Soyou exposes mistreatment by former agency: "I lived like a racehorse for 12 years .. I never had a proper rest"

SOURCE: 소유, 前 소속사 만행 폭로 "12년 간 경주마처럼 살아..제대로 쉬어본 적 없어"[스타이슈]

Singer Soyou exposed the mistreatment she received at her former agency.

On the 24th, a video titled 'The Appearance of a True Friend You Don't Want to Possess | [Grrr Galk: Jindae Talk] EP6. Possession' was posted on the Youtube channel 'DINDIN is DINDIN.'

In the video, Dindin said, "When Soyou's time at Starship was coming to an end, she had a lot on her mind. That's when we talked the most."

He continued, "I actually told her, 'I wish you'd stay here. Like K.Will Hyung, with that parent-like vibe. Since you're the most senior, they won't mistreat you.' But Soyou said that since she had only been in that agency, she wanted to try something different," recalling that time.

Soyou responded, "That was part of it. When I was at Starship, I couldn't rest. After debuting, I even renewed my contract. I never had a proper rest for 12 years. I asked, 'Can't you just let me rest for three months?' I wanted to go abroad, maybe study music in the U.S. like going on a study abroad program, but they said absolutely not."

She added, "At the time, the CEO believed that if a celebrity rests for more than two weeks, they won't want to work anymore. But I'm not like that. Even when I rest, I still think about work a lot. Now, I try to live abroad for a month once a year. Even when work gets tough, having a trip I can look forward to actually becomes a motivation for me to work like a horse."

In response, Dindin said, "That's only possible because you worked for 12 years without a break. That's why you're able to go on a one-month trip and then come back and continue your activities."

Continue reading Soyou exposes mistreatment by former agency: "I lived like a racehorse for 12 years .. I never had a proper rest"

Shin Seungho shares pre-debut story of becoming Red Velvet's body guard: "I was working part-time as a security team at a department store"

SOURCE: 신승호, 데뷔 전 레드벨벳 경호 비화 “백화점 보안팀 알바하다가”(전현무계획3)

Actor Shin Seungo shared the behind-the-scenes story of being Red Velvet's body guard before his debut.

On the episode of 'Jeon Hyunmoo's Plan 3' that aired on the 24th, Jung Woo and Shin Seungho appeared as 'food buddies' for Jeon Hyunmoo and Kwak Tube as they explored hidden restaurants in the back alleys of Seoul.

Jeon Hyunmoo asked Shin Seungho, "What's this about being a bodyguard?" Shin Seungho previously went viral when a past picture of him guarding Red Velvet while working part-time as a security team at a department store surfaced online.

Shin Seungho explained, "Actually, I wasn't a professional bodyguard. After I quit being a soccer player, I wanted to try part-time jobs since I had never done anything other than sports. So I worked for a security team at a department store. At the time, Red Velvet came for an event, and they told me, 'Seungho, you handle the close-range security.' I just did it because I was asked."

He continued, "After some time, I completely forgot about it, but then I ended up filming a movie with Irene Noona," sharing the special connection of going from a security staff member to a colleague in the entertainment industry.

Meanwhile, Jeon Hyunmoo caused laughter by asking, "Irene is older than you?" expressing his surprise at Irene's youthful looks compared to Shin Seungho's more mature appearance.

Meanwhile, Shin Seungho was born in 1995 and is 30 years old. He played soccer for 11 years, from the 4th grade of elementary school until the age of 21. After working as a fashion model, he transitioned into acting upon the suggestion of model Park Dulseon and made his debut in June 2018 with the web drama 'A-TEEN.'

Continue reading Shin Seungho shares pre-debut story of becoming Red Velvet's body guard: "I was working part-time as a security team at a department store"

Anne Hathaway gets serious over Jang Wonyoung's 'self-deprecating' comment about her looks ... Endless praise: "You're so pretty"

SOURCE: 앤 해서웨이, 장원영 외모 망언에 정색…끝없는 미모 찬양 "너무 예뻐"

Anne Hathaway expressed her admiration for Jang Wonyoung's beauty.

On the 24th, a video titled 'Why did Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Jang Wonyoung come together at Vogue Korea? | LIFE IN LOOKS' was posted on Vogue Korea's official Youtube channel.

Jang Wonyoung hosted the interview with Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep, who visited Korea for the promotion of 'The Devil Wears Prada 2.' Upon meeting Jang Wonyoung, Anne Hathaway exclaimed, "Such a cute outfit. You look like Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway's character in the movie)," to which Jang Wonyoung replied, "Thank you so much. I prepared a lot."

As the interview began, Jang Wonyoung conducted the session in English, saying, "I am a member of the K-pop group IVE. It's a profound honor for me to be here today representing Korea." To this, Anne Hathaway responded, "You said that so beautifully," and expressed her gratitude, "It must be so difficult to do an interview in English and we really appreciate it because we haven't yet had the chance to learn Korean."

The three then opened a prepared book to answer questions. The book featured a photo of Jang Wonyoung. Upon seeing it, Anne Hathaway exclaimed, "You look so beautiful," but Jang Wonyoung shyly denied it, saying, "No, I'm not." At her modest remark, Anne Hathaway turned serious and insisted, "I think you are," while Meryl Streep added, "You look like a flower," while looking at her fondly.

At the end of the interview, they all signed the book. Meryl Streep joked, "I'll go on the bottom with false modesty," and placed her signature at the lower part while Anne Hathaway signed above her. Finally, Jang Wonyoung signed as well and the two actresses once again praised her, "So beautiful."

Continue reading Anne Hathaway gets serious over Jang Wonyoung's 'self-deprecating' comment about her looks ... Endless praise: "You're so pretty"

Young K: "I tried to quit multiple times during my trainee days ... My father stopped me"

SOURCE: 영케이 “연습생 때 여러번 그만두려고 했다…父가 말려”

DAY6's Young K (real name: Kang Younghyun) revealed that he almost gave up on becoming a singer during his days as a trainee.

On the 23rd, a video titled '[Bus No. 0] Code Kunst ► Lee Kwangmin (psychiatrist)' was posted on Youtube. Code Kunst appeared as a guest for the episode.

Code Kunst asked about Young K's stage name. Young K revealed that he created the stage name to separate his professional persona from his true self, Kang Younghyun.

Young K confessed, "I felt it ever since I was a trainee. I had thoughts like, 'This job might be more dangerous than I thought,' or 'This job might not suit me.' I tried to quit several times."

He shared that each time he tried to quit, it was his father who stopped him, saying, "When I told my father, 'I don't think this is the right path for me,' he said, 'You chose to go down this path. Shouldn't you see it through the end?'"

Code Kunst responded, "It's usually the other way around," to which Young K replied, "It was the opposite for me. My father is from Yeouido and had a favorable impression of JYP."

Young K debuted in 2015 as a vocalist, bassist, lyricist, and composer of DAY6 under JYP Entertainment. He is a member of the Korea Music Copyright Association and is known to be an artist who is rich in copyright with 218 registered songs.

Continue reading Young K: "I tried to quit multiple times during my trainee days ... My father stopped me"

Park Bom mentions Lee Minho again: "I want to pretend like we're close"

SOURCE: 박봄, 이민호에 또 “친한 척하고 싶어요”…글 올렸다 수정

2NE1's Park Bom has once again drawn attention by mentioning actor Lee Minho.

On the 24th, Park Bom posted a selfie on her social media along with the caption, "A letter to Lee Minho." She wrote, "Hello. I'm Bom. Are you doing well? I'm writting you a letter like this," and added, "I want to pretend like we're close. I miss you so much."

She continued, "Life isn't too hard, is it? I gain strength by watching you, Minho. Minhomi, fighting." However, the post was later edited and now only the picture remains.

This is not the first time Park Bom has mentioned Lee Minho. In September 2024, she made headlines by claiming that they were in a relationship. At the time, Lee Minho's side clarified that they had 'no personal acquaintance' and the situation ended as a brief incident. Since then, Park Bom has continued to mention him. 

Meanwhile, Park Bom has been on a hiatus since last year due to health reasons. At the time, her agency explained, "We received a medical opinion that she needs sufficient rest and stability." Even durin her hiatus, she continued to make statements on social media, drawing both concern and attention from fans.

Continue reading Park Bom mentions Lee Minho again: "I want to pretend like we're close"

Lucas leaves SM Entertainment 3 years after private life controversy and departure from NCT

SOURCE: [공식] '사생활 논란' 루카스, NCT 탈퇴 3년만…SM 떠난다 (전문)

Singer Lucas, a former member of NCT, is leaving SM Entertainment.

On the 24th, SM Entertainment announced via Weverse, "Our exclusive contract with Lucas has ended as of April 24."

They added, "We will cherish the time we spent together with Lucas from his trainee days to his various activities after debut. We will support Lucas in the new challenges he will take on in the future."

Lucas debuted in 2018 with NCT U and later promoted with WayV and SuperM. However, he halted his activities following allegations about his private life raised by an ex-girlfriend. In 2023, he left NCT and WayV. The following year, he began solo activities by releasing his first single, 'Renegade.'

▲ Below is the full official statement from SM Entertainment.

Hello, this is SM Entertainment.

We would like to sincerely thank fans for the great love and support you have shown to Lucas.

We would like to inform you that our exclusive contract with Lucas has ended as of April 24.

We will cherish the time we spent together with Lucas from his trainee days to his various activities after debut. We will support Lucas in the new challenges he will take on in the future.

We ask fans to continue to watch over Lucas' new beginning with warm support.

Thank you.

Continue reading Lucas leaves SM Entertainment 3 years after private life controversy and departure from NCT

G-Dragon spotted interacting with a junior 14 years younger than him ... "I'll contact you"

SOURCE: 지드래곤, 14살 연하 후배와 '친목' 포착…"연락 드릴게요"

Singer G-Dragon is drawing attention after personally giving his phone number to Tarzzan, a member of the group ALLDAY PROJECT.

On the 23rd, G-Dragon visited a solo exhibition by graphic designer Verdy. Among the many celebrities in attendance that day, a video capturing him together with Tarzzan drew attention.

In the video, Tarzzan is seen naturally handing his phone to G-Dragon, saying, "Hyung, I will contact you," while appearing slightly nervous. In response, G-Dragon replied, "Do I not have your number?" and proceeded to enter his contact information to Tarzzan's phone.

Netizens reacted with comments like, "Tarzzan seems like he's experienced in social life," "Tarzzan is so friendly," "It's great to see the heartwarming senior-junir relationship between G-Dragon and Tarzzan," "He's got good sense," and "They really feel like real brothers."

ALLDAY PROJECT debuted in June last year and quickly proved their presence as a rookie group by topping various music charts. The group gained attention early on as a co-ed group produced by Teddy, who previously worked as a producer at YG Entertainment. Additionally, Tarzzan has also released his solo track 'Medusa' in January, building his career as a solo artist.

G-Dragon, who debuted in 2006 as a member of BIGBANG, is preparing for a full-group comeback to celebrate his 20th debut anniversary this year. He continues to demonstrate strong influence in the music industry, including his solo comeback last year.

Born in 1988, G-Dragon is 14 years older than Tarzzan, who was born in 2002.

Continue reading G-Dragon spotted interacting with a junior 14 years younger than him ... "I'll contact you"

The reason why IU weighs 44kg ... Late-night snack = Soft tofu → A 'clean habit' of chewing 150 times

SOURCE: 아이유, 괜히 '44kg' 아냐…야식=연두부→150번 꼭꼭 씹는 '클린 습관' [엑's 이슈]

IU, who is known for weighing around 44kg, revealed her uniquely small appetite.

On the 22nd, IU appeared as a guest on 'Yoo In Radio,' hosted by her best friend, Yoo In-na.

On this day, Yoo In-na asked about IU's lunch menu, jokingly saying, "What kind of bird feed did you eat? What did you peck at?"

IU replied, "I ate an apple and blueberries today," surprising everyone with her small appetite.

IU had previously revealed on her Youtube channel that she maintains a weight of about 44kg, drawing attention to her strict self-care and diet control.

IU's habits as a light eater were also seen in a video released on Chef Ahn Sungjae's Youtube channel released on the 15th.

In that video, IU introduced her simple and light recipe for 'Soft Tofu Cheese Pancakes.'

She explained, "When I get home after work, it's usually late at night. Since I can't always eat high-calorie foods I love when I have a busy schedule coming up, I found this recipe on Youtube."

IU added, "I like soft textures. Since it uses soft tofu, it's low in calories, but it's still tasty and doesn't make you gain much weight. I tried making it a few times and it's actually pretty good."

Back in 2024, IU also talked about her eating habits when she appeared on Moon Sanghoon's Youtube channel.

She said, "When I have a concert coming up, my stomach feels uncomfortable. So, I stock up porridge in the fridge."

She continued, "I chew my food a lot. Even my dentist tells me, 'Stop chewing so much. It's putting a strain on your teeth.' I think I chew about 150 times per bite."

Eating small portions slowly and chewing thoroughly are often considered effective methods for weight loss. IU's daily eating habits offer a glimpse into how she maintains her slim figure.

Continue reading The reason why IU weighs 44kg ... Late-night snack = Soft tofu → A 'clean habit' of chewing 150 times

Kim Soohyun's '2.8 billion KRW' damages lawsuit trial postponed: "Will wait for the results of the criminal case

SOURCE: [공식] 김수현, '28억 손배소' 재판 미뤄졌다…"형사사건 결과 지켜볼 것"

The third hearing date for the damages lawsuit involving actor Kim Soohyun, which was originally scheduled for the 24th, has been postponed.

On this day, attorney Bang Sunghoon from LKB & Partners, representing Kim Soohyun, told Xports News, "The date has been postponed (to be scheduled later) in order to wait for the results of the criminal case."

Cosmetics brand A has filed a lawsuit seeking 2.8 billion KRW in damages against Kim Soohyun and his agency. Two hearings regarding this matter had previously been held in last November and this March.

In March of last year, the brand decided to terminate its advertising contract with Kim Soohyun. They claimed that the brand's image was damaged because Kim Soohyun changed his stance on the controversies related to the late Kim Saeron.

On the other hand, Kim Soohyun's side countered that the allegations of him dating a minor are groundless and that claims of violating a morality clause are difficult to accept.

In a phone interview with Xports New last March, attorney Bang stated, "There is a damage amount claimed by brand A. However, we maintain that the contract termination is invalid, so the amount itself cannot be recognized."

He added, "According to the contract, it is stated that 'rumors or unverified claims cannot be grounds for contract termination.' The brand asserts that the claims made by Garo Sero Research Institute are true, while we argue that they are nothing more than rumors."

He concluded, "We have no choice but to wait for the results of the criminal case. We can only present our stance after a conclusion in that case is reached."

Continue reading Kim Soohyun's '2.8 billion KRW' damages lawsuit trial postponed: "Will wait for the results of the criminal case

Ong Seongwu transforms into a chaebol heir in 'Spellbound' ... Tangled in a 'dangerous romance' with Park Eunbin

SOURCE: 옹성우, '오싹한 연애'서 재벌 후계자 변신…박은빈과 얽힌 '위험한 로맨스' 시작 [공식]

Actor Ong Seongwu continues his active career by joining the cast of the new tvN drama 'Spellbound' as a lead.

'Spellbound' is an occult romance drama that follows the chaotic and unpredictable story of a chaebol heiress who can see ghosts and a passionate prosecutor who is extremely afraid of them. This series is a remake of the 2011 film of the same title, which received great love upon its release.

In the drama, Ong Seongwu plays the role of Kang Minhwan, the CEO of CL Raymond Hotel, an affiliate of the CL Group. As the group's heir, Kang Minhwan is a perfect character with intelligence, outstanding looks, eloquent speech, and impeccable manners. Notably, this character is an addition to the drama that did not exist in the original film. Ong Seongwu is expected to show a unique charm by shifting between a cold-headed businessman and a warm-hearted man.

Having built a solid filmography across films, dramas, and theater, Ong Seongwu has established himself a reliable actor with stable acting skills. This year, he continues to demonstrate his presence through various works and activities.

In March, Ong Seongwu made a strong impression with his intense action acting in the Netflix series 'Boyfriend on Demand' and proved his global popularity by successfully wrapping up his special fan meeting 'ONG LAND' in Wuhan, China. Additionally, he also confirmed his appearance in the Wanna One's reality show 'WANNA ONE GO: Back to Base.'

Amidst his activities spanning acting, fan meetings, and variety shows, attention is focused on the new transformation Ong Seongwu will showcase through 'Spellbound.'

Meanwhile, the new tvN drama 'Spellbound' is scheduled to premiere in the second half of this year.

Continue reading Ong Seongwu transforms into a chaebol heir in 'Spellbound' ... Tangled in a 'dangerous romance' with Park Eunbin

The reason why Hyeri became a '12.1 billion KRW building owner' at the age of 31 ... "I reuse disposable toothbrushes from airplanes"

SOURCE: '31세' 혜리, '121억 건물주' 된 이유 있었다…"기내용 일회용 칫솔 계속 써" [RE:뷰]

Singer and actress Hyeri revealed her frugal spending habits.

On the 22nd, Cosmopolitan Korea posted a video titled 'Check out Hyeri's max-level life skills: Reusing airplane toothbrushes multiple times!' on their official channel. In the video, Hyeri introduced items she uses in her daily life while explaining her lifestyle.

On this day, Hyeri took out items from her bag one by one and explained why she uses them. During the process, she showed a toothbrush and a portable sterilizer. After a brief hesitation, she explained, "This toothbrush is from Korean Air," and added the reason why she keeps and reuses it.

Hyeri said, "You brush your teeth on the plane, right? It feels like such a waste to throw it away after just one use. So even if it's disposable, I carry it around and use it a few more times." She also explained how she manages it, "I keep the toothbrush in a sterilizer while carrying it around. Once you charge this, it lasts quite a while, so I find it very convenient."

The video continued to show her practical approach to using everyday items. Hyeri demonstrated how she combines portable devices with hygiene management and reuse, presenting an example of her personal consumption habits.

In 2022, Hyeri purchased a building in Samseong-dong for 7.75 billion KRW through a company under her family's name. She also purchased another building in Yeoksam-dong for 4.39 billion KRW. The market profit from the two properties is estimated to be over 6 billion KRW.

Born in 1994, Hyeri debuted in 2010 as a member of Girl's Day. She gained recognition through hit songs like 'Something,' 'Darling,' and 'Expectation.' She began her acting career in 2012 with the drama 'Tasty Life' and gained significant popularity for her role as Sung Deoksun in the tvN drama 'Reply 1988' that aired in 2015.

Continue reading The reason why Hyeri became a '12.1 billion KRW building owner' at the age of 31 ... "I reuse disposable toothbrushes from airplanes"

TWICE attracts 550,000 audiences with their North American Tour ... New all-time highest record for K-pop girl group

SOURCE: K팝 걸그룹 역대 최다 '新기록'..트와이스, 북미 투어로 55만 관객 모객 [공식]

TWICE has made new history for K-pop girl groups by drawing approximately 550,000 audiences through their North American Tour alone.

TWICE is currently successfully carrying out their world tour 'THIS IS FOR' across the globe. Starting in Incheon and passing through Asia and Australia, their North American tour included 20 cities with a total of 35 shows, marking their largest-ever North American tour.

According to JYP Entertainment on the 24th, TWICE drew 550,000 audiences from their North American tour alone. With this, TWICE set a new record as the K-pop girl group with the most audiences in North America of all time. The agency added, "TWICE was originally scheduled for 22 shows across 20 cities, but as the tickets sold out quickly, additional shows were added in cities like Vancouver, Seattle, Oakland, Dallas, Washinton D.C., Belmont Park, Hamilton, Orlando, Boston, Chicago, and Austin. Meanwhile, two more shows were added in Los Angeles."

This tour featured a 360-degree open stage that face all seating sections, offering an immersive experience for the audience. Whenever mega-hit songs like 'I Can't Stop Me,' 'Moonlight Sunrise,' 'The Feels,' and 'Fancy' began playing, fans erupted in cheers and excitement.

Furthermore, the energy peaked during the members' solo stages and the performances of 'Strategy,' a track from their 14th mini-album that gained long-running popularity on the U.S. Billboard HOT 100, as well as the Netflix original 'K-pop Demon Hunters' OST, 'Takedown (Jeongyeon, Jihyo, Chaeyoung).'

At their final stop in Austin on the 18th, a special video prepared by local fans was shown, moving the members. They shared, "We are heading toward the end of April now. Since starting the North American tour in January, we have done over 30 shows. Hearing our ONCEs tell us that we have worked hard really makes it feel like the end. Thank you to all the fans who came to see TWICE."

After setting another record in North America, the top K-pop girl group TWICE is also set to achieve another milestone in Japan. On April 25, 26, and 28, they will become the first foreign artists in history to hold a solo concert at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo for three days. With a maximum capacity of 80,000 people per show, the National Stadium is a massive venue where TWICE will once again elevate their reputation as both the first foreign artist and also the first K-pop girl group to perform there.

Starting with hall and arena venues from 2018 to 2020, TWICE become the first K-pop girl group to hold three consecutive concerts at Tokyo Dome in 2022. Later in 2023, they performed solo soncerts at four major venues in Japan, including Yanmar Stadium Nagai in Osaka, Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo, Vantelin Dome in Nagoya, and PayPay Dome in Fukuoka. In 2024, they also became the first K-pop girl group to enter Nissan Stadium, the largest stadium in Japan, showing their unrivaled presence.

JYP Entertainment emphasized, "As TWICE celebrates their 9th Japanese debut anniversary this year, standing at the symbolic venue in the Japanese music market, Japan National Stadium, once again solidifies their status as a legendary girl group with a solid local fandom, public popularity, and immense ticket power."

Continue reading TWICE attracts 550,000 audiences with their North American Tour ... New all-time highest record for K-pop girl group

Jisoo wins Rising Star Award at Cannes International Series Festival ... "Merci beaucoup"

SOURCE: 지수, '칸 국제 시리즈 페스티벌'서 라이징스타상 수상…"메르시 보쿠"

BLACKPINK member and also actress Jisoo has won the Rising Star Award at the 9th Cannes International Series Festival.

On the 23rd (local time), Jisoo received the 'Madame Figaro Rising Star Award' at the opening ceremony of the Cannes International Series Festival held in Cannes, France. This award is given to talented new comers.

That day, Jisoo stood on stage wearing a pink tube-top dress, delivering her acceptance speech in French, saying, "Merci beaucoup."

On the official website, the organizers introduced her by stating, "JISOO continues to balance careers in music and acting, with a focus on expanding her filmography through diverse roles and formats."

They also mentioned her recent appearance in Netflix's 'Boyfriend on Demand,' explaining the reason for her selection as the winner, "With her international reach, screen presence, and ongoing artistic growth, she remains a prominent and promising figure in contemporary Korean and global entertainment."

The Cannes International Series Festival is an international television festival that showcases dramas and series from around the world. It is one of the official side events eastablished by the Cannes Film Festival in 2018.

Continue reading Jisoo wins Rising Star Award at Cannes International Series Festival ... "Merci beaucoup"