Woman named in rapper Yang Hong-won's infidelity allegations speaks out: 'We slept separately'

A woman identified only as A has spoken out amid allegations that rapper Yang Hong-won, 27, committed adultery — claims that surfaced days after he held his wedding ceremony Sunday. In a post on her social media account Saturday, A said the accuser's claims differed significantly from what she experienced and remembered. She added that the accuser had demanded money and threatened her before going public when she refused to pay, and that she has since filed a criminal complaint. The accuser, identified as B, had alleged that Yang drank with several women at B's home until the early hours of the morning after a club performance. B said there was little physical contact during the gathering, though the group played drinking games that included a "king game" and cheek kisses. B said she then asked Yang and A to leave, after which the two went to a motel together. A disputed those claims, saying the circumstances of the drinking session were also misrepresented and that no games involving physical contact took place. A also rebuffed the account of how they ended up at the motel, saying she had never met Yang before that night and that B repeatedly urged her to follow the singer to a motel, promising to contact her shortly afterward. "The singer seemed somewhat uncomfortable but was drunk, and I followed him because she said she would get in touch soon," A said. "Absolutely nothing happened — he slept on the bed and I slept on the floor right away." A said she later realized, while being threatened for money, that the events of that night had been orchestrated to extort her and that she had been used. "My face and personal information have been exposed, and my family and I have been suffering ever since," she said. "I regret making a poor judgment while drunk, and I am deeply flustered and worn out by the situation of my personal information constantly circulating." She said she hoped the matter would be resolved quickly so she could return to her normal life. A also released what appeared to be a chat exchange with B showing B demanding money from her. In the exchange, A asked B: "This is extortion, isn't it? You were the one who told me to leave because oppa wanted to stay with that woman — so this was all planned?" B replied: "Think about it — you were there with him and someone told you to leave, and then you went to a motel together. Who's going to believe 'oh, I see'? Just pay 500,000 won and be done with it." Yang's agency, AP Alchemy, had also denied the allegations Friday, when the infidelity claims first surfaced. Its account largely mirrors A's: while Yang and A did go to the motel together, no romantic or sexual activity occurred between them. AP Alchemy said the material released by the accuser had been edited to distort the facts and that threats were made in the course of demanding money. The agency also said the woman mentioned alongside Yang was herself a victim in the incident, and that both had taken separate legal action against the accuser. Meanwhile, Yang and his wife, model Won Hyeon-ju, were found to have unfollowed each other on social media after the allegations emerged. Won has also deleted all posts from her account. It has not been confirmed, however, whether the unfollowing and deletions were related to the infidelity claims. The couple had been together since 2017 and registered their marriage in 2023. They welcomed a daughter in November the following year and held their wedding ceremony Sunday.

Oct. 25, 2026

'If this airs, I'm done': Restaurant owner turns away TV crew from unscripted food show

A restaurant owner in northern Gyeonggi Province turned away the crew of an unscripted food-discovery show hosted by broadcaster Jeon Hyun-moo, saying the attention that comes with a TV appearance would be more than he could manage. The Friday episode of "Jeon Hyun-moo Plan 4," which airs on MBN and Channel S, followed Jeon, YouTuber Kwak Tube, and IVE members Gaeul and Liz as they searched for restaurants in northern Gyeonggi Province. When the group visited a Western-style pork cutlet restaurant and asked to film, the owner refused outright. "We don't do filming. We have never filmed with anyone, no exceptions," he said. Gaeul pleaded with him again, but the owner explained that at 74, it was simply too much. "If I go on TV even once for the evening service, I'm done. That's why I don't even open in the afternoon. I'm sorry — I really don't have the confidence," he said, asking for their understanding. The cast ultimately turned and left. Kwak Tube said the visit had been too sudden on their part, while Jeon added, "The owner is 74 and says it's too hard — I understand." "Jeon Hyun-moo Plan 4" is built around finding restaurants on the spot, without pre-arranging appearances. There have been allegations that venues are in fact lined up in advance, but the production team has denied this. Jeon has faced similar allegations on MBC's variety show "I Live Alone," where he also promoted a segment as an impromptu trip. Last August, an episode showed him spontaneously deciding at Incheon Airport to travel to Kazakhstan — but questions arose over whether the trip had been scripted. The allegations rested on several points: a Kazakhstani government agency announced it had assisted with filming; it would have been difficult for a large crew to buy plane tickets on the spot; and a document the production team sent to Incheon Airport ahead of time requesting filming cooperation reportedly contained a script line reading "How about going to Kazakhstan?" The production team, however, stood firm that Jeon's decision to go to Kazakhstan was genuinely spontaneous.

Oct. 25, 2026

Actor Lee Da-hae addresses 'Chinese-style look' controversy: 'I work with local stylists there'

Actor Lee Da-hae, 42, who has been gaining popularity in China, addressed her styling choices amid online reactions that her appearance has taken on a distinctly "Chinese look." Lee wrote on her social media Saturday that when working in China, she collaborates with local stylists, hair and makeup artists. "The staff who photograph me are all local, and in many cases I receive the photos already retouched," she said. She added, "Because of that, I sometimes discover a new side of myself that even I find unfamiliar." "In the past, I thought it would be a disaster if I didn't have my usual hair and makeup team," Lee wrote. "But now I find it fun to work with new people and see myself change little by little." She went on to say, "Rather than asking which country's style it is, I hope people will see it as the many different sides of me being expressed anew each time. Change is its own kind of fun." The discussion was sparked by photos from a Singles' Day live-commerce broadcast Lee participated in Sunday in Hangzhou, China. Some online users said her appearance looked different from before and described it as a "Chinese style." While many noted it was natural for her look to reflect local trends given her long-standing popularity and appearances on Chinese television, others found the change striking enough to raise allegations of plastic surgery. Lee first gained a wide following in China after the SBS drama series "My Girl" became a mega-hit there in 2008. She went on to study Chinese and took on lead roles in local productions, and remains a top-tier star in the country today. Most recently, she drew attention — and topped real-time search rankings in China — after photos showing no visible baby bump despite being heavily pregnant went viral. Lee married singer Seven in 2023 after an eight-year relationship. She announced her pregnancy last May, three years into their marriage, and is expecting to give birth in November.

Oct. 24, 2026

Do Kyung-wan, husband of singer Jang Yoon-jung, sold watch to pay taxes while living in $9M home

Broadcaster Do Kyung-wan, 44, said he sold a luxury watch secondhand to cover a tax bill — a claim drawing ridicule given that he and his wife purchased a 12 billion won ($9.06 million) penthouse outright in cash. Do appeared on the YouTube channel "SHW Lifestyle Watch" on Thursday and said, "In May, I had to pay taxes but was a little short on cash, so I sold a watch on Karrot." He added, "I was going through a lean patch with no money. I had big tax bills in May and August, work dried up, and my YouTube channel wasn't doing well either." He also said, "I have no money. A lot of it is tied up in stocks, so I'm being forced to cut back on spending." On the same day, Do appeared on the KBS2 variety program "Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant," where he complained about his investment in SK hynix. "Why is SK hynix dropping? I went in with leverage," he said. "I'm down 40 percent. I bought in at 490,000 won and now it's at 290,000 won." On the same program, Do grumbled that a 10,000-won withdrawal for a savings club had left his bank account balance at 254,795 won, and he complained to his family about a water bill that came in 58,000 won higher than expected. He also drew attention for taking extreme cost-cutting measures at home — telling his children to flush the toilet only after collecting water and removing the batteries from the air conditioner remote. The comments have sparked a backlash, with many pointing out that the couple built considerable wealth through Jang's career as a singer. Do and Jang purchased the "Apre Han River" penthouse in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, in 2024, paying roughly 12 billion won entirely in cash. Last month, Do also appeared on a YouTube channel to showcase top-of-the-line Rolex watches owned by Jang, with prices starting at 70 million won new and exceeding 100 million won for some models. Online commenters were quick to react. "Everyone knows they're rich — it's uncomfortable to watch them pretend to be poor," one wrote. Another said, "Are they mocking ordinary people who are actually struggling?" A third comment read, "This reminds me of that former president who said he had 290,000 won in his account."

Oct. 24, 2026

Actor Kang Ye-won puts home up for sale to clear father's W1b debt

Actor Kang Ye-won, 46, has listed her home for sale after inheriting roughly 1 billion won ($755,000) in debt left by her late father. On Thursday, Kang appeared on her YouTube channel "Gwangyewon" for a trip to Daegu with her close friend and fellow actor Han Chae-a. During their conversation, it emerged that Kang had put her home on the market. "These days, houses just aren't selling," she said. Kang said she had been in a rush to raise cash quickly, prompting Han to add, "Because you want to clear the debt." When Kang said she planned to sell her home and move in with her mother, Han was visibly shaken and struggled to find words. "I lived in that house during university and then moved out," Kang said. "After 20 years, I'm going back to my mother's place." Han offered her support, saying, "I think that's actually the best thing." Kang lost her father in April. He had run a business and reportedly left behind between 1 billion and 1.1 billion won in debt. In June, Kang consulted a lawyer on the SBS variety program My Little Old Boy about the situation. The lawyer explained two legal options available when inherited debts exceed inherited assets — limited acceptance and full renunciation of inheritance. The lawyer also advised that the most practical course would be for her mother to sell the family apartment her father had left behind and repay as much of the debt as possible, while the children formally renounce their inheritance. Kang chose not to renounce her inheritance, saying she wanted to pay the back wages owed to employees at her father's business, who had reportedly gone unpaid for about nine months. "There is no legal obligation on my part, but I want to do what I can for the money they never received," she said, her voice breaking. "I feel so sorry right now. I keep talking about money, but these employees were only ever worried about my father." On the program, Kang personally delivered a portion of the overdue wages to the employees and wept as she told them, "I am so sorry and so grateful that you waited." Many viewers praised Kang for her sense of responsibility.

Oct. 24, 2026

Son Suk-ku forged parents' seal to volunteer for Iraq deployment, used earnings to study acting

Actor Son Suk-ku has revealed the story behind his deployment to Iraq with South Korea's Zaytun Division. Son appeared as a guest on the eighth episode of SBS variety program "Mueosideon Haejulzini — Biseonjin" (roughly, "I'll Do Anything — Secretary Corps"), which aired Friday, and opened up about his time in the military. Fellow cast member Kim Gwang-gyu asked Son whether his Iraq deployment had been voluntary or compulsory. Son said he had signed up of his own accord. Son explained that volunteering required his parents' official seal — and stunned the panel by admitting he had secretly carved a new one without their knowledge. After passing the selection process, he persuaded his parents by telling them, "If I tell them now that I forged the seal, I'll end up in the brig." He added, "I still can't forget the sound of my father's sigh over the phone." Son looked back on his military service as a jarring contrast to his life in the United States, recalling that even the Korean language felt unfamiliar at the time. He said he pushed himself hard to adapt to the new environment of military life. "I got scolded a lot back then," Son said. "People kept telling me, 'Why do you talk like that? Why do you walk like that?'" He added that he was even called out for the way he clapped. Despite the difficulties, Son kept working to fit in and ultimately graduated top of his recruit training class. He said his goal at the time was "to go as far as I could as a soldier." Son said the Iraq deployment later influenced his decision to pursue acting. "When I was young, I wanted to try all kinds of experiences," he said candidly. "And the pay was good." "When I came back from Iraq, I had earned 12 million won ($9,060) from the deployment," he said. "I used that money to go to Vancouver to study acting." Lee Seo-jin, listening nearby, remarked, "Nam Jin and Son Suk-ku are the only entertainers in South Korea who have been deployed overseas." Son responded with characteristic modesty: "Nam Jin actually went into enemy territory — he's on a completely different level from me."

Oct. 24, 2026

Justin Bieber posts photo of Seoul reconstruction site, sparking buzz

A reconstruction apartment complex in Seoul's Banpo area has gone viral after global pop star Justin Bieber posted a photo of it on his Instagram. Bieber posted the image Friday, captioning it "Made it to Seoul," alongside a photo showing the exterior of The H Banpo 124, a reconstruction project underway in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu. The post also included shots of the view from inside a car, a selfie and photos taken at a domestic airport immigration area. The timing drew extra attention from Korean internet users, as an announcement for The H Banpo 124's institutional recommendation special supply applications was released the same day. Commenters reacted with amusement, writing things like "Did he go scout the Banpo site?", "How did he know the apartment subscription was open?", "He probably came to enroll his son in an English-language kindergarten," "Looks like he really knows Seoul real estate" and "Seems like Bieber is interested in Banpo apartments too." It remains unclear whether Bieber intentionally photographed the complex or simply captured it while passing by. The H Banpo 124 is a reconstruction of sections 1, 2 and 4 of the Banpo Jugong 1 complex. It has drawn significant attention as the largest general pre-sale project in the Gangnam area in 39 years, with apartment subscriptions scheduled for next month. Meanwhile, Bieber arrived in South Korea through Incheon International Airport on Friday alongside his wife, model Hailey Bieber. It marks his first visit to the country since his debut performance here in 2013. Bieber timed his visit to coincide with a pop-up store in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, for Skylrk, the fashion and lifestyle brand he launched.

Oct. 24, 2026

Actor Kim Min returns to 'I Live Alone' after fabrication controversy

Actor Kim Min, who had been caught up in a fabrication controversy, is set to return to "I Live Alone," drawing renewed attention from viewers. A preview teasing Kim Min's comeback aired at the end of episode 670 of MBC's variety show "I Live Alone," which broadcast Friday. In the preview, Kim Min arrives by bicycle through the fog at a community sports day in Dongducheon. Noting the area's older demographic, he set his goal on winning the relay race and mingled freely with local residents — only to commit an embarrassing slip of the tongue while the group chanted a slogan together before the event. When residents shouted "We don't need priority seats," Kim Min misheard it as "We don't need the elderly" and repeated the phrase out loud. An elderly resident immediately scolded him, saying, "What do you mean we don't need the elderly? You should say even the elderly can do it!" — sending the crowd into laughter. "Young people have left and many elderly residents remain. People look down on us because the average age is high," Kim Min said, declaring his goal of finishing first in the relay. Footage of Kim Min competing in the relay was also shown, leaving viewers curious whether he will manage to restore the neighborhood's pride. Kim Min had first appeared on "I Live Alone" in October, revealing a 90-year-old house in Dongducheon where he said he had been staying. "It's my brother's house — we were close as families. It's been unused for a long time, so I've been living there when I travel in and out of the country," he said. The appearance sparked a fabrication controversy. Some online users raised doubts based on street-view imagery, claiming the segment had been staged. Others pushed back, with comments such as "Using street view to stalk someone is too far" and "Stop looking for things to criticize." An MBC official said the house shown in the broadcast was indeed where Kim Min actually lives, and that the production team had not made any separate arrangements or staged any part of the situation. Viewers and online commenters responded warmly across various online communities and video comment sections. "He must have gone through so much stress because of the controversy — I'm really glad he's back," wrote one user. Others said they were happy to see his signature goofy, scatterbrained charm again and expressed anticipation for the laughs his new appearance would bring.

Oct. 24, 2026

Rapper Yang Hong-won denies infidelity allegations, says motel visit was innocent

Rapper Yang Hong-won, 27, who married Sunday, has denied an online user's claim that he committed adultery and said he will pursue legal action. The account that posted the allegations has since been deleted. An online user identified only as A raised the infidelity allegations Friday on Instagram, writing: "A newlywed just went to a motel with a woman. Is that not wrong?" The user did not present direct evidence of an affair but published the face and social media account of a woman alleged to be the other party. A also posted screenshots of conversations in which the user appeared to pressure Yang and his wife with threats of further disclosure. A openly stated that the motive behind the allegations was "attention and money." As the controversy grew, Yang's agency AP Alchemy issued an official statement fully denying the allegations. According to the agency, Yang had been drinking at A's home after a performance when A asked him to leave. AP Alchemy said that "while it is true that an intoxicated Yang Hong-won and the victim, who had nowhere to go, accompanied each other to a motel out of necessity, there was absolutely no sexual activity inside the room." The agency said Yang fell asleep immediately after checking in, and that when the victim tried to wake him she felt uncomfortable with the physical contact involved, so she called A to come and take them home. "The accuser's claims differ from the facts and are the product of malicious editing," AP Alchemy said, adding that the accuser had attempted to extort money from Yang and the victim, and when that failed, spread false information. AP Alchemy said it did not comply with A's financial demands, and that Yang and the victim have filed a complaint against A on charges of blackmail, violation of the Stalking Punishment Act and defamation through the publication of false facts. The agency added that it has secured evidence proving the incident was a deliberate fabrication. AP Alchemy also warned that it would take strict legal action against those who spread false information or post malicious comments. A's Instagram account was deleted Friday night, several hours after the allegations were posted. Yang married former model Won Hyun-ju on Sunday. The couple have been together since 2017 and welcomed a daughter in November 2024. Yang has shared glimpses of his family life with his wife and daughter through his YouTube channel.

Oct. 24, 2026

Kim Hyun-joong hit by double blow: ex-girlfriend's TikTok debut, Japan concert canceled over fraud allegations

Kim Hyun-joong (40), who rose to fame as the leader of K-pop group SS501, has been hit by a string of setbacks. His former girlfriend — who sparked controversy more than a decade ago by giving birth to his child outside of marriage — has debuted as a TikTok creator, while a Japan concert tour he was part of has been canceled following fraud allegations against actor Ahn Yong-jun. According to Ilgan Sports, Five O One — a group formed by SS501 members Kim Hyun-joong, Heo Young-saeng and Kim Kyu-jong — had been scheduled to perform eight times in Japan in total, four times in September and four more times in early next year, but the concerts were abruptly canceled on Sept. 3. Bebe Entertainment, led by Ahn, was responsible for producing the Japan concerts but allegedly failed to make adequate preparations, making it impossible to stage the shows, according to Five O One's agency Henecia. Ahn received 500 million won ($377,000) in investment from an entertainment company called Mint Bridge for concert production, but allegations have emerged that he used the funds for purposes unrelated to the concerts. Mint Bridge estimated its total losses from the concert project at 3 billion won. In response, Mint Bridge and others filed a complaint with police against Ahn on Wednesday, alleging fraud, embezzlement, occupational embezzlement, forgery of private documents and use of forged private documents. Separately from the Five O One concert project, Ahn has also been sued on allegations that he solicited investment for concert, fan meeting and album production ventures from another individual by presenting false documents. The complainant in that case put the total damages at approximately 489.63 million won. Adding to Kim's troubles, his former girlfriend — who caused controversy by giving birth to his child out of wedlock — debuted as a TikTok creator on Thursday under the stage name SeeU, drawing wide attention. SeeU has been broadcasting live on TikTok and is reportedly planning a range of content in beauty, health and entertainment on the platform going forward. For Kim, who married in 2022 and has a child of his own, the renewed spotlight on the out-of-wedlock controversy is an unwelcome development. SeeU has also been giving updates about the child on her broadcasts. SeeU dated Kim for about three years from 2012 and in 2015 publicly claimed she had become pregnant with his child, igniting the controversy. She ultimately gave birth, and after a paternity dispute the child was confirmed to be Kim's. The child is currently in SeeU's care. SeeU filed a lawsuit seeking 1.6 billion won in damages against Kim, claiming she suffered emotional harm during her pregnancy and the ensuing conflict. She also alleged that she had previously been pregnant with Kim's child but miscarried after he assaulted her. Kim, in turn, said he had already paid SeeU 600 million won under a confidentiality agreement without contesting the truth of her claims, and accused her of violating that agreement by going public. He also raised the possibility that her claims about the pregnancy and miscarriage were false. The dispute escalated into mutual criminal complaints and civil lawsuits between the two sides. In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that SeeU's claims — including the pregnancy, the miscarriage caused by Kim's alleged assault, and alleged coercion to have an abortion — were false, and ordered her to pay Kim 100 million won in damages.

Oct. 23, 2026

Rapper Yang Hong-won faces infidelity allegations 5 days after wedding

A person has come forward claiming that rapper Yang Hong-won (27), who wed Sunday, committed infidelity — and has openly stated that money is the motive. No evidence has been presented so far, only unilateral claims, and the person has hinted at making further disclosures depending on how Yang responds. The individual, identified only as A, posted on Instagram on Friday alleging that "a newlywed groom went to a motel with a woman — is that not wrong?" No direct evidence of infidelity was provided; A only implied an indirect connection to Yang. A also released the contents of a phone call with Yang on Thursday, in which A said, "Don't you remember when we were in Suwon?" and "I need some spending money." Yang replied, "Don't do anything bad," and "Did you come to your older brother's wedding?" The exchange suggests the two share a close older-brother-younger-brother relationship. A additionally shared what appeared to be a video filmed during a trip to Suwon with Yang, adding the caption, "You must have enjoyed it. I'll make it even more fun." The post was widely interpreted as a threat to release further information unless Yang responds. A also published a screenshot of a message sent to Yang's wife, model Won Hyeon-ju, reading, "I have something to tell you. I have things to say about your husband." This, too, was seen as an attempt to pressure Yang. In a subsequent Instagram live broadcast, A said, "Does loyalty put food on the table? Does loyalty give you money?" and added, "Give up just a little of that loyalty and your bank balance changes." A also said, "Whether it's true or not, that's for you all to decide," and when asked if the goal was attention, replied, "Attention — plus money." The remarks were a blunt admission that the aim is to extract money from Yang. Based solely on what A has disclosed so far, it remains difficult to determine whether Yang actually committed infidelity. Internet users have been posting demands for an explanation on Yang's social media accounts. Yang married former model Won Hyeon-ju on Sunday. The couple had been together since 2017 and welcomed a daughter in November 2024. Yang had previously shared glimpses of his family life with his wife and daughter through his YouTube channel.

Oct. 23, 2026

Seungri denies hitting anyone with soju bottle, admits to 'inappropriate behavior'

Seungri (35, real name Lee Seung-hyun), a former member of K-pop group Big Bang, has denied allegations that he assaulted a man with a soju bottle during a late-night drinking session in Seoul. His attorney, Yoon Jae-bin of law firm Surim, issued a statement Friday laying out his client's account of the incident. Seungri was sued on charges that he assaulted a man identified only as A with a soju bottle at a Gangnam restaurant at around 6 a.m. on Aug. 8, during a gathering with acquaintances. A had reportedly joined the table that night after meeting Seungri for the first time. A told JTBC's "Sageon Banjang" last month that one of Seungri's companions approached him while he was sitting alone at the restaurant, accused him of taking photos and that Seungri then invited him to join the group. He said that within less than 10 minutes, Seungri suddenly began using crude language and threats while holding a soju bottle. "I was hit on the hand while trying to block the bottle," A said. He also alleged that Seungri's companions surrounded him and made threats, including references to organized crime figures and remarks such as "killing one person is nothing." Footage broadcast on the program appeared to show an agitated Seungri holding a soju bottle in a threatening manner. Yoon rebuffed A's account, starting with how the two men came to share a table. "A recognized Seungri, came to the table and asked to join. Despite being turned down multiple times, he refused to leave, saying he had a business proposal, and ultimately sat down in an empty seat without permission," Yoon said. "Even after that, Seungri and his companions repeatedly asked A to leave, but he refused, and voices were raised." Yoon also denied that A was struck with the soju bottle. "Seungri deeply regrets that he lost control of his emotions and behaved inappropriately," Yoon said, "but this was an emotional clash provoked by A. Seungri did not swing the bottle at A or strike him with it, as A has claimed." Yoon added that Seungri never made any remarks about using organized crime figures to harm anyone. Yoon said that after the commotion, both parties left the restaurant together and parted on friendly terms. He said A sent a text message the same morning saying "let's meet next week," followed by another that afternoon saying he would bring a business proposal the following week, and continued to reach out afterward. A then abruptly changed his stance days later and filed the complaint, Yoon said. "After the complaint was filed, A's side reached out to request a settlement," Yoon said. "However, Seungri determined that he could not resolve the matter by acknowledging actions he did not actually commit, and has decided to submit relevant materials to investigators and establish the facts." Full text of Seungri's legal statement Hello. I am Yoon Jae-bin, attorney at law firm Surim and legal representative of Lee Seung-hyun (stage name: Seungri). I am issuing this statement on behalf of my client regarding the incident that has recently been reported. Seungri is deeply sorry for causing concern once again, as someone who has previously been at the center of controversy. However, separate from past wrongdoing, the circumstances of this incident are being reported inaccurately, and we feel compelled to explain what actually happened. At around 6 a.m. on Aug. 8, 2026, Seungri was dining at a Seoul restaurant with two acquaintances. A man he had never met (hereinafter "the complainant") recognized Seungri, approached the table and asked to join. Despite being turned down multiple times, the complainant refused to leave, saying he had a business proposal, and ultimately sat down in an empty seat without permission. Seungri and his companions continued to ask the complainant to leave. In an attempt to end the ongoing dispute, they poured him a drink and gave him a contact number. The conversation did not resolve, and as the complainant continued to refuse repeated requests to leave, voices were raised. In the course of this, Seungri, whose emotions had escalated, did pick up a soju bottle from the table. He deeply regrets losing control of his emotions and behaving inappropriately at that moment. However, this was an emotional clash provoked by the complainant; Seungri did not swing the bottle at the complainant or strike him with it, as the complainant has alleged. After the commotion, Seungri's group and the complainant left the restaurant together, exchanged greetings and parted on friendly terms. The complainant sent a text message that same morning saying "let's meet next week," and another that afternoon saying he would bring a business proposal the following week, and continued to reach out to arrange further meetings. After several days, however, the complainant abruptly changed his position, contacted them to say he had gathered evidence and a medical certificate, mentioned charges including aggravated intimidation and unlawful confinement, and ultimately filed the complaint. There are inaccuracies in the complainant's account. Seungri did not swing a soju bottle at anyone or strike anyone with it, and he never made any remarks about using organized crime figures to harm anyone. Beyond this, the complainant's statements and the coverage to date contain numerous actions and words attributed to Seungri that he did not say or do. After the complaint was filed, the complainant's side reached out to request a settlement. However, Seungri determined that he could not resolve the matter by acknowledging actions he did not actually commit, and has decided to submit relevant materials to investigators and establish the facts. We believe it is for investigators and the court to make the final determination, and Seungri will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation. We earnestly ask that the public refrain from speculative criticism or the disclosure of personal information regarding Seungri, his companions and the complainant alike. We again sincerely apologize for the concern this matter has caused.

Oct. 23, 2026

Roy Kim squirms after backing out of wedding song promise to Ji Ye-eun

Singer Roy Kim is drawing attention after it emerged that he had promised to perform a congratulatory song at actor Ji Ye-eun's wedding but recently declined to follow through. In a video titled "Will you sing at Ye-eun's wedding...? (Feat. Roy Kim, Australia Tarzan)" published Thursday on the YouTube channel "Jimjongkuk," Roy Kim opened up to Kim Jong-kook about his stance on wedding song requests from acquaintances. When Kim Jong-kook asked whether he received many such requests, Roy Kim replied, "Yes, and that's exactly why I can't do it." Roy Kim explained that performing for one person inevitably draws complaints from others. "Someone will say, 'Aren't I just as close to you as that person? Shouldn't you do it for me too?'" he said. "Some people have even badmouthed me behind my back just because I turned them down." His remarks suggested he feels burdened by the hurt feelings that come with declining a request. Kim Jong-kook sympathized, saying he himself performs wedding songs as many as five times a month. "I sing for close friends and give a cash gift on top of that — it can get pretty tiring," he said. Kim Jong-kook then brought up a promise Roy Kim had made on the SBS variety show "Running Man," in which he had told Ji Ye-eun he would sing at her wedding. Roy Kim looked flustered. "Did I really say that?" he said, before adding that he would like to do it if the timing worked out and he genuinely wanted to celebrate — though he stopped short of committing. Kim Jong-kook then called Ji Ye-eun directly to check the facts. She recalled the exchange and confirmed Roy Kim had agreed to sing. "He said he would do it back then," she said. "Does he really not want to that badly? Is he talking out of both sides of his mouth?" she added, mixing humor with mild frustration. As Roy Kim squirmed and insisted he did not actually dislike the idea, Kim Jong-kook stepped in to smooth things over, explaining that Roy Kim had made it a firm personal policy — backed by his agency — not to perform wedding songs.

Oct. 23, 2026

Chinese fans' bid to repay A2O LITE member Aijing's parents' debt draws backlash

Some Chinese fans of Aijing, the 13-year-old Chinese member of A2O LITE, the girl group launched by A2O Entertainment key producer Lee Soo-man, have proposed collectively paying off her parents' debts after she became embroiled in a controversy over her parents' unpaid wages shortly after the group's debut — a move that has drawn sharp criticism online. Taiwan's NowNews reported Tuesday (local time) that some Chinese fans had floated the idea of creating a group chat to pool money toward repaying Aijing's parents' debts. Posts on Chinese SNS platform Weibo urged fans to "pay off Aijing's parents' debt together." "If there are people willing to help, let's organize together," one fan wrote. "If possible, let Aijing's mother join the chat too. If there's a problem, let's solve it first. Right now, I just want her to enjoy dancing and the joy of her debut." According to Taiwan's ETtoday, another fan suggested that major fan accounts lead a fundraising effort, offering to lend 1,000 yuan ($150) personally. "It's not a donation — it's a loan," the fan said, adding that Aijing could repay it once she starts earning income. When the news spread to South Korean online communities, users reacted with skepticism. "What exactly is a fan supposed to be?" some asked, while others questioned whether simply repaying the debt resolved anything. Critics also pointed out that workers who had not been paid still had unresolved claims and livelihoods at stake, and questioned whether fans should volunteer to absorb the debt before those issues were addressed. The controversy has continued within China as well. In a commentary, Chinese outlet Cover News noted that while children are not legally obligated to repay their parents' debts, the public would find it difficult to accept the argument that Aijing bears no responsibility, given the entanglement of the family's financial troubles with investments in her career. Earlier, Chinese outlets including Dahe Daily reported that a Beijing education company run by Aijing's parents had been withholding employee wages since 2024, based on accounts from former workers. The company reportedly reached a partial repayment agreement through labor arbitration but stopped making payments after three months. Chinese corporate information platforms show that court-ordered debts against the company and Aijing's parents total about 3.45 million yuan. On Oct. 14, Aijing's parents posted an apology on Weibo. "Whatever the circumstances, failing to pay what was owed on time is a mistake I must confront and take responsibility for," they wrote. "I will not evade responsibility until every issue is resolved." A2O LITE made its debut at a showcase held at Kintex in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province on Oct. 12, and released its debut single "NEON" the following day. The group's agency has not issued an official statement on the controversy.

Oct. 23, 2026

Han Hye-jin's daughter saves baby from drowning at hotel pool

Actor Han Hye-jin, 44, and soccer player Ki Sung-yueng, 37, have shared a story about their daughter coming to the aid of a young child who had gone under at a hotel swimming pool. A video posted Friday to Han's YouTube channel, "Actor Han Hye-jin," showed the couple and their daughter Sion on a family trip to Busan. In the video, Han visited the hotel pool with Sion on the final morning of the trip. "Sion swims every single day," Han said. "Dad has a bit of a cold so he's staying in the room, but Sion and I came out to swim again today — I'm not sure when we'll be leaving." After their swim, the family headed to a restaurant, where Han mentioned her daughter's love of swimming. "I think she swam even more than yesterday," she said. When Sion began recounting something that had happened at the pool, Han said her daughter was sharing "her own heroic tale" and explained what had taken place. "A baby got water up to here — the nose — in the pool, and Sion pulled the baby out," Han said, praising her daughter. "She did so well. What a good girl."

Oct. 23, 2026

Actor Lee Hye-young reveals family's 3-story US mansion, says oppa is a retired medical professor

Actor Lee Hye-young visited her family's home in the United States for the first time in three years, sharing a glimpse of her reunion with relatives. A video titled "First look at the 3-story US mansion! Lee Hye-young visits her family home after 3 years" was posted Thursday on Lee's YouTube channel "Hyeyoung-i-neun Mot-mallyeo," a lifestyle channel. Reuniting with her family in the US for the first time in three years, Lee said she had wanted to visit sooner but lacked the physical stamina to make the trip. "The fact that I can come now means I've gotten that much healthier," she said, acknowledging that she had been dealing with health issues. Lee added that living apart from her family in South Korea made their absence feel especially pronounced during holidays and family gatherings, or whenever she fell ill. The video also offered the first look inside her family's US home — a three-story house overlooking a wide garden and a golf course, with the family's tastes and daily life visible throughout. Lee said she had encouraged her mother to move into the house out of concern for her health, as her mother had battled stomach cancer. "I was worried she might not make it, so I wanted her living somewhere she could stay healthy," she said. She expressed satisfaction with her mother's choice, saying, "I told her to find a place quickly, and she really found a great one — she picked it like she plans to live another 100 years." Introducing her older brother, who appeared in the video, Lee said he graduated from Incheon's Jemulpo High School and was once known as a prodigy. "He was really handsome when he was young," she added. Lee's brother graduated from Yonsei University's medical school and served as a professor at Ohio State University before retiring. Lee spoke fondly of him, saying, "He was funny, smart and wonderful — ever since we were little." Meanwhile, Lee married singer Lee Sang-min in 2004 but divorced the following year. She remarried in 2011 to a financial businessman and started a family. In 2021, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer and undergone surgery, drawing wide public support.

Oct. 23, 2026

'I did not drink, use drugs or flee': Chanmina addresses Tokyo traffic accident

Chanmina (28), a Japanese rapper with a Korean mother, was involved in a traffic accident in Tokyo's Shibuya district after her vehicle struck an electric scooter and then a truck in quick succession. According to Japanese outlets Sports Hochi and FNN, Chanmina was driving near an intersection in Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, on Monday when her vehicle hit an electric scooter on the far left side of the road at around 2:40 p.m. She then passed through the intersection and, while attempting to stop, struck a truck parked about 50 meters ahead. According to investigators, neither the man riding the electric scooter nor the man in the truck was injured. Chanmina told investigators she had misjudged the vehicle's spacing. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the exact cause of the accident. A representative from her agency told Sports Hochi that the accident on Monday was confirmed and that details were still being verified. After news of the accident broke, Chanmina posted an apology on her X account, formerly Twitter. She said she was sorry for causing concern and added that she wanted to set the record straight amid what she described as widespread speculation. "I did not drive drunk, use drugs, flee the scene or engage in distracted driving such as looking at my phone — none of it," she said. Born to a Korean mother and a Japanese father, Chanmina grew up between Korea and Japan. She built a following in Japan as a rapper and singer-songwriter, and last year made her debut appearance on NHK's year-end music program Kohaku Uta Gassen. In July 2024, Chanmina announced her marriage to Korean rapper Ash Island alongside news of her pregnancy. She gave birth to their first daughter in November of that year, and last November shared footage of their wedding ceremony.

Oct. 23, 2026

Former SBS anchor Kim Su-min pays mom 10,000 won a week to help with childcare

Former anchor Kim Su-min drew attention after revealing she pays her mother 10,000 won ($75) a week to help care for her two children. On Thursday, Kim held a question-and-answer session with followers on her SNS account. One user asked about her recently announced return to work, inquiring whether her new job ran from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and how she was managing childcare for two kids alongside her schedule. Kim said her mother comes to her home every morning at 7 a.m. and also picks up the children from school, adding that she is deeply grateful for the help. Another user then shared their own dilemma, saying their entire salary was going toward a babysitter and asking how much Kim paid her mother for the same kind of help. Kim replied that while a daily rate of 10,000 won would be appropriate for watching two children, she was only paying that amount per week. She added that it was simply a token gesture, calling herself "quite an unfilial daughter" and saying, "Mom, I'm sorry." The remarks laid bare her guilt over not being able to properly repay her mother for looking after both children. Born in 1997, Kim made headlines in 2018 when she passed the SBS announcer entrance exam at 21 while still in university, becoming the youngest person ever to do so. She went on to appear on various programs, including "TV Animal Farm" and "Toktok Jeongbo Brunch," before leaving the broadcaster in June 2021 — just three years after joining — citing her studies. She later announced her marriage and the births of her children through SNS. Early last year, she was accepted into the UCLA School of Law on a full scholarship, completed her master's degree, and recently returned to South Korea to begin a new chapter in her career. During Thursday's Q&A, Kim said an opportunity from the head of a startup law firm had led her to work as a legal staffer at a cosmetics company, where she reviewed various contracts. "As of today, I've moved on to bigger waters," she said.

Oct. 23, 2026

Nam Yu-jeong says she avoids people who are 'over the top' — but who did she have in mind?

On SBS Power FM's 'Two O'Clock Escape Cultwo Show' Nam Yu-jeong, 35, a singer and former member of the girl group Brave Girls, drew attention after appearing on a radio program and saying she tends to avoid people whose words outpace their actions. The remark sparked speculation that she may have had her ex-boyfriend, actor Lee Gyu-han, in mind — news of his engagement to singer Solbi having recently come to light. Nam appeared on SBS Power FM's "Two O'Clock Escape Cultwo Show" on Thursday alongside B1A4's Shinwoo and TVXQ's Choikang Changmin for a listener relationship-advice segment called "Love's Go-Stop." The three guests joined DJ Kim Tae-gyun to weigh in on a listener's dilemma: she had dated a man who had pursued her for three years, but once she finally opened up to him, his affection seemed to cool. "He must have spent a lot of time and money on events," Nam said. "That was no ordinary effort." Shinwoo recalled a moment from the reality dating show "I Am Solo," saying one contestant had mentioned that being liked too intensely by someone actually made their own feelings fade. "I wonder if it's something like that," he said. Nam responded simply: "That's a little scary." Changmin mused, "Maybe he's in love with the feeling of being in love — and once the other person says they feel the same way, it loses its thrill." Kim Tae-gyun agreed, saying, "There are people like that." Nam chimed in, "Can that really happen? I just can't understand it." Kim then turned to Nam and asked what she looks for in a partner — specifically, whether she prefers someone who is openly enthusiastic about her. "No," Nam said flatly. "I generally try to avoid people who talk too big or whose actions are over the top." She added that someone who moves too fast can feel like a burden. "I start wondering, 'Is this really going to last?'" she said. Still, she acknowledged that three years, as in the listener's case, would have left her confused too. "There's a saying that women are like flowers," Nam said. "If you keep giving them attention and water and then suddenly stop, they wilt at some point. That's something you know best yourself." Kim Tae-gyun wrapped up the discussion with a line that drew applause from the cast: "Marriage is where you see a person's true self. Real love isn't doing what the other person likes — it's not doing what they dislike." He then quipped, "Honey, I love you," drawing laughter. Nam's remarks about her views on relationships drew particular attention because they came shortly after actor Lee Gyu-han, her former boyfriend, announced his engagement to singer Solbi. Nam and Lee had gone public with their relationship in 2023 but parted ways after about a year. Lee met Solbi while appearing together on the KBS 2TV program "Oraedoen Mannam Chugu," a reality dating show that ended its run in September last year. The two did not end up as a couple on the show but later developed a real-life romance. They are set to marry in April next year. Meanwhile, comments Lee made in a video published Thursday on Solbi's YouTube channel "Solbi Is Back" also became a topic of online discussion. In the video, titled "Introducing My Future Groom," Lee said he had watched every video on Solbi's channel after they appeared on the show together. When Solbi asked how he had felt watching a piece of content in which she said she would marry within three years, Lee replied, "I thought I might have to wait three years." Solbi reacted with surprise, asking whether he had already had feelings for her at that point. Lee playfully replied, "I was waiting for you even then — I've liked you for 20 years." Though the remark was likely the kind of lighthearted flattery that comes with being in love, some online commenters linked it to Nam and criticized it as careless.

Oct. 23, 2026

Han Go-eun leaves 'all assets to husband' in mock will

Actor Han Go-eun revealed her affection for her husband Shin Young-soo as the two wrote a mock will together. A video titled "Why Han Go-eun met with a lawyer and wrote a will with her husband" was posted Thursday on her YouTube channel "Go-eun Unni Han Go-eun." Han explained what had drawn her to the subject of wills, mentioning that she had been in poor health recently. "Having brushed up against the threshold of life, I found myself thinking a great deal," she said. "Both life and death feel so much weightier now than they did when I was young." She added that the experience had left her with many questions about how to live more fully, and invited attorney Jeong Jae-min, a former judge, to discuss the topic. Her husband Shin Young-soo joined them as well. The couple posed a range of questions to the attorney, covering everything from the division of marital assets to inheritance and the legal validity of wills. "I wrote that I'm leaving all my assets to my husband, so he can take good care of Haru and Sinbi," Han said. She then revealed the contents of her mock will: "I leave all the assets I have to my husband Shin Young-soo. Please take good care of Haru and Sinbi," referring to the couple's pet dogs. Shin's mock will listed imaginary assets including watches and a building, and closed with a personal note: "I love you. Let's meet again in the next life. I'm not sure we'll be able to, since I didn't save the country in this one, but … " Han married Shin Young-soo, a non-celebrity four years her junior, in 2015.

Oct. 23, 2026