Actor Jin Jae-young visits 3 emergency rooms in 2 days over sudden abdominal pain

Actor and entrepreneur Jin Jae-young shared an update after visiting three emergency rooms due to sudden abdominal pain. Jin posted photos on Instagram on Sunday showing Jin in a hospital gown receiving treatment, describing the ordeal as "my sudden Doctor X storyline." "After eating dinner as usual, I was hit with a squeezing pain in my stomach and my abdomen swelled up as if it were about to burst — an experience I never want to repeat, moving between three emergency rooms within two days," Jin wrote. "I'm fasting, not even a drop of water allowed, and on the fifth day I still don't know when I'll be going home." Jin said Jin had come to accept the situation with a sense of peace. "When I think about it, everything seems to happen when the timing is right, so I've reached a state of letting go and going with the flow," Jin wrote. "That's why sitting in front of the TV on the weekend, eating something delicious and laughing over nothing is the greatest happiness in the world." Jin added that Jin's husband had asked what Jin most wanted to eat, and when Jin said pizza, the husband promised to buy 100 pizzas once Jin was discharged. "At least I'm feeling a little better today, so I wanted to share the news," Jin wrote. Followers left words of encouragement in the comments, writing "Wishing you a speedy recovery," "Get well soon," and "Please don't be sick." Jin made a debut in a commercial in 1995 and became widely known through the MBC drama series "First Love of a Royal Prince" and the SBS drama series "Sweet My Seoul," among others. Jin married in 2010.

Nov. 1, 2026

Actor Shin Hyun-joon mourns Choi Bool-am: 'A grown-up we all wanted to be like'

Actor Shin Hyun-joon has paid tribute to the late Choi Bool-am. Shin took to Instagram on Saturday to remember Choi, writing, "Teacher was a grown-up we all wanted to be like." "Whenever something bad happened to the country, teacher would always say: 'I am truly sorry, as an adult. I am truly sorry to the young people, to the next generation,'" Shin wrote. "Those words carried a deep love for the next generation and the sincere wish of an elder who wanted to pass on a better world." Shin added, "Teacher was someone who looked inward at his own responsibilities before blaming others, and who tried to understand the pain of those who were hurting. I love you. Thank you. Teacher." Choi, widely regarded as the archetypal Korean father figure, died Thursday at the age of 87. Mourners from the arts, culture and political worlds have been filing through the funeral hall since the first day of the service. The government posthumously awarded Choi the Gold Crown Order of Cultural Merit, the top grade of the decoration. Choi had previously received the Silver Crown Order of Cultural Merit at the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards ceremony in November 2014. The Order of Cultural Merit is awarded to those who have made distinguished contributions to the development of culture and the arts and to the public's enjoyment of cultural life. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Choi made his debut in the play "Hamlet" in 1959 and "remained a constant presence by the side of the Korean public for 67 years, moving across theater, drama series, film and educational programming." The ministry cited his roles as Detective Park Young-han in "Susa Banjang" — considered the originator of the Korean investigative drama — for 18 years, and as Chairman Kim of Yangchon-ri in "Jeonwon Ilgi," the longest-running domestic drama series, for 22 years, saying Choi helped lead the growth of Korean television drama. The ministry also said Choi "was loved across generations as a national actor for portraying a down-to-earth, deeply human image of the Korean father," and that from 2011 Choi hosted "Hangukinui Bapsang," a long-running food and culture program, for 14 years, bringing stories of food and everyday life from across the country to viewers.

Oct. 31, 2026

BTS' j-hope hits 100 million YouTube views with 'MONA LISA'

Music video surpasses 100 million YouTube views Fourth solo milestone for j-hope The music video for "MONA LISA" by BTS member j-hope has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, agency Big Hit Music said Saturday. The video crossed the 100 million mark at around 5:50 a.m. that day, according to Big Hit Music and Yonhap. "MONA LISA" is the fourth solo music video by j-hope to reach the milestone, following "Daydream," "Chicken Noodle Soup" and "Killin' It Girl." The hip-hop R&B track captures, in a lighthearted way, the feeling of being captivated by an irresistible person.

Oct. 31, 2026

Cha In-pyo shares memory of late Choi Bool-am from 'You and I'

Actor Cha In-pyo has shared a personal memory of the late Choi Bool-am, with whom Cha played a father-and-son pair in the MBC drama series "You and I." Cha wrote on Instagram on Friday that Choi had approached him after the show became a hit in 1998. "Teacher Choi Bool-am and I met as father and son in the MBC weekend drama series 'You and I' in 1998," Cha wrote. "When the drama became a hit, it seems he was invited to all sorts of events at year's end." Cha recalled that Choi once asked to meet and then made an unusual request. "One day, Teacher asked to see me and asked if I would accompany him to some event he had to attend," Cha wrote. "When I hesitated without answering, he said: 'In-pyo, if you come with me this time, I'll go with you next time.'" "That was how Teacher was," Cha wrote. "Even the most junior colleague, he treated as an equal — a person of the same dignity. On the day Teacher Choi left for heaven, that memory suddenly came to mind." Cha added: "Through his role as a father on screen, so many people found comfort and courage. Thank you for playing the father for so long. Please rest in peace now, in a place free of pain." Choi Bool-am, who had long embodied the image of a Korean father figure, died Thursday night at 87. Mourners from the arts, culture and political worlds began filing into the funeral home from the first day of the memorial. Cha also visited the funeral home to pay respects. "Teacher Choi, as I knew him on set, was a remarkable person who treated even the most junior colleagues as equals — as full human beings," Cha said. "I pray he rests in peace in heaven, free from all suffering and pain." The funeral procession will depart Monday at 7:40 a.m., followed by a requiem Mass celebrated by Cardinal Yeom Soo-jung at Yeouido Cathedral in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul at 9 a.m. The procession will then move to ChildFund Korea at 10:40 a.m. Choi will be laid to rest at Donghwa Gyeongmo Park.

Oct. 31, 2026

Do Kyung-wan, amid 'poverty cosplay' controversy, blames himself for being dropped from TV show

Former KBS announcer and broadcaster Do Kyung-wan, already under fire for what critics have called "poverty cosplay" on a variety show, is drawing fresh attention after publicly blaming himself for being dropped from another program. On Thursday's episode of KBS 2TV's long-running variety show "Pyeonstorang" (Convenience Store Restaurant), broadcast as part of the program's seventh-anniversary special, Do said he had been "removed from my one and only remaining regular show." The program Do was referring to was KBS Joy's "Chart-Riding Man." Last month, Do was replaced as co-host by fellow former KBS announcer Jo Chung-hyeon. In footage from the episode, Do appeared visibly downcast before beginning to cook. After co-host Jang Yun-jeong asked whether the show had undergone a major overhaul, Do replied, "Only I was changed. Lee Sang-min is staying on." Do then turned self-critical, saying, "I guess I just wasn't good enough." Jang tried to console Do, telling him, "Why are you setting such a gloomy mood? You've already been cut." Jang added, "Getting cut from a regular show and doing 'Pyeonstorang' is way better. At least here you get to eat well." Do could not shake the lingering frustration, saying, "They could have just let me do both." Jang made another attempt at comfort: "I'm trying to console you here. Don't hold on to regrets." Do also shared his daughter's reaction, saying she told him, "Dad, you're going to record 'Pyeonstorang' again? What if you get cut from that one too?" Jang reassured Do, saying, "It's fine — don't let it get you down." Do then recorded a video message addressed to the head of KBS's entertainment division. "This is Do Kyung-wan. Thank you for taking me back after I handed in my resignation," Do said. "I'll give everything I have so that 'Pyeonstorang' does well and we can one day go on a reward trip to Guam." Jang promised to send Do on the trip if ratings improved. MC Boom then revealed that the division head had responded to the video message. Boom read the reply aloud: "It's truly wonderful to see you again on 'Pyeonstorang.' If ratings go up thanks to Do Kyung-wan's efforts, I will personally send you on that reward trip. If not — you will be removed." Meanwhile, on the Oct. 22 episode of "Pyeonstorang," Do lamented a stock market crash and revealed a bank balance of 250,000 won ($187). Do also described frugal habits at home, including having children flush the toilet only after water had accumulated and removing batteries from remote controls to save electricity. Viewers were not impressed. Many pointed out that Do's family lives in a luxury penthouse valued at around 12 billion won and that Do has showcased a collection of high-end watches on a YouTube channel — a lifestyle seen as far removed from the financial hardship suggested on air. The backlash prompted a viewer to file a complaint with the Korea Communications Standards Commission, requesting a review of Do's appearance on the program. The complainant said a formal review request had been submitted asking whether the broadcast violated Article 14 (objectivity) of the broadcasting review regulations and Article 44, Paragraph 1 (public broadcaster's public responsibility) of the Broadcasting Act. "KBS is a broadcaster funded primarily by license fees paid by the public," the complainant argued. "The core issue of the 'poverty cosplay' controversy is not whether the individual personally practices frugality, but whether the broadcast's presentation and editing led viewers to believe the person was genuinely in financial difficulty."

Oct. 30, 2026

Nine years on: Tributes pour in for late actor Kim Ju-hyuk

The entertainment industry is marking the ninth anniversary of actor Kim Ju-hyuk's death Friday, with tributes flowing in for the late star. The sudden loss in a traffic accident left a grief that has not faded with the years. Kim Dong-sik, CEO of Namoo Actors — the agency Kim Ju-hyuk was with during his lifetime — shared photos from a visit to the grave Thursday. "I may have grown more numb to it, but whenever this time of year comes around, I miss him so much," Kim wrote. "I don't think about Ju-hyuk every single day, but on the drive down to Seosan, we always end up talking about him the whole way without realizing how much time has passed," Kim added, saying memories of the late actor still come flooding back. Kim also expressed gratitude to fans, writing: "When we arrived at the grave, a fan who cherished Ju-hyuk was there mourning his ninth anniversary with these beautiful flowers." In the photos Kim shared, a single cigarette — a nod to the late actor's habit in life — rested beside the grave, which was surrounded by yellow autumn chrysanthemums. "It may be a pointless thought, but if he were alive, he'd be in his mid-50s. What kind of actor would Kim Ju-hyuk be at that age?" Kim wrote, reflecting on what might have been. Actor Bong Tae-gyu also paid tribute Friday, posting on social media a still from "When Romance Meets Destiny" (2005), a film in which the two had starred together. Kim Ju-hyuk died Oct. 30, 2017, after a vehicle rollover accident near Samseong-dong in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Rushed to hospital immediately after the crash, Kim never recovered and died at 45. An autopsy later determined the cause of death to be severe head trauma, though the exact cause of the accident was never established, deepening the grief of those who mourned Kim. Kim made his debut in 1998 as an eighth-round recruit through SBS's open talent audition and went on to appear in a wide range of projects, showcasing a distinctive screen presence. Drama series credits include "Lovers in Prague," "Guam Heo Jun" and "Argon," while film credits include "Singles," "When Romance Meets Destiny," "My Wife Got Married," "The Servant," "Joint Security Area" and "Believer." From 2013 to 2015, Kim also won broad public affection through the KBS 2TV variety program "2 Days & 1 Night," where an easygoing and approachable charm endeared Kim to audiences beyond his acting work.

Oct. 30, 2026

Singer Roy Kim falls from stage, wears cast: 'First time falling in 14 years'

Singer Roy Kim has revealed he was injured in an accident during a performance. Roy Kim said Thursday on Instagram that he fell from the stage while performing — "the first time in 14 years." "Maybe it happened because I was so overwhelmed with gratitude for the sold-out shows filled with love," Roy Kim wrote. Photos posted alongside the message showed Roy Kim wearing a cast on the right knee. With a concert scheduled next month, Roy Kim added, "Fortunately, they say it will heal well before the concert, so don't worry at all." In the comments section, Roy Kim expressed relief, writing, "I'm truly so grateful my bones didn't break — they say I'm a real Superman." Roy Kim also posted on Instagram Stories: "I am a marine" and "I am also Superman." Fans responded with messages including "Please don't get hurt," "This feels like when my puppy got hurt," and "My statue got injured." Roy Kim won Mnet's talent show "Superstar K Season 4" and has since built a strong following for good looks and vocal ability. Roy Kim has released a string of well-known hits, including "When We Break Up Then," "Let's Stop, Woori" and "Spring Spring Spring."

Oct. 30, 2026

Akdong Musician's Lee Su-hyun on 30 kg weight loss: 'Bone-skinny' is not a compliment to me

Lee Su-hyun of the sibling duo Akdong Musician has opened up about feelings on the weight-loss journey. A video titled "Asking Akdong Musician's Suhyun if moles are her thing too" was uploaded Thursday to the YouTube channel Charlesentertainment. In the video, when asked whether she was still dieting, Lee said, "I'm still trying to, but it isn't easy. I'm tired of watching what I eat and exercising." Lee then said losing weight was not the point in itself. "What I needed was to build willpower and go through the process of taking care of myself. The result of that was losing 30 kilograms," Lee said, adding that speculation Lee had used the weight-loss drug Wegovy felt deeply unfair. "It was a reward for all the time I had spent working and refining myself, and then people were talking as if I had used Wegovy." Lee went on to say that denying Wegovy use only created another problem. "If I say I didn't use Wegovy, people say, 'So are you saying people who did use it had it easy?' That's not what I mean at all," Lee added. Lee said the term "bone-skinny," a Korean slang expression for an extremely thin physique, is strongly disliked. "It is absolutely not the look I'm going for. I don't want to be that," Lee said. "It's not that I think people who do pursue that look aren't pretty — it's just that for me, looking healthy means being somewhere in the mid-50-kilogram range." Lee then said that after losing 30 kilograms, the word kept appearing as a keyword attached to social media posts and news articles. "To me, that is not a compliment, and it was never something I wanted to become in the first place. I do strength training specifically so I don't end up looking that way," Lee said.

Oct. 30, 2026

IVE drops surprise remix of 'Looks Can Kill' featuring Tiger JK

Girl group IVE has dropped a surprise remix of its new single "Looks Can Kill." According to the group's agency, Starship Entertainment, IVE released "Looks Can Kill (Alawn Remix (Feat. Tiger JK))" across major online music platforms Friday. The remix features Tiger JK, one of the most prominent figures in the Korean hip-hop scene. "Looks Can Kill" carries the message that anyone can be the protagonist and hero of their own life. The electronic dance pop track blends heavy bass, dynamic drums and a rich electronic soundscape. "Looks Can Kill (Alawn Remix (Feat. Tiger JK))" became available on major streaming platforms at 1 p.m. Friday.

Oct. 30, 2026

Noel's Kang Kyun-sung weds actor Yoo Ha-jin, 14 years his junior

Kang Kyun-sung (45), a member of the group Noel, is tying the knot with actor Yoo Ha-jin (31) on Friday. The couple will hold their wedding ceremony at 7 p.m. at a venue in Gangnam, Seoul, with only immediate family members, relatives and close acquaintances in attendance. Fellow Noel members will perform the group's signature song "Cheonghon" ("Proposal") as the wedding song. The wedding invitation, shared ahead of the ceremony, read: "Two people have met in God's love and now form one family together. We sincerely hope you will join us on this joyful occasion and bless us." The couple also asked guests to refrain from sending congratulatory flower arrangements, expressing their "deep gratitude for the warm thoughts." Kang first broke the news to fans in August, posting a handwritten letter on Instagram on Aug. 3. "I have met a precious person I want to walk through life with, and we will be getting married on Oct. 30," Kang wrote. "My heart is fluttering a little as I share this news, but I wanted to tell you directly before anyone else." Agency S27M Entertainment followed up the next day, saying Kang "made the decision to marry with deep conviction and love for the bride-to-be, and will continue activities as both the head of a household and an artist." The couple's connection goes back nine years. They felt a mutual attraction and met a few times, but did not pursue a relationship because of the age gap. Kang revealed on a variety program that Kang was 37 at the time and Yoo was 23. "We had a few meals together, but I started to feel like it wasn't right, so I stopped reaching out," Kang said. The two reconnected this year through a mutual acquaintance and began dating in February, eventually deciding to marry. Kang also appeared on MBN's variety show "Jeonhyeonmu Plan 4," where Kang shared the story of how their paths crossed again. Kang has publicly spoken about a personal commitment to abstinence before marriage. On MBC's "Radio Star," which aired Oct. 14, Kang said the couple had honored that commitment. "Having met the person I want to marry, I wanted to keep my conviction this time more than ever," Kang said. Kang debuted with Noel in 2002 and found success with songs including "Butjapgodo," "Apado Apado," "Jeonbu Neoyeotda," "Cheonghon" and "Geuriwo Geuriwo." Kang currently runs a YouTube channel called "Kang Kyun-sung SOOM." Yoo Ha-jin, whose legal name is Lee Yu-jin, made an acting debut in the 2019 MBC drama series "One Spring Night" and has since appeared in the drama series "Welcome" and "Eoreojugeul Yeonaettawi," as well as the stage play "Imdae Apartment."

Oct. 30, 2026

Hugh Jackman says he 'will miss him for the rest of my life' as Patrick Stewart, Professor X of 'X-Men,' dies after battle with dementia

Patrick Stewart, the British actor beloved as Professor X in the "X-Men" film series and Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek," has died at 86. Stewart died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles, according to NBC and The Hollywood Reporter, which reported the news Thursday (local time). Spokesperson Kelly Bush Novak said in a statement that "Sir Patrick Stewart passed away at home following a brief and heartbreaking journey with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, in the loving care of his wife." In a statement posted on social media, the family said Stewart "was surrounded by the warmth of family and friends" and that they "will forever hold the expression of peace and contemplation on his face." Tributes poured in from colleagues. Hugh Jackman, who played Wolverine in the "X-Men" series, wrote on Instagram that Stewart was "one of the greatest actors of stage and screen" and that he "will miss him for the rest of my life." William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk in the original "Star Trek" series, called Stewart "a friend, a colleague and a magnificent actor" and extended condolences to Sunny and the family. Jonathan Frakes, who played first officer Riker opposite Stewart's Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," wrote simply, "Rest easy, my friend." Marvel Studios also paid tribute on its official social media accounts, saying it was "deeply saddened by the passing of legendary British actor Sir Patrick Stewart, who brought the character of Professor Charles Xavier to life." Stewart first appeared as Professor X — a telepathic mutant leader — in "X-Men" (2000) and reprised the role across multiple installments in the series. Stewart reunited with Jackman in "Logan" in 2017 and joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as an alternate-universe Professor X in "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" in 2022. "Avengers: Doomsday," set to open in December, will be Stewart's final film. Born in Yorkshire, England, in 1940, Stewart built a reputation as a classical stage actor through a long career with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Stewart rose to global fame as Captain Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," which aired from 1987 to 1994. Stage work earned Stewart three Olivier Awards, the most prestigious theater honor in Britain. Stewart was also an advocate for human rights, supporting organizations that assist victims of domestic violence. Stewart married American singer-songwriter Sunny Ozell in 2013 and is survived by a son, Daniel, and a daughter, Sophia, from a previous marriage.

Oct. 30, 2026

Im Hyung-joo mourns late actor Choi Bool-am: 'I didn't know that visit would be our last goodbye'

Pop-opera tenor Im Hyung-joo has paid tribute to actor Choi Bool-am, the beloved performer known as "the nation's father." On Friday, Im posted on Instagram, addressing Choi as "my respected and beloved Uncle Bool-am," and wrote: "I can't believe it. Tears just keep falling." Im added: "I had no idea that the greeting we exchanged during a hospital visit a few months ago would be our last farewell." Im had long been close to Choi and actor Kim Min-ja as a couple, referring to Choi as "uncle" and Kim as "aunt." "You always cherished my singing and came to my solo recitals with Aunt Min-ja," Im wrote. "You always encouraged me with kind words, and I am deeply grateful." Im went on to say: "Thank you for being a warm father to so many people across the country. Please rest in peace beside the Lord now, and show us your wonderful performance from heaven. I love you, Uncle." Choi died Thursday night at a hospital in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, while receiving inpatient treatment. Choi was 87. After undergoing surgery for a herniated disc in March last year, Choi had difficulty moving and stepped down from KBS 1TV's "Hansik Expedition," a program Choi had hosted for 14 years. Choi had since focused on rehabilitation, but sources said the condition had worsened. A memorial altar has been set up at the funeral hall of Asan Medical Center, with public condolences accepted from 10 a.m. Friday. The funeral will be held under the auspices of ChildFund Korea. ChildFund Korea Chairman Hwang Young-gi will serve as head of the funeral committee, with former prime ministers Lee Soo-sung and Lee Nak-yon among the committee members. Choi is survived by a spouse, actor Kim Min-ja, and two children. Born Choi Young-han, the actor made a debut on the theatrical stage and spent 67 years in the profession. Choi was beloved for decades as Detective Chief Park Young-han in MBC's "Susa Banjang" (Chief of Investigations) and as village head Kim of Yangchon-ri in "Jeonwon Ilgi" (Country Diary), earning the title "the nation's father." Choi also served as honorary patron of ChildFund Korea and was active in child welfare causes.

Oct. 30, 2026

'Running Man' kissing game cleared of sexual harassment complaint

A kissing game segment on SBS variety show "Running Man" has escaped sanctions after a broadcast standards review, despite a sexual harassment complaint filed against it. According to minutes from the 26th meeting of the Korea Communications Standards Commission's broadcast review subcommittee, the panel voted Oct. 13 that the episode of "Running Man" that aired Nov. 23 last year raised no issues. The meeting minutes were made public Wednesday. Subcommittee Chair Kim Min-jeong and members Kim Woo-seok, Kim Il-gon and Jo Seung-ho all voted that there was no problem, while member Hong Mi-ae called for an administrative guidance measure known as a "statement of opinion." Four of the five members found no sanctions were necessary. The segment under review was a game called "A Kiss for No Reason," featured in an episode with actors Ahn Eun-jin and Kim Mu-jun. In the game, a blindfolded cast member tries to identify who kissed them. The controversy arose during the process of narrowing down the answer. Yang Se-chan was the cast member receiving the kiss, and Ahn kissed the other participant. Cast members then proceeded to re-enact kisses to help identify the person, and even after Ahn kissed Yang's wrist, demands were made for additional kisses. During the broadcast, Ahn said, "There was no real agreement that I actually had to do this," visibly flustered. The scene played out amid cast banter and on-set laughter, but viewer reactions were divided. After the episode aired, criticism emerged that a game requiring physical contact from a woman cast member was inappropriate, and a sexual harassment complaint was raised. The commission also received a viewer complaint alleging that a scene appeared to coerce a cast member into kissing during family viewing hours. Subcommittee Chair Kim Min-jeong determined, however, that the cast members had voluntarily participated with full knowledge of the game's content and format, and that it was difficult to view the segment as forcing physical contact against anyone's will. "I thought it was difficult to regard this as sexual language or sexual physical contact," Kim said. "Even if an expression can be received as somewhat uncomfortable, that does not necessarily mean it falls under expressions prohibited by broadcasting review regulations," Kim added. Member Hong Mi-ae took a different view, focusing on the cast member's visible reaction and the production team's decision to use it for comedic effect. "I think this was a broadcast that was bound to generate a sexual harassment controversy," Hong said, taking issue with the fact that a woman cast member's apparent embarrassment and hesitation were used as a source of laughs. Hong also weighed the genre characteristics of a variety show and scenes in which the cast member's reluctance was respected. Concluding that the matter did not rise to the level of a formal legal sanction, Hong said administrative guidance would be more appropriate. Hong's recommendation was for a "statement of opinion," the form of administrative guidance available to the panel. In the final tally, Kim Min-jeong, Kim Woo-seok, Kim Il-gon and Jo Seung-ho voted that there was no problem, while Hong Mi-ae called for a statement of opinion. Following the majority view, the broadcast concluded its review without any separate sanctions.

Oct. 29, 2026

Comedian Shin Gi-ru confesses guilt over 500,000-won omakase meal 3 days before mother's death

Comedian Shin Gi-ru has opened up about the guilt she had long kept buried after losing her mother. In a video posted Wednesday to the YouTube channel Mwodeunhagiru, Shin sat down with fellow comedian Seong Hyeon-ju for a mukbang featuring grilled beef intestines. During the video, Shin spoke about how she felt at the time of her mother's death. "This is something I haven't been able to say anywhere, but recently I was looking through photos and found one of myself at a high-end omakase restaurant — a meal that came to around 500,000 won ($374) — taken just three days before my mother passed away," Shin said. "Looking at that photo of myself posing with the food, I saw myself for what I was — still doing that kind of thing just three days before she died," Shin added. "I feel so guilty about drinking after work like that," Shin confessed. Shin said she deliberately avoids looking at photos of her mother in order to keep her emotions in check. "It's not like sitting by her side like a devoted daughter would have solved anything," Shin said. "Hospital rules also meant I couldn't stay by her side the whole time." "I'm keeping all my emotions suppressed right now," Shin went on to say. "I don't go anywhere to cry. Even at home, I stop myself from looking at my mother's photos. I feel like if the emotions I've been holding back burst out, I won't be able to handle it." Shin lost her mother in March.

Oct. 29, 2026

Singer Yuk Joong-wan was offered a building for W850m — it's now worth 5 times that

Yuk recounts missing out on real estate deal on MBC's 'Radio Star' Property in Mangwon-dong now valued at 4 billion won as Mangnidan-gil boomed Singer Yuk Joong-wan of the band Yuk Joong-wan Band has revealed that a building in Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul — where Yuk once lived in a rooftop room — was offered at a price that has since risen fivefold. Yuk appeared on MBC's entertainment program "Radio Star," which aired Wednesday, to share updates on life. The Busan-born singer spent years as an unknown artist before gaining public recognition through MBC's "I Live Alone," where Yuk documented daily life in a rooftop room in Mangwon-dong. Yuk said that in 2016, while preparing to move ahead of marriage, the building's owner approached with an offer to buy the property. "I got along so well with the Mangwon-dong residents that we even shared banchan — they treated me like family," Yuk said on the program. "When they heard I was getting married, they said, 'You don't have a place, do you?' and introduced me to a prime listing, telling me not to move away but to buy." One day, Yuk said, the elderly owner of the rooftop building came to visit and said: "This is a bargain. I won't sell it to anyone else — I'll let it go to you for 850 million won ($636,000)." "I told the owner I had 300 million won in cash, and the owner even walked me through how to take out a loan," Yuk said. "But I didn't know much about investing and got scared, so I turned it down." Yuk added that the owner came back two or three more times after that. "That building is now worth 4 billion won on the market — five times what it was," Yuk said, expressing regret. "It wasn't just that building," Yuk said. "The owner of a pawnshop and a hair salon owner also came to me and said I should buy — back then, a plot of land around 165 square meters was going for about 600 million won." The area where Yuk lived at the time is now understood to be at the entrance of Mangnidan-gil, a neighborhood that has since become a popular commercial district.

Oct. 29, 2026

Heyjini's slippers cost more than a month of her staff's salary, critics say amid labor exploitation allegations

Children's content creator Heyjini — real name Kang Hye-jin, CEO of Kidsworks — is facing fresh criticism after old videos showing extravagant luxury purchases resurfaced amid allegations of low-wage labor exploitation at the company. A 2022 YouTube video titled "Hermès open run without my husband knowing," which Heyjini posted to her channel, has been recirculating online in recent days. In the video, Heyjini shops at a luxury mall during a trip to Guam, buying two pairs of high-end sandals priced at around 920,000 won ($688) and around 1.05 million won each. In another video, Kang is seen purchasing a buttocks-shaped designer vase by Anissa Kermiche priced at around 590,000 won, a towel set in the 100,000 won range and a baby cushion worth around 120,000 won. At the time the videos were posted, the spending drew little criticism given Heyjini's status as a high-earning creator. But the context has shifted following allegations that she paid employees an annual salary of 20 million won ($15,000) — prompting observers to note that she spent more on a single pair of slippers than her staff earned in a month, even as she is accused of overworking them at near-minimum-wage pay. The controversy began Tuesday, when a person identified only as A, a friend of Heyjini who had worked at Kidsworks, posted claims in an online community alleging a 20 million won annual salary while working up to 16 hours a day. A said the job required working on weekends and public holidays, and that the workload led to diagnoses of panic disorder and depression. A also alleged that the company obstructed an application for industrial accident compensation. Kidsworks issued an official statement denying that it had blocked the industrial accident claim. "When the employee joined nine years ago, the salary was set without any issues with the pay structure, and it was subsequently raised by 25 percent," the company said. "A separate bonus was also paid during the leave period." The controversy has not died down after a second former employee, identified as B, came forward with additional allegations — saying that compensatory days off for weekend and holiday work were not properly guaranteed, and that unpaid overtime was routine under an all-inclusive wage arrangement. B also alleged that staff were made to feel uncomfortable when taking taxis home after late shifts, and that employees who expressed a desire to resign were subjected to pressure. Heyjini was born in 1989 and graduated from Dongduk Women's University's broadcasting and entertainment program. Kang pioneered the children's creator space in 2014 and has since built a large following.

Oct. 29, 2026

NewJeans' Danielle surprises fans with original song 'Stay' on Bunnies' 4th anniversary

Danielle, the former NewJeans member currently engaged in a legal dispute with Ador, surprised fans with an original song on the birthday of the fandom "Bunnies." As the first music released since her contract termination, the track has sparked speculation that it may mark the beginning of her solo career. At midnight Thursday, Danielle posted a 1-minute-34-second video of herself performing the original song "Stay" on her YouTube channel "Danielle Marsh." Written and composed by Danielle, "Stay" is a folk-pop track layered with her dreamy vocals over an acoustic guitar arrangement. The lyrics, written entirely in English, weave together themes of hurt, isolation, inner conflict and longing for time that cannot be reclaimed. Several lines reveal Danielle's state of mind: "I'm only now wanting things I didn't know I needed more," "When no one reaches out, I try to wash away the pain — I say things I don't mean just to fill the silence," "Whatever you say, no matter how hard we try to start over, it can never be the same as before," and "Believing I could turn back everything for you, I fight so desperately." Oct. 29 is the day NewJeans first announced the official fandom name "Bunnies" in 2022, and fans have since marked the date each year as "Bunnies Day." Among all the videos on Danielle's YouTube channel, this is the first in which Danielle sings, fueling further speculation that she may be launching independent activities. Meanwhile, Danielle was the only one among the five original NewJeans members to receive a contract termination notice from Ador in December last year. The NewJeans members had declared the termination of their exclusive contracts with Ador in November 2024, following the dismissal of former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin and other developments, but a court ruled in October last year that the contracts remained valid, after which the members one by one expressed their intention to return to Ador. After notifying Danielle of the contract termination, Ador filed a lawsuit against Danielle and former CEO Min, among others, seeking penalty fees and damages over her departure from NewJeans and delays in returning to the agency. The suit is valued at 33 billion won ($24.7 million), and the legal dispute is ongoing.

Oct. 29, 2026

Hey Jini labor exploitation controversy spills over onto broadcaster Lee Ji-hye

Netizens flood Lee's YouTube channel with criticism over Hey Jini's appearance in a home tour video, calling the luxury house a product of worker exploitation As popular kids' content creator Hey Jini (real name Kang Hye-jin), who has about 4.13 million subscribers, faces allegations of labor exploitation, the controversy has begun to touch broadcaster and former girl group member Lee Ji-hye as well. Netizens have been flooding the comments section of a video featuring Hey Jini on Lee's YouTube channel, "Mipjianheun Gwanjong Eonni," with criticism such as "Must be nice living in a fancy place built on exploited labor," industry sources said Thursday. The video was released last month under the title "Hey Jini, a 5-million-subscriber YouTuber! Full tour of a 185-square-meter luxury home." It showed Lee and Moon visiting Kang and Kang's husband at their home, where the two couples talked about parenting and career concerns. When the video first went up, fans responded warmly — "I can't believe Hey Jini is on Gwanjong Eonni!" and "I love seeing my two favorites in the same frame" — but the mood shifted sharply after a former employee of Hey Jini's agency, Kidsworks, came forward with accounts of what amounted to labor exploitation and deeply poor working conditions. The comments section has since been flooded with criticism: "You made employees work 16 hours a day for an annual salary of just 20 million won ($15,000) and saved up to buy a nice house — impressive," "Must be nice living somewhere fancy off the back of exploited workers," and "Look at the house bought with money earned through labor exploitation." Comments on the video have since been temporarily disabled. The controversy erupted after a post by a person identified only as A, a friend of Hey Jini who also worked as an employee, went viral online. A claimed to have worked up to 16 hours a day for an annual salary of 20 million won, including on weekends and holidays, and said the workload led to diagnoses of panic disorder and depression. A also alleged that the agency obstructed an application for industrial accident compensation. Kidsworks issued an official statement denying the allegation that it had blocked the industrial accident claim. "We paid a salary with no issues in the wage structure at the time of hiring nine years ago, and subsequently raised the annual salary by 25 percent," the agency said. "A separate bonus was also paid during the leave of absence." The controversy has not died down, however, after a second former employee, identified as B, came forward with additional claims — that compensatory days off for weekend and holiday work were not properly guaranteed, that unpaid overtime was routine under an all-inclusive wage arrangement, and that employees who used taxis after late-night shifts were made to feel guilty about it. B also alleged that staff who expressed an intention to resign were subjected to pressure and anxiety. Hey Jini was born in 1989 and graduated from Dongduk Women's University's department of broadcasting and entertainment, pioneering the kids' content creator space in 2014 and building a large following since.

Oct. 29, 2026

Kim Jaejoong's agency takes legal action over stalled refunds 3 weeks after China fan meeting cancellation

More than three weeks after singer Kim Jaejoong's fan meeting in China was canceled, ticket refunds have yet to be issued — prompting the agency to take legal action against the local organizer. On Wednesday, Kim's agency Encode posted a notice on its official X (formerly Twitter) account titled "Additional update regarding the 2026 Kim Jaejoong Fan Meeting in Chengdu," saying it "sincerely apologizes for the situation in which ticket refunds and compensation for damages have not been smoothly carried out following the cancellation of the event." The agency said it "takes seriously the anxiety and frustration that fans, who gave their precious time and money to attend the event out of their affection for the artist, must be feeling as they have yet to receive refunds or compensation." Encode said it "recognizes the seriousness of the organizer's delay and failure to issue refunds," adding that it "is pursuing legal action on the matter in order to minimize harm to fans and protect the artist's rights." The agency did not disclose the specific nature of the legal action or its current status. Encode asked for "understanding that it is difficult to share detailed updates given that legal proceedings are underway," while making clear that "this should not be a reason to delay or neglect our responsible response to the harm fans are experiencing." Kim had been scheduled to hold the "2026 Kim Jaejoong Fan Meeting in Chengdu" in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, on Oct. 3, but the event fell through. Two days later, on Oct. 5, the agency belatedly announced the cancellation, saying it "sincerely apologizes for the event not proceeding as planned." At the time, the agency said it was in discussions with the organizer over a refund plan but declined to explain the reason for the cancellation, saying it was "difficult to explain in detail." Encode said it "will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary action so that this matter can be resolved smoothly," and again offered a "sincere apology to fans who have long waited for refunds and compensation and must have felt frustrated and disappointed." Kim debuted in 2004 as a member of the group TVXQ and has since been active as a solo singer and actor, including a stint with JYJ. Starting this month, Kim and Kim Junsu are touring six cities — Incheon, Kobe, Macau, Osaka, Taipei and Yokohama — as part of the "JX 2026 Tour Concert."

Oct. 29, 2026

Baekga of Koyote says packed event schedule is taking a toll: 'I'm grateful, but I want to do a little less'

Baekga, a member of the group Koyote, has spoken out about the toll of a packed event schedule. Baekga and Shim Jin-hwa appeared as guests on KBS Cool FM's "Park Myung-soo's Radio Show," which aired Thursday. During the broadcast, Shim Jin-hwa shared a listener's comment that read, "Koyote came to the Osan festival not long ago and it was absolutely wild — Baekga has such long arms and legs that even when dancing casually, the look is unbeatable." Host Park Myung-soo agreed, saying, "Baekga just has to walk out, drop a few rap lines and shake a little, and it looks cool," before asking, "You've been getting a lot of event bookings lately — must feel good, right?" In response, Baekga said, "I'm grateful, but I want to do a little less. Keeping this up is genuinely tough," and went on to say, "You need to rest your energy before you can do the next thing. I literally do this every day — it's no way to live." Park Myung-soo drew laughs by offering, "Give me whatever Baekga can't handle — I'll just play a Koyote song," and added, "Take it easy, Baekga." Baekga got another laugh with the reply, "If Shin Ji says we're doing it, we're doing it." Meanwhile, Koyote continues to promote as a three-member group consisting of Shin Ji, Kim Jong-min and Baekga.

Oct. 29, 2026