Wednesday, October 28, 2026

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MAMAMOO’s Wheein teared up in a recent Weverse live while saying she often wishes she could return to the group’s peak years.

Recently, Wheein went live in comfortable clothes while eating and chatting with fans. She said, “I get really choked up during tours. I started to think a lot. Things I never thought about in my early-to-mid 20s." She continued:

“I often think about wanting to go back to MAMAMOO’s peak years. Honestly, there were times I really hated it because it was so hard.” 

She added, "People need rest to feel the precious things that come in between. When everything rushes at you, you often pass by what you've gained without realizing it."

Wheein also revealed that she sometimes plays the group's old videos when she drinks alone. 

“When I drink alone, I put on old MAMAMOO videos. I watch and cry alone.”

She then recalled telling broadcaster Kim Shinyoung that she wanted to quit, saying, "I told her, 'I want to quit,' and she replied, 'Even if you want to quit, a day will come when you miss it.'" Wheein added, “Honestly, I didn't understand it then. She said I'd absolutely miss it. I really feel those words now.”

For context, Wheein left RBW in June 2021 when her exclusive contract ended, but she stayed in MAMAMOO. RBW said at the time that the group’s music would continue, and that she had agreed to an extension through December 2023 for group albums and concerts.

Meanwhile, MAMAMOO debuted in June 2014 with 'Mr. Ambiguous' and is made up of Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein and Hwasa. Hwasa moved to P NATION in June 2023, and the members have since focused on solo work. As for now, MAMAMOO is currently on their 'MAMAMOO 2026 WORLD TOUR 4WARD.'

Source: (1), (2)

Wheein Tears Up on Live Talking About MAMAMOO's Peak Years

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Former BIGBANG member Seungri (real name Lee Seunghyun) is reportedly set to become a father in January 2027.

On October 27, Sports Seoul reported that said Seungri’s girlfriend, a non-celebrity in her 20s, is pregnant with a son. The couple reportedly plans to hold a wedding after the birth.

These claims were first raised by Gray News, a media outlet directed by Youtuber Karakula, during its coverage of Seungri's recent assault allegations. While Seungri reportedly stated he had 'a family to protect,' his side has not released an official statement confirming either the pregnancy or upcoming marriage plans.

Back in August, a man in his 30s filed a complaint, alleging that Seungri's group assaulted him at a restaurant in Gangnam. The incident reportedly took place on August 8 and police were expected to summon Seungri for questioning around late October. 

Seungri's legal team denied the assault charges. On October 23, his lawyer clarified, "He did pick up a soju bottle, but he never swung or hit anyone with it." The lawyer also added that Seungri 'deeply regrets failing to control his emotions and behaving appropriately.'

Reactions across Korean online communities were largely negative. On Theqoo, many netizens questioned how anyone could enter a relationship with him given his criminal records, with comments like:

  • "I really don't understand the woman who marries him,"

  • "Wow, there's someone who actually thinks of marrying him," and 

  • "There's no way she doesn't know what Seungri did." 

Others were even more harsh, remarking, "They probably deserve each other," and even calling his partner an 'accomplice' for overlooking his past actions toward women. Some netizens also expressed pity for the unborn baby, writing:

  • "Imagine being born and finding out your dad is Seungri. That's so sad," and

  • "I feel bad for the baby."

Many netizens also voiced strong doubt about the couple's ability to live an ordinary life in South Korea. Given the public anger following the Burning Sun scandal, they reacted with comments like:

  • "Are they planning to live in South Korea? That's seriously so shameless," 

  • "Can he even raise a kid in South Korea?"

Meanwhile, Seungri debuted with BIGBANG in 2006 and announced his retirement from entertainment in 2019 after the Burning Sun scandal. He was indicted on nine charges, including habitual gambling, prostitution brokering and embezzlement. He was released in February 2023 after serving a sentence of one year and six months.

Source: (1), (2)

Former BIGBANG Seungri Reportedly Set to Become a Father in Early 2027

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