Thursday, May 21, 2026

'If you don’t shower, you don’t change your underwear?' ... Readers split over Choi Wooshik’s ‘underwear debate’

SOURCE: [MUSE PICK]“샤워 안 하면 팬티 안 갈아입는다?”‥최우식 ‘팬티 논쟁’ 독자들의 선택은

Choi Wooshiks remark, 'If I don't shower, I don’t change my underwear either,' has sparked a heated debate online, with more the public leaning more heavily toward the opposing side. 

The so-called 'underwear debate' surrounding Choi Wooshik, which first started on tvN’s 'Youth Over Flowers: Limited Edition,' continues to draw attention online.

In response, the Herald Muse website opened a 'MUSE PICK' poll on the 8th titled, "The endless Choi Wooshik underwear debate: Which side are you on?", allowing readers to cast their votes.

With a total of 140 participants so far, 65.7% (92 people) agreed with Park Seojoon and Jung Yumi stance that 'you must change your underwear whether you shower or not.' Meanwhile, 34.3% (48 people) supported Choi Wooshik’s opinion that 'if you don't shower, you don't change your underwear either.'

The debate originally began during the episode of  'Youth Over Flowers: Limited Edition' that aired on the 3rd. At the time, the three stars were traveling on a daily allowance of 100,000 KRWwhen the topic unexpectedly shifted to personal hygiene habits. Choi Wooshik explained, "I was told not to wash my hair for two days because of my perm, so I didn't shower," adding, "That's why I didn't change my underwear either," leaving Park Seojoon and Jung Yumi visibly shocked after hearing the confession.

In particular, when Choi Wooshik added, "Why would I change my underwear if I didn't shower?" the whole set froze and was thrown into shock.. After the episode aired, netizens were also divided, with reactions ranging from "I get his point" to "You should still change your underwear no matter what," turning it into an unexpectedly intense debate.

Meanwhile, the poll will remain open until 5 PM (KST) on the 22nd through the bottom tab of the Herald Muse website. Users can also participate directly through the 'Vote for My MUSE' section at the top of the homepage. 

Continue reading 'If you don’t shower, you don’t change your underwear?' ... Readers split over Choi Wooshik’s ‘underwear debate’
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Police conclude claims about Kim Soohyun dating the late Kim Saeron as a minor were false… Arrest warrant requested for Garosero Research Institute’s Kim Se-ui

SOURCE: 경찰, 김수현·故 김새론 교제설 허위 결론...'가세연' 김세의 대표 영장 신청

Police have requested an arrest warrant for Kim Se-ui, the CEO of Garosero Research Institute who is accused of defaming actor Kim Soohyun. The police investigation reportedly concluded that allegations claiming Kim Soohyun dated the late actress Kim Saeron while she was underage were false.

According to JoongAng Ilbo on the 21st, the arrest warrant request submitted by the Seoul Gangnam Police Station stated that Kim Se-ui spread false information about Kim Soohyun for financial motives, including YouTube revenue. Police reportedly specified that Kim Se-ui was well aware that Kim Soohyun never dated the late Kim Saeron while she was underage, yet he still distributed false information with the intention to damage Kim Soohyun's reputation.

The report also stated the police found that the messenger conversations that Kim Se-ui revealed in March last year as evidence of the relationship were completely fabricated. The police determined that after receiving 11 screenshots from the bereaved family showing conversations Kim Saeron had with an individual displayed as 'unknown' in 2016, Kim Se-ui edited and manipulated seven of them, including changing the individual's name to Kim Soohyun. The police pointed out that although Kim Se-ui clearly knew the identity of the actual conversation partner could not be confirmed, he uploaded the altered material to make it appear as though it was a genuine conversation between Kim Soohyun and Kim Saeron. Furthermore, the police also reportedly concluded that an audio recording of Kim Saeron released by Kim Se-ui side in May last year had been manipulated using AI technology.

Besides Kim Se-ui, investigators also reportedly booked the lawyer representing the bereaved family. The police believe the lawyer not only provided Kim Se-ui with materials connected to the alleged crime and spread false information, but also systematically and deliberately committed the crime by amplifying and reproducing the claims. Regarding this, Go Sangrok, the legal representative for Kim Soohyun, stated on social media on the 20th that Kim Soohyun's side had not sued the bereaved family's lawyer and that it was the investigators themselves who identified possible accomplice involvement before changing the lawyer's status into a suspect. He also noted that it is extremely unusual for a suspect's lawyer to be recognized as a co-conspirator and later turned into a suspect. 

The police reportedly stated in the warrant that the incident caused serious damage to Kim Soohyun's reputation, economic activities, and professional career. They also added that Kim Soohyun is currently undergoing psychiatric treatment. Therefore, if the suspect continues to distribute false information, it could result in severe and irreversible harm.

Meanwhile, Kim Se-ui denied the prosecution's request for an arrest warrant, claiming it was political plot to obstruct his journalistic activities. During a live broadcast the previous day, he argued that he had originally planned to travel to Hanoi, Vietnam, to continue investigating an alleged sexual crime case involving a high-profile politician, and claimed the sudden warrant request was specifically filed to interfere with his reporting. 

Continue reading Police conclude claims about Kim Soohyun dating the late Kim Saeron as a minor were false… Arrest warrant requested for Garosero Research Institute’s Kim Se-ui

'Owner of an 8.9 billion KRW home' Kim Junsu shocked by his first-ever Daiso visit: “How is this just 1,000 KRW?”

SOURCE: '89억家' 김준수, 다이소 첫경험에 충격 "한번도 안 와봐, 이게 어떻게 1천원이냐"

Singer and musical actor Kim Junsu visited Daiso for the first time and became amazed by the surprisingly low prices throughout the store.

On the 20th, Kim Junsu uploaded a video titled 'Kim Junsu (XIA)'s GRAVITY Log | Finding Gravity' on his official YouTube channel. In the video, he showed off his signature honest reactions as he explored unfamiliar places.

The moment he entered the store, Kim Junsu said, "I finally came to Daiso. Everyone kept telling me I had to visit at least once," unable to hide his excitement. He added, "I've been to Daiso once or twice in Japan, but I’ve never visited one in Korea before. So today I'm planning to explore it today."

Once he started shopping, Kim Junsu wandered around asking, "What should I buy?" He revealed that he usually has a lot of interest in interior design and lighting, saying, "I really love lighting and interior design," as he carefully scanned through those sections.

What shocked him the most were the unbelievably cheap prices. After seeing household products ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 KRW, Kim Junsu repeatedly reacted with disbelief and admiration. He exclaimed, "Do they actually make money from this? How can this be just 1,000 KRW? Then what on earth have I been buying all this time? Is this why everyone kept telling me to come to Daiso?"

He later asked the staff, "Is there even anything here that costs more than 10,000 KRW?" When they replied, "No," he burst into laughter once again. He jokingly added, "This is seriously affordable. Where have I been shopping all this time?"

His excitement while shopping continued to grow. As he continuously tossed products into his cart, Kim Junsu kept saying things like, "What is this even made of to cost only 5,000 KRW?" Before long, his cart became completely full. He commented on his unstoppable shopping instinct, saying, "Everything is so cheap, I just keep throwing more things in."

Right before paying, he briefly looked nervous and joked, "Why is it so hard to spend over 100,000 KRW here?" He was once again shocked by the unexpectedly low total price. In the end, he bought 30 items for a total of 101,000 KRW.

After checking the receipt, Kim Junsu stared at it in disbelief and repeatedly said, "Does this even make sense?"

Meanwhile, Kim Junsu is known to live at Signiel Residence in Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, Seoul, one of the most expensive officetels complex in South Korea. The home he purchased is reportedly valued at around 8.9 billion KRW. 

Continue reading 'Owner of an 8.9 billion KRW home' Kim Junsu shocked by his first-ever Daiso visit: “How is this just 1,000 KRW?”
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“Please refrain from mentioning him” 'Single’s Inferno 5' contestant Lim Subeen's agency CEO publicly calls out Kim Mingee

SOURCE: ‘솔로지옥5’ 임수빈 소속사 대표, 김민지 공개 저격 “언급 자제 부탁”

'Single's Inferno 5' star Lim Subeen's agency CEO directly criticized Kim Mingee in public.

On the 20th, Lim Subeen's agency CEO Lee Seojun tagged Kim Mingee's Instagram account on his Instagram Story and wrote, "Hello, Mingee-ssi. What is your intention behind using this footage without any prior discussion or sharing with our company? I only became aware of it through fan reports, and honestly I was quite surprised." He continued, "From now on, we ask that you refrain from mentioning our actor, Lim Subeen."

The scene that sparked the controversy is a footage from a recent YouTube video uploaded by Kim Mingee titled, "Decorating 11-pyeong two-room apartment with Kim Mingee's aesthetic." In the video, Kim Mingee and Woo Sungmin were choosing a bed for her apartment, and while lying on the same bed model used in Paradise on Netflix's 'Single's Inferno 5,' she mentioned Lim Subeen and their date in Paradise. 

Kim Mingee laughed as she recalled the moment, saying, "We came all the way to an expensive hotel, so maybe Soobin wanted to try lying on the bed since we were staying at such an expensive hotel. I should’ve stepped out." The video also showed footage from 'Single's Inferno 5' showing her and Lim Subeen lying side-by-side on the bed while chatting during their date in Paradise.

However, after the agency CEO publicly spoke out, many netizens responded negatively, leaving comments such as, "It's a scene that already aired on the show, so why is he telling her not to mention it?", "This is the first time I've seen an agency CEO personally step in like this," and "The reaction feels overly sensitive."

Continue reading “Please refrain from mentioning him” 'Single’s Inferno 5' contestant Lim Subeen's agency CEO publicly calls out Kim Mingee
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Gong Seungyeon: “I was afraid my sister might disappear” ... Opens up about Jeongyeon’s health struggle

SOURCE: 공승연 "동생 없어질까봐 무서웠다"…정연 투병 당시 심경 고백(유퀴즈)

Actress Gong Seungyeon and her younger sister, TWICE's Jeongyeon, showed their deep affection for each other. Jeongyeon expressed sincere gratitude toward Gong Seungyeon for quietly staying by her side during difficult times, revealing the sisters' strong bond.

On the episode of tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' that aired on the 20th, Gong Seungyeon, who is now reaching the peak of her career 15 years after her debut, appeared as a guest and honestly shared stories about her life and career.

In the episode, Gong Seungyeon revealed that she is the eldest of three sisters and talked about their extraordinary bond. She shared, "When we were younger, we fought nonstop," but added, "My mom always told us, ‘Later, you'll become irreplaceable friends,’ and now we get along so well." She described her sisters, saying, "They're the people closest to me," adding, "They're the people I see the most. We contact each other almost every day."

To this, Yoo Jaesuk commented, "I heard Seungyeon used to be quite strict with her younger sisters when she was younger," before revealing a surprise video. In the clip, Seungyeon's younger sister, TWICE's Jeongyeon, jokingly exposed her sister by saying, "She was really scary when we were young," making everyone laugh.

Jeongyeon recalled, "There was this one time when she was having an argument with our parents, so I stepped in to stop them, but I ended up getting kicked in the eye." She added, "I had a shoot for my debut teaser the next day, but one of my eyes was completely swollen, so I had to cover it while filming."

In response, Gong Seungyeon clarified, "I remember hitting her head with my hand, not my foot," before confessing, "That day, I had to walk home barefoot in the middle of winter because I hit her in the car. I thought I was going to be in a big trouble once I got home," sending the studio into laughter.

She also admitted that she fought often with her sisters in the past, saying, "I was arguing with my second sister, and Jeongyeon kept stepping in and taking her side. She threatened to tell our mom, so I remember striking her with her phone when she tried to pick it up," drawing more laughter.

Amid the playful atmosphere, the conversation soon became emotional. Yoo Jaesuk said, "Jeongyeon says there’s something else she wants to talk about," before revealing another video clip. In it, Jeongyeon reflected on the period when she was battling Cushing syndrome and relying heavily on Gong Seungyeon.

Cushing syndrome is a rare disorder caused by hormonal imbalance that can cause rapid weight gain, swelling, and weakened immunity. Jeongyeon, who had even halted her activities at the time, recalled, "It was a period that was mentally very difficult to me," adding, "She noticed something seemed wrong with my body and took me to the hospital. That was when I was diagnosed."

She continued, "She is the type of person who loves staying at home, but she even started exercising together with me because of my condition," adding, "Even after finishing her busy schedules, she would come over and work out with me. Thanks to her, I was able to receive proper treatment and recover healthily."

Hearing this, Gong Seungyeon became emotional and teared up. She confessed, "Jeongyeon was going through a really hard time back then," adding, "I was so anxious about leaving her alone that I even asked her to live with me. At one point, I became scared that she might give up on everything and disappear."

Gong Seungyeon continued, "I couldn't completely understand the exact pain she was going through, so I tried everything. I tried pushing her, scolding her, and even soothing her," before adding, "Eventually, I realized the best thing was simply staying quietly by her side. So I tried my hardest to always be there for her," revealing the depth of their sisterly bond.

Finally, Jeongyeon sincerely said, "I'm so happy that my sister is doing well these days,” adding, "Thank you for being my sister, and I'm sorry for making things difficult for you. I love you so much." Gong Seungyeon emotionally responded, “You once said you wanted me to be your older sister again in the next life, but I actually want to be born as your younger sister in the next life," adding, "I love you so much, and let’s become each other's best friends from now on."

Continue reading Gong Seungyeon: “I was afraid my sister might disappear” ... Opens up about Jeongyeon’s health struggle
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Lee Junyoung expresses endless gratitude toward Park Jihoon, Yim Siwan, and Do Kyungsoo: “They succeeded as idol-turned-actors”

SOURCE: 이준영, 박지훈·임시완·도경수에 무한 감사 "아이돌 출신 배우로 성공" (하지영)

Actor Lee Junyoung expressed his gratitude for Park Jihoon, Yim Siwan, and Do Kyungsoo, who are the representative examples of successful idol-turned-actors.

On the 20th, Lee Junyoung appeared on the segment 'Guerrilla Ha Jiyoung' from Ha Jiyoung's Youtube channel,  where he met broadcaster Ha Jiyoung in Myeongdong.

Lee Junyoung mentioned that roles with masculine personalities that are completely opposite from his real-life image, such as Geum Seongje in 'Weak Hero Class 2,' Jung Hyunmin in 'D.P.,' and Choi Buyong in 'Mask Girl,' left strong impressions on viewers. He then joked, "In reality, I'm actually gentle and affectionate."

Lee Junyoung also brought up his role of a rookie employee in JTBC’s upcoming weekend drama 'Reborn Rookie' and calmly reflected on difficult memories from his own rookie years.

He confessed, "It was completely different from what I had imagined," explaining that he believed things would work out smoothly after his debut, but instead ended up facing even tougher competition due to the endless debut of younger idol groups.

Furthermore, Lee Junyoung also shocked viewers by revealing that when he first began acting in 2017 following his debut with U-KISS in 2014, he was deeply hurt by comments saying, "Don't ruin things for actors who actually deserve to succeed."

He continued, "People assume idols must get plenty of opportunities, but that isn't necessarily true. I went to countless auditions. I felt like if I gave up at that point, I'd become a failure."

Mentioning idol-turned-actors such as Park Jihoon, Yim Siwan, Do Kyungsoo, and more, Lee Junyoung said, "I'm relieved and grateful that they succeeded as idol-turned-actors. I hope to see even more idol-turned-actors in the future."

'Reborn Rookie,' starring Lee Junyoung, is scheduled to premiere on the 30th at 10.40 PM (KST). 

Continue reading Lee Junyoung expresses endless gratitude toward Park Jihoon, Yim Siwan, and Do Kyungsoo: “They succeeded as idol-turned-actors”

“My rent was overdue and I couldn’t even pay my health insurance” ... Gong Seungyeon confesses to past financial struggles

SOURCE: "월세 밀리고 건보료도 못내" 공승연, 극심했던 생활고 고백

Actress Gong Seungyeon revealed that she went through severe financial difficulties after acting offers suddenly dried up for a period of time after her debut.

On the episode of tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' that aired on the 20th, Gong Seungyeon appeared as a guest and spoke about reaching the peak of her career 15 years after debuting.

During the show, Gong Seungyeon talked about finally entering her prime of her career as an actress 15 years after debuting in the industry.

Although she first gained recognition through dramas such as 'Heard It Through the Grapevine,' ;Six Flying Dragons,' and the variety show 'We Got Married,' she shared that her projects gradually began to decrease. She confessed, "There was a time when I couldn't get any roles. I think it was because my acting wasn't good enough. If I had been good, I probably would've continued getting roles, but I think I wasn't very good back then."

As projects stopped coming in and she repeatedly failed auditions, the balance in her bank account eventually became empty. She revealed, "I couldn't pay my rent, and I wasn't even able to afford my health insurance or pension payments. After struggling financially for a while, I eventually packed up my place and moved back in with my parents while working on improving my skills."

Gong Seungyeon also shared that during that period, she auditioned for numerous projects and intensely studied different character roles. She added, "I went as far as trying out every single brand of cigarettes because there was a smoking scene in the movie 'Aloners,'" drawing attention with her honest confession. 

Continue reading “My rent was overdue and I couldn’t even pay my health insurance” ... Gong Seungyeon confesses to past financial struggles
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MC Mong addresses IU’s apology over 'Perfect Crown' controversy: “Why is she the one apologizing? Celebrities are the weak ones”

SOURCE: MC몽, '대군부인' 사과문 올린 아이유 언급…"왜 고개 숙이냐, 연예인은 약자" [엑's 이슈]

Singer MC Mong mentioned the apology statements made by the actors regarding the historical distortion controversy surrounding 'Perfect Crown' in his third livestream.

On the 20th, MC Mong held a livestream through his personal account.

While talking about allegations that MBC PDs and Cha Junyoung violated Korea's Improper Solicitation and Graft Act, he also brought up MBC's recent drama 'Perfect Crown,' which recently caught up in a historical distortion controversy.

Previously, IU personally posted an apology statement when the controversy over historical distortion in the drama escalated.

Regarding this, MC Mong said, "Why is IU the one bowing her head when the staff members who caused the historical distortion aren't taking responsibility?" He added, "Celebrities whose faces are publicly known are in the weaker position here."

Recently, drama 'Perfect Crown' faced criticism over alleged historical distortion due to lines such as 'Cheonse' and scenes featuring Chinese-style royal etiquette.

As the controversy intensified, lead actors IU and Byun Wooseok posted handwritten apology letters on the 18th, while director Park Joonhwa tearfully apologized during an interview with reporters the following day.

Screenwriter Yoo Jiwon also separately posted an apology statement, meaning the actors, director, and writer all publicly apologized over the controversy. 

Continue reading MC Mong addresses IU’s apology over 'Perfect Crown' controversy: “Why is she the one apologizing? Celebrities are the weak ones”