Thursday, October 22, 2026

Photo: KLOOK

SOURCE: (1)

Netizens are discussing age and idol fandom in a quote tweet that is drawing attention among Korean netizens. 

The original tweet claimed that following idols is only acceptable until certain age, saying:

"Going around to see idols like following them to overseas concerts and going recordings is only normal until 25, 26 at most. After that, it honestly just looks really strange. (I guess I've really become a total normie now.)"

A quote tweet pushed back, saying Koreans tend to set age limits on what people should do and treat anyone who breaks them as odd, writing

"It's such a Korean thing to decide what you should do from what age to what age, and to treat people over a certain age as weird if they do something. Who cares if someone goes to an overseas concert at 26 or a pre-recording at 62? People can live however they feel like, so just let them enjoy themselves."

For those who are not familiar, pre-recording refers to music shows taping some performances before broadcast, with fans in the audience. Fans can usually apply to attend through the broadcaster or the artist's fan club. Some pre-recordings set a minimum age of 15, but there is no stated upper limit to attend pre-recordings. 

Photo: KLOOK

Some netizens in Theqoo reacted with comments like, "Is there an age for being a fan? You just do it when you feel like it," "Respect people's hobbies, unless you're paying for them," and "Stop minding people's business unless you're going to pay for them. I'll fly to overseas tours even when I'm 100."

Some also pointed out, "How do you follow idols overseas until 25? That's only possible once you have a job," and "It's more surprising that people under 25 and under have the money to go to places like that."

Meanwhile, some others noted, "A pre-recording at 62? I envy the stamina. I should learn from that."

Is There an Age Limit for Following Idols to Overseas Concerts? K-Netz Weigh In

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SOURCE: (1), (2)

Lee Sooman, key producer at A2O Entertainment, said that he knows people are worried about the 13- and 14-year-old members in his new idol groups, and promised to handle it well.

On October 21, Lee Sooman gave a keynote on human creativity and the future of K-culture at a forum titled “K-Culture × Tech: The Path to Sustainable Growth,” held at the Sebitseom Convention Center in Seoul.

Lee Sooman first pointed to what set A2O’s launch apart: two groups at once, boy group A2O SOUL and girl group A2O LITE, noting, “My staff found it very hard.”  Regarding the members’ ages, he said:

“There are 13-year-olds and 14-year-olds among the members. I know many people are worried. I’m not losing sleep over it, but I think about it a lot. I’ll do well.”

 

For context, A2O LITE’s three youngest members (Ayune, OA and Aijing) were born in 2013, and A2O SOUL’s four youngest members are 14. 

This is also Lee Sooman’s first domestic debut project in years. He sold his 14.8% SM stake to HYBE in February 2023, and a non-compete clause limited him to overseas work until the end of February 2026.

The groups debuted on October 13 with digital singles 'Superstar' (SOUL) and 'Neon' (LITE). 'Neon' topped Melon’s Top 100, a major Korean streaming chart, the next day.

On Theqoo, a Korean online community, reactions to his remarks fell into three groups.

Some focused on the members’ age. One user wrote, “Honestly, 13 is too young to debut,” while another said, “If he’d do well, he’d send them to school instead.”

Others doubted the promise itself, pointing out, “Knowing people are worried means he knows it’s a problem.” Meanwhile, some netizens also praised the members, saying, “The kids are so good, he couldn’t help debuting them.”

Meanwhile, Lee Sooman went from singer and TV personality to founder of SM Entertainment. After leaving SM in 2023, he set up Singapore-based A2O Entertainment, whose name stands for 'Alpha to Omega,' and introduced girl group A2O MAY in 2024. 

Lee Sooman Addresses Concerns Over 13- and 14-Year-Old A2O Members, K-Netz React

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SOURCE: (1), (2), (3)

Rainbow member and actress Go Woori has revealed that she suffered severe headaches and full-body pain after her October 6 C-section, and that she needed an emergency blood transfusion.

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In the video uploaded on October 21 titled “Go Woori’s 5-Minute C-Section Story (Feat. Postpartum Struggles),” Go Woori shared her recovery after giving birth to her first son.

Go Woori started the video by saying, "Today is day four since I gave birth," and revealed that the surgery itself went smoothly. She recalled her doctor telling her “It’ll be done in eight minutes,” and described the spinal anesthesia as “like someone poking my back with a fingernail.”

The trouble started afterward. She explained, "I woke up before dawn because my head hurt so badly it felt like it would split." A nurse told her breast engorgement can affect the whole body in some women, and she added concluded, “I think that’s me.”

By day three it was worse. She said, “I’ve had terrible headaches since day three, and standing makes it worse.” She added, “I’m looking into whether it’s a side effect of the spinal anesthesia.” It was also reported that Go Woori was prescribed medication for possible low iron.

On that point, a headache that worsens when upright and eases when lying down is the classic pattern of post-dural puncture headache. It is a recognized complication of spinal anesthesia and usually resolves on its own. 

Go Woori shared, “It hurts too much, so I can only lie down," and noted that the C-section area has improved a lot, but the other pain left her feeling so sad. The video ends with her receiving the transfusion the following day.

Meanwhile, Go Woori, born in 1988, debuted in 2009 as a member of the girl group Rainbow, where she was known as the eldest. She later moved into acting, appearing in dramas including 'Gaus Electronics' and 'My Only One.'

She married a non-celebrity businessman five years her senior in 2022 and announced her pregnancy in February. On October 7, she announced her son’s birth on social media, writing “Bokdungi was born with a very loud cry.”

RAINBOW's Go Woori Shares Postpartum Struggles After C-Section in New Youtube Video

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

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Actor Song Joongki’s reaction to overseas fans mentioning Song Hyekyo’s name is making headlines.

Recently, a video of Song Joongki greeting fans on the street during an overseas schedule spread through online communities and social media.

In the video, Song Joongki, dressed casually in a gray sweatshirt and black cap, was waiting on the road with staff members when he greeted the fans he ran into with a bright expression.

However, the mood shifted when one Chinese fan asked, “Who is that?” and another person explained, “He’s the one who used to be married to Song Hyekyo.” Hearing this, Song Joongki furrowed his brow for a moment and his expression stiffened, but he quickly relaxed and went back to greeting the local fans.

Netizens reacted to the video with comments like, “That’s so rude,” “Celebrities aren’t NPCs, let’s have some manners,” “It’s not wrong so he can’t even get mad... but it must’ve felt bad,” and “That must be so exhausting.”

Meanwhile, Song Joongki married Song Hyekyo, his co-star from the 2016 drama ‘Descendants of the Sun,’ in October 2017. However, the two divorced in July 2019, two years after the wedding. He later remarried British former actress Katy Louise Saunders in January 2023 and welcomed a son in June of the same year. In November 2024, he welcomed his second child, a daughter, becoming a father of two.

Song Joongki’s Reaction to Ex-Wife Song Hyekyo Mention Draws Attention

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TWICE's Jihyo has established her own agency, EMITHAUS, bringing her 21-year journey with JYP Entertainment to an end.

On October 21, she announced the news through a handwritten letter:

"I have come to the end of my journey with JYP, with whom I spent 21 years, since I was young."

Jihyo reflected on the past, saying, "It's not as easy as I thought to sum up twenty-one years in a few sentences. There were good days and not-so-good days, but one thing is certain: all of that time has made me who I am today," and continued:

"To me, independence is less a conclusion about the time that has passed and more a choice about how I will live the time ahead. As a start, I established EMITHAUS."

She added, "Here, I want to freely unfold even the potential in me that I haven't yet discovered. I will approach every choice and activity from now on with greater care and a stronger sense of responsibility."

Parting ways with JYP does not mean parting ways with TWICE. Jihyo emphasized her intention to continue with the group:

"TWICE is an essential and precious part of my life. I want to keep standing on the same stage as the members and continue the time we create together for a long time."

EMITHAUS aims to expand an artist's individuality and creative potential through music and a variety of content. Like 'EMIT,' which carries the meaning of 'to radiate,' Jihyo is determined to continue taking on new challenges at her new company and prove her limitless potential as an artist.

Meanwhile, starting with Jihyo's solo activities, EMITHAUS plans to expand its business across music and content by discovering and signing a variety of artists in the future.

Jihyo Leaves JYP Entertainment after 21 Years and Starts New Agency EMITHAUS

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

TEMPEST will suspend group activities four years after their debut, as Hyuk prepares to enlist in the military and LEW leaves the agency.

On October 20, YH Entertainment released an official statement confirming the news:

"After careful discussions with the members over an extended period, we have decided to suspend group activities and focus on each member’s individual activities going forward."

Hyuk will enlist in October 2026 to complete his mandatory military service. YH Entertainment confirmed, "No official event will be held on the enlistment day. As this is a gathering shared with other enlistees and their families, we kindly ask you to refrain from visiting the site," and encouraged fans to send their warm support toward Hyuk. 

Regarding LEW's departure, the agency announced, "LEW’s contract will end on November 1, 2026. We sincerely thank him for his time with us and ask for your continued support as he begins his next chapter."

Meanwhile, for remaining members, the agency stated, "We will continue to provide the necessary support so that Hanbin, Hyeongseop, Eunchan, and Taerae can show new sides of themselves through their individual activities."

YH Entertainment also apologized for the sudden news, adding, "We sincerely apologize for causing concern among our fans with this sudden news, and we will do our best to repay the love and support you have given us."

TEMPEST debuted in March 2022 with their first mini-album, 'It's ME, It's WE.' In 2024, they appeared on Mnet's competition show, 'Road to Kingdom: ACE OF ACE.' 

The group had been promoting as six members since March 2024, following member Hwarang's hiatus and official departure in August 2024. 

TEMPEST to Suspend Group Activities as LEW Leaves Agency and Hyuk Enlists

Monday, October 19, 2026

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More allegations of unpaid wages have surfaced against the parents of Aijing, a member of A20 LITE, the rookie group produced by Lee Sooman.

On October 19, an industry insider reported that a former employee of an education company run by Aijing's parents shared a post on Chinese social media.

The former employee, referred to as A, detailed how the company handled unpaid wages: 

"My father was critically ill and eventually passed away. Since my older sister quit her job to care for him, I became the only source of income for my family. I asked the company for money because I needed to pay for my father's funeral, but they told me they didn't have a single penny."

She explained that after asking the company to pay her overdue wages, they eventually sent her money, but the amount was only her 1.000 CNY (around 200,000 KRW or 150 USD). Expressing her heartbreak, she continued:

"I worked hard for years and even worked overtime, but when I was going through something as devastating as my father's death, they gave me barely that much. I'll never forget it for the rest of my life."

 

This follows a report by Chinese media outlet Dahebao on October 13, which alleged Aijing's parents of withholding employees' wages while running an education company in Beijing.

Public data from a Chinese corporate information platform also shows that a court enforcement case involving a total of 3.45 million CNY (around 692.31 million KRW or 515.600 USD) was filed against Aijing's parents back on August 31. 

As the backlash grew, a person identifying herself as Aijing's mother posted an apology on October 14. She acknowledged the dispute and explained that it arose after business conditions of her former education company detoriated rapidly.

In her statement, she promised to resolve the issue and take full responsibility, stressing: 

"This is an issue for us parents to take responsibility for and resolve appropriately. My child has absolutely nothing to do with the business I operated in the past or related disputes." 

Meanwhile, Aijing's agency, A2O Entertainment, has not released any official statement regarding the controversy.

A20 LITE's Aijing's Parents Faces Additional Unpaid Wage Allegations From Former Employee

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Actor Lee Jehoon is dealing with another project setback due to controversies involving his co-stars. Following 'Second Signal,' his upcoming series 'The Long Shot Trial' is now also on hold due to a controversy following co-star Hayoung.

On October 19, a representative from SBS confirmed:

"The scheduling of 'The Long Shot Trial' has been adjusted. Since this is a production made together by numerous staff and cast members, we are considering various options from different angles. The specific broadcast date has not yet been confirmed."

'The Long Shot Trial' is a remake of a Japanese TV Asahi drama, following the story of a team as they take on seemingly impossible cases and solce them in a lighthearted, witty way. Starring Lee Jehoon and Hayoung, it was originally scheduled to air on February 1, 2027. However, there has been changes to its broadcasting plans, leaving the release date up in the air. 

The delay is connected to the recent controversy surrounding Hayoung's great-grandfather. Previously during an appearance on KBS2's 'Problem Child in House,' Hayoung mentioned that her great-grandfather had opened the very first Western-style medical clinic in Hanyang and personally treated King Gojong.

After it was revealed that her great-grandfather was modern-era physician Ahn Sangho, allegations of his pro-Japanese activities during the colonial era came to light. Records show that Ahn Sangho was listed as a council member of the Daejeong Friendship Association in 1916. 

In response, Hayoung's side initially denied the allegations, but later changed their position after reviewing the records. Hayoung subsequently issued a formal apology via a handwritten letter.

As the filming for 'The Long Shot Trial' has already been fully wrapped, the production team had to move cautiously. Back in August, they addressed the issue, stating: 

"We take the recent issue involving one of the cast members very seriously. We are currently discussing the matter carefully from various angles with the production company and relevant parties."

Moreover, since the series is adapted from a Japanese drama, if it airs in February 2027 as originally planned, it means the broadcast run would overlap with South Korea's March 1st Independence Movement Day. 

With the controversy surrounding Hayoung's great-grandgather's alleged pro-Japanese activities and the series being based on a Japanese drama, there have been questions whether it could lead to further controversy if aired as planned. 

Lee Jehoon’s Upcoming Drama ‘The Long Shot Trial’ Faces Delay Amid Hayoung's Family Controversy

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Actress Nana has apologized over the controversy surrounding her lip fillers in her new Netflix series, 'The Scandal.'

On September 22, Nana addressed the issue on a fan communication platform, writing:

"If my lips made people uncomfortable, that was my fault. I think my personal choice was not appropriate as an actress."

She also shared her feelings for her fans: "Fans who love me must be hurt when they see harsh criticism. That's why I'm even more sorry. From now on, I'll do my best so that we can hear good things together."

The controversy began after 'The Scandal' was released on Netflix on September 18. The drama is a Joseon-era adaptation of the 1782 French novel 'Dangerous Liaisions.' Making her first historical drama, Nana put a lot into her role as Heeyeon, a young widow who lost her husband before their wedding ceremony. 

However, after the drama came out, viewers pointed out that her lip fillers felt out of place for the historical setting. Many said her lips were distracting, especially during close-ups and emotional scenes. 

The debate grew beyond personal preferences regarding her appearance. There was divided opinions over whether an actress should take the historical setting of a project into consideration when making personal choices about her appearance.

Nana Apologizes Over Lip Filler Controversy in ‘The Scandal’