NCT's Ten denies dating rumors at US showcase: 'I'm super duper single'

NCT member Ten directly denied online dating rumors during a stop on a US solo tour. On Wednesday (local time), Ten addressed the speculation at a performance of the "TEN US Showcase Tour" at White Oak Music Hall in Houston, Texas. "I know there's been some weird stuff going around on the internet lately. I want to make it clear in front of you all today," Ten said. "I am super duper single. I am not dating anyone right now." Ten said the rumors had been passed along by staff members. "If I were dating someone, they'd have to be Superman," Ten added. "You know how busy my schedule is. I'm still just working." Rumors had recently spread on social media claiming Ten was in a relationship with a non-celebrity woman. Rather than issuing an official statement through the agency, Ten chose to address the speculation directly in front of fans. The tour marks Ten's first solo performances in the United States in a 10-year career. It kicked off in Seattle on Oct. 17 and travels through Portland, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Houston, Dallas, Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore and Boston before wrapping up in New York on Nov. 10. At the opening show in Seattle, Ten also unveiled an unreleased track, "Can I Be Honest." Ten, who is from Thailand, debuted with NCT in April 2016 and has been active in NCT U and WayV. In April, Ten parted ways with SM Entertainment and established a one-person management company, Illument. At the time, SM said it would "work to coordinate Ten's continued participation in WayV and NCT group activities." In September, Ten released "OUTWEST," the first single since going independent.

Oct. 29, 2026

'I'm Solo' Season 31's Oksooon lashes out at troll's apology, says harassment cost her job

Netizen apologized only after being contacted by police 'Sorry for hurting you … I'm not a troll' Oksooon, a cast member of Season 31 of the ENA and SBS Plus dating reality show "I'm Solo," has shared a painful message she received from a malicious online commenter, even as she prepares to take legal action over the spread of rumors about her. Oksooon posted the message on SNS on Wednesday, revealing that a netizen had written to admit posting malicious comments. "I honestly didn't think you'd ever see it," the person wrote. "I saw the comments piling up and wrote something hurtful on impulse. I'm sorry." The person added that after receiving a call from a police station, work became impossible to focus on. "I thought I had to apologize first," the message read. "It was only today that I realized a single comment can take a life or cause deep pain." The person nonetheless insisted they were "not a troll," saying the comment had been posted "in a momentary lapse" and adding, "I'll cooperate with the investigation. When the police called, I didn't even remember posting it." Sharing the message, Oksooon fired back: "Because of the fingers you moved without a second thought, I quit a perfectly good job, spent months hiding away and cried alone in my room until morning. Please don't send me messages like this." Earlier, on Monday, Oksooon had posted a lengthy statement saying she had been suffering from malicious comments and the spread of false information since the show aired. Oksooon denied being the ringleader of what viewers called the "Soonja bullying controversy," saying she "never intentionally excluded or ostracized any specific person on set." She also dismissed allegations of pregnancy, abortion, miscarriage and sexually transmitted disease as untrue, and warned she would no longer show leniency toward those spreading rumors or posting malicious comments about her. Regarding recently circulated private photos of Oksooon with fellow Season 31 cast member Yeongho, Oksooon said the images were a "mistake" and did not hint at marriage or a rekindled relationship, adding that she had apologized to the other person involved. Oksooon said that being labeled an abuser based on select broadcast footage, and having false information spread about her online, had made it impossible to live a normal life. "I want to rebuild my shattered daily life and go back to smiling and living ordinarily like before," she said.

Oct. 29, 2026

Comedian Jeong Gyeong-mi opens English musical hagwon in Songdo, draws waitlist

Comedian Jeong Gyeong-mi has revealed a surprising new chapter: she opened a hagwon in Songdo, Incheon, and now runs it as director. The venture has drawn wide attention after Jeong said enrollment demand has grown to the point of having a waitlist. A video published Wednesday on the YouTube channel "Yun Hyeong-bin's One Punch Man" showed comedian Yun Hyeong-bin visiting the hagwon run by his wife, Jeong. Jeong introduced herself as "the director running an English musical hagwon in Songdo" and gave a tour of the facility, which features multiple spacious classrooms. Jeong also showed off a gift she received from Yun when the hagwon first opened. "The one and only thing my husband gave me for the opening was a keyboard," Jeong said, drawing laughs. Jeong then shared photos of children performing on stage. When Yun marveled at the quality — "Why does this look so good?" — Jeong explained that the hagwon's large student enrollment allowed them to bring in a makeup artist, while the costumes and props were all made in-house. When Yun praised the hagwon's popularity, Jeong said with evident pride, "Honestly, there is a waitlist. Being a director is fun." Jeong added that after a year and a half things have settled into a comfortable rhythm, with many parents cheering the hagwon on. "As long as I keep a close eye on the children's safety, that's all I need. I'm happiest when I'm working," Jeong said. Yun spoke highly of Jeong's business acumen, saying people around him who run their own businesses tell him Jeong is doing better than he is and that he should be supporting her. Meanwhile, Jeong made her debut as a comedian through KBS's 20th open recruitment class in 2005 and gained popularity appearing on shows including "Gag Concert." Jeong married fellow comedian Yun in 2013, and the couple have a son and a daughter.

Oct. 29, 2026

Actor Oh Yun-a reveals why she decided to remarry — 'We called each other honey even while dating'

Actor Oh Yun-a is set to reveal the decisive reason she decided to remarry. Oh appears on KBS 2TV's "Sinsang Chulsi Pyeonstorang," a restaurant-themed variety show, airing Thursday — her first appearance on the program in three years. Oh had previously won wide support by sharing glimpses of everyday life with her son Min-i. Back in the studio after a long absence, Oh was visibly moved. "I missed this place so much," Oh said. "Being here feels like coming back to my parents' home — I'm almost in tears." Oh then carefully shared that she had gotten married. The rest of the cast congratulated Oh on the new chapter and expressed curiosity about how her lifestyle had changed. Oh also opened up about the story behind the marriage. "My husband is four years younger than me. We called each other 'yeobo' — honey — even when we were dating," Oh said, adding that the husband had been kind to Min-i from the time they were just friends, before the relationship began. "Because Min-i is a boy, there were things I found hard to teach him on my own, but my husband took care of all of that," Oh said, expressing gratitude toward the husband. Oh also recalled the first time she introduced Min-i to her parents-in-law, saying one thing they said that day has stayed with her ever since. As Oh recounted the moment, she appeared overcome with emotion and could not continue speaking — prompting the rest of the cast to join in, saying it seemed the whole family had embraced Min-i with love.

Oct. 29, 2026

Actor Kang Suk-woo becomes grandfather as son welcomes baby boy

Actor Kang Suk-woo has become a grandfather after his son welcomed a baby boy. On Wednesday, Kang posted on Instagram with the message, "Ah! My son has had a son. At that same hospital," sharing a photo of the newborn's birth card alongside wedding photos of his son Kang Jun-young and daughter-in-law. Kang added, "The memory of meeting my son at 5 a.m. on Nov. 23, 1991 is still vivid — and now, all these years later, a great gift has arrived." According to the birth card, Kang Jun-young's son was born at 6:28 a.m. that day, weighing 3.17 kilograms. Kang shared a photo of the newborn's face, writing, "He looks a bit like what I imagined." Kang Jun-young married last year. Fellow actors also offered their congratulations. Actors Lee Min-jung, Yoon Yu-sun and Choi Jung-yun left comments saying, "Congratulations, teacher." Kang's daughter, actor Kang Da-eun, welcomed the birth of her nephew with heart emojis. Kang responded, "Thank you. I am gratefully receiving all your congratulations. I hope good things come to all of you as well." Kang Jun-young first became known to the public when he appeared alongside his father on the SBS variety program "Take Care of My Dad" in 2015. At the time, he was studying business administration at Yonsei University and earned the nickname "Yonsei University's Jung Yong-hwa" for his resemblance to CNBlue member Jung Yong-hwa. It was also revealed that he had scored 393 out of 400 on the 2010 College Scholastic Ability Test. Earlier, he had been ranked fifth in the "star children parents most want to show off" category on the tvN program "Myeongdan Gongkae 2014." Born in 1957, Kang married his wife — nine years his junior and then a Western painting student at Ewha Womans University — in 1990 after a year of dating. The couple had son Kang Jun-young the following year and daughter Kang Da-eun in 1995. Kang has appeared in drama series including "Yeongung Sidae" and "Father Is Strange," and this year starred in the MBC Friday-Saturday drama series "In Your Radiant Season."

Oct. 29, 2026

At 88, actor Kim Young-ok says she fears forgetting memories

Actor Kim Young-ok has opened up about concerns over Kim's memory. A video titled "A Special Day with Grandma Young-ok and Irune — Cruise Ride and a Delicious Dinner!" was posted Wednesday on Kim's YouTube channel. During the outing, Irune described the time spent with Kim as "a dream-like experience," sharing warm impressions. "She is around the same age as my mother. As we talked, I felt a lump in my throat at times. She is truly cheerful," Irune said. "My goal in life is also to live cheerfully — not seriously, but to stay healthy, avoid illness and keep working for a long, long time, just like her." In response, Kim said, "I've already been around for a long, long time," and added, "All I ask is that, until the day I go, you let me keep seeing you all without forgetting. That's all I wish for." Kim went on to say, "There's no need to make a big deal of it — just until the day I go. Just let me keep seeing you without forgetting. That's what I hope for too," offering words of encouragement to the younger performers. Kim then drew attention when Kim said of the day's memories, "I'm scared I might just forget them on my own." Kim added, "Sometimes I can't quite recall something from a few days ago, and that makes me uneasy for no reason. But I don't really blank out like that. I think memorizing lines and doing it over and over has helped — I keep training my memory and reciting things countless times." Meanwhile, Kim was born in 1937 and is 88 years old.

Oct. 29, 2026

Person who claimed actor Park Si-hoo 'destroyed my family' sentenced to 10 months for spreading false information

A person who publicly claimed that actor Park Si-hoo had destroyed their family has been sentenced to prison on charges of defamation through false statements. The Seoul Eastern District Court sentenced the defendant, identified only as A, to 10 months in prison on Oct. 22 for violations of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection and the Personal Information Protection Act, YTN reported Thursday. A had posted on Instagram last August, writing that Park had introduced women to the poster's ex-husband and played a major role in breaking up the family — including the phrase "You should have known when to stop. You were the key link between my ex-husband and other women, and you bear a large share of responsibility for destroying this family." A also published KakaoTalk conversations between the ex-husband and Park, and claimed to have recorded phone calls as evidence. Park's representatives rebuffed the claims, saying Park had never introduced any woman to the ex-husband and that the posts were plainly false. The court found that A's allegations constituted false statements of fact. In handing down the 10-month sentence, the court said the harm caused by the offense was serious, that the defendant had not been forgiven by the victims, and that petitions had been submitted calling for a severe punishment. Park's side said the spread of false information had caused significant disruption to film openings and other entertainment activities. The defendant has appealed the 10-month sentence. Park's side is also pursuing a separate civil damages lawsuit alongside the criminal proceedings. Park debuted in the 2005 KBS2 drama series "Sassy Girl Chun-hyang" and rose to stardom by winning the New Star Award at the 2007 SBS Drama Awards, the Best Actor Award in the special planning category at the 2009 SBS Drama Awards, the Best Actor Award at the 2010 MBC Drama Awards, and both the Grand Prize for Acting and the Popularity Award for male actors at the 2011 KBS Drama Awards. In 2013, however, Park was accused of sexual assault; the case was dropped after the complainant withdrew the accusation, but the episode dealt a serious blow to Park's public image.

Oct. 29, 2026

Actor Lee Gye-in reveals crows stole 60 eggs overnight — caught on CCTV

Actor Lee Gye-in has shared a bizarre theft story from life in the countryside. Appearing on MBC variety program "Radio Star" on Wednesday, Lee said eggs had gone missing from the chicken coop at the 1,320-square-meter rural home in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province. Lee, who keeps chickens at the property, said that in summer the hens lay 50 to 60 eggs a day. "I had set up a nest under a zelkova tree, but when I came out one morning there wasn't a single egg left," Lee said. "Sixty eggs vanished overnight — someone had taken my food supply," Lee said, adding the incident prompted a decision to check the CCTV footage. The culprit turned out to be crows. "They weren't just stealing casually," Lee said. "When a crow opened its beak wide, two eggs fit right in. It would fly off with two, then the next one would come. That's how they took all 60." Lee went on to say that a utility pole in front of the house seemed to serve as a lookout post. "Whenever I step outside, the crows seem to call their friends over. A bunch of them line up and glare at me, as if to say, 'Why aren't you putting out the eggs?'" — drawing laughter from the studio. Fellow guest Yuk Jung-wan chimed in, saying crows will come back for revenge, and recalled an incident in which a daughter was chased by a crow after Yuk had shooed one away with a long stick. At that, Lee's expression turned serious. "I have done something bad," Lee admitted. "When a crow was perched on the utility pole, I used to pick up a rock and throw it when no one was around. Do you think it remembers that?" When Yoo Se-yoon jokingly warned that the crows would come for revenge, Lee fired back: "I'd better move out. Who do I even report this to?" — drawing more laughter.

Oct. 29, 2026

'Produce 101' alum Kenta opens up about W400m debt, frozen bank account after idol group disbandment

Kenta, a former member of the idol group JBJ, has spoken candidly about the financial hardship endured after the group disbanded. Kenta appeared in a recently released video on the web entertainment YouTube channel ICU, opening up about the struggles faced while trying to make it on one's own. In the video, Kenta said Kenta had been living alone since a fellow member — someone Kenta had shared a home with for seven years — enlisted in the military. Kenta added that 400 million won ($299,000) in debt accumulated after leaving the agency at the end of an idol career. "I live with the heavy sense of responsibility that I have to pay it back," Kenta said. "I thought about quitting once — quitting being an idol. I felt it wasn't right for me. I burned out and lost my goals in life for the first time," Kenta said. "But recently I found a new goal: the first thing is to pay off the debt. There's still a lot left." Kenta described how the debt pushed into genuine hardship. "When the debt piled up, my accounts got seized — suddenly I had no bank account and only a single 1,000-won bill to my name. It got to the point where I wondered what I was going to eat tomorrow. I was just trying to get through each day. Back then, older friends around me sent rice and things like that," Kenta said. Kenta also reflected on a broader view of debt. "I think there's also a debt of life — I consider receiving help from someone a kind of debt too. I think living to repay that grace is a good life," Kenta said, adding with a positive outlook: "So I'm actually grateful for this debt. It became my driving force. I like that my life hasn't been smooth sailing." JBJ debuted in October 2017, drawing wide attention as a group formed by Noh Tae-hyun, Kim Yong-guk, Takada Kenta, Kim Sang-gyun, Kwon Hyun-bin and Kim Dong-han — all participants in Mnet's "Produce 101 Season 2." The group rose to No. 1 on music broadcasts with "Fantasy" but disbanded after just seven months.

Oct. 29, 2026

Singer Kang Nam rescues struggling tourist in Guam cave

Singer Kang Nam rescued a tourist who was struggling in deep water inside a cave during a trip to Guam. A video titled "Guam Exploration" posted Wednesday on the YouTube channel "Life 84" showed webtoon artist and broadcaster Kian84 traveling around Guam with actor Lee Si-eon and Kang Nam. The three, guided by a local guide, made their way to a cave in the forest, changed into appropriate footwear and headed inside. A Korean tourist who arrived at the cave around the same time entered wearing only flip-flops. The water grew deeper the further they went into the cave. The three marveled at the scenery, calling it "so beautiful," and Kang Nam and Kian84 waded in to swim. When Kian84 remarked that the water tasted salty, Kang Nam said it had "the taste of seawater mixed in." The water inside the cave was connected to the sea. Then an urgent voice cried out, "Over there, over there." The tourist who had entered in flip-flops was flailing in water too deep to stand in. Lee Si-eon, seeing this, shouted, "Kang Nam, grab that person. Watch your head." Kang Nam immediately swam over, took the tourist's hand and pulled the tourist to safety. When Kang Nam asked if the tourist was all right, the tourist replied, "I'm sorry. My feet suddenly couldn't touch the bottom." Lee Si-eon said, "We were more startled than you," clutching a chest in relief. The effects of the cave adventure carried over to the next day. Kang Nam, who went on a morning run with Kian84, complained of sore muscles. When Kian84 said it was because of "what we did on Wednesday," Kang Nam quipped, "Traveling with you is always tiring. I end up getting an IV drip every time," drawing laughs. Kang Nam debuted in 2011 as a member of the group M.I.B and later became widely known through variety programs including MBC's "I Live Alone." Kang married former national speed skating champion Lee Sang-hwa in 2019 and currently runs the YouTube channel "Dongne Chingu Gangnaemi."

Oct. 29, 2026

Actors Shin Min-a and Kim Woo-bin's cumulative donations top W5b

The cumulative donations of actors Shin Min-a and Kim Woo-bin have surpassed 5 billion won ($3.78 million), drawing widespread attention. Shin appeared as a guest on Wednesday's episode of tvN's "Yu Quiz on the Block," where Shin spoke about long-running charitable activities and thoughts on giving. During the broadcast, host Yoo Jae-suk revealed that the couple's consistent donations had brought their combined total to more than 5 billion won. The two had also made a charitable donation to underprivileged groups ahead of their wedding. Shin said the decision to start donating came from a belief that good deeds should be done quietly. "When I first started, I thought good things should be done without making a fuss. I wanted to help people who hadn't received much attention," Shin said. "Because I've been donating consistently every year, I sometimes receive letters," Shin said, noting that Shin hears back from those supported. Shin added, "It has become something so precious and meaningful to me — I feel so proud. And if seeing me inspires more people to think about donating, I would be truly grateful." Yoo, listening to the remarks, expressed admiration. "Donating consistently is something worthy of praise — I think it's remarkable," Yoo said. Meanwhile, Shin received a presidential commendation on Finance Industry Day in 2019 after cumulative donations exceeded 2 billion won. Kim is also a member of the Honor Society, a club for major donors. The couple, who married in December last year, donated 300 million won to underprivileged groups ahead of their wedding ceremony.

Oct. 29, 2026

Head of 'Big Bet' production company missing for 4 months amid embezzlement charges

The head of the production company behind the Disney+ drama series "Big Bet" has been missing for four months and recently faced embezzlement charges. Ahn Chang-hyun, former head of Arc Media — now known as Scene & Studio — which produced "Big Bet" and other titles, has been unaccounted for since early July, according to the Chosun Ilbo. After Ahn stopped coming home and became unreachable for an extended period, family members filed a missing persons report with police. Officers reviewed CCTV footage, tracked Ahn's mobile phone location and took other steps to locate Ahn. In late July, Unichem, a Kospi-listed auto parts manufacturer where Ahn had served as an inside director, filed an embezzlement complaint against Ahn, alleging misappropriation of 1.5 billion won ($1.13 million). Unichem had recruited Ahn as an inside director last year to expand into the entertainment sector, then dismissed Ahn on Tuesday after confirming the allegations. The company also produces "A Love Other Than Yours," a drama series currently airing on KBS. Police are investigating whether Ahn fled to evade the investigation or met with an accident. The embezzlement case is being handled by the Seoul Seongdong Police Station, while the missing persons investigation falls under the Gyeonggi Province Ilsan West Police Station. Because Ahn is now a criminal suspect, police can no longer share information about the missing persons search with Ahn's family, as doing so could constitute a leak of investigative information. Ahn is a former broadcast producer who founded a content production company in 2019 and went on to lead Arc Media, which produced the Disney+ series "Big Bet." The show is a crime thriller following a casino operator pursued by, among others, a Korean desk unit of the Philippine police.

Oct. 29, 2026

Actor Kim Min reveals improvised profanity at sunbae Choi Min-sik on first day of 'Big Bet' shoot

Actor Kim Min has shared an anecdote about improvising a profane line at veteran sunbae Choi Min-sik. Wednesday's episode of MBC's entertainment program "Radio Star" was themed "I'm Going to Be a Free Spirit," with Lee Gye-in, Yoon Taek, Yuk Joong-wan and Kim Min appearing as guests. That day, Kim Min recalled the first time working alongside Choi Min-sik on the Disney+ series "Big Bet." "At first I didn't know my scene partner was going to be sunbae Choi Min-sik, but when we met, there was the sunbae," Kim Min said. "I had watched the films and admired Choi Min-sik since I was young, and seeing the actor in person, even more impressive." Kim Min said the day happened to be the first day of filming on "Big Bet," and that while going over the script, the idea for an ad-lib came to mind. "I wanted to throw in some profanity. But I agonized all week over whether I should actually do it — I was worried that dropping an expletive at such a senior actor on the very first day of shooting would kill the mood," Kim Min said. "It was my last chance. I thought, 'Oh, what the heck,' and said 'XXXX you.' And then Choi Min-sik came back with 'XXXX you, too.' I was so grateful that Choi could pull off even something like that so naturally," Kim Min said. The show's MCs reacted with amazement, saying, "That's incredible — Choi took it so well." Kim Min also shared a heartwarming story about Choi Min-sik. During filming, Kim Min had been watching older works by Choi — including "Shiri" and "Oldboy" — and asking questions about them. Choi then gathered those questions and gave an impromptu lesson in the makeup room. "I was getting my makeup done when Choi said, 'Mina, come sit down.' All the questions I'd asked had been organized into a proper lesson. I was taking notes as I listened," Kim Min said with gratitude. Kim Min also spoke about the downside of having appeared on "I Live Alone" and showing off the apartment. "Too many people come looking for that place now. Cars just pull in and out without warning," Kim Min said.

Oct. 29, 2026

Joo Woo-jae says he was badmouthed for refusing unreasonable demands during modeling days

Broadcaster Joo Woo-jae has shared an anecdote from his modeling days in which he was badmouthed after refusing what he considered an unreasonable request. On Tuesday, Joo hosted a subscriber advice segment on his YouTube channel. In the video, one subscriber opened up about the stress of being talked about behind their back at work. "When I find out someone is gossiping about me or dislikes me, just going into work becomes unbearable," the message read. "Something similar has been happening at my current job, and I want to know how to handle it wisely." In response, Joo acknowledged that the person doing the gossiping is in the wrong, but added that not every situation can be controlled. "I've had plenty of people talk behind my back too," Joo said. Joo then reflected on working in the entertainment industry. "How much do you think people talk behind my back in this business?" Joo said, adding that when gossip reaches him, his reaction is simply, "Go right ahead." Joo went on to say, "I know that when you take pride in your work, avoid causing harm to others, and still deliver results, that impact ends up being far greater." Joo then recalled a specific incident from his modeling career. "I once received a demand that was completely unreasonable and made no sense," Joo said, explaining that at the time, he told the other party, "I'm sorry, but this is not something I'm able to do." Afterward, however, Joo said a company executive told him, "Word is getting around that your attitude on set isn't great." Joo had refused what he believed was an unfair demand, only to find his own conduct called into question. "Even when I feel I'm giving my best on set, if talk like that still gets around, I think it's just outside my control," Joo said. "As long as I keep basic manners, stay true to that myself, and do my job well, I don't let the gossip bother me."

Oct. 28, 2026

'Just good friends,' says Tzuyu's mother amid dating rumors

After Twice member Tzuyu was swept up in dating rumors involving a male acquaintance, Tzuyu's mother stepped forward to clarify that the two are "very good friends." On Tuesday, Tzuyu's mother, Huang Yen-ling, posted a message on her Instagram story saying, "There have been rumors circulating online recently about Tzuyu and a male friend. I have known this friend for many years, so I would like to say a few words." "He has always been a very good friend to Tzuyu — kind and sincere, someone who has consistently offered encouragement and support," Huang said. Huang added that "eating together, going out, talking and looking out for each other are the most ordinary things between friends," and stressed that people "should not over-interpret or make careless assumptions based on a few photos or fragmentary information." Huang asked that no one "criticize or attack anyone based on unverified rumors," and urged fans to "pay more attention to Tzuyu's music and work, and give Tzuyu and those around Tzuyu a little more respect and space." "Thank you for your understanding, and I hope the unnecessary speculation ends here," Huang added. According to Taiwanese outlet CTi News, the rumors began after photos of Tzuyu with a male acquaintance spread online following a visit to a pop-up event for pop star Justin Bieber's fashion brand. Some internet users speculated that the pair might be in a romantic relationship, citing the closeness shown in the photos, and the story snowballed from there. Tzuyu had also been caught up in dating rumors in April involving Taiwanese actor He Guanghan, after a photo of He with Tzuyu's mother — taken after He attended a Twice performance in Taiwan — was made public. He later drew a line in an interview, saying Tzuyu was simply someone he exchanged greetings with when they crossed paths. Meanwhile, Twice marked the 11th anniversary of its debut on Oct. 20. Tzuyu has been expanding solo activities centered on Taiwan after reports emerged in July that Tzuyu had decided not to renew an individual exclusive contract with JYP Entertainment, though Tzuyu continues to participate in Twice's group activities. Tzuyu recently announced collaboration projects with the Formula One Williams Racing team and the Japanese anime series "Dandadan." In December, Tzuyu is set to host the 2026 Asia Artist Awards.

Oct. 28, 2026

Actor Lee Wan, wife Lee Bo-mi expecting first child — a girl — in February

Actor Lee Wan (birth name Kim Hyung-su), 42, and professional golfer Lee Bo-mi, 38, are set to become parents seven years after their marriage. Lee's agency, Story J Company, said Wednesday that Lee Bo-mi is currently pregnant and due to give birth in February, with the couple expecting a daughter. Lee Bo-mi personally announced her pregnancy Saturday at the Nobuta Group Masters GC Ladies tournament on the Japan Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour, held in Miki, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Attending the event as an ambassador, she said she is expecting a daughter in February and shared her excitement about the baby, saying, "I'm imagining my child becoming a golfer and me caddying for her." Both are Catholic and met through an introduction by a member of the clergy before their relationship developed into romance. They married in December 2019, and the pregnancy news comes seven years into their marriage. Lee made his debut in the 2004 SBS drama series "Stairway to Heaven" and built his profile through a range of subsequent projects. He is also widely known as the younger brother of actress Kim Tae-hee. Lee Bo-mi competed on the domestic women's professional golf circuit before advancing to the JLPGA Tour in Japan.

Oct. 28, 2026

So Jae-won calls school violence ruling a 'slap on the wrist,' vows criminal and civil action

Author So Jae-won said he will pursue criminal and civil litigation after a school violence committee handed down its lightest possible punishment to the student who assaulted his children. On Wednesday, So wrote on his Instagram that the school violence deliberation committee had issued its ruling against the student who attacked his children. "It was exactly the slap on the wrist I expected — the lightest possible Level 1 punishment," he wrote. Under the School Violence Prevention Act, measures against offending students range from Level 1 to Level 9. A Level 1 disposition requires the offending student to submit a written apology to the victim. So sharply criticized the committee system, saying it is "centered not on holding the offending student accountable for the assault, but on helping that student return to school and daily life," while victims receive little more than psychological treatment support. "Can a body that forces a child to face every day the student who assaulted two children and left them injured for two weeks truly be called one that exists for victims?" he wrote. So said he showed his child the ruling, and the child responded: "My sibling and I were really hurt — why are they just giving us one letter of apology? Do those people actually think that's a punishment?" So said he also explained to his child the limits of filing a criminal complaint. He told the child that if the offending student had not yet reached their birthday, they would be classified as a juvenile under criminal age and would not even be investigated, while his own child would be. Upon hearing this, the child burst into tears, saying: "They hit us, we got hurt and had to go to the hospital, and I'm still scared of them — how does writing one apology letter make any sense?" So said he has filed a freedom-of-information request for the offending student's testimony before the committee and has also secured CCTV footage of the assault and the committee's disposition documents. "I will document and preserve everything — through criminal proceedings, civil litigation and administrative appeals, all the way to the end," he wrote. "Ten years? Twenty years? For me, and for every father in the world, that is a light burden to bear." Earlier, So had disclosed the school violence incident on Sept. 20, saying his two children were unilaterally attacked by two peers in front of him, leaving the older child in a partial cast and the younger unable to walk properly for several days. At the time, he said the offending student's side had acknowledged wrongdoing and expressed willingness to apologize, and that he was torn between forgiveness and seeking punishment. The following day, he said he would no longer hold onto "forgiveness" dressed up as virtue through arrogance and pride, and that he would pursue appropriate accountability from the offending student. So is the author of the source novel behind the film "Beastie Boys," as well as the original novels for the films "Hope" and "Tunnel."

Oct. 28, 2026

Actor Park Jung-min donates audiobook to libraries for the visually impaired

Actor Park Jung-min has once again done good for the visually impaired. According to the Korea Disability Foundation on Wednesday, Muje, the publishing house Park heads, donated the audiobook "Ilil Banchulrok" — the second title in its listening novel series, written by author Seong Hae-na — to the foundation. The donated audiobook has been distributed to 13 libraries for the visually impaired across the country. Earlier, Park donated the first listening novel, "Cheos Yeoreum. Wanju" by author Kim Geum-hee, last year. Park has been planning and running a project to improve book access for the visually impaired. Through Muje's "Listening Novel Project," audiobooks are produced and distributed before the print edition — the reverse of the usual publishing process, in which a print release comes first. The approach allows visually impaired readers to experience new works ahead of the general public. "Ilil Banchulrok" is also set to be released later as a standard audiobook and in print. In the novel, protagonist Suin confronts the pain of loss while returning the belongings of the deceased, and gradually finds her way back to her own life. Park received a commendation from the Ministry of Health and Welfare on the Day for People with Disabilities last April, in recognition of his contributions, including donating proceeds from the Listening Novel Project.

Oct. 28, 2026

Ko Young-wook denies rumor linking him to Taeyeon, cites past relationships with top actresses

Ko Young-wook, a former member of the group Rula, has rebuffed online rumors identifying him as the sunbae who allegedly contacted Girls' Generation member Taeyeon in the early hours of the morning, calling the claims false. On Wednesday, Ko wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) account that he had spoken directly with Taeyeon only once. He said that during his time as a regular on Mnet's "Beatles Code," Taeyeon had arrived late to a recording session, leaving him slightly irritated — but that when she walked into the studio and spotted him, she said, "I'm a fan of yours, sunbae," and his annoyance melted away. "I merely greeted her awkwardly — that was all," he said. Ko then said he had never called a female junior colleague in a rude or disrespectful manner, let alone in the middle of the night. "I'm naturally shy, so when I run into female juniors in waiting rooms or similar places, I just greet them politely," he said. Ko also brought up his past romantic life. "I know this may be hard to accept, but women have always been drawn to me, and I have dated some of the top actresses in South Korea at the time — mutually," he said. "Why on earth would I need to call Taeyeon in the middle of the night and do something like that?" Ko expressed frustration at those spreading the rumor. "I'm living a life buried under all kinds of false accusations," he said, questioning what purpose anyone could have in taking an old entertainment clip, concluding that he was the person Taeyeon had mentioned, and openly posting such false claims to defame him. "Do they think it's acceptable to post false information about me so carelessly just because I seem like an easy target?" he said. Ko made his debut in 1994 as a member of Rula. In 2013, the Supreme Court handed down a final sentence of two years and six months in prison on charges of sexually assaulting and forcibly molesting minors. He was also ordered to have his personal information disclosed for five years and to wear an electronic monitoring anklet for three years.

Oct. 28, 2026

Late actor Kim Su-mi's legacy lives on, bringing hope to 4 children in crisis

The legacy of actor Kim Su-mi, who died in 2024, is bringing hope to children from families in crisis. Good Neighbors, a child-rights NGO, said Tuesday that over the past year it had selected four children from at-risk families in South Korea to receive scholarship support, using royalties from a book compiled from Kim's personal diaries. The book is titled "I Petition Against Everything That Is Killing Me." Kim's family donated the full royalties from the book to Good Neighbors in October last year, in a decision meant to honor the late actor's lifelong commitment to caring for struggling neighbors and children as if they were her own. One child, who had been on the verge of abandoning her dreams due to mounting medical and caregiving costs caused by a family member's illness, was able to focus on preparing for higher education after receiving stable support. Another child, who dreamed of becoming a competitive swimmer, received funding for training fees and specialized equipment, and recently won a bronze medal at a regional competition. "I gained the courage and hope to overcome a difficult time and move forward," one of the recipients said, according to Good Neighbors. "I want to become someone who shares what I have received with others."

Oct. 28, 2026