax Office did an intensive investigation on suspicion of tax evasion. Recently, news reports revealed that he was notified of additional tax assessment of over 20 billion KRW, including income tax.

Cha Eunwoo, who is currently serving in the military, issued an apology on January 26 via his personal social media account, stating, "I sincerely bow my head in apology for causing worry and disappointment to many people through the various events related to me recently. Through this incident, I have been deeply reflecting on whether I have been strict enough in fulfilling my duty as a citizen of the Republic of Korea to pay taxes."

He continued, "I will faithfully cooperate in the upcoming tax-related procedures. Also, I will humbly accept the final decision made by the authorities and take full responsibility for the results." Regarding allegations that he enlisted in the military to avoid the controversy, he explained, "Although I'm currently serving in the military, it was definitely not a choice I made to hide from this controversy. Last year, I reached a point where I could no longer delay my enlistment. So, I had to enlist before the tax investigation was finished. However, I know these misunderstandings happened because of my own shortcomings. Therefore, I feel a deep sense of responsibility."

Cha Eunwoo is currently waiting for the release of Netflix's new series, 'The Wonderfools,' which is scheduled for release in the Q2 of this year. The series is a comedy-action adventure set in 1999, a time when apocalyptic beliefs were widespread. It follows the story of a group of ordinary neighborhood misfits who unexpectedly gain superpowers and fight against villains threatening the peace of Haeseong City. It is starred by Cha Eunwoo, Park Eunbin, Kim Haesook, Choi Daehoon, Lim Sungjae, and Son Hyunjoo.

Recently, Park Eunbin attended the 'Next on Netflix 2026 Korea' event and cheered for Cha Eunwoo by saying, "I don't think any other actor could play this role better than him. I believe he's doing well wherever he is. I wish we could've promoted this show together, but I'll work hard on his behalf as well. I hope he returns in glory. Fighting." However, now the tax evasion allegations are out, attention has now focused on whether this upcoming project will still be released or not.

Continue reading Park Eunbin cheered for 'Cha Eunwoo to return in glory' ... What happens to his upcoming project 'The Wonderfools'?

'Please send BTS a bit more often' ... Mexico's President makes an official request to President Lee Jaemyung

SOURCE: "BTS 더 보내달라"…멕시코 대통령, 이재명 대통령에 공식 요청 [왓IS]

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed that she sent a letter to President Lee Jaemyung requesting additional shows for BTS' world tour concerts.

During a press conference on the 26th, President Sehinbaum said, "The world-famous K-pop group BTS are scheduled to perform in Mexico in May. However, I heard that many young people were unable to get tickets." She added, "About 150,000 tickets were sold in Mexico, but more than 1 million people wanted to go."

President Sheinbaum emphasized, "With 3 shows confirmed in Mexico City, I made a polite diplomatic request to the South Korean President to let BTS visit Mexico more often."

She added, "If additional shows are difficult, I hope that alternatives such as screening the concert on large screens could at least be permitted."

Meanwhile, BTS is set to hold a world tour with 79 shows across Asia, North America, Europe, South America, and Oceania. They will start their American tour on April 25-26 and 28 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, followed by concerts at GNP Seguros Stadium in Mexico City on May 7, 9, and 10.

Continue reading 'Please send BTS a bit more often' ... Mexico's President makes an official request to President Lee Jaemyung

"The original target wasn't Cha Eunwoo, but Fantagio" ... Even a former NTS investigator is stunned by the '20 billion KRW tax evasion'

SOURCE: "원래 타깃은 차은우 아닌 '몸통' 판타지오였다"..전 국세청 조사관도 놀란 '200억 탈세'[스타이슈]

Cha Eunwoo is making headlines every day for allegations of evading roughly 20 billion KRW in income taxes. Amid this, a former National Tax Service investigator-turned-accountant analyzed that the National Tax Service's original target was actually his agency, Fantagio.

On the 24th, Moon Bora, a tax accountant who used to work as an investigator at the Seoul Regional Tax Office, posted a video on her Youtube channel analyzing Cha Eunwoo's '20 billion KRW tax evasion allegations' case.

Moon Bora explained that the main issue of this controversy is whether Company A, which was involved in the profit-sharing process, is real. She explained, "Splitting profits with a company is not a problem, but the National Tax Service sees Company A, which is owned by Cha Eunwoo's mother, as a fake company that doesn't actually do any works."

Regarding Company A's conversion from a 'Corporation' to a 'Limited Liability Company (LLC),' Moon Bora analyzed, "LLCs do not have the obligations to show their records to the public. They are not subject to external audits." She added, "The National Tax Service likely saw this as a choice to hide something and avoid being watched, rather than just a way to save on taxes."

She continued, "The original target was actually Fantagio, which is Cha Eunwoo's agency. while examining the books of the biggest 'body,' Fantagio, they found a huge amount of money flowing to an eel restaurant in Ganghwa Island, and discovered that it actually belonged to Cha Eunwoo."

She noted, "They threw a net to catch a big fish and ended up catching another huge one. Tax investigations are not something you can avoid just by being careful. If you leave a long trail, you will eventually get caught."

Recently, it was revealed that Cha Eunwoo was notified by the National Tax Service of an additional tax assessment of over 20 billion KRW, causing a major stir. It was reported that he underwent an intensive tax investigation by the Seoul Regional Tax Office in the first half of last year on suspicion of tax evasion.

Specifically, the National Tax Service believed that the evasion happened through Company A, which was established by Cha Eunwoo's mother. Cha Eunwoo reportedly worked in a way where Fantagio and Company A signed service contracts to support his entertainment activities, with profits distributed between Fantagio, Company A, and Cha Eunwoo himself. 

The National Tax Service believes Company A is a fake company used to split income because it's unsuitable to manage celebrities. They believe that Cha Eunwoo used his family-owned business in addition to his main agency to enter into service contracts, where he can apply a corporate tax more than 20 percentage points lower instead of the 45% individual tax rate.

Regarding this, Fantagio stated, "The main issue here is whether the company started by Cha Eunwoo's mother qualifies as a business that should be taxed. The case has not been finally confirmed yet. We will actively explain our position on the legal interpretation and application according to the law."

Meanwhile, Cha Eunwoo enlisted in the military in July of last year and is currently serving in the military band.

Continue reading "The original target wasn't Cha Eunwoo, but Fantagio" ... Even a former NTS investigator is stunned by the '20 billion KRW tax evasion'